Unseen Faithfulness & Provision

"And Elisha prayed, "O LORD, open his eyes so he may see." Then the LORD opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha."

-2 Kings 6:17 (NIV)-

Before we start today, let's worship. Give your heart, mind and spirit a six minute break. Close your eyes and listen to this song. I'm already praying for your heart to be opened and for your spirit to be renewed.

Lately, I've had the greatest blessings. I have been able to listen to my closest friend's hearts and worries. And here's what I've learned from their courageous examples of opening up about their weaknesses and their struggles:

The less we hide, the less the enemy has to work with.

The more we truly confess our struggles and hurts to each other, the more room Jesus has to move in for healing and restoration; the more power the Holy Spirit is given to renew us and defeat lies we so easily accept in our minds; the more opportunity God is given to prove His faithfulness.

It's amazing.

This is also something else to keep in mind:

Your seemingly cold, icy, isolated mountain(s) you're attempting to tackle? They only seem that way because the enemy so desires to convince you that you are alone, that you are left out in the cold, and that nobody can relate to you.

Guess what? FALSE! Hugely false.

You are a son or daughter of the King who fights for you moment-to-moment. You are a child of God's own family. Your brother and LORD defeated the enemy and has already prepared a place for you when you're called Home. You are dearly loved in such a powerful way. AND, you have brothers and sisters right here who would love to pray for you and help you in any way they can.

We're Family.

And God's family doesn't back down to challenges; we encourage, we provide, we listen, we inspire, we love, we act, we teach, we heal, and most of all, we turn each other right back to God so the enemy doesn't stand a chance.

In fact, I'm praying right now that as you are reading this post, you are being filled with the Holy Spirit's power which is mighty in pulling down strongholds; that you are being reminded powerfully of just how much God loves you; that you feel Jesus with you in these moments.

When Elisha prayed that his servant's eyes be opened and his servant was able to see the horses and chariots ready for battle, I bet his servant was first, shocked and second, assured. Are you in need of some assurance today?

Let us act as Elisha for each other today:

Heavenly Father, we praise you and thank you that you are able to accomplish infinitely more than we could ever ask or imagine. We pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ (name them) that they would experience just a tiny dose of vision that You blessed Elisha's servant with. Sometimes, we need to be reminded of how hard You are fighting for us and just how incredible You are.

Father, we are grateful and joyful to admit our weaknesses to each other because You promise us as Your Son, Jesus, promises us that Your strength is made perfect through our weaknesses. Therefore, we boast all the more gladly about our weaknesses:________ today. Thank you that you will strengthen us in these ways today.

We also confess and are grateful for our brokenness. If we were not broken, You would have no room to transform us into the people You created us to be way back before You placed us in our mother's wombs. We are in awe that You accomplished such an amazing micracle, and we humbly submit our desires to You. Shape us how you want. Transform our minds in Christ Jesus. Heal our hearts and renew our spirits. We need You.

Jesus, thank you for being with us even as we go about our day-to-day routines, jobs, schooling - whatever it is that we are doing, we thank you that you are there with us. We pray for each other all over the world that we would encourage each other to remember how faithful You have been to us Father.

Jesus, we invite you in with a feast of thankfulness and gratitude. We are thankful today for:____________. We are grateful that:__________. We praise you because You are the only One who __________. We love you. Use us to fulfil your mission.

Father, in Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Let's end together: Hillsong's "From the Inside Out"

Praying for you!

Pray Without Ceasing...

"One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us how to pray..."

-Luke 11:1 (NIV)-

Jesus taught the disciples The Lord's Prayer:

Our Father, who art in Heaven,

hallowed by thy name.

Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done

on Earth as it is in Heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread

and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

Lead us not into tempation, but deliver us from evil,

For thine is the Kingdom, the power and the glory forever.

Amen.

We also see Jesus' physical example. Sometimes he prayed all throughout the night. Other times, he rose early and prayed before the beginning of the day's responsibilities and opportunities. Still others, he prayed both privately and publicly. No matter what, Jesus prayed, trusted and thanked God for hearing him and continued his ministry.

Today, let's focus on Jesus' example of prayer. Let us pray today for each other around the world. Remember, yes, God will use your prayer even for people you have never met. Yes, your brothers and sisters need you to pray for them. Yes, you are heard and Yes, you are vitally important to this mission.

Let's pray together today for:

Orphans

Widows

The Persecuted Church

Marriages

Children in schools

Families

The Hurting and the Oppressed

Prisoners

Intercession for acts of violence both in the United States and Internationally

Provision for those starving or dealing with famine

Health

Please read this list and pray for at least one of these groups of people. For me, personally, I have a special place for the orphans, prisoners and those who are dealing with HIV/AIDS. Remember to pray for those who help at these places and for the people dealing with each one of these sufferings individually. And when you pray, pray with conviction and belief.

Remember the story of the faith of the Roman officer? Jesus told him, "What you have believed has come true."

