Prayers for Presidential Wisdom by Judy Ann

Father, in Jesus’ name, we thank you for the United States and its government. We pray for the men and women who are in positions of authority – the president, representatives, senators, judges, police personnel, as well as the governors and mayors and all others who are in authority over us in any way. We pray that the Spirit of God will rest upon them. Amen.

FIRST OF all, then, I admonish and urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be offered on behalf of all men, For kings and all who are in positions of authority or high responsibility, that [outwardly] we may pass a quiet and undisturbed life [and inwardly] a peaceable one in all godliness and reverence and seriousness in every way. For such [praying] is good and right, and [it is] pleasing and acceptable to God our Savior

1 Timothy 2:1-3 [AMP]

Father, by your Spirit send forth skillful and godly wisdom into the heart of our president and impart to him necessary, supernatural knowledge and discretion. Discretion will watch over him; understanding will keep him and deliver him from the way of evil and from evil men. We ask this in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

So now you can pick out what's true and fair,
find all the good trails!
Lady Wisdom will be your close friend,
and Brother Knowledge your pleasant companion.
Good Sense will scout ahead for danger,
Insight will keep an eye out for you.
They'll keep you from making wrong turns,
or following the bad directions
Of those who are lost themselves
and can't tell a trail from a tumbleweed,
These losers who make a game of evil
and throw parties to celebrate perversity,
Traveling paths that go nowhere,
wandering in a maze of detours and dead ends.

Proverbs 2:10-12 [MSG]

Father, your Word declares that blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord. We declare that Jesus is Lord over these United States of America. We receive your blessing. You are our Refuge and Stronghold in times of trouble (high cost, destitution and desperation). We pray that we shall dwell safely in this land, in the name of Jesus our Lord. Amen.

God takes the wind out of Babel pretense,
he shoots down the world's power-schemes.
God's plan for the world stands up,
all his designs are made to last.
Blessed is the country with God for God;
blessed are the people he's put in his will.

Psalm 33:10-12 [MSG]

The Lord also will be a refuge and a high tower for the oppressed, a refuge and a stronghold in times of trouble (high cost, destitution, and desperation).

Psalm 9:9 [AMP]

Father, we ask that you compass the president about with men and women who make their heats and ears attentive to godly counsel and do that which is right in your sight. We pray that the upright shall dwell in our government – men and women blameless and complete in your sight Father. We ask that the wicked be cut off and the treacherous rooted out of our government. In the name of Jesus, we thank you for answering our prayer. Amen

So—join the company of good men and women,
keep your feet on the tried-and-true paths.
It's the men who walk straight who will settle this land,
the women with integrity who will last here.
The corrupt will lose their lives;
the dishonest will be gone for good.

Proverbs 2:20-22 [AMP]

Can You Hear Me Now?

Can You Hear Me Now?
by Brotha DC

Steps Ordered by God

I recall being in a situation where I witnessed a horrific multi-vehicle accident on the highway I frequently travel. I thanked God for ordering my steps so that I might miss that situation.

²³The steps of a [good] man are directed and established by the Lord when He delights in his way [and He busies Himself with his every step].
²⁴Though he falls, he shall not be utterly cast down, for the Lord grasps his hand in support and upholds him.
²⁵I have been young and now am old, yet have I not seen the [uncompromisingly] righteous forsaken or their seed begging bread.
²⁶All day long they are merciful and deal graciously; they lend, and their offspring are blessed.
²⁷Depart from evil and do good; and you will dwell forever [securely].
²⁸For the Lord delights in justice and forsakes not His saints; they are preserved forever, but the offspring of the wicked [in time] shall be cut off.

Psalm 37:23-28 [AMP]

A friend questioned me about my assertion that God protected me from that event. His question:

Are you saying that the people who were in that crash did not have
their “lives ordered by the Lord?” Or, for that matter, the people who lost
their lives in Katrina in New Orleans, or the big earthquake in Japan, or
the floods all over the world every year, or the recent tornadoes in the
south… were they all not spared because the Lord wasn’t ordering their
lives?

Deep, questions. Is it true that God is playing favorites, or that He chooses to ignore certain people in favor of others?

At the risk of falling into a theological quagmire, I provided the most honest answer that my understanding could generate. After all, this is the kind of idea that theologians spend countless hours discussing… and debating. This is the type of philosophical conundrum about which thousands of pages of dissertation are written.

Thinking back to the tragedy of 9/11, I recall a common thread while listening to the stories of those who survived... or who missed the tragic events altogether.

Many who survived said that “something” told them to sleep in late... or that “a feeling” led them to be a few hours late that day. One gentleman offered to buy his daughter a sandwich for her lunch and she insisted on going to a deli that was so far off his beaten path that it set him way behind his typical schedule and, as a result, caused him to miss what might have been a fatal encounter with the followers of Osama bin Laden.
Even more interesting is the interview with a gate attendant who saw the two men who would crash one of the jets into one of the world trade towers. This gentleman said that he had “a funny feeling” about those guys... but the line was long and he didn’t want to delay the flight.

I think a lot of people have those funny feelings... or feel a prompting from that “Je n’ai sais pas” that tells them to do or not do something. What most people fail to realize (or, to accept) is that these is not just random premonitions or some sort of intuition. What is it?

God is talking to you!

God is saying, “Hey, watch out... something is about to happen.”

Perhaps, if some of the victims of that wreck that I witnessed were interviewed, one might hear them say things like:

• “Something told me not to turn on my blackberry while driving...”
• “Something told me to watch the road and not fiddle with the radio...”
• “I had a feeling I shouldn’t have sped up to cut off that 18-wheeler...”

God speaks to His chidren. Unfortunately, those not in a personal relationship with Him are not tuned into His frequency and may often miss the message. In my experiences and observations, even those who have given their lives to Him through Christ Jesus often allow things to drown out that still small voice (1 Kings 19:12).

I myself miss it quite often, but lately have been exercising myself to be more attentive -- and it pays off. If you are inclined to do the same, be aware of a few important things:

The Inner Witness

As a born again believer, the Holy Spirit of God lives and resides within you. You are His temple.

But when He, the Spirit of Truth (the Truth-giving Spirit) comes, He will guide you into all the Truth (the whole, full Truth). For He will not speak His own message [on His own authority]; but He will tell whatever He hears [from the Father; He will give the message that has been given to Him], and He will announce and declare to you the things that are to come [that will happen in the future].

1 Corinthians 6:19 [AMP]

God is not a billion miles away. He is right there... closer than your skin as the poet wrote. We don’t need to get into a prayer line or a confessional booth. We can boldly go to the throne of Almighty God Himself just like a child will crawl into his daddy’s lap for comfort, for love, for whatever we stand in need of. God is our Abba (the Hebrew word for Daddy) Father.

Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God's unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it].

Hebrews 4:16 [AMP]

For [the Spirit which] you have now received [is] not a spirit of slavery to put you once more in bondage to fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption [the Spirit producing sonship] in [the bliss of] which we cry, Abba (Father)! Father!

Romans 8:15 [AMP]

And because you [really] are [His] sons, God has sent the [ Holy] Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, Abba (Father)! Father!

Galatians 4:6 [AMP]

As a father loves and pities his children, so the Lord loves and pities those who fear Him [with reverence, worship, and awe].

Psalm 103:13 [AMP]

We are His sheep (Psalm 95:7 and Psalm 100:3). He is our Shepherd (John 10:14). He speaks to us. We incline our hearts to hear Him.

