Day 34 October 31, 2012
prayer for Wisdom for public Officials
Scripture for Reflection and Preparation
1 Thessalonians 5:15 “15 See to it that no one repays evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good for one another and for all.”
Micah 6:8-9
“8 He has told you men what is good and what it is the lord requires of you: Only to act justly, to love faithfulness, and to walk humbly with your god.
9 The voice of the lord calls out to the city (and it is wise to fear your name):
‘pay attention to the rod and the One who ordained it.’”
Isaiah 1:16-17 “16 ‘Wash yourselves. Cleanse yourselves. remove your evil deeds from My sight. Stop doing evil.
17 learn to do what is good. Seek justice. Correct the oppressor. Defend the rights of the fatherless. plead the widow’s cause.’”
Work Together for Common Good
Cooperation among leaders is a crucial key to national health.
Preparation
• Praise God for who He is
• Confess your sinfulness and need for cleansing
• Allow His Spirit to draw you near
• Listen as He speaks to you
Ask God to...
• Cause public officials to use their offices for the public good not personal gain
• Help public officials understand the consequences of policies they pursue, especially if they fail to protect all human life
• Help public officials find ways to work with people of different opinions to accomplish God-honoring goals, like in poverty reduction, immigration reform, and education reform
• Help expose public officials who are breaking laws
• Give public officials wisdom to know what is in the nation’s best interest, especially the importance of protecting God’s design for marriage
• Burden churches to help public officials work toward good goals
• Remind public officials that they are accountable to God, and that they should protect the church from unbiblical government interference
Thanksgiving
• Thank God for hearing you
• Trust that God is at work to accomplish His will
Copied from: "Pray and ACT 40/40", The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Pray for Our Leaders--fo Protection from Spiritual Attack (Day 33)
Day 33 October 30, 2012
prayer for Wisdom for public Officials
Scripture for Reflection and Preparation
Ephesians 6:12 “12 For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil
in the heavens.”
Psalm 141:5 “5 let the righteous one strike me— it is [an act of] faithful love; let him
rebuke me—it is oil for my head; let me not refuse it. Even now my prayer is against the evil acts of the wicked.”
James 4:7 “7 Therefore, submit to god. But resist the Devil, and he will flee from you.”
Protection from Spiritual Attack
Every leader’s most dangerous enemies are spiritual in nature.
Preparation
• Praise God for who He is
• Confess your sinfulness and need for cleansing
• Allow His Spirit to draw you near
• Listen as He speaks to you
Ask God to...
• Prevent Satan from blinding the judgment of our public officials
• Burden the church to pray regularly for our public officials
• Call godly Christians to lives of public service
• Convict public officials of their sin and lead them to faith in Christ
• Help you pray daily for public officials
• Convince public officials about the spiritual impacts of decisions they make
• Protect public officials from the attacks of Satan
Thanksgiving
• Thank God for hearing you
• Trust that God is at work to accomplish His will
Copied from "Pray and ACT 40/40" The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
prayer for Wisdom for public Officials
Scripture for Reflection and Preparation
Ephesians 6:12 “12 For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil
in the heavens.”
Psalm 141:5 “5 let the righteous one strike me— it is [an act of] faithful love; let him
rebuke me—it is oil for my head; let me not refuse it. Even now my prayer is against the evil acts of the wicked.”
James 4:7 “7 Therefore, submit to god. But resist the Devil, and he will flee from you.”
Protection from Spiritual Attack
Every leader’s most dangerous enemies are spiritual in nature.
Preparation
• Praise God for who He is
• Confess your sinfulness and need for cleansing
• Allow His Spirit to draw you near
• Listen as He speaks to you
Ask God to...
• Prevent Satan from blinding the judgment of our public officials
• Burden the church to pray regularly for our public officials
• Call godly Christians to lives of public service
• Convict public officials of their sin and lead them to faith in Christ
• Help you pray daily for public officials
• Convince public officials about the spiritual impacts of decisions they make
• Protect public officials from the attacks of Satan
Thanksgiving
• Thank God for hearing you
• Trust that God is at work to accomplish His will
Copied from "Pray and ACT 40/40" The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
Monday, October 29, 2012
Our Nation Needs Righteous Leaders!--Day 32
Day 32
Monday, October 29, 2012
prayer for Wisdom for public Officials
Scripture for Reflection and Preparation
1 Timothy 2:1-4 “1 First of all, then, i urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone,
2 for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 3 This is good, and it pleases god our Savior, 4 who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
Proverbs 14:34 “34 righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.”
Proverbs 31:3-7 “3 Don’t spend your energy on women or your efforts on those who destroy kings. 4 it is not for kings, lemuel, it is
not for kings to drink wine or for rulers [to desire] beer. 5 Otherwise, they will drink, forget what is decreed, and pervert justice for all the oppressed. 6 give beer to one who is dying, and wine to one whose life is bitter. 7 let him drink so that he can forget his poverty and remember his trouble no more.”
Exemplary Lives
A nation’s leaders must lead first by example.
Preparation
• Praise God for who He is
• Confess your sinfulness and need for cleansing
• Allow His Spirit to draw you near
• Listen as He speaks to you
Ask God to...
• Convince public officials that their lives should be above reproach
• Call godly men and women to run for public office
• Lead churches to minister to men and women in public office
• Cause those whose lives are a disgrace to the nation to leave office
• Restrain Satan from having an evil influence over public officials
• Help the nation to elect men and women with exemplary lives
• Help public officials understand how the example of their lives influences others
Thanksgiving
• Thank God for hearing you
• Trust that God is at work to accomplish His will
Copied from "Pray and ACT 40/40", The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
Monday, October 29, 2012
prayer for Wisdom for public Officials
Scripture for Reflection and Preparation
1 Timothy 2:1-4 “1 First of all, then, i urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone,
2 for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 3 This is good, and it pleases god our Savior, 4 who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
Proverbs 14:34 “34 righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.”
Proverbs 31:3-7 “3 Don’t spend your energy on women or your efforts on those who destroy kings. 4 it is not for kings, lemuel, it is
not for kings to drink wine or for rulers [to desire] beer. 5 Otherwise, they will drink, forget what is decreed, and pervert justice for all the oppressed. 6 give beer to one who is dying, and wine to one whose life is bitter. 7 let him drink so that he can forget his poverty and remember his trouble no more.”
Exemplary Lives
A nation’s leaders must lead first by example.
Preparation
• Praise God for who He is
• Confess your sinfulness and need for cleansing
• Allow His Spirit to draw you near
• Listen as He speaks to you
Ask God to...
• Convince public officials that their lives should be above reproach
• Call godly men and women to run for public office
• Lead churches to minister to men and women in public office
• Cause those whose lives are a disgrace to the nation to leave office
• Restrain Satan from having an evil influence over public officials
• Help the nation to elect men and women with exemplary lives
• Help public officials understand how the example of their lives influences others
Thanksgiving
• Thank God for hearing you
• Trust that God is at work to accomplish His will
Copied from "Pray and ACT 40/40", The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Day 31: Religious Freedom is CRUCIAL for Liberty to exist!
Day 31
Sunday, October 28, 2012
prayer for
National renewal
Scripture for Reflection and Preparation
Romans 13:1-7
1 Everyone must submit to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from god, and those that exist are instituted by god. 2 So then, the one who resists the authority is opposing god’s command, and those who oppose it will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad.
Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do good and you will have
its approval. 4 For government is god’s servant to you for good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, because it does not carry the sword for no reason. For government is god’s servant, an
avenger that brings wrath on the one who does wrong. 5 Therefore, you must submit, not only because of wrath, but also because of your conscience. 6 and for this reason you pay taxes, since the [authorities] are god’s public servants, continually attending to these tasks.
7 pay your obligations to everyone: taxes to those you owe taxes, tolls to those you owe tolls, respect to those you owe respect, and honor to those you owe honor.
additional Scripture
Daniel 6:10-12
Acts 17:24-31
Religious Liberty for All
The freedom to worship God according to the dictates of one’s conscience is an indispensable value of true liberty.
