ipraywithfire

Mark 10:13-16   13 And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.14 But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.15 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.16 And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.

The word says whoever shall receive the Kingdom of God like a small child shall be the one to enter into God’s Kingdom.  Adults can surely learn a lot from the character of little children.   Children trust easily especially their parents.  They will jump off of a counter into the arms of their parents trusting all the way that their parents will catch them and take care of them.  Doubt doesn’t enter their minds, they just dash forth.  Out of the mouths of babes questions come forth that others may be afraid to ask.  The little children just want to know the reason why.   They don’t use big words or pretense, no thees and thous or Amens at the end of every sentence, just simply keeping it real.  They may not want to share their toys and will sometimes fight, but they also forgive and forget quickly and are friends again in an instance.  Our own battles may be much greater, but we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us and remember also that there is nothing too hard for God.

So teach them to pray as like having a conversation with God.  Thank you God for my Mommy and Daddy, bless them God.  I didn’t like Tommy taking my toy today, but I am glad that he is my friend.  Forgive me for being a bad boy/girl today.  I promise to do better, Amen.  One last thing, as they continue to grow older, pray with them as a family, always leave the door open for them to be transparent with you.  Listen, don’t judge, ask God to keep them and cover them and teach you how to be there for them through the storms and victories of life. Remember, you where a kid once and you were also, immature.

Prayer - El Shaddai, in the name of Jesus, You said that Your house is a house of prayer.  As you have taught me to pray, help me to teach my children to pray.  Bless us to pray together as a family and to petition You daily even when we are apart.  You are Abba, my Father and their Father and Your name is greater than any name.  Let Your kingdom continue to come Lord in every way, keep me and my children so that none be lost Lord. When they fear, remind them of Your perfect love which caste out all fear.  When I am troubled and they see me concerned, bless us to come together and pray and give the matter to You Lord who cares for me and my children.  I come against everything that would hinder our prays and keep us from seeking You Lord.  I command mountains to move out of my way and our way and I caste them into the sea, in Jesus name, I pray, Amen.  To God be the glory for all that He has done.

The prodigal son we’re going to use today as a story of a run-a-way.  He was one who ran off with his inheritance at an early age.  He did not wait for his father to die and leave him an inheritance, but asked his father for it while his father was yet alive, and his father obliged him.  He quickly went through all that he had by being wasteful, extravagant and reckless.  He spent it all. 

Luke 15:11-32   11 And he said, A certain man had two sons:12 And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.13 And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.14 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.15 And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.16 And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.25 Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing.26 And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.27 And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.28 And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.29 And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:30 But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.31 And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.32 It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.

Prayer

Most High God, Creator of heaven and earth, Keeper of my soul, in the name of Jesus I give you praise and thanksgiving for all my children for generations to come.  Today Lord, I thank You for keeping them from danger, traps, sickness and snares.  Lord I pray that Your mighty hand always be with them and that Your keep them from all hurt and harm so that they do not grieve and do not cause pain.  Lord bless those your children who have run away from You spiritually and their families physically.  Lord help them find their way back to Your arms back home where they belong.  Let them rush into Your warm embrace and be comforted right now in the name of Jesus, like never before.  Bless them also Lord to return home to their earthly mothers and fathers in Jesus name, I pray.  Father I bind up all disunity in the family, all anger and fear and caste it to dry places.  I command the spirit of rebellion to dry up and go from our children right now in the name of Jesus.  As the prodigal son came to his senses and returned home from a foreign land, Lord return all run-a-way children to their parents and guardians in Jesus name.  Thank You sweet Jesus, for caring for them, protecting than and watching over them, Amen.

Day  10 – Tuesday - August 28, 2012                       Missing children

What anguish a parent must feel to have a child that is missing. Only God can take a situation like that and use it for His glory.  In Genesis, there is an account of how Joseph was favored by his father Jacob and was given a coat of many colors.  He dreams that he is more esteemed than his brothers.  They become angry and jealous, desire to kill him, but later sell him into slavery.  He ends up in Egypt first in Pontiphar’s house, whose wife accuses him of molesting her because he would not sleep with her.  He goes to prison and God shows him great favor everywhere he goes.  Eventually he ends up second in charge of all Egypt.  There is a big famine in all the lands and Egypt because they followed the plans of Joseph are the only ones with food.  It’s an exciting story, you’ve got to read the entire account in Genesis chapters 37-47.  Ultimately, he saved Jacob and his entire household and the son whom Jacob was afraid was dead is yet alive.  