Believe that God will provide for each of these groups of people, and He will. Doubt is our worst enemy. Conquer it with faith and rememberance of who our God is and his character. Secure that faith with thankfulness and press forward in intercessory prayer. We need each other's encouragement and will to cover each other powerfully in prayer through the Holy Spirit.

Let's start together:

"Heavenly Father, we thank you that we are able to pray as One Body and be heard by you. We thank you that we are able to pray for those whom we don't even know personally, but will be given provision by you in ways we can't fathom. Thank you for saving our brothers and sisters around the world. Today, we bring forth concern for _____ and ask that you would bring favor upon them. We pray in power by your Holy Spirit within us that you would bless ____ and nourish _____. Help them to remember who You are and what you are capable of doing. Thank you for sending laborers into _____'s lives to share the Good News. Thank you for protecting ____ this day. No evil shall come near nor any accident take over ____'s day today. We plead the blood of Jesus over ____ and their families this day. Thank you for hearing us. We love you and ask that you use us in whatever ways we can be of service to you to help _____. In Jesus' name, Amen."

A Certain Kind of Courage

"At once they left their nets and followed him. Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him."

-Matthew 4:20-22-

What have you given up completely? Have you risked your livelihood to do something you believed to be better? Have you given up your family to follow a hope? What have you sacrificed that seemed impossible to do without?

This is probably the most amazing part about this particular passage. Jesus called these men and notice what they left immediately: their nets and boat (livelihood) and their father (family). Could you do that?

Whether that answer is "yes," "no," or "I'm not sure...," take this hope: when Jesus calls you away from something or someone that seems imposible to relinquish, it's only because he has an incredible future planned for you and you are the only one who can fulfill this particular mission.

And here's the other catch: it's not just about the down-and-out crowd either. Jesus calls anyone. You could be quite successful in life and be thankful each day for the blessings given to you. That might present an even bigger challenge for you. Take heart and remember that God gives us every single thing we need, and it was from Him in the first place that you were afforded your comfortable and successful lifestyle.

So how will you know if it's God calling you toward a particular mission? How do you know your not justifying a particular personal desire?

God's Holy Spirit is alluring and inviting. He is never pushy, condemning or spiteful. God will never use shame, embarassment, humiliation, or haunt you of past memories you'd rather forget. He will never lead or ask you to break any of his laws. If you think you're being called to a particular mission, but something doesn't sit right, check your spirit. Ask the Holy Spirit of Truth to reveal to you what is wrong. Ask to align your thoughts and mind with God's thoughts so you may begin praying within his will. Better still, ask someone you know who walks closely & intimately with Jesus to pray in intercession for you during this time. Confusion is never from God so reject it immediately in Jesus' name. If you're still having a hard time with discernment, leave it alone for a little while. Jesus will make it clear and obvious when He needs you and your particular gifts and talents somewhere. He will speak to you how you specifically hear best from him.

And remember, it takes courage to walk away from the things he's asking you to walk away from. It is perfectly okay to be nervous, anxious or scared. But also remember this: God will always lead you into a promised land, even if you have to climb a few mountains first to get there. Fulfiling God's mission is always well worth leaving that which seems impossible.

James and John must have sensed this. Notice the passage: they were preparing the nets when Jesus called them. And what was their reaction? When did they leave the preparation of what seemed important to them? Did they discuss the pros and cons first? Did they ask their father for permission? No. They left immediately.

When God calls you, meditate upon what James and John learned: Jesus will guide you, the Holy Spirit will equip you and God will pour his favor and love upon you. You can do it!

Heavenly Father, we thank you so much for your Word. We especially thank you for the Gospels so we are able to follow Jesus' example. When we are scared or nervous to drop our "nets," and immediately follow you, Jesus, remind us of this passage. Remind us also of all that you have in store for us. Give us glimpses of a greater future of which we are honored and blessed to be apart. Thank you that we can speak to you and you give us discernment. Thank you that you will always speak to us in a way that makes specific sense to each of us. Thank you that we can follow you with hope and trust. We love you so much. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Announcement!

"She is clothed with strength and dignity..."

-Proverbs 31:25 (NIV)-

I have a very special announcement to make...

I gave birth to my daughter two weeks ago! Due to this wonderful gift, the blog will be updated weekly rather than daily. Continue to check back in!

I encourage you to encourage someone else today and each day by demonstrating the love of Christ. Let's be the Body he designed us to be!

