Battle Plans 1-54

Battle Plan 53
May 23-29, 2021This summer begins with much less fear than the summer of 2020. For that, we should all be thankful. However, the threats to our well-being persist. The gospel of Jesus Christ is the only power that can transform a human heart and restore us to the Creator’s intended role. Each of us has a part to play in standing for the truth, sharing our personal stories of change, and advocating for the truth of Jesus Christ.

Thousands of rockets have been fired at Israel. Hamas, a terrorist organization, is celebrated as a force for freedom. A federal judge has ruled that Christian universities must abide by “transgender rules” emerging from Presidential executive orders. Censorship is expanding. I believe God is inviting us to “learn to stand.” Let’s accept the assignment, recognizing it is only with God’s strength we can prevail.

For our prayers this week, let’s proclaim God’s Word over our lives.

Morning Prayer

Ephesians 6:10-13 (NIV^®)
¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ¹³ Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

Mid-Day Prayer

Philippians 4:4-8 (NIV^®)
⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵ Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ⁸ Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.

Evening Prayer

Psalm 3:1-8 (NIV^®)
¹ O LORD, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me!
² Many are saying of me, “God will not deliver him.” Selah.
³ But you are a shield around me, O LORD; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head.
⁴ To the LORD I cry aloud, and he answers me from his holy hill. Selah.
⁵ I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me.
⁶ I will not fear the tens of thousands drawn up against me on every side.
⁷ Arise, O LORD! Deliver me, O my God!

Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked.
⁸ From the LORD comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people. Selah.

Battle Plan 52
May 16-22, 2021

We were fortunate to welcome Lt Colonel Oliver North and Lt General Jerry Boykin back to WOC. These men have been warriors. They have crisscrossed the globe standing up for freedom.

They have been wounded, they have buried friends, and defeated enemies.

At home, we have gone to Disneyland. We need to listen and learn. We need lessons in “how to stand for freedom.” We have handed ours away. Esau traded his birthright for an easy meal. We are trading away our liberty for some “free stuff.” We look the other way because we do not want to be labeled divisive or whatever the “bullying term” of the day happens to be.

We are abandoning values that have made us the most prosperous and free nation on the planet.

A Judeo-Christian worldview has provided the structure for our schools, legal system, and our society. It is being rapidly dismantled. Will we stand up? Will we use our voices? Will we be identified with a biblical worldview? How we answer these questions will determine the future for our children and grandchildren. Elected officials and climate science are not our greatest problems. The attitude and response of God’s people will determine what is next.

Our prayers this week are three portions from Psalm 36. The first is a portion of repentance. The second is a declaration of God’s love. The third is a promise of triumph. It is a good Psalm to commit to memory. The Scripture changes us when we take the time to embrace what God has given us.

Morning Prayer

Psalm 36:1-4 (NIV^®)
¹ An oracle is within my heart concerning the sinfulness of the wicked: There is no fear of God before his eyes. ² For in his own eyes he flatters himself too much to detect or hate his sin.
³ The words of his mouth are wicked and deceitful; he has ceased to be wise and to do good.
⁴ Even on his bed he plots evil; he commits himself to a sinful course and does not reject what is wrong.

Mid-Day Prayer

Psalm 36:5-8 (NIV^®)
⁵ Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.
⁶ Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the great deep. O LORD, you preserve both man and beast. ⁷ How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings.
⁸ They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights.

Evening Prayer

Psalm 36:9-12 (NIV^®)
⁹ For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.
¹⁰ Continue your love to those who know you, your righteousness to the upright in heart.
¹¹ May the foot of the proud not come against me, nor the hand of the wicked drive me away.
¹² See how the evildoers lie fallen– thrown down, not able to rise!

Battle Plan 51
May 9-15, 2021

All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing. A year ago we were introduced to Covid-19. We now understand the pandemic was only the beginning. There is a struggle underway for the heart of our nation. What values will shape our future? How will marriage be understood? Will equality or equity define our opportunities? Will the current censorship continue until free speech is only a relic of the past? These questions and many more are in the balance. Our children and grandchildren will experience life shaped by the responses we provide to these questions.

The rate of change and aggression of those driving the agenda is dizzying. The temptation is to look away or pretend not to notice. As ambassadors for the Kingdom of God, our assignment is clear. We are advocates for Jesus of Nazareth as Christ, Lord, and King. We will stand for the truth of God’s Word.

Your willingness to engage will make a difference. Watch, listen, think, and act. Prayer is the beginning point. Through our prayers we invite God into the midst of our world. As we listen in prayer we understand the specifics of our assignments. More than 1,500 participated in the 24-Hour Prayer Watch this week at WOC. Across our nation thousands gathered for The National Day of Prayer. God is moving in and through our lives. We will not stop!

Morning Prayer

Heavenly Father, You are not the author of confusion and fear. We ask for Your wisdom to be made evident in this season. Open a pathway before us that will bring Your restoration and provision. Give us receptive hearts to learn from Your discipline and guidance. Lead us today, speak to us, give us the discernment to see Your activity before us, and grant us the courage to follow You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Mid-Day Prayer

Almighty God, we pray for our leaders, for all those in authority over us — direct their steps and protect them from deception. In Your great power and wisdom establish us as a people with a heart for God. Open again our churches and businesses. More importantly, open our eyes to see and our hearts to receive all that You have for us. You are our strength and our protection. You alone can secure our future. In You we put our trust. May the name of Jesus be lifted up and exalted throughout the Earth in this generation. Amen.

Evening Prayer

Almighty God, You are delivering us and making a new way before us. We rejoice in Your faithfulness and the display of Your grace and mercy. You reached out and lifted us up when the flood of devastation was approaching. We acknowledge You and rejoice in Your faithfulness. Now open the pathways to begin again. Fill us with a determination to honor You in the season ahead. May the spirit of confusion be broken and clarity of purpose settle upon Your people. Open doors for the proclamation of Your truth unlike any we have ever witnessed. Pour out Your Spirit upon us. Reach out Your hand to heal, deliver, and restore — in Jesus’ name, amen.

Battle Plan 50
May 2-8, 2021

There is big trouble ahead for the Christian and the non-believer. We have time to awaken and turn our hearts toward God—He will help us.

Faith separated from cultural reality and engagement is only a theory. Jesus did not come to the Earth and die on a cross to set up units for theoretical theological debate. Compartmentalizing our faith into “church time” and “my time” is a false construct; it is not derived from Scripture or the experience of Church history. Our faith is intended to impact how we spend our time, energy, and resources and to shape our aspirations for the future.

A reform is a “correction of abuses.” A revolution is a “transfer of power.” What starts as reforming often ends in a revolutionary movement.

We are experiencing such a time: The outcome of the unannounced revolution is not clear. I believe the result will depend upon two things (and neither of them are political):

1) God’s involvement; 2) the degree to which God’s people awaken to the truth & become involved.

Morning Prayer

Heavenly Father, open my heart to understand what was accomplished through the cross. Grant me a revelation of Jesus that is more real than any discouragement or disappointment. Thank You for Your grace, mercy, and forgiveness in my life. I choose to live for Your purposes. Help me to see the opportunities around me that I might bring honor and glory to the name of Jesus. In Him I put my trust. Amen.

1 Chronicles 12:32 (NIV^®)
³² … men of Issachar, who understood the times and knew what Israel should do.

Mid-day Prayer

Heavenly Father, You are the Author of life and my Source of hope. May faith arise in my heart as I pause to listen to You. You are the strength of my life, and Your promises describe my future. I rejoice in Your great faithfulness. Your mercy sustains me in days of distress. Deliver me from evil. I put my trust in You, my God and my Redeemer. Amen.

1 Timothy 1:12 (NASB^®)
¹² I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service.

Evening Prayer

Heavenly Father I rejoice in Your great faithfulness to me. You are my Rock and my Redeemer. All my days are secure in Your hands. Your lovingkindness overshadows me. You have called me out of darkness and set my feet on a path of righteousness. I put my trust in You, for You are a faithful God. Amen.

Philippians 3:13-14 (NIV^®)
But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, ¹⁴ I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Battle Plan 49
April 25 – May 1, 2021

Propaganda, censorship, media capitulation to political objectives, the devaluing of truth, the rule of law being systematically dismantled, violence unleashed in our cities, porous borders and economically unsustainable policies—these things are descriptive of our present circumstance.

The currents of change are sweeping us along. It is not clear what our destination will be. One thing is certain; for liberty and freedom to be extended the Church must respond in new ways. We must become familiar with the “weapons of our warfare” and understand how to “stand against the devil’s schemes”. The pathway to a better place will begin with spiritual change, not political alignment. We can no longer compromise for momentary gain or acceptance. We are being called to choose, to choose whom we will serve. The Spirit of God is preparing His people!

Morning Proclamation

I rejoice in the protection of Almighty God over my life. I am the Lord’s servant, I rest in the completeness of His strength and care. No weapon formed against me will prevail. I will refute every tongue which rises against me, this is my heritage as a servant of the Lord. A thousand may fall at my side but destruction will not overwhelm me. I have made the Most High my dwelling place. God is my refuge and my security. No harm will befall me, no disaster will overtake me. God has commanded his angels to watch over my life. My life and my future are secure through the strength of my Lord and my redeemer.

Isaiah 54:17 (NIV^®)
¹⁷ no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the LORD.

Mid-Day Proclamation

I choose Jesus of Nazareth as Lord of my life. Through Jesus I am redeemed out of an empty way of life. I have been delivered from the kingdom of darkness and welcomed into the Kingdom of the Living God. God chose me before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless before him. He has chosen me as a part of his family. God has accepted me as his child. I have been delivered from all rejection. The pain of rejection has no place in me through the power of Jesus’ name. I have been redeemed, forgiven and accepted into the family of Almighty God. I have an inheritance in heaven that can never spoil or be diminished. I rest in God’s mercy, love and provision for me.

Colossians 1:11-14 (NIV^®)
¹² giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. ¹³ For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, ¹⁴ in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Evening Proclamation

I put on the garment of praise and hope. I choose the joy of the Lord as my strength. I lay aside the spirit of heaviness and raise my voice in praise of the Living God. May my eyes be opened to the provision of God and my ears attentive to the sound of His deliverance. Holy Spirit help me, in You I find power and revelation. God has restored my broken heart and set my feet on a path of victory. I have hope for today and the strength to complete the course you have chosen for me. Let the people of God arise triumphant and may the name of Jesus be lifted up throughout the earth. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Psalm 34:18-19 (NIV^®)
¹⁸ The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. ¹⁹ A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all;

Battle Plan 48
April 18-24, 2021

Daily headlines seem to be derived from the pages of Scripture. What a tremendous source of strength to know that God was aware, long before we even knew a problem was approaching. The One who watches over us does not slumber or sleep, His strength never fails and His plans for us are good!

Psalm 121:2-8 (NIV^®)
²  My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
³  He will not let your foot slip– he who watches over you will not slumber;
⁴  indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
⁵  The LORD watches over you– the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
⁶  the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
⁷  The LORD will keep you from all harm– he will watch over your life;
⁸  the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

Reading: Genesis 37-50; pay attention to Joseph’s journey —highlights and tragedies. God’s purposes are often challenging.

Morning Prayer

Heavenly Father, in our generation awaken Your people and pour out Your Spirit upon us. We thirst for Your presence in our midst. We are not content to rest at a distance, we want to see Jesus lifted up and exalted. Grant us boldness, discernment and courage to take our place in Your purposes. Strengthen us when we are weary; only Your great strength can sustain. Our trust is in You, Almighty God. Amen.

Mid-Day Prayer

Almighty God we come in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Forgive our affinity for the world and the captivity it brings. Grant that wherever we are shaped by the world rather than by your Word, we may be helped to recognize it and by your power to be freed from it. Grant too that in rising to live as you have called us to live, we may demonstrate to the world a new and different way of life that once again will free the captives and show a human way of life that is worthy of you, the author of life and of humanity. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, amen.

Evening Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for Your great love for us —for all You have done and for all that is yet ahead. We lift our hearts to You in thanksgiving and praise for You are worthy of all honor and glory. You have given us life, You have prepared a future for us, and You have rescued us from an empty way of life. We press on to complete the course for which You created us. Grant us the strength needed for this day, in Jesus’ name, amen.

Battle Plan 47
April 11-17, 2021

We had a wonderful Easter weekend celebrating Jesus’ victory. Together we took a significant step forward in establishing victory against fear and anxiety.

Easter has introduced Spring. Gardens are not random, they reflect intentional design and effort. Routine inspection, analysis and action —these are necessary components of a flourishing garden. They are equally important components of a vibrant spiritual life.

Let’s invite the Holy Spirit to direct our year toward growth and maturity in our faith. Challenges will inevitably present—drought, insects, destructive weather. The good news is that God is a God of restoration. He is well able to protect, restore and deliver us to our destination. Let’s not shrink back in fear and unbelief.

Reading: Hebrews; note the “Let Us” passages.

Morning Prayer

I am persuaded; Jesus of Nazareth is the Way, the Truth and the Life.
John 14:6 (NIV)
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

I am persuaded; Scripture is inspired by God —a necessary and profitable part of God’s provision for my life.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (HCSB)
¹⁶ All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, ¹⁷ so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

I am persuaded; God Almighty made the heavens, the earth and all that is in them.
Colossians 1:16-17 (NIV)
¹⁶ For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. ¹⁷ He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

Mid-Day Prayer

I am persuaded; I have been reconciled to God, accepted and approved by Him.
Colossians 1:21-22 (NIV)
²¹ Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. ²² But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation–

I am persuaded; I have been delivered from the domain of darkness. I belong to the eternal kingdom of God. I have been redeemed and forgiven.
Colossians 1:13-14 (NASB)
¹³ For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, ¹⁴ in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

I am persuaded; Jesus is returning to the earth, triumphant. He will reward those who have honored him and bring judgment against those who have rejected him.
Revelation 1:7 (NIV)
Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of him. So shall it be! Amen.

