Our final day of 30 Days of Prayer but I hope not your final day to pray! I hope you have been spurred on by the Holy Spirit to journal some of the details of Andrew Murray's book The Ministry of Intercessory Prayer. I hope you have been spurred on to ask Him who you can be praying for. Intercessory prayer isn't for only 30 days, or every once in a while, it is our privilege as believers in Christ to pray for one another and to carry one another's burdens daily. We were not created to do this thing called life all alone but instead with a community of believers.
I sat in on the Jonah study today and Priscilla Shirer, the author, wrapped up the teaching session by reminding us that if we are coming to Bible study to study God's word then that is good but if we don't do anything with it then what good is it? She encouraged us to be the hands and feet of Christ to a dying nation. To be Christ to those who are lost and have no hope. That is a pretty tall order, but one that is commanded of us to go and tell all the nations. May a revival begin in our own hearts and minds, then to our families, to our neighborhood, our workplace or school, and then to the ends of the earth. A revival happened in Ninevah (modern day Mosul, Iraq) because one man allowed God to do a mighty work first in himself and then to a large city. The prophet preached against a city of nearly 122,000 people and within 24 hours the largest revival in history occurred. You can read the story in The Book of Jonah, found in the Old Testament, only four short chapters. In the four chapters we get a glimpse of ourselves as well as our God from heaven above. May we say yes to God as Jonah did, and watch to see what He does with willing hearts and available bodies.
Day 31
The Ministry of Intercessory Prayer by Andrew Murray
What to Pray: For the Spirit of Christ in His People
"I am the vine you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me he can do nothing" (John 15:5).
"I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you" (John 13:15).
As branches of the Vine, we are to be so like the Vine, so entirely identified with it, that all may see that we have the same nature, and life, and spirit. When we pray for the Spirit, let us not only think of a Spirit of power, but the very disposition and temper of Christ.
Ask for and expect nothing less. Ask it for yourself and ask it for all God's children. This should be the deepest cry of our heart.
How to Pray: Striving in Prayer
"I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me" (Romans 15:30).
"I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally" (Colossians 2:1).
Paul asked his followers to join him in his trials by praying for him. All the powers of evil seek to hinder us in prayer. Prayer is a conflict with opposing forces. It requires the whole heart and all our strength. May God give us grace to strive in prayer for others, and may we all be blessed with many who pray also for us.
Your Own Prayer Requests:
Pray and ask God to bring to your mind those for whom you can pray. Be intentional, commit to action, and strive to lift up your brothers and sisters in prayer, pray that your world and their world will be changed and transformed for Christ.
John 15:5, listed above, is underlined in my Bible. In my mind it is my life verse. I didn't put a date in my Bible when I underlined it but I remember praying it back to God that I wanted to remain in Him so that I could bear fruit, fruit that will last. Once I came to faith I was fully surrendered and longed to be of some use to God. As I look back over the past 10 years of faith and the nearly 2 years I spent trying to figure out if this was really the real deal, I realize how little I have done personally but how God has been so faithful. So faithful to those I have prayed for and served alongside of. I am in awe and humbled that He would allow me to be called His daughter and serve Him in ministry.
"Christ our intercessor is our life. He is our Head and we are His body. His Spirit and life breathe in us. As in heaven so on earth, intercession is God's chosen channel of blessing. Let us learn from Christ what kind of glory there is in this kind of prayer" (page 109-110).
Thank you ladies for joining us on this journey. Today's lecture at the general level was on intercessory prayer. God is up to something and it is good. We shall serve the King together.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Day 30
This week we start up Bible study again and I am ready! Tomorrow we will spend the time getting ready to open both campuses for Tuesday and get ready for our evening sessions on Wednesday and Thursday. Nearly 375 ladies will converge on the FBCG campuses this week to study God's word and over 100 children will be in tow. The ladies come from all different churches in the Fox Valley area and beyond, they come from various faith traditions, some gals are in their 20's and some are in their 80's, and many in between. Of the ladies coming there will be some who will study the Bible for the very first time and they are very nervous about this new endeavor. Others will join us who have studied the Bible for years, they are seasoned students. We come because something inside of us draws us to this place. We sometimes want to do something else, anything else, but we cannot stay away. That draw is the work of the Holy Spirit. There is nothing in us that wants to draw nearer to God. Our nature tends to move away from God, that is because of sin. But because of His great love for us He draws us to Himself.
