Day 22

Humility in Prayer

            As we look again at II Chronicles 7:14, we discover that all of the elements of this verse are linked and flow together. In other words, you can’t have one element of this verse without the others. Take for example humility, which we discussed in the last chapter. God said in this verse, (II Chronicles 7:14), “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray.” We see that humility and prayer go hand in hand. You can’t have true prayer apart from humility; and apart from humility we will not pray-at least not a prayer that God will honor.

            We pray for many reasons. We should pray when we are happy or when we’re sad, when we’re hurting or when we’ve been healed, when we’re in need or when we have an abundance. We pray because we are in need. We are either in need of asking God for provisions or we are in need of giving God praise. Both of these are acts of humility. To admit to God that we stand in need of asking is an act of humility. We have come to the conclusion that we are not self-sufficient and are truly in need of that which we cannot provide for ourselves. To give God the praise for the provision is also an act of humility, realizing that He is the only one who can provide.  

            In our rebellion of independence and self-sufficiency, we neglect to turn to God in prayer. In like manner, our churches so often fail to lift up the needs of the church ministry or the ministers who serve-not to mention the greatest need which is the lost and un-churched of the community in which God has placed that church. Sure, we pray because that is what we are supposed to do. But, have our prayers become meaningless ritualistic routines based upon tradition, rather than that of totally dependent children calling out to their loving Father?  A father is one who is waiting in anticipation to hear the voice of His child and act accordingly? Have our prayers lost the compassion of Christ, being broken-hearted over the complacency of the church and the lost condition of the community, compelling us to call out to the Father?

            So often we jump right into our planning process with our organizational skills, ready to get the ball rolling in whatever plans we have made for ourselves. However, we fail to recognize that this is exactly what they are-plans we have made for ourselves. If we want the hand of God’s blessing on our lives, we must discover what God’s plans are. God has said in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD.” How then do we discover what God’s plans are for our lives? James 1:5 says, “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” That is a promise straight out of the Word of God that we can stand on. 

            The most aggressive, well-planned, thoroughly organized, and fully staffed evangelistic programs will not reclaim the land for the Lord. Nor will the most educated minister, nor the most well-funded ministries, nor the most active and zealous congregation redeem the land for the Lord. Only the people of God who choose to tap into the power of God by humbly calling on God and whole-heartedly leaning on God would see the land redeemed.

            There is no doubt that the Apostle Paul was a powerful warrior in God’s army. God used him in phenomenal ways. However, Paul knew exactly where his power came from. He asked the church in Ephesians 6:19 to “pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel” He understood that if he stood to preach the Gospel in his own power, he would fail miserably. He needed the people of God praying for him. If we will ever see this world won over with the gospel message of the Lord Jesus Christ, it will happen only with the people of God standing up in God’s anointing that has come through the prayers of God’s people in total and complete dependence on the power of God.

Day 22 Prayer Guide

• Ask God to reveal any sin or mindset that would prevent Him from hearing your prayers.
• Repent of any such hindrance and ask for God’s forgiveness.
• Ask God to remove any doubts and keep you focused on Him.
• Seek the Holy Spirit to consume you during this time to lead you. Be obedient to Him.
• Spend some time praising God for the fact that He is able. Quote some scriptures or some of His characteristics to Him in praise.
• Pray that the people of God will repent of sins and mindsets that dishonor and hinder Him.
• Pray that God would reveal prideful attitudes of self-sufficiency and bring about repentance.
• Pray that Christians will know the importance of intercessory pray and walk in it.
• Pray that God would raise up prayer warriors with a heart for revival in our churches and a great awakening in our land.
• Pray that our churches will be houses of prayer.
• Pray that the people of God will stand in faith knowing God can reclaim this land.
• Pray that our churches would be devoted to, and peruse the things that honor God.
• Pray that the people of God would see the need for revival and begin to seek God for it.
• Pray specifically for revival in your church. Pray for your pastor and church leaders.
• Pray that the people of God will be broken hearted over the lost.
• Pray that the church will be a gospel centered church with a heart to evangelize the world while starting in their own back yard.
• Pray that the power of God would fall on the church moving them to prayer and sowing the gospel seed.
• Pray for a great awakening in your community. Name off streets and neighborhoods.
• Do not be judgmental in this, but pray that if there is any within the church who do not have a genuine relationship with Jesus that God would convict their heart and save them.
• Make a list of individuals who are not saved and begin petitioning God for their salvation.
• Pray for repentance of sin and a great awakening in our nation. 

Day 21

Humility will Lift us Up

            Just as Satan is the perfect example of pride bringing us down, Jesus is the perfect example of humility lifting us up. Philippians 2 explains how Jesus humbled Himself to the obedience of His Father by becoming a sacrifice for us. Verse 8 says, “He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Because Jesus humbled Himself by giving of Himself as a perfect sacrifice, the very next phrase in verse nine says, “for this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name.” The reward for Jesus great act of humility was the highest of all exaltation.

            Although there will never be any other name exalted above the name of Jesus the Bible assures us that if we humble ourselves in obedience toward God He will exalt us. As we have already discussed, Peter says in I Peter 5:5, “God is opposed to the proud. The good news is that the rest of the verse say but gives grace to the humble.” With this statement in mind, Peter says in the next verse, “therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time.” The consistency of God is clear throughout his Word that He humbles the proud yet He exalts the humble. 

            Sometimes we feel as though we should be honored or that we deserve exaltation. We may feel as though we deserve special recognition because of who we are, what positions we hold, how gifted or how well-educated we may be. However, with the humility of Christ in mind Philippians 2:5 says, “Have this attitude in yourself which was also in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 2:6 tells us that Jesus is God; yet, verse seven says, He “emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.” If anyone deserves exultation it is the Son of God, the God who took upon flesh, Jesus Christ. Yet, He chose to humble Himself. To have the attitude of Christ is to have a humble attitude.

Paul stated in Philippians 3:4, “If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more.” He wasn’t bragging; he was right. He began to state his credentials in the next few verses as being a man who had everything according to the flesh going for him. When you examine his life, you realize that he was born into the right family, he was born into the best citizenship, he had the greatest education of the day, and he greatly excelled in his former occupation. He had every reason in this world to proudly stick his chest out and brag in the flesh.  Yet he stated in Philippians 3:7-10, “but whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.”

Paul demonstrated in every area of his life as having the attitude of Christ. Although he was a well-accomplished man, he chose only to boast in the Lord. His life was by no means an easy life. I often look at Paul’s life and ask myself, could I have been strong enough to endure all he went through in his life for the Lord? One of the most misused verses in the entire Bible is Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Him, (Jesus), who strengthens me.” To hold that verse in its context, Paul is saying that regardless of what I face in life (good or bad), in Christ He will get me through it. If I humble myself before Him, He will lift me up.

Day 21 Prayer Guide

• Ask God to reveal any sin or mindset that would prevent Him from hearing your prayers.
• Repent of any such hindrance and ask for God’s forgiveness.
• Ask God to remove any doubts and keep you focused on Him.
• Seek the Holy Spirit to consume you during this time to lead you. Be obedient to Him.
• Spend some time praising God for the fact that He is able. Quote some scriptures or some of His characteristics to Him in praise.
• Pray that the people of God will repent of sins and mindsets that dishonor and hinder Him.
• Pray that God would reveal prideful attitudes of self-sufficiency and bring about repentance.
• Pray that the body of Christ will have the mind of Christ-humility.
• Pray that the church would never put their hope in man and their hope would be in God alone.
• Pray that the people of God will stand in faith knowing God can reclaim this land.
• Pray that our churches would be devoted to, and peruse the things that honor God.
• Pray that the people of God would see the need for revival and begin to seek God for it.
• Pray specifically for revival in your church. Pray for your pastor and church leaders.
• Pray for humility upon the people of God that leads to total obedience.
• Pray for humility upon the people of God that leads to total dependency on Him.
• Pray that the people of God will be broken hearted over the lost.
• Pray that the church will be a gospel centered church with a heart to evangelize the world while starting in their own back yard.
• Pray that the power of God would fall on the church moving them to prayer and sowing the gospel seed.
• Pray for a great awakening in your community. Name off streets and neighborhoods.
• Do not be judgmental in this, but pray that if there is any within the church who do not have a genuine relationship with Jesus that God would convict their heart and save them.
• Make a list of individuals who are not saved and begin petitioning God for their salvation.
• Pray for repentance of sin and a great awakening in our nation. 