The sheep that are My own hear and are listening to My voice; and I know them, and they follow Me.

John 10:27 [AMP]

We must listen to and hear the voice of the Lord. How do we do so?

¹⁶But they have not all heeded the Gospel; for Isaiah says, Lord, who has believed (had faith in) what he has heard from us?
¹⁷So faith comes by hearing [what is told], and what is heard comes by the preaching [of the message that came from the lips] of Christ (the Messiah Himself).
¹⁸But I ask, Have they not heard? Indeed they have; [for the Scripture says] Their voice [that of nature bearing God's message] has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the far bounds of the world.

Romans 10:16-18 [AMP]

We need to have faith in order to be pleasing to God -- to believe that He is God, and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).

Faith comes by hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17). As we spend time in the Bible... and communicating with God through constant prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17), we will grow in our ability to hear from God.

As if to prove His power to speak to us... the Lord gave Judypie the following on this same topic.  Coincidence?  Nope.  Just Him ordering our steps.

The Word and His Voice
by Judy Ann

Thank you Father, for teaching and training me to recognize the voice of the Good Shepherd. I’ll not follow the voice of a stranger. Your Voice and Your Word agree; You and Your Word are one. Thank You for Truth that exposes the false and counterfeit. I delight in Your Word, which is eternal. Your Word is Light dispelling the darkness. Your Word is Life swallowing up death. Hallelujah! I praise You in the name of Jesus. Amen.

God Directs Your Path
by Judy Ann

Father, may I always listen for Your gentle whisper. Thank You for sending the Holy Spirit to take me by the hand and guide me into all the truth. He speaks only what He hears, and He will tell me what is yet to come. In all my ways I acknowledge You, and You shall direct my path. In the name of Jesus, I thank You for Your great love for me. Amen.

^11-12 Then he was told, "Go, stand on the mountain at attention before God. God will pass by."

    A hurricane wind ripped through the mountains and shattered the rocks before God, but God wasn't to be found in the wind; after the wind an earthquake, but God wasn't in the earthquake; and after the earthquake fire, but God wasn't in the fire; and after the fire a gentle and quiet whisper

1 Kings 19:11-12 [MSG]

But when He, the Spirit of Truth (the Truth-giving Spirit) comes, He will guide you into all the Truth (the whole, full Truth). For He will not speak His own message [on His own authority]; but He will tell whatever He hears [from the Father; He will give the message that has been given to Him], and He will announce and declare to you the things that are to come [that will happen in the future].

John 16:13 [AMP]

In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.

Proverbs 3:6 [AMP]

Lord’s Path
by Judy Ann

The Lord’s path is paved with love and mercy for everyone willing to stop and ask for directions -— for those who cling to His life-giving promises.

All the paths of the Lord are mercy and steadfast love, even truth and faithfulness are they for those who keep His covenant and His testimonies.

Psalm 25:10 [AMP]

Prayer to Begin the Day
by Judy Ann

Father, I come before You rejoicing, for this is the day that You have made and I will rejoice and be glad in it. To obey is better than sacrifice, so I am making a decision to submit to Your will today, that my plans and purposes may be conducted in a manner that will bring honor and glory to You. Cause me to be spiritually and mentally alert in this time of meditation and prayer, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

This is the day which the Lord has brought about; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 118:24 [AMP]

Samuel said, Has the Lord as great a delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.

1 Samuel 15:22 [AMP]

Be earnest and unwearied and steadfast in your prayer [life], being [both] alert and intent in [your praying] with thanksgiving.

Colossians 4:2 [AMP]

Mira… La Tormenta!

Mira... La Tormenta!
by Brotha DC

Or, for you gringos… look out, a storm is coming!

Of course, in most of the United States a major winter storm has wreaked havoc in the lives of millions of people -- causing traffic jams, airline cancellations, power outages and even deaths! But this blog is not about meteorolotical events. This is about those storms of life that test us. Sometimes, to our very core.

You might have a frightening medical diagnosis... or a bill that is beyond your current budget... or turmoil with your job or relationship.  Regardless of what is going on... you are being tested. 

God allows tests and trials into our lives in the same way that a coach has his players practice to the point of exhaustion. Or the way a platoon sergeant may have his troops march until they are ready to drop. It is not about being mean. Rather, it is to prepare them for greater challenges ahead.

I remember working out at a gym in Augusta Georgia with a great trainer. She would have me doing super-sets that had my arms so stiff and sore, I could barely bring a fork to my mouth to eat, or bring my hands up to the keyboard to write computer code.

Stinking of linament, I was asked why I paid money to let this woman do these things to me. But the eventual manifestations of strength and definition in my biceps, triceps and other muscles was well worth a few days of discomfort.

In like manner, the greater glory of God makes the things we suffer in life worthwhile.

³ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, ⁴to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, ⁵who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. ⁶In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, ⁷so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. ⁸ Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, ⁹obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

1 Peter 1:3-9 [AMP]

In fact, James (the half brother of Jesus) said that he could even glory in his trials.  How?  By the assurance that enduring those things will perfect and complete us.

²Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations.
³Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience.
⁴But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be [people] perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing.

James 1:2-4 [AMP]

The tests and trials of life may cause us grief (1 Peter 1:6), but it will result in praise and glory and honor when Jesus returns (1 Peter 1:7). The things of this life are temporary. The kingdom of God, however, is eternal.

When facing a storm, think about this song written in 1905 by Charles A. Tindley… and rejoice in the fact that storms eventually pass over, and seasons always change.

O courage, my soul, and let us journey on,
For tho' the night is dark, it won't be very long.
O thanks be to God, the morning light appears,
And the storm is passing over, Hallelujah!

Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
The storm is passing over,
Hallelujah!

O billows rolling high, and thunder shakes the ground,
The lightnings flash, and tempest all around,
But Jesus walks the sea and calms the angry waves,
And the storm is passing over, Hallelujah!

Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
The storm is passing over,
Hallelujah!

The stars have disappeared, and distant lights are dim,
My soul is filled with fears, the seas are breaking in.
I hear the Master cry, "Be not afraid, 'tis I,"
And the storm is passing over, Hallelujah!

Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
The storm is passing over,
Hallelujah!

Now soon we shall reach the distant shining shore,
Then free from all the storms, we'll rest forevermore.
And safe within the veil, we'll furl the riven sail,
And the storm will all be over, Hallelujah!

Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
The storm is passing over,
Hallelujah!

Remember that all of God’s tests are open book tests.  Just open the B-I-B-L-E (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth) and you will find the answers you need to pass any and every test that comes your way -- and to graduate to greater glory with Christ walking beside you and His Spirit indwelling you every step of the way!

---

Pop Quiz
by Brotha DC

This past week was a very difficult one for your Brotha DC. There were many challenges that I had to face in my employment, in my personal relationships, in my health, and even in my walk with God.

Of course, such challenges are not necessarily a new or unexpected thing. Quite the contrary, we know that as Christians we are tested by the circumstances of life. Quite often, the enemy will throw things at us -- the Bible calls these “fiery darts” in one translation… “flaming missiles” in the Amplified translation.

Lift up over all the [covering] shield of saving faith, upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked [one].

Ephesians 6:16 [AMP]

These flaming missiles are weapons of mass destruction in the spiritual warfare that we all must face. The shield of faith is the weapon of choice as we read in the above scripture.