Pastor Jeff mentioned this morning that sometimes he arrives at church but doesn't really want to be there. But once the music starts his heart begins to change and he begins to make the shift from not wanting to be there to a place of worship. Bible study works the same way at times. Once the winter sets in, the snow falls and the wind blows we think maybe staying home is a good idea. Rest assured I am right there with you but may we commit to pray for one another that we will press on and go. As we meet for worship at 9:00 a.m. and sing praises to Him, then our heart begins to soften and we begin to be grateful for being in this place where only an hour earlier it may have been the last place we wanted to be. The snow might fly and the winds might howl but we are in His presence and can't imagine being anyplace else.
God is at work in this place and if we don't go we might just miss something. Our presence isn't always for our benefit but if we are willing and have a heart prepared to receive whatever He allows for that time then He may use our situation to benefit someone else. He may choose you, or me, to speak His truth that impacts someone in our groups.
Day 30
The Ministry of Intercessory Prayer by Andrew Murray
What to Pray: For the Holy Spirit With the Word of God
"For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and the deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake" (1 Thessalonians 1:5).
"It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told to you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven" (1 Peter 1:12).
The Word of God is circulated without much difficulty in countries where there is freedom of religion. Most sermons are preached based on the Word of God-or should be. Bibles--including various versions--are being read in homes and in private schools. The Word is powerful and will accomplish what God intends in each place, but how important it is to intercede in these places, that the Holy Spirit will attend the Word in power through those who are filled with the Spirit and who read the Word with the eyes of the Spirit's understanding. Pray for Bible circulation in countries where it is restricted or even prohibited, but pray too for the accompaniment of the Holy Spirit in minds and hearts and in preaching and teaching and reading, that its full effect may be felt in every place. Let every mention of the Word of God awaken intercessory prayer.
How to Pray: Watching and Praying
"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains" (Colossians 4:2-3).
Do you see how everything depends upon God and prayer? As long as He lives and loves and hears and works, as long as there are souls with hearts closed to the Word of God, as long as there is work to be done in carrying the Word to the ends of the earth--praying without ceasing. "Continue in prayer, watching in the same with thanksgiving." These words are for every Christian. No one is exempt.
Your Own Prayer Requests
~Pray earnestly for those who are currently studying God's word to continue, that the devil will not discourage them and keep them away.
~Pray earnestly for that young believer to join the community of believers and draw nearer to God by studying His word.
~Pray for the unbeliever that He will draw her to Himself and her heart beats faster, she cannot stay away. Her heart and mind long to know more and she responds to His invitation.
These cold, dark months ahead are hard for lots of reasons. But in the context of God's Word the cold, dark months ahead are months where we notice numbers begin to drop off. Women miss a few weeks due to illness and begin to feel disconnected to the group and choose other things instead of studying God's Word. Today's devotion encourages us to intercede in places like this, that the Holy Spirit will attend in power through those who are filled with the Spirit, so that God can impact those around us. Those who are taking the big step to come for the first time NEED to see Jesus in you. Those who are hurting NEED to see Jesus with skin on in those small groups. You NEED His Spirit to be in the women around you to encourage you in this journey of faith, that you will be spurred on by the study and stories shared to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. We need one another, pray for one another that we will not grow weary but instead we will be strong and courageous through the months ahead!!
Andrew Murray, the author of our devotions, gives one more day of devotions for us. Join me tomorrow for our wrap up of intercessory prayer. Review your journal and see me this week to pick up a calendar to encourage us to keep on praying for one another!!
May God bless you this day and in the days and months ahead.
Pastor Jeff mentioned this morning that sometimes he arrives at church but doesn't really want to be there. But once the music starts his heart begins to change and he begins to make the shift from not wanting to be there to a place of worship. Bible study works the same way at times. Once the winter sets in, the snow falls and the wind blows we think maybe staying home is a good idea. Rest assured I am right there with you but may we commit to pray for one another that we will press on and go. As we meet for worship at 9:00 a.m. and sing praises to Him, then our heart begins to soften and we begin to be grateful for being in this place where only an hour earlier it may have been the last place we wanted to be. The snow might fly and the winds might howl but we are in His presence and can't imagine being anyplace else.
God is at work in this place and if we don't go we might just miss something. Our presence isn't always for our benefit but if we are willing and have a heart prepared to receive whatever He allows for that time then He may use our situation to benefit someone else. He may choose you, or me, to speak His truth that impacts someone in our groups.
Day 30
The Ministry of Intercessory Prayer by Andrew Murray
What to Pray: For the Holy Spirit With the Word of God
"For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and the deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake" (1 Thessalonians 1:5).
"It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told to you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven" (1 Peter 1:12).
