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)
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