"... not forsaking the assembling of ourselves
together, as is the manner of some ... and so much
more as you see the Day Approaching."
Hebrews 10:25
Dear Saints,
Over the Christmas break I had a couple of experiences that were not at all pleasing to me, but the Holy Spirit has reminded me more than once not to rehearse what the devil is doing in this world system. Why? Complaining doesn't change evil but the effective fervent prayer of the righteous avails much.
2014: THE CHURCH ARISING!
I’m sure you have heard some exciting words coming forth for the year 2014. Here are some things I have heard:
We’re hearing about so many good things that are going to happen for The Church this year. Yet, at the same time, I also perceive God is telling us to beware, for the world is descending into uncertain times. Be wise. Be steadfast. As we go further into 2014, part-time Christians who live life on the fence are open targets to the enemy’s schemes and lies, “giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons.” 1 Timothy 4:1
Born For a Plan
It’s quite a unique time which you and I have been appointed to serve God. That must mean it’s because we are a people who don’t give up but fight the good fight of faith; pioneers who are rebuilding ruined cities and overcoming evil with the weapons of warfare that are mighty in God. God does have an army in the land, full of His word, full of His Holy Spirit, and fervent to stand and continue to do God’s will no matter what!
If you have times when you feel outnumbered and alone, remember... that is not the Spirit of Truth speaking to you but the deceiver who wants to back you into a corner of despair and weakness. Jesus has already stripped the kingdom of darkness (Colossians 2:14-15) and we have been translated out of its grip of “bondage again to fear.” Rehearse the truth and what you have on your side as a member of Christ’s body. You and I are never alone!
As we see the Day approaching, do not forsake the assembling of one another but gather together even more. Read Hebrews 10:24-25
Think of this:
Combating Fear
“And when the servant of the man of God arose early and went out, there was an army, surrounding the city with horses and chariots. And his servant said to him, ‘Alas, my master! What shall we do?’
“So he answered, ‘Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.’ And Elisha prayed, and said, ‘LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.’
“Then the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha …” 2 Kings 6:16-18
Saints, that’s not just a cute Sunday School sermon but the reality of what is in the unseen realm.
Who We Are:
“… that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy. Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.” See 1 Peter 2:9-10
The Day of Visitation
When Jesus was in the synagogue in Nazareth He was handed the book of Isaiah and began to read. Before He closed the book, He quoted Isaiah 61:19, “To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.” Then He said,
“Today, this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”
The people of His hometown reasoned in unbelief, “Is this not Joseph’s son?” Even though they desired to throw Jesus off a cliff, He passed through their midst and went on with His assignment to preach, teach, and heal in the cities and towns.
Jesus was not deterred from His call. Neither are we.
Our generation is not like other generations. Most of us have seen immorality and lawlessness take hold of the land in our generation. That puts us right on target, for this same generation also has a grand assignment to participate with God in bringing in the harvest before the catching away of The Church.
This year is not business as usual.
We are coming into a season of things being very defined, like black and white. Jesus put it this way, “He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad.” Matthew 12:30 Remember the Lord’s teaching of the Tares and the Wheat? Matthew 13:36-43
Saints, there's two opposing teams in the earth.
Both are on the advance.
Only one will win!
Gideon’s Day of Visitation
There was one day that completely changed the course of a man and his nation.
The Angel of the Lord came to Gideon while he was hiding in fear of Israel’s enemies and said, “The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valor!” What follows in the next few chapters is an amazing account of what God can do when the time is fulfilled for a change in power. Gideon and his army of three hundred men obeyed God’s instruction to go to the edge of the enemy’s camp, blow their trumpets, break the pitchers that held their torches, and cry out “The Sword of the Lord and of Gideon!” The enemy fled in fear and confusion and Israel had a great victory. And not once did Gideon take his sword out of its sheath. Read Judges 7:1-25. There was a lot more going on here then what was visible in the natural.
God did not share all He would do for Gideon when the Angel of the Lord spoke to him. God’s plan unfolded as they went. This is how the just shall live, by faith.
“The Lord is not only with you mighty Christian of the Lord, but His Spirit resides inside you!”