But, what happens when it feels as if your shield of faith it is failing? In the science fiction world of Star Trek, the space ships have something called shields.  These shields protect the ship from phasers, torpedoes, disruptors, and even hostile aliens attempting to beam aboard your ship without permission. Those shields however are not impenetrable.  Enough hostile fire can cause the shields to fail.  When that happens, one must either abandon ship or face certain doom.

As I had originally stated, I had faced quite a number of these challenges and yet I was determined to maintain my faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. This evening, my friends and I gather together to study the fourth chapter of the book of Romans. This is a powerhouse passage on the subject of faith. It chronicles how Father Abraham pleased God through his faith. The reality is that none of us caned please God without the essential element of faith operating in our lives.

But without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him. For whoever would come near to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He is the rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him [out].

Hebrews 11:6 [AMP]

What happens when it your faith is so severely challenged that you believe that it no longer exists?  What happens when you are bombarded so violently that your shields are at the point of collapse?  What happens when it seems that you no longer have faith?

That seemed to be the dilemma faced by a dear friend. He too was going through fiery trials. And while our shared experiences seem to evoke the popular saying that misery loves company, it was rather alarming to hear that my friend was struggling under a situation in which the heavens were like brass (see Deuteronomy 28:23).  He expressed an inability to communicate with God and felt as if perhaps God Himself was bombarding him.

The Spirit of God used this to remind me that my tests were just that... tests.  Pop quizzes.  And, they are open book tests.  When I begin to feel the way that my friend expressed, I rely upon my faith in the veracity of God’s holy word. 

I know that I am always quoting my friend Charlie Peacock... but he has a knack for putting things on paper... and then setting them to music... that has blessed me even when it seems that all hope is lost. Check out these lyrics from Charlie’s Coram Deo project:

Promises of mercy
Promises of love
Faithfully given to me
Every word from Your voice
Solid as a rock
None like the sand of the sea
I meditate on every word You’ve spoken
Great and precious promises never to be broken
Great and precious promises
All of them are true
Given in love by You...

Many are the promises that I rely upon when faced with one of life’s pop quizzes.  Read through the spiritual crib sheet below and allow your shield of faith grow... because faith comes by hearing the word of God:

For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.

Jeremiah 29:11 [AMP]

Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the Kingdom.

Luke 12:32 [AMP]

God is for you, He is not against you.  He is invested in seeing you succeed in the end.  He wants you to inherit the Kingdom.

Do not [earnestly] remember the former things; neither consider the things of old.

Isaiah 43:18 [AMP]

Instead of your [former] shame you shall have a twofold recompense; instead of dishonor and reproach [your people] shall rejoice in their portion. Therefore in their land they shall possess double [what they had forfeited]; everlasting joy shall be theirs.

Isaiah 61:7 [AMP]

Past defeats are just that... things of the past.  Leave them there and move forward.

You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.

Psalm 128:2 [AMP]

Return to the stronghold [of security and prosperity], you prisoners of hope; even today do I declare that I will restore double your former prosperity to you.

Zechariah 9:12 [AMP]

The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.

Numbers 6:24-26 [NIV]

You may not see it now... but God promises it will be yours.

All the days of the desponding and afflicted are made evil [by anxious thoughts and forebodings], but he who has a glad heart has a continual feast [regardless of circumstances].

Proverbs 15:15 [AMP]

Again... it all comes down to your attitude.  Are you going to have anxious thoughts?  Are you going to have evil forebodings?  Or, are you going to raise your shield of faith and rejoice that Jesus has worked it out and you will see it come to pass?

Show me a sign of [Your evident] goodwill and favor, that those who hate me may see it and be put to shame, because You, Lord, [will show Your approval of me when You] help and comfort me.

Psalm 86:17 [AMP]

King David in the Bible prayed the above prayer... and we know from the scriptures that God answered him big time!  Make this your prayer and expect to see God move through your circumstances. 

Rejoice not when your enemy falls, and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles or is overthrown, Lest the Lord see it and it be evil in His eyes and displease Him, and He turn away His wrath from him [to expend it upon you, the worse offender].

Proverbs 24:17-18 [AMP]

If someone did something to you, don’t sit around with an unforgiving attitude, praying that some calamity falls on him or her.  And if it does happen... don’t dance and laugh at their misfortune.  Pray the way that Jesus prayed: “Father, forgive them...”

Surely He has borne our griefs (sicknesses, weaknesses, and distresses) and carried our sorrows and pains [of punishment], yet we [ignorantly] considered Him stricken, smitten, and afflicted by God [as if with leprosy]. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our guilt and iniquities; the chastisement [needful to obtain] peace and well-being for us was upon Him, and with the stripes [that wounded] Him we are healed and made whole.

Isaiah 53:4-5 [AMP]

I shall not die but live, and shall declare the works and recount the illustrious acts of the Lord.

Psalm 118:17 [AMP]

If the enemy has attacked your health, stand on God’s promises for healing.

Behold! I have given you authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and [physical and mental strength and ability] over all the power that the enemy [possesses]; and nothing shall in any way harm you.

Luke 10:19 [AMP]

But no weapon that is formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgment you shall show to be in the wrong. This [peace, righteousness, security, triumph over opposition] is the heritage of the servants of the Lord [those in whom the ideal Servant of the Lord is reproduced]; this is the righteousness or the vindication which they obtain from Me [this is that which I impart to them as their justification], says the Lord.

Isaiah 54:17 [AMP]

Jesus has won the victory... so then why have a sour and dour attitude?  You have power... USE IT!  These are promises that are active and alive and full of power.  Put them to work!

And therefore the Lord [earnestly] waits [expecting, looking, and longing] to be gracious to you; and therefore He lifts Himself up, that He may have mercy on you and show loving-kindness to you. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are all those who [earnestly] wait for Him, who expect and look and long for Him [for His victory, His favor, His love, His peace, His joy, and His matchless, unbroken companionship]!

Isaiah 30:18 [AMP]

That last scripture above puts the icing on the proverbial cake.  God is waiting to be gracious to you.  His will is to bless you.

Remember, life is a test.  We often find ourselves facing pop quizzes.  The key is that whether or not we pass is based largely on our attitude.

The children of Israel had an attitude check when they left slavery in Egypt for the promised land.

• They saw God mightily deliver them from Pharaoh
• They saw miracles along the way... including the parting of the Red Sea
• They saw  the drowning of Pharaoh’s army

Yet, despite those and many other blessings, they rebelled after hearing a bad report about the land of promise.

As a result, the rebellious Israelites had to wander the wilderness for forty years and die in the desert... leaving the promised land to their offspring. That is why, thanks to Joyce Meyer, we find the following scripture so very important:

And you shall [earnestly] remember all the way which the Lord your God led you these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and to prove you, to know what was in your [mind and] heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not.

Deuteronomy 8:2 [AMP]

God had the children of Israel spend forty years making what should have been an eleven day journey. Why? To humble them (in the face of their faithless rebellion) and to prove what is in their mind and heart -- to show whether or not they would keep the commandments of the Lord. Quite often, we spend a lot of time trying to get somewhere that others seem to reach without much time or effort. When we find our dreams deferred... it is important to do an attitude check and to see whether or not we are obeying God.

I recall a friend testifying in church years ago that he was glad that he was penniless because he would spend any money he might have had on liquor and loose women. But does that mean that Gods will is for us to be broke and penniless? No! God wants us to be blessed by having money, not to wind up with a hangover and a disease. Change your attitude and the blessings will follow.

