In a well-known story in Luke 15, the prodigal son took his inheritance and spent it on temporary pleasures. When he realized all his money was gone, he found a job feeding pigs. The pleasures and friends were gone. He was SO hungry, the pig’s food began to look good. Then the Bible reveals a key moment in Luke 15:17: “But when he came to himself . . .” All these events led him to this awakening moment. This is the kind of moment we ask God to give every prodigal.
We read about a severe famine in the book of Ruth. When these hardships tested their faith, a Jewish family decided to move from the promise land to Moab. The husband died leaving his wife, Naomi, and their two sons in Moab. The sons married Moabite women and also died. Naomi was distraught. THEN, Naomi had an awakening moment and decided it was time to return to the promise land. Ruth 1:6 says, “. . . for she had heard in the country of Moab that the Lord had visited His people by giving them bread.”
In both stories, there was an awakening moment when they realized life away from God was not as good as life with Him, and they knew where they needed to go. God had not left them; they left God. The father hoped his son would come home. He did not pressure him to return but continued watching for him. When the father saw his son walking home, he ran to meet him with open arms of love and forgiveness. This is our example of how to respond when we see prodigals coming home.
Naomi told her daughters-in-law about her plans to return home and told them to stay in Moab, because she didn’t have anything left to give them. Orpah left, but Ruth said, “Wherever you go, I will go; and wherever you lodge, I will lodge; Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God” (Ruth 1:16-17). Ruth began serving God, remarried, and became the great grandmother of King David. Later Jesus came through her lineage. This testimony came from Naomi’s decision to return home.
Our prodigals ARE coming home! We speak life and hope over them. Their ears are listening like Naomi; and when they hear the sound of rejoicing, they will return home. They will awaken like the prodigal son and find only Jesus can fill the emptiness. May God give you hope for the prodigals in your life. May He give you love and forgiveness for them when they return, and wisdom in how to help them. They are coming home!
Info from: Ladies Prayer International Newsletter – UPCI Ladies Ministries – ladiesprayerinternational-aol.com@shared1.ccsend.com
Some things weigh us down
“Things to Leave Behind” by Gayla Baughman.
Not too long ago I was getting ready to go somewhere. I picked up my purse and realized it was way too heavy to carry around! I started taking out the things I did not need. The task became too daunting, so I finally poured all the contents out on the bed and sorted through what I needed and what I did not need.
When I picked up my purse to head for the airport, it was much lighter and easier to carry. As I embarked upon my journey, I was so thankful I left some heavy items behind. I could tell the trip was going to be much more enjoyable due to my wise decision.
There are some things we carry around in our spirits that weigh us down. Things that are heavy on our hearts, and sludge to our progress. We hold on to things that ultimately become the culprit of snatching away valuable opportunities and experiences. They get in the way of our success.
It may be time to take inventory of some things we are carrying around in our spirits. What are the things that will slow us down on our spiritual journey? Now is a good time to pour our hearts out and sort through the things that are edifying and useful on our spiritual journey from those things that slow us down.
Wounds that sting and scars that ache left unattended fester and breed bitterness. Lay aside the grudge you hold tenaciously to. Separate the things that edify your spirit from the things that pull your heart down. Many of these things are not worth carrying around. Little sins that slow your walk to a crawl aren’t worth intercepting your spiritual goals. Your step will be lighter. Your day will be brighter as you lay aside useless things. You will be so thankful you left the heavy items behind as you sprint to the finish line and God says, “Well done my child!”
“Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1 NLT).
Information from: Pure Ministry Newsletter – UPCI Ladies Ministries – ladiesconnections-upci.org@shared1.ccsend.com
I am sure not to be the only one
“Better Than a Blanket” by Harmony Pace.
Though I am sure not to be the only one, I have a confession to make. With a little confidence (seeing that I had experienced motherhood for more than two years already), upon the news that we would once again be adding to our family, I set out to do something I had not done before. The most beautiful, soft, blue yarn was chosen. Care was taken to purchase the proper sized hook for the yarn size that was chosen. Things were set in order. Between caring for a toddler and a home, I excitedly began crocheting a blanket for our coming son.
The result . . . not what I had imagined. Though soft and of beautiful color, it was more of a lopsided rectangle the size of my lap than any crocheted blanket worthy of covering a newborn. An attempt was made with all the right elements, but the execution was less than perfect. In truth, I gave up.
Many moms might say that prayers for our children have also, at times, been comparable to the experience detailed above. Maybe, frustrated in our botched attempts to “really pray” for our children, we have been tempted to stop at just “a good effort.” Let me encourage you to keep on praying.
Prayer can sometimes look like hours of praying over the different aspects of our children’s lives. At other times, there may be a still small voice that nudges you to pray the blood of Jesus to cover and keep them in a single moment. Sometimes, our attempt at praying feels a little lopsided and insufficient to cover even our own laps . . . but pray on! You have all the key elements.
The covering of prayer isn’t in the beautiful sufficiency of the flowery prayer that I pray. The sufficiency of the One I pray to is what covers my children completely. The beautiful thing about prayer is that when it is prayed in faith in Jesus’ name, it doesn’t matter if it’s less than “perfect.” No physical blanket that I might crochet could cover my son for a lifetime. The covering I create for him through prayer, however, will long outlive me. Prayer never dies. Through prayer, it is my desire to build a place of refuge, an access point, for both of my children to access the shelter of HIS wings and HIS truth— a covering better than any blanket!
Pray long, pray short, pray less than perfect, but just don’t give up praying. It will cover them!
“He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.” (Psalm 91:4).
Info from: Ladies Prayer International Newsletter – UPCI Ladies Ministries – ladiesprayerinternational-aol.com@shared1.ccsend.com
Covering our Children
“Covering Our Children in Prayer” by Dianne Dupree.