Praying for each of you daily,

Abby 

Psalm 118:19-21

Yesterday, I put a poll out on Facebook asking a few people to post one reason they were thankful. Here are some of the responses:

"Just one? The sun is up, the people I love are safe and healthy, the fall temps are finally here, I made it through my first fall run without "eating it", and on and on and on!"
-Marsha, Texas

"Just ONE?!? I'm thankful for waking up and having a job to go to, for a husband who made my breakfast, and for a support network who means the world to me.... All were provided by God. So, I'm most thankful for Him. :)"
-Lisa, Washington

"I'm thankful to wake up and have another day to see my daughters grow up. Im thankful to hear "Good Morning Mommy" from my Princesses."
-Carralyce, Florida

"I am thankful for my healthy baby boy Issak."
-Ryan, Washington

"Thankful for God's unfailing love and His patience with me. For my family, Andrew, job, Whiskers, church family and wonderful friends! I'm very blessed!"
-Nicolette, Florida

"thankful for the Word of God, which keeps me from slipping daily. thankful for the Lord keeps me rooted in Him; I cannot be shaken!!!!"
-Sarah, California

"I am thankful for my family, friends, animals, creatures, the land, everything God has provided for us. I am thankful the most for God's faithfulness and the opportunity to awaken every single day so far."
-Abby, Florida

Today's encouragement to ponder:

Open for me the gates of the righteous;
    I will enter and give thanks to the Lord.
 This is the gate of the Lord
    through which the righteous may enter.
 I will give you thanks, for you answered me;
    you have become my salvation.
-Psalm 118:19-21 (NIV)

       Abraham was declared righteous by God because of his faith. He believed everything God said and gave thanks each time God blessed him. Doesn't this sound a lot like verses 19-21 in Psalm 118?
      And don't the answers above when asked about thankfulness sound a lot like recognition of what God has blessed and given these people with? Each time we remember our God, and praise him by giving thanks to His works alone, we are able to enter the gate of the righteous.
     Which gate do you desire to enter? A gate that leads to doubt and complacency and despair? Of course not!
      Let's enter the gate of the righteous by keeping our minds fixed on the right things:
    
      "...whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."
       -Phillipians 4:8 (ESV)-

Challenge: Come up with your own list today of an example of each one of these things.

"Heavenly Father, we come before you this day thanking you that we all simply woke up! Thank you for this new day. Help us to align our thoughts and fix our thoughts on whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent and worthy of praise. We cannot do this alone. We will only succeed in this by the power of Your Holy Spirit working within us and by Christ transforming and renewing our thoughts. Thank you for reminding us what we are thankful for. Help us to always desire to enter the gate of righteousness and lead us in the way everlasting. In Jesus' name, we pray on behalf for our brothers and sisters around the world, knowing that the power of prayer is rightfully ours, by Jesus's authority within us. Thank you for this marvelous gift and miracle. In Jesus' name, Amen."

Faithful Thanks

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)

       Today, we're going to do something a little different. I'm opening up the commenting section to post your reasons for being thankful.

      Why is it so important to give thanks in all cirumstances? Because look at the role of positive thinking. If we're broke, be thankful that we have a God who provides. If we're sad, thank Him that we even have the ability to feel sad. And then give thanks that He has promised that you won't be sad forever. If we just can't seem to get it together for whatever reason, give thanks for being given so much responsibility.

    Fact:  The more we remain faithful, the more thanks

              we give.

              The more thanks we give, the more we praise  

              God.

              The more we praise God, the more we realize

              what we have and rejoice in our blessings and

              contentment.

              The more we are content, the less room

              worry, anxiety, or any other form of negativity

              has to sneak its way into our thought life and 

              hearts.

             

     Fact: Thankfulness + Praise = Building of our faith

     What are you thankful for? What praise do you have to share?             

     Let's see if we can post at least 10 reasons why we're thankful to God from personal experience or have a praise to share and from at least three different countries.

     Tomorrow's post will be based on our responses and directed toward Psalm 118:19-21. Here we go!

**Click on "no comments" or "1 comment" or whatever the number of comments it is currently up to in order to post a comment.

Youth and Elderly Alike: "Send us!"

      Today's service was led by our youth ministry; both high school and college students. As I listened to five of them teach a different lesson about speech, life, love, faith and purity, I became marveled at the spiritual walk.

     Some of us stay in the infancy stage for quite some time. But to mature, we must read the Bible each day, worship God in awe, and be willing to be transformed by His Holy Spirit as He sees fit, not us. Creatures of habit, we are often comfortable with what makes us feel good. Most of us do not like the refining fire or being on the Potter's wheel. However, the youth today showed me (and hopefully everyone else in that 8 a.m. chapel service!) that we must not become complacent in our walk.

    If these youngsters are up to the challenge (and one that is incredibly hard facing today's society and culture), why shouldn't we be - those of us who are a little or a lot older? Why should we sit back in our chairs, comfortably "remembering" the times these youth face today? That shouldn't be our mission at all! We need to be just as fiesty as the youth, and watch our conduct in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity.

     Just this past Wednesday, I met with the women from my small group. We are studying Maxie Dunn's "Intercessory Prayer" workbook. These ladies are phenomenal. Most of them have had incredible life experience, and guess what? They still need encouragement from other Believers to keep their eyes fixed on Jesus, trust in God and submission to his Holy Spirit.

