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.