Thursday, October 23, 2008
Presidential Election Intercessions
Unless the LORD builds the house, They labor in vain who build it;
Unless the LORD guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain. Psalm 127:1
Thinking about the future of America can make your head swim. What lies ahead for this country which now seems light years from the days of "In God We Trust?"
The OT records ways in which God gave His people what they thought they wanted (think King Saul) and how He used foreign nations to rebuke His wayward children (think Babylon). However, we also read about God's great mercy of withholding deserved judgment when people repented (think Ninevah) and how He invited and listened to the prayers of His people (think Moses praying for the righteous in Sodom & Gomorrah).
We know that God is working out something far greater than our tax rate...more important than our dependency on foreign oil...and more lasting than our national security.
He is busy gathering to Himself those who will accept His forgiveness and love.
He is saving souls.
When we go to the polls we can do so in confidence. We may not know what the outcome will be, but we know the One who knows the outcome. Whether or not our future is easy or difficult, comfortable or unsettling, peaceful or frightening, He was and is and will continue to be faithful.
As the nation around us debates which candidate has the superior plan to revive our economy, we remember that ultimately God is our Provider.
As questions are raised about each candidate's approach to the war on terror, we take comfort in knowing that ultimately God is our Defender.
As voters wonder which candidate offers the most hope for our country's future, we are confident that ultimately God is our Hope.
INTERCESSIONS:
That our countrymen will soon come to know the amazing love and kindness of God and turn to Him (AND that Christians will turn from sin, as well!) (Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? Rom 2:4)
That God's people will view their vote as a way to honor and bless Him (And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. Col 3:23, 24)
That on the day that our new President and Vice President take office, they will love, serve, and follow Jesus (You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. Deut 6:5)
"We need to stand up for what is right and what is righteous, and God will use us as a means to achieving His purposes...the purposes God knows. And He's determined the end, but we're instruments to that end." - John MacArthur
Friday, June 27, 2008
WELCOME to this blog!
Hi! If this is your first time visiting Salvation for the Nation, welcome! While I am no longer adding new posts, you can still use this site very easily to pray for our nation. And our nation still needs prayer!
Simply start at the beginning (the oldest archived post) and then follow the weekly intercessions. The posts are numbered by weeks, so it is easy to keep track of where you are.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at 1sttimemama1@gmail.com
Blessings!!!
Simply start at the beginning (the oldest archived post) and then follow the weekly intercessions. The posts are numbered by weeks, so it is easy to keep track of where you are.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at 1sttimemama1@gmail.com
Blessings!!!
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Prayer for Week 25 (Beginning 6.16.08)
The Salvation for the Nation prayer blog actually began from another prayer group called "For the Sake of 10."
In a quick rundown, the story is that I was studying Abraham's intercessory prayer for Sodom, and read how God said for the "sake of 10" righteous people, He would not destroy the city. For the sake of the righteous, He was willing to withhold judgment on the wicked. The words kept ringing in my ears until I decided to ask 9 women to pray with me for our country. I knew that we were not righteous on our own but that, as followers of Christ, His righteousness covered us.
And so an email went out to the 9. Some women were family; some women I barely even knew. We covered various states, ages, and demographics...but we all committed to pray for our country for one month. I sent out a weekly email on Mondays with a verse or topic of focus just like the ones I post here.
The purpose of this post is to encourage you to start a "For the Sake of 10" prayer group. Ask 9 people to pray with you for a month. If you don't know 9, ask 2, or 3, or 4. You can use the intercessions from my past posts, or write your own.
When I read about the depravity of Sodom, I couldn't help but believe that America rivals that city in wickedness. But, while Sodom was destroyed, the wicked city Ninevah in the book of Jonah was not because they repented!
For the sake of 10. For the sake of 10 righteous people, God was willing to withhold judgment on a city deserving destruction. What amazing grace our God has...and I believe He is eager and willing to show us more...if we will care enough to pray.
Note: I believe this may be my last post. I'm not 100% sure, but I have been praying about it. If you think about it, please pray for clarity of God's will for me. Thanks!
In a quick rundown, the story is that I was studying Abraham's intercessory prayer for Sodom, and read how God said for the "sake of 10" righteous people, He would not destroy the city. For the sake of the righteous, He was willing to withhold judgment on the wicked. The words kept ringing in my ears until I decided to ask 9 women to pray with me for our country. I knew that we were not righteous on our own but that, as followers of Christ, His righteousness covered us.
And so an email went out to the 9. Some women were family; some women I barely even knew. We covered various states, ages, and demographics...but we all committed to pray for our country for one month. I sent out a weekly email on Mondays with a verse or topic of focus just like the ones I post here.
The purpose of this post is to encourage you to start a "For the Sake of 10" prayer group. Ask 9 people to pray with you for a month. If you don't know 9, ask 2, or 3, or 4. You can use the intercessions from my past posts, or write your own.
When I read about the depravity of Sodom, I couldn't help but believe that America rivals that city in wickedness. But, while Sodom was destroyed, the wicked city Ninevah in the book of Jonah was not because they repented!
For the sake of 10. For the sake of 10 righteous people, God was willing to withhold judgment on a city deserving destruction. What amazing grace our God has...and I believe He is eager and willing to show us more...if we will care enough to pray.
Note: I believe this may be my last post. I'm not 100% sure, but I have been praying about it. If you think about it, please pray for clarity of God's will for me. Thanks!
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Prayer for Week 24 (Beginning 6.9.08)
The following verse shares Jesus' promise of the Holy Spirit:
"And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment..." John 16:8
A commentary by John MacArthur states that, while the word convict has two meanings, the "act of convincing" works best in this passage since the purpose of the Holy Spirit is "not condemnation but conviction of the need for the Savior." In regards to the word "sin", MacArthur points out that the singular indicates a specific sin is being referenced; i.e. that of not believing in Jesus as Messiah and Son of God. What ultimately condemns people is their unwillingness to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior.
INTERCESSIONS: (taken from the above verse)
- that this week the hardness of unbelieving hearts will be shattered as the Holy Spirit convicts people of their need for the Savior Jesus Christ.
Side note: Thanks to those who emailed for encouragement in studying the Bible...hope you received my response and are enthusiastically seeking God!
"And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment..." John 16:8
A commentary by John MacArthur states that, while the word convict has two meanings, the "act of convincing" works best in this passage since the purpose of the Holy Spirit is "not condemnation but conviction of the need for the Savior." In regards to the word "sin", MacArthur points out that the singular indicates a specific sin is being referenced; i.e. that of not believing in Jesus as Messiah and Son of God. What ultimately condemns people is their unwillingness to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior.
INTERCESSIONS: (taken from the above verse)
- that this week the hardness of unbelieving hearts will be shattered as the Holy Spirit convicts people of their need for the Savior Jesus Christ.
Side note: Thanks to those who emailed for encouragement in studying the Bible...hope you received my response and are enthusiastically seeking God!
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Prayer for Week 23 (Beginning 6.2.08)
“The critical question...is this: If you could have heaven, with no sickness, and with all the friends you ever had on earth, and all the food you ever liked, and all the leisure activities you ever enjoyed, and all the natural beauties you ever saw, all the physical pleasures you ever tasted, and no human conflict or any natural disasters, could you be satisfied with heaven, if Christ was not there?” - John Piper
Tim Challies responded to Piper's question by stating that "Too many Christians look to heaven for its benefits to us without understanding that the greatest benefit of all will be the presence of Christ."
When Jesus states in Luke 10:27 that the greatest commandment is to "love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind" it isn't because God needs our love and is somehow incomplete without it. God knows that absolutely nothing is as good for us or as satisfying to us as He is. NOTHING...believe it or not...NOTHING. Not even the "benefits" of heaven compare to the glory of God Himself. So why do we settle for less???
Do you love God with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength? Or do you think that a deep passionate love relationship with Jesus is possible only for pastors, missionaries, and special people like Mother Teresa? God's love is for YOU...IF you want it.
So if we know God is wonderful and satisfying and that He loves us with an unfailing love, why does it sometimes seem so difficult to love Him? Well, I was thinking about this in context of my friend Rebecca. We met through blogging and began corresponding by email and blog comments. As I was diligent in reading her words, I began to know her more...to care about her more...to love her more. Had I never invested time and let my life intertwine with hers, our friendship would have fizzled. I love her because I know her...and I know her without having seen her face or heard her voice.
