The Lord delivered me

After almost 30 years as a saved Bible Believer, I have never heard of or known anyone who did not have to overcome evil in his/her Salvation Journey towards Eternal Life. The Bible says this: Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me 2 Timothy 3:11 KJV.

I was never naive many years whn I just started my Journey to think that because I am saved I will have no more problems because of the Power of God in my life. Instead, the difference to me is ( and was back then) that now I have some super natural help to overcome evil. 

Wickedness and evil still came my way. But prayer and fasting help as long it is the will of God that he will do what I can never do for myself. So it feels good to be saved in times of trouble or extra trouble from the principalities and powers of evil in this world. Ephesians 6:12 KJV says: For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

The Apostles and Disciples, etc., from the early Church and Bible days had to face and endure the same evil and wickedness every true and saved Bible Believer will face today, and in the future. But if we have the real God and not just a god with us, we must (not may) overcome. That is why the Bible tells us that out of them all the Lord delivered me.

We must never stop praying one for the other, and help one another when we can. Because that is absolutely necessary, I believe, for our survival and endurance untill the end. Read Matthew 24:13 KJV.

Many still do not recognize Jesus

"Recognizing Jesus" by Mary Loudermilk

“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) 

The Spiritual Captive

" Prayer Guide for the Spiritual Captive "
 Prayers for the spiritual captive should be passionate prayers. Interceding for others in need should be done with prayers that pour out of you like the cries of a mother in travail (Isaiah 26:16-17). As you pray for the spiritual captive, pray earnestly and specifically for them by name and for their specific needs.

 
This prayer guide is based on the actions of the church in Acts 12 as they prayed for Peter who was bound in chains in prison. Their continuous prayers led to his miraculous release. May we follow their lead and pray accordingly.

 
Concerning the Spiritual Captive:

    Pray for understanding and for their eyes to be opened to see truth, their true condition, and to see the Lord's helping hand reaching for them.
    Pray for the Lord to "wake them up," shake them, startle them, and get their attention!
    Pray for the Lord to speak to them–speak to their soul, their needs, and their hearts. 
    Ask the Lord to bring them to the point of repentance, causing them to cast off all they used to be. "Draw them to You! Call them to follow You!"
    Pray that the Lord would do a miraculous work in them that even they can't believe! 
    Specifically name a miracle they need.
    Pray for the spiritual prison doors to be opened around them, for their chains to be loosed, and for them to be set free. Ask Jesus to remove any obstacles that stand in the way of their victory. "Order their steps with Your Word, dear Lord!" 
    Pray for the Lord to give them boldness to tell others about their deliverance and for the Kingdom to grow through their testimony. 
    In an act of faith, declare victory in their life. Instruct their chains to break, their prison doors to be opened, and their pathway of life to be made straight. Pray in the authority of the Word of God. Quote scriptures that are applicable to their situation.  
     Thank God for all He is doing in their life. Rejoice over their salvation!


"Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much" (James 5:16). 

  
Rick Lovall                                                                                                                             
Director
UPCI Stewardship Group
(Information from: Prayer Connect Newsletter - World Network of Prayer - floshaw@wnop-upci.ccsend.com)

We live in such a dark world

"LIGHT"

We live in such a dark world, yet we are filled with the light of Jesus Christ. We must learn to let that light shine bright in every place we go. Matthew 5:14 and 16 says, "Ye are the light of the world ... Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

 Please Pray:
    we will not fear the darkness of this world
    we will learn to be a light no matter where we are
    that those who want to leave the darkness will be drawn to God’s light in us

You will be ready to be a light to those who are seeking.

Tiffini Countaway, Conference Services Manager
MyHopeRadio Web Producer
United Pentecostal Church International 
(Info from: Prayer Connect Newsletter - World Network of Prayer - floshaw@wnop-upci.ccsend.com)

The Blind

"The Country of the Blind"

"And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha" (II Kings 6:17).

I heard a story mentioned by Rev. Ken Gurley during a daily devotion session that caught my attention.

H.G. Wells wrote a short story called “The Country of the Blind.” It has such a parallel to our battle in helping our world to see Christ!

A mountain climber gets hurt during climbing and stumbles into a village that has been separated from the rest of civilization.

As he began stumbling down to the village late in the day, he called out to the people he could see in the village. They turned toward the sound of his voice, but did not really see him.

As he came closer, he noticed no windows in the homes, ropes along the walking paths, and discovered that they were all blind.