Genesis 37:12-35

12 And his brethren went to feed their father's flock in Shechem.13 And Israel said unto Joseph, Do not thy brethren feed the flock in Shechem? come, and I will send thee unto them. And he said to him, Here am I.14 And he said to him, Go, I pray thee, see whether it be well with thy brethren, and well with the flocks; and bring me word again. So he sent him out of the vale of Hebron, and he came to Shechem.15 And a certain man found him, and, behold, he was wandering in the field: and the man asked him, saying, What seekest thou?16 And he said, I seek my brethren: tell me, I pray thee, where they feed their flocks.17 And the man said, They are departed hence; for I heard them say, Let us go to Dothan. And Joseph went after his brethren, and found them in Dothan.18 And when they saw him afar off, even before he came near unto them, they conspired against him to slay him.19 And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh.20 Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit, and we will say, Some evil beast hath devoured him: and we shall see what will become of his dreams.21 And Reuben heard it, and he delivered him out of their hands; and said, Let us not kill him.22 And Reuben said unto them, Shed no blood, but cast him into this pit that is in the wilderness, and lay no hand upon him; that he might rid him out of their hands, to deliver him to his father again.23 And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brethren, that they stripped Joseph out of his coat, his coat of many colors that was on him;24 And they took him, and cast him into a pit: and the pit was empty, there was no water in it.25 And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a company of Ishmaelites came from Gilead with their camels bearing spicery and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt.26 And Judah said unto his brethren, What profit is it if we slay our brother, and conceal his blood?27 Come, and let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and let not our hand be upon him; for he is our brother and our flesh. And his brethren were content.28 Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt.29 And Reuben returned unto the pit; and, behold, Joseph was not in the pit; and he rent his clothes.30 And he returned unto his brethren, and said, The child is not; and I, whither shall I go?31 And they took Joseph's coat, and killed a kid of the goats, and dipped the coat in the blood;32 And they sent the coat of many colors, and they brought it to their father; and said, This have we found: know now whether it be thy son's coat or no.33 And he knew it, and said, It is my son's coat; an evil beast hath devoured him; Joseph is without doubt rent in pieces.34 And Jacob rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his loins, and mourned for his son many days.35 And all his sons and all his daughters rose up to comfort him; but he refused to be comforted; and he said, For I will go down into the grave unto my son mourning. Thus his father wept for him.

We know that there are many situations in which children go missing and are never found again.  Let’s pray today that God will reveal the locations of all missing children alive and dead and pray for justice for them, Amen.

Prayer - Father God in the name of Jesus, You see and know all things.  You have eyes that see, ears that hear, hands that hold and comfort, a mouth that speaks.  Lord You are great and mighty and greatly to be praised.  There is no one greater than you Lord!  You know the locations of all missing children, the run-a-ways, the ones who have been taken by other family members, even the ones who have been kidnaped and abducted.  Lord expose their where-a-bouts, protect them and keep them safe from all harm.  Comfort their parents and families Lord, and bless them with your peace in the midst of the storm.  Lord you said that Your eyes are upon the righteous and Your ears are attentive to their cries.  Lord hear our petitions today, be with all the missing children right now Lord.  Place a strong hedge of protection around them, calm them from their fears.  Let Your hand be with them Lord and bring them home.  Father I come against every predator and kidnapper, those who would prey on young children and decree and declare that their plans are spoiled right now in the name of Jesus. I call for Michael the archangel, Your heavenly host and Your warring angels to come forth and protect all the missing children from every arrow and dart of evil right now in Jesus name, Amen.

Our children are truly our heritage and a blessing from the Lord.  It is our children and our children’s children who continue to carry the legacy of our families.  Lord as you first loved us, You placed such anticipation in our heart for our unborn children, we get some idea of what it must be like to love unconditionally.  Once they arrive, You bless us to lead and guide them in the ways of the Lord.  For those who follow You, their offspring and seed are blessed for a thousand generations to come, Halleluiah!  You don’t forsake the righteous and the seed of the righteous do not beg for bread, you ably provide for us and our offspring.  You’re Jehovah Jireh our provider and are constantly taking care of our every need.  Thank You Lord for blessing us with our seed and for providing us with our daily bread. 