Though the fig tree does not blossom and there is no fruit on the vines, [though] the product of the olive fails and the fields yield no food, though the flock is cut off from the fold and there are no cattle in the stalls, Yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will exult in the [victorious] God of my salvation!

Habakkuk 3:17-18 [AMP]

This is the attitude of a victorious Christian.  Granted, you may not feel victorious with an empty fridge... an empty bank account... and an empty growling stomach.  Yet, if you have the right attitude, you will see the hand of God move as you seek His face.

I recall being a starving college student with no clue how I would afford a four-year degree.  For that matter, I couldn’t afford a decent meal.  I would spend hours walking around the neighborhoods surrounding the campus, looking for coins people dropped in the street.  I would spend hours collecting enough pennies to get a sandwich.  But during my greatest desperation, a mother from our church was inspired to cook for the young men in our dormitory.  A knock at the door and an unexpected blessing -- a hot home-cooked meal from a woman who surely has great treasure in heaven. 

As my spiritual father Dr. David Durham used to say, “When you run out... God runs in.”
It is all a matter of your attitude.

The Lord God is my Strength, my personal bravery, and my invincible army; He makes my feet like hinds' feet and will make me to walk [not to stand still in terror, but to walk] and make [spiritual] progress upon my high places [of trouble, suffering, or responsibility]! For the Chief Musician; with my stringed instruments.

Habakkuk 3:19 [AMP]

Thanks again to Mama Joyce for bringing these scriptures to our attention.  Those who put their complete trust in God have a Mighty Warrior watching their back.

---

God Hears the Prayers of His People

by JesusLover Judy

Hear my prayer, O God; listen to the words of my mouth. The moment I pray, You send an angel for my words, and Your answer is on its way to me.

I purpose with the help of the Holy Spirit that I will always have an excellent spirit, and remain in right standing with You.

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Hear my prayer, O God;
       listen to the words of my mouth.

Psalm 54:2 [NIV]

¹ In the third year of the reign of King Cyrus of Persia, a message was made plain to Daniel, whose Babylonian name was Belteshazzar. The message was true. It dealt with a big war. He understood the message, the understanding coming by revelation:
^2-3 "During those days, I, Daniel, went into mourning over Jerusalem for three weeks. I ate only plain and simple food, no seasoning or meat or wine. I neither bathed nor shaved until the three weeks were up.
^4-6 "On the twenty-fourth day of the first month I was standing on the bank of the great river, the Tigris. I looked up and to my surprise saw a man dressed in linen with a belt of pure gold around his waist. His body was hard and glistening, as if sculpted from a precious stone, his face radiant, his eyes bright and penetrating like torches, his arms and feet glistening like polished bronze, and his voice, deep and resonant, sounded like a huge choir of voices.
^7-8 "I, Daniel, was the only one to see this. The men who were with me, although they didn't see it, were overcome with fear and ran off and hid, fearing the worst. Left alone after the appearance, abandoned by my friends, I went weak in the knees, the blood drained from my face.
^9-10 "I heard his voice. At the sound of it I fainted, fell flat on the ground, face in the dirt. A hand touched me and pulled me to my hands and knees.
¹¹ "'Daniel,' he said, 'man of quality, listen carefully to my message. And get up on your feet. Stand at attention. I've been sent to bring you news.'
     "When he had said this, I stood up, but I was still shaking.
^12-14 "'Relax, Daniel,' he continued, 'don't be afraid. From the moment you decided to humble yourself to receive understanding, your prayer was heard, and I set out to come to you. But I was waylaid by the angel-prince of the kingdom of Persia and was delayed for a good three weeks. But then Michael, one of the chief angel-princes, intervened to help me. I left him there with the prince of the kingdom of Persia. And now I'm here to help you understand what will eventually happen to your people. The vision has to do with what's ahead.'

Daniel 10:1-14 [MESSAGE]

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my [firm, impenetrable] Rock and my Redeemer.

Psalm 19:14 [AMP]

Guide me in Your truth and faithfulness and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You do I wait all the day long.

---

Overcoming Doubt and Unbelief
by JesusLover Judy

Father, I believe Your Word, and ask You to remove any unbelief or doubt concerning the integrity of Your promises. In the name of Jesus, I renounce the world’s allurements that attempt to pull me into sin—they are ineffective in my life. Your Word is my standard and because I am a doer of Your Word, I will not be deceived. The fresh Manna of Your Word keeps me on target with Your plans, Lord. My steadfast confidence is in You, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

¹²[Therefore beware] brethren, take care, lest there be in any one of you a wicked, unbelieving heart [which refuses to cleave to, trust in, and rely on Him], leading y to turn away and desert or stand aloof from the living God.
¹³But instead warn (admonish, urge, and encourage) one another every day, as long as it is called Today, that none of you may be hardened [into settled rebellion] by the deceitfulness of sin [by the fraudulence, the stratagem, the trickery which the delusive glamor of his sin may play on him].
¹⁴For we [a]have become fellows with Christ (the Messiah) and share in all He has for us, if only we hold our first newborn confidence and original assured expectation [in virtue of which we are believers] firm and unshaken to the end.
¹⁵Then while it is [still] called Today, if you would hear His voice and when you hear it, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion [in the desert, when the people provoked and irritated and embittered God against them].
¹⁶For who were they who heard and yet were rebellious and provoked [Him]? Was it not all those who came out of Egypt led by Moses?
¹⁷And with whom was He irritated and provoked and grieved for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose dismembered bodies were strewn and left in the desert?
¹⁸And to whom did He swear that they should not enter His rest, but to those who disobeyed [who had not listened to His word and who refused to be compliant or be persuaded]?
¹⁹So we see that they were not able to enter [into His rest], because of their unwillingness to adhere to and trust in and rely on God [unbelief had shut them out].

Hebrews 3:12-19 [AMP]

"If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you."

---

Prayer of Affirmation

by JesusLover Judy

Father, I thank You for helping me as I enlarge the place of my tent and strengthen my stakes. In You there is hope for despair. In You there is stability for turmoil. In You there is prosperity for poverty. In You there is health and healing for sickness. In You there is peace for conflict, whether it is in a relationship, in my home, or in my land. In You, Lord Jesus, is well-being for every area of life!

Hallelujah! Thank You Holy Spirit for divinely orchestrating every aspect of my life! Jesus is Lord over my spirit, soul and body, and over my relationships. Amen.

²  “Enlarge the place of your tent,
       stretch your tent curtains wide,
       do not hold back;
       lengthen your cords,
       strengthen your stakes.
³  For you will spread out to the right and to the left;
       your descendants will dispossess nations
       and settle in their desolate cities.

Isaiah 54:2-3 [NIV]

Guide me in Your truth and faithfulness and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You do I wait all the day long.

---

A Healing Prayer

by JesusLover Judy

Jesus was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces He was despised, and we esteemed Him not.

Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered Him stricken by God, smitten by Him, and afflicted. But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed. I receive divine healing for my spirit, soul and body in the name of Jesus. Amen.

 ³ He was despised and rejected by men,
       a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering.
       Like one from whom men hide their faces
       he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
 ⁴ Surely he took up our infirmities
       and carried our sorrows,
       yet we considered him stricken by God,
       smitten by him, and afflicted.
 ⁵ But he was pierced for our transgressions,
       he was crushed for our iniquities;
       the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,
       and by his wounds we are healed.