They helped minister to his wounds and were kind, but when he tried to tell them about what he saw on his climb, they didn’t believe him, because they never could see.

Decades ago, a disease had begun to strike the children with blindness, and as time went on, all who could still see, died off. With them the stories of vision died also.

So, as he told of what he saw, they didn’t believe him. As time went on, he healed up and began to work with the community. They thought he was crazy when describing what he would see. They would do work at night as the heat of the day was uncomfortable.

He fell in love with the leader’s daughter, and wanted to marry her, but they thought his craziness of seeing things was too much. They finally had the doctor of the community check him out. When examining him, he felt the darting and movement of his eyes and determined that this was the cause of his craziness. So, he would be allowed to marry the daughter, if he would let them remove his eyes and be like them. He agreed.

However, at sunrise on the day of the operation, while all the villagers are asleep, He saw the morning, like a golden armored angel coming down the steps, it seemed to him, that before this splendor he and his blind world in this valley, and his love were no more than a pit of sin.

He then understood the following: My world is sight! He then climbed out of the village, and left the Country of the Blind.

Our world wants to remove our eyes, what we have seen in Christ, what He has told us in prayer, what we have seen in His glory!

Your world is seeing the truth of God’s power, promises, and truth. The world has forgotten the sights of Christ, His promises, and love. Because they have walked in the world so long, they may have forgotten how to see Christ. Don’t let them remove your eyes that see, but pray that God restores their sight. Spiritually, pray for The Country of the Blind.

Rev. Patrick Alvarez
WNOP NW Regional Prayer Coordinator 
Washington District Prayer Coordinator 
(Info from: Prayer Connect Newsletter - World Network of Prayer - floshaw@wnop-upci.ccsend.com)

Run with patience the race that is set before us

The Scripture says...
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.

5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:

6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?

8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.

9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?

10 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.

11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

12 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;

13 And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.

14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord...

From the Scriptures: Hebrews 12:1-14 KJV 

What God told him to receive his healing

Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the Lord had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, but he was a leper.

2 And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman's wife.

3 And she said unto her mistress, Would God my lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria! for he would recover him of his leprosy.

4 And one went in, and told his lord, saying, Thus and thus said the maid that is of the land of Israel.

5 And the king of Syria said, Go to, go, and I will send a letter unto the king of Israel. And he departed, and took with him ten talents of silver, and six thousand pieces of gold, and ten changes of raiment.

6 And he brought the letter to the king of Israel, saying, Now when this letter is come unto thee, behold, I have therewith sent Naaman my servant to thee, that thou mayest recover him of his leprosy.

7 And it came to pass, when the king of Israel had read the letter, that he rent his clothes, and said, Am I God, to kill and to make alive, that this man doth send unto me to recover a man of his leprosy? wherefore consider, I pray you, and see how he seeketh a quarrel against me.

8 And it was so, when Elisha the man of God had heard that the king of Israel had rent his clothes, that he sent to the king, saying, Wherefore hast thou rent thy clothes? let him come now to me, and he shall know that there is a prophet in Israel.

9 So Naaman came with his horses and with his chariot, and stood at the door of the house of Elisha.

10 And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean.

11 But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the Lord his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper.

12 Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage.

13 And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?

14 Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.

15 And he returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and came, and stood before him: and he said, Behold, now I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel: now therefore, I pray thee, take a blessing of thy servant.

16 But he said, As the Lord liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none. And he urged him to take it; but he refused.

From the Scriptures: 2 Kings 5:1-16 KJV.

The Glory of God

" Seeing the GLORY of God! "

As the coming of the Lord approaches, now is the time to move from the natural to the supernatural. God led His people by a pillar of cloud by day and pillar of fire by night (Exodus 13:21). He is still leading us today by His Spirit (John 16:13). Prayer is a vital key in our endeavor to see the glory of God manifested today.

The supreme purpose of prayer from God’s vantage point is to accomplish His perfect will in His kingdom, in our lives, and in the lives of others. Some key components in helping us see the glory of God are:
 
Put God First and Practice Self-Discipline in Prayer

We must wake up and realize that the time is short; we must watch and pray. We should endeavor to fulfill God’s great purpose on earth in our lives.

Practice a Consecrated Lifestyle and Living a Crucified Life in Christ

We must “put on Christ” and commit totally to Him. The more we crucify the flesh by prayer and fasting, the more we will see the supernatural. When we love God and one another and allow the fruit of the Spirit to operate, we will see God’s glory manifested.

