With my whole heart

Praise ye the Lord. I will praise the Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.

2 The works of the Lord are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.

3 His work is honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth for ever.

4 He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the Lord is gracious and full of compassion.

5 He hath given meat unto them that fear him: he will ever be mindful of his covenant.

6 He hath shewed his people the power of his works, that he may give them the heritage of the heathen.

7 The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure.

8 They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness.

9 He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name.

10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.

(Info from: Psalm 111:1-10 KJV)

Let not your heart be troubled

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.
8 Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us.
9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?

10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.
11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake.
12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.
20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.
21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

Scriptures from: John 14:1-21 KJV

My say on Back to School

Every year all over the world kids/children go Back-to-School in just about every civilize country. And keeping that in mind, its no wonder one of the most special moments in Pentecostal Apostolic Churches I know over the years, is the Back to School Prayer for the Kids/Children, Parents, Guardians, Teachers, and so on. I still believe that is really special and awesome. Even if you are not a Religious Person but you are someone who believes in God or Jesus, you will love the Back to School Special Prayer for those mentioned above, etc.

Every year at every level of School Life there will be some very strange or unexpected events happening that will adversely affect kids/children, teens, and young adults. Good health, safety, guidance, and protection for them all is still truly important. 

The School Term is not long. But the School Year is. And I know in January they normally do not have that Special Back to School Prayer, etc., in Schools, Churches or elsewhere. So August/September is the normally accepted time. That does not mean that parents, relatives, guardians or friends do no pray every day or all year long for the Kids/Children, etc. It just means extra attention and prayers is given now at this time of year.

No one will normally wish or hope for any evil towards someone else Kids/Children. Because the same you wish for someone else may happen to yours as well or instead. Its just better to be kind or humane. We were all Kids/Children once upon  time. And so we know what others are now facing, to a certain extent, in their life as kids, teens, or young adults. So we help each other and one another - in Jesus Name.   

READ:
John 15:12 - This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
Romans 15:1 - We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
Matthew 5:16 - Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Some things weigh us down

"Things to Leave Behind" by Gayla Baughman.

Not too long ago I was getting ready to go somewhere. I picked up my purse and realized it was way too heavy to carry around! I started taking out the things I did not need. The task became too daunting, so I finally poured all the contents out on the bed and sorted through what I needed and what I did not need.

When I picked up my purse to head for the airport, it was much lighter and easier to carry. As I embarked upon my journey, I was so thankful I left some heavy items behind. I could tell the trip was going to be much more enjoyable due to my wise decision.

There are some things we carry around in our spirits that weigh us down. Things that are heavy on our hearts, and sludge to our progress. We hold on to things that ultimately become the culprit of snatching away valuable opportunities and experiences. They get in the way of our success.

It may be time to take inventory of some things we are carrying around in our spirits. What are the things that will slow us down on our spiritual journey? Now is a good time to pour our hearts out and sort through the things that are edifying and useful on our spiritual journey from those things that slow us down.

Wounds that sting and scars that ache left unattended fester and breed bitterness. Lay aside the grudge you hold tenaciously to. Separate the things that edify your spirit from the things that pull your heart down. Many of these things are not worth carrying around. Little sins that slow your walk to a crawl aren’t worth intercepting your spiritual goals. Your step will be lighter. Your day will be brighter as you lay aside useless things. You will be so thankful you left the heavy items behind as you sprint to the finish line and God says, “Well done my child!”

“Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1 NLT).

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

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) 

Without Ceasing

"Pray Without Ceasing" from Pastor Phillip Hofstetter

What does "Pray Without Ceasing" really mean? Here is something to think about: Have you ever gotten into prayer, but you had to stop because of an appointment or an interruption? What should you do when you pray again later? There isn’t a need for you start over, you start where you left off. 

Every prayer connects to the last prayer, whether you are at the altar at church or the altar at home. No matter where you are praying, when you start your prayer again, you can continue where you left off in your last prayer. We should look at our relationship with God as a continual, lifelong prayer. It is a daily prayer, as each day connects to the last day, each week to the last week, each month to the last month, and each year to the last year. It is all connected. 

That is why it is so important to journal your prayers so when God answers, you can remember the prayer and write in the way God answered. How many prayers constituted the memorial prayer of Cornelius in Acts 10:1-8? It was an ongoing, continual, daily prayer, each prayer connecting to the last. That is how we pray without ceasing.

Don't be discouraged when you cannot continue to pray at a particular time. just continue where you left off. Jesus will never forget what you spoke to Him before in prayer. He waits for you to continue your conversation with Him.

Pastor Phillip Hofstetter
District Prayer Coordinator
Florida District
(Info from Prayer Connect Newsletter - World Network of Prayer - floshaw@wnop-upci.ccsend.com)
 

Great Awakening

"Prayer for a Great Awakening" 

“And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits” (Daniel 11:32).

In this prophetic context, the messenger of God speaks to Daniel about a time of great spiritual conflict. The people of God have been captured. Ungodly leaders have stolen the sacred and polluted the sanctuary. Pagan worship and pagan agendas rule the day. The covenant of God is being perverted. Seduction is common. Flatteries and hypocrisies are the climate of political conquest ... BUT… in the midst of all this chaos, the messenger assures Daniel of this promise: "They that know their God shall be strong and do exploits."

In our days of economic and political flatteries and seductive rhetoric, the Body of Christ should not only be strong enough to stand, but should also do exploits. The Kingdom of God should advance. Those who stay strong through their relationship with God should go forward. The promises of deliverance, provision, peace, and joy are still true for the righteous. Truth is truth, regardless of the upheaval in our world.

Paul tells us in the book of Ephesians: "Be strong in the Lord and the Power of His Might" (Ephesians 6:10)! Being strong is not an option. God doesn't need us to echo the nightly news or even talk-radio. He expects us to have the audacity in this hour to do exploits; not to merely "hang in there," but to go forward, to advance, to believe, to declare, to receive marching orders, and yes, to do exploits. 

Darkness can't put out light. David admonished the righteous to remember that "even in darkness, light dawns." Our charge in this hour is not to give in to echoing the rant of panic, but to give voice to the truth of God's Word. Our charge is to know Him, be strong, and to do His exploits!

It's set up time for the greatest awakening our world has ever known!

PRAYER FOCUS:

    Greater unity resulting in a greater kingdom harvest.
    Greater anointing in our pulpits with greater empowerment to our people in the pews for faith to do exploits.
    Let us pray for our bi-vocational pastors, that God will supply their needs both spiritual and monetary and that revival with be birthed in their churches.
    God, give spiritual awakening for our youth and children.
    God, in this dark and dismal hour let Your light so shine through the Church so that men will see with clear delineation the path that You have set before us.

Pastor Steve Blaylock
First Pentecostal Church of Columbus
Mississippi District Prayer Coordinator
(Info from Prayer Connect Newsletter - World Network of Prayer - floshaw@wnop-upci.ccsend.com)

I am sure not to be the only one

"Better Than a Blanket" by Harmony Pace.
    
Though I am sure not to be the only one, I have a confession to make. With a little confidence (seeing that I had experienced motherhood for more than two years already), upon the news that we would once again be adding to our family, I set out to do something I had not done before. The most beautiful, soft, blue yarn was chosen. Care was taken to purchase the proper sized hook for the yarn size that was chosen. Things were set in order. Between caring for a toddler and a home, I excitedly began crocheting a blanket for our coming son.

The result . . . not what I had imagined. Though soft and of beautiful color, it was more of a lopsided rectangle the size of my lap than any crocheted blanket worthy of covering a newborn. An attempt was made with all the right elements, but the execution was less than perfect. In truth, I gave up.

 
Many moms might say that prayers for our children have also, at times, been comparable to the experience detailed above. Maybe, frustrated in our botched attempts to “really pray” for our children, we have been tempted to stop at just “a good effort.” Let me encourage you to keep on praying.

 
Prayer can sometimes look like hours of praying over the different aspects of our children’s lives. At other times, there may be a still small voice that nudges you to pray the blood of Jesus to cover and keep them in a single moment. Sometimes, our attempt at praying feels a little lopsided and insufficient to cover even our own laps . . . but pray on! You have all the key elements.

 
The covering of prayer isn’t in the beautiful sufficiency of the flowery prayer that I pray. The sufficiency of the One I pray to is what covers my children completely. The beautiful thing about prayer is that when it is prayed in faith in Jesus’ name, it doesn’t matter if it’s less than “perfect.” No physical blanket that I might crochet could cover my son for a lifetime. The covering I create for him through prayer, however, will long outlive me. Prayer never dies. Through prayer, it is my desire to build a place of refuge, an access point, for both of my children to access the shelter of HIS wings and HIS truth— a covering better than any blanket!

 
Pray long, pray short, pray less than perfect, but just don’t give up praying. It will cover them!
 

“He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.” (Psalm 91:4).

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

Covering our Children

"Covering Our Children in Prayer" by Dianne Dupree.

As a mother, I am a “fixer.” I imagine you are also. We watch over our babies, caring for them from before birth until they grow up and move away. We kiss boo-boos, both real and imaginary. We chase away monsters, all imaginary. We counsel; we coach; we cheer. And when words aren’t enough, we cuddle. 

 
We fix things. We make things better. But as much as we want to make everything alright for our children, it is impossible. We may sometimes feel like Superwoman, doing it all, but we have no real power on our own. With a friend like Jesus, we don’t have to worry.

 
More times than I can count, as a child growing up in the church, we sang the old song, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”. The words say, “What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer.” I don’t have all the answers or all the solutions to the problems my children face. But my friend, Jesus, does. I cannot heal, save, deliver, or work miracles. I cannot mend a broken heart. I cannot protect them from danger. But my friend, Jesus, can do all this and more.

 
My own children are now grown and have children of their own. They are all mine. The children in my Sunday school, the youth that sit on our pews, they are “mine” as well. It is imperative that I carry my children to God in prayer. He sees when I cannot see. He knows and understands the thoughts and intents of the heart. He has all wisdom and knows what is best for now and the future; therefore, I am confident He will take care of my children.

 
I pray the Word over my children. I pray for protection. I pray for good health. I pray they will be wise concerning good and simple concerning evil. I pray their conscience will be tender concerning the things of God. I pray that they will learn, live, and love the truth. I pray they are filled with the Holy Ghost. I pray they will be worshipers, that they will love the ways of God, love the man of God, and love the house of God. I pray their steps will be ordered by the Lord. I pray against evil. I pray they will be rooted, established, and built up in the faith. I pray they will learn to pray, that they will delight themselves in the Lord. I pray they develop the fruit of the Spirit in their lives. I pray against deceit. I pray they have a forgiving and a teachable spirit. I pray against fear.

 
And then I can rest assured friend Jesus has got it covered.


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

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

Divine Illumination

"Divine Illumination: The Anointed Eyes" 
According to John 9:5-7, Jesus “anoints” the eyes of a blind man with mud and saliva, enabling him to see. This event serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual transformation and the illumination of one's heart and mind. It also teaches us about the importance of faith, the compassion of Christ, and the transformative power of the Gospel.

The story of Jesus anointing the eyes of the blind teaches us several essential life lessons:

    The power of faith: Like the blind man, we need to have faith in Jesus and entrust ourselves to His transformative power.
    The compassion of Christ: Jesus demonstrated His love and compassion by healing the blind man. We, too, should show kindness and compassion to others, especially those in need.
    Spiritual blindness: Reflecting on our own lives, we should examine if we are spiritually blind or lack understanding of the truth. We should seek Jesus' intervention to open our spiritual eyes.
    Transformation through Christ: Just as the blind man's life changed completely after encountering Jesus, we can find new life and purpose in Him. We should allow Jesus to transform us from within, opening our eyes to His truth.

Pray:
    Pray for a deepening of faith: Ask God to strengthen our faith in Him and to help us trust Him fully, even in challenging circumstances.
    Pray for compassionate hearts: Seek God's guidance to develop a compassionate attitude towards others, particularly those who are disadvantaged or facing difficulties.
    Pray for spiritual sight: Ask the Lord to open our eyes to spiritual truths and grant us wisdom and understanding of His Word.
    Pray for transformation: Invite Jesus to bring transformation in our lives, to renew our minds, and to empower us to live according to His will.

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

Spiritual Eyesight

"Spiritual Eyesight with Insight"
The Power of Focused Prayer.

“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1-2).

King David knew that his help came from above, that it why he set his spiritual eyesight on the Lord. Likewise, we too must cast our vision upon the Lord in focused prayer, and present to Him specific needs according to His divine will. 

Focused Prayer: This entails targeting specific needs in prayer that special attention is given to. In the context used here, the word focus means “to cause to be concentrated; a center of activity, attraction, or attention.” In effective, focused prayer it is important to identify the need(s) and to be specific, in accordance to God’s purpose and will. 

In Mark 10:46-52, Blind Bartimaeus prayed an unspecific (general) prayer, “Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me.” He cried unto Jesus. However, there are many mercies in the Bible, so Jesus then asked him what he specifically wanted. In reply, Bartimaeus answered, “Lord, that I might receive my sight.” He now spoke specifically, and Jesus granted his request! God wants us to have spiritual “eyesight with insight” and at times to render focused prayer that is specific. In doing so, such prayer should be accompanied with an expectant heart and unwavering faith, as we focus on the Problem Solver and not the problem.

Years ago, when I was a college student, I purchased a $60 Bible study chart as I endeavored to teach Bible studies to reach souls on campus and abroad. Shortly thereafter, I met a less financially fortunate couple at a fellowship event who were new to the church and just beginning in ministry. The Lord spoke to me to give away my Bible Study chart to this couple. I focused in on prayer later that God would somehow replace this chart with another one, or with funds to buy it. The very next day, my non-apostolic brother came to visit. He was not aware that I had given away my chart. While departing from his stay, he suddenly turned back around and gave me $60 as a gift. Wow! God had answered my focused prayer! Prayer works!

By looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith the eyes of our understanding will be enlightened. “To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary” (Psalm 63:2). As we experience the power of focused prayer when we lift up specific needs to Him, greater than ever, God will give us spiritual eyesight with insight, and do great things! 

Flo Shaw
Director
World Network of Prayer
(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)

You are the Salt of the Earth

" The Salt of the Earth. " 

You are the salt of the earth when you pray.

Salinity (saltiness) is a physical characteristic that impacts where marine organisms live and thrive. Salinity is determined by the amount of salt that is dissolved in ocean water. The salinity of the oceans varies based on rainfall, evaporation, river runoff, and ice formation. When salinity lowers or increases it affects marine life. Most marine creatures keep the salinity inside their bodies equal to the salinity of the water surrounding them.

This is how prayer works. One person who carries the heart of God for souls, for intercession, and for the increase of Jesus Christ in their community is impacting the spiritual “marine life” of their church. Prayer produces spiritual salt and transforms the environment.. We are the salt of the earth. If we lose our savor we are good for nothing. Salt is a preservative for kingdom values and kingdom purpose.

Ask God to increase His power in you, through prayer, and He will impact the spiritual salinity in others around you by the spirit of prayer.

Pray:

    God enlarge my heart by Your grace, through prayer, to manifest Your passion for people. Help me decrease so You may increase and so I can influence others relationally with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
    Increase the fire of Your Word through me to influence and impact the destinies of the people I serve and come in contact with.
    Increase Your transforming love in me to break generational patterns in family church relationships and a lost and dying world.
    Increase my capacity to carry Calvary’s love to the hurting and the wounded so I won’t be offended with the cross you called me to bear for others.



Indeed, you are the salt of the earth through prayer!

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) 

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

To some the Bible is just a Book

" I Can Speak HIS Word " by Tara Dillon
    

To some, the Bible is just a book with a lot of words that some say they don’t understand. But to a desperate child of God, it is life and hope.

I am a mother to four very wonderful people. I have two beautiful girls who are married to wonderful ministers of the gospel and two handsome young men still at home. My husband and I have been very fortunate in the child-rearing area of teenagers and young adult stages of life. This year, however, the devil attacked our family in a new deceptive way that we never could have imagined.

In this crisis, I became desperate for God’s direction and leading in our family and home. We prayed more, fasted more, sought counsel, and began to re-evaluate some things in our lives.

We both work, myself part-time and my husband full-time, on top of Hyphen ministry, Bible quiz coaching, church leadership team, and jail ministry. If you asked us what we enjoyed, we would tell you all of it. However, did we love it more than family? Nothing matters more than our family and home.

We realized that while we were working for the Kingdom, but we were not ministering where it was the most important: our family. We began evaluating every area of our lives. As a result, we kept the same ministries, but we tweaked how they affected our daily lives. During this time, God quickened me to pray the Word over my children and home. This concept was not foreign to me. After all, I have years in Bible quiz ministry. I encourage young people to pray the Word, and I have prayed the Word many times.

I prayed constantly throughout the day and part of the night. Although things changed, it was still a battle. I woke up and anointed my boys’ clothes, prayed over their pillows, prayed over the house, and rebuked any hindering spirits in my home. But I needed something stronger.

When I felt the nudge of God to pray the Word, HIS Word, my thoughts first went to Proverbs for instruction. I placed my child’s name in the scripture. For example, in Proverbs 1:8 you can pray, “Let (child’s name) hear the instruction of their father and not forsake the law of their mother.” In Proverbs 4:13 you can pray, “Lord, help my children to ‘Take hold of instruction; let her not go; for she is their life.’” Make scripture personal when you pray over your kids!

In closing, after praying the Word over my children and my home every night, things began to fall into place. Sister Joy Haney’s, PRAY the Word, became my best strength. God began leading and guiding us step by step. He was moving before, but my words are not HIS Words!! For example, I had prayed Hebrews 4:12 many times before, but this time I prayed that verse with tears pouring down my face. During this time, I realized that HIS Words are exactly what I need.

 “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

This scripture incorporates it all, for the Word is what I need spiritually, physically, and mentally all the time. When I don’t know what to pray, HIS Word is the answer.

(Information from: Ladies Prayer International Newsletter - UPCI Ladies Ministries - ladiesprayerinternational -aol.com@shared1.ccsend.com) 

The Lord delivered me

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

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

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

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

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

Many still do not recognize Jesus

"Recognizing Jesus" by Mary Loudermilk

“And their eyes were opened, and they knew him . . . .” (Luke 24:31a). 

I’ve heard people say how exciting it would be to have lived at the time of Jesus—to see Him, follow Him, hear Him teach. What an incredible experience! Yet I wonder, would I have recognized Him? Would I have believed? Been indifferent? Scoffed? I hope I would have recognized and accepted Him as Messiah, but many did not.

“What about the prophecies?” we may ask. Jesus fulfilled all the Old Testament prophecies. Didn’t they see? Didn’t they understand? We are looking back, putting all the pieces of the puzzle together and seeing the whole picture. They, with their preconceived ideas of how those prophecies would be fulfilled, did not recognize what was taking place in their midst.

No doubt other infant boys were born in Bethlehem around that time. Unusual circumstances? Yes, but those were unusual times. Oh, there were stories about shepherds seeing angels and strangers arriving from the East who talked about a bright star, but things were so chaotic with the crowds and the taxation. Who knows? Then one day the family was just gone. No one knew where. People soon forgot the couple and their baby.

Nor was Jesus the only iterant rabbi (teacher) who walked the dusty roads of Israel, teaching any who followed Him. Others had claimed to be Messiah, and no doubt others would come later. As the folks of Nazareth said, “Isn’t that Jospeh’s son?” (Luke 4:22). And in their minds they may have added, “And wasn’t there a question about His mom and a rushed wedding?”

Consider the times when even Jesus’ own disciples did not recognize him.

    He walked on the water toward them, and they were afraid (Matthew 14:25-27).
    Mary Magdalene saw Him at the tomb and thought He was the gardener (John 20:14-16).
    Two disciples walked with Him on the road from Jerusalem to Emmaus, some seven miles, and did not realize it was Jesus (Luke 24:13-35).

We live in a world where many still do not recognize Jesus. They do not look with eyes of faith, much like those in Nazareth who thought He was “just Joseph’s boy.” But it’s not just the non-Christian who does not recognize Jesus. We too may be guilty of overlooking Him in our life’s situations.

Perhaps one reason we do not see Jesus in our circumstances is because we have fixed ideas of how He will work. This mindset—putting Him in a box—limits our vision of Him and His power in our lives.

Jesus is waiting for us to see Him for who He is. He wants to move outside the boundaries we have set that limit Him. We must open our eyes. God is at work.

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

Do I wait and watch for the Lord

Waiting by Caitlin Walker

“My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning.” (Psalm 130:6)

We often associate night with trials, and darkness with struggle and rough seasons of life. I don’t know about you, but I certainly do not enjoy harsh seasons. Rather I see them as something I need to suffer through and claw my way out of, barely surviving.
    

The above scripture in the New Living Translation says, “I long for the Lord more than sentries long for the dawn, yes, more than sentries long for the dawn.” A sentry is a soldier who stands guard all night to watch for enemy attacks, fires, unauthorized people, etc. They are members of the first line of defense, and their main goal is to signal to the people they are protecting that danger isn’t too far off.

Imagine a soldier standing at the ready with drowsy eyelids, forcing himself to stay awake. The people’s very survival depends on this man watching the horizon all night. I would be terrible at night shifts, so I can only imagine how hard the job would be and the tremendous pressure. I can hear the sigh of relief when the first ray of sunshine peeks over the horizon.

I have to ask myself: do I wait and watch for the Lord as these men did? Am I anticipating His arrival, anxiously awaiting to see miracles, signs, and wonders? Do I see deliverance off in the distance, or am I consumed with frustration because I can’t seem to see Him working?

Lift your eyes today! Just as the sentries watch for the sunrise, wait and watch for the Lord. He will show up, He will work it out, and He is coming back for His people! Keep hoping, believing, and praying. He is always on time.

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

The Spiritual Captive

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

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

 
Concerning the Spiritual Captive:

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


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

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

We live in such a dark world

"LIGHT"

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

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

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

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