     Write this verse down and stick it on your mirror or in your wallet:

      "Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing, you will save both yourself and your hearers" (1 Timothy 4:16, ESV).

      Why is this so important? Allow me to share one more verse with you that is amazingly important, but little studied. When we keep a close watch on ourselves, we are disciplining and training ourselves to be self-aware of how and what we: say, do, think, feel, and act. How can the motives of our hearts be kept pure if we don't check in with ourselves and ask, "Why am I thinking this way? Why am I doing things this way? Why did I just say that?"
       We must also keep a close watch on the teaching because if we are to make an impact, we better be doing it wisely, and humbly, walking close to God. We certainly can't teach one thing and then act another. We'd be in the Pharisees camp if we tried, and then, who would come to know Christ? Not many.

       Consider these verses and let God speak to you this day through them:

       "If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. ¹⁰ For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved...
(Romans 10:9-10)

       "How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? ¹⁵ And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" (Romans 10:14-15).

       These are stunning points.

      Truly, I encourage you to wrestle with these:

      1) How can they (other believers struggling with their faith, unbelievers, and those who have never heard about Jesus to begin with) call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they call on one of whom they have not heard?

       This is why intercessory prayer is so vitally important today and every day.
       Does God hear our prayers? Yes.
       Will we always see the fruit of our prayers? No.
       Can we believe that God will use our prayers to help someone we have never met? Yes.
       Should we believe that God is able to bring the Good News to people we have never met globally? Yes! 

       Pray today that at least ONE person be given the knowledge and message of Jesus Christ by a fellow believer today. Pray that this one person will be given ears to hear and a convicted heart.

     2) How can someone hear if they do not have someone preaching to them? And how will they preach if they are not sent?

     This is why missionary work is so important. Even if you are not called to the international mission field, pray for these people anyway. Pray for the people they are about to impact.
      Pray for ordinary people, just like you and me, to be given a desire to study the Word, keep a close watch on ourselves and the teaching, and act as missionaries in our own communities.
      We must be on alert all the time, just like our youth. In fact, if we could even team up with our youth to instill wisdom in their approach, and be renewed by their passion, what an impact we could make!
      As always, just as I share in hospitality and recipes for the animals, serve with Love.

Let's pray together today:

"Heavenly Father, we thank you for the reminder and message of being a youth serving you. We, who are older, especially thank you for the reminder on how to keep a close watch on ourselves and our conduct. Thank you for reminding us about the international mission field, and those who impact it every day. We pray for you to equip our missionaries who serve internationally, sacrificing comfort and safety every day so that one more may be given new life in Christ. We pray for each other in our own communities, that you might send us to teach others about You. We praise you for the many works you have done and are continuing to do through us. Purify us in our minds, speech and actions so that we may glorify You in all we do and say. Thank you for this new day. We love you, praise you and thank you for your faithfulness each and every day. In Jesus' name. Amen."

New Recipes!

NEW Autumn-Inspired Recipes!

Check out the "Pumpkin & Peanut Butter with Cinnamon" dog treats underneath the Animal Friends page. Scroll down until you come to the third recipe. I share a personal story about my own dogs and what inspired me to bake these treats for them.

Under the Hospitality page toward the bottom, you'll find a new recipe for us humans. It's a chewy, soft cookie recipe that includes Pumpkin, Cinnamon and Nutmeg. Delicious and perfect to serve with a glass of milk!

Revival of Yom Kippur

Why is this post called "Revival of Yom Kippur?" Because part of Yom Kippur is fasting and fervently praying for 25 hours. Lessons learned in this message today will spur us on in following a very wise tradition. For right now, we are going to start today off right: with some joyful praise.

Pray with me: "Good morning God! Good morning Holy Spirit! Good morning Jesus! Thank you for this new day. Help me to feel your joy within me this morning as I praise you."

Click on this link to listen to Etta James' "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot."  Now that we have a smile on our faces, and a surprising dose of joy given to us, read on.

Revival of God's Holy Spirit within us is vital in today's world, cultures and societies. We are in danger of slipping into laziness, thinking someone else will pray for this or that cause; that someone else will take care of what needs to be done; that someone else's organization will cover that issue. But that is not what being Christian is all about.

What does this mean? This means we are to recognize that we "did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father" (Romans 8:15, NIV). And that, "We are not given a spirit of fear but of love and power and self-control" (2 Timothy 1:7, ESV).

And who is our Abba, our Father? Do you remember the Fierce Grace lesson? That's our Abba - he never stops fighting for us or loving us. He is faithful. He is almighty. He can and will accomplish more things than we can think possible.

So, how do we stop our current ruts and get into God's plan for salvation? The tradition of Yom Kippur is a great place to start and from which to learn.

