Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law.

O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?

2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?

3 Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?

4 Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain.

5 He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?

6 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.

7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.

8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.

9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.

10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.

11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.

12 And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.

13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:

14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

(From: Galatians 3:1-14 KJV)

Filled with the Knowledge

"Filled with the Knowledge of His Will."

“For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God. Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light” (Colossians 1:9-12).

Pray that We Might be Filled with the Knowledge of God's Will. 

It is God’s will for us to pray for God’s people that they would be filled with the knowledge of God’s will for all areas of our lives and in His kingdom; praying that we be filled with all wisdom and spiritual understanding. The Lord, as our teacher, desires to teach us all things. He loves it when His people want to have His mind, goals, and truth. Pray for our leaders on all levels that they may know and walk in the knowledge of God's will in all the areas in which they have authority. Pray that the children of God no longer walk in darkness but have clarity of wisdom and spiritual understanding. Pray that the children of God will no longer follow their own will, but will earnestly seek after the perfect will of God for their lives instead. 

Pray We Walk Worthy of the Lord unto All.

It is God's will that we are pleasing to Him, fruitful, and continually increasing our knowledge of Him. He desires for us to know Him so that we may please Him and become fruitful in our lives toward Him. Pray that we may walk worthy of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Pray We are Strengthened with Might According to His Power. 

God wants us to walk in His glorious power, displaying the wonderous works He did on Calvary and in His resurrection. He wants to display His power in our lives as we are dead to sin and walk as new creatures in Christ. Jesus’ quickening power wants to reveal itself through the children of God. While this world is seeking for strength in many areas, God wants to show His strength through us. We must not fear weakness, for it is in our weakness that God's strength is revealed. Pray that the children of God’s light will shine so that they will draw all men out of the darkness and into the light of His strength, glory, and goodness, displaying to all what God can do in a life surrendered to Him. 

Give Thanks and Praise.

As a conduit for Christ all knowledge, strength, fruitfulness, and increase can flow from the 

heavenly places into and through our lives. He knows all, He has done all, and He can do all. We don't need to produce something miraculous. We just need to allow Him to flow through us. Prayer sets us in the proper alignment to do just that, giving praise and thanks that we are partakers of the glorious inheritance and illuminating light!

Deborah Smith
District Prayer Coordinator
South Texas District
(Info from: Prayer Connect Newsletter - World Network of Prayer - floshaw@wnop-upci.ccsend.com) 

The Love of God

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.
8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

(From: Romans 5:1-11 KJV)

Trusting in the Lord can be difficult

"Trusting in the Lord"

Trusting in the Lord can be difficult with all the struggles that life brings. It can be hard to believe that God cares about us and sees where we are. However, we can have peace knowing that our Lord loves us, cares about us, and desires for us to be happy. Therefore, when we are called, we can have peace and comfort, knowing that His will is the best thing for our lives. He will not give you a calling and then leave you, rather the Lord will help you every step of the way. 

When you are worried about the future or struggling to trust in the Lord, pray:

    Lord, help me to see myself the way you see me and assure me of my calling.
    Give me strength and comfort through my situation and help me to know that you are always there.
    In the good times and the bad, help me to remember to give my problems and situations over to God.
    Lord, I thank you for the calling you have placed on my life and for always making a way for me.

Sarah Smith
Guest Writer
Info from: Prayer Connect Newsletter - World Network of Prayer - floshaw@wnop-upci.ccsend.com

When we call on the name of Jesus

"When God is in the Midst" 

When we call on the name of Jesus, He is there, whether we believe it or not. He may not always answer immediately, but He is always on time. He has answers to problems that we might not always like or understand, because God works according to His perfect will. God’s ways do not always make sense to our carnal minds because they oppose Him. In spite of our failures and infirmities, He does not abandon us in our time of need. However, we can cause Him to withdraw from us by taking our problems to sources other than Him. When we invite Him into our dark and discouraging situations, He will show up. God is drawn to darkness because He desires to shatter it with His marvelous light. We must call upon Him. We cannot curse the darkness without actively being the light that dispels it. We cannot be that light without the presence of God. God manifests His presence where the elements of prayer are carried out. The Hebrew word for prayer, tᵊp̄illâ (pronounced tef-il-law'), is defined as:  “a hymn, intercession, and supplication.”