Day 20

Pride Will Take us Down

            A few years ago God called me to plant a new church. Starting a new church from the ground up was a great challenge, but I knew this was God’s plan for my life. Unfortunately, I knew nothing about starting a new church, so I started seeking some advice from some experts, people who were leaders in the field. I did get some great and valuable advice from many of them. However, I could not believe some of the things I was hearing from some. They started talking about having the right worship team that would give pleasing performances, and saying that I needed to preach ear-pleasing sermons that wouldn’t make lost people feel uncomfortable; that we needed to look only for people who looked like us, acted like us, and talked like us; and that our building needed to be appealing to the eye whereas to draw people in. We needed to do all of these things that are appealing to the senses. They told me that those things would draw the crowd in. And, I was under the impression that it was God who added to the number of the church. I wonder where I came up with that silly idea? Maybe in Acts 2:47?

            This may buck everything we have ever been taught about church growth, but I’m not interested in drawing crowds. A good concert promoter can draw in a big crowd to almost any venue, but what has he done for their souls? I’m not interested in drawing in the crowd for performances. I’m interested in the power of God poured out for the purpose of our being sent out, just as it was on the day of Pentecost. Yet, we have become so prideful in our performances that we have not made room for the power of God to move in our midst. Sure, I desire to see our buildings full of people every Sunday because I know every soul represented is a soul that God loved enough to send His Son to die for. However, if they come in for our performance, their ears will be temporarily tickled. But if they come because of the power of God, their lives will be transformed for eternity. Acts 2:43 says of the first church, “everyone kept feeling a sense of awe.” Their sense of awe was over the power of God, not the performance of man.

            Regardless of how talented or persuading we may be, God will not bless the efforts of man that are centered around glorifying man. God will only bless submission to His lordship that brings honor and glory unto Him. Just as Joshua stood before the “Captain of the host of the Lord” Joshua asked in Joshua 5:13, “Are you for us or for our advisories.” His simple response in the next verse was “No.” God is not for men; man is to be for God. The only way to be used of God is when we humble ourselves before Him.

            James 4:6 tells us that “God opposes the proud.” If therefore, I am being prideful, arrogant, or self sufficient, I am in conflict with God. In Luke 18 Jesus was telling parables on the subject of prayer. In verse 11 & 12 He said “The Pharisee stood and was praying this to himself: ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all that I get.’ The Pharisee was basically telling God, “Hey, God You ought to be proud to have someone like me on Your side.” Notice however, that Jesus said he “was praying this to himself.” God wasn’t about to receive such an arrogant, self-centered, and self-serving prayer. He opposes the proud.

            Proverbs 16:18 tells us, “Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before stumbling.” Satan is the greatest example of this. When we think of Satan, we think of him as a gruesome, demonic being that has nothing beautiful or glorious within his being. That is a true picture of who he is today. However, before the fall he was beautiful. Before the fall his name was Lucifer, which means “brilliant one” or “shining one.” He was spectacular to look at. However, that is not who he is today. We view him in distaste today because of his pride. Ezekiel 28:17 says, “Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom by reason of your splendor. I cast you to the ground; I put you before kings, that they may see you.” Isaiah 14 tells of how Satan tried to dethrone God and exalt himself above God. Due to the devil’s pride, God humbled him.

            The beauty that God gave to Satan caused pride and rebellion to come into his life. Instead of giving glory to the creator, Satan tried to find glory within himself. As a result, he was cast out of heaven, and eventually he will be eternally humbled. I Corinthians 10:12 says, “therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall.” If we are standing on the rock of our salvation, Jesus Christ, we are standing firm. However, if we are standing in our own strength, we will fall. God has given us all gifts and talents of many sorts. However, those are to be used to bring Him glory and not to bring ourselves glory. When they produce pride in our lives to glorify and magnify ourselves, we too will fall.

Day 20 Prayer Guide

• Ask God to reveal any sin or mindset that would prevent Him from hearing your prayers.
• Repent of any such hindrance and ask for God’s forgiveness.
• Ask God to remove any doubts and keep you focused on Him.
• Seek the Holy Spirit to consume you during this time to lead you. Be obedient to Him.
• Spend some time praising God for the fact that He is able. Quote some scriptures or some of His characteristics to Him in praise.
• Pray that the people of God will repent of sins and mindsets that dishonor and hinder Him.
• Pray that God would reveal prideful attitudes of self-sufficiency and bring about repentance.
• Pray that the church would never put their hope in man and their hope would be in God alone.
• Pray that the people of God will stand in faith knowing God can reclaim this land.
• Pray that our churches would be devoted to, and peruse the things that honor God.
• Pray that the people of God would see the need for revival and begin to seek God for it.
• Pray specifically for revival in your church. Pray for your pastor and church leaders.
• Pray for humility upon the people of God that leads to total obedience.
• Pray for humility upon the people of God that leads to total dependency on Him.
• Pray that the people of God will be broken hearted over the lost.
• Pray that the church will be a gospel centered church with a heart to evangelize the world while starting in their own back yard.
• Pray that the power of God would fall on the church moving them to prayer and sowing the gospel seed.
• Pray for a great awakening in your community. Name off streets and neighborhoods.
• Do not be judgmental in this, but pray that if there is any within the church who do not have a genuine relationship with Jesus that God would convict their heart and save them.
• Make a list of individuals who are not saved and begin petitioning God for their salvation.
• Pray for repentance of sin and a great awakening in our nation. 

While teaching a class on Prayer at the Hong Kong Baptist Seminary, I quoted Isaiah 30:15 to illustrate prayerful meditation, “In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” The blank look of the faces of the students told me I needed to stay on this subject a bit longer. Facing me was a classroom of Chinese students who lived in a city where “quietness” was non-existent. So if a source of strength is silence, and you live in 24/7 noise, how can you be strong? I went back to my apartment following class that evening, certain that I had failed to adequately answer the blank stares of my students. By the next class meeting, I had concluded that “quietness” does not always mean the absence of noise. Sometimes, it means the disciplined focus of the mind. Who has not lived in the midst of noise, near a railroad track, by a busy freeway, adjacent to an airport runway, or just in the midst of loud people, without learning how to block out the noisy? Familiarity with noise often breeds inner silence. So whether you are in a quiet place or a noisy place, be confident of this one thing: strength is available to you, at the price of self-discipline.

Day 19

The Congregation of the Called

God has created us to be a sociable people. Hebrews 10:25 tells us not to forsake “assembling” with one another. An interesting fact is that the word “church” is not found anywhere in the Greek New Testament to describe a building or a location. The word that is used in the Greek New Testament is ecclesia which translated is assembling or congregation If, therefore, the “church” is in fact the assembly or the congregation, it is then in no way, shape, or form a building, an address, or a location. It is the people of God gathered together for the purpose of worshiping and serving God. If we then refuse to participate in “church” we then are refusing to live in obedience to the scripture previously mentioned, “Not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some.” We are forsaking assembling or congregating with other believes as God has commanded us too. Again, we have been so bold as to tell God “No.”

One of the necessities of congregating with other believers is that we are there to help strengthen one another. We fellowship for the purpose of helping one another carry loads we cannot carry on our own. Just prior to the Word of God telling us not to forsake assembling with one another, Hebrews 10:24 says, “let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds.” Just after that verse the Word of God tells us not to forsake assembling together. Then again just after God’s Word tells us not to forsake assembling together, Hebrews 10:25 says, “But encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” I believe one of the great purposes of God’s people assembling together is clear. We need to draw strength from one another, encourage one another, stimulate one another for good deeds, and love one another.  

If the church is not living up to this standard then the church is in rebellion against God and needs to repent. Jesus said that through this standard we would be a witness to the world when He said in John 13:35, “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” If the church is busy backbiting, fussing, fighting, and arguing, it dishonors God and leaves a distasteful reputation of the church in the community. 

Acts 2 tells us some amazing things about the first century church. Verse 42 tells us that they had all things in common, and verse 47 tells us that they had favor with the community. Even though they were of greatly diverse backgrounds, they had all things in common because they were all focused on Jesus. They also had a good reputation in the community due to the fact that they were pursuing God’s plans and not their own. They humbled themselves before the Lord; and through their humility, the Lord was glorified. Are we glorifying the Lord with our actions?

One of my most proud moments of the church was just after Hurricane Katrina. The eye of the storm passed right over the church and the community I was pastoring in south Mississippi. We stocked up on supplies like we were told to in preparation for the hurricane. However, we, like most others, prepared only for a few days, not realizing it would be weeks before we would see again any resemblance of a grocery store. We could drive to other towns, but the closest gas that was available was at least seventy-five miles away. What little gas we had was rationed for the generators.