The Word of God is circulated without much difficulty in countries where there is freedom of religion. Most sermons are preached based on the Word of God-or should be. Bibles--including various versions--are being read in homes and in private schools. The Word is powerful and will accomplish what God intends in each place, but how important it is to intercede in these places, that the Holy Spirit will attend the Word in power through those who are filled with the Spirit and who read the Word with the eyes of the Spirit's understanding. Pray for Bible circulation in countries where it is restricted or even prohibited, but pray too for the accompaniment of the Holy Spirit in minds and hearts and in preaching and teaching and reading, that its full effect may be felt in every place. Let every mention of the Word of God awaken intercessory prayer.
How to Pray: Watching and Praying
"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains" (Colossians 4:2-3).
Do you see how everything depends upon God and prayer? As long as He lives and loves and hears and works, as long as there are souls with hearts closed to the Word of God, as long as there is work to be done in carrying the Word to the ends of the earth--praying without ceasing. "Continue in prayer, watching in the same with thanksgiving." These words are for every Christian. No one is exempt.
Your Own Prayer Requests
~Pray earnestly for those who are currently studying God's word to continue, that the devil will not discourage them and keep them away.
~Pray earnestly for that young believer to join the community of believers and draw nearer to God by studying His word.
~Pray for the unbeliever that He will draw her to Himself and her heart beats faster, she cannot stay away. Her heart and mind long to know more and she responds to His invitation.
These cold, dark months ahead are hard for lots of reasons. But in the context of God's Word the cold, dark months ahead are months where we notice numbers begin to drop off. Women miss a few weeks due to illness and begin to feel disconnected to the group and choose other things instead of studying God's Word. Today's devotion encourages us to intercede in places like this, that the Holy Spirit will attend in power through those who are filled with the Spirit, so that God can impact those around us. Those who are taking the big step to come for the first time NEED to see Jesus in you. Those who are hurting NEED to see Jesus with skin on in those small groups. You NEED His Spirit to be in the women around you to encourage you in this journey of faith, that you will be spurred on by the study and stories shared to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. We need one another, pray for one another that we will not grow weary but instead we will be strong and courageous through the months ahead!!
Andrew Murray, the author of our devotions, gives one more day of devotions for us. Join me tomorrow for our wrap up of intercessory prayer. Review your journal and see me this week to pick up a calendar to encourage us to keep on praying for one another!!
May God bless you this day and in the days and months ahead.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Happy New Year! Day 29
Welcome to 2011! For some reading this, you are glad to say good-bye to 2010 and look forward to a new year with great expectation that it will be better than the last. Others are sorry to see the end of a good year and wait with trepidation to see what this next year will hold. Either way there is uncertainty and excitement at the possibilities. After having read Murray's book, The Ministry of Intercessory Prayer, I have such a hunger for prayer, like no other year, I can't wait to see how God is going to grow me in this area. We are wrapping up our final days of 30 Days of Prayer taken from Murray's book. This little nugget has challenged me to seek God. To be honest, I thought I was seeking God in all things, but now I want more. I love Him, but I want to love Him more. I love prayer but I want to make sure I am praying in the power of His Spirit. I want His daughters to seek Him for all their worries, complaints and heartaches so that his daughters might experience the freedom and joy He intended when He sent His son, Jesus, to die for us. Jesus willing gave His life so that we can be reconciled to a holy God and impact the world around us for His glory. Although lives are busier now than ever before and so many demands are made on us as women than ever before, we cannot become complacent when it comes to prayer. For those things important to us we will accomplish them. If your child has a doctors appointment you drop what you are doing and you take the child. You make it a priority. God invites us to join Him, in the power of His Spirit, to intercede for those in our sphere of influence. Can we make the time to join Him? Can we afford not to join Him? Let us not be satisfied with a mediocre prayer life, let us be intentional for 2011 to seek Him in prayer and study what it means to do so. Join voices with the saints as we seek to have His power reign here on earth as it is in heaven.
Day 29
The Ministry of Intercessory Prayer by Andrew Murray
What to Pray: For the Spirit of Intercession
"You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit-fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name" (John 15:16).
"Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete...In that day you will ask in my name" (John 16:24, 26).
If nothing else, our school of intercession has taught us how little we have prayed in the name of Jesus. He promised His disciples that in the day the Holy Spirit came upon them they would ask in His name. Until we know and understand the work of the Spirit in the life of the intercessor, we grieve the lack of power in prayer. First we lack motivation, then we say we have no time, then we seem to sense we are getting nowhere. But if the Holy Spirit dwells in us, intercession will be natural to us. We will learn to live in His fullness, and to yield ourselves to His intercessory work through us. The church and the world need nothing so much as a mighty Spirit of intercession to call down the power of God on earth. Then we will know His presence as never before and see true revival in our midst.