Just think of the possibilities if all Christians everywhere around the world took even ONE hour to fast and fervently pray for a cause, a person, a leadership council, deliverance of a city, protection over its people, revival of the Holy Spirit? Just like the call to prayer for our brothers and sisters in refugee camps this week, we need to be praying and fasting for revival of God's Holy Spirit in all Christians everywhere.

I wish I could pour out to you how phenomenally important this is. I feel a lot like Paul during this post: knowing in my spirit this extremely Good News to pass on and yet, not being able to convey how supremely vital it is to everyone. I can only hope that just as Jesus said, "He who has ears, let him hear" (Mark 4:9, ESV) and by faith, you will receive Revelation 2:11's reminder: "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God."

Trials, tribulations, mockeries, even death is in our wake. Don't be surprised when you come up against something or multiple somethings that try to knock you down and take you out. Pray that the Holy Spirit will make you aware of any pitfalls, traps or tricks. In Jesus' name, resist them and turn to Jesus only.

Pray with me now: "In Jesus' name, I am given a spirit of power, and of love, and of self-control. I do not submit to fear. I overcome all pitfalls, traps or tricks set before me. My foot will not strike any stone. In Jesus' name I turn to Him for every attempt made against me. I am given eyes to see, ears to hear and discernment to understand. In Jesus' name, I ask the Holy Spirit to intervene for me and protect me. Amen."

And guess what? It doesn't just start internationally or even with a community-based mindset intention. It starts right where you're sitting. It starts with you.

It branches out to our family: wives, husbands, children, aunts, uncles, grandparents; all those whom you come into contact with. Then to the community: neighbors, leadership councils, strangers. Then to our cities and the shaping of our cultures. When we travel - are we living in this truth that we are within the Sonship and that we extend God's love to everyone we come across? Beware of keeping a small-pond mentality.

Start your day with the prayer above. I can personally attest to its power. About two weeks after praying this, I became aware of old arguments or things that would have usually upset me. In that same moment of beginning to feel upset, I would say out loud, "In Jesus' name I reject this trap and pitfall trying to tempt me. I do not give way to temptation. God, you have promised me a way out and Jesus, you are my way out. Holy Spirit, please intervene for me right now." The Presence of God has never been so close to me as it is now. I am enjoying clarity, peace and astounding amounts of love.

Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. Don't ever forget that. Allow the Holy Spirit to clean house and help him out by refusing to give way to anything that is against God's will for you. Ask for help in this in Jesus' name. Purity doesn't mean just physically; Purity of speech, purity of thought, purity of motive, purity of actions, purity of heart, etc.

If you can, look at your body in a mirror. As much as your body that you can see, put the roof on top of your head. Put windows at your eyes. Put a gate at your mouth. Put a door over your heart. Imagine your arms and legs as the land around your house. Make your core the dwelling place where everyone gathers.

Even if you attempt to burn a candle for some light within the dwelling place, it can be snuffed out.

What is more powerful than God? Nothing. Make your dwelling place His home. Allow Him to do as He will to transform you in mind, emotions and character.

Here is today's challenge: Pick one day this week to fast for 24 hours and pray fervently for revial of the Holy Spirit within all Christians everywhere.

When you feel out-numbered or overwhelmed, let this encourage you: "Then Elisha prayed and said, “O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.” So the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha" (2 Kings 6:17, ESV) and "The chariots of God are tens of thousands and thousands of thousands" (Psalm 68:17).

We are never alone. Ever. Reject that little pitfall right now. If you feel alone, remember that it is impossible because you have God's Holy Spirit living within you. If you need to physically feel Jesus' presence, ask. Keep asking.

I pray for all of you who come across or daily read this: "Heavenly Father, I pray in righteousness on behalf of all who read this post. I know that it is not up to me on who receives this message, but in Truth Father, You alone are the giver of such message. God, I pray in intercession for those who need to hear this from you, read and understand this from you. I ask that as whoever is reading this prayer right now that Your Presence begin to blossom within them and around them. My LORD, you have appeared to me as heat and a raging hot feeling within me until I sweat. My hands often become hot and you give me knowledge. I have also been so overcome by your love that refreshing and renewing tears flow steadily and freely from me. Thank you for releasing us today.
     Abba, I come to you boldly but humbly, having confidence in Your work and Your word. You promise to stand ground in front of us, to protect us. I pray in intercession for those who desparately need you to be their shield and refuge right now. I ask Holy Spirit, that you would lead them and teach them how to choose Jesus immediately and ask for you to intervene. I ask that you give each person a verse from your Word to focus on today. LORD, you know our needs before we know our own. Help us to seek your Kingdom first, so that we always put You first and our priorities are straight.
     Recognition of your Holy Spirit helps us to understand that there are few of us left who earnestly and fervently pray for You to overcome. LORD, we have so many people hurting today. We have children in countries who do not eat, who do not have medical care, who have become orphans by circumstances. We have corrupt leaders who do nothing but seek after their own personal gain and have forgotten you. We have countries who put wealth and status above you. Even our own land here, Father, has forgotten its roots. We have children crying out to you, wondering if you really exist. We have widows and elders and the sick and dying among us wondering how much longer they will suffer. Your creatures are facing famine and sickness. Your creation, O God, is suffering by our selfishness and greed. We pray as intercession for these things and ask that you forgive us. Oh LORD! Please use us as your vehicles. It doesn't stop in our homes or our own communities.
    