Evening Prayer

I am persuaded; Jesus is building his church and I intend to assist in every possible way.
Matthew 16:18-19 (NIV)
. . .I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. ¹⁹ I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

I am persuaded; to honor God with my life—with all my heart, mind, soul and body. I will invest my time, my treasure and my talent as an expression of honor to my Lord and King.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV)
¹⁹ Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; ²⁰ you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.

I am persuaded; I will endure, persevere, complete my course AND receive the reward which the Lord, the righteous judge will present.
2 Timothy 2:3, 4:6-8 (NIV)
³ Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. . . . ⁶ For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. ⁷ I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. ⁸ Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day–and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

I am persuaded; God has made complete provision for my life in time and eternity. In Christ I have been given everything I need to overcome, be victorious and demonstrate the faithfulness of my God.
2 Peter 1:3 (NIV)
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.

Battle Plan 46
March 28-April 3, 2021

This is Holy Week, Easter is approaching. There is an added significance this year. We are more aware than ever of the privilege of celebrating together. We have been delivered so that we might walk a new path with the Lord. This Easter is a new beginning!

Our blessings are many: we have survived a pandemic, we are able to gather together, we have the freedom to celebrate Jesus in public, we have Bibles, etc etc

Our challenges are great: our nation is in turmoil, truth and righteousness are seldom celebrated, deception and manipulation are emboldened, etc etc

Easter provides a powerful reminder for each of us. The triumph of life over death, hope over despair and God’s purposes over the adversaries schemes. We are in training. We are learning to trust the tools which Jesus gave his life to provide for us. For too long our behavior has been indistinguishable from the pagan; we have all trusted the same things for our stability and future. Now God is awakening us to the glory of His Kingdom.

Reading: Proverbs 8-14, read a chapter each day & select a verse as God’s word for your day

Morning Prayer –Prayer of Preparation
Almighty God,
I choose your best! Teach me to walk in paths of righteousness and to honor your word. Keep me far from deception and deliver me from temptation. My desire is to live uprightly before you, to be pleasing in your sight and to fulfill all for which you created me. Holy Spirit give me an understanding heart and the discernment to recognize the truth, in Jesus’ name, amen.

Mid-Day Proclamation of Belief
I testify as to what the Word of God says the blood of Jesus does for me;
Through the blood of Jesus, I am redeemed out of the hand of the devil;
Through the blood of Jesus, all my sins are forgiven;
The blood of Jesus Christ, God’s Son, continually cleanses me from all sin;
Through the blood of Jesus I am sanctified, made holy, set apart to God;
Through the blood of Jesus I am justified, made righteous, just as if I’d never sinned.
My body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, redeemed, cleansed by the blood of Jesus;
Therefore, Satan has no place in me, no power over me, through the blood of Jesus.

Evening Prayer
Heavenly Father,
May I live in the fullness of the victory of the cross. Deliver me from everything which diminishes what you created me for. May your wisdom inform my days, your power enable me to overcome every obstacle and your mercy sustain me in my weakness. I rejoice in the triumph of my Lord! May Jesus’ name be exalted throughout the earth. May His Church be anointed and empowered to proclaim the good news! Let all of creation rejoice in the goodness of the Lord, amen.

Battle Plan 45
March 21-27, 2021

We are anxious to be done with the battle. We continue to establish “finish lines” so we can declare a victory and return to a more casual faith. “Once the election is over” we can return to normal. “After the vaccine is available” we can resume our schedule. “When the children return to school” things will level out. All of these are acceptable milestones but none of them are ultimate victory markers for the larger struggle.

Our nation’s heritage of a Christian worldview is being dismantled. Churches are sparsely attended and spiritual awareness is superseded by many other concerns. The shaking that began with a virus is still underway. God is purifying His people. We want to respond to Him with humility and determination. As we continue to repent and strengthen our faith, we will see the deliverance of our God. We will not stop!

Reading: Proverbs 1-7, read a chapter each day & select a verse as God’s word for your day

Morning Prayer –Prayer of Repentance

Heavenly Father,
I pause to repent, to repent of my willful disobedience to you. I repent of my stubborn refusal to believe and my ungodly choices, even when I knew what you had asked of me. I repent of suppressing the truth, refusing to speak when I knew the truth. I turn away from all ungodliness and choose a new path of action and thought—I choose to be pleasing in your sight. Look upon me with mercy and kindness and not with anger, in Jesus’ name, amen.

Mid-Day Proclamation of Belief

The Apostle’s Creed

I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.

And in Jesus Christ His only Son, our Lord;
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, dead, and buried.
He descended into hades; the third day He rose again from the dead:
He ascended into heaven, and sits on the right hand of God,
the Father Almighty;
from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting.
Amen.

Evening Prayer

Heavenly Father,
Our hope is in you and in you alone. We boldly declare Jesus is Lord in our world. Through Him all things were made, He is the faithful witness and the ruler of the kings of the earth. We submit ourselves to His authority and leadership. Through faith in Jesus our sins are forgiven, our strength is renewed and our hope is secure. Holy Spirit grant us a revelation of Jesus that will bring victory to our lives, in His name, amen.

Week 44
March 1-7, 2021

2020 ignited a chain of disruptions which have not stopped. The consequences are not clear. It is difficult to gain perspective for many reasons: the disruptions are constant, deception is rampant, censorship impedes communication and many are indifferent. We must gain the victory over the spirit of disruption. We can be steadfast in the midst of turbulence.

The need for a church committed to holiness and godliness has never been greater. Do not succumb to the temptation of imagining we are powerless. Our strength does not reside in our number or our resources. The One who called us is faithful, His strength is sufficient.

We are in training! We are learning to pray, to believe, to stand and to work together. We have been called to this season and God will lead us through triumphantly.

Reading: 1 Peter – Take a few moments to write down all that you know about Peter . . . what was his profession, what miracles did he experience with Jesus, what role did he take after the ascension, etc. etc.

Morning Prayer

God’s Protection
I rejoice in the protection of Almighty God over my life. I am the Lord’s servant, I rest in the completeness of His strength and care. No weapon formed against me will prevail. I will refute every tongue which rises against me, this is my heritage as a servant of the Lord. A thousand may fall at my side but destruction will not overwhelm me. I have made the Most High my dwelling place. God is my refuge and my security. No harm will befall me, no disaster will overtake me. God has commanded his angels to watch over my life. My life and my future are secure through the strength of my Lord and my redeemer.

Isaiah 54:17 (NIV^®)
¹⁷  no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the LORD.

Psalm 91:7-11 (NIV^®)
⁷  A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. ⁸  You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. ⁹  If you make the Most High your dwelling– even the LORD, who is my refuge– ¹⁰  then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. ¹¹  For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;

Mid-Day Proclamation

Psalm 51:1-13 (NIV^®)
¹  Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.  ²  Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. ³  For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. ⁴  Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge. ⁵  Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. ⁶  Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place. ⁷  Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. ⁸  Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. ⁹  Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. ¹⁰  Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. ¹¹  Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. ¹²  Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. ¹³  Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you.

Evening Prayer

Hope and Encouragement
I put on the garment of praise and hope. I choose the joy of the Lord as my strength. I lay aside the spirit of heaviness and raise my voice in praise of the Living God. May my eyes be opened to the provision of God and my ears attentive to the sound of His deliverance. Holy Spirit help me, in You I find power and revelation. God has restored my broken heart and set my feet on a path of victory. I have hope for today and the strength to complete the course you have chosen for me. Let the people of God arise triumphant and may the name of Jesus be lifted up throughout the earth. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Psalm 34:18-19 (NIV^®)
¹⁸  The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. ¹⁹  A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all;

Week 43
February 22 – March 1, 2021

New disruptions, a generational ice & snow storm settled over Middle Tennessee and beyond. Once again, we were provided with an opportunity to stop and reflect upon the One who is our provider.

I pray you took some time during the week to pray and seek the Lord. In His mercy God continues to provide us with “windows of opportunity”.

God is calling His Church to this unique moment. Our freedoms and liberties should not be squandered. Let’s press in, we will see God’s power as never before.

Reading: 1 Corinthians. Pay attention to the challenges and struggles which were a part of this community of faith. Note Paul’s emphasis upon the cross and the power of God. Churches are not collections of perfect people. However, there is no excuse for sloppy living.

Morning Prayer

Colossians 1:10-14 (NKJV)
¹⁰  that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;
¹¹  strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy;
¹²  giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.
¹³  He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, ¹⁴  in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.

Heavenly Father,
We offer ourselves as living sacrifices for your purposes. May our lives be pleasing to you. Help us to walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him becoming fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.  Strengthen us with your might through your glorious power. Establish us with your patience and endurance. Let us joyfully give thanks, you have qualified us to partake in the inheritance of the saints, delivering us from the power of darkness. We rejoice in our Lord and King, amen.

Mid-Day Proclamation

Psalm 91:1-7 (NIV)
¹  He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
²  I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
³  Surely he will save (me) from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence.
⁴  He will cover (me) with his feathers, and under his wings (I) will find refuge; his faithfulness will be (my) shield and rampart.
⁵  (I) will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day,
⁶  nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.
⁷  A thousand may fall at (my) side, ten thousand at (my) right hand, but it will not come near (me).

Evening Prayer

Psalm 119:132-136 (NIV)
¹³²  Turn to me and have mercy on me, as you always do to those who love your name.
¹³³  Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me.
¹³⁴  Redeem me from the oppression of men, that I may obey your precepts.
¹³⁵  Make your face shine upon your servant and teach me your decrees.
¹³⁶  Streams of tears flow from my eyes, for your law is not obeyed.

Almighty God,
You are my strength and my shield. You and you alone can sustain me in this time of shaking. I turn to you in humility. Teach me to walk in your ways. Grant me a willing spirit to sustain me. Open my eyes to see and my ears to hear that I might understand your purposes. Give me boldness to respond, strength and courage to persevere. Deliver me from evil and do not lead me into temptation. May my life be pleasing in your sight, in Jesus’ name, amen.

Week 42
February 15-22, 2021

We will not stop! God has called us to this time & place. Our choice is follow whole-heartedly.

Encourage one another. It is necessary, not just an expression of southern politeness.

Take time to pray in the Spirit, every day. We need help beyond our understanding and it is available.

Spend discretionary time with people who strengthen your faith. Gaining strength is a daily commitment.

Reading: Joshua, Caleb & Joshua completed what began in the brick pits of Egypt. Their lives are a testimony to faithfulness. Pay attention to the challenges, victories and temptations they faced. They spent 40 years with a group of rebellious people before they entered the Promised Land —-THAT IS COMMITMENT.

Morning Prayer

Luke 15:20-24 (NIV) ²⁰  So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. ²¹  “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ ²²  “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. ²³  Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. ²⁴  For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.

Heavenly Father, We have lived as the prodigal. We demanded our inheritance, our blessings and we have lived recklessly. Forgive us for ignoring your truth while pretending to be obedient. We repent and choose a new path. We choose to follow, to wait, to persevere, to overcome . . . we choose to be content —In Jesus. Holy Spirit help us to understand the glorious riches of Christ. amen.

Mid-Day Proclamation

Isaiah 40:28-31 (NIV) ²⁸  Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. ²⁹  He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. ³⁰  Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; ³¹  but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Evening Prayer

1 Peter 2:9-10 (NIV) ⁹  But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. ¹⁰  Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

Almighty God, You have called us out of darkness. You have established us in righteousness. You have sanctified us. Forgive us for grumbling about the difficulty of the journey and failing to believe in your great strength. We repent of our stubborn unbelief. We choose to follow you with our whole heart! We will not stop, we will not turn aside, we will not forget – you have shed your grace upon us, your mercies are new every morning. Holy Spirit sustain us, open our hearts to receive a revelation of our Lord and King. Let Jesus name be exalted throughout the earth, amen.

Week 41
February 7-14, 2021

Nehemiah 4:10, 14 (NIV)
¹⁰  Meanwhile, the people in Judah said, “The strength of the laborers is giving out, and there is so much rubble that we cannot rebuild the wall.” . . . ¹⁴  After I looked things over, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, “Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.”

Ephesians 6:12 (NIV)
¹²  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

It is almost a year ago we began the “Covid Protocols”. The Virus from Wuhan was a delivery system for tremendous change. Our patterns of living have been completely altered. Civil liberties have been set aside. Definitions of right and wrong have been rewritten. Trust has eroded.

In the midst of all God is still calling His people to live in truth and righteousness. We are gaining momentum in prayer, valuing community, re-arranging our misplaced priorities, and awakening to the significance of the mission we have been given.

There is a battle underway. It is not a military, economic or a political struggle. The conflict, at its root, is spiritual. This spiritual struggle may find expression in many of the more traditional arenas but the weapons and responses most needed begin in the lives of those with spiritual awareness.

Your prayers and humble submission to God will make the difference. You are of tremendous value to the emerging purposes of God. The Creator of All is aware of those who stand on His behalf. There is no greater affirmation available to us.

 

Reading: Nehemiah, a familiar story to many — pay attention to the changes required of Nehemiah and the different ways opposition challenged the rebuilding.

 

Morning Prayer
Ephesians 6:18 (NIV)
¹⁸  And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

Heavenly Father,
May the Holy Spirit direct my thoughts and prayers today. Grant me an awareness of the things which concern you. Keep me alert to the assignments you have for me and protect me from all distractions and interruptions. I cry out to you, deliver your people in the earth—protect them from those who intend harm and destruction. Open wide and effective doors for the proclamation of the gospel. Let the plans of the wicked come to nothing. Let righteousness rain upon us and Jesus’ name be exalted, amen.

 

Mid-Day Proclamation
Jude 1:24-25 (NIV)
²⁴  To him who is able to keep (us) from falling and to present (us) before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy– ²⁵  to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.

 

Evening Prayer
1 Peter 5:7 -11 (NIV)
⁷  Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. ⁸  Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
⁹  Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. ¹⁰  And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. ¹¹  To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Almighty God,
We cast all of our anxiety upon you. Forgive us for picking up the burdens of worry, fear and uncertainty. We lay them at the foot of the cross. We choose to lift our hearts in thanksgiving to the One who can save us from every foe. In Christ we have been redeemed, justified, sanctified and welcomed into the eternal kingdom of our God. May our minds and hearts be filled with an inexpressible joy of what has been given to us. In you we have been made more than conquerors, we stand in your strength! Amen.