How to Pray: Abiding in Christ
"If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you" (John 15:7).
Our acceptance with God and our access to Him is only possible through Christ. As we consciously abide in Him we have the freedom to ask whatever we wish-because our old nature has been put to death and our requests are in harmony with our new nature, which is in alignment with the will of God. If we remain in this fellowship, our intercession will be effective. We will not have to be concerned about whether we are being heard and whether our requests will be granted. If we are in the will of God, we can be assured of the answer.
Your Own Prayer Requests:
~Ask that His Spirit will fill you up, that the world will fade away, and your prayers will be spoken in the power of the Spirit, heard by the Father and answered in a way that demands you continue to pray.
If more of us will intercede for our family and friends, for those in our neighborhoods and schools, for missionaries impacting foreign lands for Christ, then this time next year we will look back with great joy at the answered prayers. Those answers will create a longing in us to continue to pray and encourage us to encourage others to pray. I look back and see the answered prayers and sense a hunger in my heart from God to continue to pray with tremendous fervency and encourage others to join me as we seek to impact this world for Christ.
For Ryan's mom (Day 3 & 5), who has confessed her knees are scabby from praying for her son, keep on praying. His birthday is coming up, 1/07, may 2011 be the year God writes a new chapter in his testimony of faith. May Ryan come to a crossroads and choose Jesus as his guide.
Blessings upon each of you in 2011!!
Day 29
The Ministry of Intercessory Prayer by Andrew Murray
What to Pray: For the Spirit of Intercession
"You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit-fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name" (John 15:16).
"Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete...In that day you will ask in my name" (John 16:24, 26).
If nothing else, our school of intercession has taught us how little we have prayed in the name of Jesus. He promised His disciples that in the day the Holy Spirit came upon them they would ask in His name. Until we know and understand the work of the Spirit in the life of the intercessor, we grieve the lack of power in prayer. First we lack motivation, then we say we have no time, then we seem to sense we are getting nowhere. But if the Holy Spirit dwells in us, intercession will be natural to us. We will learn to live in His fullness, and to yield ourselves to His intercessory work through us. The church and the world need nothing so much as a mighty Spirit of intercession to call down the power of God on earth. Then we will know His presence as never before and see true revival in our midst.
How to Pray: Abiding in Christ
"If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you" (John 15:7).
Our acceptance with God and our access to Him is only possible through Christ. As we consciously abide in Him we have the freedom to ask whatever we wish-because our old nature has been put to death and our requests are in harmony with our new nature, which is in alignment with the will of God. If we remain in this fellowship, our intercession will be effective. We will not have to be concerned about whether we are being heard and whether our requests will be granted. If we are in the will of God, we can be assured of the answer.
Your Own Prayer Requests:
~Ask that His Spirit will fill you up, that the world will fade away, and your prayers will be spoken in the power of the Spirit, heard by the Father and answered in a way that demands you continue to pray.
If more of us will intercede for our family and friends, for those in our neighborhoods and schools, for missionaries impacting foreign lands for Christ, then this time next year we will look back with great joy at the answered prayers. Those answers will create a longing in us to continue to pray and encourage us to encourage others to pray. I look back and see the answered prayers and sense a hunger in my heart from God to continue to pray with tremendous fervency and encourage others to join me as we seek to impact this world for Christ.
For Ryan's mom (Day 3 & 5), who has confessed her knees are scabby from praying for her son, keep on praying. His birthday is coming up, 1/07, may 2011 be the year God writes a new chapter in his testimony of faith. May Ryan come to a crossroads and choose Jesus as his guide.
Blessings upon each of you in 2011!!
Friday, December 31, 2010
Day 28
When I was in middle school I loved slumber parties! I used to look forward to joining a group of girls doing what most junior high girls do…giggle, eat, talk and stay up late. But as the night got later, the giggling would settle down and the girls began talking in softer voices as they anticipated what would come next…the telling of stories—ghost stories! Not only would they tell ghost stories, but on at least one occasion they wanted to try to communicate with a spirit of some sort. I have to admit, I was not a fan of ghost stories and the odd notion of communicating with an unknown spirit seemed very creepy to me. Because the room was usually very dark that late at night, I would try to hide my fears and escape by going to sleep quickly or by pulling my sleeping bag over my ears so I couldn’t hear the scary stories being shared (I still vaguely remember the story about the man with the golden arm!).
Thankfully there’s a different kind of spirit called the Holy Spirit (some faith traditions call him the Holy Ghost!) that is not scary at all but rather offers comfort and counsel. In John 4:16 Jesus says, “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever-the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you"
The word “Counselor” used in scripture means “helper” – it’s a legal term but with a broader meaning than “counsel of the defense”. Jesus tells us that the Holy Spirit stands beside us to guide, give counsel and to direct us.
