Let us pray for people all over the world and put their concerns and needs ahead of our own
Please also remember to pray for the armed forces stationed all over the world and their families.
DAY:
1: Belgium: There is a lack of Belgian pastors and priests, especially in the northern Flemish area. Less than half of the leaders in the Flemish churches are from that area. The average age of their priest is 64! Pray for the leadership of the church in Belgium.Pray for new life in the church and for many Belgians to be called into leadership in the church.
2. Belize: Most Belizeans would call themselves Christians, but in each different culture there are underlying superstitions or black magic. Many new Christians fall away because there isn't enough follow-up to help people understand how to live out their faith Pray that Spanish speakers, Caribbean Garifuna and Mayans would all have the chance to hear the truth about Jesus in a way that is culturally relevant.
3. Benin: More people follow traditional ethnic religions in Benin than in any other African nation. Voodoo has its origins in the ethnic religion of the Fon peoples and many are tied up in fear and superstition. Pray that the freedom of knowing Jesus would break into people’s lives. A million people live in Benin’s cities and Christians have grown from a few hundred to over 30% of the population. There is still a need for Christians to reach out to the Muslim urban population (20%) Loads of young people have become Christians and there are student groups meeting around the country. Pray that these young people would continue to grow in their passion for God.
3. Bermuda: Bermuda is tourist hot spot and a popular tax haven. Most Bermudans are well off - in fact Bermuda is the wealthiest Black-majority territory in the world. Pray that Christians in Bermuda would get more involved financially and spiritually to support missions.
4. Bhutan: Bhutan is one of the least evangelized nations in the world. King Wangchuk and the government reinforce the hold of Buddhism over the country. Pray for spiritual freedom for all in Bhutan. Bhutan was totally closed to Christians until 1965 and even now only a small number of organisations are allowed in and only if they are helping to run hospitals or schools. There is strictly no evangelism allowed! Pray that despite all these restrictions everyone in Bhutan would get to hear the gospel.
5.-6. Bolivia: Churches are growing, but because many people can't read it can be a challenge to teach the bible. Over half of the population is children or teenagers but the church doesn't understand how to reach out to them and bring them into a relationship with God. Pray that leaders can creatively disciple people so that they fully understand the gospel and what God wants for their lives. 50% of the all the world's cocaine is grown in Bolivia. Pray for the country's Christian leaders and political leaders as they try to deal with the issue Pray that they would have integrity and concern for the families who depend on the money they make from the crops.
7. Bosnia: 1.3 million refugees fled Bosnia during the war. Only a quarter of those have returned and many of them are still homeless. Pray for all those struggling to rebuild their lives. In 2000 Christians began to work with the 30,000 students in the Bosnian capital, Sarajevo. Pray that the young people there would really open their hearts to God
8. Botswana: The Tswana peoples were some of the first to hear the gospel through British missionaries in the 19th century. A hundred years later most are still ‘Christian’ in name only – without it having any real meaning in their lives. Pray that the amazing truth and love of Jesus would be a reality! The Kalahari Desert covers 80% of the country. The San, who once lived in the desert, have seen their way of life completely destroyed as mining, farming and tourism have taken over. Now living in poverty on the outskirts of towns and cities, thousands have become Christians. Pray that their cultural identity and identity in Christ can survive as they adapt to these changes. One in three Botswanans have contracted HIV – the highest rate of infection in the world. 60,000 children have been orphaned through AIDS and half of the student population is infected. Pray for the ministry of churches in Botswana as they deal with this crisis.
9-11. Brazil: There is so much injustice in much of Brazilian society, against the poor, underprivileged children and the tribal Brazilian Indian peoples. Pray for God's justice to be restored. There are more Catholics in Brazil than anywhere else, but the majority of Brazilians are involved with spiritism too. Loads of people claim to be Christian but would visit a spiritist doctor or medium for healing or advice! Over 50% of Brazilians are under 18. Pray that the church can communicate God's truth to this generation and effectively disciple them. Pray for the growing movement to plant new churches that are relevant to youth. Pray that the mission movement in Brazil continues to grow and that those sent out from Brazil are well supported, protected and encouraged at home and overseas.
12. British Indian Ocean Territory: The British Indian Ocean Territory is a string of tiny islands in the Indian Ocean. Apart from a UK-US naval base (with around 2,000 people) no-one lives there, as all the original islanders were evicted and sent to Mauritius in 1968. The islanders have won a High Court ruling in the UK giving them permission to return, although this decision may be opposed by the US. Pray for a revelation of Jesus Christ of Nazareth on all of the islands.
12. British Virgin Island: The British Virgin Islands are a cluster of 60 Caribbean islands, of which 15 have people living on them. The islands' motto is a biblical one; 'where there's no vision the people will perish'. Use this as a prayer for the Christians living there - that they would have a passion to see others saved
13. Brunei: Brunei is a small country on the north coast of the island of Borneo. The Sultan of Brunei runs the country and he's one of the richest men in the world. Islam is the state religion and gradually restrictions on Christians are increasing. Muslims aim for Brunei to be a 'pure' Islamic state by 2020 - and offer incentives like jobs and houses to spread Islam. The king is one of the wealthiest men in the world and his family and friends are the most powerful people in the country. Pray that one of them would become a Christian!
14. Bulgaria: 10,000 Turkish Millet became Christians during the 1990s mainly through supernatural dreams, visions and healings - a major breakthrough in Turkish peoples responding to Jesus! 50% of the population lives below the poverty line. Pray for the long-term discipleship of these new Christians. Pray that Christians can be united and effective in rebuilding the country. Pray for biblical, wise and humble Christian leaders – who can train others to use the gifts they have.
15. Burkina Faso: Landlocked in West Africa, on the edges of the Sahara Desert, Burkina Faso is a country troubled by drought and famine. One of the world’s poorest countries, most of the population makes just enough food to get by each day. Almost 2 million people have left Burkina and resettled in Cote d’Ivoire, Mali and France. Burkina Faso is dominated by idol worship, secret societies and the occult, even in some churches. Pray that the power of the occult would be broken and the truth of Jesus would not be compromised. Only 2 indigenous languages in Burkina have a Bible Pray for the translators who have taken on the awesome challenge of translating more.
16. Burundi: The legacy of oppression and killing goes a long way back for the Hutu. Pray for reconciliation and peace between the Hutu and Tutsi. Many children have been orphaned through war and there is little chance for them to receive any education. Pray that organizations can find the opportunity and resources to love and care for these broken kids.
17. Cambodia: Since 1990 there has been an open door for Christians to share the gospel in Cambodia. More and more churches are being planted in Cambodia - there's a new one every week! Pray for the Church in Cambodia which has survived through the worst persecution. Pray for support and cooperation between those in leadership of different churches.