Week 40
January 24-31, 2021

Philippians 4:6 (NIV)
⁶  Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

1 Peter 5:7-9 (NIV)
⁷  Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. ⁸  Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. ⁹  Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

We need to accept the wise counsel of Scripture. For many months our hearts have been filled with anxiety surrounding the election. We must give all of our concerns and fears to the Lord, He cares for us. We are not capable of providing self-care which is adequate. We need God’s help.

The preparation for standing firm and resisting the devil’s schemes is off-loading all of our anxiety. We are not to deny the stressful realities we see. Instead we are directed to give them to God, acknowledge what we see and feel to God. Then the Creator of All Things will care for us.

Reading: Hebrews 11, read it daily; each day select a different character/event for reflection.

Morning Prayer

Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)
²³  Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.

Heavenly Father, forgive me for imagining deliverance comes from anywhere but you. You are my God and my deliverer. Forgive me for any attitudes which are displeasing to you. If anyone acted deceitfully or illegally in our recent elections, I forgive them. I turn loose of all anger, bitterness or resentment. I accept your new appointments for me, I renounce all disappointment —its authority over my life is broken. Let righteousness rain upon our nation—every city, every neighborhood, every person, every state capital, upon Washington DC, upon our military wherever they may be serving, upon your people throughout the earth — Let Jesus’ name be exalted and righteousness rain upon us all. Amen.

Mid-Day Proclamation

Psalm 31:1-5 (NIV)
¹  In you, O LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness.
²  Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me.
³  Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me.
⁴  Free me from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge.
⁵  Into your hands I commit my spirit; redeem me, O LORD, the God of truth.

Evening Prayer

Isaiah 45:8 (NIV)
⁸  “You heavens above, rain down righteousness; let the clouds shower it down. Let the earth open wide, let salvation spring up, let righteousness grow with it; I, the LORD, have created it.

Hosea 10:12 (NIV)
for it is time to seek the LORD, until he comes and showers righteousness on you.

Almighty God,
Open the heavens and let righteousness rain upon us. Wash us and we will be clean. Turn our hearts once again to our God. Grant us willing hearts to seek Your face and to turn from our wicked ways. We have walked in pride and arrogance ignoring your wisdom. Let the fear of the Lord fill our hearts as we humble ourselves before you. May the words of our mouths and the attitudes of our hearts be pleasing in your sight. Mercy, come quickly Lord Jesus, amen.

Jan 17, 2021 – Jan 24, 2021

Romans 8:31 (NIV)
³¹  What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Dependence upon the Creator of All Things is not a diminished place. We have for too long imagined our freedoms were secured by our constitution or bill of rights. In reality, God is the source of justice and truth.

Our awakening brings great hope. Once we understand, we can become more effective advocates for our Lord and King. The desire for freedom and purpose is within every human heart. Jesus of Nazareth is the only source for sustained freedom and a significance for each life.

Do not be distracted by the rumblings, keep your attention on our Lord and King. Keep your heart open to hear what God is saying.

Reading: Romans 8, read it daily; each day select a different verse for reflection

Morning Proclamation

Romans 8:35-39 (NIV)
³⁵  Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? ³⁶  As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” ³⁷  No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. ³⁸  For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, ³⁹  neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Nothing will separate us from the love of Christ. Trouble, hardship, persecution, famine and personal threats will not dissuade us from completing our assignment. In all of these things we are more than conquerors through Jesus Christ our Lord. God’s love for us expressed in Jesus transcends every threat—life or death, angels or demons, the present or the future, height or depth, any spiritual power—all of these are subject to the One we serve! In Christ we stand, triumphant!

Mid-Day Proclamation

Psalm 23:1-6 (NIV)
¹  The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
²  He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
³  he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
⁴  Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
⁵  You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
⁶  Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Evening Proclamation

Romans 8:26-28 (NIV)
²⁶  In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. ²⁷  And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.
²⁸  And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

God’s Spirit helps us in our weakness. He strengthens our mortal bodies, enlightens our minds, grants us revelation and fills us with inexpressible joy. When we do not know how to pray, He intercedes for us with sounds beyond our understanding and ability. He searches our hearts to intercede in accordance with God’s will. In every circumstance God works for our good because we love Him. Our lives are secured by the power of the Creator and Sustainer of all. In our weakness the strength of God is made evident. We will rest confidently in His care.

Jan 10, 2021 – Jan 16, 2021

A new year, a new president –very familiar voices and circumstances. President Trump was elected in 2016 and the chorus of voices declared that he was “illegitimate and must be removed.” The chorus of voices is very similar today with regard to him as Washington prepare for a change of power.

Fortunately, the power under which we serve has not changed. Our assignment is clear. Our Helper is present. Our Lord is on His throne. Our God is actively watching over His people and His purposes.

The shaking continues. Our prayers are pivotal. Perseverance is required. Together we are seeing an unprecedented move of God throughout the earth.

Reading: II Timothy, a short book—it is filled with emotion. Paul is in a Roman prison awaiting trial, anticipating condemnation. He is offering direction to a trusted friend and protégé. Much of his instruction is relevant for us today.

 

Morning Prayer

Heavenly Father,
Forgive us of our pride. We have imagined ourselves capable of securing our future. Our knowledge, our acts of obedience, our expressions of service, our possessions, our education, our relationships — all of these are inadequate to save us. Only you can secure our future. Forgive us. We turn our faces to you and yield our hearts to you. Open our eyes to see as we have never seen before. Open our hearts to receive. Grant us a willing spirit to sustain us. Guide us in paths of righteousness. You are our security, our provision, our salvation and the One to whom we turn. May the name of Jesus be lifted up for all the earth to see, in His name we pray, amen.

 

Mid-day Proclamation

A Reminder Of Our Core

The Apostle’s Creed

I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.

And in Jesus Christ His only Son, our Lord;
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, dead, and buried.

He descended into hades; the third day He rose again from the dead:
He ascended into heaven, and sits on the right hand of God,
the Father Almighty;
from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting.
Amen.

 

Evening Prayer

Heavenly Father,
You and you alone are capable of restoring us. We cry out to you. We pray for those in authority over us. May their choices honor you so that we might live in peace and godliness. May those who oppose your purposes fail in their schemes, may they stumble into the pits they have prepared for others. Awaken your church to faithfulness, humility and service. Grant us a boldness which reflects your heart and strength. Once again let truth be lifted up and justice be made evident. Be merciful to us Almighty God, apart from you there is no salvation. Amen

Dec 26, 2020 – Jan 2, 2021

We are in the midst of the holidays. The days between Christmas and the New Year are often unfocused and undirected. Let’s use the freedom of this week to purposefully focus our attention on the Lord!

The conclusion is the most significant aspect of an effort. The conclusion of a book or movie is the most important scene. The final score of an athletic contest defines the entire effort. Let’s finish 2020 with praise & thanksgiving on our lips and God’s word in our heart.

We must guard our hearts. Perseverance and patience has been required of us this year. When we are weary we are more vulnerable to despair and discouragement. It is more important than ever to remind one another that God is our source of strength. He is our deliverer. Our assignment is to stand, to pray and to believe!

When the adversary reminds you of your frailty, your vulnerability and previous failures; begin to declare what God has said about you. Persist in your prayers and proclamations until the heaviness departs and the joy of the Lord fills your heart!

Reading: Jonah  — It is a short book and a familiar story. The outcome is a nation repenting and God showing mercy — a need we certainly can understand. The focus of the story is the reluctant, often misguided prophet. Jonah reminds the reader that God works through imperfect vessels.

Morning Proclamation
Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV)
¹  Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. ² Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³  Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Many have preceded me in a life of faith and obedience, I am not alone in my choices to honor Almighty God with my life. I choose to throw off every hindrance and to repent of all sin that might entangle so that I may run with perseverance the race marked out for me. Jesus is the author and perfecter of my faith. He is my strength and sustainer as complete my course. I will engage each day with the determination to honor the Lord and do His will!

Mid-day Proclamation
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (NIV)
²⁴  Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. ²⁵  Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. ²⁶  Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. ²⁷  No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

Matthew 7:13-14 (NIV)
¹³  “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. ¹⁴  But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

Through God’s grace I have found the door which leads to life. I will pursue a life which pleases the One who called me. I will run my race with the determined self-control required to gain the prize. There is a crown which will last forever at the end of the contest. I will listen to instructions given, respond to the counsel provided by the Spirit and stand in the grace of the One who called me. May God’s will be done on earth as it is in heaven, amen.

Evening Proclamation
Revelation 3:14-22 (NIV)
¹⁴  “To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. ¹⁵  I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! ¹⁶  So, because you are lukewarm–neither hot nor cold–I am about to spit you out of my mouth. ¹⁷  You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. ¹⁸  I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. ¹⁹  Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. ²⁰  Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. ²¹  To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. ²²  He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

I accept the counsel of “the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation.” I know that nothing is hidden from him. I repent of my indifference and ambivalence. In pride I have imagined I was self-sufficient and had no needs. I was unaware of my desperate circumstances and stood arrogantly declaring my own righteousness. I repent. In Christ alone can I face the future triumphantly. Only through blood of Jesus am I cleansed, justified and sanctified. It is through the blood Jesus that I have been redeemed, made holy and set apart to God. Thank you for disciplining me in your great love. I choose to overcome, in the name of my Lord and King, Jesus of Nazareth.

Dec 13-20, 2020

2020 has provided a course in prayer and trust. A year ago, prayer was a less significant part of our lives. For that awakening, we should be very thankful.

We still face a season of challenges. Health concerns persist, unapologetic censorship grows, disregard for God’s truth abounds; yet, it is Christmas. We have the wonderful reminder that God sent His son! The Christmas miracle was not merely an act of kindness, it was a rescue mission. God knew we had a great need for a savior and He provided Jesus.

It is important to remember, Jesus is Lord of all. Nothing conceived in the hearts of humanity or hidden in darkness surprises him. Jesus is not threatened by sickness, economics or politics. He is watching over His purposes in the earth. Our assignment is to remain faithful, to stand in the truth we know.

We are not alone, the Spirit of Almighty God dwells within. We are His people, chosen to bear His name and called to serve as His ambassadors. Let us rejoice this Christmas season. Our hope has a name, Jesus!

Reading: Luke  — The Gospel of Luke records the events surrounding Jesus’ birth from Mary’s vantage point. As you read, note Luke emphasis upon the presence and the power of the Spirit of God in Jesus’ life and ministry.

Our points of agreement:

• We need to see the Covid-19 concerns diminish.
• The truth to be told, plainly & broadly.
• Jesus to be welcomed into our schools & universities again.
• God’s mercy upon us as a nation

Morning Proclamation
Psalm 124:1-8 (NIV)
¹ If the LORD had not been on our side– let Israel say–
²  if the LORD had not been on our side when men attacked us,
³  when their anger flared against us, they would have swallowed us alive;
⁴  the flood would have engulfed us, the torrent would have swept over us,
⁵  the raging waters would have swept us away.
⁶  Praise be to the LORD, who has not let us be torn by their teeth.
⁷  We have escaped like a bird out of the fowler’s snare; the snare has been broken, and we have escaped.
⁸  Our help is in the name of the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.

The Lord is on my side.
When men attacked me and their anger flared against me; when their evil plans threatened to sweep me away—the Lord established me and has not allowed me to diminished by their destructive intent.
I have escaped like a bird from a trap, God has broken the trap and I have escaped.
My help is in the name of the Lord, the One who made heaven and earth is helping me.

 

Mid-day Proclamation
Isaiah 40:28-31 (NIV)
²⁸  Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. ²⁹  He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. ³⁰  Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; ³¹  but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all things.
He who watches over me does not grow tired or weary.
God has given me strength and when I am weak He empowers me.
My hope is in the Lord, He renews my strength.
Therefore I will run and not grow weary, walk and not faint.

 

Evening Proclamation
Isaiah 41:10-14 (NIV)
¹⁰  So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
¹¹  “All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish. ¹²  Though you search for your enemies, you will not find them. Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all. ¹³  For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. ¹⁴  Do not be afraid, O worm Jacob, O little Israel, for I myself will help you,” declares the LORD, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.

Almighty God is my strength, He upholds me with His righteous right hand.
Therefore I do not fear nor am I dismayed.
All who rage against me will be ashamed and disgraced.
Those who oppose me will be as nothing and perish.
Those who wage war against me will be as nothing.
The Lord has taken hold of my right hand and said “Do not fear, I will help you.”
Therefore I am not afraid, the Holy One of Israel is my helper and my redeemer.

Nov 30-Dec 6, 2020

The confusion and propaganda continue to wash across our nation. The fear and anxiety regarding Covid is resurgent—perhaps greater than at any time this year.

The election outcome remains confusing. We cannot afford to quietly yield to deception and fraud. We must call on the Lord until truth is made evident.

2020 is a gift from the Lord. He is shaking us from our slumber of comfort and convenience. We are being invited onto the stage of significance. Your persistent prayers, your expressions of humility –repentance & obedience—are creating an opportunity for God’s purposes to break forth! Do not grow weary. We are being trained in perseverance.

Despair is an enemy. The objective is to diminish and ultimately extinguish hope. Our hope is secured in a person, Jesus of Nazareth. Therefore disappointment and weariness do not steal our hope. He will renew our strength. He knows the outcome at the beginning and all we will need for the journey. GIVE THANKS!

Reading: Exodus  —a good reminder that God directs His people, the determining factor is not the strength of the opposition but the purposes of God

• as you read, take note of the struggle the Hebrews had with cooperating
• how often do they grumble, fail to understand, wish to go back
• walking a new path is not easy or comfortable

Our points of agreement:

• We need to see the Covid-19 concerns diminish.
• The truth of the election to become plain for all and enacted.
• The truth to be told, plainly & broadly.
• Jesus to be welcomed into our schools & universities again.
• God’s mercy upon us as a nation.

This week let’s meditate, think about, the goodness of God. He will address the things hidden in darkness.