When we worship, intercede, or ask for something earnestly or humbly (supplication), we demonstrate faith. Prayer enables love that is pure and without ulterior motives. This is agape love that is obtained by a connection with the Spirit of God. Our worship of God must be pure. We cannot offer “the sacrifice of praise” that is tainted by idolatry, or unrepentant sin. We see these types and shadows of pure worship in the Levitical Law pertaining to where the sacrifices were to be offered. God gave this command because sacrifices were being made to idols. For the sacrifices to be accepted by God, they were to be brought to a place designated by The Lord, “This is so that the sons of Israel may bring their sacrifices which they were sacrificing [to idols] in the open field [where they killed them], that they may bring them in to the Lord, at the doorway of the Tent of Meeting to the priest, and sacrifice them as sacrifices of peace offerings to the Lord” (Leviticus 17:5 AMP). 

Those sacrifices, which were an act of worship, when offered according to God’s plan, brought peace between God and His people. When God was in their midst, He performed great signs and miracles. He supplied all their needs. He caused their enemies to fear them. We acknowledge the intercessors in the Bible such as Abraham, Moses, and Daniel. But we may not consider the power we have been given to bring God into our situations, and into the lives of those who don’t know Him. We have power with intercession and supplication to turn the tide of judgment and seek the Peace of God for ourselves and others. When a person whose life is in turmoil chooses to try things God’s way, they will find that way of peace that can only be found in the presence of God. This is how lives are changed forever. There is great peace when God is in the midst. 

Beth Marie Evans
Prison Ministry
International Christian Fellowship - Brookfield, Illinois
Info from: Prayer Connect Newsletter - World Network of Prayer - floshaw@wnop-upci.ccsend.com

Change and the Faith

If you are someone who is a saved Bible Believer for 20 or more years, do you believe that if Jesus second return/coming does not happen in the next 20 years will you still remain a Believer? Not sure? Maybe? See 2 Thessalonians 2:1-8 KJV.

Sometimes I think that since we live more abundantly in the times of Artificial Intelligence (i.e. AI) most, not many but most, people are changing their minds about God - the love of God. The bible says "And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us" Romans 5:5 KJV. So the love for God is changing. 

There is an YouTube Channel name "Ready to Harvest" that gives some useful information about many Denominational Churches that are changing in the wrong way. Because the Liberal Lifestyle of this world is very much now entrenched in the Church Worship and Administration for those Religious Christian Denominations that function on the principles/beliefs of modern "Intelligent People" views than Bible/Scripture Information.

Man has never and will never do things like God. The bible says  "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts" Isaiah 55:8-9 KJV. So the Holy Biblical ways of God from the Old Testament to the New Testament will never change. The world that is "governed" by men/women (as God will allow) will always change with the times, opinions, views and knowledge of men/women. 

Men/women do not "consult" God or ask him of His ways most of the times. Otherwise, we would not see so many changes in the World and the Christian Churches (including Oneness Apostolic) that are contrary to God's Way. So as the world changes in one direction, so man ways go along with that direction.  But not all will ever go along with the world. There will always be a "remnant" who love the ways of God.

Change in this world is always coming and will always take place. But the "remnant" of God's People who love his ways must keep the faith in God's way of doing things - in God's Church. Our Salvation is from God (and comes from God) not man/woman. So God must always remain above man. God is holy and will always be holy (1 Peter 1:15-17 KJV).
 

Forgiveness is central to the message of Jesus Christ

" Finding Freedom " 
A Guide to Healing Guilt, Shame, and Forgiveness

In Christianity, forgiveness is central to the message of Jesus Christ. It is through God's grace and forgiveness that believers can experience freedom from guilt and shame. By praying for those who are struggling with guilt, shame, or a lack of forgiveness, it demonstrates a compassionate and empathetic mindset that aligns with the teachings of Christ. This prayer encourages believers to seek healing and restoration, just as King David did in the Bible, and to actively support others in their journey towards experiencing God's forgiveness and the joy and freedom it brings.

By asking for God's guidance in molding us into vessels that honor Him, glorify His name, and reflect His love and mercy, we acknowledge our need for His transformative power in our lives. It highlights our desire to align with God's will and teachings, demonstrating a surrender of our own desires and priorities.

This prayer also recognizes that our lives should not only be centered around ourselves but should ultimately be directed towards impacting the world around us. By reflecting God's love and mercy, we aim to serve as representatives of Christ and be a positive influence on others.

Thus, this prayer serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking God's will, aligning our lives with His teachings, and living in a way that honors and reflects Christ in all aspects of our lives.

Pray:
    Heavenly Father, we lift up those among us who are struggling with guilt, shame, or a lack of forgiveness. 
    Just as you lifted up King David, bring healing and restoration to their lives. 
    Help them experience the fullness of your forgiveness and leap forward in joy and freedom.
    Lord may the lessons taught by King David inspire us to become men and women after your own heart. 
    Mold us into vessels that honor you, glorify your name, and reflect your love and mercy to the world around us. 
    In Jesus' powerful name, we pray. Amen.

Dr. Margaret Banks-Butler 
WNOP International Harvest Prayer Coordinator
(Info from: Prayer Connect Newsletter - World Network of Prayer - floshaw@wnop-upci.ccsend.com)

God was always on the move

" FREEDOM! "
Getting Out of Your Rut

“And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters” (Genesis 1:2).

From the beginning of time, we see biblical evidence that God was always on the move. So, why shouldn’t we be? For we are created in the image of God. He moved upon the face of the waters and brought order in the midst of void and darkness. God wants us to have order in our lives and to move and have freedom and not to get stuck in a rut!

A rut is defined as a “groove in which something runs; the same old, same old thing; a continual routine; a track worn by a wheel or by habitual passage; a groove that prohibits progress.” A standard definition of stagnant is “not advancing or developing; stale; long disuse; a standing body of water; not flowing in a stream.” Quench not the Holy Spirit (rivers of living water), but allow God to flow through you. 

Someone said, “A rut is a grave with an end open on one side.” Think about that statement. For some people, they never arise or get free from it, and it eventually becomes their graves. God has validated your value greater than just an old tire stuck in the mud with your wheels spinning… moving nowhere.

Why do we need to get out of our ruts? To help ourselves and to help others! But first we must be in the right position ourselves to be able to help others effectively. 

II Kings 7:3-9 states, “And there were four leprous men at the entering in of the gate: and they said one to another, Why sit we here until we die?” I’m sure most of us are familiar with the story of the four lepers, who made the choice to experience freedom and to not remain stagnant in a rut and die. Rather, they became mobile and confronted the enemy in the camp. In doing so, God magnified the sound of their footsteps as a mighty army, even the noise of chariots, horses, and a great multitude, and as a result, the enemy fled. Then, the lepers spoiled their tents and were able to help themselves and others. It’s time for us to get up and go into the enemy’s camp to take back what he stole from you… and more. The lepers could have either stayed in a “rut” to “rot,” but they decided to move on.

Some remedies for ruts: Recognizing and acknowledging you are in a rut and determining that you will get out, changing your attitude, believing for the best outcome, making a concerted effort, and creating a solution designed to reach your destiny. Move and seek God’s help and remember, “faith without works is dead;” setting and achieving continual growth goals to assist you in snapping out of your monotonous routine. 

What are some ruts that you face and want to get out of now? You know what these are. Are you engaged in some non-edifying practices or habits that may not necessarily be classified as sin, but are things that are not expedient and are actions that hinder your prayer life? Do they prohibit you from reaching your maximum potential in God’s kingdom, and from doing what He desires? 

Lord, help us to enter into the full freedom of our calling to pray and to be committed Christians. Even King David “encouraged Himself in the Lord,” when he encountered adverse circumstances (I Samuel 30:6). Sometimes it takes guts to come out of your ruts. By your sincere efforts and through God’s help, please strut out of your rut! Don’t keep your wheels spinning, but strut out of your rut. And it’s okay to add a little humor during your exit, by leaving some dirt on the face of the enemy from the backsplash as you move forward to “strut out of your rut” to FREEDOM!

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

There is a clarion call for Saints

" The Clarion Call "

Some time ago, I had an awesome vision of four powerful white horses pacing the sky.  Without warning, all four horses took off in unison at a tremendous speed in the same direction.  As I was observing the scene, I realized that these horses had heard something that I could not hear, and whatever they heard required a quick response. The only thing that was left at the scene was the cloud of dust that formed from their hooves. 

 
In this season, there is a clarion call for saints of the Most High God to move from their current location and hasten to their destination, in order to accomplish our assignment on this earth.  Sadly, not all of God’s people can hear this sound from heaven. There are many among us that are content to be spectators and observers. But to God be the glory, there is a remnant that will set their faces as flint and answer the call.

 
Let us pray:
    That we will develop such a holy hunger for Jesus that it will consume every aspect of our lives.
    That we will dare to go beyond ourselves in our personal and corporate consecration so that the Lord can start working in us as never before.
    That we will be totally dissatisfied with “church as usual” and truly start seeking after the Lord as if our lives depended on it.
    That the words of our testimonies and prayers will no longer be the regular church cliché, but that we will get real with the Lord and start praying gut-wrenching prayers, and grab onto the horns of the altar like never before.
    That our very presence, and our words, will change the spiritual environment in geographic regions.
    For the supernatural to happen in our midst, and expect that the Lord will bring it to pass.

 
“O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary.  Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.  Thus, will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name” (Psalm 64:1-4).

 
Sheryl Harris
Mount Vernon, New York
( Info from: Prayer Connect Newsletter - World Network of Prayer - floshaw@wnop-upci.ccsend.com )
 

If I may touch but his clothes

EXPECTANCY: “The Master’s Touch”
“If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole” (Mark 5:28).

 
Expectancy is defined as “the state of thinking or hoping that something, usually pleasant, will happen. It is the anticipatory belief or desire of something that is expected.”

 
Expectancy is the atmosphere for miracles. A lady that is expecting in the natural indicates that a birth is forthcoming. Truly, childbirth is a miracle, a new creation. The woman with the issue of blood, in Mark 5:28, expected a miracle. If she touched Jesus, with expectancy, then surely she knew that He would touch her with a miracle.

 
Humans possess five natural senses: sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch. Touch places us in direct contact with our world. When we touch something, we become closely involved with it. We touch thousands of things every day in our lives without even thinking about it. We touch objects. We even affect change in the objects, or even the people, we touch., but there is nothing much more powerful than the touch of God!

 
Jesus touched a leper, and he was healed. His touch changed “Jacob” (deceiver) into “Israel” (a prince having power with God). His touch changed Moses from a murderer into a leader. His touch can remove sicknesses. His touch can raise the dead. His touch can heal blind eyes. His touch can unstop deaf ears. His touch can lift up the down and out. His touch can change us on the inside. His touch can make all things well on the outside! 

 
If you are expecting, then God desires to birth something new and great in your life! Are you seeking God with EXPECTANCY? Touch God with your prayer, and He will touch you with His power!

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

For the preaching of the cross

The Bible says...
For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.

20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:

23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;

24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:

27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:

29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.

30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

READ: 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 KJV

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) 

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 

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 ) 

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