Preparation
• Praise God for who He is
• Confess your sinfulness and need for cleansing
• Allow His Spirit to draw you near
• Listen as He speaks to you
Ask God to…
• Cause our nation’s leaders to protect the God given right of religious liberty for all
• Help our nation resist all efforts to prevent people of faith from expressing their deeply held religious convictions freely and publicly
• Raise up leaders to resist any effort to force people of faith to violate their consciences in order to satisfy unbiblical social mandates
• Help our nation pass laws that are just from God’s perspective
• Give the church courage to resist any effort to force it to obey manmade laws rather than God
• Convict our nation’s leaders to work for religious liberty around the world especially in totalitarian nations
• Help you find ways to protect religious liberty in the United States and around the world
Thanksgiving
• Thank God for hearing you
• Trust that God is at work to accomplish His will
COPIED FROM Pray and ACT 40/40, The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
Sunday, October 28, 2012
prayer for
National renewal
Scripture for Reflection and Preparation
Romans 13:1-7
1 Everyone must submit to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from god, and those that exist are instituted by god. 2 So then, the one who resists the authority is opposing god’s command, and those who oppose it will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad.
Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do good and you will have
its approval. 4 For government is god’s servant to you for good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, because it does not carry the sword for no reason. For government is god’s servant, an
avenger that brings wrath on the one who does wrong. 5 Therefore, you must submit, not only because of wrath, but also because of your conscience. 6 and for this reason you pay taxes, since the [authorities] are god’s public servants, continually attending to these tasks.
7 pay your obligations to everyone: taxes to those you owe taxes, tolls to those you owe tolls, respect to those you owe respect, and honor to those you owe honor.
additional Scripture
Daniel 6:10-12
Acts 17:24-31
Religious Liberty for All
The freedom to worship God according to the dictates of one’s conscience is an indispensable value of true liberty.
Preparation
• Praise God for who He is
• Confess your sinfulness and need for cleansing
• Allow His Spirit to draw you near
• Listen as He speaks to you
Ask God to…
• Cause our nation’s leaders to protect the God given right of religious liberty for all
• Help our nation resist all efforts to prevent people of faith from expressing their deeply held religious convictions freely and publicly
• Raise up leaders to resist any effort to force people of faith to violate their consciences in order to satisfy unbiblical social mandates
• Help our nation pass laws that are just from God’s perspective
• Give the church courage to resist any effort to force it to obey manmade laws rather than God
• Convict our nation’s leaders to work for religious liberty around the world especially in totalitarian nations
• Help you find ways to protect religious liberty in the United States and around the world
Thanksgiving
• Thank God for hearing you
• Trust that God is at work to accomplish His will
COPIED FROM Pray and ACT 40/40, The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Day 30--Biblical Marriage is Crucial!
Day 30
Saturday, October 27, 2012
prayer for
National renewal
Scripture for Reflection and Preparation
Genesis 2:22-24
22 Then the lOrD god made the rib He had taken from the man into a woman and brought her to the man. 23 and the man said: This one, at last, is bone of my bone, and flesh of my flesh;
this one will be called woman, for she
was taken from man. 24 This is why a man leaves his father and mother and bonds with his wife, and they become one flesh.
Malachi 2:15-16
“15 Didn’t the one [god] make [us] with a remnant of His life-breath? and what does the One seek? a godly offspring. So watch yourselves carefully, and do not act treacherously against the
wife of your youth. “16 if he hates and divorces [his wife],” says the lOrD god of israel, “he covers his garment with injustice,” says the lOrD of Hosts. Therefore, watch yourselves carefully, and do not act treacherously.”
Hebrews 13:4
“4 Marriage must be respected by all, and the marriage bed kept undefiled, because god will judge immoral people and adulterers.”
God’s Design for Marriage
Marriage between one man and one woman is the foundation to healthy families and communities.
Preparation
• Praise God for who He is
• Confess your sinfulness and need for cleansing
• Allow His Spirit to draw you near
• Listen as He speaks to you
Ask God to…
• Raise up leaders who will protect God’s design for marriage as the union of one man and one woman
• Convict Christians to uphold the institution of marriage and model its true meaning
• Help the church instill in young people a sound understanding of the importance of marriage
• Cause our nation to understand the destructive effects of redefining marriage
• Help the church engage in compassionate redemptive ministry to those struggling with same-sex attraction
• Help the church minister to those struggling in their marriages
• Cause our nation’s leaders to enact laws and policies that encourage and strengthen marriage
Thanksgiving
• Thank God for hearing you
• Trust that God is at work to accomplish His will
Copied from "Pray and ACT 40/40" Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
Saturday, October 27, 2012
prayer for
National renewal
Scripture for Reflection and Preparation
Genesis 2:22-24
22 Then the lOrD god made the rib He had taken from the man into a woman and brought her to the man. 23 and the man said: This one, at last, is bone of my bone, and flesh of my flesh;
this one will be called woman, for she
was taken from man. 24 This is why a man leaves his father and mother and bonds with his wife, and they become one flesh.
Malachi 2:15-16
“15 Didn’t the one [god] make [us] with a remnant of His life-breath? and what does the One seek? a godly offspring. So watch yourselves carefully, and do not act treacherously against the
wife of your youth. “16 if he hates and divorces [his wife],” says the lOrD god of israel, “he covers his garment with injustice,” says the lOrD of Hosts. Therefore, watch yourselves carefully, and do not act treacherously.”
Hebrews 13:4
“4 Marriage must be respected by all, and the marriage bed kept undefiled, because god will judge immoral people and adulterers.”
God’s Design for Marriage
Marriage between one man and one woman is the foundation to healthy families and communities.
Preparation
• Praise God for who He is
• Confess your sinfulness and need for cleansing
• Allow His Spirit to draw you near
• Listen as He speaks to you
Ask God to…
• Raise up leaders who will protect God’s design for marriage as the union of one man and one woman
• Convict Christians to uphold the institution of marriage and model its true meaning
• Help the church instill in young people a sound understanding of the importance of marriage
• Cause our nation to understand the destructive effects of redefining marriage
• Help the church engage in compassionate redemptive ministry to those struggling with same-sex attraction
• Help the church minister to those struggling in their marriages
• Cause our nation’s leaders to enact laws and policies that encourage and strengthen marriage
Thanksgiving
• Thank God for hearing you
• Trust that God is at work to accomplish His will
Copied from "Pray and ACT 40/40" Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
Friday, October 26, 2012
Day 29: Pray for the Value of LIFE!
Day 29 Friday, October 26, 2012
prayer for
National renewal
Scripture for Reflection and Preparation
Psalm 139:13-16
13 For it was you who created my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14 i will praise you, because i have been remarkably
and wonderfully made. your works are wonderful, and i know [this] very well.
15 My bones were not hidden from you when i was made in secret, when i was formed in the depths of the earth. 16 your eyes saw me when i was formless; all [my] days were written in your book and planned before a single one of them began.
Matthew 18:1-6
1 at that time the disciples came to Jesus and said, “Who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 Then He
called a child to Him and had him stand among them. 3 “ i assure you,” He said, “unless you are converted and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child—this one is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 and whoever welcomes one child like this in My name welcomes Me. 6 “But whoever causes the downfall of one of these little ones who believe in Me—it would be better for him if a heavy millstone were hung
around his neck and he were drowned in the depths of the sea!
additional Scripture
Proverbs 24:11-13
Sanctity of Human Life
When a nation values life it brings glory to the Creator of life and instills honor in its culture.
Preparation
• Praise God for who He is
• Confess your sinfulness and need for cleansing
• Allow His Spirit to draw you near
• Listen as He speaks to you
Ask God to...
• Convict public officials to protect and serve every member of our society including the most marginalized, voiceless, and vulnerable
• Raise up leaders to end our nation’s culture of death and recognize the equal value of all people
• Give our nation the compassion it needs to assist women struggling with problem pregnancies
• Raise up leaders to protect the weak and the vulnerable from violent attack with no favoritism, partiality, or discrimination
• Help our world leaders develop a consistent ethic of love and life for all people and all circumstances
• Convict the scientific community to end the barbaric practice of embryo destructive stem-cell research
• Help you put an end to our nation’s abortion-on-demand policies
Thanksgiving
• Thank God for hearing you
• Trust that God is at work to accomplish His will
Copied from "Pray and ACT 40/40", The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
prayer for
National renewal
Scripture for Reflection and Preparation
Psalm 139:13-16
13 For it was you who created my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14 i will praise you, because i have been remarkably
and wonderfully made. your works are wonderful, and i know [this] very well.
15 My bones were not hidden from you when i was made in secret, when i was formed in the depths of the earth. 16 your eyes saw me when i was formless; all [my] days were written in your book and planned before a single one of them began.
Matthew 18:1-6
1 at that time the disciples came to Jesus and said, “Who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 Then He
called a child to Him and had him stand among them. 3 “ i assure you,” He said, “unless you are converted and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child—this one is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 and whoever welcomes one child like this in My name welcomes Me. 6 “But whoever causes the downfall of one of these little ones who believe in Me—it would be better for him if a heavy millstone were hung
around his neck and he were drowned in the depths of the sea!
additional Scripture
Proverbs 24:11-13
Sanctity of Human Life
When a nation values life it brings glory to the Creator of life and instills honor in its culture.