18. Cameroon: Cameroon is one of Africa’s most ethnically complicated countries – over 500 different peoples speaking more than 280 languages. Christian radio and television stations were given permission to broadcast in 2000 - such an exciting opportunity for more people to hear about Jesus! Many significant leaders in the police, army and politics have become Christians which is amazing. Pray that their influence can bring positive changes into society. Pray that a personal relationship with God can bring real life to the churches in Cameroon, where many have no spiritual life or real understanding of Jesus. Pray for the Missionaries that are desperately needed to reach communities living in the north, many of whom are Muslim.
19.-21. Canada: Canada is one of the most multi-cultural societies in the world. At its heart are the three diverse cultures; French, British and native Canadian. Added to this mix are a significant number of people who have come from Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America. Canada’s indigenous people suffered cruelly in the past at the hands of white people. Strong anti-white and anti-Christian propaganda leads many to be suspicious of Christianity and court cases against churches are increasing over their treatment of native Canadians earlier in the 20th century. Pray for a growth of indigenous leadership and culturally appropriate churches in these communities. Immigrant communities in Canada continue to grow; Vancouver is the world’s second largest Sikh city and Toronto claims to be the most racially diverse city in the world. Pray for meaningful evangelism, church planting and spiritual growth into these diverse cultures.
22. Cape Verde: Cape Verde is a collection of fifteen islands of the west coast of Africa. Dry and windswept, the islands have suffered long periods without rain with one drought lasting 20 years – crippling the economy and killing off crops and animals needed for food. Pray for the country’s leaders – that they can find solutions to the problems facing Cape Verde because of the droughts. Although many Caboverdians would call themselves Christians, their beliefs are mixed up with other superstitions. Pray that they would really understand what Christianity is about and turn to Jesus.
23. Cayman Islands: The Caymans are three small islands south of Cuba. Most of the people living on the Cayman Islands are foreigners. Because there's no tax to pay here and no control over exchange rates the islands are the wealthiest in the Caribbean and major centre for off shore finance. There is one bank for every 50 people in the Caymans! However much of the wealth flowing through the island is actually funding international crime. Pray that Christians here would be Christ-centered in how they live in the middle of so much wealth and materialism.
24-25. Central African Republic: Whole areas of the Central African Republic (CAR) were cleared from the 17th century onwards, as people were kidnapped and sold into slavery – a practice that continued into the late 19th century. Since the 1960s loads of people have become Christians, but there has not been enough discipleship to see their faith mature. The church is struggling with divisions and lack of trust between leaders. Pray for leaders to rise up with maturity and a new trust in one another for the sake of the gospel.
26. Chad: With 200 people groups and 120 languages, Chad is one of the most unreached countries in Africa and presents a challenge to the gospel. The harsh natural environment and extreme poverty of Chadians has reduced their life expectancy to just 47 years. The nation is plagued by waterborne diseases, malaria and meningitis. Pray that the churches in Chad would grow and mature in their faith and discipleship. Many congregations mix Christianity up with other ideas and beliefs and can be legalistic. Pray that the Holy Spirit would be working to bring true freedom in their lives. There are more unreached peoples in Chad than anywhere else in Africa. Pray for ongoing support and protection for missionaries already working here. Pray also that God would call many to dedicate years to learning the languages and building the Kingdom in Chad.
27. Chile: Chile lies on the west coast of Latin America. It is a long, thin country, which has the Pacific Ocean to the west and the mountains of the Andes on the east. The Mapuche are the largest of Chile’s native Amerindian people. Years of abuse and oppression have left them with a deep mistrust of outsiders. Although there is a small community of 4,000 Christians among them, old traditions of animism (worshipping and sacrificing to spirits) hold a strong influence. The Chilean Church doesn’t have a strong vision for world mission as many churches do not have connections with the bigger picture of the global Church. Pray that God would break this spiritual isolation and give fresh vision.
28.-31. China, PRC: China is the third largest state in the world. One in five people in the world live in China. The massacre of students at Tiananmen Square in 1989 was a defining moment in China’s history. This event was a turning point for many students and young professionals in the cities who turned to God for the first time. The Christians in China have suffered harsh persecution, but have remained faithful and committed. Churches are growing and seeing the Holy Spirit move in power. The Communist Party have used a ‘one child’ policy to try and control the growing population. This policy has had devastating effect on society; hundreds of baby girls are abandoned and in some areas where young men outnumber women by up to 40% young women have been abducted, taken as slaves or raped. Pray for Christians who have a burden for the children of China, especially the girls. Pray for an outbreak of supernatural revival across this nation.
**Members I am so proud of all of you and the commitment I see in all in regards to our Father in Heaven. Prayer is so important and powerful as it pertains to healing and cleansing. Rebirth, renewal, change,growth and blessings are unleashed through prayer- May you be blessed and fruitful as well as the people you have prayed for. Love to all!
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Feed The Inner Vessel
Let's face it- there is nothing like prayer and meditation to help you get through each long and busy day.There's nothing like inspiration,hope,and a positive outlook as your goals every single day!I ask that every day you try to have a inspirational thought;and a new ideal to live by.Take the following list; using it to meditation and prayer, daily.
** And remember - Good will and peace from God our Father are yours! Col. 1:2 May mercy,peace,and love fill your lives! Jude 1:2
1. Forgiveness: As I forgive, I begin anew
2. Healing: I am healthy,whole, and vitally alive
3. Guidance: God guides my way
4. Prosperity: God fills my life with abundance
5. Comfort: God soothes me with a tender touch
6. Renewal: The spirit of God infuses me with life and renewal
7. Harmony: I am an ambassador of peace and harmony in the world
8. Inner Peace: God's spirit within me is my constant source of peace and serenity
9. Divine Order: Divine order surrounds me and is within me. I am calm and collected
10. Grace: The grace of God shall lead and inspire me
** And remember - Good will and peace from God our Father are yours! Col. 1:2 May mercy,peace,and love fill your lives! Jude 1:2
1. Forgiveness: As I forgive, I begin anew
2. Healing: I am healthy,whole, and vitally alive
3. Guidance: God guides my way
4. Prosperity: God fills my life with abundance
5. Comfort: God soothes me with a tender touch
6. Renewal: The spirit of God infuses me with life and renewal
7. Harmony: I am an ambassador of peace and harmony in the world
8. Inner Peace: God's spirit within me is my constant source of peace and serenity
9. Divine Order: Divine order surrounds me and is within me. I am calm and collected
10. Grace: The grace of God shall lead and inspire me
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Daily Prayer
Prayer for Children
Blessed God, you have created life to begin with childhood, a time of innocence, laughter, and exploration. Bless, we beseech you, the children of this world. Grant unto them the nurture they need for strong physical growth, keen minds, balanced emotions, and a holy spiritual life. Send unto them teachers to inspire an inquiring and discerning heart, to enable curiosity toward their surroundings, and a knowledge of this global village. Bless them with love, hope, and vision, and keep them ever in your unfailing compassion and protection. Amen.