To get to know God, we need to spend time with Him...we need to read His Word. It is there that He communicates to us who He is, His love toward us, His will for our lives. As we are diligent in seeking to know God, our love for Him will grow.
INTERCESSIONS:
- that this week you will be diligent in seeking God through His Word (But from there you will seek the LORD your God, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul. Deut 4:29)
- that as you read God's Word, your love for Him will grow (We love Him because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19)
Side note: I am blessed to attend a church that teaches from the Bible. In our services people's Bibles are out and open for reading along, taking notes, marking for further study. I realize that many people do not attend churches that teach from the Bible or encourage personal study and, as a result, they may not be familiar or comfortable with reading the Bible themselves. If this describes you and you would like suggestions/encouragement in reading God's Word, please feel free to contact me at 1sttimemama1@gmail.com
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Prayer for Week 22 (Beginning 5.26.08)
When I fed them, they were satisfied; when they were satisfied, they became proud; then they forgot me. Hosea 13:6
INTERCESSIONS: (taken from the verse above)
That the people of the United States will
- acknowledge that God alone can satisfy and surrender completely to Him
- humble ourselves before God and acknowledge that He alone is our Provider
- be mindful of His constant presence with us...loving, thanking, and praising His always
HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY! With grateful hearts we celebrate the men and women who have served, do serve, and will serve our nation. May they know the true freedom that is found in Jesus Christ alone.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Prayer for Week 21 (Beginning 5.19.08)
Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, "Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city." Acts 18:9,10
Below are excerpts from the biography of a man named Raul:
I remember this whole experience, him [Raul's father] hitting me and beating me when I was growing up...By the time I was 8 or 9 years old, my goal was to kill my dad. That was my life.
At the time I was eighteen...I was given a choice, either go to prison or go into the military. Well, at that time, Vietnam was going on, I said, “I’ll just go to Vietnam. It’s a license to kill..."
I spent the next six months of my life under psychiatric care, group therapy counseling, because I was so violent.
The first thing I did was start pushing Sharon [Raul's wife] around, kicking her and punching her. Pretty soon, I was choking her...When I realized she was going to leave me, I decided that nobody would ever have her or my kids. The best way to do that was to execute her and my kids, and kill myself.
When I got home, she had already gone to church...I got my rifle and loaded it with eighteen rounds....I began to destroy my whole house...I went next to the TV and I was just standing there. I was so angry and so mad inside; I took the butt of the rifle and hit the TV. When I hit it, it came on. And when the TV came on, there was this bald headed guy talking about Jesus...
I was listening and I wanted to shoot him with my gun, but I couldn’t pull the trigger. It seemed as ...he was talking directly to me...All of a sudden, I found myself on my knees, listening to him...I just began to cry out to God, “God if you’re really real, and you are a God that can save people, as you saved my wife, I want you tonight, right know, to come into my life.” And you know what blew me away? I didn’t see lightening or hear a voice, I just, by faith, prayed a prayer. And I felt a complete change in my life. As I got up from my knees, I wiped off my tears and put away my rifle. I got in my car and went looking for my wife, to tell her what had happened to me. I couldn’t find her. As I entered the church that she attended, they were giving the altar call. So I just went up to the altar, and when they got done counseling me, I went home.
Raul not only gave his life to Christ, but he now serves as the senior pastor of a church in Golden Springs, CA.
Below are excerpts from the biography of a man named Raul:
I remember this whole experience, him [Raul's father] hitting me and beating me when I was growing up...By the time I was 8 or 9 years old, my goal was to kill my dad. That was my life.
At the time I was eighteen...I was given a choice, either go to prison or go into the military. Well, at that time, Vietnam was going on, I said, “I’ll just go to Vietnam. It’s a license to kill..."
I spent the next six months of my life under psychiatric care, group therapy counseling, because I was so violent.
The first thing I did was start pushing Sharon [Raul's wife] around, kicking her and punching her. Pretty soon, I was choking her...When I realized she was going to leave me, I decided that nobody would ever have her or my kids. The best way to do that was to execute her and my kids, and kill myself.
When I got home, she had already gone to church...I got my rifle and loaded it with eighteen rounds....I began to destroy my whole house...I went next to the TV and I was just standing there. I was so angry and so mad inside; I took the butt of the rifle and hit the TV. When I hit it, it came on. And when the TV came on, there was this bald headed guy talking about Jesus...
I was listening and I wanted to shoot him with my gun, but I couldn’t pull the trigger. It seemed as ...he was talking directly to me...All of a sudden, I found myself on my knees, listening to him...I just began to cry out to God, “God if you’re really real, and you are a God that can save people, as you saved my wife, I want you tonight, right know, to come into my life.” And you know what blew me away? I didn’t see lightening or hear a voice, I just, by faith, prayed a prayer. And I felt a complete change in my life. As I got up from my knees, I wiped off my tears and put away my rifle. I got in my car and went looking for my wife, to tell her what had happened to me. I couldn’t find her. As I entered the church that she attended, they were giving the altar call. So I just went up to the altar, and when they got done counseling me, I went home.
Raul not only gave his life to Christ, but he now serves as the senior pastor of a church in Golden Springs, CA.
INTERCESSIONS:
- There are people in your city that need your prayer. They may be people you don't even know and, if you did know them, in all honesty you might not like them. Addicts, abusers, those angry enough to kill. But God loves them. May His love for them fill your heart as you pray...even though they may remain nameless and faceless to you. In humbleness before the God who brings beauty from ashes, please pray for the lost in your city this week. May He bring new life to those for whom we pray just as He did for Pastor Raul. And may He be glorified!
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Prayer for Week 20 (Beginning 5.12.08)
Mother's Day....a great reminder of the immense influence that mothers have on the lives of their children and of our privilege to lift them in prayer.
INTERCESSIONS
Christian mothers
- that their love of God will direct their parenting (one generation shall praise Your works to another and shall declare Your mighty acts. Psalm 145:4) and (Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it. Prov 22:6)
Mothers who are not YET saved
- that God will give them understanding of their worth in His eyes and His purpose for their lives (For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Eph 2:10) and (Your hands have made me and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn Your commandments. Psalm 119:73)
- that they will come to know Christ as their Savior and turn from sin (She said, "No one, Lord." And Jesus said to her, "Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more. John 8:11)"
All Mothers (as this can be an issue in the church as well as the world)
- that they will embrace and model modesty for their children (in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation... 1 Tim 2:9)
INTERCESSIONS
Christian mothers
- that their love of God will direct their parenting (one generation shall praise Your works to another and shall declare Your mighty acts. Psalm 145:4) and (Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it. Prov 22:6)
Mothers who are not YET saved
- that God will give them understanding of their worth in His eyes and His purpose for their lives (For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Eph 2:10) and (Your hands have made me and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn Your commandments. Psalm 119:73)
- that they will come to know Christ as their Savior and turn from sin (She said, "No one, Lord." And Jesus said to her, "Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more. John 8:11)"
All Mothers (as this can be an issue in the church as well as the world)
- that they will embrace and model modesty for their children (in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation... 1 Tim 2:9)
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Prayer for Week 19 (Beginning 5.5.08)
This week I simply ask that you will commit to praying at least once every day for God's mercy on our nation.
INTERCESSION:
- that this week God will pour out His great mercy on those who are dead in their sins and will make them alive in Christ (But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved) Eph 2:4,5)
INTERCESSION:
- that this week God will pour out His great mercy on those who are dead in their sins and will make them alive in Christ (But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved) Eph 2:4,5)
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Prayer for Week 18 (Beginning 4.28.08)
Gas at almost $5 a gallon. Rations on bags of rice. A gallon of milk up 75 cents.
Even though the United States has weathered tough economic seasons in the past...and even though the media tends to overexaggerate issues until they become crises in our minds, I do know that many Americans are struggling financially right now. However, even in this we can praise God for we know that He is a God who brings beauty from ashes. May He use our nation's current financial circumstances to bring the beauty of His salvation to the lost and to conform His children to the beauty of His Son.
- that God will lead unbelievers who are stressed and struggling financially to know Christ as their Lord and Savior (And Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. John 6:35)
Even though the United States has weathered tough economic seasons in the past...and even though the media tends to overexaggerate issues until they become crises in our minds, I do know that many Americans are struggling financially right now. However, even in this we can praise God for we know that He is a God who brings beauty from ashes. May He use our nation's current financial circumstances to bring the beauty of His salvation to the lost and to conform His children to the beauty of His Son.
