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)

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 

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 ) 

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)

Faith Renewal

"Renewal Of Faith"

“And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth” (Luke 18:7-8)? 

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Hebrews 11:6).   

Our ability to receive the promises of God are directly connected to our faith in Him. The confidence we have put in our bank accounts, retirement, medical plans, and insurance can undermine the faith we have had to put in God. These things are not wrong in and of themselves, but our security cannot be tied to what we have on this earth. We are facing perilous and uncertain times, it is vital that our faith be a testimony to the world in this desperate hour. 

 
PRAY:  
    For a hunger for God’s Word. “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). 
    For a purification through heartfelt repentance. “… purifying their hearts by faith” (Acts 15:9). 
    For separation from this world and sanctification for God’s purpose. “To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me” (Act 26:18).   
    For righteousness to be revealed to the world. “For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith” (Romans 1:17).   
    For faith to produce the fruits of the spirit in our lives. “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God” (Romans 5:1-2).    
    For the Church to stand in the power of God. “That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God” (I Corinthians 2:5). 
    That our faith would not fail. “But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not” (Luke 22:32):   
  

Annette Parmley  
Arkansas District
 

Have faith in the good times and in the bad

"Faith Over Fear"

Fear is something that, if left unchecked, can rule our lives. God’s plan for our lives is not that we would be slaves to fear but overcome it through faith in Jesus Christ. My favorite verse in the Bible is II Timothy 1:7 which proclaims, “God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” Whenever I am going through a time where I can begin to feel fear creeping into my mind, I remember this verse and take comfort knowing that our Lord and Savior holds us in His hands. He has a plan for our lives and will be with us every step of the way. 

King David is a great example of how trusting in the Lord, instead of taking things into our own hands, or being afraid brings about the best outcome for our lives. David could have reciprocated Saul’s hatred or desired to cause him harm, but he remained faithful to the Lord and trusted that what He had told him would come to pass. Remaining faithful in the face of trials, disappointments, sickness, and anything else that comes against us can be difficult. However, in these times where our faith is tested, we can remember the story of David, as well as the stories of many others from the Bible, and know that our future is in the hands of the Lord.

Have faith in the good times and in the bad. The Lord loves and cares about us and is with us every moment of every day. We are never alone. Take comfort today knowing that God sees where you are and that He is with you. Choose to have faith in God and say no to the voices of fear and doubt that come into your mind. Have faith over fear.

Sarah Smith
WNOP Administrative Associate II
(Info from: Prayer Cnnect Newsletter - World Network of Prayer - floshaw@wnop-upci.ccsend.com)
 

Improve communication in your Marriage

Life Coach Lakelie Lopez explains how understanding your own personality can improve communication in your marriage.
"The Key to Better Communication"

Have you ever wondered why you click with some people almost instantly, while, with others, every conversation feels like a struggle? The answer often lies in our personalities. Personality encompasses the unique blend of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that make us, us. It is a collection of characteristics and behaviors that make each person and their response to the world around them unique. Our personality also shapes how we communicate and relate to others.

Effective communication can be challenging when two uniquely different personalities are joined together. A married couple may sometimes feel they need a translator to help decipher what their mate is trying to communicate. According to an article published in The Journal of Divorce and Remarriage in 2012, 53 percent of couples cite not being able to communicate effectively as a reason for divorce.

Understanding our personality improves communication and enhances our marriage and other relationships. As the saying goes, “Knowledge is power.” Peter Scazzero, author of Emotionally Healthy Spirituality, states, “The vast majority of us go to our graves without knowing who we are. We unconsciously live someone else’s life, or at least someone else’s expectations for us.” Recognizing our unique traits and emotions can empower us, placing us firmly in control of our interactions.

Being tuned in to who we are is key to effective communication within marriage, enabling us to become the whole person God created us to be. Consider what energizes you, brings you joy, or drains you. How do you best learn and receive criticism or praise? Are you in control of your emotions, or are they controlling you? The more we understand why we are the way we are, the more we can adapt, adjust, and improve—putting us in the driver’s seat of our emotional and mental health. 

The following are practical steps to self-discovery.

Take a Personality Assessment: Taking a personality test with your spouse can be enlightening. Remember, the goal is not to find excuses for our behavior or to label each other, but to uncover opportunities for personal growth and deeper connection.

Develop Emotional Intelligence: This involves improving skills in five key areas.

    Self-Awareness: Understand your strengths and weaknesses.
    Self-Regulation: Monitor your thoughts and emotions and accept responsibility for your actions.
    Motivation: Aim for realistic goals and embrace change.
    Social Skills: Be adaptable and ready to compromise.
    Empathy: Enhance your listening skills and strive to understand others' perspectives.

Understanding ourselves better and taking the time to understand our spouse more fully can open the door to better communication and a fuller realization of our potential. With better self-understanding and emotional intelligence, enhancing communication isn't just a goal—it’s a journey. 

What steps will you take today to start this journey with your spouse?

(Information from: Family Life Ministries Newsletter - UPCI Family Ministries - family@upci.org) 

We must trust in God

"After God's Own Heart"
King David is referred to as a man after God’s own heart (I Samuel 13:14). What does it mean to be after God’s own heart? It means putting others before ourselves in all things and having a humble spirit. It means doing the heavy lifting behind the scenes, desiring no recognition. David exhibited this when he continued his shepherd work despite knowing the anointing that was on his life. He had the humbleness of spirit to remain where he was and continue operating in his calling until it was time to do more. Even after David became King, he remained humble and respectful to God and others.

 
We must trust in God as well as be humble. We ought to trust in Him just as much during the good times as in the bad. Trusting in God means obeying His commandments even when we do not agree. At the end of the day, our Savior knows what is best for us and for His Kingdom. David trusted in God despite his circumstances. David was being hunted by King Saul and never wavered in his faith, but remained faithful to God, knowing that the Lord had called him to greater things, and He would bring him out of his situation. If God has called you or told you something is going to come to pass, then it will happen.