Morning Prayer

Joshua 1:8 (NIV)
⁸  Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for loving me and calling me out of darkness into your kingdom of light. Grant me an understanding heart, eyes to see and ears to hear that I may walk uprightly before you. Forgive me for seeing the world through eyes of unbelief, for looking but not understanding. I repent. I choose to walk in a new way, seeing each person as your creation, each life as valuable. My relationship with you brings status more than my color, wealth or any other affiliation. Give me a boldness to share the truth so that those around me might know your kingdom. May your kingdom come and your will be done on earth as it is in heaven, amen.

Mid-day Prayer

Hebrews 12:1-3 (NASB)
¹  Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, ²  fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³  For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Almighty God,

Thank you for calling us out of darkness and including us in your eternal kingdom. We choose to stand with those who have preceded us in declaring the truth of Jesus Christ, honoring your Word and serving your purposes. Renew our strength, grant us boldness and the discernment we need to finish the course you have planned for us. Teach us to encourage one another. May Jesus name be exalted throughout the earth, amen!

Evening Prayer

1 Samuel 30:6 (NIV)
⁶  David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the LORD his God.

Almighty God,

You are our strength and the one who sustains us. Our hope is not centered in politics or economics —our hope found in the one true living God. We rejoice today that our future is secured by the Creator of Heaven and Earth. The plans of our enemies are doomed to fail because the One Who Spoke the Universe into Existence is watching over his purposes. We rejoice in the grace and mercy of our God. Our hope is in you. You are our provider, our strength and the one who secures our futures. May Jesus’ name be lifted up and the glory of the Lord be made evident, in Jesus’ name, amen.

Week 33
Nov 16-22, 2020

The confusion and propaganda continue to wash across our nation. The fear and anxiety regarding Covid is resurgent. Elections conducted openly, fairly and accurately reflecting the will of the voters are essential if our freedoms are to continue. The root of the struggle is spiritual. Victories may be announced in courtrooms or by judges but true breakthroughs will emerge through prayer and repentance. God’s people are the key! Will we take the opportunity seriously or continue in our distracted drowsy indifference? Thank you for praying! You are making a tremendous difference. Let’s not relinquish our Tuesdays of fasting and prayer just yet.

Our points of agreement:

• We need to see the Covid-19 concerns diminish.
• The truth of the election to become plain for all.
• The Church to continue to awaken from our season of slumber.
• The truth to be told, plainly & broadly.
• Jesus to be welcomed into our schools & universities again.
• God’s mercy upon us as a nation.

Morning Prayer

Matthew 10:26-27 (NIV)
²⁶  “So do not be afraid of them. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. ²⁷  What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs.

Heavenly Father,
Deliver us from the spirit of fear and give us a boldness to speak truth. Let those things hidden and concealed be made known. May those who have practiced deception be exposed and things hidden in darkness be revealed in the light. We desire your truth in our inmost being. We rejoice in the freedom that your truth brings. Holy Spirit help us to see the truth, in Jesus’ name, amen.

Mid-day Prayer

Isaiah 59:14-15 (NIV)
¹⁴  So justice is driven back, and righteousness stands at a distance; truth has stumbled in the streets, honesty cannot enter. ¹⁵  Truth is nowhere to be found, and whoever shuns evil becomes a prey. The LORD looked and was displeased that there was no justice.

Almighty God,
We have turned our backs on your truth. We have been silent when your truth was mocked and diminished. We come in humility to repent, to choose a new path and a new response. Give us a love for your truth. Once again let justice prevail in our streets, let righteousness be celebrated and truth be upheld. Look upon us in mercy and act. Apart from you we cannot know freedom. Only your truth can bring deliverance and restore righteousness. Amen.

Evening Prayer

Psalm 35:1-10 (NIV)
¹  Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me. ²  Take up shield and buckler; arise and come to my aid. ³  Brandish spear and javelin against those who pursue me. Say to my soul, “I am your salvation.” ⁴  May those who seek my life be disgraced and put to shame; may those who plot my ruin be turned back in dismay. ⁵  May they be like chaff before the wind, with the angel of the LORD driving them away; ⁶  may their path be dark and slippery, with the angel of the LORD pursuing them. ⁷  Since they hid their net for me without cause and without cause dug a pit for me, ⁸  may ruin overtake them by surprise– may the net they hid entangle them, may they fall into the pit, to their ruin. ⁹  Then my soul will rejoice in the LORD and delight in his salvation. ¹⁰  My whole being will exclaim, “Who is like you, O LORD? You rescue the poor from those too strong for them, the poor and needy from those who rob them.”

Almighty God,
Contend with those who contend with us! Take up shield and buckler; arise and come to our aid. May those who seek to destroy your people be disgraced and put to shame; may those who plot their ruin be turned back in dismay. They hid their net without cause and without cause dug a pit for the righteous—may the net thy hid entangle them and may they fall into the pit, to their ruin. We will exclaim, “Who is like you, O Lord? You rescue the poor from those too strong for them, the poor and needy from those who rob them.” Let your truth prevail over every deception, in Jesus’ name, amen.

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Week 32
Nov 9-15, 2020In typical 2020 fashion, the election and its outcome is wrapped in uncertainty and questions. The disappointment is not about outcomes, it emerges from the realization that we are not finished with the battle which this year introduced. Irrespective of who our next President may be, the Church is still needed to stand as watchman!

Let’s not relinquish our Tuesdays of fasting and prayer just yet.

Our points of agreement:

• We need to see the Covid-19 concerns diminish.
• The truth of the election to become plain for all.
• The Church to continue to awaken from our season of slumber.
• The truth to be told, plainly & broadly.
• Jesus to be welcomed into our schools & universities again.
• God’s mercy upon us as a nation.

Former Congresswoman Michelle Bachman sent out an email asking Believers to join her in the 5 Prayer points below. It seemed appropriate to join together.

Prayer Point One: Expose and hold accountable those who practice the seven things God hates and He says are detestable to Him.

According to Proverbs 6:16-17, There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to Him:

1. Haughty eyes
2. A lying tongue
3. Hands that shed innocent blood
4. A heart that devises wicked plans
5. Feet that are quick to rush into evil
6. A false witness who pours out lies
7. A person who stirs up conflict in the community.

Heavenly Father, we humbly ask that in the battleground states of Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Georgia, North Carolina, Arizona and Nevada — please silence every lying tongue and convict the hearts of those who devise wicked plans intended to invalidate and nullify the expressed will of the voters. Stop those who would be quick to rush into evil. Expose and silence every false witness who utters lies and operates in deceit. Thwart the efforts of every person who attempts to stir conflict within their community.

Prayer Point Two: Expose all wickedness intended to steal, kill and destroy the electoral process in these battleground states.

Heavenly Father, we humbly ask that in the battleground states of Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Georgia, North Carolina, Arizona and Nevada, you reveal deep and hidden things. You know what lies in darkness. Light dwells with You. (see Daniel 2:22) Please bring to light and expose every lie, deceit, deception, misrepresentation and illegal act intended to “steal, kill and destroy” the electoral process and the expressed will of the citizens and these states. (see John 10:10).

Prayer Point Three: Frustrate those who seek to steal, kill, and destroy electoral integrity and authentic, accurate vote counts in these battleground states.

Heavenly Father, please, “Frustrate the plotting of the shrewd so that their hands cannot perform their enterprise or attain success.” (Job 5:12) May no weapon formed intended to steal, kill and destroy the authentic, accurate vote count and expressed will of the people in the battleground states of Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Georgia, North Carolina, Arizona, and Nevada “be allowed to prosper.” (see Isaiah 54:17).

Prayer Point Four: Frustrate and thwart the plans of those who attempt to sabotage the state’s election laws and subvert the expressed will of the people.

Heavenly Father, please “Capture the wise by their own shrewdness and quickly thwart the advice of the cunning” (Job 5:13) whose intention is to sabotage and subvert state and federal election law and the expressed will of the people in the battleground states of Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Georgia, North Carolina, Arizona and Nevada. “Hold them guilty O LORD, by their own devices let them fall.” (Psalm 5:10)

Prayer Point Five: Psalm 5 for protection and favor for President Trump.

Heavenly Father, please give ear to President Trump’s words, O LORD, consider President Trump’s groaning. Heed the sound of his cry for help, His King and His God. For to You does he pray. In the morning O LORD, you will hear his voice; in the morning he will order his prayer to you and eagerly watch.

For you are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness; no evil dwells with You. The boastful shall not stand before Your eyes; You hate all who do iniquity. Destroy those who speak falsehood; You abhor the man of bloodshed and deceit. But as for President Trump, by Your abundant lovingkindness he will enter Your house. At your holy temple he will bow in reverence for you.

Lord, please lead President Trump in Your righteousness because of his foes. Make his way straight before him. There is nothing reliable in what they say; their throat is an open grave; they flatter with their tongue. Hold them guilty, O God, by their own devices let them fall! In the multitude of their transgressions thrust them out for they are rebellious against You. But let President Trump take refuge in You and be glad. Let him ever sing for joy. May you shelter him. May he who loves Your name exult in You. Bless President Trump, O LORD. Surround him with favor as with a shield.

Heavenly Father, please give supernatural wisdom, strength and discernment to the President and his advisors regarding how to navigate the road ahead.

In the Mighty Name of Jesus We Pray,
Amen.

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Week 31
Nov 2-8, 2020It is election week. Our futures will be affected by the choices made. However our assignment will not change. We are advocates for another kingdom; a kingdom not of this world.

• We have been fasting on Tuesdays for several weeks
• Saturday evening we begin a 72 hour watch, continuous prayer until Tuesday @ 7:00 pm. Currently, more than 1500 people from our local congregation are committed to pray. Others from across the nation are joining us “on-line”.

1 Timothy 2:1-4 (NIV)
¹  I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone– ²  for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. ³  This is good, and pleases God our Savior, ⁴  who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

We are instructed to pray for “those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” Good government promotes godliness and holiness!

Reading

Let’s extend our reading to include Esther this week. Esther is the account of an amazing deliverance. We are a nation in need of God’s deliverance.

Prayers

Prayer #1 (morning)

Heavenly Father, you are not the author of confusion and fear. We ask for your wisdom to be made evident in this season. Open a pathway before us that will bring your restoration and provision. Give us receptive hearts to learn from your discipline and guidance. Lead us today, speak to us, give us the discernment to see your activity before us and grant us the courage to follow you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Prayer #2 (noon)

Almighty God, we pray for our leaders, for all those in authority over us —direct their steps and protect them from deception. In your great power and wisdom establish us as a people with a heart for God. Open again our churches and businesses. More importantly open our eyes to see and our hearts to receive all that you have for us. You are our strength and our protection. You alone can secure our future. In you we put our trust. May the name of Jesus be lifted up and exalted throughout the earth in this generation, amen.

Prayer #3 (evening)

Almighty God, you are delivering us and making a new way before us. We rejoice in your faithfulness and the display of your grace and mercy. You reached out and lifted us up when the flood of devastation was approaching. We acknowledge you and rejoice in your faithfulness. Now open the pathways to begin again. Fill us with a determination to honor you in the season ahead. May the spirit of confusion be broken and clarity of purpose settle upon your people. Open doors for the proclamation of your truth unlike any we have ever witnessed. Pour out your Spirit upon us. Reach out your hand to heal, deliver and restore –in Jesus’ name, amen.

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Week 30
October 26 – Nov 2, 2020

Galatians 6:9 (NIV)
⁹  Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

One of the great challenges we face is the requirement for endurance. We are all weary with the turmoil, fear and confusion of 2020. Nevertheless we are not finished with the assignment. We cannot give in to our weariness or “chaos fatigue”.

God is moving throughout the earth.

• The Senate is preparing to vote on a new associate justice for the Supreme Court
• A new participant in the US initiative for peace with Israel has been announced; Sudan. These are unprecedented victories.
• Secretary of State Pompeo met with foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan, negotiations are underway
• We still have the privilege of electing leaders, pray for our nation as we choose our future
• Pray for Watchmen; asking God to raise up persons with courage and clarity to speak the truth in a time of deception

DAYS OF FASTING

• let’s join together on Tuesdays to fast and pray for our nation
• our prayers in advance of the election are important

Reading
Let’s extend our reading to include Matthew this week. There are 28 chapters, 4/day is achievable.

Prayers
We are in a battle and we need a plan to respond to the aggression of our adversary. Let us commit ourselves to seek the Lord and ask him to look upon us in mercy and kindness.

Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)
⁶  And without faith it is impossible to please God . . . he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Prayer every hour, on the hour

Seven prayers included, if you are awake for 14 hours, they can be repeated twice each day

Prayer #1 —The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven,
Hallowed by your name,
Your Kingdom come,
Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever and ever, amen.

Prayer #2 —prayer for those in authority
Heavenly Father, we pray for our leaders—for all those in authority—our president, our governors, the leaders of our cities and towns—give them wisdom and understanding from You. Direct their decisions that we might live peaceful lives in godliness and holiness. Grant us a spirit of unity and cooperation. Silence the voices of division and hate. We are a land in need of healing. We have accepted your great blessings and enjoyed your protection but in our pride we have declared ourselves the source of these divine gifts. Forgive us of our pride, our arrogance and our idolatry. As your people we know you are a God of justice but also a God of great mercy and forgiveness. We come today in humility to acknowledge our sin and to repent before You. May your name be exalted and your Word honored across our nation — in the churches, in our homes, in our classrooms, in our courtrooms and throughout our government. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Prayer #3 —Daniel’s Prayer
O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with all who love him and obey his commands, we have sinned and done wrong. We have been wicked and have rebelled; we have turned away from your commands and laws. We have not listened to your direction. Now, O Lord our God, hear the prayers and petitions of your servants. For your sake, O Lord, look with favor on your people. Give ear and hear; open your eyes and see the desolation of our day. We do not make requests because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. O Lord, listen! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, hear and act! For your sake, do not delay, because your people bear your name, amen.