Preparation
• Praise God for who He is
• Confess your sinfulness and need for cleansing
• Allow His Spirit to draw you near
• Listen as He speaks to you
Ask God to...
• Convict public officials to protect and serve every member of our society including the most marginalized, voiceless, and vulnerable
• Raise up leaders to end our nation’s culture of death and recognize the equal value of all people
• Give our nation the compassion it needs to assist women struggling with problem pregnancies
• Raise up leaders to protect the weak and the vulnerable from violent attack with no favoritism, partiality, or discrimination
• Help our world leaders develop a consistent ethic of love and life for all people and all circumstances
• Convict the scientific community to end the barbaric practice of embryo destructive stem-cell research
• Help you put an end to our nation’s abortion-on-demand policies
Thanksgiving
• Thank God for hearing you
• Trust that God is at work to accomplish His will
Copied from "Pray and ACT 40/40", The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
Thursday, October 25, 2012
FAITH over Fear! (With great video!)
Most of us were scared of things when we were kids that we now find amusing.
We're no longer scared of them, so we look back and laugh.
Maybe it was your fear of the dark, like me.
(Of course, that could have had something to do with my dad's warped sense of humor...he would stand with his hand on the light switch and make a noise...when I'd reach for the switch, he'd grab my hand! Still makes me laugh at how good this was!)
For others, it was big dogs, spiders, and so on.
The point is you've grown out of them because you've realized as you've matured that those things are nothing to fear. You are bigger, stronger, smarter, more experienced and now you know how to get through those childhood fears (with the possible exception, according to my wife, of spiders).
Even today though, many still have fears.
For some of us, that fear shows up in many ways, and it's a generalized thing.
We fear stepping out. We fear the unknown. We fear failure. We fear rejection. We fear 'what might happen'.
Question: Why?
Why would we continue to fear these things?
Answer: Because we think incorrectly about them.
We think we're on our own. We think it's up to us. We think our lives, our fortunes, our futures are dependent on our own wisdom, ability, money, good looks, or whatever.
For many people, that's true.
But for a Christian, it's not.
The reason is that the Christian has a relationship with the God of the Universe in which He promises to love us, care for us, and have our back.
As we seek to honor, serve, and love Him, He promises to guide us, watch over us and bless us.
Read the words of Psalm 121:
1 "I look up to the mountains—
does my help come from there?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth!
3 He will not let you stumble;
the one who watches over you will not slumber.
4 Indeed, he who watches over Israel
never slumbers or sleeps.
5 The Lord himself watches over you!
The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade.
6 The sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon at night.
7 The Lord keeps you from all harm
and watches over your life.
8 The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go,
both now and forever."
Jesus promised that if we "seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness" that "all these things will be given to you" (your needs will be met)(Matthew 5:33).
So, let me ask you:
Do you BELIEVE it?
Do you believe that God is 'for you', and that He wants to watch over and bless you, meeting your needs and protecting you?
If not--at your core--you definitely need to adjust your thinking!
Paul writes, in Romans 8: "What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us?...Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us." (Romans 8:31, 35-37)
You need not fear!
As one preacher said, "I have no fear of what the future holds; I know Who holds the future".
Is God calling YOU to step out today? Is He moving you to exercise FAITH?
If so, have no fear!
God is for you!
We're no longer scared of them, so we look back and laugh.
Maybe it was your fear of the dark, like me.
(Of course, that could have had something to do with my dad's warped sense of humor...he would stand with his hand on the light switch and make a noise...when I'd reach for the switch, he'd grab my hand! Still makes me laugh at how good this was!)
For others, it was big dogs, spiders, and so on.
The point is you've grown out of them because you've realized as you've matured that those things are nothing to fear. You are bigger, stronger, smarter, more experienced and now you know how to get through those childhood fears (with the possible exception, according to my wife, of spiders).
Even today though, many still have fears.
For some of us, that fear shows up in many ways, and it's a generalized thing.
We fear stepping out. We fear the unknown. We fear failure. We fear rejection. We fear 'what might happen'.
Question: Why?
Why would we continue to fear these things?
Answer: Because we think incorrectly about them.
We think we're on our own. We think it's up to us. We think our lives, our fortunes, our futures are dependent on our own wisdom, ability, money, good looks, or whatever.
For many people, that's true.
But for a Christian, it's not.
The reason is that the Christian has a relationship with the God of the Universe in which He promises to love us, care for us, and have our back.
As we seek to honor, serve, and love Him, He promises to guide us, watch over us and bless us.
Read the words of Psalm 121:
1 "I look up to the mountains—
does my help come from there?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth!
3 He will not let you stumble;
the one who watches over you will not slumber.
4 Indeed, he who watches over Israel
never slumbers or sleeps.
5 The Lord himself watches over you!
The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade.
6 The sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon at night.
7 The Lord keeps you from all harm
and watches over your life.
8 The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go,
both now and forever."
Jesus promised that if we "seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness" that "all these things will be given to you" (your needs will be met)(Matthew 5:33).
So, let me ask you:
Do you BELIEVE it?
Do you believe that God is 'for you', and that He wants to watch over and bless you, meeting your needs and protecting you?
If not--at your core--you definitely need to adjust your thinking!
Paul writes, in Romans 8: "What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us?...Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us." (Romans 8:31, 35-37)
You need not fear!
As one preacher said, "I have no fear of what the future holds; I know Who holds the future".
Is God calling YOU to step out today? Is He moving you to exercise FAITH?
If so, have no fear!
God is for you!
Pray for a Commitment to Public Morality! Day 28
Day 28 Thursday, October 25, 2012
prayer for
National renewal
Scripture for Reflection and Preparation
Psalm 85:10-13 “10 love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other. 11 Faithfulness springs forth from the earth, and
righteousness looks down from heaven.
12 The lord will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest.
13 righteousness goes before him and prepares the way for his steps.”
Matthew 7:12 “12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the law and the prophets.”
Ecclesiastes 2:4-5, 11
“4 i undertook great projects: i built houses for myself and planted vineyards. 5 i made gardens and parks and planted all kinds of fruit trees
in them. 11 yet when i surveyed all that my hands had done and what i had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.”
Return to Civic Morality
Public morality reinforces personal morality and brings honor to any culture.
Preparation
• Praise God for who He is
• Confess your sinfulness and need for cleansing
• Allow His Spirit to draw you near
• Listen as He speaks to you
Ask God to...
• Help people who disagree with each other to treat each other with respect
• Remind community leaders to insist on high standards of public morality
• Give judges the wisdom to rule on obscenity issues like pornography and vulgarity
• Convict people to dress modestly in public
• Put it in the hearts of media producers to want to produce media that promotes the public good
• Help people engage in acts of kindness toward others, like helping meet human needs, improving the education system, or racial reconciliation
• Restrain Satan from encouraging violence and hatred
Thanksgiving
• Thank God for hearing you
• Trust that God is at work to accomplish His will
Copied from "Pray and ACT 40/40", The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
prayer for
National renewal
Scripture for Reflection and Preparation
Psalm 85:10-13 “10 love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other. 11 Faithfulness springs forth from the earth, and
righteousness looks down from heaven.
12 The lord will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest.
13 righteousness goes before him and prepares the way for his steps.”
Matthew 7:12 “12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the law and the prophets.”
Ecclesiastes 2:4-5, 11
“4 i undertook great projects: i built houses for myself and planted vineyards. 5 i made gardens and parks and planted all kinds of fruit trees
in them. 11 yet when i surveyed all that my hands had done and what i had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.”
Return to Civic Morality
Public morality reinforces personal morality and brings honor to any culture.
Preparation
• Praise God for who He is
• Confess your sinfulness and need for cleansing
• Allow His Spirit to draw you near
• Listen as He speaks to you
Ask God to...
• Help people who disagree with each other to treat each other with respect
• Remind community leaders to insist on high standards of public morality
• Give judges the wisdom to rule on obscenity issues like pornography and vulgarity
• Convict people to dress modestly in public
• Put it in the hearts of media producers to want to produce media that promotes the public good
• Help people engage in acts of kindness toward others, like helping meet human needs, improving the education system, or racial reconciliation
• Restrain Satan from encouraging violence and hatred
Thanksgiving
• Thank God for hearing you
• Trust that God is at work to accomplish His will
Copied from "Pray and ACT 40/40", The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Working Together! Day 27--October 24, 2012
Day 27 Wednesday, October 24, 2012
prayer for
National renewal
Scripture for Reflection and Preparation
Psalm 133:1 “1 How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!”