Scripture also teaches that the Holy Spirit is characterized by truth. It is God’s deep desire that through his son, Jesus, and the work of the Holy Spirit, all people would come to know the truth of God.
A live-in Counselor that reminds us of God’s truth? This is great news for me as a parent who desperately desires wisdom and direction in the oh-so-holy task of parenting. This is great news for me as a woman who needs constant reminders and reassurances of where my security and identity lie. And here’s the best part of all—we don’t need to set an appointment or pay a fee to meet with him, to talk with him or to hear from him!
At this time of year when we celebrate Christmas, we celebrate the baby Jesus, Immanuel, “God with us”. The truth is, we can celebrate every day of the year because God continues to be with us through the gift of his Holy Spirit who not only lives with us but who also lives in us.
Day 30
The Ministry of Intercessory Prayer by Andrew Murray
What to Pray: That All God's People May Know the Holy Spirit
"And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever-the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you" (John 14:16-17). "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own" (1 Corinthians 6:19).
The Holy Spirit is the power of God for the salvation of men. He only works as He dwells in the church. He is given to enable believers to live as God would have them live, in the full experience and witness of Him who saves completely. Pray that all God's people will come to know the Holy Spirit and His function in their lives. He will reveal Jesus to us and empower us to be His witnesses. We cannot expect to live as effective Christians in prayer or in service without having the fullness of the Holy Spirit in our lives. If you believe in the Trinity, do not neglect the Holy Spirit.
How to Pray: Laboring Fervently in Prayer
"Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured" (Colossians 4:12).
To a healthy person, work is a delight, and that person works hard at what interests him. The believer who is healthy-has a clear conscience, a pure heart, and a desire to serve God-labors fervently in prayer. True intercession is fervent prayer for others: that they might stand perfect and complete in all the will of God; that they may know what God expects of them; how He calls them to live; and that they might be led by and walk in the Holy Spirit. Labor fervently in prayer that all God's children may know this.
Your Own Prayer Requests:
What do you “labor fervently” in prayer for? Consider praying passionately for:
Ø An openness to the work of the Holy Spirit in your life
Ø A desire to listen and respond to the Holy Spirit’s daily call to obedience
Ø A commitment to “wrestle in prayer” for those in your sphere of influence who do not know Jesus and the power of his Holy Spirit.
Lorene Coffey
Director of Women's Ministries
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Day 27
We have been sharing with you Andrew Murray’s thirty days of prayer – a litany of intercessions that he encourages we ought to rotate through on a monthly basis in his classic book, The Ministry of Intercessory Prayer. If the Holy Spirit has not grabbed hold of your heart any other day, may He do so today, for the future of the Church might very well depend on prayers like these (day 27): THAT GOD’S PEOPLE MAY REALIZE THEIR CALLING.
Now, don’t be misled by his choice of words. Murray is not asking us to pray for those called to future ministry… his deep desire is for all of God’s people – each one of us – to realize our calling.
And what is our calling? Hear the desperate perspective of Murray’s heart: “Plead with God that His people may know this: that every believer is to live for the interests of God and His kingdom.”
From DAY TWENTY-SEVEN of The Ministry of Intercessory Prayer by Andrew Murray:
What to Pray – That God’s People May Realize Their Calling
“I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all the peoples on earth will be blessed through you” (Genesis 12:2-3).
“May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us, that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among the nations” (Psalm 67:1-2).
Abraham was only blessed that he might be a blessing to all the earth. Israel prays for blessing that God may be known among all nations. Every believer, just as Abraham was, is only blessed that he may carry God’s blessing to the world.
Plead with God that His people may know this: that every believer is to live for the interests of God and His kingdom. If this truth were preached and believed and practiced, what a revolution it would bring to our churches and our mission fields. What a host of willing intercessors we would have. Ask God to reveal this by the Holy Spirit.
Yes and Amen, Andrew Murray! If that truth were preached and believed and practiced, what a revolution it would bring…!
*If the truth that every believer is to live for the interests of God and His kingdom was preached:
We would take hold of the Word of God and let it dwell richly in our hearts. Scripture would root itself deep into our hearts by the power of the Holy Spirit and we would stand tall and strong on the Word – for in Him we move and have our being. We would forgive others – deeply – from our hearts – and not just cognitively, and thus truly receive the depths of God’s forgiveness for ourselves…and realize more how deep and wide and high and long is His love for us – for me!
*If the truth that every believer is to live for the interests of God and His kingdom was believed:
Each of us would be realizing, embracing, and using our God-given gifts – as He intended! The power of God in us! By His Spirit, it has been given, along with opportunities for us to work in it.