Father, hear our bold prayer today:
        You only overcome. Use each and every single one of us who are willing to listen and obey what You are calling us to do. Remind us that fear is not apart of who we are, but Your power, Your love and Your self-control. Please Jesus, please help us to help those who are hurting; please use us Holy Spirit to minister to those who need you desperately. Give us the right words to say, the right actions to do so they do not forget who You are. Just like the child in the picture above, let us spread your Good News with joyful hearts and may those we encounter be so filled with your joy that they laugh truly; perhaps for the first time in a long time.
     We will follow paths of righteousness for Your name's sake. In Jesus' name we pray these things unto you, knowing full well You hear us and will answer us in your perfect timing. Amen.
     
     Father, I ask that these things be done according to Your Will, that only divinely appointed relationships will enter each person's life; that each person learns how to align their will with Yours and pray in accordance to it.
      Jesus, thank you for giving me a heart for prayer ministry, for hospitality, for the children and for those who bear grief and pain. May your words be my words, your love my love, and may those who read this post, pass it along to someone else. You are greater in us than he who is in the world, and we ask that you to remind us of that this day. Light us up!
      Jehovah, in your Son's, Jesus, name we pray this day. Amen."

Amazing Grace Tells Us to "Only Believe"

"But Jesus on hearing this answered him, “Do not fear; only believe, and she will be well.”

-Luke 8:50 (ESV)-

Have you ever noticed in Luke chapter 8, Jesus' main message is about how belief is connected to true healing? Listen to the gorgeous-sounding version of "Amazing Grace" by Soweto Gospel Choir.

Do you have a story like this to share?

T'was grace that taught my heart to fear

And grace my fear relieved

How precious did that grace appear?

The hour I first believed.

All of the people he healed in Luke 8 were healed by Jesus in one way or another. The first example is when the man fell at Jesus' feet. Jesus cast out 'Legion' and the evil spirits who lived in this poor man went into pigs, then went off the cliff. The man was at Jesus' feet, completely healed and in his "right" mind. Can you imagine how "precious" that moment of grace from Jesus must have been to that man?

Next, the woman who believed she only had to touch Jesus' robe was healed by her faith. After being shunned and scorned for 12 years, I'm sure she felt like a "wretch" and must have regarded Jesus as amazing grace.

The final example is when the man comes out of his house and tells someone to tell Jesus that he no longer needs to come to the house because his daughter died. When Jesus went anyway, the people in the house laughed at him. Think about the sound of this man's daughter's voice. How sweet the sound of Jesus' amazing grace that he extended to this family.

This passage is so important for two reasons:

1) Jesus is unhurried. He didn't rush through the crowd and he didn't tell the woman who had been sick for 12 years he was too busy to minister to her. He tells her how and why she was made well.

2) We are commanded to not fear, only believe.

No fear.

Only believe.

A sermon once said that the Bible uses some version of 'do not fear' some 365 times throughout. Each day, we should remind ourselves that God is telling us to have no fear, but that we should only do what? Believe.

What should we believe in? Jesus' ability, power and authority to heal us from whatever infirmity or suffering we're going through. This is an astounding thought.

We once were lost and blind. But friends, we aren't anymore. Why do we keep believing a lie? Just because your healing or those who you are interceeding for doesn't happen in your time, doesn't mean Jesus isn't on His Way.

God is unhurried. He cares about each and every single one of his children. He ministers to each and every one of you. Keep praying. Keep believing.

This isn't only a humbling message, this message should bring you great joy. Etta James' "Oh Happy Day"  should bring a smile to your face. Clap along. Tap your feet. Close your eyes. Let yourself be a kid again and dance around. It is a happy day certainly when we truly believe.

"Heavenly Father, thank you for this day. Thank you for this revelation and truth in your Word. Thank you that you are unhurried and take care of each one of us. We praise you as an audience of One that you love us so deeply. It is Jesus' amazing grace that was able to set those people free in Luke 8, and it is his amazing grace that still sets people free today in his name. Thank you Jesus for setting us free, so that we might worship, giving thanks to the Father. Thank you especially for teaching us to not fear, but to only believe. When we struggle with that, Holy Spirit, please shake us awake and remind us in our minds, emotions and characters that we are believing a lie; that God is healing us in an amazing way, even when we don't see it immediately. Keep us steadfast in prayer, especially for each other and for those we don't even know around the world. We love you so much. In Jesus' name we pray together, Amen."

Praying at 5:00 p.m. today: Wherever you are!

"There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men."