Prayer #4 —-Blessing not Curse
Almighty God, you are right in all your judgments and in your great love you discipline. We acknowledge your sovereignty and authority over our lives. Forgive us for our disrespect and indifference. You are our Creator and the One who gives us breath. Look once again upon us in mercy and deliver us from this virus and all that has arrived with it. Give us the wisdom and perseverance to see this pestilence turned back. Do not forsake us, let us once again see the blessings of God upon our lives and our land, in Jesus name, amen.

Prayer #5 —healing prayer
Heavenly Father, you are rich in mercy and delight in showing grace. Look upon us now in kindness and pour healing upon our land. Restore health to those who are suffering and heal our wounds. May the spirit of death and destruction be turned back. Give strength, protection and wisdom to those who are caring for the sick. Awaken us once again the awareness of Your presence and provision —for it is only in You that we have security and wholeness. It is you who saves and heals, we rejoice in the God of our salvation, in Jesus’ name, amen.

Prayer #6 —Unity
Heavenly Father, deliver us from the curse of confusion and division. We repent of our sin of independence and rebellion. May all those who seek to divide and agitate be silenced. We humbly submit to your authority and Lordship. By your Spirit unite us again in faith, in purpose and in love. Forgive us for our selfish ambition and relentless pursuit of pleasure. Teach us again to stand together in the power and love of the truth of Jesus Christ. May His name be exalted throughout our land, in Jesus’ name, amen.

Prayer #7 —Thanksgiving & Praise
Heavenly Father, we give praise to you today for you are worthy. You created the earth and all that is in it. You give us life and set our feet on paths of righteousness. We give thanks to you because you have chosen us and called us out of the darkness. You have forgiven our sins and restored our souls. You and you alone deserve glory and honor and praise. Let all the earth be filled with the praises of our God. Let the Name of Jesus be lifted up once again across our land —on campuses, in courtrooms, throughout the halls of government, within our homes, from our pulpits —may the praises of God break forth, amen.

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Week 29
October 19-25, 2020

Galatians 6:9 (NIV)
⁹  Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

One of the great challenges we face is the requirement for endurance. We are all weary with the turmoil, fear and confusion of 2020. Nevertheless we are not finished with the assignment. We cannot give in to our weariness or “chaos fatigue”.

We want to finish well what the Lord puts before us. Rather than be frustrated because someone is not providing sufficient encouragement for you, determine to encourage others!

Hebrews 3:13 (NIV)
¹³  But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.

Discouragement hardens our hearts and makes us vulnerable. Accept the assignment to encourage someone each day. Together we will see the victory of our Lord!

The prayers of the Church are essential. God is moving throughout the earth and His people are central to the unfolding story.

• ACB demonstrated remarkable character and faith through the hearings this week. Continue to pray for her approval, may she become a Godly influence in our nation for decades to come as a part of the Supreme Court
• pray that Christians will make the effort to learn about candidates and VOTE; many offices across our nation will be filled —we desperately need men and women who have a fear of God and will stand for His truth
• pray for South Africa; powerful forces are tearing apart one of the most beautiful nations in the world
• pray for the Christians in Armenia; Azerbaijan has invaded a portion of the country (with support from Turkey), there is much turmoil
• pray for Israel; our elections have a great impact on the momentum of the peace plan in the region
• pray for Watchmen; asking God to raise up persons with courage and clarity to speak the truth in a time of deception

DAYS OF FASTING

• let’s join together on Tuesdays to fast and pray for our nation
• our prayers in advance of the election are important

Morning Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Consider the threats of those who oppose Your Church. Enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus. amen

Mid-day Prayer
Heavenly Father, You have given me everything I need for life and godliness. I choose to receive from you the fullness of your provision. Open my eyes to see and my heart to understand. I desire to fulfill your purposes for my life. I lay aside anything that would hinder, I choose to honor Jesus with all that I am. In His name I pray, amen.

Evening Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your Spirit into the earth, for His presence within me. Grant me an understanding heart that I may cooperate fully with Him. Holy Spirit direct my steps that I may fulfill that for which I was created. Lead me in paths of righteousness and deliver me from evil. Open my eyes to understand the fullness of my redemption. May Jesus be glorified through my life, amen

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Week 28
October 12-18, 2020

The root of our problems is not political. However, the political arena provides a perspective on the heart of our nation. We elect leaders who reflect what is in our own hearts. The privacy of the ballot box is given full display in the policies of those we select.

The prayers of the Church are essential. God is moving throughout the earth and His people are central to the unfolding story.

• Hearings begin this week as the selection process for a new Supreme Court justice moves forward.
• pray that Christians will make the effort to learn about candidates and participate in the election; many offices across our nation will be filled —we desperately need men and women who have a fear of God and will stand for His truth
• pray for the Christians in Armenia; Azerbaijan has invaded a portion of the country (with support from Turkey), there is much turmoil
• pray for Israel; our elections have a great impact on the momentum of the peace plan in the region
• pray for Watchmen; asking God to raise up persons with courage and clarity to speak the truth in a time of deception
• pray that we will have receptive hearts; with humility and earnestness let us receive God’s word for our lives

DAYS OF FASTING

• let’s join together on Tuesdays to fast and pray for our nation
• our prayers in advance of the election are important

Prayers for the week — there are 4 proclamations for each day. They are built from a statement of/about Jesus and a portion of Psalm 51 (David’s prayer of repentance).

Proclamation #1

Revelation 1:5 and Psalm 51:1-2 (NIV)
⁵ from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood,

¹  Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. ²  Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.

Proclamation #2

Ephesians 2:10 and Psalm 51:10-12 (NIV)
¹⁰  For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

¹⁰  Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. ¹¹  Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. ¹²  Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

Proclamation #3

Matthew 9:37-38 and Psalm 51:13-15 (NIV)
³⁷  Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.
³⁸  Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

¹³  Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you.
¹⁴  Save me from bloodguilt, O God, the God who saves me, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness. ¹⁵  O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.

Proclamation #4

Matthew 11:28-30 and Psalm 51:17-18 (NIV)
²⁸  “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.²⁹  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.³⁰  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

¹⁷  The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. ¹⁸  In your good pleasure make Zion prosper; build up the walls of Jerusalem.

Psalm 51:1-19 (NIV)

¹  Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. ²  Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. ³  For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. ⁴  Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge.
⁵  Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.
⁶  Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.
⁷  Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
⁸  Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice.
⁹  Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity.
¹⁰  Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
¹¹  Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.
¹²  Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
¹³  Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you.
¹⁴  Save me from bloodguilt, O God, the God who saves me, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.
¹⁵  O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.
¹⁶  You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.
¹⁷  The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
¹⁸  In your good pleasure make Zion prosper; build up the walls of Jerusalem.
¹⁹  Then there will be righteous sacrifices, whole burnt offerings to delight you; then bulls will be offered on your altar.

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Week 27
October 5-12, 2020

2020 continues to deliver the unexpected.

God is clearly responding to the prayers of His people:

• a person of clear faith has been nominated to be a part of the highest court in our nation
• tens of thousands of Christians gathered in Washington DC to pray
• Kirk Cameron’s tv show, Think, Pray, Vote was broadcast
• God is raising up voices to speak the truth
• in M’boro; at WOC we see responses to an invitation at each service, baptisms continue, answers to prayer

Challenges persist

• our President and his wife have tested positive for Covid-19
• violence in our cities continues
• propaganda is more common than truth
• churches remained closed & too often are content with the condition

I believe the key to the future has more to do with the hearts of God’s people than any other factor. As we commit to seek the Lord before all else, establishing Him as our first priority, God will respond. We must lay aside everything which “hinders and the sin that so easily entangles” (Heb 12:1). In the past we have entertained too many hindrances. Now is the time to turn to the Lord with fasting, repentance and humility.

Only God can secure our future.

Pray that God will continue to awaken His Church. Pray that we will find a unity in the redemptive work of Jesus and not be deceived by the Spirit of antichrist which is so prevalent. Jesus work on the cross is complete and entire. There is nothing which needs to be added, nor is there anything which can diminish what He has done. The enemy seeks to obscure the truth.

DAYS OF FASTING

• let’s join together on Tuesdays to fast and pray for our nation
• our prayers in advance of the election are important

Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV)
²³  Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
²⁴  See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Morning Prayer

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. I offer myself as a living sacrifice, my desire is to be pleasing in your sight. I lay down anything which separates me from God’s best. Forgive me of all my sins. Wash me and I will be clean. I forgive those who have brought harm to me, I release them. I renounce any involvement with sin and ungodliness; sexual immorality, the occult, greed or envy, anger or rage, and selfish ambition. Through the blood of Jesus I am delivered. By God’s grace I am free, I have been set free from an empty way of life and have been called to serve a living God. amen.

Evening Prayer

I testify as to what the Word of God says the blood of Jesus does for me;

Through the blood of Jesus, I am redeemed out of the hand of the devil;

Through the blood of Jesus, all my sins are forgiven;

The blood of Jesus Christ, God’s Son, continually cleanses me from all sin;

Through the blood of Jesus I am sanctified, made holy, set apart to God;

Through the blood of Jesus I am justified, made righteous, just as if I’d never sinned.

My body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, redeemed, cleansed by the blood of Jesus;

Therefore, Satan has no place in me, no power over me, through the blood of Jesus.

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Week 26
September 28 – October 4, 2020

Our Lord continues to move.

• A new Supreme Court justice is nominated and I believe will be approved. The activist role of our highest court may be thwarted. Abortion on demand, a redefinition of marriage; two examples of the highest court determining a direction for our nation without legislative direction.
• A busy Saturday in Washington DC. “The Return” organized by Jonathan Cahn and a Prayer Walk organized by Franklin Graham are both took place on Saturday, September 26.
• we have baptized more people this year than any year in our history as a congregation
• our children and student ministries are flourishing; last weekend the teens led worship and the younger children presented a musical

Challenges persist

• violence in our cities
• propaganda is more common than truth
• churches remained closed & too often are content with the condition

God, in His mercy, has disciplined us in 2020. I pray we are trained by the experiences of this year and choose new responses. A new priority toward God, His Word and His people is a good beginning. An attitude of repentance, humility and a desire for purity are essential. Our habits and patterns prior to 2020 were leading us toward destruction. Our hearts are key! Do not be distracted by the attitudes of the wicked. Choose to honor the Lord each day.

Pay attention to the discussion and evaluation of the nominee for the Supreme Court. You will learn much about what our culture thinks regarding Christianity, a Judeo-Christian world-view and the integration of Christianity into our culture. Remember, we are a nation with a Christian heritage!

DAYS OF FASTING

• let’s join together on Tuesdays to fast and pray for our nation
• our prayers in advance of the election are important

Jeremiah 5:1 (NIV)
¹  “Go up and down the streets of Jerusalem, look around and consider, search through her squares. If you can find but one person who deals honestly and seeks the truth, I will forgive this city.

Reading for the Week — Gospel of Mark (a good time to keep our attention on Jesus)

Morning Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Look upon us with mercy and grace. Forgive our sins and the hardness our hearts. You have opened the windows of heaven and showered great blessings upon us. In our stubbornness and pride we imagined we made ourselves successful and turned away from you. We have tolerated immorality, greed and wickedness. We have sought the approval of the ungodly more than we longed to please you. Forgive us, once again look upon us in mercy. Do not let your judgment overwhelm us. You are a great God, we have no hope apart from you. Allow us to proclaim the goodness of God in the land of the living, in Jesus’ name, amen.

 

Mid-day Proclamation
Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
⁶  Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Psalm 107:1-2 (NIV)
¹  Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.
²  Let the redeemed of the LORD say this– those he redeemed from the hand of the foe

 

Evening Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We pray for the children of our nation. You have entrusted their well-being to us. Forgive us for our casual attitude toward this responsibility. Turn the hearts of the fathers once again to our children and the children to their fathers. May our schools be filled with your truth and our universities become training places for righteousness. May the abomination of abortion be turned back. Grant us leaders who fear your name and will stand for your truth. Give us the courage to choose such men and women and forgive us for tolerating wickedness and calling it good. Thank you for a season of shaking, for disciplining us. We choose to be trained by your loving rebuke. May our lives be pleasing in your sight, may Jesus’ name be exalted throughout the earth. Come quickly Lord Jesus, amen!

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Week 25
September 20-27, 2020

I missed the update last week, thank you for your faithfulness.

The confusion continues but God is moving. Nashville’s mayor was exposed in his deception. There is an unexpected opening on the Supreme Court. Schools are working their way through the challenges. Restaurants are moving forward. Churches are stirring to life.

Our prayers are making a difference. We will announce some days of prayer and fasting in October. These are important days. Our diligence makes a difference.

Jeremiah 5:1 (NIV)
¹  “Go up and down the streets of Jerusalem, look around and consider, search through her squares. If you can find but one person who deals honestly and seeks the truth, I will forgive this city.

LET US BE PEOPLE WHO ALLOW GOD TO BRING MERCY AND FORGIVENESS!

Reading for the Week — Genesis (a good reminder, God started this whole thing—he will bring it to an appropriate conclusion)

Morning Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Look upon us with mercy and grace. Forgive our sins and the hardness our hearts. You have opened the windows of heaven and showered great blessings upon us. In our stubbornness and pride we imagined we made ourselves successful and turned away from you. We have tolerated immorality, greed and wickedness. We have sought the approval of the ungodly more than we longed to please you. Forgive us, once again look upon us in mercy. Do not let your judgment overwhelm us. You are a great God, we have no hope apart from you. Allow us to proclaim the goodness of God in the land of the living, in Jesus’ name, amen.

Mid-day Proclamation

Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
⁶  Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

 

Psalm 107:1-2 (NIV)
¹  Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.
²  Let the redeemed of the LORD say this– those he redeemed from the hand of the foe

Evening Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We pray for the children of our nation. You have entrusted their well-being to us. Forgive us for our casual attitude toward this responsibility. Turn the hearts of the fathers once again to our children and the children to their fathers. May our schools be filled with your truth and our universities become training places for righteousness. May the abomination of abortion be turned back. Grant us leaders who fear your name and will stand for your truth. Give us the courage to choose such men and women and forgive us for tolerating wickedness and calling it good. Thank you for a season of shaking, for disciplining us. We choose to be trained by your loving rebuke. May our lives be pleasing in your sight, may Jesus’ name be exalted throughout the earth. Come quickly Lord Jesus, amen!