*If the truth that every believer is to live for the interests of God and His kingdom was practiced:
We would be living out the Great Commission! In the fullness of the Holy Spirit, we would be obedient, yielding, and surrendered to the will of God.
The ‘great’ big world of the Great Commission – beginning within your own sphere of influence – would see Jesus in you, through you, and because of you!
We would be advancing the Gospel by touching people’s lives unconditionally (our neighbors AND our enemies)…not going on in our own flesh and in our own power, but in understanding the Word of God, in understanding the world around us, and then living – not as hypocrites – but as compassionate, educated, Spirit-filled, and ready responders to our calling: to make God’s name great so “that [His] ways may be known on earth, [His] salvation among the nations” (Psalm 67:2).
And so we pray as one who has accepted for himself what he asks for others…
How to Pray – As One Who Has Accepted for Himself What He Asks for Others
“As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them as he had come on us at the beginning. So if God gave them the same gift as he gave us, who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could oppose God?” (Acts 11:15, 17).
When God has blessed us and met our needs, we are encouraged and emboldened to ask the same for others. Let any thought of your own weakness or shortcomings only make you more urgent in prayer. As His child, you will be heard, many will be helped, and your own faith will be strengthened.
I have a dear friend whom I minister alongside as an intercessor, and she will often say about or to those for whom we pray: “You can’t give what you don’t have.”
We must first live for the interests of God and His kingdom so that our prayers for the witness of others might have more power and be more effective…availing much more than we might ever ask or imagine.
Your Own Prayer Requests…
Your own prayer requests might begin with a prayer for your own soul to be awakened by the Holy Spirit…for God’s grace to sweep into your heart and call you out…
You might take a few minutes now to dedicate your heart to this prayer with this song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_J9BI6AFO0Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Day 26
Have you ever tried to break a habit? I am told it takes 21 days to create a good habit. Twenty-one days of consistently trying something new to give it time to take hold. If we are not intentional then the good habit will not take hold. On the flip side, to remove a bad habit, it can take 21 days...or more!! The obvious changes would be for the one who wants to quit smoking or the one who wants to lose weight, a change in behavior is a must and often times a change in routine is the first step. Can you relate? When I came to know Jesus as Lord and Savior my life changed. But part of the change required me to change my behavior and the choices I made. I wanted to go to church on Sundays, I wanted to listen to different music, I wanted to parent differently and I wanted to be a wife that was "better than before." The thing is, I was clueless how to do those things. It was actually easier for me to stay doing what came naturally, the old things. By the grace of God, I was placed in a church that encouraged us to be intentional about our faith. A church that taught us to seek God for direction, how to read and to study His word, to be a doer of the word not just a listener. I am so grateful!! I also know of three people who lifted me up in prayer on a continual basis. They each helped in different areas of my life to keep me moving forward and to keep me excited about my faith.
Day 26
The Ministry of Intercessory Prayer by Andrew Murray
What to Pray: For the Holy Spirit on Young Converts
"When they arrived, they prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus" (Acts 8:15-16).
"Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come" (2 Corinthians 1:21-22).
Many new converts remain weak; many fall into sin; many backslide entirely. If you pray for the church, its growth in holiness and devotion to God's service, pray especially for the young converts. Many stand alone, surrounded by temptation; many have no teaching on the Spirit in them and the power of God to establish them. Some are without support of family or friends. Some are in countries that are closed to the Gospel, where Satan has a stronghold. When you pray for the power of the Spirit in the church, pray in particular that every young or new convert may know that he may claim and receive the fullness of the Spirit in his life.
How to Pray: Without Ceasing
"As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right" (1 Samuel 12:23).
We are sinning against the Lord if we cease to pray for others. When we begin to see how absolutely indispensable intercession is, just as much our responsibility as loving God or believing in Christ, and how we are called and bound to do it as believers, we will be convinced that to cease our intercession is a serious sin. Let us ask for grace to take our place as priests with joy and give our life to bring down the blessing of heaven on those who depend on our prayers and supplications.
Your Own Prayer Requests:
~Ask the Spirit to bring into your life a new believer.