Ephesians 6:1-3   1Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. 2Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; 3That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

Prayer - El Shaddai, Lord God Almighty, You’re awesome, majestic and perfect in all your ways.  In Jesus name Lord, I thank you for the blessing of my offspring and seed who are my children, for every good and perfect gift comes from above.   At an early age Lord, our children’s minds are so impressionable, Lord bless them to be led by Your Spirit.  Help them to stand and not fold when pressed by their peers to stray from your teachings and divert the plans that you have for them.  Bless their teachers to be knowledgeable, effective and sensitive to Your Spirit.  Bless their schools to be places of wisdom and honesty and keep them safe there from all harm.  Bless them Lord with gifts and talents from on high, stir up their gifts and increase Your power in the gifts that you have given them and smear them with your anointing to give You glory.  Help them walk through all the doors that you have open and available to them for Your Glory Lord, in Jesus name I pray.  Lord I give you praise and thanksgiving for my children, Amen.

The Lord made woman as the mate for the husband, and He blessed her to be a wife and then a mother.  He made her a nurturer and care giver for her children.  Proverbs 31 says that she is a virtuous woman whose price is far more than rubies.  She does her husband good all the days of her life and gives to the poor and makes sure that there is good clothing for her family.  She keeps her tongue from evil and is not a woman of idleness, she makes good use of her time.  She is such an awesome woman that her children and her husband call her blessed and her husband gives her praise.

Genesis 3:20   And Adam called his wife's name Eve; because she was the mother of all living.

Proverbs 31:10-13,20-21 and 25 – 28   10Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.  11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.  12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.  13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.  20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.  21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.  25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.  26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.  27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.  28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

Prayer - Abba, our Father You are a mother to the motherless and a father to the fatherless in the name of Jesus we give you praise and thanksgiving.  It is You who have blessed us with mothers to show us love, who will make great sacrifices just for us and labor before You for our protection and salvation.  Thank you for blessing us with mothers who are and were virtuous.  You care for us from the cradle to the grave, and you blessed us with an earthly mother who will still call us baby even when our own babies are grown.  Lord we thank You!  Nobody but you could have made such a one who would change our dirty diapers, wipe our running noses, cook and clean and then count it all joy.  We thank You for our mothers and ask you to continue to prosper them, bless them with all spiritual blessing and use them to bring You Glory in Jesus name we pray, Amen.

When it was time for Adam to have a mate, God did something that He hadn’t done with any of His other creations.  Out of the ground He had formed all the birds of the air and the animals, even Adam was formed from the dust of the Earth.  He made woman as the helper to man, someone who would be comparable to him.  So God did the first successful surgery, He took a rib from Adam and used it to form Eve, the first woman and the first wife. 

Genesis 2:20-23   20 So Adam gave names to all cattle, to the birds of the air, and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper comparable to him.  21 And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept; and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place. 22 Then the rib which the Lord God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man.  23 And Adam said:

“This is now bone of my bones And flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man.”

Ephesians 5:22-24, 33    22Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. 23For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. 24Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. 33Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.

Prayer

To the only wise God, the God who is, the God who was and the risen Savior and Redeemer who will yet return again, Lord we bless Your name.  It is You who made the woman from the rib of Adam and fashioned her in such a manner that a man leaves his father and mother and cleaves to his wife.  You have made the wife the help mate for the husband.  Lord we ask you today to bless all the wives and keep them in all their ways.  Bless them with new vigor and Your prevailing power to overcome all obstacles that stand in their way. Lord bless the wife to honor her husband and to give her husband good advisement.  Let her sit at Your feet for Godly counsel and then show her how to advise her husband without attempting to assume his role as the head of the household.  Bless her to be a wise woman who always builds her house up and not tear it down in Jesus name we pray, Amen.

In the word the man, the father is the head of the household.  That is the way that God designed it, however in our society, many today do not want the commitment of providing for a family nor being faithful to a spouse.  A two parent household is still needed, though there are many single parents raising children all along, especially women.  The absence of a father is more prevalent than the absence of a mother.  There are qualities and traits that both the mother and the father have that are critical to the well upbringing of the children.  A mother can raise a son, but there are things that he needs to learn from a man.  He needs to know how to treat woman, especially his wife.  A daughter needs to hear from her father first how beautiful and wonderful she is, that she is his little princess, how to wait to be found, and learn the qualities and character of a good man.  He who finds a wife finds a good thing and receives favor from the Lord.  When there is only one parent in a household there will be an increase in stress and it will be more difficult for that one parent to do the job of both.  It’s so important that there also be a strong male role model, a brother or uncle in the lives of children where the father is absent.  Homosexuality is more common today which can also be contributed to the lack of a father in the household.