Isaiah 53:3-5 [NIV]

“I am the Lord that heals you”

“He sent His Word and healed them. And He saved them from the grave”
Psalm 107:20 (NLV)

Patriotic Meditations from Judypie

Our Government

Father, we ask that you compass the president about with men and women who make their hearts and ears attentive to godly counsel and do that which is right in your sight. We pray that the upright shall dwell in our government – men and women blameless and complete in your sight Father. We ask that the wicked be cut off and the treacherous rooted out of our government. In the name of Jesus, we thank you for answering our prayer. Amen

²¹For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the men of integrity, blameless and complete [in God's sight], shall remain in it;
²²But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the treacherous shall be rooted out of it.

Proverbs 2:21-22 [AMP]

Prayer for our Country

Heavenly Father, we thank you for our country, the United States of America. We are Your people who are called by Your name. We humble ourselves by praying, seeking Your face and turning from our wicked ways. Thank You for hearing us as we pray with a contrite heart. We ask forgiveness for our sin. Have mercy on us, O Lord, and heal our land in the name of Jesus. Amen.

If My people, who are called by My name, shall humble themselves, pray, seek, crave, and require of necessity My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.

2 Chronicles 7:14 [AMP]

The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein (Psalm 24:1). God’s world is beautiful and so are all of the tribes, nations and kindred of the earth. As we pray let us offer thanksgiving for our home and offer prayers that those who dwell on this blue orb would acknowledge its Creator as God and His son as our Saviour.

Prayer for the Nations

Father, we are your children, heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ who share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. We ask you, Father, to make the nations our inheritance, the ends of the earth our possession for your glory and your purposes. In the name of Jesus, we pray for the healing of the nations. Praise God! It is our Lord Jesus who will bring true justice and peace to all the nations of the world. Amen

Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

Romans 8:17 [NIV]

⁷ I will proclaim the decree of the LORD :
       He said to me, “You are my Son ;
       today I have become your Father.
 ⁸ Ask of me,
       and I will make the nations your inheritance,
       the ends of the earth your possession.

Psalm 2:7-8 [NIV]

His government and its peace
  will never end.
He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David
  for all eternity.
The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies
  will make this happen!

Isaiah 9:7 [NLT]

¹Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb ²down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.

Rev. 22:1-2 [NIV]

Good and Right Prayers

Dr. David Jeremiah told an interesting story about prayer in his book Prayer: The Great Adventure. In that book, he recounted the following:

While serving at a small field hospital in Africa, I traveled every two weeks by bicycle through the jungle to a nearby city for supplies. This required camping overnight halfway. On one of these trips, I saw two men fighting in the city. One was seriously hurt so I treated him and witnessed to him about the Lord Jesus Christ. I then returned home without incident. Upon arriving in the city several weeks later, I was approached by the man I had treated earlier. He told me he had known that I carried money and medicine. He said, “Some friends and I followed you into the jungle, knowing you would camp overnight. We waited for you to go to sleep and planned to kill you and take your money and drugs. Just as we were about to move into your campsite, we saw that you were surrounded by 26 armed guards. I laughed at this and said, “I was certainly all alone out in the jungle campsite.” The young man pressed the point, “No sir, I was not the only one to see the guards. My five friends also saw them, and we all counted them. It was because of those guards that we were afraid and left you alone.” At this point of my church presentation in Michigan, one of the men in the church stood up and interrupted me. He asked, “Can you tell me the exact date when this happened?” I thought for a while and recalled the date. The man in the congregation then gave his side of the story. He stated, “On that night in Africa it was day here. I was preparing to play golf. As I put my bags in the car, I felt the Lord leading me to pray for you. In fact, the urging was so great that I called the men of this church together to pray for you. Will all those men who met to pray please stand?” The men who had met that day to pray together stood... there were 26 of them!

It is no secret that prayer has power.  When you pray effectual and earnest prayers, things change.  What things in your life would you like to see changed?  You can -- if you pray the right way... and, with the right heart.  If Dr. Jeremiah’s life can be affected across the continent... then how much more can our prayers take affect on things affecting our lives right here at home?

This is particularly true in terms of the current political and economic situation.

The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working].

James 5:16b [AMP]

That being the case... shouldn’t we as Christians spend time praying for our political leaders... and not speaking negatively about them?

Yes, there are things that our current president has said that a lot of people disagree with. But then again... every president in history has had detractors over one thing or another. But what is our responsibility as Christians?

FIRST OF all, then, I admonish and urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be offered on behalf of all men, For kings and all who are in positions of authority or high responsibility, that [outwardly] we may pass a quiet and undisturbed life [and inwardly] a peaceable one in all godliness and reverence and seriousness in every way. For such [praying] is good and right, and [it is] pleasing and acceptable to God our Savior, Who wishes all men to be saved and [increasingly] to perceive and recognize and discern and know precisely and correctly the [divine] Truth.

1^st Timothy 2:1-4 [AMP]

This evening I heard a Christian making condemning statements towards the President. On the news, I heard about a pastor who has been preaching that he wants the President to die and go to hell.

That is not what the Bible teaches. In 1^st Timothy, we are told to pray for those in positions of authority so that we may live quiet and undisturbed lives. That type of prayer... positive prayers for all men to be saved and to know the Truth, is what Paul calls in this passage good and right.

When those scriptures were written, Caesar Nero was having Christians crucified, burned alive, and wrapped in skins to be mauled to death by wild animals.  And yet, the admonition was not to pray that Nero die and go to hell... but rather that he and others in authority be saved and come to know the divine Truth.

Let’s focus on praying good and right prayers.

Say a Prayer... Go to Jail

Interesting item on CNN about a Florida legislation making it illegal to pray in school. Say a prayer... you go to jail.

Interesting...

They will probably have to arrest every schoolkid who is in class where the teacher announces a pop quiz...

Wisdom from Judypie

Godly Wisdom

Father, there isn't a challenge I will ever face that will be too hard for You to solve. Nothing can outsmart You. The world’s wisdom is foolishness in Your sight. Your wisdom is increasing in me as I meditate on Your Word. It leads, guides and protects me. It gives me greater insight and credentials than the world has to offer. You have said in Your Word that the person who gets wisdom loves his own soul. I cherish understanding and I will prosper for your glory. Hallelujah! In Jesus name. Amen.

Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh; is there anything too hard for Me?

Jeremiah 32:27 [AMP]

For this world's wisdom is foolishness (absurdity and stupidity) with God, for it is written, He lays hold of the wise in their [own] craftiness;

1^st Corinthians 3:19 [AMP]

Pray Without Ceasing

Heavenly Father, may my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice. Thank you for the Holy Spirit Who helps me maintain an attitude of prayer, and even helps me when I don't know how or what to pray. Thank you for hearing me whether I'm praying aloud or reaching out to you in silence. Jesus, you are my example in prayer, and whatever I ask for in prayer, I believe that it is granted me, and I will receive it. In the name of Jesus and with the help of the Holy Spirit, I will pray without ceasing. Amen

Let my prayer be set forth as incense before You, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.

Psalm 141:2 [AMP]

For this reason I am telling you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe (trust and be confident) that it is granted to you, and you will [get it].