INTERCESSIONS:
- that Christians will remember that God alone is their Provider (Do not put your trust in princes, nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help...Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God. Psalm 146:3, 146:5)
- that Christians will not be fearful of economic issues but instead give to others abundantly and cheerfully (If there is among you a poor man of your brethren, within any of the gates in your land which the LORD your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart nor shut your hand from your poor brother, but you shall open your hand wide to him and willingly lend him sufficient for his need, whatever he needs....You shall surely give to him, and your heart should not be grieved when you give to him, because for this thing the LORD your God will bless you in all your works and in all to which you put your hand. For the poor will never cease from the land; therefore I command you, saying, "You shall open your hand wide to your brother, to your poor and your needy, in your land." Deut 15:7-8, 10-11)- that God will lead unbelievers who are stressed and struggling financially to know Christ as their Lord and Savior (And Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. John 6:35)
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Prayer for Week 17 (Beginning 4.21.08)
I have to admit that I'm not great at keeping up with current events. With a baby at home, I'm more likely to be watching Veggie Tales than CNN. So I was grateful this weekend when author Joel Rosenberg came to speak to our church about current issues in the middle east. As headlines pop up about the Iranian President's hatred of Israel, Russia's arms deal with Syria, etc., it is easy to view them as separate and individual events. However, those who follow Bible prophecy are aware of the interconnectedness of these events...and how they line-up with prophecies outlined in God's Word.
As we pray for our country, let us reflect on God's people Israel. May we not be too busy, distracted, or self-indulgent to remember that God is doing a work much bigger than our individual lives.
INTERCESSIONS:
- that Christians in America, especially our national leaders, will have soft hearts toward and will continue to support Israel. (I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed. Gen 12:3)
- that Christians will remember Israel in our prayers. According to God's Word, the nation will endure much suffering before they know true peace...the peace of their Messiah. (Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you. Psalm 122:6)
EXTRAS:
The Joshua Fund has been established by Christians to bless Israel...as well as her neighbors.
The Epicenter Conference held in Israel saw more than 2,000 evangelical Christians from around the world gathered to celebrate Israel's 60th Anniversary on April 10. If you scroll down through the video clips, there is a message by my pastor entitled "Why Christians Love Israel."
As we pray for our country, let us reflect on God's people Israel. May we not be too busy, distracted, or self-indulgent to remember that God is doing a work much bigger than our individual lives.
INTERCESSIONS:
- that Christians in America, especially our national leaders, will have soft hearts toward and will continue to support Israel. (I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed. Gen 12:3)
- that Christians will remember Israel in our prayers. According to God's Word, the nation will endure much suffering before they know true peace...the peace of their Messiah. (Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you. Psalm 122:6)
EXTRAS:
The Joshua Fund has been established by Christians to bless Israel...as well as her neighbors.
The Epicenter Conference held in Israel saw more than 2,000 evangelical Christians from around the world gathered to celebrate Israel's 60th Anniversary on April 10. If you scroll down through the video clips, there is a message by my pastor entitled "Why Christians Love Israel."
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Prayer for Week 16 (Beginning 4.14.08)
This week's intercessions come from the book of Colossians and a commentary on that book by John MacArthur.
INTERCESSIONS:
- that Christians be persistent in prayer and stay alert "for specific needs about which to pray rather than being vague and unfocused." (Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; Col 4:2)
- that this week God would provide an opportunity for you to share Christ with another. (meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. Col 4:3, 4)
INTERCESSIONS:
- that Christians be persistent in prayer and stay alert "for specific needs about which to pray rather than being vague and unfocused." (Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; Col 4:2)
- that this week God would provide an opportunity for you to share Christ with another. (meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. Col 4:3, 4)
- that Christians would "live that they establish the credibility of the Christian faith and that they make the most out of every evangelistic opportunity." (Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Col 4:5)
- that Christians would speak what is "spiritual, wholesome, fitting, kind, sensitive, purposeful, complimentary, gentle, truthful, loving, and thoughtful." (Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. Col 4:6)
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Prayers for Week 15 (Beginning 4.7.08)
But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. Matt 9:36
COMPLETELY BUMMED OUT. That is how I felt after watching videos and reading articles containing statements made by Oprah Winfrey regarding her religious beliefs. I don't watch the Oprah Show, but I know that her fan base is enormous and her influence is strong. Below is a small portion of an entry I posted on my personal blog about this topic:
Both in the past and recently with her new "Awakening" series, Oprah has made various comments about religion, spirituality, God and Jesus. People consider her to be intelligent and well-read, so it may be easy for those not familiar with the Bible to accept what Oprah says regarding these topics as truth since she has professed a Christian background. I've listed below two of her comments to show how they contradict with the words of Jesus.
COMPLETELY BUMMED OUT. That is how I felt after watching videos and reading articles containing statements made by Oprah Winfrey regarding her religious beliefs. I don't watch the Oprah Show, but I know that her fan base is enormous and her influence is strong. Below is a small portion of an entry I posted on my personal blog about this topic:
Both in the past and recently with her new "Awakening" series, Oprah has made various comments about religion, spirituality, God and Jesus. People consider her to be intelligent and well-read, so it may be easy for those not familiar with the Bible to accept what Oprah says regarding these topics as truth since she has professed a Christian background. I've listed below two of her comments to show how they contradict with the words of Jesus.
Oprah: "One of the mistakes that human beings make is believing that there is only one way [to God]...there are many paths to what you call 'God'...there couldn't possibly be just one way." Jesus: "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. " (John 14:6)
Oprah: "What I believe is that Jesus came to show us Christ-consciousness. Jesus came to show us the way of the heart...to show us the higher conciousness."
Jesus: "for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost." (Luke 19:10) AND "Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." (Matt 20:28).
I'm not saying people shouldn't watch the Oprah Show, but I do believe that Christians who watch her shows on spirituality should do so with discernment. As she declares her own beliefs and opinions about your Savior, make sure that you know what your Savior said about Himself
Oprah has a new "Awakening" series with author Eckhart Tolle that is basically like an online book club, so I listened to some of the video clips of past sessions. This "club" is drawing thousands of participants from 139 countries. All 50 American states are represented. My guess is that a majority of the participants are women. That's thousands of women who are seeking something. That's thousands of women who are receiving false information about God, Jesus Christ, and their own purpose in life. That's thousands of women who God loves and desires to have a relationship with through His Son.
INTERCESSIONS:
- that husbands will understand the importance of studying God's Word WITH their wives and children and be obedient to do so. (You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. Deut 6:7)
- that God would protect women from the enemy and bring them to know THE truth: Jesus Christ. (For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 2 Tim 3:6-7)
- that ratherthan looking to the world, women will diligently seek a relationship with Jesus and find true joy, peace, and fulfillment in Him. (For the Gentiles shall seek Him, And His resting place shall be glorious." Isa 11:10b)Sunday, March 30, 2008
Prayer for Week 14 (Beginning 3.31.08)
I've posted before that sometimes the church looks way too much like the world. I was reminded of this last week as I spent some time with an unbeliever who interacts often with Christians in business settings. This person's view of Christians...and, therefore, Christ...has been tainted from witnessing habitual gossip, slander, judgmental attitudes, backstabbing, and selfishness among those professing to be believers.
We can often brush off our sins with the thought of "afterall, I'm only human" as if somehow that makes our sinning OK. But it is not OK. We are called to "be holy" and to "not be conformed to this world." We are commanded to "put off" the corrupt conduct of our past. This means we don't flirt with a married person and pass it off as being friendly; we don't gossip and pass it off as being concerned about So&So; we don't give a person cause to dislike another Christian by sharing details that should be kept to ourselves; we don't go behind the back of another to get our own way; we don't lie to cover our own reputation. And so on, and so on, and so on.
Until we, the Body of Christ, repent from our sins and "walk in the light," we will continue to misrepresent our Lord and Savior to those who do not know Him.