 
Finally, love the Lord with all your heart. This means loving everyone around you because we are all the children of God. It can be hard to show a godly love for those who have hurt you, so give your hurt over to God in prayer and He will repair your heart. Loving the Lord means having a relationship with Him daily. David loved the Lord deeply and had a personal relationship with Him which can be seen throughout the book of Psalms. When David messed up, he humbly turned to the Lord in repentance. He acknowledged that he had sinned, turned from his ways, and restored his relationship with God.

 
We can be men and women after God’s own heart by being humble, trusting in the Lord, loving the Lord with all our hearts, and serving Him each day in our thoughts and actions. Decide for yourselves to follow the example set before us by David and you too could be described as being “after God’s own heart.”

 
Sarah Smith
WNOP Administrative Associate II
(Info from: Prayer Connect Newsletter - World Network of Prayer - floshaw@wnop-upci.ccsend.com)

A clean heart

"Create in Me a Clean Heart"
In the Bible, King David's request for a "clean heart" is mentioned in Psalm 51. David composed this psalm after the prophet Nathan had confronted him regarding his sinful affair with Bathsheba, and the subsequent murder of her husband, Uriah.

David realized the gravity of his sins and was overwhelmed by guilt and shame. He deeply desired forgiveness and the restoration of his relationship with God. In Psalm 51:10, David pleaded with God, saying, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me."

Prayer is significant in a Christ-centered life because it allows believers to establish and deepen their connection with God. It serves as a means of communication with the Father, allowing individuals to express their gratitude, seek forgiveness, ask for guidance, and build a personal relationship with Him.

Heavenly Father, we come before you with hearts filled with gratitude for the lessons taught by King David about true repentance.

    Help us recognize the areas in our lives where we have strayed from your path and grant us the courage to turn back to you.
    Lord, just as King David exhibited humility in acknowledging his mistakes, we humble ourselves before you.
    Teach us to be humble in our thoughts, actions, and interactions with others; recognizing that true greatness lies in serving and honoring you.
    Gracious God, we acknowledge the transformative power of your forgiveness.
    Just as you forgave King David, cleanse us from our sins and restore us to a right relationship with you.
    Help us experience the freedom and joy that come from being forgiven by your grace.

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

Prayer Checkup

" A Prayer Checkup " by Liane R. Grant.
Preparing to write an article about praying according to God’s will caused me to examine some of my typical prayer requests. Do they really line up with what the Bible says about God’s will? A prayer checkup can be very enlightening… and convicting! Let’s look at a few Bible verses about God’s will and see how they apply to prayer.

“For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.” (James 4:15)

There’s a phrase I used to hear all the time growing up that doesn’t seem very common anymore. “We’ll see you next month, Lord willing” or “I am starting a new job soon, Lord willing.” We tend to make our own plans as we see fit, forgetting to invite the Lord to direct our lives. We rush ahead to the next thing on our schedule, seeing how many things we can check off on our to-do list. How would our prayer life change if we put James 4:15 into practice at the beginning of each day?

“That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.” (Romans 15:32)

If anyone ever had a right to get moody and tired of travelling, it would be the Apostle Paul, but he chose to do God’s will with joy, and so can we. It’s easy to let annoyances, frustrations, and discomforts consume our prayer time. But if we truly believe that circumstances beyond our control have passed through God’s approval process, then we are in the middle of His will. Let’s pray that God will help us to respond with joy and let our faith and faithfulness be a living testimony that refreshes those around us.

. .

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Romans 12:2)

“That’s just my personality.” “You know redheads have a temper.” “I’ve never been able to tolerate . . .” and so on. Hmmm . . . are these just excuses for bad habits we have developed? The scripture above emphasizes our need to change so that we can live out the will of God. His will is that we demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit in our lives.

Regardless of our personality, our childhood or experiences, we should pray daily that God will shape and change us according to His will. And His will is good, it’s acceptable, and it’s perfect!

“Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.” (I Peter 4:19)

This one is difficult. We love to talk about God’s will when it pertains to comfortable, fulfilling, and exciting things; but sometimes His will is for us to suffer. We can’t choose when and where to do God’s will; it is a total commitment. So how do we suffer “according to the will of God”? This can only happen in prayer, by throwing ourselves into His arms, in total trust that He really does know what is best for us. He is our Creator and He WILL be faithful to us. Remember that God has His eye on the end result. When all is said and done, what really matters is that our souls are saved. Let’s pray sincerely and let Him choose what suffering is needed to accomplish our salvation.

 
These are just a few scriptures that can guide us as we pray according to God’s will.
We need to remember that our Heavenly Father is in control and that He loves us more than we could ever comprehend!

Info from: Ladies Prayer Int Newsletter - UPCI Ladies Ministries - ladiesprayerinternational-aol.com@shared1.ccsend.com

According to His Will

" Pray, According to His Will " by Mary Catherine Beek.
 The word control means, “To determine the behavior or supervise the running of.”

When we say we have control over something, it can make us feel quite powerful. Sometimes it can be hard for us to either hand that control over or, even worse, have it taken away from us. This is how our humanity can feel. Handing control over to someone can be difficult, and there can even be resistance.

When it comes to handing over control, or our will, over to God, we may resist. We may feel that we know better than God. We can start to problem-solve, plan, and organize our lives and situations around our own strength and wisdom. 

I have experienced in my own life that when I begin to pray, “Not my will, but Yours be done,” a burden lifts off me. I have come to the realization that God’s ways ARE higher than my ways and His thoughts ARE NOT my thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9). We must understand, and accept, that our will and tight control over our lives is nothing in comparison to the great things God has in store for us. 

A life verse of mine is Proverbs 3:5-6.

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

Our paths, will, control—whatever we want to label it— will only lead to problems. We must trust in God with all our emotions (heart) and lean not to what makes sense to our own minds (understanding). Then, when we acknowledge God in all our ways and release that control over to Him, His promise to us is that He will direct our paths. This is how we can pray the will of God into our lives. We need to release the tight grip we have over our lives, making sure everything is just right and acceptable for everyone to see. 

When we truly live a life that is in His will, the stress, anxiety, and frustrations of life will start to fade. We will then live our lives knowing, trusting, and believing that His will is what’s best for us. 



“Therefore, take no thought, saying, what shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:31-33)

Info from: Ladies Prayer Int Newsletter - UPCI Ladies Ministries - ladiesprayerinternational-aol.com@shared1.ccsend.com 
 

From the beginning of the Spirit-filled

Gathering the Generations to Pray.

From the beginning of the Spirit-filled New Testament church, cross-generational
involvement was clearly pronounced.

Mary, the mother of Jesus, and the brothers of Jesus gathered in the upper
room. According to Mark 6:3, Jesus had four brothers, James, Josses, Juda, and
Simon. He also had some sisters (at least two or more) who were numbered with the women gathered there.

Among His earthly family, Jesus was the oldest of Marys children. His crucifixion occurred when He was in His early thirties; so we can assume that His brothers and sisters probably ranged in ages, from their late teens into their thirties. From its beginning, young people have been at the center of the book of Acts church.

The first activity of young people in the New Testament church was prayer. These all continued with one accord in prayer. We thank God for our talented, educated, hardworking, enthusiastic young people. Their musical ability is a big plus for reaching this generation. Their contagious enthusiasm, confidence, and commitment serves the church well. However, with the Apostle Paul, we must place prayer in its proper place of priority. ... first of all ... prayer ... (I Timothy 2:1).

Post CONTINUES at: https://files.constantcontact.com/aebf4de5001/87e49b50-e1ee-47c6-a269-019828eae6e8.pdf
Info from: World Network of Prayer Newsletter
 

There was a prophecy that went forth

The Ingathering.

There was a prophecy that went forth in Zechariah saying, “Thus says the Lord of hosts, ‘In those days ten men [as representatives] from all the nations will grasp the robe of a Jew, saying, “Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you” (Zechariah 8:23 AMP). It has been said that this prophecy is referring to the ten lost tribes that will return to Jerusalem.

We cannot be sure who they are, but we can be sure that the Word of God will come to pass.

He has promised His people, both Jews and Gentiles, that the latter house would be greater than the former house, and that the gospel would be preached to all nations through the lineage of Abraham, who was promised that through him, all nations would be blessed. God does not forget His promises. He has not broken His covenant with Israel. One day He will return as promised to Jerusalem. In that day, every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that He is Lord. “So many peoples and powerful nations will come to seek the Lord of hosts in Jerusalem and to ask the Lord for His favor” (Zechariah 8:22).

There will be an ingathering of the multitudes, but in this present time our concern is the multitudes in the valley of decision. It is for these multitudes of souls that we must fast, pray, and sacrifice for. It is the will of God that every nation hear the gospel of Jesus Christ. Without the people of God there can be no finished work. The enemy is taking advantage of the crises going on in the world. He is working through division, witchcraft, and sorceries. There are many forms of witchcraft that are at work. Rebellion, manipulation, drugs, and even the abuse of pharmaceuticals. 

Post CONTINUES at: https://files.constantcontact.com/aebf4de5001/7e38c251-0698-4525-976b-22906bbd0e23.pdf
Info from: World Network of Prayer Newsletter

The Voice

The Voice of the Lord by Pastor Don Rogers .

“The voice of the Lord echoes through the skies and seas. The Glory-God reigns as he thunders in the clouds. So powerful is his voice, so brilliant and bright—how majestic as he thunders over the great waters. His tympanic thunder topples the strongest of trees. His symphonic sound splinters the mighty forests. Now he moves Zion’s mountains by the might of his voice, shaking the snowy peaks with his earsplitting sound! The lightning-fire flashes, striking as he speaks. God reveals himself when he makes the fault lines quake, shaking deserts, speaking his voice. God’s mighty voice makes the deer to give birth. His thunderbolt-voice lays the forest bare. In his temple all fall before him with each one shouting, Glory, glory, the God of glory!” (Psalms 29:3-9 TPT).

We live in a time with many voices competing for our attention, but the voice of the Lord prevails over every other voice when we choose to intimately respond to Him, through love and faith, in His love.

The voice of the Lord may produce four major kinds of responses:

Stubborn response – Like Cain (sometimes we like what we are doing and we resist God and wrestle to obey His voice) Hiding response – Adam hid when he heard God’s voice (fear and shame can cause us to hide from God’s voice). His voice becomes a terror to us.

Resentful response – One may ask, “why won’t God let me do what I want? I just want to be happy. I should be free to do what I want.” These are people who have a shallow reverence for God’s Word, especially if they feel His will opposes their desires.

Welcoming response – One would have the words of eternal life and would be delighted to hear His voice. These are people who see God’s Word like a honeycomb. They place their carnal appetites under the subjection to the voice of God’s Word and His Spirit.

Do you have a welcoming spirit and attitude towards the voice of the Lord? Is the voice of the Lord stronger than the voice of your carnal appetite? Is the voice of the Lord stronger than the ambitions of your personal aspirations? Is the voice of the Lord stronger than the offenses that occur relationally in your life?

Can you discern God’s rehma (utterance) voice during this endtime? Are you driven by fear and the affirmation of humanity or by the voice and the affirmation of God? His voice brings finality and authority to the inner man. It produces strength and peace in the midst of chaos. It is the highest voice among all other raging voices. We find God’s voice by spending quality time with Him and listening attentively for it. His voice helps to discern the times that we live in and to guide us in all things!

Pastor Don Rogers, The Pentecostals of Wisconsin, WNOP North Central Regional Prayer Coordinator

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

The Scars and more Inspirational Posts

The Scars of the Lamb Throughout the Generations!

Jesus, the risen Lamb, appears in Revelation 5:6 with visible scars from His death on Calvary.These scars should remind us of our scars. Jesus could have easily removed His scars after His resurrection, yet He chose to show His scars to remind us of the glory of conquering His enemy at Calvary. The scars were left to remind us of the costly love He displayed on the cross. The scars of the Lamb point us to the superior dominance Jesus had over death, Hell, and the grave. In the same way, Jesus has left some scars in our lives to remind us of the superior dominance He has over the enemies in our lives.

The scars of the Lamb in our lives remind us of His valuable love for us while we go through battles. He will leave some scars visible for others to see to point us to the power of his sovereign grace in our lives. “From now on let no one trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus” (Galatians 6:17).

Rev. T.F. Tenny made the statement that some experiences we encounter are worth millions of dollars because of what we learn from them and how it brings us closer to Christ, but he would not pay a penny to go through it all over again. These are scars from the Lamb. Some scars are memories, relational wounds, or physical limitations that we encountered from our obedience to Jesus Christ.

The scars of the Lamb in our lives become an unmissable advertisement of the glory and honor we give to the resurrected Lamb, Jesus Christ. Your scars are working an exceeding weight and purpose more than you can begin to imagine. When our scars are linked to His scars it amplifies the glory and the power of God in our lives.

“For I think that God has displayed us, the apostles, last, as men condemned to death; for we have been made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men. We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored! To the present hour we both hunger and thirst, and we are poorly clothed, and beaten, and homeless. And we labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure; being defamed, we entreat. We have been made as the filth of the world, the offscouring of all things until now. I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you” (I Corinthians 4:9-14).

Pastor Don Rogers

The Pentecostals of Wisconsin

WNOP North Central Regional Prayer Coordinator

Info from: https://files.constantcontact.com/aebf4de5001/378d01eb-8326-480d-8a18-7162036d61f0.pdf

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Supremacy of Jesus

The Supremacy of Jesus Christ by Pastor Don Rogers.

The brazen altar was the first piece of furniture the Israelites engaged with in the tabernacle of Moses for daily prayer. This shows us God’s grace from the beginning. The sacrificial lamb, Jesus Christ, represents this brazen altar. The placement and position of the brazen altar tells us we must depend upon His blood and His grace in order to boldly approach his throne.

God’s gift is not a question of human will or human effort, but a testament to God’s mercy. It depends not on one’s willingness nor on strenuous exertion as in running a race, but on God having mercy on us (Romans 9:16). Jesus shows us we should approach him in faith through His blood, His grace, and His sovereign supremacy over all human affairs. I must acknowledge daily the supreme authority of Jesus Christ over everything in my life.

His grace and blood demand this kind of exaltation in “brazen altar” worship and prayer. We are showing God we trust Him and acknowledge Him in the things He allows into our lives. It is through this kind of grace He multiplies peace in our spirit to become overachievers in the assignments of life and in building His kingdom. This grace and blood through prayer conquers fear, anxieties, and the oppositions of our enemies (I John 4:18, Psalms 44-48). So, when I practice fearing God and His word through repentance at the brazen altar, I am activating the grace and blood of Jesus Christ in prayer. We are showing He is Lord and sovereign over our entire lives when we embrace this attitude in prayer. We demonstrate grace and that the blood is fully capable to handle the mountains and oppositions of our day. He releases peace and strength into our inner man so we can face, with courage, the oppositions greater than our physical capabilities and resources.

This grace and blood from the brazen altar serve as an antiseptic for any wounds and offenses we may experience. His Spirit becomes intimate with us through prayer to provide relational comfort and healing to potentially fatal offenses. The brazen altar of Jesus Christ is designed to calibrate our attitudes in prayer so we can access the promise of God through faith, His grace, and His blood!

The Supremacy of Jesus Christ facilitates grace by His blood to combat end time insanity, offenses, and lawlessness. The brazen altar of Jesus Christ provides us this kind of access to the power of overcoming grace through prayer.

HOW TO PRAY:

I decree and declare that God will multiply grace in my life and my family that I might accomplish His kingdom will today.
I claim His cleansing blood through grace for any offenses that I have been hit with.
I decree and declare His supremacy, that it is greater than my dilemmas today. Jesus is sufficient in grace for what I am facing today, because of His brazen altar sacrifice.
I claim multiplied peace and grace towards the souls I am working with. He will in time manifest the promises of His Word towards the people that I am laboring to save even though it may look impossible right now.

Pastor Don Rogers

The Pentecostals of Wisconsin

WNOP North Central Region Prayer Coordinator

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

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Jesus is the Lamb.

The Scapegoat

The Word of God tells us that Jesus is the lamb slain from the foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8). A lamb or flock of sheep are often used to symbolize those who are God’s, while goats are used to symbolize those who are not (Matthew 25:32-33). The Encarta English Dictionary defines the word scapegoat as one who is forced to or made to take the blame for others.

While goats are often cast in a bad light, God provided the ultimate sacrifice when He became our scapegoat―manifesting Himself in flesh to come to this earth and take the blame for us. Most people would not want to be this kind of friend, let alone be this kind of friend. There may be a select few who might “take the rap” for us, but it is not likely many would be willing to die. However, this was the sacrifice that God made because He loved us, and desired to give us a chance in spite of our many faults and iniquities, with the hope that we would choose to love Him in return.

In the Old Testament, God’s people were required to come before the appointed priest and one goat was designated by lot to be the scapegoat. In turn, the scapegoat was to carry the sins of the people into the wilderness. Leviticus 16:10 tells us, “But the goat, on which the lot fell to be the scapegoat, shall be presented alive before the LORD, to make an atonement with him, and to let him go for a scapegoat into the wilderness.” The phrase “let him go” has many applications in Hebrew; a few are to “put away, forsake, or let depart.” This practice symbolized the putting away of sin, which God cannot tolerate, from the people.

New Testament scripture tells us that the blood of bulls and goats could not take away sin (Hebrews 10:4). Therefore, God Himself provided a more perfect sacrifice; an eternal lasting sacrifice. Isaiah 53:4 says, “Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.” The word “borne” in Hebrew also has many applications and meanings, but those most pertinent to what is written here are “to carry away, pardon, and forgive.” When we think critically, we can see the symbolism. Jesus carried away our sin. To say it more plainly; God Himself loved us enough―that even though we do things that go against His righteousness―He put on flesh to become our scapegoat. If that doesn’t make us want to do right―nothing will.

Let us keep in mind, not only at Easter annually, but ALWAYS, the great sacrifice that Jesus became for us; and let’s always give ourselves in sacrificial prayer for His sake and for the sake of His kingdom!

Beth Marie Evans, International Christian Fellowship, Brookfield, Illinois

Info from: The Praying Life Newsletter - https://files.constantcontact.com/aebf4de5001/06b871b0-56fc-466d-812b-1461bc75189f.pdf

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The Cross

The Power of The Cross

“For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God” (I Corinthians 1:18).

The act of Calvary represents history’s most powerful demonstration of love by Jesus Christ. This act of love released an unparalleled power against evil and a superior love for humanity never seen before or since. All hope, miracles, strength, and sustaining love flows from the finished work of Calvary by Jesus Christ. Every act He performed through Calvary was for redemptive, reconciliatory and relationship purposes (Hebrew 4:15).

His trial and court case with the Sanhedrin (Isaiah 53:3-4):

was for Power to be released to help us when we experience slander. 
was for Power to be released to help us when we experience character assassinations. 

His scourging and beatings (Isaiah 53:5):

was for Power to be released for the physical sufferings we would experience. 
was for Power to be released to give us physical healing. 

The crown of thorns (Philippians 2:5):

was for Power to be released for our mental and emotional healing. 
was for Power to be released for strength and endurance for our mind. 

The nail piercings of His hands (John 20:27):

was for Power to be released to help us with service ministry and loving others relationally. 

The nailed piercings for His feet (Romans 10:15):

was for Power to be released for our jobs and ministries.  
was for Power to carry the Gospel. 

The piercing of His side (Ephesians 5:30):

was for Power to be released so that we may be His Bride.  
was for Power to learn how to receive His superior love personally. 

The robe Jesus wore (Isaiah 61:10):

was for Power to walk in our identity. 
was for Power to walk and live in holiness. 

Calvary is final! It is our total source for power and passion when engaging in spiritual warfare and intimacy with Jesus Christ.

Pastor Don Rogers

The Pentecostals of Wisconsin

WNOP North Central Region Prayer Coordinator

Wisconsin District Prayer Coordinator

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

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The Wisdom...

The Wisdom of Fallowing the Ground

We can learn a lot from the farmers of old. God set the law of fallowing the ground in Exodus 23:11, “But the seventh year thou shalt let it [the ground] rest and lie still.” Six years the Israelites may work the ground to produce crops but the seventh year (Sabbath year) it must rest.

A thought recently came to me about fallowing the ground. During the time of the Covid pandemic, we’ve all had to stay home and be still. Unfortunately, not everyone survived. Many were sick, but thankfully, many recovered. Some were confused; others angry. Personally, I appreciated this divine timeout and rest from travels. The question that came to me was this: Was the Lord causing His Church to be fallowed?

Fallowing the ground occurs when the ground is purposely left unsown, unreaped, and unharvested. God, in His great wisdom, knew that if the ground was worked over and over for years on end, the soil would become depleted of essential nutrients, and therefore less and less productive. Thus, the secret to producing plentiful crops is in letting the ground lay dormant for a season.

When a field lies fallow it doesn’t look like much is happening. All the other fields are sprouting a vibrant kaleidoscope of crops; we can watch them change from day to day, but the fallow field is just an unsightly pile of dirt. It was a pile of dirt yesterday. It will appear to be the same pile of dirt tomorrow.

The miraculous part is that within that defunct pile of dirt, a flurry of activity is happening. Worms burrow tunnels that nourish and aerate the soil. Organic matter decomposes into life-giving nutrients. Rainfall gathers into underground waterways. The health of next year’s harvest depends upon this rich, invisible dance beneath the surface.

Allowing the soil to have a specific rest period gives it time to replenish nutrients which have been leached from certain plants or regular irrigation. Crop fields benefit abundantly from fallowing, turning the soil into what farmers call, “black gold.” When the time is right, the field is awakened and prepared to bear its produce. The equipped tractor is fired up to plow, sow, and reap the harvest.

This is the same for our lives. The pandemic made us be still and go nowhere. Shortly thereafter, we became aware that God was working a work in our lives. He was setting things up for greater revival. Yet, many became anxious and didn’t understand what the Lord was doing. We were so used to doing, pushing, and working that we could have missed His visitation.

The Lord desires that we wait on Him—it’s Him decomposing the dark things, yea, the hidden things of the heart. You might ask, “What is God doing here?” Frustration may well rise, but beneath the surface, the Holy Ghost is doing His finest work.

The negative things that happened are not as bad as you think, but they are the organic matter that God uses to enrich you. This is how He makes “all things work together” for your good (Romans 8:28). During the fallowing time, those things supernaturally decompose within your soul, increasingly it turns into nourishment for a greater harvest of fruit that He can use, “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise” (Proverbs 11:30).

Every life had the opportunity to do some retrospection. Being restricted from going to the House of God made us to depend on the Word of God that was already sown inside us. That is what sustained us. The fallow ground is breaking up now; we are passionately seeking the Lord through prayer, fasting, and listening for His voice (Hosea 10:12).

If you are still in the fallow stage of life, just trust that God is doing His work. Recommit to regular Bible reading and study. Pray and listen. Get rid of the distractions that pull you away from not only doing God’s will, but finishing it. There is a harvest waiting.

Juli Jasinski WNOP Administrative Team Member WNOP Kids Prayer Coordinator MA/RI District Prayer Coordinator

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

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Let God arise...

Binding and Loosing by Pastor Esther Hunt.

“Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered” (Psalm 68:1).

God’s people are in the midst of Spiritual Warfare. The battles are fierce. The attacks which have come against pastors, ministers, prayer coordinators, leaders and their families are strong. Let’s join together in unity to bind the spirits which are not of God and loose God’s Spirit and His Love.

    Bind: Spirit of infirmity – Loose: Spirit of Life and the Gifts of Healing (Romans 8:2).

    Bind: Spirit of Fear – Loose: Love, Power & Sound Mind (II Timothy 1:7).

    Bind: Spirit of Jealousy – Loose: The Love of God (Ephesians 5:2).

    Bind: Spirit of Heaviness – Loose: Comforter, Garment of Praise (John 15:26).

    Bind: Lying Spirit – Loose: Spirit of Truth (John 14:17).

    Drive Back Every Spirit That Will Destroy • Not with doubt but with faith. • Praise God for the victory.

    Tear Down the Strongholds – God is the army. II Corinthians 10:3 - 4 says, “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds:”

Pastor Esther Hunt San Saba UPC San Saba, Texas Info from: The Praying Life Newsletter https://files.constantcontact.com/aebf4de5001/fd0d454f-bb71-44a5-9b8d-ef80268519b8.pdf

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Healing Rain

A Prayer for Healing Rain!

There is a need for healing in our world. There is a cry for a divine visitation that resonates from humanity to the throne of God! “Jehovah-Rapha,” the Lord Our Healer, is the plea ... come and help us (Exodus 15:26)! The masses are suffering from infirmities, in various ways: physically, spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and so on. We know that with God, there is HOPE! Matthew 19:26 declares, “With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.” Man’s extremity becomes God’s opportunity!

PRAY:

Lord, first we repent. Forgive us of all of our sins and anything that we have done that has displeased You. Heal us from our fears and let us operate in faith, that we may trust completely in You.

O’ Lord:

HEAL Our Land! If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land (II Chronicles 7:14).

HEAL Our Souls! I said, LORD, be merciful unto me: heal my soul; for I have sinned against thee” (Psalm 41:4).

HEAL Our Emotions! Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed (Psalm 6:2).

HEAL Our Hurts! For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the LORD; because they called thee an Outcast, saying, This is Zion, whom no man seeketh after (Jeremiah 30:17).

HEAL Our Bodies! And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick (Matthew 14:14).

HEAL Our Hearts! The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised (Luke 4:18).

HEAL Our Minds! But so much the more went there a fame abroad of him: and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by him of their infirmities (Luke 5:15).

HEAL Everything that Needs Healing! By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus (Acts 4:30).

HEAL the Nations! In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations (Revelation 22:2).

HEAL Them! “He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions” (Psalm 107:20).

The Lord is able to heal. He will come in a greater visitation to our world with His Healing Rain!

Flo Shaw Director World Network of Prayer

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

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As evil increases in our world...

In Times of Trouble by Stephanie Gossard.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” (II Corinthians 1:3-4).

As evil increases in our world, it would be easy to despair . . . to only focus on the bad, on the shooter, on the hurricane, on the flood. Yet in the midst of all of that turmoil, in the midst of all of that chaos, there are great examples of kindness, of love, of compassion.

The person who was shot at and fled but then went back to help others. Those who were not affected by the hurricane yet grabbed their boat and drove hundreds of miles to rescue people. Those who opened their churches for people to come and live in their gym until they could go back to their homes.

It is easy to be overwhelmed by the bad, yet in the middle of all that despair, I find myself thinking more about Gods love. How much we need it. How He came as a man and loved us. He loved us so much He died for us.

I think of the turmoil in our society over injustice and how we treat each other. The Bible talks about how Jesus had compassion on the multitude, on those who were hungry, on those who were hurting. He loved those who were unlovable. We are challenged to be like Jesus. We need to love the world. We need to love each other.

Jesus was our example. He went out of His way to approach those who were unapproachable, the ones society had written off.

Jesus had compassion. He served those around Him.

Info from: SISTERS Military Newsletter - UPCI Ladies Ministries - ladies-upci.org@shared1.ccsend.com

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If my People...

A Revival of Prayer

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (II Chronicles 7:14).

What will happen if one individual or one small congregation had a hunger for revival with a great harvest of souls and a hunger to see God do the miraculous? What would happen if God’s people tarried and prayed like they did in the Book of Acts where they stayed on their faces before God until the breakthrough came? In Acts 1 and 2 they “all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication. They were all with one accord in one place” (Acts 1:14, 2:1). What a prayer meeting! What a revival!

The Azusa Street Revival began with a deep desire for revival. With the hunger for more of God, a lengthy prayer meeting began. What a prayer meeting it was and what a revival they had! God desires to again send a mighty revival. “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray ...” and pray ... and pray (II Chronicles 7:14). Unity mixed with the Word of God, and mixed with prayer, is the key to the great end-time revival!

Pray that God will send a holy hunger to communicate with Him more than ever before. 
Pray that God will place a deep desire in the hearts of His Children to draw nearer to Him through the power of prayer and the reading of His Word.
Pray that each church and home will have an atmosphere and spirit of prayer. 
Pray that God’s people have a deep desire for the things of God.
Pray, in faith, believing that God will send a mighty revival. 
Pray the Word of God.
Pray that the glory of God resides continually in the church of the most high God.
Pray that God’s people cherish communication with the keeper of our soul, and the love of our lives, Jesus, through the power of prayer.

“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16).

Pastor Esther Hunt

San Saba UPC

San Saba, Texas

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

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My Whole Heart

With My Whole Heart by Pastor Don Rogers.

“I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee” (Psalm 138:1).

Whole heart praise chooses to exalt Jesus higher than your problems or daily issues. Whole heart praise faces impossibilities with violent passion from God’s love. It is faith casting down imaginations that exalts itself against the will and mind of God. So, I choose to cast down discouragement and unbelief to give Jesus whole heart praise and worship today. Whole heart praise requires faith in God’s care and protection for your life. He knows the number of hairs on my head. He knows what I need before I ask.

So, as I face the enemy today, I declare my God is a provider. He is my horn and my buckler, my shield and fortress. He’s my friend when I’m lonely. He’s my doctor when I’m sick. He’s my banker when I have no money. He’s my military when I’m under attack. He’s my counselor when I’m confused. So, with my whole heart I will praise the Lord!

This means submitting your will and attitude to exalting and magnifying the goodness of God when you don’t feel like it. It means to focus your faith on His unchangeable promises and not on our limitations. To praise with your whole heart means to let go of your demanding issues and paralyzing problems…and give your God the highest of praise. Whole heart praise means I must passionately declare that I am weak and Jesus is strong. I am nothing and He is everything. I can do nothing without Him; He can do anything!

CONTINUES at: https://files.constantcontact.com/aebf4de5001/746a1064-c8e7-46dc-94ef-71381d94631e.pdf

The Anointed and more Posts

The Anointed Altar

Enhancing the Believers Walk with God!

In Exodus 40:10, 29:36-37, and Numbers 7:88, we find references to the “anointed altar,” a sacred place where believers can encounter Gods presence. This anointed altar in a believers life can add significant value to their walk with God, leading to spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with Him.

The anointed altar signifies a consecrated space dedicated to seeking God, offering prayers, sacrifices, and worship. In biblical times, altars played a significant role in the religious practices of Israel. These were places where individuals and the community could approach God, seeking forgiveness, atonement, and communion. The anointed altar was set apart from ordinary objects or spaces and was specifically designated for worship and connection with the divine.

The anointed altar holds symbolic meaning as a place of surrender, intimacy, and divine encounters. Firstly, it represents surrender as individuals brought their sacrifices to the altar, symbolizing their willingness to submit to Gods will and surrender their desires and sins. It signified the acknowledgment that everything belongs to God and that humans come before Him humbly.

Secondly, the anointed altar represents intimacy with God. It was a physical space where people could approach God, seek His guidance, and experience His presence. The act of offering sacrifices, or prayers, at the altar symbolized the desire for a deeper connection and relationship with the divine.

Lastly, the anointed altar signifies divine encounters. Throughout the Bible, various scenes depict the altar as a place where God met with His people. Examples can be seen in Genesis when Abraham built an altar to worship God, or when Moses met with God at the burning bush. The anointed altar was seen as a gateway to experiencing Gods presence and receiving His revelations.

In summary, the anointed altar signifies a consecrated space dedicated to seeking God, offering prayers, sacrifices, and worship. It holds symbolic meaning as a place of surrender, intimacy, and divine encounters; representing humanitys willingness to submit to God, seek a deeper relationship, and experience His presence. Enhance your walk with God by spiritually endeavoring to experience the anointed altar!

Dr. Margaret Banks-Butler

WNOP International Harvest Prayer Coordinator

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

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The principle of sowing and reaping

SEEDS TO TREES

Scripture teaches us about the principle of sowing and reaping. From seed, comes plant, a tree, or a field big enough to harvest. What you sow grows. The seed of a tree becomes buried where you cannot see it. Little by little, it is nourished in the ground and sprouts into view, growing into a large tree with deep root systems and wide-reaching branches.

The principle of sowing and reaping doesnt change. If a seed can live, it will grow. In scripture, seeds were often an analogy for the Word of God. As we read His Word it grows in our life bringing forth faith and works of His Spirit. But a seed can also represent things like bitterness, unforgiveness, anger, and vengeance. These are all big issues in someones life, but they all started as a seed.

Its not easy to cut down a tree when its grown. Instead, if we get rid of the seed when its small then we dont have to wrestle with it when it becomes a forest. Its your choice to leave a seed buried.

Pray:

that God would reveal to you any seeds in your life that lay buried and need to be removed. These may be things like bitterness, anger, unforgiveness, revenge, hate, envy, gossip, jealousy, discontent, or doubt.
for forgiveness, for allowing any seed to grow, contrary to His Word.
that God would help you to remove those that have grown up into large obstacles to your faith, and your walk with God and others.
that God would help you find someone to be accountable to during your recovery.
that God would make you aware when you are burying a seed in the future.
that you would replace every sinful seed with a seed from His Word.

See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled (Hebrews 12:15).

Colleen Clabaugh - Guest Writer

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

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Its About Time

Time is precious. Let’s pray that God will bless the time He gives us in our day.

“Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you” (Hosea 10:12). Lord, forgive us today and cleanse our hearts from indulging in ease and pleasure for it is time to seek You. Let all corrupt affections and lusts depart from us and let us have a broken and contrite spirit which breaks the fallow ground of complacency. Lord, help us to abound in works that are right towards You and others. For we will seek You this day, and we will sow in righteousness and reap Your mercy. 

“My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me” (Psalm 31:15). Lord, I dedicate my day and time to You for it is in Your hands. Lead and guide me into Your divine will and purpose today. Help me to avoid the enemies of my time. Give me wisdom Lord, to steer clear of fruitless activities, time robbers or issues that don’t concern me. Deliver me from those who wish to cause me harm or hinder my progress and cause me to waste time. 

“Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time” (Colossians 4:5). Lord, I pray that I may walk in wisdom toward those who have no wisdom. Help me to not get caught up in fruitless situations but help me to make the most of the opportunities that You give me today for Your Kingdom’s sake. 

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way” (Psalm 37:23). Let my steps be directed by You, Lord. Let them be firmly established in walking in Your will today. Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me (Psalm 119:133). I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law [is] within my heart” (Psalm 40:8). 

“What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee” (Psalm 56:3). Lord, we praise You for that when we are afraid we can trust You and through Your Word, to speak to our hearts. 

“So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom” (Psalm 90:12). Help me, Oh Lord, to remember that time is short and the day is burning, so that my work must count for You. Help me to use wisdom in my endeavors and not to waste time on things that don’t really matter. 

“It is time for you, LORD, to work: for they have made void your law” (Psalm 119:126). Lord, I know that the timing is right for You to work in my life and the lives of my loved ones. Lord, continue to do this work that they might see it’s You who are doing these things. 

“For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; The daughter of Babylon is like a threshing floor, it is time to thresh her: yet a little while, and the time of her harvest shall come” (Jeremiah 51:33). Lord, do what You see fit to bring about a mighty revival in my home, church, family and in my community. We thank You for the mighty deeds You’ve already done and what You’re going to do though me today. In Jesus name, Amen. 

Juli Jasinski District Prayer Coordinator Massachusetts/Rhode Island District

FROM: Prayer Connect Newsletter - World Network of Prayer - floshaw@wnop-upci.ccsend.com

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God has given us a space of time.

A Space of Time

Time cannot be purchased, and once gone, it is gone forever. In His grace God has given us a space of time for repentance, restitution, and restoration. We can see how merciful God has been and have faith that He still has a plan. In fact, it seems our world has become increasingly more wicked and the shedding of innocent blood continues at a horrific rate across our world.

There seems to be no fear of God, in spite of the obvious signs of the times that we are living in. I typically don’t write in the first person, but this is what God has put on my heart, so I will share these things that have inspired me to pray. Around the time of the 9/11 attack, I had a dream. I was walking barefoot on a train track. I remember looking down at the railroad ties, my feet didn’t hurt, but I was carrying some type of package that was heavy. The countryside was beautiful. It appeared to be farmland, and the horizon was speckled with cattle that could be seen far across the horizon. Suddenly, I saw a flash of light so bright that it turned everything white as snow. I heard a voice say, “My coming is soon.”

Having been fairly new to Church and prayer at that time, God speaking was foreign to me. After that dream, I was never the same. Around that same time, I attended a district ladies retreat. Bobbie Wendell was one of the speakers and I remember being deeply moved by her message, but what was ingrained in my memory is what I saw during the call to prayer afterwards. In prayer, I saw a huge black wave that seemed to come from a troubled sea. In the wave, there was a multitude of tormented faces; more than could be counted. I have also been haunted by another dream. In this dream, a man was calling to me from some far-away place, saying, “I don’t want to go to hell”. These visions have left me wondering, am I doing enough?

I am troubled by the thought of not seeking the Lord while He may be found; of getting caught up in the cares of this world, and the distractions that the enemy is clearly putting in the way of God’s people. Many are petty offenses that cause us to stumble. It is time to humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God. It is time to know, and live by His word. It is time to seek God daily in prayer, and time to wisely use the talent(s) God has given us. Let’s not be like the foolish servant, who lost everything.

It is high time to consider how much time is wasted, and how little time we may have. Do we have days, years, months, or decades? According to scripture, nobody knows, but we do have the signs of the times and the admonition to pay attention to them from Jesus Himself. This does not only apply to the second coming of Jesus, but the life we are living. The Bible teaches that life is a vapor. It is fragile, uncertain, and precious. Life must be regarded as precious to God’s people, even if it is devalued in the world we live in. This will be demonstrated by how we are using the space of time God has given us. How much are we taking for granted? Do we disregard the fact that eternity knocks at the door? Do we count precious the time we have to spend with loved ones, or time spent doing eternal things for God. Time spent in prayer and time devoted to His Kingdom are things that last. Sincere, heartfelt, fervent, effectual prayer is valuable to God and stored in heaven (see Revelation 5:8). How much time are we actually spending in prayer. Are we consistently seeking God’s Kingdom and His righteousness? Are we doing the things that prayer would lead us to do? Are we acting as a catalyst for what God would do as a result of prayer? Jesus said, “We must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; night is coming when no one can work” (John 9:4 AMP).

Beth Marie Evans WNOP Prayer Requests Coordinator International Christian Fellowship Brookfield, Illinois

Info from: Prayer connect Newsletter - World Network of Prayer - floshaw@wnop-upci.ccsend.com

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Start with Prayer.

Start Your Day With Prayer by Dee Rogers.

“My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning I will direct it to You, and I will look up.” (Psalm 5:3 NKJV)

For many years I struggled with prayer. But God in His grace and mercy allowed me to find living for God was not hard. Just take the Bible for what it says, and live by it.

I found that I can talk to God just like I would talk to a friend or my family. The Bible says Abraham was “called the friend of God,” and the Lord spoke to Moses “as a man speaks to his friend.” The Book of Romans tells us we are adopted, and we become children of God. And that we can cry to him “Abba, Father.”

However, after having children, it seemed like I never had enough time to pray. Certainly not for longer periods of time. I began to feel guilty for not praying as much as I had been before marriage and children.

Finding time to pray seemed impossible some days. I heard “get up earlier,” but I found that hard to do. I finally realized that I was leaving prayer out of some days.

So I talked to God about it all. (Like He didn’t already know, but He is not going to fix everything for you, unless you ask Him! He wants to hear from us!) I became totally transparent with Him at that point. And He answered me – “Pray when you can, make time to talk to Me, and I will be there.” I began praying while still laying quietly in bed each day, to not wake anyone up. I was just making time for Him as it was available. I still love those quiet whispers of prayer in my morning and listening to Him.

Start your day talking to Him. Invite Him into your day and He will be with you in every hour of that day. Prayer becomes a conversation that continues throughout the day. We live in a very mobile society. Our days are busy, but, if we want Him to go with us, we need to talk to Him. He is a God who is available - He is everywhere. Talk to Him about everything in your life. Driving down the highway – your car becomes your prayer room. The more you communicate with Him the easier it becomes. He listens and speaks to you. Don’t’ forget to thank Him for the moments shared and life changes that follow.

“The Lord is good to those who… seek Him.” (Lamentations 3:25)

Info from: Ladies Prayer International Newsletter - UPCI Ladies Ministries - ladiesprayerinternational@aol.com