Corinth – An Introduction to the City and Culture

he Corinthian church was in a critically important location. At the time of Paul's missionary journeys, Corinth was the leading city of Achaia. Achaia was the Roman province which covered the southern part of the modern nation of Greece. Athens was still the educational centre of Achaia, but Corinth was the capital of the Roman Province and the major commercial centre. A healthy church there could have an impact on the region and far beyond.

Corinth lay on a narrow isthmus, only six kilometers across, which connected the southern part of the Greek peninsula to the mainland, with sea to the southeast and northwest. This strategic position made Corinth one of the richest cities and greatest trading centers of the ancient world. All traffic from Athens and the North of Greece to Sparta and the Peloponnese had to pass through Corinth because of its position on this narrow neck of land. The parade of foreign travel moving through the city made missionary work possible without leaving town.

The rapid growth in its population soon made it the third largest city of the Roman Empire after Rome and Alexandria. It was populated with freedmen from Rome, who became the most numerous inhabitants of the city. There were also many Greeks, Jews and other peoples, making it a cosmopolitan port city. The population is difficult to estimate, but was probably around 200,000, plus 500,000 slaves, all squashed into a small area. It was a rough, tough city with a bad reputation. To “Corinthianize” was a term common throughout the Roman Empire. It meant to corrupt. Whenever a stage play called for an inebriated soul who gave a bit of character to the production – he was commonly cast as a Corinthian.

Sadly, the church, rather than challenge the immoral character of Corinth, had itself assimilated the deadly values of the deviate city. As Paul closes his second letter to the Corinthian church, he must sigh to himself. He has invested so much time, so much energy. But they are wrought with more challenges than any other church he has founded. He urges:

Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? II Corinthians 13:5

“Examine yourself!” Paul pleads. The question is one that must be asked again today – to the modern American church that now resembles the church at Corinth.

Let me ask, “Do you perform regular internal audits on your personal relationship with God?” Many Christians don’t. They don’t consider such a matter even remotely important. In fact, the American church has repressed discernment – even self-discrimination. The Word discriminates! (II Tim. 2:15-16; Heb. 4:12) That is, it divides between even the joints and the marrow of our soul. Between the thoughts and the intents of our heart.

Most people in America assume that they are Christians. According to the most reliable data, 76.5% of the population identifies themselves as Christian.[1]  If indeed, three-of-four people in the nation were genuine Christians, whose behavior resembled that of Christ, and whose values were rooted in the Holy Scripture – this nation would not be experiencing a moral implosion. The population is either lying about their faith commitment, or more likely, completely confused about what being a Christian really means.

At the close of the second letter to the Corinthians, Paul calls twice, in one verse, using two distinct terms, for the readers in Corinth to take an inventory to see if they are genuinely Christian. He does not call for an inquisition. He does not urge the examination of one another. He is not fostering a judgmental attitude between believers. He knows the futility of the Pharisee life (Phil. 3:4-6; Gal. 1:13-15) – that is not his goal. He had spent 18 months in Corinth, preaching and leading them to Christ, establishing them in the faith. Now, he raises doubts about whether or not all of them are genuine disciples of Christ. And he is calling for quiet, personal, probing moments between each individual and God to verify the legitimacy of their relationship with Christ. “For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged.” The church at Corinth is already under the judgment of God – some are prematurely dying! And no one has discerned the reason. “When we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world!” (I Cor. 11:31). We are to examine ourselves – to avoid judgment, to avoid being condemned in the end with the world. Sobering, isn’t it?

The Prayer that God Heard

            A generation had passed since the promise of God came to King David that his son Solomon would build God’s Temple. With years of anticipation the people of God’s choosing, Israel, were gathered at the city of God’s choosing, Jerusalem, with the king of God’s choosing, Solomon, to celebrate the completion of the place of God’s choosing, the Temple. A place God said in II Chronicles 7:16, “For now I have chosen and consecrated this house that My name may be there forever, and My eyes and My heart will be there perpetually.”