-1 Corinthians 12:4-5 (NLT)-

Good morning, afternoon or evening - wherever you are! 

        This post is about a movement we must make. If you pray, if you don't pray, if you've never prayed, if you pray every day...this post is for you. 

God told us to "Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need" (Malachi 3:10, ESV).

      God's Holy Spirit is not contained to just one area. He does not just live in Montana or New York or Paris or Israel. No, God's Spirit is wholly and fully alive in each one of us who has accepted and received Jesus Christ as our Savior.  That means, if you're reading this, and you have that - you have a duty to pray for your brothers and sisters in every nation on this earth. If you don't, pray anyway and pray that you would come to know Jesus so that you might also share in our inheritance as his people. 

Today, we are going to pray together at 5 p.m. Wherever you are, in whatever country, at 5:00 p.m., pray for delivery from Jehovah in Jesus' name for each Spirit-filled Christian in every nation on earth. Remember, God had not revealed his holy name, Jehovah, until he showed Moses how to lead the Israelites out of captivity and into liberty and freedom. 

Earlier this week, the news showed a clip from the refugee camps in Turkey; specifically the hundreds of children who had lost their parents and are now orphans with brutal injuries. I cried. Imagine yourself at 2 or 3 years old on up, and imagine everything being taken from you, including your parents. Imagine living in a strange place with nothing but fright and fear for coverings. It is an injustice too heavy and too grieving to bear. These children need our prayers. These people need our prayers. They need God to act in a mighty and powerful way on their behalf. 

Guess who can pray as intercessory for them? Us. Because we know Jesus and He is our Advocate. 

We are each given different gifts: message of wisdom, message of knowledge, faith, gifts of healing, miraculous powers, prophecy, distinguishing between spirits, speaking in different languages, interpretation of languages (1 Corinthians 12:7-11, NIV). 

Think of what would happen if we actually tapped into those gifts we are given and asked God how he wants to use us this week to help the refugees in those camps. 

Healers: you have a special gift because it comes in many forms. Do not be afraid. When God moves in you, it can be through burning heat within, tears, a cool fresh breeze, an aching for whoever is hurting, praying fervently specifically for your gift to be shared with for whom you are praying. The list goes on. Embrace it, and ask God how you can be used for these people. 

Leadership: Many examples in the Bible will help you understand how you are to lead. Jesus is the greatest leader of all. Wash their feet, humble yourselves, speak wisely, listen intently, pray before you act, treat others as you would want to be treated. Just because you are in a position of power and authority does not mean you use it to selfishly gain status or recognition. Remember whom you come from. 

Medical: Your wisdom and knowledge of the human body: mind, emotions, will, physical, is needed in countries whom don't have such education. Esteem to do what's right. Have courage to make tough calls. Volunteer your time. Educate those around you, even in simple terms so they might help too. Listen. 

Teachers: You have the phenomenal ability to transfer learned information from yourself to others. Teach goodness, and righteousness. Teach humility and compassion; love for others, love of yourself. Teach transparent relationships. Teach faith over fear. Teach gentleness and expectations of worthy living. We all were made for something more than we can ever imagine. You have the responsibility to pass that on; to encourage and believe in those whom come under your teaching. Use your voice. Use your actions. Use your faith to guide and lead others into understanding and knowledge.

Faithful Followers: faith is essential in this movement. We cannot move without our faith. It is what enables us to stretch, dare and move. God cannot use us if he calls us or directs or guides or leads us in some way to help and we do not have faith, "the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen. It is the evidence of things we cannot yet see" (Hebrews 11:1, NLT). 

Do you remember how they all were qualified by God? Obedience. And how did they get to increase in their faith and therefore obey when he directed them? Prayer. It all starts with prayer. We must pray without ceasing, diligently, watchfully and earnestly. 

Remember, Psalm 51:16-17 (NIV):

"You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;
you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. 
My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart
you, God, will not despise."

        When we are truly broken, we pray with an honesty and an earnestness about us that even surprises ourselves. We are able to lay everything at his feet. Prayer warriors, this one especially goes out to you this week. Please pray for these refugees. Please pray for those across the world who are in camps we've not even heard about on the news or in the newspapers. Our faith must carry us in prayer for these people; for our brothers and sisters whom we don't even know. 

Throughout Hebrews 11, Paul reminds us and teaches us about those "greats" throughout history regarding their faith. Keep this close today:

"...They agreed that they were no more than foreigners and nomads here on earth. And obviously people who talk like that are looking forward to a country they can call their own. If they had meant the country they came from, they would have found a way to go back. But they were looking for a better place, a heavenly homeland. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a heavenly city for them" (Hebrews 11:13-16, NLT)

and

When you're thinking and praying to our God, our Jehovah, remember why Moses was so precious to God:

"It was by faith that Moses left the land of Egypt. He was not afraid of the king. Moses kept right on going because he kept his eyes on the one who is invisible" (Hebrews 11:27, NLT). 

