"... let us cast off the works of darkness,
and let us put on the armor of light."
Romans 13:12
__________________________________________________________
Dear Saints Who are Praying for Revival,
SEEK ME
Tired? Had a busy day? Seek me …
Relax. Lie on the couch. Let’s watch a movie. One with some cursing, fornication, and murder isn’t too bad. It won’t harm you. You know better. You just need some time to think about something else and unwind.
It’s a new day. Seek me …
Get your coffee and let’s see what’s happening on the news front today. There’s so much going on in the world. You have to stay informed! Let’s check in with Face Book and see what your friends are doing. Did anyone like what I posted yesterday? Some of those videos are so hilarious. Well, better be getting ready for the day. There’s a lot on the “To Do List” that needs to get done. Oh, yeah…I’ll pray in the car.
On the job … Seek me …
Your friend starts sharing some nasty details about a run-in with another employee. You’re ears are hungry to hear more, because, after all, that person offended you too, more than once! Tell them what they did to you. At lunch with other colleagues, you just have to share the whole episode…other people need to know about this situation. It’s so terrible!
Desire … Seek me …
You’re so busy running the company. Family life and being with your wife is so mundane. Your corporate life is full of excitement and on the move with advancement. And that new manager and I have so much in common. She understands me and encourages me. When we go to lunch we laugh about everything. It makes my day. I wonder what it would be like if we spend the next business trip together … after all, I have needs that my wife does not satisfy.
Bored? Seek me …
You just don’t enjoy those church services anymore. The music, the teaching; it’s always the same old thing. Instead of going to church today, why not take the family fishing on the lake. It’s a beautiful day to be in nature. You can worship God in peace and be thankful for everything He made. God won’t mind just this once …
“I pray for them.
I do not pray for the world
but for those whom You have given Me,
for they are Yours.
And all Mine are Yours,
and Yours are Mine,
and I am glorified in them.
Now I am no longer in the world,
but these are in the world,
and I come to You.
Holy Father, keep through Your name
those whom You have given Me,
that they may be one
as We are.
While I was with them in the world,
I kept them in Your name…
“But now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.
“I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one.” (John 17:9-15)
SEEKING:
THE WORLD
Lord, why do Christians allow this to happen?
“They stopped seeking Me.”
SLIPPAGE
Definition of Slippage: an act or instance of slipping; the amount of slipping or the extent to which slipping occurs; failure to maintain an expected level, fulfill a goal, meet a deadline; loss, decline, or delay; a falling off.
THE HEART: The Root of the Matter
You can identify what’s going on in your heart by looking at what you desire or seek after, especially when you wake up each day. What are your first thoughts? What are your beginning actions for the day? What have you planned for the day?
Faith comes by Hearing, and Hearing by the Word of God
The teaching or ministry of God’s Word only travels through two avenues.
1. Personal Bible Study
2. Another Member of the Body of Christ
Ministry Gifts: Equip the Saints!
Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers are anointed by the Holy Spirit for the perfecting of the saints for the work of ministry. Why? So the body of Christ is edified. The goal: to be united in faith and knowledge of our Savior; to be mature, fully developed in love … in Him. (Ephesians 4:11-16)
What happens when slippage begins to occur in the life of a child of God?
What happens when slippage begins to take hold of the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers?
That generation of Believers will begin to fracture, lose momentum, and forget their purpose. Eventually, the enemy will pull them back into the world. This is why revivals/awakenings only last for a period of time.
How can this be? One minister said, “Out of sight, out of mind.”
We can read about slippage in the Old Testament. Chapter after chapter reveal the ups and downs of Israel’s history. When they obeyed God and sought His face they prospered. When they tired of God’s ways and began to seek after the world they were led into idolatry and bondage.
The Cruelty of Rejection
The prophet Samuel reveals the heart of Israel when they asked to have a king rule over them, rather than God. Why? Because they wanted to be like the other nations! “Heed the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them.” See 1 Samuel 8:7 and 19-20.
The LORD’s Prayer: John Chapter 17
Before going to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray to His Father in private, Jesus prayed for His disciples in the upper room. That prayer also included all those who would believe the gospel message through their word. That’s you and me! Jesus asked the Father to keep us from the evil one. “I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours.”
2016 — A Time for Correction
Definition of Correction: rectification, improvement, alteration, change, revision, modification, adjustment, discipline, punishment, reformation
The LORD is not only dealing with His body on earth, but also bringing correction to our nation and our government.
2016 — WATCH OUT FOR SLIPPAGE!
“They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.
Sanctify them by Your truth.
Your word is truth.” (John 17:16-17)
Don’t let the Word of God “slip” to the back of the line. Put God’s Word first place. It is your life’s foundation and the source of answered prayer. “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.” (John 15:7)
We’re going to have to be more fervent and watchful over our heart now because the pull of the world is not just all around us, but in our homes — and at our fingertips!
We can only live in this day, not in yesterday and not in tomorrow. What we do in this day, the decisions we make today, will affect our tomorrow, for good or for bad.
Everything we do is a seed we sow. And many seeds will produce a crop.
Tired? Had a busy day? Say NO to the world!
Seek God. “LORD, what’s something good to watch on TV?”
It’s a new day. Say NO to the world!
Seek God. When you get out of bed in the morning, lift your hands and bless God with your words! Proclaim restoration into your day. Spend quality time with Him.
On the job. Say NO to the world!
Seek God. Listen for His direction when someone begins to gossip and spread strife.
Desire? Say NO to the world!
Seek God. Submit to God. Cast down impure thoughts by taking every thought captive to Him. (2 Corinthians 10:3-5) Discipline your body. (1 Corinthians 9:27)
Bored? Say NO to the world!
Seek God. Praying always for your church and that utterance be given to your Pastor. (Ephesians 6:18-19)
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”( John 16:33)
Do Not Love the World
“Do not love the world
or the things in the world.
If anyone loves the world,
the love of the Father is not in him.
For all that is in the world--
the lust of the flesh,
the lust of the eyes,
and the pride of life--
is not of the Father but is of the world.
And the world is passing away,
and the lust of it;
but he who does the will of God abides forever.” 1 John 2:15-17
“We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him. “We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one. And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.
"Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.” (1 John 5:18-21)
Closing Comments
I sometimes see a homeless man on the streets of our city that looks like he has not had a bath in months. The body needs to be cleansed.
What about the spirit and soul of a Believer?
Christ gave Himself for the the church ... "That He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word ... " (Ephesians 6:26)
You and I need the Word more than we know. Take a shower every day!
After all, it is the foundation to answered prayer! (John 15:7)
PRAYER WITH PURPOSE:
Pray for these three people groups in your state:
The Glorious Church
The Lost
Elected Leaders
Copyright © 2013 – 2016 Prayer with Purpose; prayerwithpurpose.org
SEEK ME
Tired? Had a busy day? Seek me …
Relax. Lie on the couch. Let’s watch a movie. One with some cursing, fornication, and murder isn’t too bad. It won’t harm you. You know better. You just need some time to think about something else and unwind.
It’s a new day. Seek me …
Get your coffee and let’s see what’s happening on the news front today. There’s so much going on in the world. You have to stay informed! Let’s check in with Face Book and see what your friends are doing. Did anyone like what I posted yesterday? Some of those videos are so hilarious. Well, better be getting ready for the day. There’s a lot on the “To Do List” that needs to get done. Oh, yeah…I’ll pray in the car.
On the job … Seek me …
Your friend starts sharing some nasty details about a run-in with another employee. You’re ears are hungry to hear more, because, after all, that person offended you too, more than once! Tell them what they did to you. At lunch with other colleagues, you just have to share the whole episode…other people need to know about this situation. It’s so terrible!
Desire … Seek me …
You’re so busy running the company. Family life and being with your wife is so mundane. Your corporate life is full of excitement and on the move with advancement. And that new manager and I have so much in common. She understands me and encourages me. When we go to lunch we laugh about everything. It makes my day. I wonder what it would be like if we spend the next business trip together … after all, I have needs that my wife does not satisfy.
Bored? Seek me …
You just don’t enjoy those church services anymore. The music, the teaching; it’s always the same old thing. Instead of going to church today, why not take the family fishing on the lake. It’s a beautiful day to be in nature. You can worship God in peace and be thankful for everything He made. God won’t mind just this once …
“I pray for them.
I do not pray for the world
but for those whom You have given Me,
for they are Yours.
And all Mine are Yours,
and Yours are Mine,
and I am glorified in them.
Now I am no longer in the world,
but these are in the world,
and I come to You.
Holy Father, keep through Your name
those whom You have given Me,
that they may be one
as We are.
While I was with them in the world,
I kept them in Your name…
“But now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.
“I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one.” (John 17:9-15)
SEEKING:
THE WORLD
Lord, why do Christians allow this to happen?
“They stopped seeking Me.”