James 3:17-18 “17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace- loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.”
Esther 10:3 “3 Mordecai the Jew was second in rank to King Xerxes, preeminent among the Jews, and held in high esteem by his many fellow Jews, because he worked for the good of his people and spoke
up for the welfare of all the Jews.”
Communities at Peace
Communities that work together can resolve the most stubborn problems.
Preparation
• Praise God for who He is
• Confess your sinfulness and need for cleansing
• Allow His Spirit to draw you near
• Listen as He speaks to you
Ask God to...
• Put it in the hearts of the people to desire peace
• Give community leaders wisdom to resolve socio-economic, ethnic, or other conflicts in their communities
• Burden the churches to become more involved in their communities, like protecting the unborn, strengthening marriage, and protecting the church from unbiblical government interference
• Restrain Satan from creating divisions in the community
• Cause media to report on positive developments in communities
• Help law enforcement find and convict those who break the laws and destroy communities
• Help communities develop effective ways to help troubled youth
Thanksgiving
• Thank God for hearing you
• Trust that God is at work to accomplish His will
Copied from "Pray and ACT 40/40" The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
prayer for
National renewal
Scripture for Reflection and Preparation
Psalm 133:1 “1 How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!”
James 3:17-18 “17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace- loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.”
Esther 10:3 “3 Mordecai the Jew was second in rank to King Xerxes, preeminent among the Jews, and held in high esteem by his many fellow Jews, because he worked for the good of his people and spoke
up for the welfare of all the Jews.”
Communities at Peace
Communities that work together can resolve the most stubborn problems.
Preparation
• Praise God for who He is
• Confess your sinfulness and need for cleansing
• Allow His Spirit to draw you near
• Listen as He speaks to you
Ask God to...
• Put it in the hearts of the people to desire peace
• Give community leaders wisdom to resolve socio-economic, ethnic, or other conflicts in their communities
• Burden the churches to become more involved in their communities, like protecting the unborn, strengthening marriage, and protecting the church from unbiblical government interference
• Restrain Satan from creating divisions in the community
• Cause media to report on positive developments in communities
• Help law enforcement find and convict those who break the laws and destroy communities
• Help communities develop effective ways to help troubled youth
Thanksgiving
• Thank God for hearing you
• Trust that God is at work to accomplish His will
Copied from "Pray and ACT 40/40" The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Pray that the Family would be strengthened! (Day 26)
Day 26 Tuesday, October 23rd, 2012
prayer for
National renewal
Scripture for Reflection and Preparation
Ephesians 6:1-4 “1 Children, obey your parents in the lord, for this is right. 2 ‘Honor your father and mother’—which is the first commandment with a promise— 3 ‘that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.’
4 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the lord.”
Colossians 3:18-21
“18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. 20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the lord. 21 Fathers, do
not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.”
Deuteronomy 5:16 “16 ‘Honor your father and your mother, as the lord your god has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with
you in the land the lord your god is giving you.’”
Families Strengthened
The family is the foundational social unit of healthy societies.
Preparation
• Praise God for who He is
• Confess your sinfulness and need for cleansing
• Allow His Spirit to draw you near
• Listen as He speaks to you
Ask God to...
• Help parents to put their spouse’s needs ahead of their own
• Help parents to resolve their conflicts instead of divorcing
• Help parents understand how much their children need them
• Help children resist ungodly influences
• Help churches minister to families’ spiritual and physical needs
• Cause policy makers to pass more family-friendly policies
• Raise up a new generation of leaders to promote strong family values
Thanksgiving
• Thank God for hearing you
• Trust that God is at work to accomplish His will
Copied from "Pray and ACT 40/40", The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
prayer for
National renewal
Scripture for Reflection and Preparation
Ephesians 6:1-4 “1 Children, obey your parents in the lord, for this is right. 2 ‘Honor your father and mother’—which is the first commandment with a promise— 3 ‘that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.’
4 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the lord.”
Colossians 3:18-21
“18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. 20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the lord. 21 Fathers, do
not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.”
Deuteronomy 5:16 “16 ‘Honor your father and your mother, as the lord your god has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with
you in the land the lord your god is giving you.’”
Families Strengthened
The family is the foundational social unit of healthy societies.
Preparation
• Praise God for who He is
• Confess your sinfulness and need for cleansing
• Allow His Spirit to draw you near
• Listen as He speaks to you
Ask God to...
• Help parents to put their spouse’s needs ahead of their own
• Help parents to resolve their conflicts instead of divorcing
• Help parents understand how much their children need them
• Help children resist ungodly influences
• Help churches minister to families’ spiritual and physical needs
• Cause policy makers to pass more family-friendly policies
• Raise up a new generation of leaders to promote strong family values
Thanksgiving
• Thank God for hearing you
• Trust that God is at work to accomplish His will
Copied from "Pray and ACT 40/40", The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
Monday, October 22, 2012
Day 25--Monday the 22nd. Pray for our Nation to choose Morality!
Day 25 Monday, October 22, 2012
prayer for
National renewal
Scripture for Reflection and Preparation
Psalm 119:105 “105 your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path.”
Psalm 1:1-2 “1 How happy is the man who does not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path of sinners, or join a group of mockers! 2 instead, his delight is in the lord’s instruction, and he meditates on it day and night.”
1 Timothy 4:6-8 “6 if you point these things out to the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished by the words
of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. 7 But have nothing to do with irreverent and silly myths. rather, train yourself in godliness, 8 for, the training of the body has a limited benefit, but godliness is beneficial in every way,
since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.”
Embrace of Biblical Values
National renewal will only occur when the people choose morality.
Preparation
• Praise God for who He is
• Confess your sinfulness and need for cleansing
• Allow His Spirit to draw you near
• Listen as He speaks to you
Ask God to...
• Help national leaders promote biblical values, like programs that will truly lift people out of poverty
• Put a thirst in the nation’s youth for biblical values
• Help parents to make godly choices for themselves
• Help parents to make godly choices for their families
• Convince policy makers that His moral code makes strong nations
• Guide Congress to pass laws that promote biblical values, especially for the sanctity of life, God’s definition of marriage, and religious liberty
• Cause young people to choose lifestyles that reflect biblical values
Thanksgiving
• Thank God for hearing you
• Trust that God is at work to accomplish His will
Copied from "Pray and ACT 40/40", The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
prayer for
National renewal
Scripture for Reflection and Preparation
Psalm 119:105 “105 your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path.”
Psalm 1:1-2 “1 How happy is the man who does not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path of sinners, or join a group of mockers! 2 instead, his delight is in the lord’s instruction, and he meditates on it day and night.”
1 Timothy 4:6-8 “6 if you point these things out to the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished by the words
of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. 7 But have nothing to do with irreverent and silly myths. rather, train yourself in godliness, 8 for, the training of the body has a limited benefit, but godliness is beneficial in every way,
since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.”
Embrace of Biblical Values
National renewal will only occur when the people choose morality.
Preparation
• Praise God for who He is
• Confess your sinfulness and need for cleansing
• Allow His Spirit to draw you near
• Listen as He speaks to you
Ask God to...
• Help national leaders promote biblical values, like programs that will truly lift people out of poverty
• Put a thirst in the nation’s youth for biblical values
• Help parents to make godly choices for themselves
• Help parents to make godly choices for their families
• Convince policy makers that His moral code makes strong nations
• Guide Congress to pass laws that promote biblical values, especially for the sanctity of life, God’s definition of marriage, and religious liberty
• Cause young people to choose lifestyles that reflect biblical values
Thanksgiving
• Thank God for hearing you
• Trust that God is at work to accomplish His will
Copied from "Pray and ACT 40/40", The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Sunday, Oct. 21st. Day 24: Pray that God Reveals Wickedness and Sin!
Day 24 Sunday, October 21st 2012
prayer for
National renewal
Scripture for Reflection and Preparation
2 Corinthians 7:1 “1 Therefore dear friends, since we have such promises, we should wash ourselves clean from every impurity of the flesh and spirit, making our sanctification complete in the fear of god.”
Titus 2:11-14 “11 For the grace of god has appeared, with salvation for all people,
12 instructing us to deny godlessness and worldly lusts and to live in a sensible, righteous, and godly way in the present age, 13 while we wait for
the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great god and Savior, Jesus Christ. 14 He gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for Himself a special people, eager to do good works.”
2 Timothy 2:21 “21 So if anyone purifies himself from these things, he will be a special instrument, set apart, useful to
the Master, prepared for every good work.”
Rejection of Immorality
God must reveal the wickedness of sin before many people will reject immorality.