Yes, our sanctification is a process, but we can habitually walk in holiness if we choose to. I believe that God will honor such a choice and has given us His Word and His Spirit to help us do so. Sin should not be the norm in our life. Let's commit this week to repenting from sin...the sin that may look little in our daily lives but that reveals big issues in our hearts. Yes, God's grace and forgiveness are available should we stumble, but let's not take it for granted. And may the world know better the pure beauty of our Lord by knowing us.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phil 4:13
INTERCESSIONS
This week I am just posting verses. Please pray as you feel led by God whether it be for yourself, the church, or our nation. I have marked in bold the words below that stood out to me:
- love one another fervently with a pure heart...1 Peter 1:22
- laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking...1 Peter 2:1
- abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul...1 Peter 2:11
- let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit...1 Peter 3:10
- be hospitable to one another without grumbling...1 Peter 4:9
- let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, and evildoer, or as a busybody in other people's matters...1 Peter 4:15
- therefore, putting away lying, "Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor," for we are members of one another...Eph 4:25
For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men--as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God...1 Peter 2:15
UPDATE: I just listened to a message by John MacArthur and thought it tied in well with this post. It is the one dated March 27: http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/Grace_to_You/archives.asp?bcd=2008-3-27
We can often brush off our sins with the thought of "afterall, I'm only human" as if somehow that makes our sinning OK. But it is not OK. We are called to "be holy" and to "not be conformed to this world." We are commanded to "put off" the corrupt conduct of our past. This means we don't flirt with a married person and pass it off as being friendly; we don't gossip and pass it off as being concerned about So&So; we don't give a person cause to dislike another Christian by sharing details that should be kept to ourselves; we don't go behind the back of another to get our own way; we don't lie to cover our own reputation. And so on, and so on, and so on.
Until we, the Body of Christ, repent from our sins and "walk in the light," we will continue to misrepresent our Lord and Savior to those who do not know Him.
Yes, our sanctification is a process, but we can habitually walk in holiness if we choose to. I believe that God will honor such a choice and has given us His Word and His Spirit to help us do so. Sin should not be the norm in our life. Let's commit this week to repenting from sin...the sin that may look little in our daily lives but that reveals big issues in our hearts. Yes, God's grace and forgiveness are available should we stumble, but let's not take it for granted. And may the world know better the pure beauty of our Lord by knowing us.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phil 4:13
INTERCESSIONS
This week I am just posting verses. Please pray as you feel led by God whether it be for yourself, the church, or our nation. I have marked in bold the words below that stood out to me:
- love one another fervently with a pure heart...1 Peter 1:22
- laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking...1 Peter 2:1
- abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul...1 Peter 2:11
- let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit...1 Peter 3:10
- be hospitable to one another without grumbling...1 Peter 4:9
- let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, and evildoer, or as a busybody in other people's matters...1 Peter 4:15
- therefore, putting away lying, "Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor," for we are members of one another...Eph 4:25
For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men--as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God...1 Peter 2:15
UPDATE: I just listened to a message by John MacArthur and thought it tied in well with this post. It is the one dated March 27: http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/Grace_to_You/archives.asp?bcd=2008-3-27
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Prayer for Week 13 (Beginning 3.24.08)
This weekend as Christians gathered to remember the death and resurrection of Jesus, there were no doubt unbelievers in attendance at those services and events. Perhaps they were there at the invitation of a friend or family member, or they were driving by and suddenly found themselves turning into the church parking lot, or they were fulfilling an annual traditional, cultural, or religious requirement (in their own minds) by going to an Easter service. But we know those people were there because of a Divine appointment. After hearing the gospel message, some made a decision to follow Christ while others simply walked away.
INTERCESSIONS:
For those who gave their lives to Christ this weekend:
- that they would increase in the knowledge of God, be fruitful in serving Him, and walk worthy of the One they chose to follow. (that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God, Col 1:10)
For those who heard the gospel this weekend, but did not yet give their lives to Christ:
- that they would come to understand that reconciliation and a relationship with God the Father is through Christ Jesus alone (Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. John 14:6)
- that they would make a decision to accept Christ as their Lord and Savior (that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9)
INTERCESSIONS:
For those who gave their lives to Christ this weekend:
- that they would increase in the knowledge of God, be fruitful in serving Him, and walk worthy of the One they chose to follow. (that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God, Col 1:10)
For those who heard the gospel this weekend, but did not yet give their lives to Christ:
- that they would come to understand that reconciliation and a relationship with God the Father is through Christ Jesus alone (Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. John 14:6)
- that they would make a decision to accept Christ as their Lord and Savior (that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9)
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Prayer for Week 12 (Beginning 3.17.08)
And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. John 3:19-20
The national news have been heavy with the scandal surrounding New York State Governor Eliot Spitzer. While in watching the details unfold I have indeed thought much about his wife and children; however, my mind keeps focusing on the people responsible for "breaking the case." Numerous bank employees, IRS agents, and federal prosecutors worked tirelessly amidst corruption, lies, and depravity. By their diligence, light shone into darkness and the darkness was exposed.
"There are those who rebel against the light; They do not know its ways Nor abide in its paths.
The murderer rises with the light; He kills the poor and needy; And in the night he is like a thief.
The eye of the adulterer waits for the twilight, Saying, 'No eye will see me'; And he disguises his face.
In the dark they break into houses Which they marked for themselves in the daytime; They do not know the light.
For the morning is the same to them as the shadow of death; If someone recognizes them, They are in the terrors of the shadow of death.
Job 24:13-17
INTERCESSIONS:
- that Christians will live in purity, opposing and exposing darkness in our nation (And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. Eph 5:11)
- that Christians will remember the mercy God has shown them and show the same to those stumbling in darkness, including the people involved in the Spitzer scandal (For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light. Eph 5:8)
- that unbelievers will turn from darkness to the Light of the world, Jesus Christ (...to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.' Acts 26:18)
- that current and future leaders of America will exercise authority with justice and humility in complete submission to God (The God of Israel said, The Rock of Israel spoke to me: 'He who rules over men must be just, Ruling in the fear of God. And he shall be like the light of the morning when the sun rises, A morning without clouds... 2 Sam 23:3-4a)
Praise God!
The national news have been heavy with the scandal surrounding New York State Governor Eliot Spitzer. While in watching the details unfold I have indeed thought much about his wife and children; however, my mind keeps focusing on the people responsible for "breaking the case." Numerous bank employees, IRS agents, and federal prosecutors worked tirelessly amidst corruption, lies, and depravity. By their diligence, light shone into darkness and the darkness was exposed.
"There are those who rebel against the light; They do not know its ways Nor abide in its paths.
The murderer rises with the light; He kills the poor and needy; And in the night he is like a thief.
The eye of the adulterer waits for the twilight, Saying, 'No eye will see me'; And he disguises his face.
In the dark they break into houses Which they marked for themselves in the daytime; They do not know the light.
For the morning is the same to them as the shadow of death; If someone recognizes them, They are in the terrors of the shadow of death.
Job 24:13-17
INTERCESSIONS:
- that Christians will live in purity, opposing and exposing darkness in our nation (And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. Eph 5:11)
- that Christians will remember the mercy God has shown them and show the same to those stumbling in darkness, including the people involved in the Spitzer scandal (For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light. Eph 5:8)
- that unbelievers will turn from darkness to the Light of the world, Jesus Christ (...to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.' Acts 26:18)
- that current and future leaders of America will exercise authority with justice and humility in complete submission to God (The God of Israel said, The Rock of Israel spoke to me: 'He who rules over men must be just, Ruling in the fear of God. And he shall be like the light of the morning when the sun rises, A morning without clouds... 2 Sam 23:3-4a)
Praise God!
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Prayer for Week 11 (beginning 3.10.08)
In the book of Jonah, we read about God's mercy on the wicked city of Ninevah:
And should not I spare Nineveh, that great city, wherein are more than sixscore thousand persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand; (Jonah 4:11)
Many of the commentaries I read noted the phrase "persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand" as being a Hebrew way of describing children and that God's pity on Ninevah was in part due to these little ones who were unable to make moral judgments. This made me think of the children of America. The way that little boys talk...the way that little girls dress. Or worse, the way that little boys are allowed to talk and little girls are encouraged to dress. The music, the movies, and the magazines all marketed to youth but that rob them of innocence and purity. The most vulnerable of our society...so affected and influenced by the sins of our nation.
This week let us lift the children of America in prayer to the God who loves them dearly.
INTERCESSIONS:
- that children would not imitate sinful parents (But I said to their children in the wilderness, "Do not walk in the statutes of of your fathers, nor observe their judgments, nor defile yourselves with their idols." Ezek 20:18)
- that fathers will be strong spiritual leaders for their families but do so with the gentleness of Christ (And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord. Eph 6:4)
- that children would hear the gospel of Christ and open their hearts to Him as their Savior and Lord (Gather the people together, men and women and little ones...that they may hear and that they may learn to fear the LORD your God and carefully observe all the words of this law...and that their children, who have not known it, may hear and learn to fear the LORD your God... Deut 31:12-13)
- that God will give the children of our nation wisdom and understanding to glorify Him (Both young men and maidens; Old men and children. Let them praise the name of the LORD, For His name alone is exalted; His glory is above the earth and heaven. Psalm 148:12-13)
"The gourd which Jonah had pity on perished in a night; it withered, and there was an end of it. But the precious souls in Nineveh that God had pity on are not so short-lived; they are immortal, and therefore to be carefully and tenderly considered." - A. R. FAUSSET
And should not I spare Nineveh, that great city, wherein are more than sixscore thousand persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand; (Jonah 4:11)
Many of the commentaries I read noted the phrase "persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand" as being a Hebrew way of describing children and that God's pity on Ninevah was in part due to these little ones who were unable to make moral judgments. This made me think of the children of America. The way that little boys talk...the way that little girls dress. Or worse, the way that little boys are allowed to talk and little girls are encouraged to dress. The music, the movies, and the magazines all marketed to youth but that rob them of innocence and purity. The most vulnerable of our society...so affected and influenced by the sins of our nation.
This week let us lift the children of America in prayer to the God who loves them dearly.
INTERCESSIONS:
- that children would not imitate sinful parents (But I said to their children in the wilderness, "Do not walk in the statutes of of your fathers, nor observe their judgments, nor defile yourselves with their idols." Ezek 20:18)
- that fathers will be strong spiritual leaders for their families but do so with the gentleness of Christ (And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord. Eph 6:4)
- that children would hear the gospel of Christ and open their hearts to Him as their Savior and Lord (Gather the people together, men and women and little ones...that they may hear and that they may learn to fear the LORD your God and carefully observe all the words of this law...and that their children, who have not known it, may hear and learn to fear the LORD your God... Deut 31:12-13)
- that God will give the children of our nation wisdom and understanding to glorify Him (Both young men and maidens; Old men and children. Let them praise the name of the LORD, For His name alone is exalted; His glory is above the earth and heaven. Psalm 148:12-13)
"The gourd which Jonah had pity on perished in a night; it withered, and there was an end of it. But the precious souls in Nineveh that God had pity on are not so short-lived; they are immortal, and therefore to be carefully and tenderly considered." - A. R. FAUSSET
Monday, March 3, 2008
Prayer for Week 10 (beginning 3.3.08)
To God our Savior,
Who alone is wise,
Be glory and majesty,
Dominion and power,
Both now and forever.
Amen.
- Jude 25
This week let us remember that
God is by nature a saving God - He desires to save the lost, including the drug dealer down the street, the mother who abuses her child, and the greedy businessman who takes advantage of the poor.
He works in perfect wisdom, and His salvation of sinners brings glory to His Name as His mighty power is displayed through the lives He changes.
He reigns. Even in the midst of wickedness and darkness that is sometimes incomprehensible, our Lord reigns.
This week may we offer abundant praise and gratitude to God as we reflect on His mercy towards sinners, our own salvation, and His wisdom, power, and dominion.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Prayers for Week 9 (beginning 2.25.08)
This is the promise given in Romans 10:13:
For "whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."
The passage goes on to say in Romans 10:14,15:
How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!"
Then in Romans 10:17 we read:
So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
- that this week God will open doors for you to share the gospel and that you will be obedient to do so (...and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; 1 Peter 3:15)
- that this week those who HEAR the gospel will BELIEVE & RECEIVE the gospel (But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name... John 1:12)
For "whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."
The passage goes on to say in Romans 10:14,15:
How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!"
Then in Romans 10:17 we read:
So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Often when we think of taking the gospel to the lost, we think of doing so outside our nation's borders. We picture taking mission trips, translating the Bible into foreign languages, and planting churches in remote villages. Before I gave my life to Christ I knew of God and I knew of Jesus, but I didn't know the truth of the gospel. My guess is that many Americans are the same. So this week may our mission field be our neighborhoods, may we share God's Word in the language of love, and may God use us to plant seeds in the lives of our countrymen.
INTERCESSIONS:
- that this week the gospel of Jesus Christ will saturate our country and shine on unbelievers (specifically you may pray for Scripturally based messages in print, on radio & TV, church services, outreach ministries, etc) (whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. 2 Cor 4:4)- that this week God will open doors for you to share the gospel and that you will be obedient to do so (...and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; 1 Peter 3:15)
- that this week those who HEAR the gospel will BELIEVE & RECEIVE the gospel (But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name... John 1:12)
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Prayer for Week 8 (beginning 2.18.08)
During election time it can be easy to be glued to the news...to coverage of the candidates, the debates, the speeches. But during this vital time for our nation Christians need not be completely focused on Clinton or McCain, Obama or Huckabee, but on God.
REMEMBER OUR GOD
- that no authority will be given to any leader except by God's will (Daniel answered and said: "Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, For wisdom and might are His. And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise And knowledge to those who have understanding. Dan 2:20-21)
- that our sovereign God is working out His perfect plan (Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! Psalm 46:10)
REMEMBER OUR RESPONSIBILITY
- that Christians are called by God to pray for ALL men (Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 1 Tim 2:1-2)
- that Christians are called by God to be responsible citizens (Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men--as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. 1 Peter 2:13-16)
- that Christians are called by God to acknowledge His sovereignty (Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. Romans 13:1-2)
INTERCESSIONS: That the current and future leaders of our nation will
- genuinely seek God (The wicked in his proud countenance does not seek God; God is in none of his thoughts. Psalm 10:4)
- be guided by God's truth (If a ruler pays attention to lies, All his servants become wicked. Proverbs 29:12)
- walk in righteousness (Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people. Proverbs 14:34)
"We need to stand up for what is right and what is righteous, and God will use us as a means to achieving His purposes...the purposes God knows. And He's determined the end, but we're instruments to that end." - John MacArthur
REMEMBER TO VOTE!
REMEMBER OUR GOD
- that no authority will be given to any leader except by God's will (Daniel answered and said: "Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, For wisdom and might are His. And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise And knowledge to those who have understanding. Dan 2:20-21)
- that our sovereign God is working out His perfect plan (Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! Psalm 46:10)
REMEMBER OUR RESPONSIBILITY
- that Christians are called by God to pray for ALL men (Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 1 Tim 2:1-2)
- that Christians are called by God to be responsible citizens (Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men--as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. 1 Peter 2:13-16)
- that Christians are called by God to acknowledge His sovereignty (Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. Romans 13:1-2)
INTERCESSIONS: That the current and future leaders of our nation will
- genuinely seek God (The wicked in his proud countenance does not seek God; God is in none of his thoughts. Psalm 10:4)
- be guided by God's truth (If a ruler pays attention to lies, All his servants become wicked. Proverbs 29:12)
- walk in righteousness (Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people. Proverbs 14:34)
"We need to stand up for what is right and what is righteous, and God will use us as a means to achieving His purposes...the purposes God knows. And He's determined the end, but we're instruments to that end." - John MacArthur
REMEMBER TO VOTE!
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Prayer for Week 7 (beginning 2.11.08)
"How little people know who think that holiness is dull. When one meets the real thing . . . it is irresistible. If even ten percent of the world's population had it, would not the whole world be converted and happy before a year's end?" –C.S. Lewis
In Isaiah 45:22 God says, "Look to Me, and be saved, all you ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other!" As children of God we have the promise that His Spirit dwells in us (Cor 3:16) so, when people look at you, do they see God? Not just when you are at church...or when all is going well in your life...but at any moment of any day, do you look like God? Would an encounter with you cause an unbeliever to know more about the character of God?
God's plan for His church is shown in Ephesians 5:27: "that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish." Unfortunately a Church "without blemish" is not what the world is currently seeing. Divorce, pornography, and addiction seem to be as prevalent among Christians as in the world...as do gossip, bitterness, unforgiveness, envy, pride, lying, and lack of self-control.