Blessed God, you have created life to begin with childhood, a time of innocence, laughter, and exploration. Bless, we beseech you, the children of this world. Grant unto them the nurture they need for strong physical growth, keen minds, balanced emotions, and a holy spiritual life. Send unto them teachers to inspire an inquiring and discerning heart, to enable curiosity toward their surroundings, and a knowledge of this global village. Bless them with love, hope, and vision, and keep them ever in your unfailing compassion and protection. Amen.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Just Say 'No' To Sin
Consider Yourself Dead to Sin
Romans 6:3-14
Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.
For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. We know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be destroyed, and we might no longer be enslaved to sin. For whoever has died is freed from sin. But if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. The death he died, he died to sin, once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore, do not let sin exercise dominion in your mortal bodies, to make you obey their passions. No longer present your members to sin as instruments of wickedness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and present your members to God as instruments of righteousness. For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.
Romans 6:3-14
Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.
For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. We know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be destroyed, and we might no longer be enslaved to sin. For whoever has died is freed from sin. But if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. The death he died, he died to sin, once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore, do not let sin exercise dominion in your mortal bodies, to make you obey their passions. No longer present your members to sin as instruments of wickedness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and present your members to God as instruments of righteousness. For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Public School Worship
Students Legal Rights On Public School Campuses
I have found in growing up going to public school, and as it is today worshipping God, has no place in public school curriculum. Neither is any religion a part of any studies.I find this to be sad and disturbing, not to be able to discuss,study,learn or even pray as it pertains to God and religion. Of course the laws of the land have their reasons,which I find ridiculous and an insult to God, our father. Every thing you can think of is said,discusse, and taught in the classroom to educate,challenge and infuse young minds - except God and His word!How sad is it to have to pay a lot of money to send your child to a certain type of school, just so the child can do the simpliest of things like pray to God, in a classroom setting. Let alone have a continual education in Christ outside of church. I feel it is an insult to God to have worship and study of Him rejected from public school classrooms. With out God nothing ceases to exsist.He has created every human,creature and object- and in public school this has no merit or value?? As parents you have a right to know what is exceptable,as well as the rules of any public school- they may vary except when it pertains to God. There is light at the end of the tunnel for your children, they may worship and study God in public school! Here is a list of rights no one can make obselete for children in public schools in regards to worship:
1. The right to meet with other religious students and to form Bible Clubs
2. The right to express your religious beliefs through signs,symbols,and clothing
3. The right to talk about your religious beliefs and share your faith with other students on campus
4. The right to distribute religious literature,(Bibles), on campus during non instructional time
5. The right to pray on campus alone,with others,and during graduation
6. The right to carry or study your Bible or other religious literature on campus
7. The right to do research papers,speeches,creative projects or talent programs on religious themes
8. The right to be exempt from activities that contradict your religious beliefs
9. The right to celebrate or study religious holidays on campus
10.The right to study religious themes,religious literature,and religious history
* It has been made into laws and frowned upon for public schools to have anything to do with teaching the word of God.The rights listed above enables children to incorporate serving God on public campus, a daily activity.It was so frowned upon when I was a kid going to public school, I had no idea I had these rights,neither did my parents. Parents take note of those rights and be sure to educate yourself and kids on them,so that worship and study of our Lord does not fall to the wayside on public school campuses
I have found in growing up going to public school, and as it is today worshipping God, has no place in public school curriculum. Neither is any religion a part of any studies.I find this to be sad and disturbing, not to be able to discuss,study,learn or even pray as it pertains to God and religion. Of course the laws of the land have their reasons,which I find ridiculous and an insult to God, our father. Every thing you can think of is said,discusse, and taught in the classroom to educate,challenge and infuse young minds - except God and His word!How sad is it to have to pay a lot of money to send your child to a certain type of school, just so the child can do the simpliest of things like pray to God, in a classroom setting. Let alone have a continual education in Christ outside of church. I feel it is an insult to God to have worship and study of Him rejected from public school classrooms. With out God nothing ceases to exsist.He has created every human,creature and object- and in public school this has no merit or value?? As parents you have a right to know what is exceptable,as well as the rules of any public school- they may vary except when it pertains to God. There is light at the end of the tunnel for your children, they may worship and study God in public school! Here is a list of rights no one can make obselete for children in public schools in regards to worship:
1. The right to meet with other religious students and to form Bible Clubs
2. The right to express your religious beliefs through signs,symbols,and clothing
3. The right to talk about your religious beliefs and share your faith with other students on campus
4. The right to distribute religious literature,(Bibles), on campus during non instructional time
5. The right to pray on campus alone,with others,and during graduation
6. The right to carry or study your Bible or other religious literature on campus
7. The right to do research papers,speeches,creative projects or talent programs on religious themes
8. The right to be exempt from activities that contradict your religious beliefs
9. The right to celebrate or study religious holidays on campus
10.The right to study religious themes,religious literature,and religious history
* It has been made into laws and frowned upon for public schools to have anything to do with teaching the word of God.The rights listed above enables children to incorporate serving God on public campus, a daily activity.It was so frowned upon when I was a kid going to public school, I had no idea I had these rights,neither did my parents. Parents take note of those rights and be sure to educate yourself and kids on them,so that worship and study of our Lord does not fall to the wayside on public school campuses
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
God's Nature
Malachi 3:3 says:
"He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver."
This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God. One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study. That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining Silver.
As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.
The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: "He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver." She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined.
The man answered that yes,
he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed. The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?" He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in it."
If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you. Pass this on right now. This very moment, someone needs to know that God is watching over them. And, whatever they're going through, they'll be a better person in the end. "Life is a coin. You can spend it anyway you wish, but you can only spend it once."
JEREMIAH 1
and 29:11PSALMS 138 and 139
"He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver."
This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God. One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study. That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining Silver.
As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.
The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: "He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver." She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined.
The man answered that yes,
he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed. The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?" He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in it."
If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you. Pass this on right now. This very moment, someone needs to know that God is watching over them. And, whatever they're going through, they'll be a better person in the end. "Life is a coin. You can spend it anyway you wish, but you can only spend it once."
JEREMIAH 1
and 29:11PSALMS 138 and 139
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Daily Prayer
Prayer to Overcome Sin
O everlasting God, let the light of Thine eternity now fall upon my passing days.
O holy God, let the light of thy perfect righteousness fall upon my sinful ways.
O most merciful God, let the light of Thy love pierce to the most secret corners of my heart and overcome the darkness of sin within me.
Amen
O everlasting God, let the light of Thine eternity now fall upon my passing days.