Preparation
• Praise God for who He is
• Confess your sinfulness and need for cleansing
• Allow His Spirit to draw you near
• Listen as He speaks to you
Ask God to...
• Help national leaders recognize the social destruction caused by public immorality
• Raise up new entertainment personalities who promote godly values
• Help the nation’s youth recognize the destructive effects of immoral behavior
• Help parents reject immorality for the sake of their children and their marriage
• Convict those who live off of immorality like the pornographers and abortion providers
• Guide Congress to pass laws that restrict immoral behavior, especially laws that protect the unborn and other vulnerable people
• Help churches work with their communities to set new standards for public morality
Thanksgiving
• Thank God for hearing you
• Trust that God is at work to accomplish His will
Copied from "Pray and ACT 40/40, The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
prayer for
National renewal
Scripture for Reflection and Preparation
2 Corinthians 7:1 “1 Therefore dear friends, since we have such promises, we should wash ourselves clean from every impurity of the flesh and spirit, making our sanctification complete in the fear of god.”
Titus 2:11-14 “11 For the grace of god has appeared, with salvation for all people,
12 instructing us to deny godlessness and worldly lusts and to live in a sensible, righteous, and godly way in the present age, 13 while we wait for
the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great god and Savior, Jesus Christ. 14 He gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for Himself a special people, eager to do good works.”
2 Timothy 2:21 “21 So if anyone purifies himself from these things, he will be a special instrument, set apart, useful to
the Master, prepared for every good work.”
Rejection of Immorality
God must reveal the wickedness of sin before many people will reject immorality.
Preparation
• Praise God for who He is
• Confess your sinfulness and need for cleansing
• Allow His Spirit to draw you near
• Listen as He speaks to you
Ask God to...
• Help national leaders recognize the social destruction caused by public immorality
• Raise up new entertainment personalities who promote godly values
• Help the nation’s youth recognize the destructive effects of immoral behavior
• Help parents reject immorality for the sake of their children and their marriage
• Convict those who live off of immorality like the pornographers and abortion providers
• Guide Congress to pass laws that restrict immoral behavior, especially laws that protect the unborn and other vulnerable people
• Help churches work with their communities to set new standards for public morality
Thanksgiving
• Thank God for hearing you
• Trust that God is at work to accomplish His will
Copied from "Pray and ACT 40/40, The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Day 23--Saturday, Oct. 20th. Pray for our nation!
Day 23 Saturday, October 20th, 2012
prayer for
National revival
Scripture for Reflection and Preparation
Zephaniah 3:9, 12 “9 For i will then restore pure speech to the peoples so that all of them may call on the name of yahweh and
serve Him with a single purpose. 12 i will leave a meek and humble people among you, and they will trust in the name of yahweh.”
Deuteronomy 4:29 “29 But from there, you will search for the lord your god, and you will find [Him] when you seek Him with all your heart and all your soul.”
Matthew 7:7-8
“7 ‘Keep asking, and it will be given to you. Keep searching, and you will find. Keep knocking, and the door
will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who searches finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.’”
Renewed Search for God
The Spirit must reveal people’s emptiness before they search for God.
Preparation
• Praise God for who He is
• Confess your sinfulness and need for cleansing
• Allow His Spirit to draw you near
• Listen as He speaks to you
Ask God to...
• Help churches find creative ways to call people to faith in Jesus
• Raise up Christian leaders who can effectively share His message with the lost
• Burden Christians to support national efforts to bring people to Christ
• Cause Christian ministries to find favor with the media
• Prevent Satan from interfering with the church’s witness
• Lead Christians to discover new ways to present the gospel to the lost, like engaging in human needs ministry or neighborhood revitalization efforts
• Burden churches to do all they can to be welcoming to people searching for God
Thanksgiving
• Thank God for hearing you
• Trust that God is at work to accomplish His will
Copied from "Pray and ACT 40/40", The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
prayer for
National revival
Scripture for Reflection and Preparation
Zephaniah 3:9, 12 “9 For i will then restore pure speech to the peoples so that all of them may call on the name of yahweh and
serve Him with a single purpose. 12 i will leave a meek and humble people among you, and they will trust in the name of yahweh.”
Deuteronomy 4:29 “29 But from there, you will search for the lord your god, and you will find [Him] when you seek Him with all your heart and all your soul.”
Matthew 7:7-8
“7 ‘Keep asking, and it will be given to you. Keep searching, and you will find. Keep knocking, and the door
will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who searches finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.’”
Renewed Search for God
The Spirit must reveal people’s emptiness before they search for God.
Preparation
• Praise God for who He is
• Confess your sinfulness and need for cleansing
• Allow His Spirit to draw you near
• Listen as He speaks to you
Ask God to...
• Help churches find creative ways to call people to faith in Jesus
• Raise up Christian leaders who can effectively share His message with the lost
• Burden Christians to support national efforts to bring people to Christ
• Cause Christian ministries to find favor with the media
• Prevent Satan from interfering with the church’s witness
• Lead Christians to discover new ways to present the gospel to the lost, like engaging in human needs ministry or neighborhood revitalization efforts
• Burden churches to do all they can to be welcoming to people searching for God
Thanksgiving
• Thank God for hearing you
• Trust that God is at work to accomplish His will
Copied from "Pray and ACT 40/40", The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
Friday, October 19, 2012
Nations Can Change When People THIRST for God!
Day 22 Friday, October 19, 2012
prayer for
National revival
Scripture for Reflection and Preparation
2 Peter 3:9-10 “9 The lord does not delay His promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance.
10 But the Day of the lord will come like a thief; on that day the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, the
elements will burn and be dissolved, and the earth and the works on it will be disclosed.”
Psalm 42:1-2 “1 as a deer longs for streams of water, so i long for you, god. 2 i thirst for god, the living god. When can i come and appear before god?”
Psalm 119:81 “81 i long for your salvation; i put my hope in your word.”
National Thirst for God
Nations can change in an instant when people begin to thirst for God.
Preparation
• Praise God for who He is
• Confess your sinfulness and need for cleansing
• Allow His Spirit to draw you near
• Listen as He speaks to you
Ask God to...
• Show the nation its need for His truth
• Help reveal the emptiness of false beliefs, especially regarding the value of human life, the true nature of marriage, and the importance of the church
• Reveal to people their desperate need for relationship with Him
• Cause people to see the need for biblical answers to our nation’s problems
• Draw the nation to Himself
• Create an intellectual thirst for His Word
• Turn the hearts of the lost to His church for spiritual guidance
Thanksgiving
• Thank God for hearing you
• Trust that God is at work to accomplish His will
Copied from "Pray and ACT 40/40", The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
prayer for
National revival
Scripture for Reflection and Preparation
2 Peter 3:9-10 “9 The lord does not delay His promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance.
10 But the Day of the lord will come like a thief; on that day the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, the
elements will burn and be dissolved, and the earth and the works on it will be disclosed.”
Psalm 42:1-2 “1 as a deer longs for streams of water, so i long for you, god. 2 i thirst for god, the living god. When can i come and appear before god?”
Psalm 119:81 “81 i long for your salvation; i put my hope in your word.”
National Thirst for God
Nations can change in an instant when people begin to thirst for God.
Preparation
• Praise God for who He is
• Confess your sinfulness and need for cleansing
• Allow His Spirit to draw you near
• Listen as He speaks to you
Ask God to...
• Show the nation its need for His truth
• Help reveal the emptiness of false beliefs, especially regarding the value of human life, the true nature of marriage, and the importance of the church
• Reveal to people their desperate need for relationship with Him
• Cause people to see the need for biblical answers to our nation’s problems
• Draw the nation to Himself
• Create an intellectual thirst for His Word
• Turn the hearts of the lost to His church for spiritual guidance
Thanksgiving
• Thank God for hearing you
• Trust that God is at work to accomplish His will
Copied from "Pray and ACT 40/40", The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Appetites That Control...
I am AMAZED at the strength of my appetite!
My cravings...my desires...I always knew I had them, but it wasn't until I made a commitment to abstain from them that I realized how powerful they had become.
For example, all who know me will not be shocked to hear that I like cookies.
In fact, I think it's fair to say that I have a STRONG desire for cookies--especially chocolate chip!
When those cookies are in the jar, I always know they're there. I playfully say that they're calling out to me. In fact, almost every time I walk by it, I'll take one, 'just because I can'...and therin lies the problem.
When I (or you) give in to our desires frequently, we make those desire part of our 'Soul DNA'--the core of who we are.