God has a plan for His Church. God calls things that be not as though they were. “The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valor!” Just as God changed Gideon’s identity and reason for living, He has given us a new, TRUE identity in Christ Jesus. This must take root for the bigger plans of God to be accomplished in 2014.
Let’s get serious about renewing our minds and hearts to the truth of who we are in Christ so that we may serve Him in boldness. Here is the direct link to those scriptures: Who You Are Scriptures.
Accusations and condemnation must be cast out of your path! These daily disciplines produce strength for overcoming perilous times.
Where Are We Headed? The Perfect Man!
“And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;
“that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.” Ephesians 4:13-16
"But you , beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit." Jude 20
ASSIGNMENT: Edification
Read one chapter of the Book of Revelation out loud every day for this month of January. Just read it without studying it. You will be blessed. I will be blessed. We will be blessed!
PRAYER AND FASTING:
I would like to ask you to join me in prayer every Wednesday for this month of January. Pray-ers who live on the East Coast and those in the Central States are experiencing extreme cold while we here in California have been experiencing 80 degree temperatures. That's unusual even for California and we need rain. Los Angeles received only 4 inches of rain last year. We can change these things if we join together in faith and are led of the Holy Spirit and pray. I have found it helpful to get out my U.S. map and pray over our nation. Let's include Canada and the area over the Pacific Ocean as well. It's our time to be like Jesus and bring order to the heavenlies! See Romans 8:19 and Genesis 1:26-28.
Other nations, please join us in praying for your nation's weather. The effective fervent prayer of the righteous avails much! James 5:16-18
PRAYING FOR:
The Church — The Lost — Elected Leaders
Copyright © 2013 – 2014 Prayer with Purpose; prayerwithpurpose.org
Over the Christmas break I had a couple of experiences that were not at all pleasing to me, but the Holy Spirit has reminded me more than once not to rehearse what the devil is doing in this world system. Why? Complaining doesn't change evil but the effective fervent prayer of the righteous avails much.
2014: THE CHURCH ARISING!
I’m sure you have heard some exciting words coming forth for the year 2014. Here are some things I have heard:
- 2014 is the Year of Victory over Death and the Year of Manifested Love
- 2014 is the Year of the Greater
- 2014 is the Year of Miracles
- 2014 is the Year of the Supernatural
- 2014 is the Year of the Open Door
We’re hearing about so many good things that are going to happen for The Church this year. Yet, at the same time, I also perceive God is telling us to beware, for the world is descending into uncertain times. Be wise. Be steadfast. As we go further into 2014, part-time Christians who live life on the fence are open targets to the enemy’s schemes and lies, “giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons.” 1 Timothy 4:1
Born For a Plan
It’s quite a unique time which you and I have been appointed to serve God. That must mean it’s because we are a people who don’t give up but fight the good fight of faith; pioneers who are rebuilding ruined cities and overcoming evil with the weapons of warfare that are mighty in God. God does have an army in the land, full of His word, full of His Holy Spirit, and fervent to stand and continue to do God’s will no matter what!
If you have times when you feel outnumbered and alone, remember... that is not the Spirit of Truth speaking to you but the deceiver who wants to back you into a corner of despair and weakness. Jesus has already stripped the kingdom of darkness (Colossians 2:14-15) and we have been translated out of its grip of “bondage again to fear.” Rehearse the truth and what you have on your side as a member of Christ’s body. You and I are never alone!
As we see the Day approaching, do not forsake the assembling of one another but gather together even more. Read Hebrews 10:24-25
Think of this:
- The Father loved you so much He gave you His greatest gift: Jesus.
- Jesus loved His Father so much He gave His life to get you to His Father.
- The Father and Son love you so much that they gave you their Spirit to abide in you.
- Furthermore, they have given you the power of the written Word of God, the Kingdom of God, the armies of Heaven, Praise and Worship, citizen rights and benefits provided in the New Covenant, Eternal Life, the fellowship of the Saints, etc.
Combating Fear
“And when the servant of the man of God arose early and went out, there was an army, surrounding the city with horses and chariots. And his servant said to him, ‘Alas, my master! What shall we do?’