Mark 11:24

Be unceasing in prayer [praying perseveringly];

1^st Thessalonians 5:17 [AMP]

God's glory is on tour in the skies, God-craft on exhibit across the horizon,God makes a huge dome for the sun—a superdome...
Psalm 19:1&4 [Message]

Anywhere, Anytime

“There on the beach we knelt to pray.” - Acts 21:5

Do you have an unusual, even strange place where you pray to the Lord?

In Acts 21, you read that Paul and the disciples took a moment to pray on the beach before he departed from Tyre. It’s important to remember that first century Christians, for the most part, met in homes or in borrowed rooms. They had no church buildings or cathedrals. They studied, worshiped and prayed where they could...when they could.

Prayer is a conversation with God. It’s not an event to be confined to any one location. Since God is in all places at all times, He is with you and will hear you...whether you’re in a church, on the beach, in the car driving down the street, or in some other unusual place. So next time you feel led by God to pray for the Troops and the nation, don’t worry about where you’re at physically. Obediently and immediately engage your spiritual self and intercede…knowing you can pray anytime, anywhere – and the Lord will listen to your cry and answer you.

Recommended Reading: Jonah 2:1-10

Written by...

Adam Colwell

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Anguish

The following video is a powerful message to the church from David Wilkerson that we hope will be a blessing to you as it has blessed us.

Pray for Iran

Although the pundits have made the current turmoil in Iran into political bully pulpits, there is one fundamental truth about this tragedy that we believers must keep in mind...

People are dying and going into a Christless eternity.

There is a very graphic and disturbing video circulating the Internet that shows a young woman who was brutally gunned down during the protests in Iran.

People are slipping into eternity in the midst of this turmoil. People who do not know the saving power of Jesus.

Pray that the Spirit of God will move in this area and provide openness to the gospel, as He did in the formerly communist areas of Russia that are, ironically, more open to the gospel than some areas of the U.S.A. seem to be these days.

Part of the demonstrations involve the people calling for freedom from the hard line Islamic theocracy... which could be a harbinger for the gospel moving freely in that part of the world.

Historically, Iran has persecuted Christian converts. This could change. Let’s pray that it does. Let us pray that the people of Iran will learn that the Qur'an tells how God anointed Jesus, through a virgin birth to be the Messiah - the Savior of the world, nearly five hundred and fifty years before Mohammad was born.

Add Iran to your prayers this week.

Meditations from Judypie: Power to Live Victoriously

This is the day the Lord has made, and I will rejoice and be glad in it! My delight and desire are in the law of the Lord, and on Your law I habitually meditate (ponder and study) by day and by night. Then I shall be like a tree firmly planted [and tended] by the streams of water; ready to bring forth fruit in my season; my leaf shall not fade or wither, and everything I do shall prosper and come to maturity. Amen.

This is the day which the Lord has brought about; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 118:24 [NIV]

But his delight and desire are in the law of the Lord, and on His law (the precepts, the instructions, the teachings of God) he habitually meditates (ponders and studies) by day and by night. And he shall be like a tree firmly planted [and tended] by the streams of water, ready to bring forth its fruit in its season; its leaf also shall not fade or wither; and everything he does shall prosper [and come to maturity].

Psalm 1:2-3 [AMP]

God wants you to have success in every area of your life. There are spiritual laws that will govern earthly laws if you put them to work. The law of sowing and reaping can be studied while walking through your flower garden or driving through the countryside. When one seed is planted in good soil it will produce many times more. I encourage you to put your sanctified (set apart unto God) imagination to work and meditate on God’s Word concerning finances, healing, relationships, walking in love, following after peace, developing the fruit of the spirit described in Galatians 5. Meditate on things that are worthy of reverence, honorable and seemly, just, pure, lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them]. As a man thinks in his heart so is he.

You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. Dreams are seeds of reality – they are the beginning of all your achievements. Obstacles can become stepping stones to success if you believe. Your future is filled with probabilities and possibilities. Jesus said that all things are possible to the person who believes.

Father, You are the Strength of my life. I am working out my own salvation with reverence, not in my own strength for you are effectually at work in me, energizing and creating in me the power and desire both to will and to work for your good pleasure, satisfaction and delight. I am a new creation in Christ; old things have passed away, and today I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Nothing shall be impossible to me in the name of Jesus. Amen

THE LORD is my Light and my Salvation--whom shall I fear or dread? The Lord is the Refuge and Stronghold of my life--of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalm 21:1 [AMP]

Therefore, my dear ones, as you have always obeyed [my suggestions], so now, not only [with the enthusiasm you would show] in my presence but much more because I am absent, work out (cultivate, carry out to the goal, and fully complete) your own salvation with reverence and awe and trembling (self-distrust, with serious caution, tenderness of conscience, watchfulness against temptation, timidly shrinking from whatever might offend God and discredit the name of Christ). [Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight.

Philippians 2:12-13 [AMP]

I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency].

Philippians 4:13 [AMP]

Therefore if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come!

2^nd Corinthians 5:17 [AMP]

Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your goodness. In the name of Jesus I cast the whole of my care—all anxieties, worries and concerns—upon You. I know that You love me and care for me, and those for whom I am praying. Today I make all my requests known to You with thanksgiving. I know You hear me, and I believe Your best answers are on the way from the moment I ask. Amen.

O GIVE thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever.

Psalm 136:1 [AMP]

Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.

Philippians 4:6 [AMP]

Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.

1^st Peter 5:7 [AMP]

The names of God reveal his desire to supply your every need.

My life is complete in You, Lord Jesus. Every answer, every need, every solution I have need of is available to me.

• You are Jehovah-Rapha, my Healer
• Jehovah-Nissi, my Victory
• Jehovah-Jireh, my Provider
• You are Jehovah M’Kaddesh, my Sanctifier
• Jehovah-Shalom, my Peace and Security
• My Shepherd, you’re Jehovah-Rohi
• Jehovah-Tsidkenu, my Righteousness
• Jehovah-Shammah, my ever-present Friend

Because I am complete in You, Lord Jesus I can overcome my insecurities and bring maturity and wisdom to every relationship for the good and benefit of others. Amen

And you are in Him, made full and having come to fullness of life [in Christ you too are filled with the Godhead--Father, Son and Holy Spirit--and reach full spiritual stature]. And He is the Head of all rule and authority [of every angelic principality and power].

Colossians 2:10 [AMP]

To You, O Lord I pray. My enemies will not triumph over me, and I will never be disgraced for trusting You. Show me the path where I should go, point out the right road for me to walk. Lead and teach me for you are the God who gives me salvation. Thank you for seeing me through eyes of everlasting love and kindness. Your integrity and uprightness will preserve me, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

¹UNTO YOU, O Lord, do I bring my life. ²O my God, I trust, lean on, rely on, and am confident in You. Let me not be put to shame or [my hope in You] be disappointed; let not my enemies triumph over me. ³Yes, let none who trust and wait hopefully and look for You be put to shame or be disappointed; let them be ashamed who forsake the right or deal treacherously without cause. ⁴Show me Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths. ⁵Guide me in Your truth and faithfulness and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You [You only and altogether] do I wait [expectantly] all the day long.

Psalm 25:1-5 [AMP]

Father, you give power to the weak, and to those who have no might, You increase our strength. Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. Thank You for giving me a spirit of power, of love and of a sound mind. You gave me power to trample…over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt me in the name of Jesus. Amen.

He gives power to the faint and weary, and to him who has no might He increases strength [causing it to multiply and making it to abound].