Even more importantly: The mentality and thought processes behind this action can be part of our 'Spiritual Core', and that can be bad news. The mentality behind the cookie jar can often be "I want it, I deserve it, it would make me happy, therefore, I'll take it."
This is Spiritual Foolishness which leads not to freedom, but to imprisonment.
These cookies (or fast food, or spending, or sports, or lust, or drink, or anything else that can be an 'appetite' of our desires) can become serious spiritual problem! They become our 'act of worship' to our idol: The idol of Self Indulgence!
As Paul writes to the Romans: "Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires." (Romans 8:5)
We need to STOP GIVING IN!
We don't want to 'indulge', just because we have 'freedom in Christ'. We are of the Spirit! We don't want to settle for giving in to mere 'appetites of the flesh'! We don't want our appetites to become our idols!
So, we MUST aggressively take charge of those appetites--BEFORE they become idols, and strongholds of the enemy in our lives!
As the Paul writes to the Corinthians, run the race to win!
"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. 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. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. 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." (2 Corinthians 9:24-27)
So, let's encourage each other: DON'T let your appetites (even for things that are 'allowable') to drive you. Don't let 'desires' become 'demands'!
God wants you and I to live in freedom and liberation!
Let's keep ourselves in check, so that He may lead us there!
In His Hands...
Dave
My cravings...my desires...I always knew I had them, but it wasn't until I made a commitment to abstain from them that I realized how powerful they had become.
For example, all who know me will not be shocked to hear that I like cookies.
In fact, I think it's fair to say that I have a STRONG desire for cookies--especially chocolate chip!
When those cookies are in the jar, I always know they're there. I playfully say that they're calling out to me. In fact, almost every time I walk by it, I'll take one, 'just because I can'...and therin lies the problem.
When I (or you) give in to our desires frequently, we make those desire part of our 'Soul DNA'--the core of who we are.
Even more importantly: The mentality and thought processes behind this action can be part of our 'Spiritual Core', and that can be bad news. The mentality behind the cookie jar can often be "I want it, I deserve it, it would make me happy, therefore, I'll take it."
This is Spiritual Foolishness which leads not to freedom, but to imprisonment.
These cookies (or fast food, or spending, or sports, or lust, or drink, or anything else that can be an 'appetite' of our desires) can become serious spiritual problem! They become our 'act of worship' to our idol: The idol of Self Indulgence!
As Paul writes to the Romans: "Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires." (Romans 8:5)
We need to STOP GIVING IN!
We don't want to 'indulge', just because we have 'freedom in Christ'. We are of the Spirit! We don't want to settle for giving in to mere 'appetites of the flesh'! We don't want our appetites to become our idols!
So, we MUST aggressively take charge of those appetites--BEFORE they become idols, and strongholds of the enemy in our lives!
As the Paul writes to the Corinthians, run the race to win!
"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. 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. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. 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." (2 Corinthians 9:24-27)
So, let's encourage each other: DON'T let your appetites (even for things that are 'allowable') to drive you. Don't let 'desires' become 'demands'!
God wants you and I to live in freedom and liberation!
Let's keep ourselves in check, so that He may lead us there!
In His Hands...
Dave
Day 21, Oct. 18: Christians, be Spirit-Filled!
Day 21 Thursday, October 18, 2012
prayer for
National revival
Scripture for Reflection and Preparation
Ephesians 4:18-21 “18 They are darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of god, because of the ignorance that is
in them and because of the hardness of their hearts. 19 They became callous and gave themselves over to promiscuity for the practice of every kind of impurity with a desire for more and more. 20 But that is not how you learned about the Messiah, 21 assuming you heard Him and were taught by Him, because the truth
is in Jesus.”
Romans 8:13-17 “13 for if you live according to the flesh, you are going to die. But if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds
of the body, you will live. 14 all those led by god’s Spirit are god’s sons. 15 For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we
cry out, ‘abba , Father!’ 16 The Spirit Himself testifies together with our spirit that we are god’s children,
17 and if children, also heirs—heirs of god and co-heirs with Christ—seeing that we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.”
additional Scripture
Galatians 5:24-25
Saved to be Spirit-filled
The nation is in desperate need of Christians empowered by
God’s Spirit.
Preparation
• Praise God for who He is
• Confess your sinfulness and need for cleansing
• Allow His Spirit to draw you near
• Listen as He speaks to you
Ask God to...
• Give Christians a deep desire to know Him better
• Give Christians a thirst for His word
• Convict Christians to examine their lives for hindrances to God’s filling not only in their personal lives, but also in their attitudes toward others
• Help Christians make their relationship with God their highest priority
• Move Christians to renew their commitment to the lordship of Christ over their lives
• Help Christians call the nation to repentance, especially for its failure to protect the unborn, its devaluation of marriage, and its attacks on religious liberty
• Cause the lost to see the differences between life in the flesh and life in the Spirit
Thanksgiving
• Thank God for hearing you
• Trust that God is at work to accomplish His will
Copied from "Pray and ACT 40/40", The Ethics and Religiuous Liberty Commission
prayer for
National revival
Scripture for Reflection and Preparation
Ephesians 4:18-21 “18 They are darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of god, because of the ignorance that is
in them and because of the hardness of their hearts. 19 They became callous and gave themselves over to promiscuity for the practice of every kind of impurity with a desire for more and more. 20 But that is not how you learned about the Messiah, 21 assuming you heard Him and were taught by Him, because the truth
is in Jesus.”
Romans 8:13-17 “13 for if you live according to the flesh, you are going to die. But if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds
of the body, you will live. 14 all those led by god’s Spirit are god’s sons. 15 For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we
cry out, ‘abba , Father!’ 16 The Spirit Himself testifies together with our spirit that we are god’s children,
17 and if children, also heirs—heirs of god and co-heirs with Christ—seeing that we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.”
additional Scripture
Galatians 5:24-25
Saved to be Spirit-filled
The nation is in desperate need of Christians empowered by
God’s Spirit.
Preparation
• Praise God for who He is
• Confess your sinfulness and need for cleansing
• Allow His Spirit to draw you near
• Listen as He speaks to you
Ask God to...
• Give Christians a deep desire to know Him better
• Give Christians a thirst for His word
• Convict Christians to examine their lives for hindrances to God’s filling not only in their personal lives, but also in their attitudes toward others
• Help Christians make their relationship with God their highest priority
• Move Christians to renew their commitment to the lordship of Christ over their lives
• Help Christians call the nation to repentance, especially for its failure to protect the unborn, its devaluation of marriage, and its attacks on religious liberty
• Cause the lost to see the differences between life in the flesh and life in the Spirit
Thanksgiving
• Thank God for hearing you
• Trust that God is at work to accomplish His will
Copied from "Pray and ACT 40/40", The Ethics and Religiuous Liberty Commission
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Day 20: Pray for Conversions!
Day 20 Wednesday, October 17, 2012
prayer for
National revival
Scripture for Reflection and Preparation
Isaiah 55:1 “1 ‘Come, everyone who is thirsty, come to the waters; and you without money, come, buy, and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost!’”
Acts 2:36-41 “36 ‘Therefore let all the house of israel know with certainty that god has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both lord and Messiah!’ 37 When they heard this, they were pierced to the heart and said to peter and the rest of the apostles:
‘Brothers, what must we do?’ 38 ‘repent,’ peter said to them, ‘and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus the Messiah for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children, and for all who are
far off, as many as the lord our god will call.’ 40 and with many other words he testified and strongly urged them, saying, ‘Be saved from this corrupt generation!’ 41 So those who accepted
his message were baptized, and that day about 3,000 people were added to them.”
additional Scripture
John 14:6
Conversions
When God pours out His Spirit a renewed understanding of righteousness results.
Preparation
• Praise God for who He is
• Confess your sinfulness and need for cleansing
• Allow His Spirit to draw you near
• Listen as He speaks to you
Ask God to...
• Convince the lost that Jesus is the only way of salvation
• Give Christians a great burden to share their faith and ask people to trust in Jesus
• Help churches to discover more effective ways to reach the lost, like assisting the poor and the hungry, and revitalizing neighborhoods
• Create divine appointments for lost people to hear the gospel
• Give you the opportunity to share your faith with lost people you know
• Confound the enemies of the gospel and prevent them from hindering the church’s witness
• Raise up a new generation of Christian leaders who are fearless in sharing their faith
Thanksgiving
• Thank God for hearing you
• Trust that God is at work to accomplish His will
Copied from "Pray and ACT 40/40", The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
prayer for
National revival
Scripture for Reflection and Preparation
Isaiah 55:1 “1 ‘Come, everyone who is thirsty, come to the waters; and you without money, come, buy, and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost!’”