In the quote above C.S. Lewis states concerning holiness that "When one meets the real thing...it is irresistable." The "real thing" is God Himself (No One is holy like the Lord...1 Sam 2:2). And His children are to look like their Father: "but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, "Be holy, for I am holy." 1 Peter 1:15,16
God has called us to holiness that we might glorify Him and be light to a dark world (Matt 5:14), but He knows we cannot do it on our own. He has given us His Spirit (Acts 1:8) to guide, to convict, and to teach us. If God so graciously indwells us with this Helper, our response should be one of humble surrender...that He might sanctify us unto holiness and, through our lives, lead others to "look to" Him and be saved!
INTERCESSIONS:
- that this week, by submitting to the Spirit, you would be directed in the way of godliness (I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them. Eze 26:27)
- that this week you would not grieve the Holy Spirit by choosing sinfulness over holiness (And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Eph 4:30)
- that this week you will die to self so others can see Christ in you (I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Gal 2:20)
- that this week the fruit of the Spirit would be evident in your life, a reflection of God's character to those who do not know Him (But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Gal 5:22, 23)
This week may we glorify our God by being like our God: holy and without blemish. And may God use our lives in His salvation of our nation.
In Isaiah 45:22 God says, "Look to Me, and be saved, all you ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other!" As children of God we have the promise that His Spirit dwells in us (Cor 3:16) so, when people look at you, do they see God? Not just when you are at church...or when all is going well in your life...but at any moment of any day, do you look like God? Would an encounter with you cause an unbeliever to know more about the character of God?
God's plan for His church is shown in Ephesians 5:27: "that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish." Unfortunately a Church "without blemish" is not what the world is currently seeing. Divorce, pornography, and addiction seem to be as prevalent among Christians as in the world...as do gossip, bitterness, unforgiveness, envy, pride, lying, and lack of self-control.
In the quote above C.S. Lewis states concerning holiness that "When one meets the real thing...it is irresistable." The "real thing" is God Himself (No One is holy like the Lord...1 Sam 2:2). And His children are to look like their Father: "but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, "Be holy, for I am holy." 1 Peter 1:15,16
God has called us to holiness that we might glorify Him and be light to a dark world (Matt 5:14), but He knows we cannot do it on our own. He has given us His Spirit (Acts 1:8) to guide, to convict, and to teach us. If God so graciously indwells us with this Helper, our response should be one of humble surrender...that He might sanctify us unto holiness and, through our lives, lead others to "look to" Him and be saved!
INTERCESSIONS:
- that this week, by submitting to the Spirit, you would be directed in the way of godliness (I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them. Eze 26:27)
- that this week you would not grieve the Holy Spirit by choosing sinfulness over holiness (And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Eph 4:30)
- that this week you will die to self so others can see Christ in you (I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Gal 2:20)
- that this week the fruit of the Spirit would be evident in your life, a reflection of God's character to those who do not know Him (But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Gal 5:22, 23)
This week may we glorify our God by being like our God: holy and without blemish. And may God use our lives in His salvation of our nation.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Prayer for Week 6 (beginning 2.4.08)
I was recently checking out some websites and found the following statements, which I left unedited:
"i hate christianity, and all the ignorant followers"
"I have a low tolerance for scripture. Zero, in fact."
"I've had enough with Christianity. I've had enough with God."
"i am so sick of religion! the chuirches make it seem like u haved to be all good and read ur bible every day and stuff!!personally i doesnt matter if u go to church!as long as u have a relationship with God u r fine!screw religion!freedom and God is so much better"
"Christian music must be stoped so our children dont have to share our tiny blue planet with a bunch of bible thumping neo-nazi quasi-hippies "praiseing his name" every 4 seconds."
"And as a consumer whore, I have to say that I haven't been given a reason to love Jesus. He's got stiff competition for my spiritual self from people like Alan Moore and Neil Gaiman - at least their literature is readable. Without some winning slogans, a corporate logo and some busty bikini-clad women, Jesus isn't converting me any time soon."
My guess is that you are not surprised. And you shouldn't be. In John 15:18 Jesus said, "If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you." Take a moment to think about Jesus...His gentleness...His long suffering...His compassion...His peace...His forgiveness...His strength. Can you imagine NOT knowing Him? Not knowing those things about Him...and what they mean to your life? So many people, like the writers above, do not KNOW the One who loves them beyond measure. They do not KNOW the One they hate.
INTERCESSIONS:
- that God will show His abundant mercy to those who hate Him and persecute His children; that by His gracious salvation they will be reconciled to Him, and that their lives will glorify Him. (For you have heard of my former conduct in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it. Gal 1:13 AND But they were hearing only, "He who formerly persecuted us now preaches the faith which he once tried to destroy." And they glorified God in me. Gal 1:23, 24)
- that the people who wrote the above statements will come to KNOW Christ as their Lord and Savior THIS WEEK (And these things [persecution] they will do to you because they have not known the Father nor Me. John 16:3)
- that Christians will respond in love, compassion and prayer to those who hate them (But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you... Matt 5:44)
BE ENCOURAGED! At church today I watched as many people made the decision to give their lives to Christ...and I was reminded that God is hearing our prayers for our nation!
"i hate christianity, and all the ignorant followers"
"I have a low tolerance for scripture. Zero, in fact."
"I've had enough with Christianity. I've had enough with God."
"i am so sick of religion! the chuirches make it seem like u haved to be all good and read ur bible every day and stuff!!personally i doesnt matter if u go to church!as long as u have a relationship with God u r fine!screw religion!freedom and God is so much better"
"Christian music must be stoped so our children dont have to share our tiny blue planet with a bunch of bible thumping neo-nazi quasi-hippies "praiseing his name" every 4 seconds."
"And as a consumer whore, I have to say that I haven't been given a reason to love Jesus. He's got stiff competition for my spiritual self from people like Alan Moore and Neil Gaiman - at least their literature is readable. Without some winning slogans, a corporate logo and some busty bikini-clad women, Jesus isn't converting me any time soon."
My guess is that you are not surprised. And you shouldn't be. In John 15:18 Jesus said, "If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you." Take a moment to think about Jesus...His gentleness...His long suffering...His compassion...His peace...His forgiveness...His strength. Can you imagine NOT knowing Him? Not knowing those things about Him...and what they mean to your life? So many people, like the writers above, do not KNOW the One who loves them beyond measure. They do not KNOW the One they hate.
INTERCESSIONS:
- that God will show His abundant mercy to those who hate Him and persecute His children; that by His gracious salvation they will be reconciled to Him, and that their lives will glorify Him. (For you have heard of my former conduct in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it. Gal 1:13 AND But they were hearing only, "He who formerly persecuted us now preaches the faith which he once tried to destroy." And they glorified God in me. Gal 1:23, 24)
- that the people who wrote the above statements will come to KNOW Christ as their Lord and Savior THIS WEEK (And these things [persecution] they will do to you because they have not known the Father nor Me. John 16:3)
- that Christians will respond in love, compassion and prayer to those who hate them (But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you... Matt 5:44)
BE ENCOURAGED! At church today I watched as many people made the decision to give their lives to Christ...and I was reminded that God is hearing our prayers for our nation!
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Reminder...
I've posted about this sweet family before but wanted to remind you to visit their blog, read their story, ooh and ahh over their precious baby, and lift them in prayer.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Prayer for Week 5 (beginning 1.28.08)
In Psalm 2 the nations are described as follows:
1 Why do the nations rage, And the people plot a vain thing? 2 The kings of the earth set themselves, And the rulers take counsel together, Against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying, 3 "Let us break Their bonds in pieces And cast away Their cords from us."
The Psalm goes on to show the fate of those nations who rebel against God:
9 You shall break them with a rod of iron; You shall dash them to pieces like a potter's vessel.' "
BUT...despite the wickedness of the nations, God provides an opportunity for REPENTANCE:
10 Now therefore, be wise, O kings; Be instructed, you judges of the earth. 11 Serve the Lord with fear, And rejoice with trembling. 12 kiss the Son, lest Hebe angry, And you perish in the way, When His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.
We all are aware of the multitude of sins crippling our nation, but the sin we will focus on this week is our nation's PRIDE as we set ourselves against God. Whether it is by removing the Ten Commandments from courthouses, the words "Merry Christmas" from our stores, or the teaching of Creation from our public schools, America is saying about God and His Son "Let us break Their bonds in pieces And cast away Their cords from us."
Intercessions:
This week let us pray in accordance with the commands God Himself gives in Psalm 2 as instruction for repentance from this rebellion:
- that, as in this Psalm, God would have mercy on our country leading to people's salvation and repentance rather than His wrath. (For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thess 5:9)
-that our unsaved countrymen will soon humble themselves before the Lord who died to save their souls. (Kiss the Son...blessed are all those who put their trust in Him. Psalm 2:12)
-since we know that "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction" (Prov 1:7) pray that ALL Americans will honor and respect the Lord God with humility (Serve the Lord with fear, And rejoice with trembling. Psalm 2:11)
- that ALL leaders (government officials, lawmakers, judges, educators, fathers, mothers, employers, etc) will seek wisdom and instruction from God by seeking His counsel through prayer and His Word (Now therefore, be wise, O kings; Be instructed, you judges of the earth Psalm 2:10)
We can be discouraged if we look at the sin in the world around us, but God's Word says in Romans 5:20, "But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more." MUCH MORE! Be confident in your prayers and in the abundant grace of our Lord who desires to save the lost and to have His creation live for His glory.
1 Why do the nations rage, And the people plot a vain thing? 2 The kings of the earth set themselves, And the rulers take counsel together, Against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying, 3 "Let us break Their bonds in pieces And cast away Their cords from us."
The Psalm goes on to show the fate of those nations who rebel against God:
9 You shall break them with a rod of iron; You shall dash them to pieces like a potter's vessel.' "
BUT...despite the wickedness of the nations, God provides an opportunity for REPENTANCE:
10 Now therefore, be wise, O kings; Be instructed, you judges of the earth. 11 Serve the Lord with fear, And rejoice with trembling. 12 kiss the Son, lest Hebe angry, And you perish in the way, When His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.
We all are aware of the multitude of sins crippling our nation, but the sin we will focus on this week is our nation's PRIDE as we set ourselves against God. Whether it is by removing the Ten Commandments from courthouses, the words "Merry Christmas" from our stores, or the teaching of Creation from our public schools, America is saying about God and His Son "Let us break Their bonds in pieces And cast away Their cords from us."
Intercessions:
This week let us pray in accordance with the commands God Himself gives in Psalm 2 as instruction for repentance from this rebellion:
- that, as in this Psalm, God would have mercy on our country leading to people's salvation and repentance rather than His wrath. (For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thess 5:9)
-that our unsaved countrymen will soon humble themselves before the Lord who died to save their souls. (Kiss the Son...blessed are all those who put their trust in Him. Psalm 2:12)
-since we know that "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction" (Prov 1:7) pray that ALL Americans will honor and respect the Lord God with humility (Serve the Lord with fear, And rejoice with trembling. Psalm 2:11)
- that ALL leaders (government officials, lawmakers, judges, educators, fathers, mothers, employers, etc) will seek wisdom and instruction from God by seeking His counsel through prayer and His Word (Now therefore, be wise, O kings; Be instructed, you judges of the earth Psalm 2:10)
We can be discouraged if we look at the sin in the world around us, but God's Word says in Romans 5:20, "But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more." MUCH MORE! Be confident in your prayers and in the abundant grace of our Lord who desires to save the lost and to have His creation live for His glory.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Prayer for Week 4 (beginning 1.21.08)
As I was thinking about this week's intercessions, a specific statement kept coming to mind. It was the last line of an email I recently received from a sweet friend. While I initially thought we might move into praying for unbelievers in politics, entertainment, or our neighborhoods...afterall this is a "salvation" blog...this statement led me back to the Church:
My friend's comment obviously made me think of the battle between the Israelites and the Amalekites (Exodus 17:8-16). As I started studying the passage I thought that the intercessions might focus on remembering that the "battle belongs to the Lord" or supporting one another as Aaron and Hur did for Moses, but I just scrapped that whole post because I think the truly important message for us this week is the ABSOLUTE IMPORTANCE OF YOU PRAYING. Since you are visiting a prayer blog, you may already be a diligent, faithful pray-er...but you may be like me, a weak, undisciplined pray-er who desires...and needs...to grow in this area.
Exodus 17:8-16 shows us this absolute importance of prayer. Life and death for the Israelites, as well as the course of history itself, depended upon prayer. The prayer of ONE man: Moses. We know this because the passage says when Moses' hand was raised, Israel prevailed, and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. "It can be difficult to reconcile this with knowing God has a pre-ordained plan. But God didn't want Moses to concern himself with that - he was to pray as if it really mattered. Just because we can't figure out how our prayers mesh with God's pre-ordained plan never means we should stop believing prayer matters. We can conclude that many times the people of God are defeated today because they will not pray, or their work is not supported by prayer." -David Guziki.
It is interesting that the passage does not note that Joshua's hands were heavy in fighting but that Moses' hands were heavy in praying. Do you find it easier to write out a donation check to a charity than to engage in intercession for those whom the organization will aid? Do you find it easier to drop off used clothes at a shelter than to pray for those who will wear them? Do you find it easier to do a nice deed for your unbelieving neighbor than to set aside time every day to plead for his salvation? I'm not asking you any questions that I am not asking myself!
Israel depended on the prayers of one man. And what about America? Just like the Israelites, we are in a battle. Are you willing to be the one to pray for victory? This question is not intended to guilt you into praying...but to make us all realize the importance that God places on our obedience to pray and the opportunity that is before us to be used by God. "Moses prayed as we should pray - with passion, believing that life and death - perhaps eternally - depended on prayer." - David Guzik
INTERCESSIONS:
That Christians will plead fervently and passionately for our nation just as Moses did for Israel believing that God hears and will answer.
Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.- Col 4:12
Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. James 5:16
That Christians will not grow weary or apathetic in praying for salvation for our friends, family, and countrymen. May we be encouraged that our God is always working!
And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Gal 6:9
"I love you my sister, I will raise your hands to victory when you are weak."
My friend's comment obviously made me think of the battle between the Israelites and the Amalekites (Exodus 17:8-16). As I started studying the passage I thought that the intercessions might focus on remembering that the "battle belongs to the Lord" or supporting one another as Aaron and Hur did for Moses, but I just scrapped that whole post because I think the truly important message for us this week is the ABSOLUTE IMPORTANCE OF YOU PRAYING. Since you are visiting a prayer blog, you may already be a diligent, faithful pray-er...but you may be like me, a weak, undisciplined pray-er who desires...and needs...to grow in this area.
Exodus 17:8-16 shows us this absolute importance of prayer. Life and death for the Israelites, as well as the course of history itself, depended upon prayer. The prayer of ONE man: Moses. We know this because the passage says when Moses' hand was raised, Israel prevailed, and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. "It can be difficult to reconcile this with knowing God has a pre-ordained plan. But God didn't want Moses to concern himself with that - he was to pray as if it really mattered. Just because we can't figure out how our prayers mesh with God's pre-ordained plan never means we should stop believing prayer matters. We can conclude that many times the people of God are defeated today because they will not pray, or their work is not supported by prayer." -David Guziki.
It is interesting that the passage does not note that Joshua's hands were heavy in fighting but that Moses' hands were heavy in praying. Do you find it easier to write out a donation check to a charity than to engage in intercession for those whom the organization will aid? Do you find it easier to drop off used clothes at a shelter than to pray for those who will wear them? Do you find it easier to do a nice deed for your unbelieving neighbor than to set aside time every day to plead for his salvation? I'm not asking you any questions that I am not asking myself!
Israel depended on the prayers of one man. And what about America? Just like the Israelites, we are in a battle. Are you willing to be the one to pray for victory? This question is not intended to guilt you into praying...but to make us all realize the importance that God places on our obedience to pray and the opportunity that is before us to be used by God. "Moses prayed as we should pray - with passion, believing that life and death - perhaps eternally - depended on prayer." - David Guzik
INTERCESSIONS:
That Christians will plead fervently and passionately for our nation just as Moses did for Israel believing that God hears and will answer.
Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.- Col 4:12
Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. James 5:16
That Christians will not grow weary or apathetic in praying for salvation for our friends, family, and countrymen. May we be encouraged that our God is always working!
And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Gal 6:9
That Christians will make prayer a priority and -- before engaging in any service, ministry, or charitable giving -- go before the Lord in intercession for souls.
Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving - Col 4:2
"Moses was not only a standard-bearer, but an intercessor, pleading with God for success and victory. Note, When the host goes forth against the enemy earnest prayers should be made to the God of hosts for his presence with them. It is here the praying legion that proves the thundering legion." -Matthew Henry
Prayer request
I just came across an important blog post. Please check out this site written by a man named Nathan who is deeply in love with God, his wife Tricia who has cystic fibrosis, and his new baby girl Gwyneth who was born at 1.6 oz. I encourage you to check out the older posts and watch through 3D Ultrasound as little Gywneth's body is being formed while in the womb...as well as to be inspired by this young couple's faith and to lift them up in prayer.
Here is an excerpt from one of Nathan's posts:
I prayed this morning at Tricia's bed, holding her left hand with tears in my eyes. I expressed to God that I will accept anything He chooses for Tricia in the next few hours and days if He would allow just one person to understand and accept Him as their Savior. I don't like the idea of making deals with God, but I needed a sign that He is God. Less than two hours later, a woman posted on Andy's Blog that she was finally "understanding" and "accepting" Jesus as her Savior. My God is the awesome God.
Here is an excerpt from one of Nathan's posts:
I prayed this morning at Tricia's bed, holding her left hand with tears in my eyes. I expressed to God that I will accept anything He chooses for Tricia in the next few hours and days if He would allow just one person to understand and accept Him as their Savior. I don't like the idea of making deals with God, but I needed a sign that He is God. Less than two hours later, a woman posted on Andy's Blog that she was finally "understanding" and "accepting" Jesus as her Savior. My God is the awesome God.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Prayer for Week 3 (beginning 1.14.08)
This week of prayer we will focus on women. If you happened to look on Foxnews.com in November, you may have seen an article about "drunken debauchery." Supposedly on Facebook someone has 4800 photos of women who have become intoxicated...and have ended up being photographed half-naked, vomitting, and passed out in compromising positions. And each one of these 4800 women were "fearfully and wonderfully" made by a loving Creator. As we pray for the women of our country may God's love for His creation fill our hearts and guide our words.
INTERCESSIONS
Christian women
- that our mouths will speak only words that glorify God and edify others: (She opens her mouth with wisdom and on her tongue is the law of kindness. Proverbs 31:26) and (Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips. Psalm 141:3)
- that we will show grace in our relationships, not allowing little issues to gnaw away at them (Catch us the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vines. Song of Sol 2:15)
- that we will be completely content with all God has provided us: our looks, our marriages, our finances, our families, etc. (Let your conduct be without covetousness; be contentwith such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you. Hebrews 13:5)
- that we will be diligent in discipleship to other women and to children (one generation shall praise Your works to another and shall declare Your mighty acts. Psalm 145:4)
- that we will be the arms of Christ that compassionately embrace others, especially those who are separated from God by their sin (She extends her hand to the poor, Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy. Prov 31:20)
Women not YET saved
- that God will give them understanding of their worth in His eyes and His purpose for their lives (For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Eph 2:10) and (Your hands have made me and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn Your commandments. Psalm 119:73)
- that they will come to know Christ as their Savior and turn from sin (She said, "No one, Lord." And Jesus said to her, "Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more. John 8:11)"
ALL WOMEN (as this can be an issue in the church as well as the world)
- that women will embrace modesty and model it for young girls (in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation... 1 Tim 2:9)
- that women will turn from the world's view of beauty and embrace God's view of beauty; that we will care more about inner beauty than outer beauty as evidenced by the way we spend our money, time, thoughts(Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord shall be praised. Proverbs 31:30)
INTERCESSIONS
Christian women
- that our mouths will speak only words that glorify God and edify others: (She opens her mouth with wisdom and on her tongue is the law of kindness. Proverbs 31:26) and (Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips. Psalm 141:3)
- that we will show grace in our relationships, not allowing little issues to gnaw away at them (Catch us the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vines. Song of Sol 2:15)
- that we will be completely content with all God has provided us: our looks, our marriages, our finances, our families, etc. (Let your conduct be without covetousness; be contentwith such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you. Hebrews 13:5)
- that we will be diligent in discipleship to other women and to children (one generation shall praise Your works to another and shall declare Your mighty acts. Psalm 145:4)
- that we will be the arms of Christ that compassionately embrace others, especially those who are separated from God by their sin (She extends her hand to the poor, Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy. Prov 31:20)
Women not YET saved
- that God will give them understanding of their worth in His eyes and His purpose for their lives (For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Eph 2:10) and (Your hands have made me and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn Your commandments. Psalm 119:73)
- that they will come to know Christ as their Savior and turn from sin (She said, "No one, Lord." And Jesus said to her, "Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more. John 8:11)"
ALL WOMEN (as this can be an issue in the church as well as the world)
- that women will embrace modesty and model it for young girls (in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation... 1 Tim 2:9)
- that women will turn from the world's view of beauty and embrace God's view of beauty; that we will care more about inner beauty than outer beauty as evidenced by the way we spend our money, time, thoughts(Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord shall be praised. Proverbs 31:30)
Monday, January 7, 2008
Prayer for Week 2 (beginning 1.7.08)
I once heard a guy say that when God wants to start a work, He begins with the men. I wasn't sure how I felt about that comment until I thought of Genesis 3:9. The Bible says that, after eating the fruit, "Adam and his wife" hid themselves from God. Gen 3:9 says, "then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, "Where are you?" Since we know that God already knew that it was Eve who first ate of the fruit and then gave it to Adam, I think it's important to note that God addressed Adam first. So, this week let's lift the men of America in prayer to God. While my intercessions are general, please pray for any specific men who God places on your heart.
INTERCESSIONS
Christian men:
- that Christian men would live pure lives in thoughts, words, and deeds (Psalm 24:4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart, Who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, Nor sworn deceitfully)
- that Christian men would be obedient to their call to be spiritual leaders of their families and to serve in this role faithfully and passionately (Joshua 24:15 ... But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.)
- that God will place a burden on the heart of His men to actively care for and protect the needy and defenseless of the world, such as children, elderly, single mothers, etc.(Isaiah 1:17 Learn to do good; seek justice, rebuke the oppressor, defend the fatherless, plead for the widow.)
- that Christian men in leadership positions (employers, government officials, teachers, fathers, etc) would make all decisions in line with Scripture and to glorify God (Col 3:23 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men).
Men who are not YET believers:
- that unsaved men will no longer be blinded to spiritual truth (Acts 26:18 ...to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of satan to God, that they may receive forgivenss of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.)
- that just as God had pity on the wicked city of Ninevah (Jonah 4:11), he would also have mercy on the United States and cleanse men from their sin (Titus 3:5 ...not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.)
- that unsaved men will see the truth of their sinful lives and be filled with godly sorrow (1 Cor 7: 10 ...for godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted, but the sorrow of the world produces death.)
-that men (especially those who make decisions in parenting, education, lawmaking, entertainment, etc) would be saved and start making changes in their spheres of influence to turn our country to God (Acts 14:15 ...and saying, "Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men with the same nature as you, and preach to you that you should turn from these useless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all things that are in them)
INTERCESSIONS
Christian men:
- that Christian men would live pure lives in thoughts, words, and deeds (Psalm 24:4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart, Who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, Nor sworn deceitfully)
- that Christian men would be obedient to their call to be spiritual leaders of their families and to serve in this role faithfully and passionately (Joshua 24:15 ... But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.)
- that God will place a burden on the heart of His men to actively care for and protect the needy and defenseless of the world, such as children, elderly, single mothers, etc.(Isaiah 1:17 Learn to do good; seek justice, rebuke the oppressor, defend the fatherless, plead for the widow.)
- that Christian men in leadership positions (employers, government officials, teachers, fathers, etc) would make all decisions in line with Scripture and to glorify God (Col 3:23 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men).
Men who are not YET believers:
- that unsaved men will no longer be blinded to spiritual truth (Acts 26:18 ...to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of satan to God, that they may receive forgivenss of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.)
- that just as God had pity on the wicked city of Ninevah (Jonah 4:11), he would also have mercy on the United States and cleanse men from their sin (Titus 3:5 ...not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.)
- that unsaved men will see the truth of their sinful lives and be filled with godly sorrow (1 Cor 7: 10 ...for godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted, but the sorrow of the world produces death.)
-that men (especially those who make decisions in parenting, education, lawmaking, entertainment, etc) would be saved and start making changes in their spheres of influence to turn our country to God (Acts 14:15 ...and saying, "Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men with the same nature as you, and preach to you that you should turn from these useless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all things that are in them)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