---

 

Week 24
Sept 7-13, 2020

God is our deliverer. He is not threatened by the schemes of men or nations. This week let’s turn our attention to our God. Let’s use our voices to give thanks, to declare the praises of the One who has called us out of darkness and welcomed us into the Kingdom of the son He loves. Almighty God, the creator of heaven and earth, is watching over us!

Proverbs 21:31 (NIV)
³¹  The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the LORD.

Psalm 3:8 (NIV)
⁸ From the LORD comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people. Selah

Jeremiah 3:23 (HCSB)
²³  Surely, falsehood comes from the hills, commotion from the mountains, but the salvation of Israel is only in the LORD our God.

1 Corinthians 15:57-58 (NIV)
⁵⁷  But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁵⁸  Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Reading: Ephesians (note the multiple references to the “heavenly realm”)

Prayers

Morning:
Let’s begin our day with an expression of thanks (list) for God’s blessings the previous day!

Mid-Day:
(Let’s borrow a prayer from the church in Jerusalem, in a season of stress)
“Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” Acts 4:29-30 (NIV)

Evening:
Heavenly Father,
I rejoice in your great power. You have placed the stars in heaven and know them by name. You are aware when a sparrow falls to the ground. You have clothed the lilies of the field with a great and delicate beauty. You are watching over me! You are my strength and my defender. You give life to my mortal body and breath to my lungs. You uphold me in the midst of those who would bring destruction. I rejoice in your faithfulness, I cast all my anxiety upon you. I choose to rest in your abundant provision for me. Thank you for calling me, cleansing me and placing me on a path of righteousness, in Jesus’ name, amen.

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Week 23
Aug 31-Sept 6, 2020

I begin each week with the hope that the turmoil and confusion will have disappeared. Our reality is that we must persevere. The solution to our problems rests with the Lord. We need to know Him better and to hear His direction with greater certainty. There is no substitute for following the direction of the Spirit of God.

As we continue to grow in our prayers, we will gain strength and confidence in God and His provision.

Reading: Psalm 107-150 (final section) Have you continued to practice the habit of selecting a few verses each day as your proclamation of faith?

Morning Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Open my ears to hear and my eyes to see what you are doing in the earth. Forgive me for choosing distractions. Deliver me from deception. Establish me on a path of righteousness. Let a hunger for the things of your kingdom grow within me. I turn away from the spirit of this age and turn towards your eternal kingdom. May my life be pleasing to you. Grant me a revelation of the opportunities surrounding me and give me the boldness to pursue you with my whole heart, in Jesus’ name, amen.

Mid-Day Proclamation

⁷  Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
⁸  Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice.
⁹  Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity.
¹⁰  Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
¹¹  Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.
¹²  Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
¹³  Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you.

Psalm 51:7-13 (NIV)

 

Evening Prayer

Prayer

Heavenly Father forgive us for ignoring your counsel and choosing our own way. We have turned our backs on your goodness and abundant blessings. We have chosen pride and indulgence over righteousness and purity. We humble ourselves today in repentance asking for mercy. We are nation in need of healing. Only Almighty God can restore our fortunes. We cry out to you today for mercy. We do not blame others for our circumstances, we have walked this path. This day we acknowledge Almighty God as the judge of all the earth, may the name of Jesus of Nazareth be lifted up in our homes, our city, our state and our nation. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Week 22
Aug 24-30, 2020

Each week it seems to become more clear —we are in a new season. In March, we entered our homes to self-isolate from a viral threat. We emerged a few weeks later into a new place. The spiritual forces are far less covert. The challenges are more apparent —violence in our cities, widespread deception, propaganda, manipulation, division, fear, confusion, anxiety—the list goes on.

Good news, our Lord is not surprised nor unprepared. We can trust the guidance and direction of the Holy Spirit. We have been given everything we need to walk victoriously through this time. However, we cannot ignore the season. We must be more committed to God’s word, prayer, listening & obedience. As God expands our opportunities we will need courage and boldness to be ambassadors! It is time to stand in the light.

Our schools are opening. Our churches are coming to life. God is moving. Encourage those who are serving in difficult seasons. If your business is flourishing, take time to encourage someone who is carrying a greater burden in this season.

Our prayers are essential.

Reading: Psalm 90-106 (are making daily lists for your own life?)

Morning Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Your judgments are righteous and fair. You watch over us in mercy and grace. We have received your great blessings and protections. Now open our eyes and our hearts that we might understand our condition before you. Do not leave us unaware. Holy Spirit grant us a revelation of ourselves and the humility to accept what you say. We bow our knee before the creator of all things, to turn from our self-sufficiency, idolatry, immorality —from all that separates us from you. Cleanse us and we will be clean. Lord Jesus, thank you for your shed blood which washes, renews and restores—in your name we pray, amen.

Mid-day Proclamation

Psalm 23:1-6 (NIV)
¹  The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
²  He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
³  he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
⁴  Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
⁵  You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
⁶  Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Evening Prayer

Almighty God,

You raise up leaders and you bring them down. We ask you to raise up Godly leaders throughout our nation. Bring forth men and women who have cultivated Godly character and the ability to lead. May their voices be heard and may we have the courage to stand with them. Silence those who lead in destructive paths. In our churches, schools, universities, court rooms, legislative halls and the White House —let the fear of God increase. We turn from our sins and rebellion, look upon us with mercy! Our hope is you. You and you alone can secure our future. Let the name of Jesus be exalted, amen.

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Week 21
Aug 17-23, 2020

We are more than twenty weeks into our new discipline of praying. We have seen God respond in the most remarkable ways.

• the virus is much less lethal than predicted
• our health care system was not overwhelmed
• the supply lines for food and other goods did not collapse
• we learned about Zoom 
• our church is meeting again
• we have baptized hundreds
• hundreds of people have publicly repented

Yet, we still must stand. Our schools are opening. Our businesses are searching for pathways forward. Churches face many challenges. The confusion and fear are still present.

Our prayers are essential.

Reading: Psalm 73-89 (are making daily lists for your own life?)

A daily proclamation for ourselves, our families, our congregation & our nation.

I Choose the Truth . . .

My choice is to be a disciple of Jesus Christ, to live for His honor. Father, I pray that I may know the truth. I choose your freedom in my life, for my family and in my home.

Lord, guide me in your truth. May my entire family be led by your truth.

May I continually walk in your truth – in my marriage, in my business, in all of my relationships, throughout my entire life.

Father, wherever I may have strayed from your truth, teach me. My desire is to walk before you in truth. Wherever my heart is divided, teach me to fear your name.

I thank you that you hear my prayers, that you are attentive to my life, that I am not alone.

I choose to invest my life, my resources, my energy – all that I am, in the pursuit of your truth. Father, bring wisdom, discipline and understanding to my life.

Father, I choose to be led by your Spirit of Truth. Help me to recognize His leading, to discern His voice, to understand His direction. My desire is to honor the Spirit of Truth in my life.

I pray that I would in no way suppress the truth. In my home and life may your truth have free reign – in Jesus’ name may godlessness and wickedness be cast out and truth be triumphant.

May your truth find full expression in my life, my home and my family. Direct my steps that I may obey your truth and grow up into all you created me for. I choose to stand firmly with the belt of truth in place in my life. Thank you for your truth and the freedom it is bringing into my life.

(below, I included the Scriptures from which the proclamation was derived.)

I Choose the Truth . . .

My choice is to be a disciple of Jesus Christ, to live for His honor. Father, I pray that I may know the truth. I choose your freedom in my life, for my family and in my home.

John 8:31-32
To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. [32] Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Lord, guide me in your truth. May my entire family be led by your truth.

Psalm 25:5
guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.

May I continually walk in your truth – in my marriage, in my business, in all of my relationships, throughout my entire life.

Psalm 26:3
for your love is ever before me, and I walk continually in your truth.

Psalm 43:3
Send forth your light and your truth, let them guide me;

Father, wherever I may have strayed from your truth, teach me. My desire is to walk before you in truth. Wherever my heart is divided, teach me to fear your name.

Psalm 86:11
Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth;
give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.

Psalm 119:30
I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws.

I thank you that you hear my prayers, that you are attentive to my life, that I am not alone.

Psalm 145:18
The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.

I choose to invest my life, my resources, my energy – all that I am, in the pursuit of your truth. Father, bring wisdom, discipline and understanding to my life.

Proverbs 23:23
Buy the truth and do not sell it; get wisdom, discipline and understanding.

Father, I choose to be led by your Spirit of Truth. Help me to recognize His leading, to discern His voice, to understand His direction. My desire is to honor the Spirit of Truth in my life.

John 14:17
the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.

John 15:26
“When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me.

John 16:13
But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.

I pray that I would in no way suppress the truth. In my home and life may your truth have free reign – in Jesus’ name may godlessness and wickedness be cast out and truth be triumphant.

Romans 1:18
The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness

May your truth find full expression in my life, my home and my family. Direct my steps that I may obey your truth and grow up into all you created me for. I choose to stand firmly with the belt of truth in place in my life. Thank you for your truth and the freedom it is bringing into my life.

1 Cor. 13:6
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

Galatians 5:7
You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth?

Ephes. 4:15
Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.

Ephes. 6:14
Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,

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Week 20
Aug 10-16, 2020

Churches are facing legal threats if they open their buildings.

Censorship of ideas is common place.

Fewer Christians are worshipping together.

Fear, confusion, division, and chaos threaten the stability of our society.

The clarity of God’s word and the importance of prayer are essential in this unique season. Do not imagine your alignment with God is a small thing. He knows how to rescue the righteous! He is watching over us.

Those who oppose the Lord often forget that the scripture declares the “Lord is a warrior”.

    Exodus 15:3 (NIV)
³  The LORD is a warrior; the LORD is his name.

God’s people are merely representatives (ambassadors) for a kingdom which will never end. When we face threats, opposition and adversity it is important to remember that the Lord delivers victory —our assignment is to be faithful.

    Psalm 3:8 (NIV)
⁸  From the LORD comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people. Selah

    1 Corinthians 15:57 (NIV)
⁵⁷  But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Each of us face challenges that can only be resolved with a victory brought from the Lord. We stand in humility upon the truth of His Word. This week our prayers are a declaration of what God has said He will do on our behalf.

Reading for the Week — Psalms 42-72

Let’s read the Scriptures to begin the day and make the proclamation at noon and in the evening!

    Psalms 27:13-14 NIV
“I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”

    Psalms 29:11 NIV
“The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.”

    Psalms 32:8, 10 NIV
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.  . . . Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him.”

    Psalms 35:1-3, 18 NIV
“Contend, Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me. Take up shield and armor; arise and come to my aid. Brandish spear and javelin against those who pursue me. Say to me, “I am your salvation.”

    Psalms 37:39-40 NIV
“The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; he is their stronghold in time of trouble. The Lord helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him.”

Personal Proclamation
I remain confident —I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
I will wait for the Lord; I stand in His strength, encouraged and expectant!

The Lord gives me strength, He has blessed me with peace.

God is teaching me the best path to walk, He provides counsel and protection. The Lord’s unfailing love surrounds me, I trust in him.

The Lord contends with those who contend with me, he fights against my adversaries. The Lord takes up his weapons to protect and defend his people. He says to me, “I am your salvation.”

My salvation comes from the Lord. He is my stronghold in time of trouble. He helps me, delivers me from the wicked—he saves me. I take refuge in the Lord!

---

 

Week 19
August 3-9, 2020

Those who oppose the Lord often forget that the scripture declares the “Lord is a warrior”.

Exodus 15:3 (NIV)
³  The LORD is a warrior; the LORD is his name.

God’s people are merely representatives (ambassadors) for a kingdom which will never end. When we face threats, opposition and adversity it is important to remember that the Lord delivers victory —our assignment is to be faithful.

Psalm 3:8 (NIV)
⁸  From the LORD comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people. Selah

1 Corinthians 15:57 (NIV)
⁵⁷  But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Each of us face challenges that can only be resolved with a victory brought from the Lord. We stand in humility upon the truth of His Word. This week our prayers are a declaration of what God has said He will do on our behalf.

Reading for the Week — Psalms 1-41

Morning Prayer

Psalm 35:1-10 (NIV)
¹  Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me.
²  Take up shield and buckler; arise and come to my aid.
³  Brandish spear and javelin against those who pursue me. Say to my soul, “I am your salvation.”
⁴  May those who seek my life be disgraced and put to shame; may those who plot my ruin be turned back in dismay. ⁵  May they be like chaff before the wind, with the angel of the LORD driving them away; ⁶  may their path be dark and slippery, with the angel of the LORD pursuing them.
⁷  Since they hid their net for me without cause and without cause dug a pit for me, ⁸  may ruin overtake them by surprise– may the net they hid entangle them, may they fall into the pit, to their ruin.
⁹  Then my soul will rejoice in the LORD and delight in his salvation. ¹⁰  My whole being will exclaim, “Who is like you, O LORD? You rescue the poor from those too strong for them, the poor and needy from those who rob them.”

Mid-day Proclamation

Isaiah 45:8 (NIV)
⁸  “You heavens above, rain down righteousness; let the clouds shower it down. Let the earth open wide, let salvation spring up, let righteousness grow with it; I, the LORD, have created it.

Evening Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Forgive me for choosing my way before your way. I turn away from my selfish ambition and turn my heart to you. Lead me in paths of righteousness that I may walk uprightly before you. Holy Spirit search my heart, uncover anything which hinders my growth in holiness and purity. I desire truth in my inmost being. Today I set my heart to pursue God’s best, leaving behind anything which hinders or entangles. Through the blood of Jesus I am redeemed from an empty way of life.

---

 

Week 18
July 27- Aug 2, 2020

To be honest, we are all weary with the struggle. Can we return to a simpler time of long-term plans and routine? Our assignment is to finish the course.

I suspect Moses thought that once released from Egyptian slavery the path would be simple. His experience was very different. We do not want to grumble, complain or fail to enter in to all that God has for us.