            Great sacrifices were given during this dedication that lasted twenty-four days with 22,000 oxen and 120,000 sheep offered up to God. God showed up and consumed the first of the offerings in one of the most spectacular demonstrations of God’s glory seen in the entirety of God’s Word. Although God accepted this phenomenal offering, the offering is not what captured God’s heart. God honored the prayer that was offered up as a sacrifice on that day. At the conclusion of the prayer, God’s Shekinah Glory, the manifest presence of God, filled the Temple. 

            God told Solomon after the completion of the dedication, “I have heard your prayer.” (II Chronicles 7:12). In this chapter we will examine this prayer and ask ourselves: “What’s so special about this prayer?” Many people have told me through the years, “I don’t know how to pray”. Even the disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray, in Luke 11:1.  For this reason we search the scriptures to discover prayers that were offered up to God, particularly the prayers that God honors. That being said, these prayers offered up to God are not magic formulas or things we simply quote to conjure up the presence of God. They are tools to teach us what touches the heart of God so we too can pray with confidence that God hears our prayer.    

            God honors the attitude of prayer more than the words or actions themselves. God began to explain to Solomon that if Israel wanted to see the continual anointing of His hand upon them, they must do things His way. God told them to pay attention to the signs of His presence; and when they saw the evidence of His blessings and provisions being removed, He gave not only the greatest formula for revival but also the only formula for revival. God told Solomon in II Chronicles 7:14, that if “My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

            Solomon’s prayer that day resulted in one of the most magnificent manifestations of God found in all the Word of God and set in motion the hand of God’s blessing falling on the nation of Israel for years to come as they sought the face of God. As we examine Solomon’s prayer, the prayer that God heard, we realize that everything God said He required for His hand of blessing to be upon His people in II Chronicles 7:14 is found within Solomon’s prayer. I believe that not only was God giving a formula for revival, but He was also giving His approval of Solomon’s prayer. As we look at the prayer that God heard, we will see II Chronicles 7:14 demonstrated in Solomon not only through his words but also through his actions and attitude.

Day 1 Prayer Guide

• Ask God to reveal any sins or mindsets that would prevent Him from hearing your prayers.
• Repent of any such hindrances 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 for the people of God that they would see the need for revival and begin to seek God for it.
• Pray that the people of God would have a desire and stand in anticipation for God to pour out the fires of revival upon churches and send a great awakening in our land.
• Pray that God’s people will seek the heart of God and desire His will and not their own.
• Pray that God’s people will align themselves with Him that He will hear their prayers.
• Ask God to align His people and prepare them for a mighty revival and a great awakening.
• Ask God to rise up leaders like Solomon that will lead the people for God’s glory.
• Pray specifically for revival in your church. Pray for your pastor and church leaders.
• Pray for a great awakening in your community. Name off streets and neighborhoods.
• 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.
• Thank God for hearing you and thank Him in advance for answering these petitions. 

I am leading my church through a 40 day time of prayer and fasting which starts tomorrow, 2/18/15. It's purpose is to seek the face of God for revival in the church and a great awakening in our land. Throughout the 40 days they will receive a daily bible study along with a prayer guide. I will begin posting the bible studies and prayer guide tomorrow and would love for others to join us. This is the introduction.

Introduction

            For the past several years, God has given me a burden to write this study. He has given me a burden for seeing revival in our land and in our time, which is the purpose of this study. Not a week of meetings that soon is forgotten or isolated movements that soon fade, but a mighty moving of God’s powerful hand that spreads throughout the land capturing the glory of His splendor. As I read through the Word of God and church history, I can come to no other conclusion than the fact that He is able, He is more than able. We will also see the clear biblical truths unfold that He is also willing.  

Through my studies, I am fully convinced that God desires to move mightily upon the land. 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.” God wants His glory to be seen. So what is the problem you might ask? We are. We have become so obsessed with “us” that we have not allowed God to be seen through us. We glory in the works and wisdom of man rather than standing in awe of the greatness of God. God’s heart is that His glory is seen by the world through us. However, we must get “us” out of the way.