It didn’t take long to figure out that Uncle Sam and Red Cross were not prepared either. The church was a Red Cross shelter, but all we received from them was a roll of toilet paper, a box of mosquito repellent, and some registration forms. I’m not fussing. No one, myself included, was prepared for such a catastrophe. The U.S. had never seen anything like this before. However, God was not overwhelmed. In a very short amount of time, the church (God’s assembly) started showing up from California to Maine and everywhere in-between! They brought food, baby supplies, toiletries, and everything you could ever imagine. God used it all. We set up the church's gymnasium as a distribution center, giving away all we had. I shed more tears of joy that week as we saw grown men crying when we gave them something as simple as water, mothers overwhelmed when giving them diapers, and children overjoyed when giving them toys. I was amazed as so many people with so many needs poured into the church. I saw people that had previously told me that they would never step foot in a church, come. By the way, they continued to come!

Through the tragedy and chaos of Katrina we saw the church being the church. Our sanctuary lay in ruin; yet, our church was more of a church in that time than they had ever been while sitting in that sanctuary. I hate the death and destruction that Katrina caused but would trade nothing for the privilege of seeing God’s people rise to the occasion. But the question then arises: Why do we wait for tragedy to strike to rise up to the occasion? This world is in constant chaos. The devil is the constant and present destroyer. Imagine a world where the church, the assembly of God, the congregation of the called, would continually rise to the occasion and be the church. Katrina brought about the realization of physical needs. As I write this, years after Katrina, the church is still tending to those physical needs.

The constant chaos and destruction the devil is placing on this world, however, is a spiritual devastation. A devastation that leaves a wake of destruction far worse than Katrina, or any other physical disaster, ever could. Why does the church not rise to the occasion in spiritual matters with such urgency as they do with physical matters? I believe it’s due to pride in our hearts that says, “They got themselves in this mess; they need to get themselves out of it.” It’s not because we don’t see it because we do. It is in our faces everyday; and if we don’t see it, it is because we choose not to see. When we say they deserve what they get, we fail to realize we could not get ourselves out of the mess we made of our lives through our sins and rebellion against God; neither can they. I promise you; we don’t want what we deserve! Are we so prideful as to think that we are better than they or that they deserve what they get, yet we do not? Stephen told the religious leaders of his day in Acts 7:51, “you men who are stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears are always resisting the Holy Spirit.” Has this become who we are today? 

If we as the assembly of God (the congregation of His called) run to this world with urgency in our hearts ministering to their spiritual needs and hurts, they then will come to the realization of the true and biblical nature of the church. Most importantly they will turn to the Lord. Remember, Jesus was asked by the prideful of heart why He was eating with sinners. He said in Mark 2:17, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick; I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” I personally thank God for that.

As I close each service of the local church I pastor and just before we walk out of the door to our building, I ask a simple question, “What time is it?” They then respond, “It’s time to be the church.” From time to time I then ask, “Why do I ask that question?” Someone will then respond with something like, “Once we walk out of those doors, we don’t cease being God’s people.” We need to constantly be reminded that the church isn’t a building; it is the congregation of the called. We walk humbly before God and men while ministering boldly in that name that is above every other name, the name of Jesus. We have pridefully become lost within the walls of our buildings that we call the church, making it all about us. However, God has called us to “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19.20). Are we again telling God no?  

Day 19 Prayer Guide

• Ask God to reveal any sin or mindset that would prevent Him from hearing your prayers.
• Repent of any such hindrance and ask for God’s forgiveness.
• Ask God to remove any doubts and keep you focused on Him.
• Seek the Holy Spirit to consume you during this time to lead you. Be obedient to Him.
• Spend some time praising God for the fact that He is able. Quote some scriptures or some of His characteristics to Him in praise.
• Pray that the people of God will repent of sins and mindsets that dishonor and hinder Him.
• Pray that God would reveal prideful attitudes of self-sufficiency and bring about repentance.
• Pray that the church would never put their hope in man and their hope would be in God alone.
• Pray that the people of God will stand in faith knowing God can reclaim this land.
• Pray that our churches would be devoted to, and peruse the things that honor God.
• Pray that the people of God would see the need for revival and begin to seek God for it.
• Pray specifically for revival in your church. Pray for your pastor and church leaders.
• Pray for humility upon the people of God that leads to total obedience.
• Pray for humility upon the people of God that leads to total dependency on Him.
• Pray that the people of God will be broken hearted over the lost.
• Pray that the church will be a gospel centered church with a heart to evangelize the world while starting in their own back yard.
• Pray that the power of God would fall on the church moving them to prayer and sowing the gospel seed.
• Pray for a great awakening in your community. Name off streets and neighborhoods.
• Do not be judgmental in this, but pray that if there is any within the church who do not have a genuine relationship with Jesus that God would convict their heart and save them.
• Make a list of individuals who are not saved and begin petitioning God for their salvation.
• Pray for repentance of sin and a great awakening in our nation. 

Day 18

The Sin of Self-Sufficiency

            I was raised on military bases with both my mother and father serving in the United States Air Force. I was constantly surrounded with symbols and acts of patriotism that instilled a great sense of pride for our nation and continues to fill my heart to this day. With that in mind, I have also come to the great conviction that this nation that I love has acted in great arrogance toward God. We have become arrogant toward God not in word but in action, the action of self-sufficiency. Our national motto says, “In God We Trust;” yet, we say with our actions, “in self we trust.” When we take control and remove God from the equation, we stand in the power of our own self-sufficiency, which truly is no power at all. We must understand that we have only two choices: either we fully trust Him or we don’t trust Him at all. God said in Isaiah 42:8 that He will not share His glory with another. I once saw a bumper sticker that said “God is my co-pilot” If He is our co-pilot, we are in the wrong seat. God needs no co-pilot. For the most part, the church in America has removed God from the driver’s seat and taken hold of the wheel as well. And we wonder why we are so far off the path that God has chosen for us.

            Long ago I stopped listening to many “Christian” radio stations because it seemed as though they lost their purpose of promoting the creator for their plan of pushing politicians. I am a social conservative; therefore, I will vote for and support like-minded people that run for office. I encourage all Christians to do the same. With that being said, I know beyond a shadow of doubt that there is not a single politician in this world (regardless of how socially conservative or how intellectually superior they may be) that will bring about revival in this country. We can have an on-fire, born-again believer in the Oval Office, in every seat in the senate as well as congress along with every state level position across this land; and that alone would not bring about a spiritual awakening. That’s neither their job nor their responsibility. Christians need to repent of their political idolatry and their mindsets that if we get the right people in the right political positions we will have peace and prosperity. We need to repent and turn to and trust in God as a nation just as our forefathers did. Our faith and trust in God, not man, is what made this a great nation. Psalm 127:1, says “unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain those who build it.” Morality cannot be legislated nor mandated. It can only be initiated through a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.

            Let me be clear on this: Christians should support candidates that uphold moral convictions that line up with the truth of God’s Word. I also support the idea of Christians themselves running for political office. There is an attack on morality and family values in our nation, and the devil is certainly using Washington, D. C. for his purposes. We need to stand firm against his schemes and his lies. However, we don’t put our trust in mortal men. We put our trust in Almighty God. God has chosen the church-and only the church-to demonstrate His power and glory in this world. 

            However, we are not seeing God move in America as we know He is able to. We must understand that it is not due to things going on in Washington, D. C. It is due to the fact that the American church has become arrogant and full of self-sufficient pride. Of the seven churches in the book of Revelation, Jesus was the harshest toward the Church of Laodicea. He said to them in Revelation 3:17, “Because you say, “I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing,” and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked.” The American church today believes that they are rich and in need of nothing yet they do not know as they sit in their multimillion dollar stained-glassed compounds that they are wretched and poor and blind and naked. We have become rich and in need of nothing, including Jesus; so we trust in our own power regardless of the fact that Jesus has clearly said that apart from Him we can do nothing.

            Consider how we view the education of our vocational ministers in our American churches. I am in full support of education. I believe that everyone should pursue as much education as they possibly can. However, we have made the level of education for our vocational ministers a prerequisite of whether or not God can work in their lives. When I was first called into the ministry, I was told by a Director of Missions of a Baptist association that I would never pastor in “his” association until I had a Ph.D. or at the very least a Doctorate of Ministry. For some reason I thought it was God who called ministers into churches. Silly me! When a vocational minister pursues education, he must ask himself, “Am I here to gain tools to enhance the ministry to which God has called me?” or “Am I hear to get a degree that will eventually lead me to a larger church?” I have always been of the opinion if a pastor desires a larger church more that he desires work hard in God’s power to make the church he is currently at a larger church rather than using the smaller churches as stepping stones to reach the so called pinnacle of ministerial success, “The Large Church.”