Acts 2:36-41 “36 ‘Therefore let all the house of israel know with certainty that god has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both lord and Messiah!’ 37 When they heard this, they were pierced to the heart and said to peter and the rest of the apostles:
‘Brothers, what must we do?’ 38 ‘repent,’ peter said to them, ‘and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus the Messiah for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children, and for all who are
far off, as many as the lord our god will call.’ 40 and with many other words he testified and strongly urged them, saying, ‘Be saved from this corrupt generation!’ 41 So those who accepted
his message were baptized, and that day about 3,000 people were added to them.”
additional Scripture
John 14:6
Conversions
When God pours out His Spirit a renewed understanding of righteousness results.
Preparation
• Praise God for who He is
• Confess your sinfulness and need for cleansing
• Allow His Spirit to draw you near
• Listen as He speaks to you
Ask God to...
• Convince the lost that Jesus is the only way of salvation
• Give Christians a great burden to share their faith and ask people to trust in Jesus
• Help churches to discover more effective ways to reach the lost, like assisting the poor and the hungry, and revitalizing neighborhoods
• Create divine appointments for lost people to hear the gospel
• Give you the opportunity to share your faith with lost people you know
• Confound the enemies of the gospel and prevent them from hindering the church’s witness
• Raise up a new generation of Christian leaders who are fearless in sharing their faith
Thanksgiving
• Thank God for hearing you
• Trust that God is at work to accomplish His will
Copied from "Pray and ACT 40/40", The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Day 19. Prayer for National Revival--the Conviction of Sin!
Day 19 Tuesday, October 16, 2012
prayer for
National revival
Scripture for Reflection and Preparation
Romans 1:20-21 “20 From the creation of the world His invisible attributes, that is, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what He has made. as a result, people are without excuse. 21 For though they knew god, they did not glorify Him as god or show gratitude. instead, their thinking became nonsense, and their senseless minds were darkened.”
John 15:22 “22 if i had not come and spoken to them, they would not have sin. Now they have no excuse for their sin.”
Job 38:1-3 “1 Then the lord answered Job from the whirlwind. He said: ‘2 Who is
this who obscures [My] counsel with ignorant words? 3 get ready to answer Me like a man; when i question you, you will inform Me.’”
Conviction of Sin
Only God can convict people of sin and of their need for Him.
Preparation
• Praise God for who He is
• Confess your sinfulness and need for cleansing
• Allow His Spirit to draw you near
• Listen as He speaks to you
Ask God to...
• Pour His Spirit out over the entire nation
• Convince and convict every person of their sin
• Convince every person that they will face a final judgment by God
• Reveal His great holiness to every person
• Reveal His great love through Jesus to every person
• Empower and embolden Christians to share their faith so the lost can hear the gospel
• Restrain Satan from blinding people to their sin
Thanksgiving
• Thank God for hearing you
• Trust that God is at work to accomplish His will
Copied from Pray and ACT 40/40, The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
prayer for
National revival
Scripture for Reflection and Preparation
Romans 1:20-21 “20 From the creation of the world His invisible attributes, that is, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what He has made. as a result, people are without excuse. 21 For though they knew god, they did not glorify Him as god or show gratitude. instead, their thinking became nonsense, and their senseless minds were darkened.”
John 15:22 “22 if i had not come and spoken to them, they would not have sin. Now they have no excuse for their sin.”
Job 38:1-3 “1 Then the lord answered Job from the whirlwind. He said: ‘2 Who is
this who obscures [My] counsel with ignorant words? 3 get ready to answer Me like a man; when i question you, you will inform Me.’”
Conviction of Sin
Only God can convict people of sin and of their need for Him.
Preparation
• Praise God for who He is
• Confess your sinfulness and need for cleansing
• Allow His Spirit to draw you near
• Listen as He speaks to you
Ask God to...
• Pour His Spirit out over the entire nation
• Convince and convict every person of their sin
• Convince every person that they will face a final judgment by God
• Reveal His great holiness to every person
• Reveal His great love through Jesus to every person
• Empower and embolden Christians to share their faith so the lost can hear the gospel
• Restrain Satan from blinding people to their sin
Thanksgiving
• Thank God for hearing you
• Trust that God is at work to accomplish His will
Copied from Pray and ACT 40/40, The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
Monday, October 15, 2012
Day 18, Monday Oct. 15: Shake It Up!
Day 18 Monday, October 15, 2012
prayer for revival among Church leadership
Scripture for Reflection and Preparation
1 Corinthians 12:4-7 “4 Now there are different gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are different ministries, but the same lord. 6 and there are different activities, but
the same god is active in everyone and everything. 7 a manifestation of the Spirit is given to each person to produce what is beneficial.”
Matthew 25:34-36 “34 Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the kingdom
prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For i was hungry and you gave Me something to eat; i was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink; i was a stranger and you took Me in; 36 i was naked and you clothed Me;
i was sick and you took care of Me;
i was in prison and you visited Me.’”
additional Scripture
Joshua 24:14-15
Ministry Teams
Spirit-empowered teams of Christians can shake communities and nations.
Preparation
• Praise God for who He is
• Confess your sinfulness and need for cleansing
• Allow His Spirit to draw you near
• Listen as He speaks to you
Ask God to...
• Fill every team member with His Holy Spirit
• Surround every team member and their families with His protecting angels
• Lead the church to organize ministry teams to protect the sanctity of human life, God’s design for marriage and religious liberty
• Help every team member understand the importance of their ministry
• Give every team member the wisdom they need to fulfill their ministry
• Raise up additional workers for your church’s ministries
• Give every team great success in their ministries
Thanksgiving
• Thank God for hearing you
• Trust that God is at work to accomplish His will
Copied From: Pray and ACT 40/40, The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
prayer for revival among Church leadership
Scripture for Reflection and Preparation
1 Corinthians 12:4-7 “4 Now there are different gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are different ministries, but the same lord. 6 and there are different activities, but
the same god is active in everyone and everything. 7 a manifestation of the Spirit is given to each person to produce what is beneficial.”
Matthew 25:34-36 “34 Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the kingdom
prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For i was hungry and you gave Me something to eat; i was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink; i was a stranger and you took Me in; 36 i was naked and you clothed Me;
i was sick and you took care of Me;
i was in prison and you visited Me.’”
additional Scripture
Joshua 24:14-15
Ministry Teams
Spirit-empowered teams of Christians can shake communities and nations.
Preparation
• Praise God for who He is
• Confess your sinfulness and need for cleansing
• Allow His Spirit to draw you near
• Listen as He speaks to you
Ask God to...
• Fill every team member with His Holy Spirit
• Surround every team member and their families with His protecting angels
• Lead the church to organize ministry teams to protect the sanctity of human life, God’s design for marriage and religious liberty
• Help every team member understand the importance of their ministry
• Give every team member the wisdom they need to fulfill their ministry
• Raise up additional workers for your church’s ministries
• Give every team great success in their ministries
Thanksgiving
• Thank God for hearing you
• Trust that God is at work to accomplish His will
Copied From: Pray and ACT 40/40, The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Pray for Our Ministry Team Leaders! Sunday, Oct. 17
Day 17 Sunday, October 14, 2012
prayer for revival among Church leadership
Preparation
• Praise God for who He is
• Confess your sinfulness and need for cleansing
• Allow His Spirit to draw you near
• Listen as He speaks to you
Scripture for Reflection and Preparation
Matthew 6:9-15 “9 ‘Therefore, you should pray like this: Our Father in heaven, your name be honored as holy. 10 your kingdom come. your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 11 give us today our daily bread.
12 and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 and do
not bring us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. [For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. amen.] 14 ‘For if you forgive people their wrongdoing, your heavenly Father will forgive you as well. 15 But if you don’t forgive people, your Father will not forgive your wrongdoing.’”
Jeremiah 1:6-8
“6 Then i said, ‘ah, lord god! Behold, i do not know how to speak, for i am only a youth.’ 7 But the lord said to me, ‘Do not say, “i am only a youth”; for to all to whom i send you, you shall go, and whatever i command you, you shall speak. 8 Do not be afraid of them, for i am with you to deliver you, declares the lord.’”
additional Scripture
Acts 4:29-31
Ministry Leaders
Spirit-empowered leadership of the churches’ ministries is crucial for effective outreach.
Ask God to...