            In this study we will take a close look at II Chronicles 7:14 along with its biblical context. God set apart King Solomon to be the man who would build His temple. God had provided Solomon with the wisdom and the wealth to build a phenomenal house in which the very presence of God would rest. In II Chronicles 6 the nation of Israel gathered together in the outer court of the temple for a dedication service. Solomon prayed asking for God’s hand of blessing and guidance to come upon them. In chapter seven we see the Shekinah Glory of God fall down on the temple and consume the offering. 

When the glory of God fell, the priests were not even able to enter the temple. They could not fulfill their priestly duties-duties that God had called them to, equipped them for, and anointed them for. They could not do the very thing that God had called them to do because God showed up and said, “I will take it from here”. 

That is true revival. That is what I am longing for and what I pray you are longing for as well: God’s showing up in such a way that man has to simply get out of the way; God’s moving in such a way that everyone, beyond a shadow of doubt, knows this is a movement of a mighty God; and God’s moving so mightily that no man can share in His glory because it is all directed to Him. I am seeking true revival where God moves in such a way that the fires of revival fall from heaven consuming us in His glory and purifying us in His presence. An undeniable Spirit-led awakening that transforms the spiritual landscape for His glory is what I am longing for.  

            Volumes of books could be written about the problems our churches are facing. Even the most spiritually blind can see them. However, that is not the purpose of this study. This study is about seeking the solution. God is our solution. Psalm 46:1 says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” The facts are overwhelmingly clear that the church of today is in desperate need of revival. God came to Solomon by night after the temple was dedicated and gave to Solomon not just the greatest formula for revival but the only formula for revival. He said to Solomon in II Chronicles 7:14, “If My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

            Jesus said to the church in Matthew 16:19, “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven.” Jesus has given the power and authority to the church to unleash the endless riches of heaven upon this earth. However, we must do it God’s way. He has also given us the power to bind heaven upon this earth. We do that by operating in our own power and authority. We must understand that God doesn’t need us; He simply chooses to work through us. However, we desperately need Him. Jesus said in John 15:5, “Apart from Me you can do nothing.” Therefore, if nothing is being done, it is due to the fact that it is being done apart from Jesus. 

            The question for today is not what should be done if we see spiritual drought. We are seeing it! However, God has given us the answer. We must recognize who we are and whose we are. We must humble ourselves before a mighty God, call upon Him, seek His face, and turn from the things that bring dishonor to His Holy presence. Then, and only then, will we align ourselves to receive the abundant blessings that will flow through us and into this world where God then would receive all glory, honor, and praise. A few years back the contemporary Christian rock group Casting Crowns asked in song with this text of scripture in mind, “What if His people prayed?” WOW! Think of the results. What if His people prayed? What if His people who are called by His holy name humbled themselves before His majesty? What if His people who are called by His name turned from their wicked ways that dishonor Him and trusted in Him in holiness for His honor? What if His people who are called by His name were satisfied with nothing but His glorious presence and began to seek His face? What if? 

            We must also keep in mind that we did not get in this spiritual drought overnight. God can, if He so chooses send down revival fire upon this land at this very moment that would spread like wildfire near and far consuming all wickedness and purifying it for His purpose. However, we must understand that this is not just some seven-step plan that we do A, B, and C and 1, 2, and 3 then abracadabra alakazam; revival has come. God could put us through a testing period to examine whether we are just seeking the benefits of Him or if we are truly seeking Him.  We must ask ourselves as well if we would faithfully serve Him even if we never saw a single result. Many have. God does not ask us for results. His simple request of us is obedience. The results are up to Him.  

Jesus also warns us in Matthew 16:4, “an evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign.” This study is not about being a sign seeker it is about being a God seeker. I have no doubt signs will follow but only if our hearts are seeking God and not simply seeking the manifestation of God. Remember that the righteous walk by faith and not by sight. We see in the book of Acts that God started with a small group of one hundred and twenty ordinary men that were in an upper room prayerfully waiting on His power. When the power of God fell, revival broke out and the gospel spread like wildfire. Within one hundred years, the gospel had spread across the whole world. God is able; however, we must wait on Him, believe on Him, seek Him, and pray. What if His people prayed?  