Pray the Will of God in All Situations

Many people are so busy telling God how they want Him to answer that they never allow Him to reveal how He wants them to pray. Find out what God’s will is, pray it with faith, and it will be done.

Position Yourself to Always Obey the Voice of God

Get in one mind and one accord with the Spirit of God. Obey His Word. Worship Him. Get into alignment with God. Get into fellowship with other believers to reap the harvest. Choose to be a vital link of prayer that unites rather than being part of a chain of prayerlessness that binds. Nothing is impossible as we unite in prayer, believing in one God, one church, and one mission.

Permit the Spirit of God to Flow and His Glory to Be Manifested in Your Life

Allow God’s Spirit to prevail in prayer. Do not be limited by programs or protocols, but allow His Spirit to move. God responds to the prayers of His people.

In the Book of Acts prayer preceded great demonstrations of God’s glory. We must go back to the foundation of prayer to see a great end-time harvest.

Because their prayers in the past were not answered to their satisfaction, some may ask, “What is the use of praying?” The Bible says that Elijah “prayed again” (James 5:18). If he had not prayed again he would not have seen the downpour of rain. So is it with us—we must be persistent in prayer. Paul said, “Pray without ceasing” (I Thessalonians 5:17). Determine that what is of utmost important in your life is “seeing the glory of God!”

Flo Shaw
Director
World Network of Prayer
Info from: Prayer Connect Newsletter - World Network of Prayer - floshaw@wnop-upci.ccsend.com 

Praying Fervent and Effectual to God

" FERVENT AND EFFECTUAL PRAYER " 

There are important aspects to prayer that make our praying fervent and effectual unto God:
    Prayers that focus to know Jesus in an intimate way to know His ways, His character and His resurrection love.
    Prayers to become like Him where the Word becomes flesh in our own character and value system.
    Prayers that relationally serves others and transfers His nature to those we love and are committed to.
    Prayers that focuses on reaching the hurting and the lost. Our prayers must mature beyond just our personal needs and our personal self-interest to becoming conduits for God’s presence and to pray through us, for others, according to His sovereign divine plan.
    Prayers that oppose the kingdom of darkness. We were commanded to occupy until Jesus returns. These are prayers that stand our ground for holiness living. Prayers that stand our grounds against immorality and perversion. To exalt the name of Jesus in the face of all evil.

These five prayers make our act of prayer biblically fervent and effectual for kingdom living.

“That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death” (Philippians 3:10);

Effectual, fervent praying is growing in the maturity and knowledge of his word and nature, relationally, with Jesus Christ and with others.

It’s possible to perfect one area and neglect the others. Effectual, fervent praying seeks balance and the heart of God intimately.
Ultimately, our goal is to pray His heart and not a regimented catechism of repetitious praying that Jesus warned us not to do.
    God’s number one goal is to have access to our heart as His throne room for operating on earth.

“Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13):

Pastor Don Rogers                                                                                                                                           
The Pentecostals of Wisconsin                                                                                                        
WNOP North Central Regional Prayer Coordinator
Info from: Prayer Connect Newsletter - World Network of Prayer - floshaw@wnop-upci.ccsend.com

If the Lord Will

I recently received a Text Message from someone who dreamed twice that I was seen in the Dreams. But I passed away both times in the Dreams. Unpleasant but true - the person did in fact sent me the text about those Dreams in May 2024.

Then I remember that the Bible mentioned at: The days of our years are threescore years and ten... Psalm 90:10 KJV. And it also says For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that James 4:15 KJV.

I told the person who sent me the text about the Dreams that I am in good health. So hopefully in that continues I will get at least 70 years of life. And I read Psalm 91 KJV as well. So hopefully God will continue to take good care of me.

Lots of people I know have stopped believing in God: Jesus and the Bible. I do not believe in once saved always saved. I believe that if someone stops obeying God and discontinues the keeping of his Commandments over a long person of time, without repenting, then that person becomes a Backslider. That is a very unpleasant word but true. And read Proverbs 14:14, Hebrews 6:4-6, 2 Peter 2:20-22, and Luke 9:62 KJV.

I am a firm believer in restoring someone (without embarrassing the person) back into the Fellowship of Gods People. We will all make mistakes - some more serious than others. I wished one of my relatives had received (or should I say accepted) Salvation from God: Jesus before she passed away. God called many of us in my family and most have accepted. A few have not. But Salvation is a personal process with God so we just cannot judge about what went wrong or why a person refused to accept God: Jesus.