I have met many a prideful preacher who within a few minutes after introductions tells the story of their level of education; yet, they never share about the power of God that has worked in their lives. I have also met many very humble and godly ministers with very extensive education through whom God has done wonders within their lives. However, we often forget about men like D. L. Moody who could hardly read or write when God called him to preach. Yet, God used Him to be one of the greatest evangelists of all time. Have we overlooked the men God called of whom Paul spoke in I Corinthians 1:26, 27, “For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong.” I believe it is well past time that we once again trust in the power of God rather than the ability of men.

            We are fortunate enough to live in an age today where the church has the most educated ministers in its history. I personally think that is wonderful. Again, I’m all for education. However, if we have the most educated ministers than ever before one would think the church would be more educated than ever before. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Our churches have become full of biblically illiterate members that haven’t a clue of biblical truths. Unlike the dark ages when God’s word was kept from the public today we have an unlimited inventory of Bible studies, devotionals, commentaries, and many other wonderful tools that help us study God’s Word right at our fingertips. Yet we don’t utilize them. Why put forth effort when we have educated ministers that will do it for us?

            We believe we are rich and in need of nothing. The members of our churches do not need to put forth any effort because they will just hire a “minister” to do it. They will hire someone to work with everyone from the senior adults all the way down to working with the children in the nursery. I know that God has used many mega churches in great ways, but I also believe that many people leave the small churches flocking to the larger churches where they can blend in so they will not be asked nor expected to actually do anything. They have a minister that will do it. As a vocational minister, I obviously believe there is a place for vocational ministry. However, according to the Bible in Ephesians 4:12, the primary role of pastors and teachers are “for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ.” I stand amazed at the arrogance and pride of the church today that has been so bold as to tell God, “No, we won’t work for Your service to help build up the body of Christ. No, God, we don’t want to be equipped. 

Day 18 Prayer Guide

• Ask God to reveal any sin or mindset that would prevent Him from hearing your prayers.
• Repent of any such hindrance and ask for God’s forgiveness.
• Ask God to remove any doubts and keep you focused on Him.
• Seek the Holy Spirit to consume you during this time to lead you. Be obedient to Him.
• Spend some time praising God for the fact that He is able. Quote some scriptures or some of His characteristics to Him in praise.
• Pray that the people of God will repent of sins and mindsets that dishonor and hinder Him.
• Pray that God would reveal prideful attitudes of self-sufficiency and bring about repentance.
• Pray that the church would never put their hope in man and their hope would be in God alone.
• Pray that the people of God will stand in faith knowing God can reclaim this land.
• Pray that our churches would be devoted to, and peruse the things that honor God.
• Pray that the people of God would see the need for revival and begin to seek God for it.
• Pray specifically for revival in your church. Pray for your pastor and church leaders.
• Pray for humility upon the people of God that leads to total obedience.
• Pray for humility upon the people of God that leads to total dependency on Him.
• Pray that the people of God will be broken hearted over the lost.
• Pray that the church will be a gospel centered church with a heart to evangelize the world while starting in their own back yard.
• Pray that the power of God would fall on the church moving them to prayer and sowing the gospel seed.
• Pray for a great awakening in your community. Name off streets and neighborhoods.
• Do not be judgmental in this, but pray that if there is any within the church who do not have a genuine relationship with Jesus that God would convict their heart and save them.
• Make a list of individuals who are not saved and begin petitioning God for their salvation.
• Pray for repentance of sin and a great awakening in our nation. 

Day 17

Humility for His Honor

“Humble themselves”

Defining Humility

            Many people have a false idea of what humility actually is. They get a picture of a groveling beggar who is unwilling to lift his head in public, ashamed of who he is. Although I am ashamed of things I have done in my past, when I humble myself before the Lord, I am not ashamed of who I am; and I hold my head up high. The Bible says in Romans 8:37, “we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.” People also get the idea that humble people are weak. However, Jesus tells us in Matthew 11:29 that He is humble, and He certainly is not weak.

            To be humble is to be void of pride and arrogance in your life. If you are humble and you know you are, then, my friend, you are by no means humble. Humility isn’t something you do; it is someone you are. Humility is a natural character that flows out from you without thought or conscious effort. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t strive for humility. Humility isn’t natural for us. We need to work on it by denying the flesh and seeking God. However, a truly humble person walks, talks, breathes, and flows in humility as a natural part of who they are just as Christ did. That’s where God desires us to be. Peter said in I Peter 5:5, “clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.”

            A humble person is one who always puts others first. His needs can wait. Her desires aren’t pressing. His wants are outweighed by the needs of the others. Serving God requires serving people. The Bible tells us in Philippians 2:8 that Jesus “humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” We find in Jesus the perfect example of humility-One who was strong enough to put Himself to the side for the greater good of those whom He served. Jesus said in Matthew 20:28, “the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” The arrogant and prideful feel as though the world owes them and therefore should serve them. This attitude is most certainly not a Christ-like attitude.

            Humility is also the realization that we are not self-sufficient. We so desperately need God for every area in our lives. The scriptures are clear that through Christ we can do all things, but apart from Him we can do nothing. Matthew 14:22-33 gives the account when the disciples saw Jesus walking on the water. They weren’t sure if it was actually Jesus or just a ghost. Put yourself in their sandals for a moment. You would be confused as well. Peter said “Lord, if it is You command me to come to You on the water,” and Jesus said, “come.” Peter then stepped out of the boat and walked on the water. As long as Peter’s focus was on Jesus, He could walk on the water; but once he lost focus, He began to sink. 

            We find two amazing things about this story. First, as long as Peter’s focus was on Jesus, He could walk on the water. Therefore, as long as we stay focused on Jesus, we can do anything. Secondly, once Peter started to sink Jesus rescued him. Jesus didn’t say “He lost focus so I’m gonna just let that fool drown.” We need the Lord when we are strong, and we need the Lord when we are weak. Paul, speaking of his humility before God said, in II Corinthians 12:10 “When I am week, then I am strong.” God’s power is perfected in our weaknesses. Humility is finding strength in God despite our weakness, as well as leaning on Him despite our strength.

Day 17 Prayer Guide

• Ask God to reveal any sin or mindset that would prevent Him from hearing your prayers.
• Repent of any such hindrance and ask for God’s forgiveness.
• Ask God to remove any doubts and keep you focused on Him.
• Seek the Holy Spirit to consume you during this time to lead you. Be obedient to Him.
• Spend some time praising God for the fact that He is able. Quote some scriptures or some of His characteristics to Him in praise.
• Pray that the people of God will repent of sins and mindsets that dishonor and hinder Him.
• Pray that God would reveal prideful attitudes of self-sufficiency and bring about repentance.
• Pray that the people of God will stand in faith knowing God can reclaim this land.
• Pray that our churches would be devoted to, and peruse the things that honor God.
• Pray that the people of God would see the need for revival and begin to seek God for it.
• Pray specifically for revival in your church. Pray for your pastor and church leaders.
• Pray for humility upon the people of God that leads to total obedience.
• Pray for humility upon the people of God that leads to total dependency on Him.
• Pray that the people of God will be broken hearted over the lost.
• Pray that the church will be a gospel centered church with a heart to evangelize the world while starting in their own back yard.
• Pray that the power of God would fall on the church moving them to prayer and sowing the gospel seed.
• Pray for a great awakening in your community. Name off streets and neighborhoods.
• Do not be judgmental in this, but pray that if there is any within the church who do not have a genuine relationship with Jesus that God would convict their heart and save them.
• Make a list of individuals who are not saved and begin petitioning God for their salvation.
• Pray for repentance of sin and a great awakening in our nation. 

After the Lord gave me the privilege and joy of writing Gentle Whispers from Eternity and it was published in March 2013, I began praying that God would bless this book to change lives and glorify His name around the world. This prayer is being answered in amazing ways.

Gentle Whispers from Eternity has now been published in Urdu, the language spoken by millions in Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan. The book is currently being translated into Telugu, the primary language spoken in India’s second largest province; publication is scheduled for later this year. Jesudas David, missionary translating the book into Telugu, said he believes the book “will create a spiritual atmosphere in the Christian world in India and also around the globe.” Olga Tsifrynets, who teaches in a seminary in Kiev, has expressed her desire and intention to translate the book into Ukrainian and Russian. Veronika Lihov, who ministers to the homeless in Crimea, has offered to translate the book into Russian. I praise God for working in the hearts of these people to get His Word out to the world through this book.

It is exciting to know that Jamil Thomas, translator of Gentle Whispers from Eternity into Urdu, is distributing the book to individuals, pastors, priests, teachers, churches, and institutes. Pastor Thomas has given several lectures on the introduction and purpose of the book to people of various religions. Readers are sharing  that they have been encouraged by the book. A bishop in Faislabad said he uses the book to prepare his sermons. A priest in Toba Tek Singh said he “found the book very, very beneficial.”  A reader in Islamabad, capital of Pakistan, wrote “I have done proof reading of many Christian books, but I found this very much different. The first time in my life I truly felt that Jesus is the only God and Lord. Every day I use it in my morning prayer; it seems to be the second Bible.”  These stories excite me and encourage me to keep sharing the book every way I can. It is clear that my prayer that the book have worldwide impact is being answered.  

For a couple of months, I had no contact with Jamil, and wondered why—perhaps he was heavily involved in other ministry projects (you can see how comprehensive his work is by checking his website www.Aim4Faith.org.  Then last week I received an email, sending pictures of people who had received copies of Gentle Whispers from Eternity, in which he said “we had very bad days after 11^th January. I wanted to write email, but I was not able to write you.”  When I asked, “Do you mean bad weather?” he responded: “No, my wife and I were coming back from villages where we had distributed Bibles and Gentle Whispers from Eternity to 30 people, when a group of militants attacked us, beat us badly, and took my laptop, camera, books, Bibles and motorbike. I was in hospital for 3 days and my wife remained there more than a week, so depressed and worried that she had a heart attack and stayed there 15 more days in ICU. We were out of the home and they broke into our home and took my desktop computer and printer from my office. Then they sent me a letter to stop preaching and stop distributing Bibles, Gentle Whispers from Eternity, and other Christian material. Thank God we are okay now and God has given us our lives back to proclaim His Word among the nation like Pakistan.”

When I asked Jamil for permission to share his story, he replied, “Yes, brother Johnny. You can share it with many more people, we need your prayers. What a wonderful thing if people from another continent pray for us in Pakistan.”

I have been thanking God for His marvelous answer to my prayer that He would bless, with a global influence, the book He inspired me to write. Now I’m earnestly praying for Jamil Thomas and his wife, faithful servants of Jesus Christ—that God will protect them as the apple of His eye and hide them in the shadow of His wings. Will you join me in prayer for their spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being?  Please also join me in prayer for Jesudas David in India, Olga Tsifrynets in Ukraine, and Veronika Lihov in Crimea—that God will give them grace to persevere in their translation goals of Gentle Whispers from Eternity—for His glory alone.

“The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry. It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.” (Isaiah 55:10-11 NLT)

Johnny R. Almond

Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

Interim Pastor, Nomini Baptist Church; Montross, Virginia

Blog & book info http://GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized.com/

The next facet of extraordinary prayer is expanding our prayer beyond our present perspective.

Are you praying every day for people who are hard to pray for? It stretches your faith and prayer life to pray for people you do not like. Do you pray for God to bless people with whom you disagree? Do you love your enemies in prayer? Shortly after the attacks on 9/11/2001, a young but precocious boy in our church said, “We need to pray for the terrorists.” Before I could curb my tongue I had said, “We need to pray that they will be caught and killed.” I don’t think I answered well, but I certainly believe it is sometimes right to pray for justice. More often I don’t know how to pray for an enemy. It is acceptable to leave such concerns up to the wise intercession of the Spirit.

We also need to stretch our concern and prayers for people we may not think about often enough. If the gospel is to be preached among all peoples before the end comes, we must stretch our vision beyond our borders. There is a prayer program on the Operation World website, www.operationworld.org . Many mission agencies have similar prayer programs. The Southern Baptist I.M.B. will send out monthly prayer guides with specific requests for a different people group every day. My wife puts this up on our bathroom mirror where we have easy access.

I wrote this poem several years ago.

AM I ASKING?

PSALM 2:7,8

I will tell of the decree: The LORD said to me, "You are my Son; today I have begotten you. Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession.

It is hard to sit among those content with the comfortable mundane

And say out loud, “I am God-endowed with a mission to fulfill.”

It is a step of faith to stand unflinching and to all proclaim,

“I hear His call, despite it all. I know; I have been shown God’s will.

I have a vision of distant lands and people beyond the seas.”

He’s not forgotten His Only Begotten, and He’s shown His will to me.

He told me, too, “You are my son! Today I gave you heaven’s birth.

My precious one, to know I Am will be your inheritance and wealth.”

The Firstborn of many chosen brothers shares His holy worth.

Like the Father’s promised only Son, He holds me to Himself.

He is the Vine and I’m a branch on the heavenly family tree.

He’s not forgotten His Only Begotten, and He keeps His hold on me.

So will I ask for healing, wealth or some other selfish blessing?

For temporal toys and shallow joys, and maybe a nice vacation?

The ends of the earth are promised to me, given for my possessing.

He tells me, “You are mine; ask me for the distant teeming nations.”

They can be ours to know and love and tell as far as God can see.

He’s not forgotten His Only Begotten, and He will answer me.

Have I prayed for the Berbers and the Bora, the Jula, or the Han? 

Will I ask for Madagascar, Persia, or the isles of the Coral Sea?

I can seek Him for the nations, Africa, Asia and far beyond.

I can pray and preach and go out and teach as far as I will believe.

He’s not forgotten His Only Begotten, and He has promised me.

The Easter season is upon us and I would like to share some ideas of how grandparents can share the true meaning of Easter with your grandchildren.

When is the last time you told your grandchildren you are praying for them? Easter is a great time to connect with our grandchildren and let them know you are praying for them, whether they live down the street, across town or a long distance away. It is essential to communicate to these precious children that we care enough to pray for them.

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

• Send your grandchildren an Easter card with a Bible verse and/or a note that you are praying for them. The younger ones enjoy getting mail and the older ones don’t mind.
• Send a CARE package: Easter egg coloring kit, Easter craft, Easter paper plate, napkins, and cups for a family dinner or a storybook with the true meaning of Easter. Of course, for young children Easter would not be complete with the traditional candy.
• Email, text, or send an electronic Easter card.
• Send the “Resurrection eggs” you can purchase online or at local Christian bookstore.
• Bake “Resurrection Rolls” with your grandchildren while telling them the true meaning of Easter. (See below)

As grandparents, God has given us an awesome responsibility and privilege to have a part in the lives of those dear grandchildren with our prayers and encouragement. Easter gives a special opportunity to share the message of the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

By Lillian Penner

Note: You may purchase Easter books and the “Resurrection eggs” at your local Christian bookstore or online at www.christianbooks.com. ;

Resurrection Rolls

• 1 tube crescent rolls
• Melted margarine or butter
• Large marshmallows
• Cinnamon
• Sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Help grandchildren wash their hands before working with food.

Place a sheet of wax paper before each grandchild to use as a work surface. Hand each grandchild a triangle of crescent roll. Tell them that this represents the cloth that Jesus was wrapped in when He was laid in the tomb. Give each grandchild a marshmallow to represent Jesus.

Place a bowl with (warm, not hot) melted margarine or butter in front of your grandchildren and let them dip their marshmallow in it. Explain that the margarine or butter represents the oil that was used to protect and preserve Jesus’ body.

Prepare another bowl with cinnamon and sugar. Let each grandchild roll the marshmallow representing Jesus in the mixture. Tell them the cinnamon and sugar represents the spices that were used to anoint Jesus’ body for burial.

Wrap the coated marshmallow tightly in the crescent roll. Pinch the sides together; making sure that the dough is completely sealed. Let this step represent the wrapping of Jesus’ body after His death.

Place the wrapped marshmallows on a cookie sheet and place in the oven. Bake 10 o 12 minutes at 350 degrees. The oven represents the tomb, while the baking time symbolizes the three days that Christ was in the tomb.

When the rolls have cooled slightly, have the grandchildren open their rolls (grave cloth). They will discover that the marshmallow (representing Jesus) is gone. Christ has risen!

Have fun with your grandkids as you celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The Resurrection Rolls recipe was used by permission from Janet Teitsort, author of “Long Distance Grandma,” (West Monroe, LA: Howard Publishing, 2005), pages 50, 51.

The book is available on Amazon or you may order autographed copies directly from the author for $12.00 at Janet Teitsort, Touching Hearts, P.O. Box 129, Westport, IN 47283.

Day 16

To God be the Glory.