            Although the need for revival in our land is abundantly clear I also know that there are many Christians who are on fire for the Lord with a heart to see God sweep a mighty revival across the land. I am also fully aware that there are many churches that God is using in extraordinary ways to reach their communities and the world for Christ.

Again this study is not about finger pointing or fussing about our spiritual state. It is about seeing the church of the Lord Jesus Christ as a whole live up to its full potential in the power and authority that God has granted, so we will join forces and storm the gates of hell raising up the banner of victory that will give glory and honor to The Lord Jesus Christ. This cannot be accomplished through my agenda; nor can it be accomplished by your agenda or anyone else’s. This can only be accomplished through us coming into agreement, and getting on board with God’s agenda. We must surrender to His will, submit to His way, and trust in His power. Let’s answer the question: What if!       

Definitions:

            Revival: Revival is a restoration to life. Only people who are saved and churches can experience revival. Revival is a restoration to a right relationship with God that releases the power and authority of God upon the church or saved individual. The lost cannot be revived since they are dead in their sins.

            Great Awakening: An awakening is the moving of God upon the lost awakening them, or making them aware, of their sin and hostility towards God causing them to enter into repentance and salvation. A great awakening is God moving in such a way on the masses.

            The People of God: In the prayer guides you will be asked to pray for the people of God. The people of God are Christians. While praying for the people of God keep in mind that you are in that number therefore, you will be praying for yourself as well. 

PrayerShop Publishing is soon releasing a new book, Pray the Word for Your Church, which is a 31-prayer guide of Scripture prayers to pray, plus a journal to keep you on target in praying for the leaders and ministries in your church. Here is a sample prayer:

Speaking Truthfully with One Another

Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. Ephesians 4:25

Heavenly Father, I come to You today confessing my great need of the work of the Holy Spirit in the deepest places of my heart.  It is written in Your Word that You desire truth in my inner being, so I ask, Father, that truth be found at the core of who I am.

I know the words that I should bring into Your presence, but the falseness of my heart so often escapes me. O God have mercy on me I pray. Shine the spotlight of the Holy Spirit on every corner of my heart, expose all darkness and every lie. (Pause and be still in God’s presence).

I come to You, Father, on behalf of my church community and ask that in the hearts of my brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus, truth would also be found. Jesus said that it is out of the overflow of our hearts, that our mouths are fed with words to build up or to tear down. So I ask, Father, that we might be people of truth deep within our hearts.

May we put off everything that is less than truth I pray. 

Destroy exaggeration, deception of all kinds, false flattery--every expression of falsehood.

May the ways that we lie to protect ourselves, or to avoid admonishing one another, be put to death. 

Instead, teach us to speak the truth in love to one another that we might encourage one another to grow up in Christ and continue in our pilgrimage with Him until we see His face.

In all things, in every opportunity, may we be those who encourage and build each other up as we speak truthfully with one another.  Do this I pray that Jesus, who is the Way the Truth and the Life, would be seen and proclaimed with greater freedom and joy among us. Begin with me Lord, for this is the desire of my heart.

I ask this in submission to Your Word, O God, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Psalm 51:6; Isaiah 29:13; Luke 6:45; Colossians 3:9; Ephesians 4:15; Hebrews 10:25; 1 Thessalonians 5:11

“I walk slowly, but I never walk backward.” – Abraham Lincoln, U.S. president from 1861 to 1865

President Lincoln’s statement prompts us to reflect on several dimensions of the truth about progress.

Walking forward is the best course. Our Creator made us in such a way that walking backward is awkward. Physically, it’s challenging. Emotionally, it’s counterproductive. Spiritually, it’s discouraging. Our bodies can trip if we attempt this. Our minds grow despondent if we fret about our past mistakes. It’s better to let God shape us by His glorious future, than to be shaped by our guilty past.  If we spend too much time looking in the rearview mirror, we’ll miss the view through the windshield.

Good things take time. If we don’t do things right, we’ll have to find time to do them over. Things built rapidly fall apart easily. Loving relationships and sterling character traits do not develop overnight.