In the midst of the journey we are experiencing new expressions of God’s faithfulness, provision and glory. Let’s determine to be good learners. Our old routines are inadequate for the requirements of our new assignments. We want to fully engage in preparing for the return of our King.

God has given us an opportunity to learn to pray and believe. I am grateful that He has entrusted us with this season.

Reading for the week:  Proverbs (yes, again)

• read the chapter which corresponds to the date & mark the verse which God highlights for you on that day

Daily Prayers

Morning Prayers:

(adapted from our reading in Proverbs— one is a prayer of repentance & one is a declaration of intent)

Prayer #1

Holy Spirit, allow me to see those places in which I rejected your counsel,

ignored your advice & would not accept your rebuke. I do not want to casually overlook these choices, I choose to repent–to acknowledge my rebellion & stubborn resistance to God. Please forgive me. Give me an understanding heart that I may follow you, in Jesus’ name, amen.

Prayer #2

Holy Spirit, I choose to listen, to accept God’s words, to store up His commands. This day I am calling out for insight and renewing my search for the treasure of the Kingdom of God. Grant me the discernment to recognize your direction. Amen.

Mid-Day Prayer

A Proclamation . . .   Adapted from — Proverbs 3:5-10 (NIV)

I am learning to trust in the Lord with all my heart & lean not on my own understanding; in all my ways I acknowledge him, and he will make my paths straight.

I choose not to be wise in my own eyes; To fear the Lord and shun evil.  God will bring health to my body and nourishment to my bones.

I will honor the Lord with my wealth, with the first fruits of all I have;

then my barns will be filled to overflowing, and my vats will brim over with new wine.

Evening Prayer

(the second of the Psalms of Ascent, for travelers en route to Jerusalem)

Psalm 121:1-8 (NIV)
¹  I lift up my eyes to the hills– where does my help come from?
²  My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
³  He will not let your foot slip– he who watches over you will not slumber;
⁴  indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
⁵  The LORD watches over you– the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
⁶  the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
⁷  The LORD will keep you from all harm– he will watch over your life;
⁸  the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

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Week 17
July 20-26, 2020

The prayers of God’s people are essential as we walk through 2020. Public health officials, politicians and economists cannot resolve the problems plaguing us. The root of the problem is spiritual. The Church must respond if we are to find peace, prosperity and safety.

Covid 19 has introduced a set of new terms and concepts to us. Essential/nonessential, high risk persons, underlying health concerns, etc etc —these are all a routine part of our lives. Sheltering-in-place has also given us new responses to our world. We no longer “feel safe” doing things which were a normal part of our routine just a short time ago.

We need the help of the Holy Spirit to untangle the web of deception and manipulation. We need to see the truth and respond with wisdom, courage and boldness.

We are the sheep of God’s pasture. We are also ambassadors for the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. We desperately need to hear the roar of truth and righteousness in our land. We have had enough of the bellicose bleating of confusion, fear and hatred.

The response of God’s people is essential.

God has given us an opportunity to learn to pray. I am grateful that He has entrusted us with this season.

Reading for the week: Proverbs
Daily Prayers
Let’s return to some familiar, yet important, prayers.

Morning —The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name,
Your Kingdom come,
Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever and ever, amen.

Noon —A Proclamation of Faith

Stanza #1 — A Sovereign God & His People
God has uniquely blessed us — the best is yet to come.
The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it.
He is the sovereign creator of all things.
Nothing is too difficult for Him, His love sustains us.
Jesus, His only son, is our savior, Lord & King.
We live in a season of shaking. God is shaking the earth.
He is restoring the Jewish people and purifying His Church.
If we look at the things which can be shaken we will be filled with terror.
If we look at the eternal Kingdom of our Lord, we will be filled with anticipation.
Our determination as we gather today is to declare before one another & Almighty God
WE WILL NOT STOP.

Stanza #2 — Faith & Perseverance
We are not satisfied.
We are not distracted.
We are not weary in doing good.
We are not discouraged.
We have our eyes on the cross and our hearts set on the prize.
We believe the One who has promised is Faithful.
We believe the Holy Spirit is our Helper.
We believe that what we ask in Jesus’ name our Father provides.
We believe that the King of Kings is returning to the earth in all of His glory —
and we intend to be about His business until that moment in time.
WE WILL NOT STOP.

Stanza #3 — Jesus our Savior, Lord & King
We have cast our lot with the Prince of Peace,
We have yielded our will to the Lord of Lords,
We are servants of the King,
We reflect the beauty of the Lily of the Valley,
We stand in the strength of the Lion of Judah,
We live in health through the Great Physician,
Our needs are met because He is Our Abundance.
We know our path because we follow the Great Shepherd,
We are participants in the Kingdom of God because we found THE Door,
We are righteous because of His Sacrifice,
We have taken hold of true life because He is risen.
His name is Jesus of Nazareth, He is Christ, our Lord & our King.
WE WILL NOT STOP.

Stanza #4 — The Church
We believe The Church is His Body.
Our presence on planet earth is ordained by Almighty God.
We are empowered by Spirit of the Living Christ.
The angels are ministering Spirits sent forth on our behalf.
Our reward is sure.
Our inheritance is unfading.
Our treasure is secure —it will not diminish.
Our role is pivotal.
Our faithfulness is required.
Together we stand, united in heart and purpose to accomplish the purposes of God in our generation.
WE WILL NOT STOP.

Stanza #5 — The Faithfulness of God
We know not all will go with us; the journey is long, there is a price to pay.
We are aware of an adversary.
We wrestle with the inconsistency of our own hearts.
We weep for the pain and suffering around us.
Our plans are made, our course is charted & our heart is fixed.
The one who promised is Faithful.
The author of our faith is also the completer of our story.
His strength is sufficient.
His wisdom is unassailable.
His presence is permanent.
His joy is our strength.
WE WILL NOT STOP.

Evening —The Blood of Jesus Confession

I testify as to what the Word of God says the blood of Jesus does for me;

Through the blood of Jesus, I am redeemed out of the hand of the devil;

Through the blood of Jesus, all my sins are forgiven;

The blood of Jesus Christ, God’s Son, continually cleanses me from all sin;

Through the blood of Jesus I am sanctified, made holy, set apart to God;

Through the blood of Jesus I am justified, made righteous, just as if I’d never sinned.

My body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, redeemed, cleansed by the blood of Jesus;

Therefore, Satan has no place in me, no power over me, through the blood of Jesus.

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Week 16
July 12-19, 2020

The prayers of God’s people are essential as we walk through 2020. Public health officials, politicians and economists cannot resolve the problems plaguing us. The root of the problem is spiritual. The Church must respond if we are to find peace, prosperity and safety.

We have many problems; viral pandemic, economic uncertainty, sky-rocketing debt, civic unrest, violence, hatred, discord, fear and anxiety abound.

Wherever we turn there is a universal cry, we want a solution! Voices are demanding a vaccine, economic prosperity broadly experienced, peace on our streets & in our cities, equal treatment before the law, the opportunity to raise our families with confidence in the future and justice for all.

These solutions may be delivered through science, economic policy and political activity BUT the real resolutions are spiritual and begin with the transformation of the human heart.

Our greatest problem is not the depravity of the wicked, it is the indifference of the faithful.

God has given us an opportunity to learn to pray. I am grateful that He has entrusted us with this season.

Reading for the week: Gospel of John

Daily Prayers

Morning

Heavenly Father,
Let the clouds pour down righteousness; Let the earth open up and salvation bear fruit, and righteousness spring up with it. May the purposes of God break forth in this generation. We humble ourselves before the Creator of All Things, in You and You alone is there peace and justice. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who have sinned against us. amen.

Mid-Day

Almighty God,
You have called us to a new life in Christ Jesus. Holy Spirit direct us; our thoughts, emotions and actions in a pathway that is pleasing to You. We offer ourselves to God, for He has brought us from death to life, may we become expressions of Your righteousness. Cleanse us and we will be clean. Do not allow us to comfortable with compromise but give us the gift of holy discontent. Teach us to pray, to rejoice and give us the strength to overcome, in Jesus’ name, amen.

Evening

Heavenly Father,
We call out to you for mercy. We are a nation in need of healing. We offer ourselves as instruments of righteousness, turning to you with our whole heart. Deliver us from evil. Let truth prevail once again in our land. May deception be exposed. Raise up leaders who will courageously honor You. May our homes, schools, universities, courtrooms, and halls of government once again be places of righteousness and integrity. Expose the plans of the wicked, may the schemes they have devised fail. Let righteousness rain upon our land again, in Jesus’ name, amen.

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Week 15
July 5-12, 2020

The prayers of God’s people are essential as we walk through 2020. Public health officials, politicians and economists cannot resolve the problems plaguing us. The root of the problem is spiritual. The Church must respond if we are to find peace, prosperity and safety.

We continue to see God’s involvement.

• the pronouncement that Churches are essential to or well-being
• Israel growing stronger in the midst of chaos
• Tennessee legislature passed a fetal heart beat bill

We also see the continuation of fear and confusion. Our nation teeters perilously close to anarchy.

This is not the time to be distracted.

Let’s Pray! Morning, Noon & Evening.

Reading for the week, Romans

Let’s Fast, Mon-Wed (whatever is best for your schedule & health, let’s take a 3 day fast to ask God for His continued deliverance)

God’s Protection

I rejoice in the protection of Almighty God over my life. I am the Lord’s servant, I rest in the completeness of His strength and care. No weapon formed against me will prevail. I will refute every tongue which rises against me, this is my heritage as a servant of the Lord. A thousand may fall at my side but destruction will not overwhelm me. I have made the Most High my dwelling place. God is my refuge and my security. No harm will befall me, no disaster will overtake me. God has commanded his angels to watch over my life. My life and my future are secure through the strength of my Lord and my redeemer.

Isaiah 54:17 (NIV)
¹⁷  no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the LORD.

Psalm 91:7-11 (NIV)
⁷  A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.
⁸  You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. ⁹  If you make the Most High your dwelling– even the LORD, who is my refuge– ¹⁰  then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. ¹¹  For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;

Accepted by God

I choose Jesus of Nazareth as Lord of my life. Through Jesus I am redeemed out of an empty way of life. I have been delivered from the kingdom of darkness and welcomed into the Kingdom of the Living God. God chose me before the creation of the world to holy and blameless before him. He has chosen me as a part of his family. God has accepted me as his child. I have been delivered from all rejection. The pain of rejection has no place in me through the power of Jesus’ name. I have been redeemed, forgiven and accepted into the family of Almighty God. I have an inheritance in heaven that can never spoil or be diminished. I rest in God’s mercy, love and provision for me.

Colossians 1:11-14 (NIV)
¹²  giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. ¹³  For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, ¹⁴  in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Ephesians 1:3-7 (NIV)
³  Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. ⁴  For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love ⁵  he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will– ⁶  to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. ⁷  In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace

Hope and Encouragement

I put on the garment of praise and hope. I choose the joy of the Lord as my strength. I lay aside the spirit of heaviness and raise my voice in praise of the Living God. May my eyes be opened to the provision of God and my ears attentive to the sound of His deliverance. Holy Spirit help me, in You I find power and revelation. God has restored my broken heart and set my feet on a path of victory. I have hope for today and the strength to complete the course you have chosen for me. Let the people of God arise triumphant and may the name of Jesus be lifted up throughout the earth. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Isaiah 61:1-3 (NIV)
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, ²  to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, ³  and provide for those who grieve in Zion– to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.

Psalm 34:18-19 (NIV)
¹⁸  The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. ¹⁹  A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all;

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Week 14
June 20, 2020

The Churches of Revelation

The book of Revelation is given to 7 churches. In chapters 2 & 3, specific messages to each church are delivered. Before the Revelation is unfolded, each church is directed on how to prepare.

• 5 of the 7 are instructed to repent
• for 6 of the 7 specific shortcomings are identified
• all 7 are directed to “Hear what the Spirit says” — are we good listeners?
• 2 are instructed to “hold on to what you have”
• 6 of the 7 are told to “overcome”
• 3 of the 7 are reminded God is aware of their “deeds” —our actions (or lack thereof) matter
• 2 are reminded that God opens doors which no one can shut

It seems prudent for us to use those messages to begin to prepare ourselves for what God is doing in the earth now. We do not want to be presumptuous or casual. We want to become great listeners and overcomers. These prayers are formed from the instructions God provided.

Morning Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Hear our prayers today, nothing is hidden from You. Everything is open before Your sight. You know our struggles, the challenges before us, those who oppose what You have called us to. We ask You to silence the voices of those who resist Your purposes. Deliver us from evil. Open wide and effectual doors for the proclamation of the Gospel of Your Kingdom. Give us strength to endure, the wisdom to choose Your pathway and boldness to choose the truth openly. May the name of Jesus be exalted in this generation, amen.

Mid-day Prayer
Heavenly Father,
You know the thoughts and intents of our hearts. If there is anything which keeps us from Your best, help us to see. We choose to be earnest and repent. We offer no excuses, no justification— we do not want to be tolerant of wickedness. In your mercy give us ears to hear, hearts to receive what Your Spirit is saying. Grant us discernment that we might understand. Awaken us as never before to what You have called us to. Let the purposes of God be made manifest throughout the earth, in Jesus’ name, amen.

Evening Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We choose Your counsel, only in You are we able to overcome. Give us strength and courage that we might be pleasing in Your sight. Forgive us of our selfish ambition, our failure to be aware of Your people. We choose truth, truth in our in-most being. By the power of Your Spirit may we remain true to Your name. We welcome You into our lives. Write a new name for us, a name which reflects Your grace, mercy and power. Kindle within us afresh a love for Your Word and purposes. Grant us all that is needed to live lives of love and faith, service and perseverance —bring increasing fruitfulness to our efforts. We choose to listen and to overcome, in Jesus’ name, amen.

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Week 13
June 16, 2020

We continue to see God’s hand as we move forward.

On our campus we had a tremendous week with Character Quest.
General Boykin reminded us all of the power of God to save!