O holy God, let the light of thy perfect righteousness fall upon my sinful ways.
O most merciful God, let the light of Thy love pierce to the most secret corners of my heart and overcome the darkness of sin within me.
Amen
Sunday, February 10, 2008
God Has Spoken (pt. 2)
God speaks to us and through in many ways. Read the following to understand how amazing
Our Father is and His chosen methods of teaching and guiding us
"The heavens declare the glory of God...the commands of theLord are radiant giving light to the eyes." Psalm 19:1,8
King David's Psalm speaks of nature's message about God -- and it also speaks of another message. We "see" not only by the lights God placed in the heavens. We see also by another light, a spiritual light, "The commands of God." To know God, man needs more light than nature alone gives.
Nature Alone Is Not Enough
Nature has many valuable lessons for us. The amazing order in all things, living and non-living, tells us of wisdom and power far, far higher than ours. Our hearts reach upward in praise. "Laws of nature" are always so steady, so dependable, that we are led to believe that the great Law-Giver can also be trusted.
Nature also raises many questions. For example, since God is so great does He care about us who are so small? Some have felt that He is too high and too distant to be bothered. Therefore, they have turned to things of this earth, or to other spirits, for help in times of need.
Others feel that God is against them. They say, "If plenty of food is a sign of God's kindness, then what does the lack of food mean? In our times of suffering and death, has God changed from His kind ways?" Nature by itself does not give us important details about God's character and thinking. It does not tell us how to approach Him. It raises the questions, but does not give the answers we need.
The God Who Speaks
Why do some think it so strange that God speaks or communicates in some manner? Surely plain reason tells us that He should be ABLE to speak. Humans speak (some would say "too much"). Is the great Creator of humans LESS able to speak? When people thought that God failed to notice their sins, the writer of Psalms reasoned with them,
"Does He who implanted the ear not hear? Does He who formed theeye not see?" Psalm 94:9
That logic can be continued, "Does He who made the tongue not speak? Can He who gave language not use it? If God chooses to use special messengers, can He not provide His messengers with clear speech?" God wanted Moses to lead His people out of Egypt. When Moses had doubts God reasoned with him in this way:
"Who gave man his mouth?...is it not I, the Lord? Now go; Iwill help you speak and will teach you what to say." (Exodus4:11-12)
Moses, of course, could speak. He worried that he could not speak well -- his words might not be clear and well-chosen. God assured him that He, the Creator of speaking ability, could do what was needed for a clear message. If we have worried that God's message is poorly given or is unclear, we can stop worrying. God not onlycommunicates. He communicates Very Well.
God Spoke By The Prophets
"In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways" (Hebrews 1:1).
God's love for people is such that He did not remain silent. He did not leave us alone and ignorant. "God spoke." He could have communicated in any number of ways. "In the past," He chose to speak "through the prophets." Prophets were God's spokesmen, passing along God's message to the people.
The writer of the book of Hebrews had no doubt who those prophets were. He quoted often from them -- prophets like:
MOSES (Hebrews 1:6; 8:5)DAVID (Hebrews 1:5a,8; 4:7)NATHAN (Hebrews 1:5b)ISAIAH (Hebrews 2:13)JEREMIAH (Hebrews 8:8)HABAKKUK (Hebrews 10:37) andHAGGAI (Hebrews 12:26)
Hebrews chapter 11 also names many prophets. We call these the "Old Testament prophets." The book of Hebrews shows that the words given through these prophets were not their own words, but God's words.
When Psalm 95 is used, David is recognized as its human writer. Yet look at how it is expressed:
"God...spoke through David" (Hebrews 4:7).
In Hebrews 3:7 the same words by David are said to be from God's Spirit:
"So, as the Holy Spirit says...."
Similarly, through Jeremiah's writing,
"the Holy Spirit testifies to us..." (Hebrews 10:15).
Hebrews and other books of the Bible often speak like this. Nehemiah 9:20,30 is an example from the Old Testament. It tells how God's Spirit was in His prophets, teaching and warning His people for many years. In the Bible there is no doubt about it. God has spoken by His prophets so clearly that people long after can depend on their words. The books of Nehemiah and Hebrews were written hundreds of years after the old prophets died. Yet they still quoted and trusted those prophets' words as the true words of God.
How Were God's True Prophets Recognized?
But any person can claim to be a prophet speaking for God. He may do this to get money or power or fame. Some might even do it sincerely, for their own 'good' reasons. This was a problem in the past, and it is still a problem today. Many who now claim to speak for God argue AGAINST each other. Their messages do not agree. After speaking about God's true prophets of long ago, the apostle Peter warns,
"But there were also false prophets among the people, just asthere will be false teachers among you" (2 Peter 2:1).
God knew there would be false prophets. He also knew that people might have trouble knowing which speaker was true and which was false. So God made it very clear which prophets were truly sent by Him.
Look again at the example of Moses when God made him a prophet to carry His message to Egypt. Moses had grown up in Egypt and had not been known as a prophet then. How could the people possibly know that now God had made him a prophet? The people might even think of him as a false prophet. Moses asked God,
"What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, 'theLord did not appear to you'?" (Exodus 4:1).
In reply, God told Moses to throw his stick on the ground. By God's power, the stick became a snake. Then He had Moses pick it up. By God's power, it changed back into a stick.
"This," said the Lord, "is so that they may believe that theLord... has appeared to you" (Exodus 4:5).
God then gave Moses other miracles -- just as amazing -- to also prove that he was from God. God called these "signs" (Exodus 4:8,30).
We must be aware that God's enemies also had some power. "By their secret arts" Egypt's sorcerers and magicians copied a few things done by Moses (Exodus 7:11). But God has ALL power, so His miracles were always far greater. He showed the kind of power that only the Creator has over His creation. The power in Moses was so great that all could see that Moses was God's prophet.
><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>
Tests For Prophets
Once God had proved the authority of Moses it was not always necessary for true prophets after him to do all the miracles he did. But through Moses God gave tests for future prophets. At that time any 'prophet' failing these tests was put to death. Deuteronomy 18:20-22 has one of these tests:
"But a prophet who presumes to speak in my name anything I havenot commanded him to say, or a prophet who speaks in the nameof other gods, must be put to death. You may say toyourselves, 'How can we know when a message has not beenspoken by the Lord?' If what a prophet proclaims in the nameof the Lord does not take place or come true, that is amessage the Lord has not spoken. That prophet has spokenpresumptuously. Do not be afraid of him."
Yet God also knew that some dreamers and leaders might foretell events that actually happen. (This might be by luck, or by clever powers like the Egyptian magicians had.) So, in Deuteronomy 13, God told how to test such cases:
"If a prophet, or one who foretells by dreams, appears among youand announces to you a miraculous sign or wonder, and if thesign or wonder of which he has spoken takes place, and hesays, 'let us follow other gods'...you must not listen to thewords of that prophet or dreamer. The Lord your God istesting you to find out whether you love him with all yourheart and with all your soul" (Deuteronomy 13:1-3).