A slow pace is good for the soul.  Some Parke County Indiana covered bridges still have the saying “Cross this bridge at a walk” over their entrance. These words were placed there because of the presumption that trotting horses or marching Civil War soldiers might cause structural damage to the bridge. The words remind us that slowing down enables us to enjoy the beauty of life. Elijah did not hear God’s voice in the windstorm, earthquake, or fire, but in a gentle whisper. Driving on the Interstate can wear us out; to relax, we need to take an exit ramp now and then and travel a scenic byway—taking a walk is even better. When we turn off the comfort of noise, we open our hearts to God.  

Small steps in the right direction eventually add up to significant  moral and spiritual progress. Little things can be extremely important—a misplaced car key or a lost wedding ring is enough to drive home this point. Daily habits may seem inconsequential at the time, but over the years they can lead to disease or health.  

Spiritual maturity takes a lifetime. Character-building experiences combine with God’s work in believing hearts to sculpt us into Christ’s image. We’re a work in progress—incrementally, day by day, gradually, almost imperceptibly—we’re growing in Christlikeness.

“I don’t mean to say that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” (Philippians 3:12-14 NLT)

Johnny R. Almond

Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

Interim Pastor, Nomini Baptist Church; Montross, Virginia

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

What causes people not to finish well? The question lodged in my mind following an illustration used by my pastor in a recent sermon. Noah, served God faithfully, followed God’s instructions to the letter (or maybe to the cubit), saved his family, then ended in a drunken stupor (Genesis 9:20-21). Jacob dreamed of God’s promise and vowed a powerful vow to God (Genesis 28:10-22) yet later worshiped false idols in his home (Genesis 35:1-4).  God described David as “a man after My own heart, who will do all My will” (Acts 13:22), yet David had an adulterous affair with Bathsheba and arranged the murder of her husband, Uriah (2 Samuel 11:1-4). Sarah served God faithfully, but in her advanced years, when told by God that she would bear a child, she laughed at God in faithless doubt (Genesis 18:12).  Gideon lived up to his name which meant “mighty warrior” and was listed in the great hall of fame of the faithful in Hebrews 11:32 yet he made an object of worship out of the gold won in battle (Judges 8:27) and bore seventy sons from his multiple wives and concubine (Judges 8:30-31).  Even the Apostle Paul had a fear that “when I have preached to others, I myself should be disqualified” (1 Corinthians 9:27). Nor is this just a biblical issue. There are ample examples of this late-life descent in modern day spirituality. Is the cause physiological, psychological, emotional, mental, spiritual, or all of the above? I’m not sure, but it has become my daily prayer to finish more like Paul who wrote, “I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). 

The following two e-mails are from Jonathan Graf regarding a cyber-attack on several websites, including Harvest Prayer Ministries and PrayerConnect.  The sites have been restored at this point but there are still some issues.  Rather than explain further, I'm posting Jonathan's e-mails (with his permission) below.  Please pray!  There is certainly an element of spiritual warfare here.  Please pray as God leads.

If you aren't on my email list or a friend on Facebook, you wouldn't know that I have been posting a FREE series of prayer training videos online. In response to a comment last night, I posted the following manifesto on Facebook...
 

MY PRAYER MENTOR MANIFESTO--

For the life of me I can't find it, but on one of my video prayer posts someone commented, "Prayer is just talking to God. Don't over complicate it."
 
I absolutely agree that prayer can be just talking to God. So, why am I doing these videos? I have met many people (and I was definitely one of these people) who feel totally lost in just talking to God. Some don't know where to begin. Some don't know how to hear the other side of the conversation. Some are worried they aren't doing it right. Some wonder what to say and for fear of saying the wrong thing say nothing. Some are in A bad place with God.
 
For you beginner folks...
For you folks who are lost, I get it. And I am doing this for you (but not just you, others that I will mention in a minute as well) At one point, I was utterly lost about prayer and didn't know where to start. I was a high school kid with no one teaching me and limited role models. Laugh if you will, but I was so lost I looked up the Lord's Prayer in an encyclopedia (if you're to young to remember what one of those is you can read about it on wikipedia) and memorized the prayer. I didn't know what else to do. So, I am here for you to help you get started so you don't have to be as lost as I was.
 