As a mother, I am a “fixer.” I imagine you are also. We watch over our babies, caring for them from before birth until they grow up and move away. We kiss boo-boos, both real and imaginary. We chase away monsters, all imaginary. We counsel; we coach; we cheer. And when words aren’t enough, we cuddle.
We fix things. We make things better. But as much as we want to make everything alright for our children, it is impossible. We may sometimes feel like Superwoman, doing it all, but we have no real power on our own. With a friend like Jesus, we don’t have to worry.
More times than I can count, as a child growing up in the church, we sang the old song, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”. The words say, “What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer.” I don’t have all the answers or all the solutions to the problems my children face. But my friend, Jesus, does. I cannot heal, save, deliver, or work miracles. I cannot mend a broken heart. I cannot protect them from danger. But my friend, Jesus, can do all this and more.
My own children are now grown and have children of their own. They are all mine. The children in my Sunday school, the youth that sit on our pews, they are “mine” as well. It is imperative that I carry my children to God in prayer. He sees when I cannot see. He knows and understands the thoughts and intents of the heart. He has all wisdom and knows what is best for now and the future; therefore, I am confident He will take care of my children.
I pray the Word over my children. I pray for protection. I pray for good health. I pray they will be wise concerning good and simple concerning evil. I pray their conscience will be tender concerning the things of God. I pray that they will learn, live, and love the truth. I pray they are filled with the Holy Ghost. I pray they will be worshipers, that they will love the ways of God, love the man of God, and love the house of God. I pray their steps will be ordered by the Lord. I pray against evil. I pray they will be rooted, established, and built up in the faith. I pray they will learn to pray, that they will delight themselves in the Lord. I pray they develop the fruit of the Spirit in their lives. I pray against deceit. I pray they have a forgiving and a teachable spirit. I pray against fear.
And then I can rest assured friend Jesus has got it covered.
Info from: Ladies Prayer International Newsletter – UPCI Ladies Ministries – ladiesprayerinternational-aol.com@shared1.ccsend.com
To some the Bible is just a Book
” I Can Speak HIS Word ” by Tara Dillon
To some, the Bible is just a book with a lot of words that some say they don’t understand. But to a desperate child of God, it is life and hope.
I am a mother to four very wonderful people. I have two beautiful girls who are married to wonderful ministers of the gospel and two handsome young men still at home. My husband and I have been very fortunate in the child-rearing area of teenagers and young adult stages of life. This year, however, the devil attacked our family in a new deceptive way that we never could have imagined.
In this crisis, I became desperate for God’s direction and leading in our family and home. We prayed more, fasted more, sought counsel, and began to re-evaluate some things in our lives.
We both work, myself part-time and my husband full-time, on top of Hyphen ministry, Bible quiz coaching, church leadership team, and jail ministry. If you asked us what we enjoyed, we would tell you all of it. However, did we love it more than family? Nothing matters more than our family and home.
We realized that while we were working for the Kingdom, but we were not ministering where it was the most important: our family. We began evaluating every area of our lives. As a result, we kept the same ministries, but we tweaked how they affected our daily lives. During this time, God quickened me to pray the Word over my children and home. This concept was not foreign to me. After all, I have years in Bible quiz ministry. I encourage young people to pray the Word, and I have prayed the Word many times.
I prayed constantly throughout the day and part of the night. Although things changed, it was still a battle. I woke up and anointed my boys’ clothes, prayed over their pillows, prayed over the house, and rebuked any hindering spirits in my home. But I needed something stronger.
When I felt the nudge of God to pray the Word, HIS Word, my thoughts first went to Proverbs for instruction. I placed my child’s name in the scripture. For example, in Proverbs 1:8 you can pray, “Let (child’s name) hear the instruction of their father and not forsake the law of their mother.” In Proverbs 4:13 you can pray, “Lord, help my children to ‘Take hold of instruction; let her not go; for she is their life.’” Make scripture personal when you pray over your kids!
In closing, after praying the Word over my children and my home every night, things began to fall into place. Sister Joy Haney’s, PRAY the Word, became my best strength. God began leading and guiding us step by step. He was moving before, but my words are not HIS Words!! For example, I had prayed Hebrews 4:12 many times before, but this time I prayed that verse with tears pouring down my face. During this time, I realized that HIS Words are exactly what I need.
“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
This scripture incorporates it all, for the Word is what I need spiritually, physically, and mentally all the time. When I don’t know what to pray, HIS Word is the answer.
“And their eyes were opened, and they knew him . . . .” (Luke 24:31a).
I’ve heard people say how exciting it would be to have lived at the time of Jesus—to see Him, follow Him, hear Him teach. What an incredible experience! Yet I wonder, would I have recognized Him? Would I have believed? Been indifferent? Scoffed? I hope I would have recognized and accepted Him as Messiah, but many did not.
“What about the prophecies?” we may ask. Jesus fulfilled all the Old Testament prophecies. Didn’t they see? Didn’t they understand? We are looking back, putting all the pieces of the puzzle together and seeing the whole picture. They, with their preconceived ideas of how those prophecies would be fulfilled, did not recognize what was taking place in their midst.
No doubt other infant boys were born in Bethlehem around that time. Unusual circumstances? Yes, but those were unusual times. Oh, there were stories about shepherds seeing angels and strangers arriving from the East who talked about a bright star, but things were so chaotic with the crowds and the taxation. Who knows? Then one day the family was just gone. No one knew where. People soon forgot the couple and their baby.
Nor was Jesus the only iterant rabbi (teacher) who walked the dusty roads of Israel, teaching any who followed Him. Others had claimed to be Messiah, and no doubt others would come later. As the folks of Nazareth said, “Isn’t that Jospeh’s son?” (Luke 4:22). And in their minds they may have added, “And wasn’t there a question about His mom and a rushed wedding?”
Consider the times when even Jesus’ own disciples did not recognize him.