I have chatted with many gals who are new in their faith. They are alone in their homes and alone in their families. They are trying to show their children the love of Jesus but they don't really know how to do that. Some have young children and cannot make it to Bible study, some can barely make it to church without an upheaval at home. Some come to church alone just to hear and learn what the Bible has to say. Do you remember that for yourself? I do, but then again I didn't grow up in a church atmosphere so for me I couldn't wait for Sunday! If you grew up in the church this is an area where you may not be able to grasp how lonely it is to be so new in your faith and not know what to do with this new found faith. Where those around you don't want to hear all that you have been learning. For these gals, it is much easier to slide back to the old ways because the new ways are too lonely and too hard! Satan LOVES to attack our new believers. One of his many daggers is doubt or discouragement. I am so grateful that our God is bigger than he (Satan) who is in this world and our God LOVES to protect us from the enemy. God uses us, His children, and asks us to pray for His Babe's in Christ. If you are new in your faith and want me to pray for you, leave a comment and I will be happy to do that...it will be a privilege!!
Day 26
The Ministry of Intercessory Prayer by Andrew Murray
What to Pray: For the Holy Spirit on Young Converts
"When they arrived, they prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus" (Acts 8:15-16).
"Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come" (2 Corinthians 1:21-22).
Many new converts remain weak; many fall into sin; many backslide entirely. If you pray for the church, its growth in holiness and devotion to God's service, pray especially for the young converts. Many stand alone, surrounded by temptation; many have no teaching on the Spirit in them and the power of God to establish them. Some are without support of family or friends. Some are in countries that are closed to the Gospel, where Satan has a stronghold. When you pray for the power of the Spirit in the church, pray in particular that every young or new convert may know that he may claim and receive the fullness of the Spirit in his life.
How to Pray: Without Ceasing
"As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right" (1 Samuel 12:23).
We are sinning against the Lord if we cease to pray for others. When we begin to see how absolutely indispensable intercession is, just as much our responsibility as loving God or believing in Christ, and how we are called and bound to do it as believers, we will be convinced that to cease our intercession is a serious sin. Let us ask for grace to take our place as priests with joy and give our life to bring down the blessing of heaven on those who depend on our prayers and supplications.
Your Own Prayer Requests:
~Ask the Spirit to bring into your life a new believer.
I have chatted with many gals who are new in their faith. They are alone in their homes and alone in their families. They are trying to show their children the love of Jesus but they don't really know how to do that. Some have young children and cannot make it to Bible study, some can barely make it to church without an upheaval at home. Some come to church alone just to hear and learn what the Bible has to say. Do you remember that for yourself? I do, but then again I didn't grow up in a church atmosphere so for me I couldn't wait for Sunday! If you grew up in the church this is an area where you may not be able to grasp how lonely it is to be so new in your faith and not know what to do with this new found faith. Where those around you don't want to hear all that you have been learning. For these gals, it is much easier to slide back to the old ways because the new ways are too lonely and too hard! Satan LOVES to attack our new believers. One of his many daggers is doubt or discouragement. I am so grateful that our God is bigger than he (Satan) who is in this world and our God LOVES to protect us from the enemy. God uses us, His children, and asks us to pray for His Babe's in Christ. If you are new in your faith and want me to pray for you, leave a comment and I will be happy to do that...it will be a privilege!!
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Day 25
While on my 2 year journey to faith, I asked SO many questions. I remember being surprised that no one tried to "convince me" of anything. They would answer my questions and then we would move on. It allowed me the freedom to come back and ask more questions. But now looking back I understand why no one tried to convince me of this thing called faith, it wasn't their job to convince me, it is the work of the Holy Spirit to do the convincing!! I hope you read that and feel relieved. If we are selling someone our faith then we need to stop selling and start sharing. We need to answer the questions and be available to do life with them, but the ultimate convincing comes from the work of the Spirit and in God's ultimate and perfect timing we can pray that the unbeliever comes to faith in Christ Jesus. Our part and privilege is to pray for her, or him. Pray that God will create in the heart of every unbeliever we come in contact with a hunger and thirst for truth. Have you ever walked alongside another as they seek Jesus? Oh, it is a glorious journey and sometimes frustrating. Frustrating from the standpoint that you want the person to surrender, to give it all to Christ because that is when real life begins, you know it and you want it for the other person. But it takes time and that wait can at times be frustrating. But don't stop!! Always trust God hears the prayer for more to move from knowing about Him to surrendering to Him.
Day 25
The Ministry of Intercessory Prayer by Andrew Murray
What to Pray: For More Conversions
"Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them" (Hebrews 7:25).
"We...will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.
"So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith" (Acts 6:4, 7).
Christ's power to save, and save completely, depends on His unceasing intercession. After the apostles withdrew themselves to concentrated prayer, the number of the disciples multiplied rapidly. As we in our day give ourselves to intercession, we will also see more conversions. Let this be our focus. Christ is exalted to grant repentance and salvation. The church exists for the divine purpose of growth in faith and in numbers. Let us not be ashamed to confess our sin and weakness, and then to cry to God for more souls to be saved both in our midst and in countries where His Word is not preached and people cling to false gods and die without hope.