We have seen 3 tests --
All True Prophets After Moses Were Proved True By:
1. "Signs" -- if they had any -- clearly showing the CREATOR'S POWER over creation. (The weaker power of magicians was no proof.)2. ALL that they foretold coming true. (God NEVER lies or makes mistakes.)3. Agreeing with what God had revealed about Himself through Moses. (God does not deny Himself or His own teachings.)
Learning From The Prophets
False prophets did not have the power of God or the truth of God. At one point or another they all failed to pass these tests. In this way, through many centuries, God made clear who were His true prophets, and who were not. That is why the Bible not only says that "God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets" (Hebrews 1:1), but it actually names those true prophets. Their writings, called "Scripture," are God's words through His proven prophets.
If we really seek God and His way, we will go to Scripture.The Scripture itself claims to be the truth given by God(2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21).
Our Father is and His chosen methods of teaching and guiding us
"The heavens declare the glory of God...the commands of theLord are radiant giving light to the eyes." Psalm 19:1,8
King David's Psalm speaks of nature's message about God -- and it also speaks of another message. We "see" not only by the lights God placed in the heavens. We see also by another light, a spiritual light, "The commands of God." To know God, man needs more light than nature alone gives.
Nature Alone Is Not Enough
Nature has many valuable lessons for us. The amazing order in all things, living and non-living, tells us of wisdom and power far, far higher than ours. Our hearts reach upward in praise. "Laws of nature" are always so steady, so dependable, that we are led to believe that the great Law-Giver can also be trusted.
Nature also raises many questions. For example, since God is so great does He care about us who are so small? Some have felt that He is too high and too distant to be bothered. Therefore, they have turned to things of this earth, or to other spirits, for help in times of need.
Others feel that God is against them. They say, "If plenty of food is a sign of God's kindness, then what does the lack of food mean? In our times of suffering and death, has God changed from His kind ways?" Nature by itself does not give us important details about God's character and thinking. It does not tell us how to approach Him. It raises the questions, but does not give the answers we need.
The God Who Speaks
Why do some think it so strange that God speaks or communicates in some manner? Surely plain reason tells us that He should be ABLE to speak. Humans speak (some would say "too much"). Is the great Creator of humans LESS able to speak? When people thought that God failed to notice their sins, the writer of Psalms reasoned with them,
"Does He who implanted the ear not hear? Does He who formed theeye not see?" Psalm 94:9
That logic can be continued, "Does He who made the tongue not speak? Can He who gave language not use it? If God chooses to use special messengers, can He not provide His messengers with clear speech?" God wanted Moses to lead His people out of Egypt. When Moses had doubts God reasoned with him in this way:
"Who gave man his mouth?...is it not I, the Lord? Now go; Iwill help you speak and will teach you what to say." (Exodus4:11-12)
Moses, of course, could speak. He worried that he could not speak well -- his words might not be clear and well-chosen. God assured him that He, the Creator of speaking ability, could do what was needed for a clear message. If we have worried that God's message is poorly given or is unclear, we can stop worrying. God not onlycommunicates. He communicates Very Well.
God Spoke By The Prophets
"In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways" (Hebrews 1:1).
God's love for people is such that He did not remain silent. He did not leave us alone and ignorant. "God spoke." He could have communicated in any number of ways. "In the past," He chose to speak "through the prophets." Prophets were God's spokesmen, passing along God's message to the people.
The writer of the book of Hebrews had no doubt who those prophets were. He quoted often from them -- prophets like:
MOSES (Hebrews 1:6; 8:5)DAVID (Hebrews 1:5a,8; 4:7)NATHAN (Hebrews 1:5b)ISAIAH (Hebrews 2:13)JEREMIAH (Hebrews 8:8)HABAKKUK (Hebrews 10:37) andHAGGAI (Hebrews 12:26)
Hebrews chapter 11 also names many prophets. We call these the "Old Testament prophets." The book of Hebrews shows that the words given through these prophets were not their own words, but God's words.
When Psalm 95 is used, David is recognized as its human writer. Yet look at how it is expressed:
"God...spoke through David" (Hebrews 4:7).
In Hebrews 3:7 the same words by David are said to be from God's Spirit:
"So, as the Holy Spirit says...."
Similarly, through Jeremiah's writing,
"the Holy Spirit testifies to us..." (Hebrews 10:15).
Hebrews and other books of the Bible often speak like this. Nehemiah 9:20,30 is an example from the Old Testament. It tells how God's Spirit was in His prophets, teaching and warning His people for many years. In the Bible there is no doubt about it. God has spoken by His prophets so clearly that people long after can depend on their words. The books of Nehemiah and Hebrews were written hundreds of years after the old prophets died. Yet they still quoted and trusted those prophets' words as the true words of God.
How Were God's True Prophets Recognized?
But any person can claim to be a prophet speaking for God. He may do this to get money or power or fame. Some might even do it sincerely, for their own 'good' reasons. This was a problem in the past, and it is still a problem today. Many who now claim to speak for God argue AGAINST each other. Their messages do not agree. After speaking about God's true prophets of long ago, the apostle Peter warns,
"But there were also false prophets among the people, just asthere will be false teachers among you" (2 Peter 2:1).
God knew there would be false prophets. He also knew that people might have trouble knowing which speaker was true and which was false. So God made it very clear which prophets were truly sent by Him.
Look again at the example of Moses when God made him a prophet to carry His message to Egypt. Moses had grown up in Egypt and had not been known as a prophet then. How could the people possibly know that now God had made him a prophet? The people might even think of him as a false prophet. Moses asked God,
"What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, 'theLord did not appear to you'?" (Exodus 4:1).
In reply, God told Moses to throw his stick on the ground. By God's power, the stick became a snake. Then He had Moses pick it up. By God's power, it changed back into a stick.
"This," said the Lord, "is so that they may believe that theLord... has appeared to you" (Exodus 4:5).
God then gave Moses other miracles -- just as amazing -- to also prove that he was from God. God called these "signs" (Exodus 4:8,30).
We must be aware that God's enemies also had some power. "By their secret arts" Egypt's sorcerers and magicians copied a few things done by Moses (Exodus 7:11). But God has ALL power, so His miracles were always far greater. He showed the kind of power that only the Creator has over His creation. The power in Moses was so great that all could see that Moses was God's prophet.