He walked on the water toward them, and they were afraid (Matthew 14:25-27). Mary Magdalene saw Him at the tomb and thought He was the gardener (John 20:14-16). Two disciples walked with Him on the road from Jerusalem to Emmaus, some seven miles, and did not realize it was Jesus (Luke 24:13-35).
We live in a world where many still do not recognize Jesus. They do not look with eyes of faith, much like those in Nazareth who thought He was “just Joseph’s boy.” But it’s not just the non-Christian who does not recognize Jesus. We too may be guilty of overlooking Him in our life’s situations.
Perhaps one reason we do not see Jesus in our circumstances is because we have fixed ideas of how He will work. This mindset—putting Him in a box—limits our vision of Him and His power in our lives.
Jesus is waiting for us to see Him for who He is. He wants to move outside the boundaries we have set that limit Him. We must open our eyes. God is at work.
(Information from: Pure Ministry – UPCI Ladies Ministries – ladiesconnections-upci.org@shared1.ccsend.com)
Do I wait and watch for the Lord
Waiting by Caitlin Walker
“My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning.” (Psalm 130:6)
We often associate night with trials, and darkness with struggle and rough seasons of life. I don’t know about you, but I certainly do not enjoy harsh seasons. Rather I see them as something I need to suffer through and claw my way out of, barely surviving.
The above scripture in the New Living Translation says, “I long for the Lord more than sentries long for the dawn, yes, more than sentries long for the dawn.” A sentry is a soldier who stands guard all night to watch for enemy attacks, fires, unauthorized people, etc. They are members of the first line of defense, and their main goal is to signal to the people they are protecting that danger isn’t too far off.
Imagine a soldier standing at the ready with drowsy eyelids, forcing himself to stay awake. The people’s very survival depends on this man watching the horizon all night. I would be terrible at night shifts, so I can only imagine how hard the job would be and the tremendous pressure. I can hear the sigh of relief when the first ray of sunshine peeks over the horizon.
I have to ask myself: do I wait and watch for the Lord as these men did? Am I anticipating His arrival, anxiously awaiting to see miracles, signs, and wonders? Do I see deliverance off in the distance, or am I consumed with frustration because I can’t seem to see Him working?
Lift your eyes today! Just as the sentries watch for the sunrise, wait and watch for the Lord. He will show up, He will work it out, and He is coming back for His people! Keep hoping, believing, and praying. He is always on time.
(Information from: Pure Ministry – UPCI Ladies Ministries – ladiesconnections-upci.org@shared1.ccsend.com)
We live in a world that wants everything
“Waiting on the Lord” by Anne Johnston.
“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)
We live in a world that wants everything to happen immediately. We do not want to wait. The advertisements shout “Buy Now, Pay Later.” So many people are deep in credit card debt because they listened to this appeal. We no longer make meals from scratch but rely on frozen prepared foods that will heat quickly in the microwave.
How many times have you made a phone call asking for information or help and been put on hold? We all hate that message: “Your call is important to us, please stay on the line and someone will be with you shortly.” We usually hang up in frustration because we do not have time to wait.
In the Bible we have examples of people praying, asking God for an answer, and having to wait before they received what they needed. Abraham and Sarah waited for years for Isaac. Isaac and Rebekah were married for years before Jacob and Esau were born. Joseph served faithfully as he waited for God to fulfill his dreams.
As we pray for children who have wandered away from the Lord, we would like for them to return to the fold “today.” Often, we suggest ways to the Lord that He could reach them. When waiting seems hard, remember that the Lord has a perfect plan for us and them. He knows the future. We must never cease praying for their salvation, but we must leave the “where, how, and when” to Him.
I found this interesting quote about Isaiah 40:3l.
“At first sight, we should have expected that it would advance from walking to running, and so to flying. But that order is reversed. It is more difficult to walk than to mount! Every cyclist will tell you that the hardest task is to keep your cycle at a walking pace.”
God’s ways are not our ways, but His ways are always best. It is not His will that any should perish. He loves that wayward son or daughter far more than you and I do. If you have earnestly sought the Lord and received a promise from Him, stand firm upon it and trust Him to work out the details. We do not know what tomorrow holds, but He does. Just keep walking and waiting.
Philippians 1:6 tells us, “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:”
( Information from: Ladies Prayer International Newsletter – UPCI Ladies Ministries – ladiesprayerinternational-aol.com@shared1.ccsend.com )
They that wait upon the Lord
“Wait on the Lord” by Kay Burgess.
“They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)
In Spanish the word for “expect” and “wait” is the same—esperar. It means to wait with expectation and is synonymous with trust (confiar) and believe (creer).
We commonly say in English that a woman who is pregnant with a child is “expecting.” While we know that the miraculous work of creation taking place within her womb is somewhat out of her human control, a wise woman knows that she must be busy and responsible while waiting. She should be eating properly so that her child will be nourished. She should be preparing a nursery, clothing, and the many different items and changes necessary for the arrival of a new baby. What she should not be doing is just sitting around waiting nine months for her child to arrive without making the necessary preparations.
We “wait” on the Lord, but with active expectation. We “wait” trustingly for Him to do His sovereign work in our children, but we must be busy while waiting! We must be about the business of nurturing, teaching, guiding, building, and “raising up” our children so that they are properly prepared and positioned for God´s plan in their lives. More than ever today, we cannot be found sitting around waiting helplessly for an outcome that is sure to disappoint if we have not invested the time and effort necessary for their salvation.
I see many women in the Bible who kept busy while waiting and therefore saw the miraculous results in their children. Jocabed gave birth secretly, kept him hidden, built an ark, and made a plan for young Moses all while knowing that her time with him was short. Yet her time with him was so effective that later he refused his royal heritage and chose rather to be known as a child of God.
Hannah prayed, got her answer from God, and returned to home to prepare for childbirth. She also took advantage of the short time she had with her son before returning him to the House of God – so much so that Samuel grew up to become the last judge and greatest prophet in Israel.