            God told Solomon who the spiritual condition of the world rested upon: “If My people who are called by My name.” If we do what God has called us to (in total trust in His power and might), we will see God reclaim the land unto Himself. God has given us spiritual weapons that are not of this world but are “divinely powerful.” (II Corinthians 10:4). He has given us His authority. (Matthew 20:18). He has given us the power of His Holy Spirit, (Acts 1:8), and He has given us His very presence. (Matthew 28:20). Therefore, we are without excuse when we fail to do what God has called us to do. However, when we choose to utilize the great blessings God has given, we will see God moving mightily.

Now remember that when God moves mightily, He is the one who deserves the glory. We have no power, strength or wisdom on our own. We must remember who we are, God’s people called by His name. Zachariah 4:6 says, “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit says the Lord of hosts.” We are not mighty but our God is All Mighty. We have no power but our God is All Powerful. We have no wisdom but our God is All Knowing. When we choose to die to ourselves and come alive to the power of God, we give God permission to use us. God doesn’t need our permission; however, He will not work through us without it. Jesus said “apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5). God used Paul in a phenomenal way; yet, it was Paul who said in Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” In other words, he was saying my life is no longer about me; it’s all about the Christ who had redeemed me.

            When we have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, we have entered into the family of God. God’s family is a powerful family not because of who the family is, but from whom the family derives its name. When someone is in a powerful and influential family he or she recognizes the responsibilities that come along with being a member of that family. If a person acts dishonorably, he or she not only dishonors themselves but they dishonor the family name. If a person acts in an honorable way he or she gives honor to the family name. God said in Isaiah 42:8, “I am the LORD, that is My name; I will not give My glory to another.” We live for His glory and not our own. Jesus said in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” The world will see the works that we do; yet; those works should point them to the Father and not ourselves.

            Jesus said something astounding in John 14:12-14. He said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father. Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.” Wow! Jesus said even greater works we will do if we believe in Him. This text of scripture is often taken out of context and misinterpreted. Taking the whole of John 14, we see that Jesus was teaching that He and the Father are one. When you see Him you see the Father. Everything Jesus does or says is as a result of the oneness He has with the Father. With that in mind, Jesus said when we believe in Him even greater things will we do. It won’t be because we are greater than He is, but because we are working in oneness with Him for the purpose of continuing His work on this earth which in turn brings glory to the Father. When we as the people of God (called by His name) work in unity and oneness with Christ, the power and the abilities of God are unlimited and unimaginable. So I challenge you as a man or woman of God, stand up in His power, walk in His might, and magnify His name. Let’s reclaim this land for His honor. He is worthy, and the salvation of this world is worth it.

Day 16 Prayer Guide

• Ask God to reveal any sin or mindset that would prevent Him from hearing your prayers.
• Repent of any such hindrance and ask for God’s forgiveness.
• Ask God to remove any doubts and keep you focused on Him.
• Seek the Holy Spirit to consume you during this time to lead you. Be obedient to Him.
• Submit yourself to the Lord as a vessel for His glory.
• Spend some time praising God for the fact that He is able. Quote some scriptures or some of His characteristics to Him in praise.
• Pray that the people of God will repent of sins and mindsets that dishonor and hinder Him.
• Pray that all Christians will understand the depth of their salvation and as a result surrender to total service unto God.
• Pray that church will understand, and stand up to its calling.
• Pray that the people of God will stand in faith knowing God can reclaim this land.
• Pray that our churches would be devoted to, and peruse the things that honor God.
• Pray that our churches will be a shining light upon the hill.
• Pray that the people of God would see the need for revival and begin to seek God for it.
• Pray specifically for revival in your church. Pray for your pastor and church leaders.
• Pray that the people of God will be broken hearted over the lost.
• Pray that the church will be a gospel centered church with a heart to evangelize the world while starting in their own back yard.
• Pray that all Christians would take seriously their role as royal ambassadors and live a life of fulfilling the ministry of reconciliation.
• Pray that the power of God would fall on the church moving them to prayer and sowing the gospel seed.
• Pray for a great awakening in your community. Name off streets and neighborhoods.
• Do not be judgmental in this, but pray that if there is any within the church who do not have a genuine relationship with Jesus that God would convict their heart and save them.
• Make a list of individuals who are not saved and begin petitioning God for their salvation.
• Pray for repentance of sin and a great awakening in our nation. 

Day 15

Ambassadors for Christ

            Not only does the Bible teach that we are a “Royal Priesthood” in Christ, but it also says in II Corinthians 5:20 that we are “Ambassadors for Christ.” As priests we represent mankind to God; as ambassadors for Christ we represent God to mankind. As priests we lift the needs up toward God; as ambassadors we allow the Glory of God to flow down to us and through us for man to see-not to see who we are but to see who God is. Paul said in II Corinthians 5:20, “therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us.” To be an ambassador is a high honor and a great privilege.

            When King Solomon was praying to the Lord in the dedication of the temple, he asked God to look not only upon them but also on the foreigner who would pray to God, “so that all the peoples of the earth may know Your name, and fear You as do Your people Israel.” (II Chronicles 6:33). God’s heart has always been that all of His creation would turn to Him and trust in Him. The temple was a testimony of the power and the presence of God in the midst of His people. Today through Christ the New Testament teaches us that our bodies are now the Temple of God, II Corinthians 6:19. God chooses to reside in us today through His Spirit for the same reasons He chose to reside in the Temple amongst the nation of Israel. One of the main reasons is so that the lost people of the world may know Him through His presence within us. As an ambassador, we do not promote our own agenda or our own plans or even our own ideas. Everything we do points to the one of whom we represent. We have the great advantage as ambassadors of Christ; for the God whom we represent dwells within us.

            As Christians we are in this world but are not of this world. We are foreigners in a foreign land. This world is naturally hostile toward the things of God; yet, we are called to represent God in this hostile world. Paul told Timothy in II Timothy 3:12, “indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” When we simply try to blend in with the world and not allow Christ to shine through us, we not only dishonor the Lord; but we also do this world an injustice. The world thinks that their way of living is okay, that they are on the right track, and that they have everything figured out. However, they will never find peace, joy or any sense of contentment in what this world has to offer. I believe that God has put a natural void in the heart of every man that longs for God, and that void cannot be filled by anything else. When the people of the world see the joy, the peace, and the sense of satisfaction in the lives of a Christian, they are then confronted with the realization that something is missing in their lives.

            We have already discussed that the church is the only institution upon this earth through which God has chosen to work. Whether operating in our priestly role or ministering in our role as ambassadors, we work through the central headquarters of the church. The church is a spiritual embassy of the Kingdom of God. It is strategically placed in the local level all throughout the world to minister to the people who are members of its kingdom while living in this foreign land. However, God’s embassy has another purpose as well. As the ambassadors of Christ represent the Lord in this hostile land, many come to the realization that the world of which they are citizens is destroying them, consuming their very lives and devouring everything they are. The embassy of the Kingdom of God offers to them spiritual asylum found only in Christ. It offers them a transfer in citizenship from a citizen of this world, of which Satan is in control, to a citizenship in God’s kingdom. Jesus said in John 10:10, “the thief (devil) comes only to steal kill and destroy; but I have come to give you life and to give it to you abundantly.”

            In II Corinthians 5, just prior to Paul saying we are ambassadors for Christ, he talked about the ministry of reconciliation. To reconcile with someone is to end a conflict with them. The world is in conflict with God. James said in James 4:4, “You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” The world is under the control of the devil; yet, God’s desire is to redeem everyone from the bondage of this world and the control of Satan. Jesus said to his disciples in John 15:18, 19, “If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you.” The whole purpose of the cross is to redeem people out of the world and into God’s grace-from being a foe to being family.

            The plan and purpose of God is clear. It is to reconcile this world unto Himself. God chooses to use the church for that plan. We must understand that the church is not a building, a location, or an address. It is God’s people assembled together. For the first 300 years of Christianity, there were no “church” buildings. They met in houses or other public places. Is it, therefore, sinful to have buildings? Of course not. However, I do believe that many of the children of God today have become lost in their buildings and have forgotten the fact that God’s heart is to reconcile this world unto Himself. Some things need to be done in our buildings. However, if we refuse (as God’s children and as God’s church) to participate in the ministry of reconciliation, we have then become rebellious and sinful. This idea of opening the front doors of the building and saying to the community “Ya’ll come” doesn’t work. The reason why it doesn’t work is because that wasn’t God’s design. Jesus said, “Go”.  (Matthew 28:19). Paul stated this great purpose of the church in Ephesians 3:10: “so that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places.” We cannot be ambassadors while residing in our own land.