For you folks who know what to do...
And then there's you folks who know what to do, but you're struggling to get it done. Been there, done that...err...didn't do it. Whatever. You get my drift. I am here for you too with strategies to help you make prayer the priority it should be. So God is that best friend your constantly spend time with rather than that best friend you regret not having seen in a while.  

For you folks who could have so much more...

And then there's you folks who are praying, but you are scratching the surface of the amazingly rich conversation and well-spring of life prayer can be. You drop into conversation with God fairly regularly, but not at a depth that's changing who you are and how you live in profound ways. It's not at a level where you have that peace that surpasses all understanding. I'll confess, I don't live in that space as much as I want, BUT I live in and experience it enough to have a handle on a number of best practices that can help it become more normative for you.  

From the deepest place in my heart...

So here I am to help. Yes prayer is just talking to God. But if it's a conversation that doesn't come easy for you, or you're neglecting it more than you like, or it's less than anything miraculous...then I am here, not to complicate, but to aid, enrichen and solidify the most amazing connection in life you can have.  

Peace and Christ's love to you all,

John Arnold The Practical Disciple  

p.s. You can get my free training and our conversation about prayer can start here...  

Two days before Christmas in 1776 Thomas Paine penned the words, “These are the times that try men’s souls.” His words like the introduction to A Tale of Two Cities, could apply to almost any period since the fall of man. They describe an appalling reality in our day. Many of us are particularly alarmed by the moral decline that has swept our country. We are seeing the fulfillment of Biblical warnings of the last days. “There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.”[i]

How are we to respond to such moral and spiritual realities? The prophet Joel responded to the judgment of God that had fallen on Israel in his day with a call for unusual prayer.

“Consecrate a fast, call a sacred assembly, gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land into the house of the LORD your God, and cry out to the LORD.”

Jonathan Edwards, one of the primary leaders of the Great Awakening in America, wrote a little booklet about urgent prayer. It had a long title for such a brief monograph.

A Humble Attempt to Promote the Agreement and Union of God’s People Throughout the World in Extraordinary Prayer For a Revival Of Religion And The Advancement Of God’s Kingdom On Earth, According To Scriptural Promises And Prophecies Of The Last Time

You can find this little booklet on line, http://goo.gl/nMogwY , and I do recommend it. The title itself addresses my thinking. God’s people must consider and, yes, even pray for extraordinary prayer in our day. I believe such prayer, and the thunderous results God would bring about, are promised to us in the last days as much as the terrible things we see.

What would extraordinary prayer look like today? What would it look like in your church? What if such prayer meetings spread from church to church across America? What might happen if extraordinary prayer spread like wildfire from people group to people group, from country to country around the world?

For the next few weeks I want to write about such prayer. As we consider what this would mean, pray with me for God to bring about extraordinary prayer in our time. Share these blog entries adding to them and commenting on them on line and off line with believers anywhere you may find them.

http://daveswatch.com/ 

http: //watchinginprayer.blogspot.com/

For many believers, churches, denominations, and missions organizations prayer has been lost. The Apostle Paul says: "Pray without ceasing," or "Pray continually," or "Never stop praying."

The devil has been taking people captive to do his will (2 Timothy 2:26) since the fall of man. The land and kingdoms of this earth are controlled by him (Matthew 4:8-9). As we think about advancing the Kingdom of God we know that there is a fight between two kingdoms. There are places in the Arabian Peninsula that have been controlled for years by the devil. Pray that the land of the AP will be freed from the devil and his control. Pray that the hearts of Gulf Muslims would be freed from the hardness the devil places there, especially the hardness against knowing Jesus the Son of God and the full truths about Jesus. Pray for a growing movement among people who will seek Jesus to advance His great name in families, villages, towns and cities across the AP. The devil has been in control too long, we are seeking the God of all creation to have a great victory in the AP.

A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people's hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil's trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants. 2 Timothy 2:24-26

Next the devil took him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. "I will give it all to you," he said, "if you will kneel down and worship me." 