Therefore, if the Lord will I may get another chance to write again and post to this Website. Until then God: Jesus bless us all - in the Name of Jesus.

Blessed are

And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:
2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,

3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Scriptures from: Matthew 5:1-16 KJV

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 ) 

When Moses lowered his hands

" Hands Up! "

“Hands up” is not a sign of surrender for us when in the midst of the battle against the enemy, but it is quite the contrary. In this case it is a symbol of prayer and support (I Kings 8:54, Psalm 144:2). When Moses lowered his hands in the battle due to fatigue, Aaron and Hur interceded by holding up his hands, and the enemy was defeated (Exodus 17:8-13). Truly, Moses was in good hands! This Biblical account is a powerful example of the role that intercessors play in the success of a ministry. Likewise, intercessors can stand in the gap and help carry the burdens by holding up the hands of our ministers and those who lead the fight in the spiritual battles of the Church so that the victory may be wrought! 

The Apostle Paul stated, “Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith” (II Thessalonians 3:1-2). Even earlier, Paul had expressed “Brethren, pray for us” in I Thessalonians 5:25. It is evident that one of a minister’s primary responsibilities is to deliver the messages that God has given. Prayer provides a covering from the attack of the enemy and other hindrances that would attempt to prohibit the Word from going forth. 

The Apostle Paul needed a helping hand and requested prayer so that the message he was carrying would have free course (go forth unhindered) in God’s full power and anointing. Paul also recognized that the enemy would try to impede progress directly through the work of wickedness and evil men, as he often faced opposition. Likewise, it is so for all ministers who have a message that God has given to relay. 

Do not allow the adversary or your flesh to hinder you from prayer for the Ministry. When either attempt to do so, say “talk to the hand” and shun any opposition. Get that hand up in the air with the other one in prayer and support. If the Apostle Paul needed prayer, then surely all ministers today need it too! 

Let’s put our hands up in prayer today and pray for the Ministry greater than we have ever prayed before! Surely, “the Hand of God” will work on behalf of the ministry, and because we put our “hands up,” we will win, “hands down!”

Flo Shaw
Director
World Network of Prayer

(Information from: Prayer Connect Newsletter - World Network of Prayer - floshaw@wnop-upci.ccsend.com) 

Intercessory Prayer

"The Power of Intercessory Prayer" by Angela Overton.

 "Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groaning which cannot be uttered.” (Romans 8:26)

Several years ago in Bible College, I developed an undeniable burden for a family member who had fallen away from God. I entered into a season of fasting and prayer for this individual, believing that God was going to do something miraculous in their life. One afternoon, I entered the prayer room, and a spirit of intercession came over me.

I prayed for almost five hours; it was physically exhausting, and I felt like an iron ball was in my stomach, weighing me down, causing me to remain tethered to the floor. In those few hours, it was as though I felt all of the shame, heartache, fear, regret, and pain of my loved one. My burden was great. In my desperation, I cried out to the Lord, “Take this burden from me, it’s too heavy for me to bear anymore.”

At that moment the Lord spoke to my spirit so beautifully said, “What you have felt for your family member, I have felt for the whole world.”

I proceeded to weep and thank God for His great love for humanity.



We serve a God who is touched with the feeling of our infirmities (Hebrews 4:15), meaning everything you have gone through, our Savior has carried it personally on the cross.

There is a power of intercessory prayer because when we pray in our understanding, we pray our prayer; we pray our own will. However, intercessory prayer lends oneself completely to God. Essentially, you say, “God, pray your prayers through me, I desire to be a vessel.”

I’m thankful to share with you that the person I prayed for that day years ago is now back in church and actively serving in ministry. God hears every prayer you pray and He loves your family and friends even more than you do. Continue to seek His face and yield your spirit to God’s.

(Information from: Pure Ministry Newsletter - UPCI Ladies Ministries - ladiesconnections-upci.org@shared1.ccsend.com)

Faith is my favorite seed

"Dormant Seed" by Jennifer Brooks.

Every year it’s inevitable that my garden will produce a plant that was sown in a previous year. The bountiful surprise always leaves me with a smile on my face. The precious seed needed time for whatever reason to blossom. However, the growth would have never taken place had a seed not been sown.
    