Isaiah 40:29 [AMP]

Little children, you are of God [you belong to Him] and have [already] defeated and overcome them [the agents of the antichrist], because He Who lives in you is greater (mightier) than he who is in the world.

1^st John 4:4 [AMP]

Behold! I have given you authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and [physical and mental strength and ability] over all the power that the enemy [possesses]; and nothing shall in any way harm you.

Luke 10:19 [AMP]

As a man thinketh in his heart so is he. Your thoughts and words are energy, and they reach out to every condition and circumstance of your life. You have the power of choice, and have the ability to take control of your thought life and dislodge all the lies of the enemy. You have the power to be the person God created you to be! Choose to believe that you have received the ability, efficiency, and might when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. God needs you to be a true witness of the Gospel, and you will do this effectively when you are comfortable with who God created you to be. You are unique!

Guide me in Your truth and faithfulness and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You do I wait all the day long. Laus Deo!

Right-Minded Intercession

“The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” - James 5:16

Caryl sadly read her newspaper and laid it down on the table. “What is happening to our country?” she groaned. Caryl wanted to blame the new administration, but she knew better; her devotional reading for that morning was based on Proverbs 21:1. She recalled its words: “The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.”

It reminded Caryl that leaders are appointed by God to accomplish His purposes. Bowing her head, she immediately asked God to guide her elected officials with wisdom and to turn their hearts to Him. Daryl also asked the Lord to direct her leaders in determining foreign affairs, the economy and unemployment, and prayed for the safety of the President and his family, thanking God for them.

James 5:16 reminds you that as you pray like Caryl – and do so with the right-minded attitude – your intercessions will have a mighty impact. Pray decisively and confidently for your president and leaders, regardless of your opinions of the day’s headlines…and God will move on behalf of our nation.

Recommended Reading: 1^st Peter 4:1-2, 7-11

Written by...

Kathy Lumbert

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Still Praying For the President

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Meditations from Judypie

Do you pray for others because you want them to change to make your life easier, or because you want God to be glorified? When you pray for others, pray for them with joy. When you pray for others you are restored to a spiritual tone of heart and mind. Probably few of us have been through as much as Job of the Old Testament. He lost everything, and was attacked physically. After many months he prayed for his friends. The Lord turned his captivity and restored his fortunes; also the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before. Let's pray for one another.

In the name of Jesus, I thank God for you—every time I pray. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. Amen.

Scripture Meditation: Ephesians 1:16-23

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Begin everyday with a smile, a glad heart and a happy, joyous spirit.

Father, I come before You rejoicing, for this is the day that You have made and I will rejoice and be glad in it. To obey is better than sacrifice, so I am making a decision to submit to Your will today, that my plans and purposes may be conducted in a manner that will bring honor and glory to You. Cause me to be spiritually and mentally alert in this time of meditation and prayer, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Scripture Meditation: Psalm 118:24; 1^st Samuel 15:22; Colossians 4:2

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Heavenly Father, thank You for blessing the work of my hands. I can walk confidently fulfilling my destiny because You love, accept and approve of me. I am strong even though I feel weak, and my works shall be rewarded. I am steadfast, never giving up in the face of adversity. Because I am Your child and a partaker of Your divine nature, I will stand firm until Your will prevails and Satan’s plans have been demolished. In the name of Jesus, I affirm Your love for me. Amen

Scripture Meditation: Deuteronomy 28:12; 2^nd Chronicles 15:7; Ephesians 6:13-14

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Praise God! Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your sting? O grave, where is your victory? Jesus, I know that my Redeemer lives -- you are risen from the dead, and I am risen with you. I set my heart on things above, where you are seated at the right hand of God. Thank you Jesus! I have this assurance that even as you were taken up from among us to heaven you will come back in the same way you left. When you appear I shall be like you -- awesome! Hallelujah! Jesus is Lord!

Scripture Meditation: 1^st Corinthians 15; Colossians 2:12; 3:1; Acts 1:11

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“I came to the world to be a Light. Anyone who puts his trust in Me will not be in darkness”

John 12:46 (NLV)

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You can turn fear out by declaring your faith in God's Word. Praying aloud will stop the tormenting thoughts. Believe God; He is faithful, and He watches over His word to perform it.

Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank you for delivering me from the fear of death. You are with me; I will not be afraid. You are my God, and I will not be dismayed. I have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear, but I have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. Amen.

Scripture Meditation: Hebrews 2:14-15; Isaiah 41:10; Romans 8:15; Psalm 34:4

Obama: The End of the World As We Know It?

During the long and painful political campaign in the United States, much negative mud-slinging was directed towards Senator Barack Obama.

He was called an Arab.

He was called a Muslim.

He was called a terrorist.

He was accused of hating America.

People called him a snake.

And then... they really got nasty...

Many voters had the presence of mind to bypass the mudslinging and accusations and look into the heart of the matter. They did not allow the negativity to permeate their thinking. Even Senator John McCain, when confronted with this mindset among his supporters, made the wise choice of advising them to back away from the overly negative mindsets (reported on CNN). Sadly, some of these individuals felt that holding onto their hatred was far more important to obeying their party’s leader.

Some still do.

The worst part, in our opinion, was when people jumped upon this political bandwagon... and did such in the name of Christianity!

It was bad having pastors thumbing their noses at the IRS rules against non-profit churches endorsing candidates by advising their congregations to not vote for Barack Hussein Obama. Like the Frankenstein monster, such paranoid hysteria has taken a life of its own. Prophecies of gloom and doom are spreading all over the internet -- and some Christians have shared some of these web posts and e-mails with us, informing us that they are genuinely afraid of what the future may hold under an Obama presidency.

Hmm...

We remember back in 1984 when a religious group claimed to have incontrovertible evidence that the world would end that year. They purchased full-page newspaper ads that initially acknowledged that Jesus said that no man would know the day of His returning. However, they added the word “but” and went on to explain that they had knowledge that even Jesus did not claim to possess. Yikes! Many people were worried... they genuinely believed the world would end.

Well, 1984 came and went.

A decade later, 1994 came and went.

Another decade passed and 2004 came and went.

Yet, the Lord still tarries.

Do you think maybe He is waiting for us to stop playing silly political games and be about His business?

So then, why are people getting confused and upset over the escalating swirl of verkakte proclamations that the election of the Democratic candidate will result in earthquakes... tidal waves... floods... human sacrifice... dogs and cats living together... mass hysteria... ???

The editor of Charisma Magazine, a popular Christian publication, wrote in the Strang Report blog that “life as we know it” would end if Barack Obama is elected. Well, Obama was elected as the 44^th President of the United States of America. Will life as we know it change? Would that be a bad thing?

Certainly, we would like to see the economy improve.

Many want the wars (that are being funded with borrowed money) to end.

And we would like to see our borders better protected from the influx of sociopaths and killers who are currently entering the country.

We would like to see unity as Americans and not as red- and blue-states.

Is this what Strang was referring to, the world becoming a better place? Nay. I suppose you can read his blogs and come to your own conclusion. One point from Strang’s blog struck us as a wee bit interesting. The following is a quote from that on-line publication:

There will also be a “take from the rich, give to the poor” type of socialistic mind-set throughout the nation.

The interesting thing there is that this is not a socialistic mind-set. It is a Christian mind-set. We saw in the Book of Acts that the early believers who had wealth sold their possessions so that they could support those who were poor.