Proverbs 27:8 - Like a bird that strays from its nest is a man who strays from his home.  ESV

1 Timothy 5:8  - But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

Prayer - Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus bless Your sons to be the men that you have called them to be.  Bless them to be fathers and heads of households leading and guiding their children in the way of the Lord.  Let them not fall prey to the pressures of the world and leave their families and children behind to be raised alone.  Touch them and anoint them afresh to be men of valor after the heart of the Lord.  Strengthen them and bless them, cause them to prosper in the things that they set their hands to do.  Guide their every step in the paths that You have designed for them and bring them to an expected end, in Jesus name I pray, Amen.  All glory, praise and honor to You, my Lord, my Savior and my King!

Day   5 – August 23, 2012 – Fathers

When a man becomes a father, his role in the family is expanded.  Not only is he responsible for the welfare of his wife, but he is also responsible for his children.  God called him to be the head of the family.  A part of his responsibility to his children is to teach them about the Lord.  Separation or divorce of parents does not change the responsibility of the father to his children.  He is still charged with providing for them and for being present in their lives.

Ephesians 6:4   4And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Prayer - God the Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit, in the name of Jesus, Lord we thank you for blessing us with our earthly fathers.  As You watch over us at all times, You have also given us earthly fathers to train us and teach us and show us Your ways.  As Joseph taught Jesus and also provided for Jesus, Mary and the Lord’s siblings, bless us with fathers who are good role models and providers, men who love the Lord.  We ask you to strengthen our fathers and the men who have provided fatherly guidance in our lives right now.  Encourage them Lord when they get discouraged.  Bless them with the courage to move forward and to be the priests and heads of their households.  Guide their steps in right paths and may Your hand forever be with them.  Have Your way in their lives Lord, and use them for Your Glory. Lord draw those fathers who have become separated from their families and bless them to be active participants and present in the lives of all of their children, in Jesus name we pray, Amen. 

Day 4 – August 22, 2012                   Husbands

All members of the family have specific roles.  God has given specific instructions to husbands as to how they are to treat their wives and their children.

Ephesians 5:25-33   25Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. 28So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. 29For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: 30For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. 31For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. 32This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. 33Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.

Prayer -  Lord God Almighty in the name of Jesus, You have set the husband as head of the household and called the wife to be his help mate.  Oh Lord we lift up the husbands to you today and ask you to bless them all.  Lead and guide them in rights paths, in paths of righteousness for Your Glory. You knew that the wives would love their husbands, so you called the wives to also honor their husbands.  Help them submit to one another and honor each other until they are parted by death, in Jesus name, Amen

Day 3 –August 21, 2012                    The 5-fold Ministry

In the Body of Christ, God purposed specific work for the 5-Fold Ministry.  He is still calling the 5-Fold Ministry today for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, and for the edifying of the body of Christ.  The work has not changed over time, it yet remains the same.  So we should give no place to pride or haughty thoughts exalting ourselves above others, and not think too highly of ourselves.  The same One who has raised us up from our humble circumstances and gifted us with His anointing has need of us to work in concert, in harmony with like minds and like spirits until He returns.

Ephesians 4:7-16   7But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. 8Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. 9(Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? 10He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: 14That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

Prayer  -  Father God you have called the 5-Fold Ministry to perform specific work for You for the perfecting of the Saints until Your return.  In Jesus name Lord bless the 5-Fold Ministry to walk together in agreement with like minds and like spirits, doing great and mighty works on Your behalf to bring you glory.  Lord we bind up all discord and competitive spirits right now within the 5- Fold Ministry in the name of Jesus and command them to dry up and we cast them into the sea, in Jesus name, Amen. 

We are all one big family in the Body of Christ and God has called us to be unified together on one accord to carry out the Great Co-Mission, Jesus with us saving souls (Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature).  When we work together as one, we’re unmovable, unshakable and unstoppable!

Ephesians 4:1-6   1I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, 2With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

Prayer - Lord God Almighty, the One who is the Alpha and the Omega, the Rock of Ages, the one and only Living God, Lord we magnify You, we lift you up on high and we give Your name glory.  You are our soon and coming King.  In Jesus name, we offer You thanksgiving and praise for You are the lover of our souls, our burden bearers and our place of refuge.  Lord forgive us for sowing seeds of discord in our own family, the Body of Christ.  Forgive us for placing more weight in doctrines verses coming together on one accord in agreement with the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus which brought us salvation and saved our souls.  Bless us to let go of our differences and embrace the truth for the blood of Jesus which cleansed the nations.  Help us to live lives that are transformed and holy and acceptable unto You.  Forgive our sins and restore our souls.   Lord we ask you to smear the Body of Christ with your anointing with your fresh oil for the new wineskins that You have given us, in Jesus name we pray, Amen.  

50 DAYS OF PRAYER

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August 19 – October 7

Fast 21-Days September 16 – October 7

THE FAMILY

A family is a social unit which may include parents and children, a husband and a wife, sisters and brothers, aunts, uncles and cousins, even in-laws, step children and step parents.  They may all live together or in separate dwellings.  The family will function well together when they reside in unity, however when there is disharmony and disunity they may be labeled as dysfunctional and may experience much discord and conflict.  As we were fasting during our first 50 Days of Prayer: Praying  from Passover to Pentecost, God placed in my heart that we should set aside another 50 days to pray specifically for our families.  We are familiar with traditional family units and even those which are classified as dysfunctional; however we’re going to begin our first day of prayer by praying for God’s Family.     

Day 1 – August 19, 2012                   Who is God’s Family:  The Family of Jesus

Mark 3:31-35   31 There came then his brethren and his mother, and, standing without, sent unto him, calling him.32 And the multitude sat about him, and they said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren without seek for thee.33 And he answered them, saying, Who is my mother, or my brethren?34 And he looked round about on them which sat about him, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!35 For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother.

Jesus identifies those who will do the will of the Father as His brother, His sister and His mother.  So those who do the will of the Father is His family.  The world didn’t know Him and it does not know us.  Those who believe in Him continue to change, repent of their sins and stop sinning habitually, for a seed of righteousness has been planted in them.  The children of God exhibit His character, they show love towards their brothers and sisters and do what is right.  Those who do not do what is right and do not love their brothers and sisters are following the ways of the devil.  They shall be known by their fruit.

Prayer

John 1:35-42

Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples;36 And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!37 And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.38 Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou?39 He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour.40 One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother.41 He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.42 And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.

Andrew was one of the first disciples to follow Jesus.  Notice that he wasted no time in bringing his brother Simon (whom Jesus called Cephas/Peter) to  Jesus.  Once we are saved and make the connection and start a relationship with Jesus  we have got to tell others and spread the good news of the gospel.  Be like Andrew, start first in your family and do it quickly.  Don't concern yourself with how you will be received. Plant seeds within your family and God will do the rest.  He may send others to water the seeds that you plant.  He is the Lord of the Harvest and is well able to draw them into the Kingdom of God.  Some may be like Peter and come immediately, while others may take some time.  Never give up on them, continue to pray for them and all lost souls.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus, You are the Lord of the Harvest, the One who has the kings heart in Your hand and can turn it anyway that you want.  Lord I ask you today to touch the hearts of my family members who are not saved, draw them close and near into Your Kingdom.  I plead the blood of Jesus over their lives and ask you to save their souls.  Have mercy upon my love ones Lord and set them all free, in Jesus name I pray, Amen.   Lord I thank You and bless You for saving my family!

To all who are reading this post today, I invite you to join us on the prayer line and make known your prayer request/s.  You may also forward your request/s by facebook.

James 1:2-5 

2My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.  4But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.  5If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

Romans 5:3-5

3And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

We know that the word also says that His ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts.  You see, He knows what it's going to take in all of our lives for us to bare fruit, and He knows how to pull out of us what He has placed within us, for His Glory!  So there are going to be some times when we will go through trials and tribulation so that we can gain experience, wisdom and knowledge necessary for what the future holds.  It's a preparation period for many of us and also a pruing and stripping away process, to shed the old and take on the new.  The new may include new thoughts, new ways of dealing with life's issues without all the old drama, new friends, new jobs and new businesses, and yes new ministries. 