Matthew 4:8-9

What did Jesus respond? "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'" Matthew 4:10

For the first time in almost 18 months, I’m leading a FREE 3-part prayer training series called, 'Surefire strategies to pray better and connect more deeply with God."

In the first video, I share a strategy that Jesus used in his prayer life that is seldom addressed--the use of  having distinct prayer spaces.  You get to see my three personal favorite prayer spaces and I'll share with you the unique role each one plays.  This strategy will keep you more consistent in prayer and help you more readily connect with God.

In the second video, I tackle the number one struggle people report to me, which is focus.  People are so busy and have been so conditioned by technology that being able to maintain focused thoughts during prayer has become almost impossible for many people.  In this video, I share some extremely quick and easy solutions for this epidemic problem.

Lastly, I just finished my third video and will be uploading it momentarily.  By the time you read this it will most likely be available as well.  In it I share my personal story of moving from learning to pray using an encyclopedia -- yes, you read that write "an encyclopedia -- to developing a very easy to follow system for evaluating and improving your prayer life called, "The Five Pillars of Life-Changing Prayer."  To get access to the entire series go to this link...

GET THE VIDEOS HERE:  Surefire strategies to pray better and connect more deeply with God.

These are strategies I have personally used and experienced the benefits of time and time again.  Don't take my word for it though.  Check them out.  I would love your feedback after you have had a chance to watch these videos.  I hope and pray that they are a significant blessing to you.

Peace,

John Arnold

The Practical Disciple

p.s. Warning: These aren't quick pithy videos.  Each one is about 25 to 30 minutes of solid practical training.

We’ve all done some moon-gazing—charmed by the beauty of this object reflecting light from the distant sun. At times we may have wondered what the “dark side” of the moon looks like. Now, thanks to a recently-released NASA animated video, we can get a glimpse of the other side. There are faith implications to consider. Read “A View from the Other Side” on my blog at http://GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized.com/

Johnny R. Almond

Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

Interim Pastor, Nomini Baptist Church; Montross, Virginia

Blog http://GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized.com/

CLICK TO READ PART 1 HERE

Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him(James 5:14-15)

The Lord promised that "in this world you will have tribulation (or trouble), but be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world" (John 16:33b). How does someone do that when the enemies of God are systematically destroying His people....when many are losing hope....when the numbers of "nones" (those who believe in nothing) grow exponentially....etc. etc..

These are the Biblical end times which are in view, primarily, to those who are saved and called by Christ into the Kingdom. We are seeing a plethora of incurable diseases, deadly viruses and inexplicable things all around us. Cancer is on the rise due to the many different things - lifestyle, quality of food and environment etc. In fact, if you act even the dearest Christian, there seems to be a sense of resignation and defeat.

This is both understandable and wrong at the same time. We see an exhortation from James here which is hardly called upon, in times of need, even by those who call themselves strong believers.....and that includes pastors. On average, you hear pastoral prayers about "Lord heal so and so, touch brother X, remember sister Y....etc.." But is there the strong biblical prayer system for healing, whether Body, Soul or Mind, which lines up with James 5:14, 15? Not really!  This sort of healing and restoration requires Faith and Trust in the Promise AND persistence in prayer.

Too many modern seminaries, and thus, the pastors they put out, have removed the spirit of this Scripture which says that such faith for healing, anointing with oil and restoration "is only for Bible times" and not now! I have heard that so many times, I don't even listen to it anymore. Because the Living Word who abides in the Christian testifies that the entire Word of God - all 66 books - are for now and for you and I. Therefore, even if the elders don't pray for the church and the sick as they should - YOU DO IT!

To drive home that point, the Lord gave us the account of the man of God - Elijah - who was sent to a place of famine and a poor woman in Zarephath. 
Read the full account here from the flowing narrative of God's Word Translation:  8 Then the Lord spoke his word to Elijah: 9 “Get up, go to Zarephath (which belongs to Sidon), and stay there. I’ve commanded a widow there to feed you.”

10 He got up and went to Zarephath. As he came to the town’s entrance, a widow was gathering wood. He called to her, “Please bring me a drink of water.”