Now the company of believers was of one heart and soul, and not one of them claimed that anything which he possessed was [exclusively] his own, but everything they had was in common and for the use of all.

Acts 4:32 (Amplified Bible)

It, then, is baffling how an idea taken directly from the Bible (and by a guy named Hussein, no less) could be derisively referred to as socialistic. Certainly, it goes against Republican doctrine to redistribute wealth to the poor and needy. Well, unless, of course, you count the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) signed by Republican President Ronald Reagan on October 22, 1986. But it certainly does not transcend Bible doctrine... at least, not according to Acts 4:32.

It is very clear, however, that this mindset reflects the tendency of religious folks to react to knee-jerk issues without considering the big-picture of what God has called us to do upon this earth. Does God prosper His people to drive bigger cars than sinners... or to help supply the needs of po’ folks?

Of course, what many other religious folks are harping on (we will refrain from listing their names, or links to their sites) is the belief that President Obama would (in the words of one correspondent) kill his own grandchild -- in the hypothetical instance that one of his daughters would become pregnant out of wedlock. Is it really fair to take a sound-bite and twist it into a battle cry? Do we want to interpret a willingness to allow a person to choose as the intention to personally run a sword through the bellies of pregnant women?

Come on!

Granted, we at the Powerhouse do not endorse abortion. We do understand, however, that God gives man the right to choose... even when the results may be disastrous. Adam was allowed to choose to eat the forbidden fruit... even though all of his descendents were cursed. Abraham was allowed to choose to impregnate Hagar... even though the war between Ishmael and Isaac continues to this day. People who are offered salvation through Christ have the freedom to reject it and choose hell. It is a bad choice... but God gives one the free will to make that choice.

What Christians can (and should) do, then, is present people with the ability to make the best informed choice.

This strategy is embodied in the words of the Apostle Paul in Titus 2:1-7. The older men and women must educate the young men and women regarding the conduct of their lives. This should decrease the incidence of unwanted pregnancy. However, if a woman still finds herself in that situation, the church should make itself into a place where she is encouraged to run into to find comfort – emotionally, financially, logistically, and most importantly: spiritually.

In reality, however, this is often not the case. An unwed pregnant girl is often met by religious folks with derision. It is de rigueur for many churchgoers to roll their eyes and gossip about someone caught in sin. Often, a young woman who is pregnant out of wedlock is shunned and may even be asked to leave the church. I have never seen people reach out to counsel the youth as in Titus 2, nor have I seen people rally around a young woman to care for her child and offer her support so that she would be dissuaded from making the wrong choice of aborting that child. Wayne Kirkpatrick and Susan Ashton’s song “Started With a Whisper” delineates what happens in many churches where “holier than thou” circumvents Christ-like compassion.

I remember when I was a youth worker barely out of my teens. We approached the pastor with a plan to address the escalating number of teen pregnancies in the congregation. The pastor was outraged that we wanted to discuss the subject of (gasp) sex with the youth – even from a biblical perspective.

Isn’t it sad when we are so unwilling to address topics that may make us uncomfortable? Or, to invite people into our church who don’t have nice clothes. Or, who may look and/or smell funny? But we feel comfortable at casting that first stone... especially when we can do so from the relative anonymity of the internet.

Hmm...

The subject of abortion (along with that of homosexuality) has been the guaranteed vote-getter for the Republicans in past elections. How many parents didn’t vote for John Kerry because they didn’t want their kids to turn gay. A lot. How many parents fell for the robo-calls during the 2004 election? A lot. But this year... voters seemed to become a bit more sagacious. Of course, some Christian web sites would say they were deceived or misled.

Hmm...

One thing that the pundits have been tossing around is the need for more caring on a social level. Again, we would like to see the unborn given an opportunity to live. But what is the church’s position on those who are born?

Will the church step in to help if they become homeless following a foreclosure?

Will the church step in to help if food is beyond their economic reach?

Will the church step in to help if they are recruited into violent gangs and forced to do a 187 (murder somebody)?

Will the church step in to help if they are forced into the multi-billion-dollar international sex trade?

Will the church step in to help if they contract HIV?

Regardless of what laws may or may not be passed... regardless of what Supreme Court rulings may or may not be repealed... (and nobody really knows, at this early stage in the game, if any of the aforementioned may even be on the political docket) -- if the Body of Christ sets itself with the agenda of reaching out to those people who might find themselves with an unwanted pregnancy, perhaps abortion won’t even be a question.

Abortion isn’t a problem if nobody wants one.

Drugs aren’t a problem if nobody takes them.

Liquor isn’t a problem if nobody drinks it.

Let our focus be on getting the gospel of Jesus Christ into people’s lives and hearts. If we can do that, the battle is already won.

Still, we know (from personal experience) the dangers of desire. Not only fleshly desire... but religious desire.

Surely the apostles thought they were doing the right thing when they chose Matthias to be the replacement for Judas Iscariot. Matthias may have been a good guy. He might have been handsome. He might have been eloquent. Maybe he skillfully played the stringed instrument during worship services. Who knows, he may have done great works for the Lord. However...

the first and last mention of Matthias
in the Bible
occurred within the same passage of scripture.

God never chose Matthias. He chose the man whom the apostles would never have dreamt of. In fact, when Saul of Tarsus became the Apostle Paul, it took some major league convincing to get the others to accept him.

The Bible confirms that God is sovereign in the affairs of man.

He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and sets up kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding!

Daniel 2:21 (Amplified Bible)

The question remains, will you join those who are praying for our elected leader, or will you continue to stir up a hornet’s nest of rage and opposition? Towards that end, I would like to ask you this question:

What if those religious folk
who spend so much time and energy
spinning their political wheels
to support a specific agenda
would put that SAME energy
towards doing the work
of the gospel of Jesus Christ?

What if we used that energy to tell people that God loves them and has a wonderful plan for their lives?

What if we took the funds spent on political pursuits and purchased supplies to provide poor families with provisions so that they might enjoy Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners?

What if instead of spending time Google-ing hearsay about political candidates, we spent that time studying the scriptures so that we might develop more spiritual fruits in our lives?

What if we went to our knees and prayed for our elected President instead of speaking evil about him?

¹FIRST OF all, then, I admonish and urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be offered on behalf of all men, ²For kings and all who are in positions of authority or high responsibility, that [outwardly] we may pass a quiet and undisturbed life [and inwardly] a peaceable one in all godliness and reverence and seriousness in every way. ³For such [praying] is good and right, and [it is] pleasing and acceptable to God our Savior, ⁴Who wishes all men to be saved and [increasingly] to perceive and recognize and discern and know precisely and correctly the [divine] Truth.

1^st Timothy 2:1-4 (Amplified Bible)

Even Senator John McCain, in his concession speech, repudiated the negative sentiments expressed during the campaign and urged Americans to come together under a spirit of cooperation. Of course, we recall that people in the crowd vocalized their disagreement. They refused to lay down their hate. What would Jesus do?

He has showed you, O man, what is good.
And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.

Micah 6:8 (New International Version)

We understand that many folks have their opinions and may disagree with what we are saying. However, don’t expect an on-going argument. In the words of Forrest Gump, that is all I have to say about that. We just wanted to address the plethora of “stuff” floating around the bowl of the internet (much of which keeps landing in our e-mail box) by giving it a solid flush...

Pun intended.

May God bless the United States of America.

Here is a little video clip that came to our attention... it addresses one of the points that was made: