40 Days of Prayer-Day 23

40 Days of Prayer-Day 23

There are many among our family, friends, co-workers, and acquaintances that we know are outside of Christ and living under Satan’s power. But they are powerless to change. They are blinded by Satan. “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God should shine unto them”. 2 Cor 4:3-4 The key to their salvation is to remove the veil that blinds them. They need an unveiling or revelation of God’s truth. God has given the believer authority to pull down Satan’s strongholds and to bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. 2 Cor. 10:4-5. Intercessory prayer for the lost will pull down Satan’s strongholds and will remove the veil from the mind of the unbeliever. God’s will is that we pray for those who are under the power of Satan as follows: (1) That God will draw them to himself. John 6:44; (2) That they seek to know God. Acts 17:27; (3) That they believe the Word of God. 1 Thess 2:13; (4) That Satan is bound from blinding them to the truth and his influences in their life be cast down. 2 Cor. 4:4, 10:4-5; (5) That the Holy Spirit works in them. John 16:8-13; (6) That they turn from sin. Acts 3:19; (6) That they believe in Christ as their Savior. John 1:12; (7) That they obey Christ as Lord. Matt. 7:21; (8) That they take root and grow in Christ. Col 2:6-7. PRAYER: Father baptize us with your Holy Spirit and bring revival into our lives and churches, and lead us to become true prayer warriors for the unsaved. May your character be reflected in our lives and help us to advance your kingdom.

40 Days of Prayer-Day 22

40 Days of Prayer-Day 22

The solution to the need for revival  among God’s people (Laodicean condition) is the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Jesus says “Behold I stand at the door and knock; if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him and he with me.” Rev. 3:20.  It is through the baptism of the Holy Spirit that  Jesus lives in the believers. 1 John 3:24. The infilling of the Holy Spirit will bring revival to the Christian and to the church such that God can use us as a means of delivering others from the powers of darkness. A revival of true godliness is what is most needed to usher in the latter rain. Jesus said “I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled.” Luke 12:49  The fire that Jesus spoke of was the Holy Spirit. Luke 3:16, Acts 2:3-4 The revival that is needed in the church is experienced simply by claiming God’s promise and unitedly praying for the baptism of the Holy Spirit in the church. Acts 1:14, Acts 2:1. PRAYER: Father baptize us with your Holy Spirit and bring revival into our lives and your church. Revive us and make us rejoice in you.

40 Days of Prayer-Day 21

40 Days of Prayer-Day 21

 

Something that should be served hot is barely palateable when it is warm i.e. tea. Food that should be served cold is thrown away if it is warm, i.e. icecream.  God feels the same way about His professed followers. God would rather we be hot or cold and not luke warm Christians. He

has no taste for such Christians and will spue them out of His mouth. Rev. 3:14-21.  Like the icecream and the tea above, luke warm Christians  are unaware of their condition. They believe they are still fulfilling the purpose for which they were made.  But it is the Holy Spirit that quickeneth and makes us aware of our true condition.  John 6:63. God desires that those who represent Him in these last days be hot. But at least if we are cold, no one will mistakenly believe that we reresent Him. It is those who merely profess Him but do not obey Him that are not only a danger to themselves but a danger to the salvation of others. James 4:17, 1 John 2:10. Jesus revealed how life would flow from His church from true "hot" believers . John 7:38-39. PRAYER: Father baptize us with your Holy Spirit and bring us out of our lukewarm Laodicean condition. Have mercy on our spirtual numbness and affilictions and forgive all of our sins.

40 Days of Prayer-Day 20

40 Days of Prayer-Day 20

Both before Jesus began His earthly ministry, and before Jesus returns the second time God sent and will again send an “Elijah Message”. The purpose of the Elijah Message was/is to prepare people for the coming of Jesus. (Mal. 4:5-6) John the Baptist prepared people for Jesus’ earthly ministry. Matt. 11:13-15, Luke 1:17) Holy Spirit filled believers today will prepare people for Jesus’ second coming. (Rev 14:6-12). The Elijah Message brings a spirit of revival and reformation.  It brings a new expression of love to the family that spreads from there to the community, society, and government. It will bring the power of love and blessings into families that receive it and curses upon those who reject it. (Mal. 4:6, Ex. 20:5-6). It will work to unite disobedient children with God.(Mal. 4:6) There are 12 characteristics of Elijah and John the Baptist and those who will be preaching the Elijah Message today:  they (1) will present unpopular truth boldly, clearly and without compromise. Mark 13:9, 2 Tim. 4:3-4; (2) will have a simple diet and lifestyle. 1 Kings 17:11, Mark 1:6, 1 Cor. 10:31. There is a strong connection between what we eat and drink and our mental clarity and ability to discern truth. A simple diet and lifestyle helps us resist temptation; (3)their clothing will be modest and simple. 2 Kings 1:8, Mark 1:6, 1 Tim 2:9, Eph 4:24; (4)  will train, disciple and mobilize others to the truth. 1 Kings 19:19, Luke 7:18; (5) will preach repentance and baptism. 2 Kings 2:6, Matt 3:5-6; (6) will reflect the meek and humble character of Christ. 1 Kings 18:42, Matt. 3:11, Micah 6:8; (7)will endure persecution. 1 Kings 18:42, Mark 6:24, Rev. 12:17; (8) will go ahead to prepare the way for the approaching King. 1 Kings 18:46, Luke 3:4, Rev. 14:6; (9) will make glorifying God their top priority. 1 Kings 18:37, John 3:30; (10) will repair the breach or alter of God i.e. return to godliness and the word of God as the source of all truth. 1 Kings 18:30, Matt. 3:1-2, Isa. 58:12; (11) their messages will spark revival and reformation.  1 Kings 18:19, 21, Mark 1:4-5; (12) their messages will point people to Christ. 1 Kings 18:36, John 1:29. PRAYER: Father baptize us with your Holy Spirit and fill us with your love. Turn our hearts to you and prepare us to give the Elijah Message.

Heavy Weight Champions

Eph 6:11-13, Rom 13:14

Are there people in your life that just continue to do you wrong, continue to hurt you, continue throw you under the bus, then kick you after  you’re down?  You can’t understand how they can be so cold, unfeeling, mean and hateful to you. It could be your child, your friend, your co-worker, and yes even your spouse.  But consider this, how they are treating you is not aimed at you. It’s aimed at God. Their rebellion, disrespect, and disregard is really their anger at God. But they can’t get to God so they lash out at the next closest thing, you. And it sure feels like their attack is against you. But we don’t wrestle against flesh and blood. We wrestle against principalities and powers, and with the rulers of darkness and  spiritual wickedness in high places. The ones who are attacking you are not equipped for the battle and are quickly defeated. Put on Christ, so you can withstand the crossfire and win the match.

Buried Treasure

Buried Treasure

Matt 13:44-46

The man often took long walks in solitude. He loved to smell the fresh air, to hear the sounds of nature, to feel the wind and sun on his face. Today  he decided to venture off the beaten path into a field he had not traversed before. As he walked, contemplating life, he stumbled over something on the ground. Looking down he saw something sticking up out of the ground, just barely visible. Intrigued, he got down on his hands and knees to investigate.  With both hands he began to brush away the dirt and debris  from  the object. The more he uncovered the more his excitement grew.  Breathlessly, he began to realize that this was no ordinary object. Looking around to see if anyone was watching him, but seeing no one, he grasped the object with both hands and tugged. The earth gave way and the object burst forth into his hands. The man was beside himself with joy as he beheld the object. With his shirt, he painstakingly cleaned, rubbed and polished the object until it shown with a radiance and beauty that was splendid to behold. It’s absolute purity and magnificence was out of this world! He loved the treasure he had found.  He decided he had to have this object, no matter what the cost. He had a special place in his home just for this treasure. So, with special care, he reburied the treasure in the earth, marking the spot. Then he hurried home. With determination and purpose he decided he would give everything he had in order to purchase the field that contained the treasure.  EVERYTHING.  And it cost him his life. The man was Jesus and the treasure is you! What will you give in return?

Rescued From Above

Rescued From Above

Matt 6:13, Zech 3:2, Acts 5:31, Matt 7:11

If you are in a burning house, would you rather be saved in the fire or saved from the fire? If the fireman merely came in and stood with you while the fire consumed you both, are you even saved? Of course not! Thank God that Christ doesn’t save us “in” our sins, but snatches us up out of the fire the moment we repent and turn from iniquity. He saves us “from” the fire. He then pardons or forgives our sins. But whom He Pardons, He first makes penitent. And repentance is a gift from God. We don’t need to struggle with sin. You know the routine, one day we’re strong and the next day we fall. All we have to do is pray for the gift of repentance and our heavenly father is more willing to give good gifts to us than our earthly fathers.