Jesus said in Acts 1:8, “but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” I believe we have not been the witnesses that Jesus said “we shall be” because the power of the Holy Spirit has not come upon us. The power of the Holy Spirit has not come upon us because we have been playing church rather than earnestly seeking God as we should. We choose to play by our own rules rather than follow God’s. However, when we begin to pray and earnestly seek God as we should and live in obedience to Him; God will allow the power of the Holy Spirit to fall down upon us. When the power of the Holy Spirit falls, we will be so compelled to be God’s witnesses that no power on earth or in the spiritual realm will be able to stop us. We can debate as to what the signs of someone being filled with the spirit are, but one thing is clear when you read through the book of Acts. People who are filled with God’s spirit are being witnesses for Jesus. They are being ambassadors for Christ.

Day 15 Prayer Guide

• Ask God to reveal any sin or mindset that would prevent Him from hearing your prayers.
• Repent of any such hindrance and ask for God’s forgiveness.
• Ask God to remove any doubts and keep you focused on Him.
• Seek the Holy Spirit to consume you during this time to lead you. Be obedient to Him.
• Spend some time praising God for the fact that He is able. Quote some scriptures or some of His characteristics to Him in praise.
• Pray that the people of God will repent of sins and mindsets that dishonor and hinder Him.
• Pray that all Christians will understand the depth of their salvation and as a result surrender to total service unto God.
• Pray that church will understand, and stand up to its calling.
• Pray that the people of God will stand in faith knowing God can reclaim this land.
• Pray that our churches would be devoted to, and peruse the things that honor God.
• Pray that our churches will be a shining light upon the hill.
• Pray that the people of God would see the need for revival and begin to seek God for it.
• Pray specifically for revival in your church. Pray for your pastor and church leaders.
• Pray that the people of God will be broken hearted over the lost.
• Pray that the church will be a gospel centered church with a heart to evangelize the world while starting in their own back yard.
• Pray that all Christians would take seriously their role as royal ambassadors and live a life of fulfilling the ministry of reconciliation.
• Pray that the power of God would fall on the church moving them to prayer and sowing the gospel seed.
• Pray for a great awakening in your community. Name off streets and neighborhoods.
• Do not be judgmental in this, but pray that if there is any within the church who do not have a genuine relationship with Jesus that God would convict their heart and save them.
• Make a list of individuals who are not saved and begin petitioning God for their salvation.
• Pray for repentance of sin and a great awakening in our nation.
• Pray for the safety, protection, and influence of Christians who are being persecuted. 

Throughout the history of the Church, many who followed Christ have died for their faith at the hands of evil men. Recent stories from North Africa remind us that this continues to happen. As we think about those from the AP who were martyred, pray that the words they spoke and the lives which they lived will be remembered by the people they knew. Pray that these friends and relatives will accept Christ as Savior and Lord.

Not long ago a Muslim Academic was talking to some church leaders in the Arabian Peninsula. He was saying that they feel Islam has been 'blindsided', as in when a car strikes another car from the side, having not applied the brakes, without any warning and causes massive damage. This is the effect that ISIS is having on Islam, they did not see it coming, it was not expected and there is great damage. ISIS has killed more Muslims than Christians. He shared that if ISIS came into his country with power, he would die right along with the Christians for they would kill him as well. He went on to say with true humility and honesty, "We do not know what to do!"

God has placed peace in the hearts of people. Many Muslims desire to live in peace with all people, but they cannot call ISIS back to the Quran and say; follow the teaching of Islam, because they know the Quran teaches these kinds of things. They cannot say; Muhammed is not pleased with this beheading, because Muhammed allowed this and witnessed it. ISIS is causing fear, but it is also causing a great questioning at the very core of who people are. Do they really believe Muhammed and the Quran is right? Is this violence how God has created them to be?

Pray for Muslims in the Arabian Peninsula to questions deeply the teaching of Islam. Pray this will lead them to seek out the truth found only in the Lord Jesus. Pray that as they seek out the truth they will find the peace their souls long for in the Lord Jesus Christ. Pray that whole families will find this together.

What Does God Think?

"They have healed the brokenness of My people superficially, Saying, 'Peace, peace,' But there is no peace. "Were they ashamed because of the abomination they have done? They were not even ashamed at all; They did not even know how to blush. Therefore they shall fall among those who fall; At the time that I punish them, They shall be cast down," says the LORD.…
Jeremiah 6:13-15, NASB

A New Anointing of Glory Is Here

Please visit my blogs at:

https://titus3.wordpress.com - this is a blog full of my book reviews

https://meprojectblog.wordpress.com - this is my blog documenting my return to health

https://refiningfireblog.wordpress.com - this is my blog about my life in the refiners fire

Day 14

A Royal Priesthood

            The more we understand the Gospel, the more we understand that the good news of God keeps getting better and better. We have already concluded that God has saved us even though we are unworthy and that He has called us into a calling that is set aside for His purpose-a calling for which He will provide our every need. Those two glorious gifts are worthy of our uttermost dedication and service to God, but that is not the end of the good news. As we continue to search the scriptures, we find that through Christ, God has adopted us as His very own children and that we have become joint heirs in Christ Jesus. The Bible says in Romans 8:14-17, “For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.” Many times in scripture Paul called himself a “bond-servant of Christ.”A bond-servant is a willing servant. God has not called us to serve Him as His unwilling slaves. He has called us to serve Him as His child.

            As the good news continues to get better and better, we understand more of who God is and who we are because of Him. Jesus is not just royalty; He is the King of Kings. Because we are adopted sons and daughters of God and joint heirs in Christ Jesus, God has allowed us to join in the blessings of being a part of His royal family. In Christ we are royalty. Peter says of those who are a part of the family. I Peter 2:9, 10 says, “But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God’s OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; for you once were NOT A PEOPLE, but now you are THE PEOPLE OF GOD; you had NOT RECEIVED MERCY, but now you have RECEIVED MERCY.” He calls us a “Royal Priesthood.”

            Many times in the New Testament believers are referred to as priests. This doctrine is called the “priesthood of the believer.” Some would argue that being a priest is for a select few that are called. However, the Word of God clearly teaches that whoever has accepted Jesus Christ’s work of salvation and has then been adopted into the family of God is a priest. A priest has many roles and responsibilities. However, they can all be summed up into one main purpose. A priest is to represent mankind to God. One of the greatest ways that believers can represent mankind to God is to pray for them. The topic of prayer will be discussed in greater detail in the fourth chapter; however, God expects His people who are called by His name to pray. Jesus is our High Priest, and we see Him many times in the gospels praying for his disciples as seen in John 17. Paul told Timothy in II Timothy 1:3 that he thanks God for him as he mentions him in his prayers.

            As the priests of God serving mankind on behalf of God, we should have a great burden for the lost and hurting. Many times I pray asking God to give me the compassion Jesus has-the compassion that calls out with a broken heart as Jesus did in Matthew 23:37 as He said, “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were unwilling.” Despite the wickedness of their ways, Jesus still loved them and desperately desired to see them repent and turn to His salvation. With the same heart we are also called to cry out to the Father with a broken heart on behalf of the lost condition of this world. I dare say that the bulk of our prayers should be directed to praying for the redemption of the wretched.

            As a result of our saving relationship with Jesus Christ the Bible teaches that all believers have direct access to the throne of God. (See Hebrews 4:16). James 5:16 tells us, “that the effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.” As we have already discussed, we have no righteousness of our own. However, for those who have trusted in Christ as their savior, we have a righteousness that is found in Him. (Romans 3:22). As we lift up our voices to God, we are also encouraged with the great news that Jesus is the mediator between God and man (I Timothy 2:5). So what does all of this mean? It simply means that through Christ we have direct access to the throne of the Father. The righteousness that is found in Christ is perfect righteousness; therefore the prayers of a righteous man can accomplish much. Our prayers through Christ are powerful.

            Have you ever been told (or even thought to yourself) that someone is too far gone? As I stood at the graveside of my mother, I tried to give the pastor who just finished preaching her funeral some money for his time and effort. He graciously declined, but upon my persistence he told to me if I really wanted to give the money, then I should come to church that Sunday and put it in the offering plate. I agreed and began to walk away. He then grabbed my arm to turn me back around and spoke these words to me, “Rusty I’m going to pray for you until you turn your life over to Jesus.” At that time in my life, I was a drug addict who was consumed with anger, rage, hatred, and bitterness. Not only was I a drug addict, I also considered myself to be an atheist. As he spoke those words to me I shrugged it off like it was nothing. Fifty-six day later I accepted Jesus Christ as the Lord over my life. We are never too far gone, and there is great power in prayer-if we pray.