The needs for the Church to be present and alive are greater than ever.
The challenges in our nation continue to emerge. Jesus is the Prince of Peace and the only source of true justice and healing.

I have attached three prayers, they should be familiar.
The morning, noon and evening pattern seems attainable.

This Week’s Reading Assignment: Colossians, 1+2 Thessalonians

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Prayer #1   —The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven,
Hallowed by your name,
Your Kingdom come,
Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever and ever, amen.

Prayer #2    —prayer for those in authority

Heavenly Father, we pray for our leaders—for all those in authority—our president, our governors, the leaders of our cities and towns—give them wisdom and understanding from You. Direct their decisions that we might live peaceful lives in godliness and holiness. Grant us a spirit of unity and cooperation. Silence the voices of division and hate. We are a land in need of healing. We have accepted your great blessings and enjoyed your protection but in our pride we have declared ourselves the source of these divine gifts. Forgive us of our pride, our arrogance and our idolatry. As your people we know you are a God of justice but also a God of great mercy and forgiveness. We come today in humility to acknowledge our sin and to repent before You. May your name be exalted and your Word honored across our nation — in the churches, in our homes, in our classrooms, in our courtrooms and throughout our government. In Jesus’ name, amen.

1 Timothy 2:1-4 (NIV)
¹  I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone– ²  for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. ³  This is good, and pleases God our Savior, ⁴  who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

Psalm 33:12 (NIV)
¹²  Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance.

Prayer #3   —Daniel’s Prayer

O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with all who love him and obey his commands, we have sinned and done wrong. We have been wicked and have rebelled; we have turned away from your commands and laws. We have not listened to your direction. Now, O Lord our God, hear the prayers and petitions of your servants. For your sake, O Lord, look with favor on your people. Give ear and hear; open your eyes and see the desolation of our day. We do not make requests because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. O Lord, listen! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, hear and act! For your sake, do not delay, because your people bear your name, amen.

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Week 11

We are engaged in a struggle for the heart and soul of our nation. Our awareness was focused upon an invisible adversary, a virus originating in Wuhan, China. It is becoming increasingly apparent that our struggle is with a much more powerful invisible adversary. The Church and our prayers are essential to overcoming in this season. Politicians and health care workers have important roles to play. However, the Church is at the center of conflict. Our awareness and determination to follow through will determine the outcomes of the next weeks and months.

Psalm 121:1-3 (NIV)
¹  I lift up my eyes to the hills– where does my help come from?
²  My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
³  He will not let your foot slip– he who watches over you will not slumber;

Morning Prayer (adopted from Ephesians 3:14-21 (NIV) )

For this reason we kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name.  We pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen us with power through his Spirit in our inner being, so that Christ may dwell in our hearts through faith. And we pray that, being rooted and established in love, we may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge–that we may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Mid-Day Prayer (adopted from Philippians 1:9-11 (NIV) )
Heavenly Father,

This is our prayer, that our love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,
so that we may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ–to the glory and praise of God. amen.

Evening Prayer (adopted from Ephesians 1:15-21 (NIV) )
Heavenly Father,

We keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give us the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that we may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of our hearts may be enlightened in order that we may know the hope to which he has called us, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, ¹⁹  and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, ²⁰  which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, ²¹  far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. Amen.

This Week’s Reading Assignment:

Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians

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Week 10

We are experiencing the deliverance of God.

• the threat of hundreds of thousands of deaths and the collapse of our health care system failed to materialize
• we are returning to work & worship
• an openness to Jesus and faith
• truth is emerging in many ways
• medical research is determining the virus to be more fragile than previously believed
• President Trump declared the churches should be open

Let’s pray our services this week will be pleasing to the Lord and those who attend will be safe.

Let’s pray for those who cannot attend to be comforted and know they are valued.

Prayer for this week —

The narrative surrounding the emerging Church has not been considered very carefully. It differs greatly from our imagination of church life and practice. We imagine ourselves to be students of Scripture but somehow manage to escape the notion that we should emulate the behaviors of those who knew Jesus best.

I do not believe we will see greater outcomes or effectiveness until we surrender to the Lordship of Jesus more completely. God will never be placated by our half-hearted interest. Our lukewarm status leaves us in a perilous perch. God in His mercy is calling us to a new response. We have been sent home to reflect, rethink and rearrange. I pray we emerge from this season with a new passion and determination to honor our Lord.

Morning

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for your great provision for me through the cross. I come in humility to repent, to turn away from my sin. Forgive me for using busy-i-ness as a way to avoid you. Forgive me for treating the Sabbath with casual contempt. Forgive me for not leading my family toward you as first priority. Thank you for a season of quiet, for a time to listen and pray. Thank you for a new beginning. I commit my future into your hands, I want to honor you — in my heart, my home, my recreation, my business and throughout my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Noon

Almighty God,

We offer ourselves as living sacrifices today. Pour out your Spirit upon us. Give us a heart for those around us who do not know you. Give us greater boldness to be advocates for you. Open our ears to hear and our hearts to receive. Let your word be confirmed with healings, miracles, times of repentance and deliverance. Open doors beyond any we have ever known for the proclamation of the Gospel. Put your words in our mouths. Deliver us from evil, provide all that we need for each day, may Jesus’ name be exalted throughout the earth, amen.

Evening —The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven,

Hallowed by your name,

Your Kingdom come,

Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever and ever, amen.

Reading for this week: Acts 13-28

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Week 9

We have experienced the deliverance of God.

We continue to see God respond.

• the threat of hundreds of thousands of deaths and the collapse of our health care system failed to materialize
• we are returning to work & worship
• an openness to Jesus and faith
• truth is emerging in many ways

Let’s pray our services this week will be pleasing to the Lord and those who attend will be safe.

Let’s pray for those who cannot attend to be comforted and know they are valued.

Prayer for this week —

A Listening Exercise

• hear “spiritual things” with our heart
• an understanding heart, a hard heart

Each household, memorize a chapter of Psalms

• We want to memorize all 150 chapters by end of day Wednesday
• When complete, make a video and post it according to instructions on website or app
• when all 150 chapters are taken, double up —everyone participate

YOU LISTEN DIFFERENTLY WHEN YOU COMMIT IT TO MEMORY

Reading for this week: Acts 1-13

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Week 8

We have experienced the deliverance of God.

We continue to see God respond.

• the threat of hundreds of thousands of deaths and the collapse of our health care system failed to materialize
• the beginning of our return to work & worship
• an openness to Jesus and faith

We must see God’s deliverance from the spirit of confusion and fear. We will return to work and worship!

I believe God has begun to move in dispersing the confusion and fear. Truth is beginning to break through.

I was expecting a medical/health related breakthrough. God revealed the truth about General Flynn. If we will continue to pray, God knows how to set us free.

Pray for our services this week. As we move forward we want to follow God’s leading and not just hurry back to familiar places.

Prayers for this week — our week 1 prayers still seem appropriate this week

Reading for this week: Luke

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Week 7

We have experienced the deliverance of God.

We continue to see God respond.

• the threat of hundreds of thousands of deaths and the collapse of our health care system failed to materialize
• the beginning of our return to work & worship
• an openness to Jesus and faith

We must see God’s deliverance from the spirit of confusion and fear. We will return to work and worship!

Let’s pray that God will make a path to restore us to work & worship.
Let’s pray that there will not be significant recurrences of covid-19.
Let’s pray that the confusion and fear will be dispelled by truth and clarity.

Let’s pray our services this week will be pleasing to the Lord and those who attend will be safe.

Let’s pray for those who cannot attend to be comforted and know they are valued.

Prayer for this week — our week 1 prayers seem appropriate this week

Reading for this week: 1 and 2 Peter

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Week 6

We have experienced the deliverance of God. Just a few weeks ago we agreed to the following:

“We are in a battle and we need a plan to respond to the aggression of our adversary. Let us commit ourselves to seek the Lord and ask him to look upon us in mercy and kindness.”

Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)
⁶  And without faith it is impossible to please God . . . he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

• We continue to see God respond.
• the threat of hundreds of thousands of deaths and the collapse of our health care system failed to materialize
  the beginning of our return to work & worship

We must see God’s deliverance from the spirit of confusion and fear. We seem some expressions of strength and courage emerging. We will return to work and worship!

Let’s pray that God will make a path to restore us to work & worship.
Let’s pray that there will not be significant recurrences of covid-19.
Let’s pray that the confusion and fear will be dispelled by truth and clarity.

Reading for this week: Ezra

Prayer for this week — morning, noon & evening

• Prayer for the morning: The Lord’s Prayer
• Declaration at Noon: The Apostle’s Creed
• End of Day, Declaration of Truth

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Week 5

We have experienced the deliverance of God. Just a few weeks ago we agreed to the following

“We are in a battle and we need a plan to respond to the aggression of our adversary. Let us commit ourselves to seek the Lord and ask him to look upon us in mercy and kindness.

Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)
⁶  And without faith it is impossible to please God . . .  he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

1) Prayer every hour, on the hour
2) Read the Gospels this week “

As the threat of hundreds of thousands of deaths and the collapse of our health care system recedes, the next step of our deliverance is becoming clear. We must return to work and worship. It seems a spirit of confusion and fear is dominating much of the discussion.

Let’s pray that God will make a path to restore us to work & worship.
Let’s pray that there will not be significant recurrences of COVID-19.
Let’s pray that the confusion and fear will be dispelled by truth and clarity.

Reading for this week:  Exodus

Prayer #1  (morning)

Heavenly Father, you are not the author of confusion and fear. We ask for your wisdom to be made evident in this season. Open a pathway before us that will bring your restoration and provision. Give us receptive hearts to learn from your discipline and guidance. Lead us today, speak to us, give us the discernment to see your activity before us and grant us the courage to follow you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Prayer #2  (noon)

Almighty God, we pray for our leaders, for all those in authority over us —direct their steps and protect them from deception. In your great power and wisdom establish us as a people with a heart for God. Open again our churches and businesses. More importantly open our eyes to see and our hearts to receive all that you have for us. You are our strength and our protection. You alone can secure our future. In you we put our trust. May the name of Jesus be lifted up and exalted throughout the earth in this generation, amen.

Prayer #3  (evening)

Almighty God, you are delivering us and making a new way before us. We rejoice in your faithfulness and the display of your grace and mercy. You reached out and lifted us up when the flood of devastation was approaching. We acknowledge you and rejoice in your faithfulness. Now open the pathways to begin again. Fill us with a determination to honor you in the season ahead. May the spirit of confusion be broken and clarity of purpose settle upon your people. Open doors for the proclamation of your truth unlike any we have ever witnessed. Pour out your Spirit upon us. Reach out your hand to heal, deliver and restore –in Jesus’ name, amen.

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Week 4

This weekend is an Easter celebration unlike any I have experienced. I am certain God is not unaware or distracted. I suspect our circumstances this Easter better reflect our brothers and sisters throughout the earth than our previous habits.

God is responding to our prayers. The data being reported is vastly better than the projections of 3 or 4 weeks ago. It is not sufficient to say “the models were wrong”. I believe God is moving before our very eyes. I choose to see His handiwork and give Him glory. Hundreds of thousands of people have been spared.

We need to continue to seek Him. The path forward is critical. We must emerge from this season with new patterns and habits. If we see the economy restored and we return to our old habits, we will have missed the discipline. I want to be trained by this season, not simply endure.

God is preparing His people for what is coming on the earth. Let us choose to cooperate with the Holy Spirit.

Weekly Reading Assignment: Judges
(see how many names of Judges you can identify)

Prayers: Let’s return to our:
1) Proclamation of Faith, in the morning
2) Blood of Jesus confession, at noon
3) Declaration of Truth, in the evening

Galatians 6:9 (NIV)
⁹  Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

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Week 3

This is our fourth weekend of gathering “on-line”. Each week has seen increasing disruption of our routines, growth of the viral infection and deepening economic instability.

We are also witnesses to a dramatic increase in prayer, much greater openness to Jesus in the public square and an entirely new valuation of “gathering in Jesus’ name”.

Additionally we see God’s involvement in many ways. The spread of the disease is less than projected, science & medicine are making strides in understanding, and our view of globalization is being tempered with truth. All of these are the result of God’s involvement on our behalf.

God is disciplining His people in the midst of this crisis. Let us respond in humility and openness to His direction.

Weekly Reading Assignment: Acts of the Apostles

Prayers:  (weeks 1 & 2 Battle Plans are included in this page)

Let’s return to our hourly prayers. I will add some new prayers along with the “daily video updates”. You may interchange them with the original list of 7 or leave the list intact — your choice.

Build two Lists:  (will help if you listen to Saturday, April 4 sermon)

1) of all that God has done for you . . .
2) of all that God has done for our nation . . .

Do not list your “favorite things” — you gave me a corvette or my favorite shoes.

Spend some time and think about what a Sovereign God has done on your behalf.

A List of 10 – 20 divine interventions

Galatians 6:9 (NIV)
⁹  Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

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Week 2

Every good plan must be adjusted in response to opportunities which present. Your faithfulness last week has prepared us to take another step of faith. United in prayer and heart, we will see God’s response.

1. Begin our day with a Proclamation of Faith

2. Conclude our day with a Commitment to Truth

3. Read this week: Daniel, Esther, Nehemiah
(taking extra time in the Word of God will add strength)

4. Pray as the Lord reminds you, we will revisit our hourly prayers in the weeks ahead. The change of pace will expand our tool kit.

Thank you for your diligence,
Pastor Allen

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Week 1

We are in a battle, and we need a plan to respond to the aggression of our adversary. Let us commit ourselves to seek the Lord and ask Him to look upon us in mercy and kindness.

Hebrews 11:6 (NIV®)
“6 And without faith it is impossible to please God … he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”

1) Prayer Every Hour, On the Hour

• Seven prayers included: If you are awake for 14 hours, they can be repeated twice each day.
• New prayers will be added as opportunities emerge.

2) Read the Gospels this Week (each week until Easter)

• An expression of humility
• A demonstration of a desire to learn
• Ask the Holy Spirit to help you.
• Get out a note pad.
• Stand in the crowd and listen to Jesus — how would you have responded????