When you're thinking of how to best pray for those who are hurting right now across the world, keep this close:

"Continue to love each other with true Christian love. 

Don't forget about those in prison. Suffer with them as though you were there yourself. 

Share the sorrow of those being mistreated, as though you feel their pain in your own bodies...

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. 

With Jesus' help, let us continually offer our sacrifice of praise to God by proclaiming the glory of his name. 

Don't forget to do good and to share what you have with those in need, for such sacrifices are very pleasing to God."
(Hebrews 13:1-3, 8, 15-16, NLT). 

"And now, may the God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, all that is pleasing to him." (Hebrews 13:20, NLT). 

Everyone: we can do this. We can give five, ten, fifteen, thirty minutes of our time to pray today at 5:00 p.m. for refugees across the world. As Mother Theresa of Calcutta said, "Love has a hem to her garment that reaches the very dust. It sweeps the streets and lanes, and because it can, it must." 

We have Love living within us. Because we can, we must. 

Pray this today at 5:00 p.m. (wherever you are!). Those of you in larger countries: China, Brazil, Russia, United Kingdom, India - please pass this prayer onto other blogs, to your families, to your friends, to organizations who move in the name of Jesus. Those of you in smaller countries, please rejoice with your villages, townships, and families and friends. Those of you who are alone in your efforts, praise God. You are known by your faith. Thank Him that you know Him. Pray this in humility, and with an earnest and fervent heart. Fast for six days: whether it be a food, an attitude, an opinion, a bad word, a bad habit. Fast something that will take great diligence for you to withstand not doing, saying, thinking or eating. Pray for the next six days on your own accord or with this prayer again: unceasingly! 

Pray with us: 

"Heavenly Father, you are our Abba, our Mighty to Save, our God Almighty, our Alpha and Omega. We come to you in your name of Jehovah, eternal and everlasting. We praise you that you gave us your different names throughout the Bible so that we might know you deeper and more intimately as we study your Word. Thank you that you are a God who saves. Thank you that we can confidently say, "The Lord is my refuge and my rock. He is my salvation. Of whom shall I be afraid?" 

Abba, we know that praying with praise rebukes all negativity, traps and footholds. We thank you that anything that is not in line with your Truth, we can say, "The Lord rebuke you!" just as Archangel Michael did. Thank you for giving us your Holy Spirit, from whom we can hear and be lead of how to pray, what to say in prayer, and for whom to pray. 

Thank you, Jehovah, that you are mighty to save. Thank you that you gave us the example of freedom and liberation all those years ago with Moses and the Israelites. Thank you that we can depend on examples like that of old and still use your Truth today. 

Father, we are a hurting people today. Just as your Word says, we hurt and are in sorrow because our brothers and sisters are also hurting and share much sorrow today. We come to you with broken spirits, with thanksgiving, and with praise, asking that you do a mighty work for these people, these refugees, in their land. They have been displaced God, and though we are to be like nomads and treat our time on earth as foreigners, these people did not go to these camps through your leadership. Instead, they are suffering Lord. 

We come boldly to your throne, with Jesus knowing our heart's intentions and as our Advocate, asking you Father to have mercy upon them. We are asking you to lead them into your Kingdom, to place godly people around them who know you, who will pray with them and teach them about You. 

We ask that you deliver them from their personal darkness and fears. For Your perfect love casts out all fear. Father, they desperately need your Presence. Please fill them with You. 

Jesus, these children are alone and afraid; many without hope. You taught us to not hinder the little children, but to let them come to you. Please Jesus, make a way for the children to come to you, to know you, to put their confidence and hope in you, as many of us did when we were children. They are too precious to be left out. We pray for your hand of favor upon them.

God, to those of us who have gifts who can serve you in some way in this time of need, please move us. We are coming to you with reckless abandon and with complete expectation that you will move in us and through us; that our faith will please you; that our obedience will qualify us to help accomplish a great mission for you. 

Lord, many of us have left behind lives we know were not filled with You. Many of us can share our stories for why we live the way we do; from what you have saved us; about what we believe. Use us. 

We lay our burdens down at the foot of the cross, realizing and recognizing that we are not at war with human flesh and blood, but of that in the unseen worlds in the darkness. We rejoice because Jesus has overcome the darkness, and being in Him, in your adopted family, we have overcome the darkness too. So, we are not afraid. We do not despair. We proclaim your righteousness, and your love. 

Thank you for a wake up call that tells us we are not our own; we were bought for a high price and we offer our lives as a willing sacrifice. Lord, our brothers and sisters need you. Please work through us, move through us to help them. Even if you call us just to pray each day, please Holy Spirit, give us the words to say. Father, open up the storehouse. Pour blessings upon these refugee camps just as you promised. Let us give the world an opportunity to see your grace and love. The victory belongs to you. 

In Jesus' name we pray and ask all these things with complete thanksgiving. Amen."