><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>
Tests For Prophets
Once God had proved the authority of Moses it was not always necessary for true prophets after him to do all the miracles he did. But through Moses God gave tests for future prophets. At that time any 'prophet' failing these tests was put to death. Deuteronomy 18:20-22 has one of these tests:
"But a prophet who presumes to speak in my name anything I havenot commanded him to say, or a prophet who speaks in the nameof other gods, must be put to death. You may say toyourselves, 'How can we know when a message has not beenspoken by the Lord?' If what a prophet proclaims in the nameof the Lord does not take place or come true, that is amessage the Lord has not spoken. That prophet has spokenpresumptuously. Do not be afraid of him."
Yet God also knew that some dreamers and leaders might foretell events that actually happen. (This might be by luck, or by clever powers like the Egyptian magicians had.) So, in Deuteronomy 13, God told how to test such cases:
"If a prophet, or one who foretells by dreams, appears among youand announces to you a miraculous sign or wonder, and if thesign or wonder of which he has spoken takes place, and hesays, 'let us follow other gods'...you must not listen to thewords of that prophet or dreamer. The Lord your God istesting you to find out whether you love him with all yourheart and with all your soul" (Deuteronomy 13:1-3).
We have seen 3 tests --
All True Prophets After Moses Were Proved True By:
1. "Signs" -- if they had any -- clearly showing the CREATOR'S POWER over creation. (The weaker power of magicians was no proof.)2. ALL that they foretold coming true. (God NEVER lies or makes mistakes.)3. Agreeing with what God had revealed about Himself through Moses. (God does not deny Himself or His own teachings.)
Learning From The Prophets
False prophets did not have the power of God or the truth of God. At one point or another they all failed to pass these tests. In this way, through many centuries, God made clear who were His true prophets, and who were not. That is why the Bible not only says that "God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets" (Hebrews 1:1), but it actually names those true prophets. Their writings, called "Scripture," are God's words through His proven prophets.
If we really seek God and His way, we will go to Scripture.The Scripture itself claims to be the truth given by God(2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21).
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Daily Prayer
For the Lonely and Depressed
God bless all who are battling those inner demons of depression, loneliness, unworthiness, and hopelessness. Shine Your warm Heavenly Light down upon all of us, Lord, who are looking for our soul mates. Guide us to find peace, happiness, and contentment in our lives and within ourselves.Amen.
God bless all who are battling those inner demons of depression, loneliness, unworthiness, and hopelessness. Shine Your warm Heavenly Light down upon all of us, Lord, who are looking for our soul mates. Guide us to find peace, happiness, and contentment in our lives and within ourselves.Amen.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Daily Prayer
Prayer for Peace
Heal my wounded heart.Grant me the courage to change my heart.Let Peace live in my heart.Fill me with compassion for those suffering in war.Help me care for those in war.Help me bring Peace to those in war.Help me stop wars.Help soldiers stop wars.Help leaders stop wars.Fill me with Peace and Justice.Help me to work for Peace with Justice.Let there be Peace with Justice among all peoples.
Heal my wounded heart.Grant me the courage to change my heart.Let Peace live in my heart.Fill me with compassion for those suffering in war.Help me care for those in war.Help me bring Peace to those in war.Help me stop wars.Help soldiers stop wars.Help leaders stop wars.Fill me with Peace and Justice.Help me to work for Peace with Justice.Let there be Peace with Justice among all peoples.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
FEBRUARY PRAYER ASSIGNMENTS
FEBRUARY PRAYER ASSIGNMENTS
In the United States we think of February as the month of showing love for that ‘someone special’ in our life. God is always ready to demonstrate His love for the world:
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 KJV)
I ask you this month as you pray for the nations listed below that you allow the love of Christ to flow from your heart and believe that the winds of revival will cover the nations of the earth.
February:
1-3 Europe: The European Union (EU) is a political and economic community of 27 member states with supranational and intergovernmental features, located primarily in Europe. The European Union is composed of 27 independent sovereign countries which are known as member states: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. There are three official candidate countries, Croatia, the Republic of Macedonia and Turkey; the western Balkan countries of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia are officially recognized as potential candidates.
To join the EU, a country must meet the Copenhagen criteria, defined at the 1993 Copenhagen European Council. These require a stable democracy which respects human rights and the rule of law; a functioning market economy capable of competition within the EU; and the acceptance of the obligations of membership, including EU law. Evaluation of a country's fulfillment of the criteria is the responsibility of the European Council.
Four Western European countries that have chosen not to join the EU have been partly integrated into the EU's economy; Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway are a part of the single market through the European Economic Area, and Switzerland has similar ties through bilateral treaties. The microstates' relationships can include use of the euro and other co-operation. EU citizens elect the Parliament every five years. (Source: Wikipedia, 1/08)
Pray for a sovereign move of the Holy Spirit across these nations. Pray for the leaders of the church that they will rise up and continue to proclaim Revival! for their nations.
4 - 6 Pacific: New Zealand is a secular society; people see the church and Christianity as irrelevant. More and more people claim to be of ‘no religion’ and churches are rapidly shrinking and losing their young people. Churches need to understand how to reach out to these ‘post-modern’ generations.
New Zealand is ranked 4th in the world for the number of missionaries that it sends out.
Large numbers of Polynesians have immigrated to New Zealand to look for work. Auckland has the largest Polynesian population of any city in the world. Many live in poorer areas, where unemployment and crime are commonplace.
The recent revival in Maori culture is changing New Zealand society. Throughout history Maoris have suffered; they lost rights to their land in the 19th century and now have higher levels of unemployment and poverty than European New Zealanders.
Pray that a new generation of Maoris would find cultural acceptance and freedom in Jesus.
7-8 Afghanistan: The new government has a challenging time ahead.
Pray for God’s wisdom in the decisions they make and courage to practically uphold their agreement to the Human Rights Charter.
Afghanistan's living standards are among the lowest in the world. Much of the population continues to suffer from shortages of housing; clean water, electricity, medical care, and jobs, but the Afghan government and international donors remain committed to improving access to these basic necessities by prioritizing infrastructure development, education, housing development, jobs programs, and economic reform over the next year.
Pray that God will bring a lasting peace and justice to Afghanistan.
Under the Taliban regime women in Afghanistan were denied basic human rights and suffered cruelly at the hands of men. Pray that promised freedom will be a reality for women in Afghanistan. Afghanistan is one of the least reached countries in the world. There are an amazing 48,000 mosques. Under Taliban rule the death penalty was imposed for anyone converting from Islam.
Pray that this will not continue unofficially.
Approximately half the population is ‘Pashtuns’ – the largest Muslim tribal society in the world. There are 27 million Pashtuns living in Afghanistan and neighboring Pakistan.
Pray that those working with the Pashtuns will be encouraged and that they have breakthrough
9 Albania: In 1995 Albania was the most heavily ‘evangelized’ nation in Europe – by both Christians and Muslims.
Pray for a long term vision to see people meet Jesus and follow Him in a way that is culturally appropriate.