“So he answered, ‘Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.’ And Elisha prayed, and said, ‘LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.’
“Then the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha …” 2 Kings 6:16-18
Saints, that’s not just a cute Sunday School sermon but the reality of what is in the unseen realm.
Who We Are:
- a chosen generation
- a royal priesthood
- a holy nation
- His own special people
“… that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy. Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.” See 1 Peter 2:9-10
The Day of Visitation
When Jesus was in the synagogue in Nazareth He was handed the book of Isaiah and began to read. Before He closed the book, He quoted Isaiah 61:19, “To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.” Then He said,
“Today, this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”
The people of His hometown reasoned in unbelief, “Is this not Joseph’s son?” Even though they desired to throw Jesus off a cliff, He passed through their midst and went on with His assignment to preach, teach, and heal in the cities and towns.
Jesus was not deterred from His call. Neither are we.
Our generation is not like other generations. Most of us have seen immorality and lawlessness take hold of the land in our generation. That puts us right on target, for this same generation also has a grand assignment to participate with God in bringing in the harvest before the catching away of The Church.
This year is not business as usual.
We are coming into a season of things being very defined, like black and white. Jesus put it this way, “He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad.” Matthew 12:30 Remember the Lord’s teaching of the Tares and the Wheat? Matthew 13:36-43
Saints, there's two opposing teams in the earth.
Both are on the advance.
Only one will win!
Gideon’s Day of Visitation
There was one day that completely changed the course of a man and his nation.
The Angel of the Lord came to Gideon while he was hiding in fear of Israel’s enemies and said, “The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valor!” What follows in the next few chapters is an amazing account of what God can do when the time is fulfilled for a change in power. Gideon and his army of three hundred men obeyed God’s instruction to go to the edge of the enemy’s camp, blow their trumpets, break the pitchers that held their torches, and cry out “The Sword of the Lord and of Gideon!” The enemy fled in fear and confusion and Israel had a great victory. And not once did Gideon take his sword out of its sheath. Read Judges 7:1-25. There was a lot more going on here then what was visible in the natural.
God did not share all He would do for Gideon when the Angel of the Lord spoke to him. God’s plan unfolded as they went. This is how the just shall live, by faith.
“The Lord is not only with you mighty Christian of the Lord, but His Spirit resides inside you!”
God has a plan for His Church. God calls things that be not as though they were. “The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valor!” Just as God changed Gideon’s identity and reason for living, He has given us a new, TRUE identity in Christ Jesus. This must take root for the bigger plans of God to be accomplished in 2014.
Let’s get serious about renewing our minds and hearts to the truth of who we are in Christ so that we may serve Him in boldness. Here is the direct link to those scriptures: Who You Are Scriptures.
Accusations and condemnation must be cast out of your path! These daily disciplines produce strength for overcoming perilous times.
Where Are We Headed? The Perfect Man!
“And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;
“that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.” Ephesians 4:13-16
"But you , beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit." Jude 20
ASSIGNMENT: Edification
Read one chapter of the Book of Revelation out loud every day for this month of January. Just read it without studying it. You will be blessed. I will be blessed. We will be blessed!
PRAYER AND FASTING:
I would like to ask you to join me in prayer every Wednesday for this month of January. Pray-ers who live on the East Coast and those in the Central States are experiencing extreme cold while we here in California have been experiencing 80 degree temperatures. That's unusual even for California and we need rain. Los Angeles received only 4 inches of rain last year. We can change these things if we join together in faith and are led of the Holy Spirit and pray. I have found it helpful to get out my U.S. map and pray over our nation. Let's include Canada and the area over the Pacific Ocean as well. It's our time to be like Jesus and bring order to the heavenlies! See Romans 8:19 and Genesis 1:26-28.
Other nations, please join us in praying for your nation's weather. The effective fervent prayer of the righteous avails much! James 5:16-18
PRAYING FOR:
The Church — The Lost — Elected Leaders
Copyright © 2013 – 2014 Prayer with Purpose; prayerwithpurpose.org