Even Mary, so young, was wise enough to actively seek out an older cousin who could understand her situation and give her godly counsel.
We mustn’t be guilty of trying to help God out with His sovereign part – think Sarah and Hagar – which will yield us disastrous results just as it did for Sarah. If God has promised, it will come to pass in His time and in His plan – without our human intervention in the process. But it does require our faithful and consistent walk with God and our conviction that He will do what He has promised.
So keep praying, believing, and working while you are waiting. Prepare the way for the promise that God has given you. Keep the home fires burning for the prodigal that will be returning. God is not slack concerning His promises, and it is His desire that our children be saved.
( Information from: Ladies Prayer International Newsletter – UPCI Ladies Ministries – ladiesprayerinternational-aol.com@shared1.ccsend.com )
Faith Renewal
“Renewal Of Faith”
“And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth” (Luke 18:7-8)?
“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Hebrews 11:6).
Our ability to receive the promises of God are directly connected to our faith in Him. The confidence we have put in our bank accounts, retirement, medical plans, and insurance can undermine the faith we have had to put in God. These things are not wrong in and of themselves, but our security cannot be tied to what we have on this earth. We are facing perilous and uncertain times, it is vital that our faith be a testimony to the world in this desperate hour.
PRAY: For a hunger for God’s Word. “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). For a purification through heartfelt repentance. “… purifying their hearts by faith” (Acts 15:9). For separation from this world and sanctification for God’s purpose. “To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me” (Act 26:18). For righteousness to be revealed to the world. “For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith” (Romans 1:17). For faith to produce the fruits of the spirit in our lives. “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God” (Romans 5:1-2). For the Church to stand in the power of God. “That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God” (I Corinthians 2:5). That our faith would not fail. “But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not” (Luke 22:32):
Annette Parmley Arkansas District
Have faith in the good times and in the bad
“Faith Over Fear”
Fear is something that, if left unchecked, can rule our lives. God’s plan for our lives is not that we would be slaves to fear but overcome it through faith in Jesus Christ. My favorite verse in the Bible is II Timothy 1:7 which proclaims, “God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” Whenever I am going through a time where I can begin to feel fear creeping into my mind, I remember this verse and take comfort knowing that our Lord and Savior holds us in His hands. He has a plan for our lives and will be with us every step of the way.
King David is a great example of how trusting in the Lord, instead of taking things into our own hands, or being afraid brings about the best outcome for our lives. David could have reciprocated Saul’s hatred or desired to cause him harm, but he remained faithful to the Lord and trusted that what He had told him would come to pass. Remaining faithful in the face of trials, disappointments, sickness, and anything else that comes against us can be difficult. However, in these times where our faith is tested, we can remember the story of David, as well as the stories of many others from the Bible, and know that our future is in the hands of the Lord.
Have faith in the good times and in the bad. The Lord loves and cares about us and is with us every moment of every day. We are never alone. Take comfort today knowing that God sees where you are and that He is with you. Choose to have faith in God and say no to the voices of fear and doubt that come into your mind. Have faith over fear.
Sarah Smith WNOP Administrative Associate II (Info from: Prayer Cnnect Newsletter – World Network of Prayer – floshaw@wnop-upci.ccsend.com)
Improve communication in your Marriage
Life Coach Lakelie Lopez explains how understanding your own personality can improve communication in your marriage. “The Key to Better Communication”
Have you ever wondered why you click with some people almost instantly, while, with others, every conversation feels like a struggle? The answer often lies in our personalities. Personality encompasses the unique blend of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that make us, us. It is a collection of characteristics and behaviors that make each person and their response to the world around them unique. Our personality also shapes how we communicate and relate to others.
Effective communication can be challenging when two uniquely different personalities are joined together. A married couple may sometimes feel they need a translator to help decipher what their mate is trying to communicate. According to an article published in The Journal of Divorce and Remarriage in 2012, 53 percent of couples cite not being able to communicate effectively as a reason for divorce.
Understanding our personality improves communication and enhances our marriage and other relationships. As the saying goes, “Knowledge is power.” Peter Scazzero, author of Emotionally Healthy Spirituality, states, “The vast majority of us go to our graves without knowing who we are. We unconsciously live someone else’s life, or at least someone else’s expectations for us.” Recognizing our unique traits and emotions can empower us, placing us firmly in control of our interactions.
Being tuned in to who we are is key to effective communication within marriage, enabling us to become the whole person God created us to be. Consider what energizes you, brings you joy, or drains you. How do you best learn and receive criticism or praise? Are you in control of your emotions, or are they controlling you? The more we understand why we are the way we are, the more we can adapt, adjust, and improve—putting us in the driver’s seat of our emotional and mental health.
The following are practical steps to self-discovery.
Take a Personality Assessment: Taking a personality test with your spouse can be enlightening. Remember, the goal is not to find excuses for our behavior or to label each other, but to uncover opportunities for personal growth and deeper connection.
Develop Emotional Intelligence: This involves improving skills in five key areas.
Self-Awareness: Understand your strengths and weaknesses. Self-Regulation: Monitor your thoughts and emotions and accept responsibility for your actions. Motivation: Aim for realistic goals and embrace change. Social Skills: Be adaptable and ready to compromise. Empathy: Enhance your listening skills and strive to understand others’ perspectives.
Understanding ourselves better and taking the time to understand our spouse more fully can open the door to better communication and a fuller realization of our potential. With better self-understanding and emotional intelligence, enhancing communication isn’t just a goal—it’s a journey.
What steps will you take today to start this journey with your spouse?
(Information from: Family Life Ministries Newsletter – UPCI Family Ministries – family@upci.org)
We must trust in God
“After God’s Own Heart” King David is referred to as a man after God’s own heart (I Samuel 13:14). What does it mean to be after God’s own heart? It means putting others before ourselves in all things and having a humble spirit. It means doing the heavy lifting behind the scenes, desiring no recognition. David exhibited this when he continued his shepherd work despite knowing the anointing that was on his life. He had the humbleness of spirit to remain where he was and continue operating in his calling until it was time to do more. Even after David became King, he remained humble and respectful to God and others.
We must trust in God as well as be humble. We ought to trust in Him just as much during the good times as in the bad. Trusting in God means obeying His commandments even when we do not agree. At the end of the day, our Savior knows what is best for us and for His Kingdom. David trusted in God despite his circumstances. David was being hunted by King Saul and never wavered in his faith, but remained faithful to God, knowing that the Lord had called him to greater things, and He would bring him out of his situation. If God has called you or told you something is going to come to pass, then it will happen.
Finally, love the Lord with all your heart. This means loving everyone around you because we are all the children of God. It can be hard to show a godly love for those who have hurt you, so give your hurt over to God in prayer and He will repair your heart. Loving the Lord means having a relationship with Him daily. David loved the Lord deeply and had a personal relationship with Him which can be seen throughout the book of Psalms. When David messed up, he humbly turned to the Lord in repentance. He acknowledged that he had sinned, turned from his ways, and restored his relationship with God.
We can be men and women after God’s own heart by being humble, trusting in the Lord, loving the Lord with all our hearts, and serving Him each day in our thoughts and actions. Decide for yourselves to follow the example set before us by David and you too could be described as being “after God’s own heart.”
Sarah Smith WNOP Administrative Associate II (Info from: Prayer Connect Newsletter – World Network of Prayer – floshaw@wnop-upci.ccsend.com)
The Voice
The Voice of the Lord by Pastor Don Rogers .
“The voice of the Lord echoes through the skies and seas. The Glory-God reigns as he thunders in the clouds. So powerful is his voice, so brilliant and bright—how majestic as he thunders over the great waters. His tympanic thunder topples the strongest of trees. His symphonic sound splinters the mighty forests. Now he moves Zion’s mountains by the might of his voice, shaking the snowy peaks with his earsplitting sound! The lightning-fire flashes, striking as he speaks. God reveals himself when he makes the fault lines quake, shaking deserts, speaking his voice. God’s mighty voice makes the deer to give birth. His thunderbolt-voice lays the forest bare. In his temple all fall before him with each one shouting, Glory, glory, the God of glory!” (Psalms 29:3-9 TPT).
We live in a time with many voices competing for our attention, but the voice of the Lord prevails over every other voice when we choose to intimately respond to Him, through love and faith, in His love.
The voice of the Lord may produce four major kinds of responses:
Stubborn response – Like Cain (sometimes we like what we are doing and we resist God and wrestle to obey His voice) Hiding response – Adam hid when he heard God’s voice (fear and shame can cause us to hide from God’s voice). His voice becomes a terror to us.
Resentful response – One may ask, “why won’t God let me do what I want? I just want to be happy. I should be free to do what I want.” These are people who have a shallow reverence for God’s Word, especially if they feel His will opposes their desires.
Welcoming response – One would have the words of eternal life and would be delighted to hear His voice. These are people who see God’s Word like a honeycomb. They place their carnal appetites under the subjection to the voice of God’s Word and His Spirit.
Do you have a welcoming spirit and attitude towards the voice of the Lord? Is the voice of the Lord stronger than the voice of your carnal appetite? Is the voice of the Lord stronger than the ambitions of your personal aspirations? Is the voice of the Lord stronger than the offenses that occur relationally in your life?
Can you discern God’s rehma (utterance) voice during this endtime? Are you driven by fear and the affirmation of humanity or by the voice and the affirmation of God? His voice brings finality and authority to the inner man. It produces strength and peace in the midst of chaos. It is the highest voice among all other raging voices. We find God’s voice by spending quality time with Him and listening attentively for it. His voice helps to discern the times that we live in and to guide us in all things!
Pastor Don Rogers, The Pentecostals of Wisconsin, WNOP North Central Regional Prayer Coordinator
Information from: Prayer Connect – World Network of Prayer – floshaw@wnop-upci.ccsend.com
The Scars and more Inspirational Posts
The Scars of the Lamb Throughout the Generations!
Jesus, the risen Lamb, appears in Revelation 5:6 with visible scars from His death on Calvary.These scars should remind us of our scars. Jesus could have easily removed His scars after His resurrection, yet He chose to show His scars to remind us of the glory of conquering His enemy at Calvary. The scars were left to remind us of the costly love He displayed on the cross. The scars of the Lamb point us to the superior dominance Jesus had over death, Hell, and the grave. In the same way, Jesus has left some scars in our lives to remind us of the superior dominance He has over the enemies in our lives.
The scars of the Lamb in our lives remind us of His valuable love for us while we go through battles. He will leave some scars visible for others to see to point us to the power of his sovereign grace in our lives. “From now on let no one trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus” (Galatians 6:17).
Rev. T.F. Tenny made the statement that some experiences we encounter are worth millions of dollars because of what we learn from them and how it brings us closer to Christ, but he would not pay a penny to go through it all over again. These are scars from the Lamb. Some scars are memories, relational wounds, or physical limitations that we encountered from our obedience to Jesus Christ.
The scars of the Lamb in our lives become an unmissable advertisement of the glory and honor we give to the resurrected Lamb, Jesus Christ. Your scars are working an exceeding weight and purpose more than you can begin to imagine. When our scars are linked to His scars it amplifies the glory and the power of God in our lives.
“For I think that God has displayed us, the apostles, last, as men condemned to death; for we have been made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men. We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored! To the present hour we both hunger and thirst, and we are poorly clothed, and beaten, and homeless. And we labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure; being defamed, we entreat. We have been made as the filth of the world, the offscouring of all things until now. I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you” (I Corinthians 4:9-14).
Pastor Don Rogers
The Pentecostals of Wisconsin
WNOP North Central Regional Prayer Coordinator
Info from: https://files.constantcontact.com/aebf4de5001/378d01eb-8326-480d-8a18-7162036d61f0.pdf
Supremacy of Jesus
The Supremacy of Jesus Christ by Pastor Don Rogers.
The brazen altar was the first piece of furniture the Israelites engaged with in the tabernacle of Moses for daily prayer. This shows us God’s grace from the beginning. The sacrificial lamb, Jesus Christ, represents this brazen altar. The placement and position of the brazen altar tells us we must depend upon His blood and His grace in order to boldly approach his throne.
God’s gift is not a question of human will or human effort, but a testament to God’s mercy. It depends not on one’s willingness nor on strenuous exertion as in running a race, but on God having mercy on us (Romans 9:16). Jesus shows us we should approach him in faith through His blood, His grace, and His sovereign supremacy over all human affairs. I must acknowledge daily the supreme authority of Jesus Christ over everything in my life.
His grace and blood demand this kind of exaltation in “brazen altar” worship and prayer. We are showing God we trust Him and acknowledge Him in the things He allows into our lives. It is through this kind of grace He multiplies peace in our spirit to become overachievers in the assignments of life and in building His kingdom. This grace and blood through prayer conquers fear, anxieties, and the oppositions of our enemies (I John 4:18, Psalms 44-48). So, when I practice fearing God and His word through repentance at the brazen altar, I am activating the grace and blood of Jesus Christ in prayer. We are showing He is Lord and sovereign over our entire lives when we embrace this attitude in prayer. We demonstrate grace and that the blood is fully capable to handle the mountains and oppositions of our day. He releases peace and strength into our inner man so we can face, with courage, the oppositions greater than our physical capabilities and resources.
This grace and blood from the brazen altar serve as an antiseptic for any wounds and offenses we may experience. His Spirit becomes intimate with us through prayer to provide relational comfort and healing to potentially fatal offenses. The brazen altar of Jesus Christ is designed to calibrate our attitudes in prayer so we can access the promise of God through faith, His grace, and His blood!
The Supremacy of Jesus Christ facilitates grace by His blood to combat end time insanity, offenses, and lawlessness. The brazen altar of Jesus Christ provides us this kind of access to the power of overcoming grace through prayer.
HOW TO PRAY:
I decree and declare that God will multiply grace in my life and my family that I might accomplish His kingdom will today. I claim His cleansing blood through grace for any offenses that I have been hit with. I decree and declare His supremacy, that it is greater than my dilemmas today. Jesus is sufficient in grace for what I am facing today, because of His brazen altar sacrifice. I claim multiplied peace and grace towards the souls I am working with. He will in time manifest the promises of His Word towards the people that I am laboring to save even though it may look impossible right now.
Pastor Don Rogers
The Pentecostals of Wisconsin
WNOP North Central Region Prayer Coordinator
Information from: Prayer Connect Newsletter – World Network of Prayer – floshaw@wnop-upci.ccsend.com
Jesus is the Lamb.
The Scapegoat
The Word of God tells us that Jesus is the lamb slain from the foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8). A lamb or flock of sheep are often used to symbolize those who are God’s, while goats are used to symbolize those who are not (Matthew 25:32-33). The Encarta English Dictionary defines the word scapegoat as one who is forced to or made to take the blame for others.
While goats are often cast in a bad light, God provided the ultimate sacrifice when He became our scapegoat―manifesting Himself in flesh to come to this earth and take the blame for us. Most people would not want to be this kind of friend, let alone be this kind of friend. There may be a select few who might “take the rap” for us, but it is not likely many would be willing to die. However, this was the sacrifice that God made because He loved us, and desired to give us a chance in spite of our many faults and iniquities, with the hope that we would choose to love Him in return.
In the Old Testament, God’s people were required to come before the appointed priest and one goat was designated by lot to be the scapegoat. In turn, the scapegoat was to carry the sins of the people into the wilderness. Leviticus 16:10 tells us, “But the goat, on which the lot fell to be the scapegoat, shall be presented alive before the LORD, to make an atonement with him, and to let him go for a scapegoat into the wilderness.” The phrase “let him go” has many applications in Hebrew; a few are to “put away, forsake, or let depart.” This practice symbolized the putting away of sin, which God cannot tolerate, from the people.
New Testament scripture tells us that the blood of bulls and goats could not take away sin (Hebrews 10:4). Therefore, God Himself provided a more perfect sacrifice; an eternal lasting sacrifice. Isaiah 53:4 says, “Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.” The word “borne” in Hebrew also has many applications and meanings, but those most pertinent to what is written here are “to carry away, pardon, and forgive.” When we think critically, we can see the symbolism. Jesus carried away our sin. To say it more plainly; God Himself loved us enough―that even though we do things that go against His righteousness―He put on flesh to become our scapegoat. If that doesn’t make us want to do right―nothing will.
Let us keep in mind, not only at Easter annually, but ALWAYS, the great sacrifice that Jesus became for us; and let’s always give ourselves in sacrificial prayer for His sake and for the sake of His kingdom!
Beth Marie Evans, International Christian Fellowship, Brookfield, Illinois
Info from: The Praying Life Newsletter – https://files.constantcontact.com/aebf4de5001/06b871b0-56fc-466d-812b-1461bc75189f.pdf
The Cross
The Power of The Cross
“For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God” (I Corinthians 1:18).
The act of Calvary represents history’s most powerful demonstration of love by Jesus Christ. This act of love released an unparalleled power against evil and a superior love for humanity never seen before or since. All hope, miracles, strength, and sustaining love flows from the finished work of Calvary by Jesus Christ. Every act He performed through Calvary was for redemptive, reconciliatory and relationship purposes (Hebrew 4:15).
His trial and court case with the Sanhedrin (Isaiah 53:3-4):
was for Power to be released to help us when we experience slander. was for Power to be released to help us when we experience character assassinations.
His scourging and beatings (Isaiah 53:5):
was for Power to be released for the physical sufferings we would experience. was for Power to be released to give us physical healing.
The crown of thorns (Philippians 2:5):
was for Power to be released for our mental and emotional healing. was for Power to be released for strength and endurance for our mind.
The nail piercings of His hands (John 20:27):
was for Power to be released to help us with service ministry and loving others relationally.
The nailed piercings for His feet (Romans 10:15):
was for Power to be released for our jobs and ministries. was for Power to carry the Gospel.
The piercing of His side (Ephesians 5:30):
was for Power to be released so that we may be His Bride. was for Power to learn how to receive His superior love personally.
The robe Jesus wore (Isaiah 61:10):
was for Power to walk in our identity. was for Power to walk and live in holiness.
Calvary is final! It is our total source for power and passion when engaging in spiritual warfare and intimacy with Jesus Christ.
Pastor Don Rogers
The Pentecostals of Wisconsin
WNOP North Central Region Prayer Coordinator
Wisconsin District Prayer Coordinator
Info from: Prayer Connect Newsletter – World Network of Prayer – floshaw@wnop-upci.ccsend.com
The Wisdom…
The Wisdom of Fallowing the Ground
We can learn a lot from the farmers of old. God set the law of fallowing the ground in Exodus 23:11, “But the seventh year thou shalt let it [the ground] rest and lie still.” Six years the Israelites may work the ground to produce crops but the seventh year (Sabbath year) it must rest.
A thought recently came to me about fallowing the ground. During the time of the Covid pandemic, we’ve all had to stay home and be still. Unfortunately, not everyone survived. Many were sick, but thankfully, many recovered. Some were confused; others angry. Personally, I appreciated this divine timeout and rest from travels. The question that came to me was this: Was the Lord causing His Church to be fallowed?
Fallowing the ground occurs when the ground is purposely left unsown, unreaped, and unharvested. God, in His great wisdom, knew that if the ground was worked over and over for years on end, the soil would become depleted of essential nutrients, and therefore less and less productive. Thus, the secret to producing plentiful crops is in letting the ground lay dormant for a season.
When a field lies fallow it doesn’t look like much is happening. All the other fields are sprouting a vibrant kaleidoscope of crops; we can watch them change from day to day, but the fallow field is just an unsightly pile of dirt. It was a pile of dirt yesterday. It will appear to be the same pile of dirt tomorrow.
The miraculous part is that within that defunct pile of dirt, a flurry of activity is happening. Worms burrow tunnels that nourish and aerate the soil. Organic matter decomposes into life-giving nutrients. Rainfall gathers into underground waterways. The health of next year’s harvest depends upon this rich, invisible dance beneath the surface.
Allowing the soil to have a specific rest period gives it time to replenish nutrients which have been leached from certain plants or regular irrigation. Crop fields benefit abundantly from fallowing, turning the soil into what farmers call, “black gold.” When the time is right, the field is awakened and prepared to bear its produce. The equipped tractor is fired up to plow, sow, and reap the harvest.
This is the same for our lives. The pandemic made us be still and go nowhere. Shortly thereafter, we became aware that God was working a work in our lives. He was setting things up for greater revival. Yet, many became anxious and didn’t understand what the Lord was doing. We were so used to doing, pushing, and working that we could have missed His visitation.
The Lord desires that we wait on Him—it’s Him decomposing the dark things, yea, the hidden things of the heart. You might ask, “What is God doing here?” Frustration may well rise, but beneath the surface, the Holy Ghost is doing His finest work.
The negative things that happened are not as bad as you think, but they are the organic matter that God uses to enrich you. This is how He makes “all things work together” for your good (Romans 8:28). During the fallowing time, those things supernaturally decompose within your soul, increasingly it turns into nourishment for a greater harvest of fruit that He can use, “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise” (Proverbs 11:30).
Every life had the opportunity to do some retrospection. Being restricted from going to the House of God made us to depend on the Word of God that was already sown inside us. That is what sustained us. The fallow ground is breaking up now; we are passionately seeking the Lord through prayer, fasting, and listening for His voice (Hosea 10:12).
If you are still in the fallow stage of life, just trust that God is doing His work. Recommit to regular Bible reading and study. Pray and listen. Get rid of the distractions that pull you away from not only doing God’s will, but finishing it. There is a harvest waiting.
Juli Jasinski WNOP Administrative Team Member WNOP Kids Prayer Coordinator MA/RI District Prayer Coordinator
Info from: Prayer Connect Newsletter – World Network of Prayer – floshaw@wnop-upci.ccsend.com
Let God arise…
Binding and Loosing by Pastor Esther Hunt.
“Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered” (Psalm 68:1).
God’s people are in the midst of Spiritual Warfare. The battles are fierce. The attacks which have come against pastors, ministers, prayer coordinators, leaders and their families are strong. Let’s join together in unity to bind the spirits which are not of God and loose God’s Spirit and His Love.
Bind: Spirit of infirmity – Loose: Spirit of Life and the Gifts of Healing (Romans 8:2).
Bind: Spirit of Fear – Loose: Love, Power & Sound Mind (II Timothy 1:7).
Bind: Spirit of Jealousy – Loose: The Love of God (Ephesians 5:2).
Bind: Spirit of Heaviness – Loose: Comforter, Garment of Praise (John 15:26).
Bind: Lying Spirit – Loose: Spirit of Truth (John 14:17).
Drive Back Every Spirit That Will Destroy • Not with doubt but with faith. • Praise God for the victory.
Tear Down the Strongholds – God is the army. II Corinthians 10:3 – 4 says, “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds:”
Pastor Esther Hunt San Saba UPC San Saba, Texas Info from: The Praying Life Newsletter https://files.constantcontact.com/aebf4de5001/fd0d454f-bb71-44a5-9b8d-ef80268519b8.pdf
Healing Rain
A Prayer for Healing Rain!