Most ethnic Albanians are Muslims and live outside Albania in Kosovo or Macedonia.
Pray that they would have opportunities to hear the gospel.
10-11 Algeria: The Berber peoples could make up as much as 40% of the population, but the Arab majority have tried to impose their culture on them and stopped them from using their own language. Thousands in the Kabyle region have become Christians and meet openly in their villages.
Pray for these churches – that they would be protected from persecution and grow in the faith in God.
As many as 2.5 million Algerians have left their country and moved to Europe. There could be more opportunity for them to hear about Jesus but also about Islam.
11 American Samoa: American Samoa consists of five volcanic and two tiny coral islands in the Southern Pacific Ocean. Lots of people have left the Church and joined the Mormons.
Pray that theirs eyes would be opened to this false teaching and that they find real life and truth in Jesus.
Andorra: Andorra, officially the Principality of Andorra is a small landlocked country in western Europe, located in the eastern Pyrenees mountains and bordered by Spain (Catalonia) and France (Northern Catalonia and old Occitania). Once isolated, it is currently a prosperous country mainly because of tourism and its status as a tax haven. The people of Andorra are currently listed as having the highest human life expectancies on Earth, at an average of 83.52 years (2007 est).
(Source: Wikipedia, 1/08)
Pray that that would come to know the giver of life.
12-13 Angola: In the first decade of violence Christians faced intense persecution and thousands were martyred or abducted. Throughout the suffering and devastation many Christians have remained strong in their faith and the church is growing.
Pray that a lasting peace can be restored to Angola.
Luanda and other cities are home to millions of refugees living in squalor and many orphaned or abandoned children struggle to survive.
Pray that churches and other groups can meet the needs of all those who are suffering.
13 Anguilla, Antigua: In the Caribbean Sea, Anguilla is at the northern end of the Leeward Islands. Anguilla refused to follow St Kitts and Nevis into independence and has remained a British dependent. Territory.
Pray for better cooperation between the 21 churches on the island.
In between the Caribbean and the Atlantic, Antigua and Barbuda have belonged to the Spanish, the French and lastly the British. The islands gained their independence in 1981.
Pray for the many refugees who came here from Montserrat after the volcanic eruption on their island.
14-15 Argentina: Most of the church growth is in the cities.
Pray that the Church will have a vision to impact their communities and do more to address the enormous poverty in the city.
Pray that the move of God will spread into rural areas.
**Thank You members for your prayers and support, united we can make a difference in each other lives!
In the United States we think of February as the month of showing love for that ‘someone special’ in our life. God is always ready to demonstrate His love for the world:
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 KJV)
I ask you this month as you pray for the nations listed below that you allow the love of Christ to flow from your heart and believe that the winds of revival will cover the nations of the earth.
February:
1-3 Europe: The European Union (EU) is a political and economic community of 27 member states with supranational and intergovernmental features, located primarily in Europe. The European Union is composed of 27 independent sovereign countries which are known as member states: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. There are three official candidate countries, Croatia, the Republic of Macedonia and Turkey; the western Balkan countries of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia are officially recognized as potential candidates.
To join the EU, a country must meet the Copenhagen criteria, defined at the 1993 Copenhagen European Council. These require a stable democracy which respects human rights and the rule of law; a functioning market economy capable of competition within the EU; and the acceptance of the obligations of membership, including EU law. Evaluation of a country's fulfillment of the criteria is the responsibility of the European Council.
Four Western European countries that have chosen not to join the EU have been partly integrated into the EU's economy; Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway are a part of the single market through the European Economic Area, and Switzerland has similar ties through bilateral treaties. The microstates' relationships can include use of the euro and other co-operation. EU citizens elect the Parliament every five years. (Source: Wikipedia, 1/08)
Pray for a sovereign move of the Holy Spirit across these nations. Pray for the leaders of the church that they will rise up and continue to proclaim Revival! for their nations.
4 - 6 Pacific: New Zealand is a secular society; people see the church and Christianity as irrelevant. More and more people claim to be of ‘no religion’ and churches are rapidly shrinking and losing their young people. Churches need to understand how to reach out to these ‘post-modern’ generations.
New Zealand is ranked 4th in the world for the number of missionaries that it sends out.
Large numbers of Polynesians have immigrated to New Zealand to look for work. Auckland has the largest Polynesian population of any city in the world. Many live in poorer areas, where unemployment and crime are commonplace.
The recent revival in Maori culture is changing New Zealand society. Throughout history Maoris have suffered; they lost rights to their land in the 19th century and now have higher levels of unemployment and poverty than European New Zealanders.
Pray that a new generation of Maoris would find cultural acceptance and freedom in Jesus.
7-8 Afghanistan: The new government has a challenging time ahead.
Pray for God’s wisdom in the decisions they make and courage to practically uphold their agreement to the Human Rights Charter.
Afghanistan's living standards are among the lowest in the world. Much of the population continues to suffer from shortages of housing; clean water, electricity, medical care, and jobs, but the Afghan government and international donors remain committed to improving access to these basic necessities by prioritizing infrastructure development, education, housing development, jobs programs, and economic reform over the next year.
Pray that God will bring a lasting peace and justice to Afghanistan.
Under the Taliban regime women in Afghanistan were denied basic human rights and suffered cruelly at the hands of men. Pray that promised freedom will be a reality for women in Afghanistan. Afghanistan is one of the least reached countries in the world. There are an amazing 48,000 mosques. Under Taliban rule the death penalty was imposed for anyone converting from Islam.
Pray that this will not continue unofficially.
Approximately half the population is ‘Pashtuns’ – the largest Muslim tribal society in the world. There are 27 million Pashtuns living in Afghanistan and neighboring Pakistan.
Pray that those working with the Pashtuns will be encouraged and that they have breakthrough
9 Albania: In 1995 Albania was the most heavily ‘evangelized’ nation in Europe – by both Christians and Muslims.
Pray for a long term vision to see people meet Jesus and follow Him in a way that is culturally appropriate.
Most ethnic Albanians are Muslims and live outside Albania in Kosovo or Macedonia.
Pray that they would have opportunities to hear the gospel.
10-11 Algeria: The Berber peoples could make up as much as 40% of the population, but the Arab majority have tried to impose their culture on them and stopped them from using their own language. Thousands in the Kabyle region have become Christians and meet openly in their villages.
Pray for these churches – that they would be protected from persecution and grow in the faith in God.
As many as 2.5 million Algerians have left their country and moved to Europe. There could be more opportunity for them to hear about Jesus but also about Islam.
11 American Samoa: American Samoa consists of five volcanic and two tiny coral islands in the Southern Pacific Ocean. Lots of people have left the Church and joined the Mormons.
Pray that theirs eyes would be opened to this false teaching and that they find real life and truth in Jesus.