I can’t recall how many times I’ve rehearsed over and over in my mind the seeds of prayer that others have placed in my heart. Seeds that lay dormant for countless years with no indication of growth, no matter how much they were watered. But God!

It can be frustrating to select a new vegetable to add to your seasonal crops, only to discover that the germination failed. Planting seeds in others can leave us kicking and screaming inside as we wait for the growing season. It’s a very beautiful breathtaking moment when a loved one gives their heart and soul to Jesus. But what do you do when you’ve prayed, you’ve planted seeds for a very long time, you’ve done all you could do, and you never witnessed the moment?

The answer is you keep doing you. People are watching you. Trust me, there is someone you are shining a light for and you’re making a difference for that person. My dear grandmother who raised me in a UPCI Apostolic Church since I was age five, went to her grave never knowing if the seeds she planted would ever take root. Thank the Lord they took root!

Faith is my favorite seed that sprouted. The intense feeling of strong faith is what kept me adamantly focused on the Lord during the hardest battles a person can face. The sudden death of our 18-year-old son as a result of a homicide left me bruised and broken. However, the Lord picked me up and rebuilt all the pieces. I often get asked, “How can you speak so calmly about your son after everything that happened?” My answer without hesitation, “We are a family that has strong faith.”

Strong faith simply implies that you believe in the one that can move those mountains. It’s rarely a casual assumption that the Lord can remove obstacles from your life that will leave you feeling complete, but instead it must be an absolute knowing. However, that doesn’t mean I don’t still have those moments where memories of my baby boy will flash in mind, causing an emotional uproar in my heart. It was a devasting thing to go through. Strong faith doesn’t mean you never break down into a sobbing mess. On the contrary, sobs usually lead to stronger faith.

To plant seeds or ideas into a person is going to require a process of germination, so to speak. The process will require nurturing, commitment, prayer, and the right season to flourish.

“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” (Galatians 6:9)

I don’t know about you, but I have absolutely no intention of giving up on others. Now let me clarify some situations will call for a small dose of wisdom. If you proceed to witness to a person with a persistence too strong, you could run that person further away from truth. On the other hand, if you're not persistent enough at various times, that could also lead to failed attempts. The best approach is God’s timing.

“A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!” (Proverbs 15:23)

Sometimes you plant seeds by saying nothing at all. The way you carry yourself, the way you put God first no matter what, and the way you live, all speak of your life and how you believe. Even when trials manifest in your situations, and they leave you hurt, crying, and devastated, others are watching how you respond to such pain. Handing over the hurt to the Lord while going through the motions of your mundane everyday tasks, speaks volumes of your character and your faith.

(Information from: Pure Ministry Newsletter - UPCI Ladies Ministries - ladiesconnections-upci.org@shared1.ccsend.com)

Remember now thy Creator

The Bible says...
Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;

2 While the sun, or the light, or the moon, or the stars, be not darkened, nor the clouds return after the rain:

3 In the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble, and the strong men shall bow themselves, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those that look out of the windows be darkened,

4 And the doors shall be shut in the streets, when the sound of the grinding is low, and he shall rise up at the voice of the bird, and all the daughters of musick shall be brought low;

5 Also when they shall be afraid of that which is high, and fears shall be in the way, and the almond tree shall flourish, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail: because man goeth to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets:

6 Or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern.

7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.

(From: Ecclesiastes 12:1-7 KJV)

Turn your Eyes

Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in his wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of his glory and grace

His word shall not fail you he promised
Believe him and all will be well
Then go to a world that is dying
His perfect salvation to tell

Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in his wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of his glory and grace

AMEN

What a mighty God

What a mighty God we serve.
What a mighty God we serve.
Angels bow before Him.
Heaven and earth adore Him.
What a mighty God we serve.

Jesus is the God we serve.
Jesus is the God we serve.
Angels bow before Him.
Heaven and earth adore Him.
Jesus is the God we serve.

AMEN

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) 

Add to your faith virtue

The Bible says
Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:
Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,

According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.

For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall...

Scripture from: 2 Peter 1:1-10 KJV

Obey your Parents

Mother's Day 2024 and obey your parents. The Bible says...
Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise;
That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.
(From: Ephesians 6:1-3 KJV)

Which of these do you like best?
(A) Obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.  
(B) The first commandment with promise.
(C) Thou mayest live long on the earth.

PLEASE NOTE: Vote by submitting your Comment and selecting A, B or C in your Comment.