SLIPPAGE
Definition of Slippage: an act or instance of slipping; the amount of slipping or the extent to which slipping occurs; failure to maintain an expected level, fulfill a goal, meet a deadline; loss, decline, or delay; a falling off.
THE HEART: The Root of the Matter
You can identify what’s going on in your heart by looking at what you desire or seek after, especially when you wake up each day. What are your first thoughts? What are your beginning actions for the day? What have you planned for the day?
Faith comes by Hearing, and Hearing by the Word of God
The teaching or ministry of God’s Word only travels through two avenues.
1. Personal Bible Study
2. Another Member of the Body of Christ
Ministry Gifts: Equip the Saints!
Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers are anointed by the Holy Spirit for the perfecting of the saints for the work of ministry. Why? So the body of Christ is edified. The goal: to be united in faith and knowledge of our Savior; to be mature, fully developed in love … in Him. (Ephesians 4:11-16)
What happens when slippage begins to occur in the life of a child of God?
What happens when slippage begins to take hold of the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers?
That generation of Believers will begin to fracture, lose momentum, and forget their purpose. Eventually, the enemy will pull them back into the world. This is why revivals/awakenings only last for a period of time.
How can this be? One minister said, “Out of sight, out of mind.”
We can read about slippage in the Old Testament. Chapter after chapter reveal the ups and downs of Israel’s history. When they obeyed God and sought His face they prospered. When they tired of God’s ways and began to seek after the world they were led into idolatry and bondage.
The Cruelty of Rejection
The prophet Samuel reveals the heart of Israel when they asked to have a king rule over them, rather than God. Why? Because they wanted to be like the other nations! “Heed the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them.” See 1 Samuel 8:7 and 19-20.
The LORD’s Prayer: John Chapter 17
Before going to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray to His Father in private, Jesus prayed for His disciples in the upper room. That prayer also included all those who would believe the gospel message through their word. That’s you and me! Jesus asked the Father to keep us from the evil one. “I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours.”
2016 — A Time for Correction
Definition of Correction: rectification, improvement, alteration, change, revision, modification, adjustment, discipline, punishment, reformation
The LORD is not only dealing with His body on earth, but also bringing correction to our nation and our government.
2016 — WATCH OUT FOR SLIPPAGE!
“They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.
Sanctify them by Your truth.
Your word is truth.” (John 17:16-17)
Don’t let the Word of God “slip” to the back of the line. Put God’s Word first place. It is your life’s foundation and the source of answered prayer. “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.” (John 15:7)
We’re going to have to be more fervent and watchful over our heart now because the pull of the world is not just all around us, but in our homes — and at our fingertips!
We can only live in this day, not in yesterday and not in tomorrow. What we do in this day, the decisions we make today, will affect our tomorrow, for good or for bad.
Everything we do is a seed we sow. And many seeds will produce a crop.
Tired? Had a busy day? Say NO to the world!
Seek God. “LORD, what’s something good to watch on TV?”
It’s a new day. Say NO to the world!
Seek God. When you get out of bed in the morning, lift your hands and bless God with your words! Proclaim restoration into your day. Spend quality time with Him.
On the job. Say NO to the world!
Seek God. Listen for His direction when someone begins to gossip and spread strife.
Desire? Say NO to the world!
Seek God. Submit to God. Cast down impure thoughts by taking every thought captive to Him. (2 Corinthians 10:3-5) Discipline your body. (1 Corinthians 9:27)
Bored? Say NO to the world!
Seek God. Praying always for your church and that utterance be given to your Pastor. (Ephesians 6:18-19)
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”( John 16:33)
Do Not Love the World
“Do not love the world
or the things in the world.
If anyone loves the world,
the love of the Father is not in him.
For all that is in the world--
the lust of the flesh,
the lust of the eyes,
and the pride of life--
is not of the Father but is of the world.
And the world is passing away,
and the lust of it;
but he who does the will of God abides forever.” 1 John 2:15-17
“We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him. “We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one. And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.
"Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.” (1 John 5:18-21)
Closing Comments
I sometimes see a homeless man on the streets of our city that looks like he has not had a bath in months. The body needs to be cleansed.
What about the spirit and soul of a Believer?
Christ gave Himself for the the church ... "That He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word ... " (Ephesians 6:26)
You and I need the Word more than we know. Take a shower every day!
After all, it is the foundation to answered prayer! (John 15:7)
PRAYER WITH PURPOSE:
Pray for these three people groups in your state:
The Glorious Church
The Lost
Elected Leaders
Copyright © 2013 – 2016 Prayer with Purpose; prayerwithpurpose.org