Andorra: Andorra, officially the Principality of Andorra is a small landlocked country in western Europe, located in the eastern Pyrenees mountains and bordered by Spain (Catalonia) and France (Northern Catalonia and old Occitania). Once isolated, it is currently a prosperous country mainly because of tourism and its status as a tax haven. The people of Andorra are currently listed as having the highest human life expectancies on Earth, at an average of 83.52 years (2007 est).
(Source: Wikipedia, 1/08)
Pray that that would come to know the giver of life.
12-13 Angola: In the first decade of violence Christians faced intense persecution and thousands were martyred or abducted. Throughout the suffering and devastation many Christians have remained strong in their faith and the church is growing.
Pray that a lasting peace can be restored to Angola.
Luanda and other cities are home to millions of refugees living in squalor and many orphaned or abandoned children struggle to survive.
Pray that churches and other groups can meet the needs of all those who are suffering.
13 Anguilla, Antigua: In the Caribbean Sea, Anguilla is at the northern end of the Leeward Islands. Anguilla refused to follow St Kitts and Nevis into independence and has remained a British dependent. Territory.
Pray for better cooperation between the 21 churches on the island.
In between the Caribbean and the Atlantic, Antigua and Barbuda have belonged to the Spanish, the French and lastly the British. The islands gained their independence in 1981.
Pray for the many refugees who came here from Montserrat after the volcanic eruption on their island.
14-15 Argentina: Most of the church growth is in the cities.
Pray that the Church will have a vision to impact their communities and do more to address the enormous poverty in the city.
Pray that the move of God will spread into rural areas.
**Thank You members for your prayers and support, united we can make a difference in each other lives!
Sunday, February 3, 2008
The Gift Of Gratitude
Give Thanks
Gratitude is a gift. It is a gift that constantly gives.
Being grateful is not an order or a burden. Gratitude is a perfect way to let God know you
are aware of His love and gifts. God is everything on this earth that you see and receive. From water earth air and trees to
you me and all the things we have and cherish. Why wouldn't you want to thank your Creator for all the love and gifts he bestows?
'I wish I had more' 'This is not enough' 'I would be happier if I had such and such' How often do we children of God say and think
these things? If you have been guilty of this then please consider Psalm 105:5 Remember the wondrous works that he has done, His miracles, and the judgements He uttered This verse does help to remind s that God's miraculous gifts and judgements help to enrich our lives and give us what we need. If you wish you had more money- be grateful you have some! So many have ZERO- you are so very lucky
to be able to take care of yourself and loved ones. You may say better health I desire- forgetting you COULD be sicker or even deceased
We take so much for granted by whining and complaining thus missing the blessings and gifts we have been given.
Psalm 103:2-4
Bless the Lord, O my soul and forget not his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity,
and heals all diseases, who redeems life from the pit who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy.
Gratitude is also a great way to serve God, letting Him know you understand and appreciate where all your gifts and miracles come from.
When you make the train or bus on time, the red light does not catch you in traffic, your mystery aliments are cured in nick of time, and affordable, loved ones say just the things to cheer you up, you meet your soulmate,get a new great job, or a loved one kicks a bad addiction- who do you think is behind all of that- who do you think you should be thanking?? God Himself!
God wants us to be happy and fulfilled while we are here and to sow seeds(putting gratitude and righteousness behind blessings)
How can it be difficult to give thanks to our Father in Heaven? How can you not think that God loves you enough to bestow blessings and
gifts unto you? As it says in Philipians 4:19 And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus
Gratitude turns blessings into more blessings, by acknowledging where and who gave them to us and what we are to do with them
Always know deep within your heart everything you have has God's name and approval attached to it-give thanks at all times.
Just say 'Lord thank you for blessing me or loved one,thank you Lord for your miracles and favors'
Constantly give thanks, let God guide all your favor and blessings- you will see the difference!
God bless all of you!
Gratitude is a gift. It is a gift that constantly gives.
Being grateful is not an order or a burden. Gratitude is a perfect way to let God know you
are aware of His love and gifts. God is everything on this earth that you see and receive. From water earth air and trees to
you me and all the things we have and cherish. Why wouldn't you want to thank your Creator for all the love and gifts he bestows?
'I wish I had more' 'This is not enough' 'I would be happier if I had such and such' How often do we children of God say and think
these things? If you have been guilty of this then please consider Psalm 105:5 Remember the wondrous works that he has done, His miracles, and the judgements He uttered This verse does help to remind s that God's miraculous gifts and judgements help to enrich our lives and give us what we need. If you wish you had more money- be grateful you have some! So many have ZERO- you are so very lucky
to be able to take care of yourself and loved ones. You may say better health I desire- forgetting you COULD be sicker or even deceased
We take so much for granted by whining and complaining thus missing the blessings and gifts we have been given.
Psalm 103:2-4
Bless the Lord, O my soul and forget not his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity,
and heals all diseases, who redeems life from the pit who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy.
Gratitude is also a great way to serve God, letting Him know you understand and appreciate where all your gifts and miracles come from.
When you make the train or bus on time, the red light does not catch you in traffic, your mystery aliments are cured in nick of time, and affordable, loved ones say just the things to cheer you up, you meet your soulmate,get a new great job, or a loved one kicks a bad addiction- who do you think is behind all of that- who do you think you should be thanking?? God Himself!
God wants us to be happy and fulfilled while we are here and to sow seeds(putting gratitude and righteousness behind blessings)
How can it be difficult to give thanks to our Father in Heaven? How can you not think that God loves you enough to bestow blessings and
gifts unto you? As it says in Philipians 4:19 And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus
Gratitude turns blessings into more blessings, by acknowledging where and who gave them to us and what we are to do with them
Always know deep within your heart everything you have has God's name and approval attached to it-give thanks at all times.
Just say 'Lord thank you for blessing me or loved one,thank you Lord for your miracles and favors'
Constantly give thanks, let God guide all your favor and blessings- you will see the difference!
God bless all of you!
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Daily Prayer
Read the following prayer and if it expresses the desire of your heart repeat it to God.
Dear God,
I know that I have sinned and my sin separated me from You. I do believe Jesus died on the cross for me and rose from the dead so my sin can be forgiven. God please forgive me. I ask Jesus to come into my heart and be my Lord and Savior. I will obey you and live for you the rest of my life. Thank you for the gift of eternal life. Thank you for loving me.
In Jesus Name I Pray, Amen
Dear God,
I know that I have sinned and my sin separated me from You. I do believe Jesus died on the cross for me and rose from the dead so my sin can be forgiven. God please forgive me. I ask Jesus to come into my heart and be my Lord and Savior. I will obey you and live for you the rest of my life. Thank you for the gift of eternal life. Thank you for loving me.
In Jesus Name I Pray, Amen
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