In all that we go through, He never leaves us nor forsakes us.  He is the Good Sheppard who is right there with us when we are in the valley.  Psalm 23 says that though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, Thou are with me.  Yes He is there and because He is there, death is only a shadow and not an eternal reality, because He gives us everlasting life.  When our days on earth are numbered, we have a Father who will bring us home if we receive the salvation that Jesus offers us (see Romans 10:9). 

We have joy in tribulation not because we like pain and suffering, but because we know our Father who has allowed it, will use it to build and strengthen our character, as He encourages us and gives us hope for the future.  Jeremiah 29:11 says I know the plans I have for you to prosper and to grow, not to harm you, but to give you hope and a future, to bring you to an expected end.  Praise God and to God be the Glory!

Prayer

Lord God Almighty, the Good Sheppard, the One who sees me through trials and tribulation and brings me through all the storms of life, I bless Your name.  In the name of Jesus, I give you honor, glory and praise and thank you for being my Savior, my Redeemer, my Way Maker, my Place of Refruge, my Strong Tower.  Most honorable and righteous Lord, I ask you to forgive all my unconfessed sins and continue to cleanse me from all unrighteous thoughts, deeds and actions, in Jesus name.  Praise and thanksgiving I give to You to bless you for always being there for me.  Thanks for seeing me through the storms and helping me to stand.  Thank You for strengthening me through the process as You prepare me for the future which holds prosperity and growth.  Thank You for Your hand leading me and guiding me every step of the way.   Thank You Lord for peace and joy as I go through this life that You have blessed me with.  Lord for the silent requests and petitions of my heart, I ask that You receive them in the name of Jesus, Amen.

To all who are reading this post today, I invite you to join us on the prayer line and make known your prayer request/s.

We will continue praying for our Prophetic Healing & Deliverance Fire Conference.  Our posts the rest of this week will be about deliverance. The majority of today’s posting is taken directly from my pastor, Apostle Brenda Medley’s book Dealing with Life’s Issues (See Chapter 14 Deliverance from Strongholds, pages 241-242).

Oppression is typified as mental and physical repression or disturbances, such as recurring sickness, (spirit of infirmity – praying for healing and restoration is necessary).  It may be attributed as fear, anxiety, and inability to control your thoughts or experiencing mental or emotional torment.  Do you have a tendency to procrastinate, are you indecisive or compromising?  Do you frequently deal with confusion, doubt, rationalization of inappropriate thoughts and actions and/or loss of memory or sleeplessness?  If so, begin destroying the spirit of oppression by speaking to each situation and commanding God’s power over it in Jesus name.  Speak over yourself.

Proverbs 18:21   Death and life are in the power of the tongue; and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

Proverbs 23:7  For as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he……..

Prayer

My Father in Heaven, Ruler over all powers, principalities, and spirits, thank you for keeping me thus far and holding me in Your right hand.  You have not allowed the enemy of my soul to destroy me and You have now equipped me to battle and win in victory against the ruler of darkness, through Your Spirit.  I take on strength, power and encouragement to war against every force not of You.  I ask You to assign Your Host to war on my behalf.  Break this spirit of oppression as the breaking of the potters’ vessel that is broken in pieces; let there not be found in the bursting of it a shred to take to the fire.  Holy One be gracious unto me; be exalted in my life and have mercy on me.  I bind up and cast out the spirit of oppression and command that you go into dry places to never return.  Lord bring my deliverance against the evil kingdom of darkness because I am of the Kingdom of God, in Jesus name Amen.

We will continue praying for our Prophetic Healing & Deliverance Fire Conference.  Our posts the rest of this week will be about deliverance. The posting for today is taken directly from my pastor, Apostle Brenda Medley’s book Dealing with Life’s Issues (See Chapter 14 Deliverance from Strongholds, page 236-239).

Depression is characterized by a psychiatric disorder showing symptoms of emotional or mental pain, which persist or recur including feelings of being unloved, sadness, despair or gloominess.  One may feel unwanted, or indulge in self-pity, jealousy, envy, or insecurity.  Unfulfilled desires and/or needs can result in depression as feelings of hopelessness or dejection is entertained.  When one experiences poor concentration, a lack of energy and/or insomnia, often these emotions are characterized by some form of depression.  Depression can bring suicidal tendencies as well.