How to Pray: In Deepest Humility
"'Yes, Lord,' she said, 'but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table.' Then Jesus answered, 'Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.' And her daughter was healed from that very hour" (Matthew 15:27-28).
You feel unworthy to pray. You question whether you are praying effectively. Even when you feel this way, come before Him and tell Him how you feel. This is true humility. You are not seeking for yourself, but for others. You are trusting His grace and mercy, not your merits or influence. It is the beginning of a great faith, and an answer is forthcoming. The woman reminded the Lord that the dogs are allowed the crumbs that fall from the table. Let that be your plea as you persevere for someone who is outside the circle of faith or outside the hearing of the Gospel. Do not let your unworthiness hinder you from trusting God's faithfulness and mercy toward someone less fortunate that you.
Your Own Prayer Requests:
Pray and ask the Spirit to reveal to you who you can be praying for. Tell God all your concerns about that person and commit to pray for that person. Expect an answer and don't stop praying until you hear the answer.
I was driving, actually waiting, in traffic when I looked to my right and saw a mom and daughter next to me. Both sitting quietly. I was prompted to pray for her. I said, "Okay, but how shall I pray for her?" The only prompting I had was to pray for her salvation. Her nationality was different than mine, as was her attire, so I prayed for her and her daughter to come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior and then that He would use them to impact their family and country. Hey, nothing is too hard for our great God, especially when it is HIS idea to pray. I won't know until heaven how that turns out but it was a privilege to pray for that mom and daughter. If God will ask me to pray for someone in traffic to come to know Him (I hadn't even asked to pray for anyone), how much more will He accomplish when I do ask for Him to reveal to me those in my sphere of influence of whom I can pray for. It is God's heart that His children come to trust Him as Lord and Savior, that we might understand His great love for us. Although it takes time to see an answer to our prayers, we can trust He hears this one and will respond. May those He calls us to pray for be prepared to surrender...pray for softened hearts.
Day 25
The Ministry of Intercessory Prayer by Andrew Murray
What to Pray: For More Conversions
"Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them" (Hebrews 7:25).
"We...will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.
"So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith" (Acts 6:4, 7).
Christ's power to save, and save completely, depends on His unceasing intercession. After the apostles withdrew themselves to concentrated prayer, the number of the disciples multiplied rapidly. As we in our day give ourselves to intercession, we will also see more conversions. Let this be our focus. Christ is exalted to grant repentance and salvation. The church exists for the divine purpose of growth in faith and in numbers. Let us not be ashamed to confess our sin and weakness, and then to cry to God for more souls to be saved both in our midst and in countries where His Word is not preached and people cling to false gods and die without hope.
How to Pray: In Deepest Humility
"'Yes, Lord,' she said, 'but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table.' Then Jesus answered, 'Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.' And her daughter was healed from that very hour" (Matthew 15:27-28).
You feel unworthy to pray. You question whether you are praying effectively. Even when you feel this way, come before Him and tell Him how you feel. This is true humility. You are not seeking for yourself, but for others. You are trusting His grace and mercy, not your merits or influence. It is the beginning of a great faith, and an answer is forthcoming. The woman reminded the Lord that the dogs are allowed the crumbs that fall from the table. Let that be your plea as you persevere for someone who is outside the circle of faith or outside the hearing of the Gospel. Do not let your unworthiness hinder you from trusting God's faithfulness and mercy toward someone less fortunate that you.
Your Own Prayer Requests:
Pray and ask the Spirit to reveal to you who you can be praying for. Tell God all your concerns about that person and commit to pray for that person. Expect an answer and don't stop praying until you hear the answer.
I was driving, actually waiting, in traffic when I looked to my right and saw a mom and daughter next to me. Both sitting quietly. I was prompted to pray for her. I said, "Okay, but how shall I pray for her?" The only prompting I had was to pray for her salvation. Her nationality was different than mine, as was her attire, so I prayed for her and her daughter to come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior and then that He would use them to impact their family and country. Hey, nothing is too hard for our great God, especially when it is HIS idea to pray. I won't know until heaven how that turns out but it was a privilege to pray for that mom and daughter. If God will ask me to pray for someone in traffic to come to know Him (I hadn't even asked to pray for anyone), how much more will He accomplish when I do ask for Him to reveal to me those in my sphere of influence of whom I can pray for. It is God's heart that His children come to trust Him as Lord and Savior, that we might understand His great love for us. Although it takes time to see an answer to our prayers, we can trust He hears this one and will respond. May those He calls us to pray for be prepared to surrender...pray for softened hearts.
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