Day 14 Prayer Guide

• Ask God to reveal any sin or mindset that would prevent Him from hearing your prayers.
• Repent of any such hindrance and ask for God’s forgiveness.
• Ask God to remove any doubts and keep you focused on Him.
• Seek the Holy Spirit to consume you during this time to lead you. Be obedient to Him.
• Spend some time praising God for the fact that He is able. Quote some scriptures or some of His characteristics to Him in praise.
• Pray that the people of God will repent of sins and mindsets that dishonor and hinder Him.
• Pray that all Christians will understand the depth of their salvation and as a result surrender to total service unto God.
• Pray that church will understand, and stand up to its calling.
• Pray that the people of God will stand in faith knowing God can reclaim this land.
• Pray that our churches would be devoted to, and peruse the things that honor God.
• Pray that our churches will be a shining light upon the hill.
• Pray that the people of God would see the need for revival and begin to seek God for it.
• Pray specifically for revival in your church. Pray for your pastor and church leaders.
• Pray that the people of God will be broken hearted over the lost.
• Pray that the church will be a gospel centered church with a heart to evangelize the world while starting in their own back yard.
• Pray that the power of God would fall on the church moving them to prayer and sowing the gospel seed.
• Pray for a great awakening in your community. Name off streets and neighborhoods.
• Do not be judgmental in this, but pray that if there is any within the church who do not have a genuine relationship with Jesus that God would convict their heart and save them.
• Make a list of individuals who are not saved and begin petitioning God for their salvation.
• Pray for repentance of sin and a great awakening in our nation.
• Pray for the safety, protection, and influence of Christians who are being persecuted. 

Day 13

Saved with a Holy Calling.

            One of the difficulties we often have is understanding how totally depraved we are apart from Christ.  We often think that we are deserving of the gifts and the blessings of God. However, the Word of God says in Isaiah 64:6, “our righteousness is as filthy rags.” Our righteousness is the best we can give, and it alone is not enough. The Bible also says in Ephesians 2:3, “by nature we are children of wrath.” The word of God gives a very bleak picture of the nature of man. Every man, woman, and child that has ever lived upon this earth has made a conscious choice at some point in their lives to rebel and sin against God. Romans 3:23 says, “for all have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God.”

            The Bible also tells us that God requires death as the payment for our sins. (Romans 6:23). Death had to be paid as a penalty of sin, but praise be to God that I Corinthians 15:3 tells us, “Christ died for our sins.” We should have paid the penalty for our sins but Jesus stood in our place. Although we have turned our backs on Him time after time, God loves us enough to send us His son to become sin for us. II Corinthians 5:21 says, “He (God) made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” Due to this great sacrifice, John said in I John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” No one is worthy of this great gift of sacrifice. We deserve death and hell; yet, God gives us grace by giving us His Son.

            With this grace in mind, Paul said in Romans 12:1, “Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.” He is urging us, because of the mercy of God, to give ourselves entirely to Himself as a living and holy sacrifice. God doesn’t want dead sacrifices. He desires living sacrifices that are set apart for His own purposes. If we truly understand the mercies of God and the great grace that God has bestowed upon us, we will have no problem serving Him. The mercies of God have purchased us from sin, death, and hell and have reconciled us into a right relationship with Him. “But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved).” (Ephesians 2:4).

            As the Apostle Paul began to write his second letter to young Timothy, he knew his life was going to end soon. He was imprisoned and about to be executed because of his faith in Jesus and his faithful service to Jesus. With this in mind, Paul wrote these words to Timothy in II Timothy 1:8, “Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God.” Now, anyone else would have said, “Are you out of your mind? You are about to die and you want me to come join with you in suffering!” What reason would Timothy have in joining with Paul in suffering? Why would he continue to walk down this path of service and loyalty to Jesus when this is the very path that has Paul where he is? Paul answered that question in the very next verse when he said, “Who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity.” I will serve Him for no other reason than that I am saved by His wonderful grace.

            What an honor and a privilege to serve God. When God saves us, He calls us; however, we must also understand that when He calls us, He equips us. When we are called by God, we are not our own, we are His! The bible says in Ephesians 2:10, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” Through Christ we are called to good works. By the hand of God we are shaped, formed, and fitted to fulfill them. God may not have called you to be a pastor or an evangelist or to go to a foreign mission field, but you are called nonetheless. The calling He has placed upon your life may be done in a manner where no one in the world may ever be aware of it. However, it is still a glorious and honorable calling. If we were to be called upon by a king or dignitary of this world to render service, we would consider it an honor. We, however, have been called by the King of Kings. What a glorious honor; for He has saved us and called us with a holy calling.

Day 13 Prayer Guide

• Ask God to reveal any sin or mindset that would prevent Him from hearing your prayers.
• Repent of any such hindrance and ask for God’s forgiveness.
• Ask God to remove any doubts and keep you focused on Him.
• Seek the Holy Spirit to consume you during this time to lead you. Be obedient to Him.
• Spend some time praising God for the fact that He is able. Quote some scriptures or some of His characteristics to Him in praise.
• Pray that the people of God will repent of sins and mindsets that dishonor and hinder Him.
• Pray that all Christians will understand the depth of their salvation and as a result surrender to total service unto God.
• Pray that church will understand, and stand up to its calling.
• Pray that the people of God will stand in faith knowing God can reclaim this land.
• Pray that our churches would be devoted to, and peruse the things that honor God.
• Pray that our churches will be a shining light upon the hill.
• Pray that the people of God would see the need for revival and begin to seek God for it.
• Pray specifically for revival in your church. Pray for your pastor and church leaders.
• Pray that the people of God will be broken hearted over the lost.
• Pray that the church will be a gospel centered church with a heart to evangelize the world while starting in their own back yard.
• Pray that the power of God would fall on the church moving them to prayer and sowing the gospel seed.
• Pray for a great awakening in your community. Name off streets and neighborhoods.
• Do not be judgmental in this, but pray that if there is any within the church who do not have a genuine relationship with Jesus that God would convict their heart and save them.
• Make a list of individuals who are not saved and begin petitioning God for their salvation.
• Pray for repentance of sin and a great awakening in our nation.
• Pray for the safety, protection, and influence of Christians who are being persecuted. 

What is your passion?

Our friends the Stanley’s, a family of five, left today (1-18-2015) at 5 PM from Dallas on a one way trip to Uganda. To support themselves and their work, they took about 46 luggage bags with them. They have prepared a good while for this adventure, including prayer for praying and financial partners to get behind them, and for in country preparations. They plan to be bringing educational opportunities through school as well as brand-new spiritual life to others when they place their trust in Jesus and his promises.

Last night a large gathering worshiped Jesus, as led by the Stanley’s. We prayed for them, hugged them, wrote encouraging notes for their rainy day reading, and said our goodbyes. The whole family is very excited about this new venture of going around the world as ambassadors for Christ. One of the motivators for the husband was the enthusiastic feedback of a man who walked miles and miles in Uganda on a previous trip to express his appreciation that Floyd shared the good news of salvation and heaven through Christ’s work on the cross.

We each have 24 hours to invest every day. Independent of geography, God can take what we do have, and which we are willing to turn over for His management, and multiply it in the mental, spiritual, physical, and eternal domains.  Martyr Jim Elliott said, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep, to gain what he cannot lose.”  Jesus agreed with that statement by telling us that a man must lose his life in order to find it in Him. We tend to hold onto things tightly in order to try to feel more secure, but the secret is just the opposite; we gain freedom, effectiveness, joy, and eternal success by entrusting all that we have to the Lord. As an example, Isaiah 55 says that God’s ways and thoughts are not ours, just as heaven is much higher than the earth.

So this is a good time for each of us to consider, what is our passion? And also, what is the source of our passion? David was a man after God’s own heart and he was clearly very passionate as we see from his writings in the Psalms. God loves a passionate person to such an extent that he prefers that we be hot or cold, compared to lukewarm. We see Jesus’ rare public display of passion, when his anger and action overturned the tables of the money changers in the temple. He explained that the zeal of His Father’s house had eaten him up, or consumed him. He also explained that the correct use of the temple, intended by His Father, was a house of prayer. He had a passionate feeling and expression of this zeal.

We may not have the passion of a Stanley family, a Jim Elliott, or Jesus Himself, but we can rest assured that as we seek God, he will lead us to discover the plans he has for us, and he will enhance it with a passion to see that carried out. Please consider praying about this and listening for His promise to answer. His eyes are searching the entire Earth for people who are dedicated to Him and will take Him seriously and do what He says. May we each be one of those kinds of people.

On the eve of 3-1-15 I am requesting prayer for 2 Stanley children who just came down with malaria, Reagan (teen girl) and Tyler (teen boy with 103 degree fever) in hospital in Uganda.  Thanks!