Beloved, depression does not come from God; it is a tool used by satan to destroy you, The Bible says,

John 10:10   The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Usually depression indicates that something in life needs to change!  Can you pinpoint what changes are needed in your life?  Sometimes, we have deep seated unresolved psychological issues that need to be addressed or it may be as a result of a chemical imbalance that needs attention.  Perhaps it is a consequence of situations that brought physical, emotional and physical injury or embarrassment.  It is conceivable, that your depression could derive from anger or un-forgiveness that was hidden in your subconscious mind long ago.  Whatever the root cause however, the Holy Spirit will help you to identify it and root it out, in Jesus name (I John 3:8b; Matthew 12:29)

Prayer

Eternal Father, Master over All, in Jesus name, I give You glory and honor.  All power, might and authority belong to You, my Lord.  Break and destroy the spirit of depression over my life.  It is for this purpose that the Son of God was manifested, that You might destroy the works of the devil, in Jesus name.  I thank You that You have given me power and authority over all unclean spirits to cast them out, in Jesus name (Matthew 10:1; Mark 16:17-18).  I decree and declare that I am mighty in God; and strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.  Jehovah Gibbor muster Your devices; gather Your weaponry and ammunition from Your divine arsenal; make bright your arrows.

Let terror strike the enemy who desires to prevent Your will from being manifested in my life.  I decree  and declare that I have a sound mind.  Powers, rulers of darkness, spiritual wickedness, be attentive to my voice as a Child of God.  I command you in Jesus name to loose my mind.  I loose every core, nucleus, and support that sustains the spirit of depression, you are trespassing and I take authority over you and command you to go in Jesus name.  You are rendered useless and your power is broken forever.  Flee, you spirit of depression and take with you all your cohorts, emotional and mental pain, of unloved, sadness, despair, gloominess and self-pity spirits.  I call out, bind up and cast out the spirits of jealousy, envy, insecurity, unfulfilled desires and needs.  I dismiss you, spirits of hopelessness, dejection, poor concentration, lack of energy, and insomnia.  Spirits of suicide, death and morbidity take your flight now in Jesus name.  I command every demonic spirit that has attacked me to bow down at the feet of your Master, Jesus Christ (Phil. 2:10-11)  Let now the peace of God and the Holy Spirit dwell in me richly as the Blood of Jesus Christ covers me, in Jesus name Amen.

We are continuing praying for our Prophetic Healing & Deliverance Fire Conference through this Saturday, June 23rd and all of our post through then will deal with healing and deliverance. The majority of Today’s posting is taken directly from my pastor, Apostle Brenda Medley’s book Dealing with Life’s Issues (See Chapter 13, page 229-231).

Many Christians are sick because we eat all the wrong things.  We like to think that if we pray over our poor dietary foods, we can consume any food we desire.  As a result however, Christians experience as much illness as non-Christians.  We consume too much fat, sugar and very little nutrient enriched foods to keep us healthy (Study Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14).  Speak with your doctor to seek a diet that will feed your body the vitamins, minerals and nutrients necessary to maintain good health.  Drink water and get some exercise.  Begin taking care of the temple God gave you.  Get your annual check-ups.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20  

19What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?  20For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

Prayer

Father in the name of Jesus, you are my Jehovah Nissi (the Lord my banner).  I decree and declare that I abide under the Shadow of the Almighty.  I effect and enforce God’s original plans and purposes for my life.  All other plans and purposes are disannulled, wicked weapons are disarmed, principalities, powers and spiritual wickedness have been made a public spectacle and I have triumphed over them because of the Blood of Jesus.  All demonic spirits tremble and fear before my God and their dominion is cast down.  My peace is multiplied and I am steadfast and unmovable in Christ Jesus.  I speak the peace of God which passes all understanding into my being.  My mind, spirit and body are at rest in my Deliverer (See Daniel 6)

I decree and declare that no weapon, be it spiritual, emotional, financial, social, physical, psychological, shall be victorious against me, for I have on the whole armor of God and I will stand.  My life is hid in Christ; my Lord has caused the weary to rest.  I am healed by the Blood of Jesus Christ.  Help me take care of the temple You have given me.  As I seek to establish good nutrition, proper sleeping habits and maintaining an exercise program, help me to make lifestyle changes that will be perpetual during my time on earth.  Whatever damage, sickness through my neglect of caring properly for my body exists, I ask You to forgive me and heal and restore me completely, in Jesus name.  Teach me good nutrition and recalibrate my taste buds to desire wholesome foods, destroy any food or substance addictions I have developed in Jesus name, Amen.