CLICK HERE TO READ THE READ OF THIS MESSAGE

“Be practical as well as generous in your ideals. Keep your eyes on the stars, but remember to keep your feet on the ground.” (President Theodore Roosevelt)

Private quiet time with God in rarefied spiritual heights is enjoyable. In fact, His company may be so sweet we consider constructing a shrine to revisit now and then; we may even feel we’d like to permanently move to our mountainside retreat. To escape the world’s polluted atmosphere and breathe pure oxygen, to be reenergized by invigorating heavenly elevation—what could possibly be any better? Reveling in friendship with God, we may wish we could just stay on Transfiguration Mount.

But being a hermit does not fit into our job description. We need frequent mountain climbing, to pray in solitude and keep our relationship with God on course. We also need to come down to earth to care for people. God is Love and He wants us to be loving. Preparation for ministry happens on peaks, but practical application occurs on everyday plains and depressed ravines.

We need to pray alone, and we also need to relate meaningfully. We need to ascend to commune with our Lord, then descend to serve others. It’s wonderful to enjoy tranquil interludes, so we can be strong in noisy chaos. But we should be careful not to become so heavenly minded we’re of no earthly good. When our head is in the clouds, God help us not to forget the crowds.

Though Jesus reveled in glory, when He sensed humanity’s plight He stooped to help. The King of kings descended the majestic mountain, assuming a servant’s role to compassionately care for a world in desperate need—now it’s our turn.

“Then Moses turned and went down the mountain.”  (Exodus 32:15 NLT)

Johnny R. Almond

Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

[This devotion based on Day 54 of Gentle Whispers]

http://GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized.com/

I start my work day the same way every day–I pray. And not just any prayer. I pray the same thing every day.

It hasn’t always been like this. Before I would switch on my computer, look at my calendar, check my emails, and do whatever came next. But now I pray to start my day. And I’m so glad I do.

Before I share the prayer, let me mention the difference it’s made for me.

First Allegiance

Beginning work with prayer reminds me of my first allegiance. One can feel pulled in many directions at work. There can be many people to please. You can feel like you’re losing yourself. But when I pray to start the day, it settles my soul. I know who I belong to. I know who I’m serving. It feels right to give my work day to Christ.

Receiving from God

Starting with prayer also positions me to receive from God. I don’t have to solve problems and save the world all by myself. Prayer enlists heavenly resources. I believe I’m a better employee when I ask God for help. It’s kind of foolish not to. I mean, God created the universe, why not ask God for help? That’s leaving a lot of resources at the door.

Full-time Faith

It also unites my faith with my work. How often am I a Christian? 100% of the time. Praying at work is a way for me to remain active in my faith all the time. But if I left Christ at the door, consider this. A 40-hour work week is about 50% of my waking hours. So if I slough off faith at work, that’s 50% of my week.

Starting my work day with prayer connects me with Christ and invigorates me to tackle anything that comes my way. It’s become a habit I can’t work without.

Here’s my daily prayer to start the work day, which takes 1-2 minutes to pray, but reaps great rewards:

"Jesus, thank you for this work day. There are many people without work, and I count it as your favor that you’ve blessed me with this job. Today I want to honor you at my workplace. Give me a clear mind and solid understanding to make wise decisions. Thank you for the people I’ll interact with today. Help me to love them as you love them and see them through your eyes.

“I want to be a good steward of my time. Help me to be productive and remember that if no one else is watching me, you still are. Thank you for the measure of responsibility and influence you’ve given me at work. Help me to use it for your purposes. Thank you for my authorities, who are trusting me with this job. Bless them, grant them guidance, and keep them safe.

“I want to be a peacemaker today, not causing division, strife, or gossip. Help me to walk in peace with others, myself, and you. Instead of becoming anxious about challenges, help me to see them as opportunities to go to you and grow in you. As I work today, may I continue to abide in you. Don’t let my abilities or resources keep me from you because truly apart from you I can do nothing.

Jesus, now to you be all glory and power today and forever, in your name I pray.”

I encourage you to start your work day with prayer. If you want to use this prayer, you can download it now.