There is a need for healing in our world. There is a cry for a divine visitation that resonates from humanity to the throne of God! “Jehovah-Rapha,” the Lord Our Healer, is the plea … come and help us (Exodus 15:26)! The masses are suffering from infirmities, in various ways: physically, spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and so on. We know that with God, there is HOPE! Matthew 19:26 declares, “With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.” Man’s extremity becomes God’s opportunity!
PRAY:
Lord, first we repent. Forgive us of all of our sins and anything that we have done that has displeased You. Heal us from our fears and let us operate in faith, that we may trust completely in You.
O’ Lord:
HEAL Our Land! If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land (II Chronicles 7:14).
HEAL Our Souls! I said, LORD, be merciful unto me: heal my soul; for I have sinned against thee” (Psalm 41:4).
HEAL Our Emotions! Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed (Psalm 6:2).
HEAL Our Hurts! For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the LORD; because they called thee an Outcast, saying, This is Zion, whom no man seeketh after (Jeremiah 30:17).
HEAL Our Bodies! And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick (Matthew 14:14).
HEAL Our Hearts! The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised (Luke 4:18).
HEAL Our Minds! But so much the more went there a fame abroad of him: and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by him of their infirmities (Luke 5:15).
HEAL Everything that Needs Healing! By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus (Acts 4:30).
HEAL the Nations! In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations (Revelation 22:2).
HEAL Them! “He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions” (Psalm 107:20).
The Lord is able to heal. He will come in a greater visitation to our world with His Healing Rain!
Flo Shaw Director World Network of Prayer
Info from: Prayer Connect Newsletter – World Network of Prayer – floshaw@wnop-upci.ccsend.com
As evil increases in our world…
In Times of Trouble by Stephanie Gossard.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” (II Corinthians 1:3-4).
As evil increases in our world, it would be easy to despair . . . to only focus on the bad, on the shooter, on the hurricane, on the flood. Yet in the midst of all of that turmoil, in the midst of all of that chaos, there are great examples of kindness, of love, of compassion.
The person who was shot at and fled but then went back to help others. Those who were not affected by the hurricane yet grabbed their boat and drove hundreds of miles to rescue people. Those who opened their churches for people to come and live in their gym until they could go back to their homes.
It is easy to be overwhelmed by the bad, yet in the middle of all that despair, I find myself thinking more about Gods love. How much we need it. How He came as a man and loved us. He loved us so much He died for us.
I think of the turmoil in our society over injustice and how we treat each other. The Bible talks about how Jesus had compassion on the multitude, on those who were hungry, on those who were hurting. He loved those who were unlovable. We are challenged to be like Jesus. We need to love the world. We need to love each other.
Jesus was our example. He went out of His way to approach those who were unapproachable, the ones society had written off.
Jesus had compassion. He served those around Him.
Info from: SISTERS Military Newsletter – UPCI Ladies Ministries – ladies-upci.org@shared1.ccsend.com
If my People…
A Revival of Prayer
“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (II Chronicles 7:14).
What will happen if one individual or one small congregation had a hunger for revival with a great harvest of souls and a hunger to see God do the miraculous? What would happen if God’s people tarried and prayed like they did in the Book of Acts where they stayed on their faces before God until the breakthrough came? In Acts 1 and 2 they “all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication. They were all with one accord in one place” (Acts 1:14, 2:1). What a prayer meeting! What a revival!
The Azusa Street Revival began with a deep desire for revival. With the hunger for more of God, a lengthy prayer meeting began. What a prayer meeting it was and what a revival they had! God desires to again send a mighty revival. “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray …” and pray … and pray (II Chronicles 7:14). Unity mixed with the Word of God, and mixed with prayer, is the key to the great end-time revival!
Pray that God will send a holy hunger to communicate with Him more than ever before. Pray that God will place a deep desire in the hearts of His Children to draw nearer to Him through the power of prayer and the reading of His Word. Pray that each church and home will have an atmosphere and spirit of prayer. Pray that God’s people have a deep desire for the things of God. Pray, in faith, believing that God will send a mighty revival. Pray the Word of God. Pray that the glory of God resides continually in the church of the most high God. Pray that God’s people cherish communication with the keeper of our soul, and the love of our lives, Jesus, through the power of prayer.
“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16).
Pastor Esther Hunt
San Saba UPC
San Saba, Texas
Info from: Prayer Connect Newsletter – World Network of Prayer – floshaw@wnop-upci.ccsend.com
My Whole Heart
With My Whole Heart by Pastor Don Rogers.
“I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee” (Psalm 138:1).
Whole heart praise chooses to exalt Jesus higher than your problems or daily issues. Whole heart praise faces impossibilities with violent passion from God’s love. It is faith casting down imaginations that exalts itself against the will and mind of God. So, I choose to cast down discouragement and unbelief to give Jesus whole heart praise and worship today. Whole heart praise requires faith in God’s care and protection for your life. He knows the number of hairs on my head. He knows what I need before I ask.
So, as I face the enemy today, I declare my God is a provider. He is my horn and my buckler, my shield and fortress. He’s my friend when I’m lonely. He’s my doctor when I’m sick. He’s my banker when I have no money. He’s my military when I’m under attack. He’s my counselor when I’m confused. So, with my whole heart I will praise the Lord!
This means submitting your will and attitude to exalting and magnifying the goodness of God when you don’t feel like it. It means to focus your faith on His unchangeable promises and not on our limitations. To praise with your whole heart means to let go of your demanding issues and paralyzing problems…and give your God the highest of praise. Whole heart praise means I must passionately declare that I am weak and Jesus is strong. I am nothing and He is everything. I can do nothing without Him; He can do anything!