• Fill each leader with His Holy Spirit
• Surround each leader and his family with His protecting angels
• Give each leader a deep thirst for the things of God
• Give each leader a vision for what He wants their ministry to achieve
• Raise up others to engage in the ministries of your church, like ministry to the poor, the hungry, and the hurting
• Help every leader understand the important role they have in the church’s ministry
• Help each leader identify a moral issue to apply God’s truth to in the pulpit
Thanksgiving
• Thank God for hearing you
• Trust that God is at work to accomplish His will
prayer for revival among Church leadership
Preparation
• Praise God for who He is
• Confess your sinfulness and need for cleansing
• Allow His Spirit to draw you near
• Listen as He speaks to you
Scripture for Reflection and Preparation
Matthew 6:9-15 “9 ‘Therefore, you should pray like this: Our Father in heaven, your name be honored as holy. 10 your kingdom come. your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 11 give us today our daily bread.
12 and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 and do
not bring us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. [For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. amen.] 14 ‘For if you forgive people their wrongdoing, your heavenly Father will forgive you as well. 15 But if you don’t forgive people, your Father will not forgive your wrongdoing.’”
Jeremiah 1:6-8
“6 Then i said, ‘ah, lord god! Behold, i do not know how to speak, for i am only a youth.’ 7 But the lord said to me, ‘Do not say, “i am only a youth”; for to all to whom i send you, you shall go, and whatever i command you, you shall speak. 8 Do not be afraid of them, for i am with you to deliver you, declares the lord.’”
additional Scripture
Acts 4:29-31
Ministry Leaders
Spirit-empowered leadership of the churches’ ministries is crucial for effective outreach.
Ask God to...
• Fill each leader with His Holy Spirit
• Surround each leader and his family with His protecting angels
• Give each leader a deep thirst for the things of God
• Give each leader a vision for what He wants their ministry to achieve
• Raise up others to engage in the ministries of your church, like ministry to the poor, the hungry, and the hurting
• Help every leader understand the important role they have in the church’s ministry
• Help each leader identify a moral issue to apply God’s truth to in the pulpit
Thanksgiving
• Thank God for hearing you
• Trust that God is at work to accomplish His will
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Day 16...Pray for our Deacons!
Day 16 Saturday, October 13, 2012
prayer for revival among Church leadership
Scripture for Reflection and Preparation
Philippians 2:5-7a “5 Make your own attitude that of Christ Jesus, 6 who, existing in the form of god, did not consider equality with god as something to be used for His own advantage. 7 instead He emptied Himself by assuming the form of a slave, taking on the likeness of men.
and when He had come as a man in His external form, 8 He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death—even to death on a cross.”
1 Timothy 3:8-13 “8 Deacons, likewise, should be worthy of respect, not hypocritical, not drinking a lot of wine, not greedy for money,
9 holding the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 and they must also be tested first; if they prove blameless, then they can serve as deacons. 11 Wives, too, must be worthy of respect, not slanderers, self-controlled, faithful in
everything. 12 Deacons must be husbands of one wife, managing their children and their own households competently. 13 For those who have served well as deacons acquire a good standing for themselves, and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.”
additional Scripture
Acts 6:3-4, 7
Deacons
Effective deacon ministry must be Spirit-empowered.
Preparation
• Praise God for who He is
• Confess your sinfulness and need for cleansing
• Allow His Spirit to draw you near
• Listen as He speaks to you
Ask God to...
• Fill each deacon with His Holy Spirit
• Remind every deacon of His great love for them
• Help them to see hindrances in their lives to their work with Him
• Help them understand how important they are for the health of the church
• Give them a deep thirst for the things of God
• Give them great wisdom as they minister to the church family, especially in the areas of the sanctity of human life and marriage
• Surround them and their families with His protecting angels
Thanksgiving
• Thank God for hearing you
• Trust that God is at work to accomplish His will
Copied from Pray and ACT 40/40, the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
prayer for revival among Church leadership
Scripture for Reflection and Preparation
Philippians 2:5-7a “5 Make your own attitude that of Christ Jesus, 6 who, existing in the form of god, did not consider equality with god as something to be used for His own advantage. 7 instead He emptied Himself by assuming the form of a slave, taking on the likeness of men.
and when He had come as a man in His external form, 8 He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death—even to death on a cross.”
1 Timothy 3:8-13 “8 Deacons, likewise, should be worthy of respect, not hypocritical, not drinking a lot of wine, not greedy for money,
9 holding the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 and they must also be tested first; if they prove blameless, then they can serve as deacons. 11 Wives, too, must be worthy of respect, not slanderers, self-controlled, faithful in
everything. 12 Deacons must be husbands of one wife, managing their children and their own households competently. 13 For those who have served well as deacons acquire a good standing for themselves, and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.”
additional Scripture
Acts 6:3-4, 7
Deacons
Effective deacon ministry must be Spirit-empowered.
Preparation
• Praise God for who He is
• Confess your sinfulness and need for cleansing
• Allow His Spirit to draw you near
• Listen as He speaks to you
Ask God to...
• Fill each deacon with His Holy Spirit
• Remind every deacon of His great love for them
• Help them to see hindrances in their lives to their work with Him
• Help them understand how important they are for the health of the church
• Give them a deep thirst for the things of God
• Give them great wisdom as they minister to the church family, especially in the areas of the sanctity of human life and marriage
• Surround them and their families with His protecting angels
Thanksgiving
• Thank God for hearing you
• Trust that God is at work to accomplish His will
Copied from Pray and ACT 40/40, the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
Friday, October 12, 2012
Day 15: October 12: Church Leadership Is Under Spiritual Attack and Must Be Covered In Prayer
Day 15 Friday, October 12, 2012
prayer for revival among Church leadership
Scripture for Reflection and Preparation
Romans 15:5-6 “5 Now may the god of endurance and encouragement grant you agreement with one another, according to Christ Jesus, 6 so that you may glorify the god and Father of our lord Jesus Christ with a united mind and voice.”
Ephesians 3:14-21 “14 For this reason i bow my knees before the Father 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named. 16 i pray that He may grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 and that the Messiah may dwell
in your hearts through faith. i pray that you, being rooted and firmly established in love,
18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and width, height and depth, 19 and to
know the Messiah’s love that surpasses knowledge, so you may be filled with all the fullness of god. 20 Now to Him who is able to do above and beyond all that
we ask or think—according to the power that works in you—21 to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. amen.”
additional Scripture
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
Other Staff
The church staff is under spiritual attack and must be covered in prayer.
Preparation
• Praise God for who He is
• Confess your sinfulness and need for cleansing
• Allow His Spirit to draw you near
• Listen as He speaks to you
Ask God to...
• Help each staff member maintain the right spiritual priorities
• Draw each staff member close to Himself
• Surround each staff member and their families with His protecting angels
• Fill each staff member with His Holy Spirit
• Remind each staff member of His great love for them
• Reveal to each staff member anything that stands in the way of his or her walk with God
• Convict each staff member to become more involved in protecting the sanctity of human life, God’s definition of marriage, and religious liberty
Thanksgiving
• Thank God for hearing you
• Trust that God is at work to accomplish His will
Copied from "Pray and ACT 40/40" The Ethics and Religiuous Liberty Commission
prayer for revival among Church leadership
Scripture for Reflection and Preparation
Romans 15:5-6 “5 Now may the god of endurance and encouragement grant you agreement with one another, according to Christ Jesus, 6 so that you may glorify the god and Father of our lord Jesus Christ with a united mind and voice.”
Ephesians 3:14-21 “14 For this reason i bow my knees before the Father 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named. 16 i pray that He may grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 and that the Messiah may dwell
in your hearts through faith. i pray that you, being rooted and firmly established in love,
18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and width, height and depth, 19 and to
know the Messiah’s love that surpasses knowledge, so you may be filled with all the fullness of god. 20 Now to Him who is able to do above and beyond all that
we ask or think—according to the power that works in you—21 to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. amen.”
additional Scripture
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
Other Staff
The church staff is under spiritual attack and must be covered in prayer.
Preparation
• Praise God for who He is
• Confess your sinfulness and need for cleansing
• Allow His Spirit to draw you near
• Listen as He speaks to you
Ask God to...
• Help each staff member maintain the right spiritual priorities
• Draw each staff member close to Himself
• Surround each staff member and their families with His protecting angels
• Fill each staff member with His Holy Spirit
• Remind each staff member of His great love for them
• Reveal to each staff member anything that stands in the way of his or her walk with God
• Convict each staff member to become more involved in protecting the sanctity of human life, God’s definition of marriage, and religious liberty
Thanksgiving
• Thank God for hearing you
• Trust that God is at work to accomplish His will
Copied from "Pray and ACT 40/40" The Ethics and Religiuous Liberty Commission
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Day 14; October 11--Pray for Church Leaders!
Day 14 Thursday, October 11, 2012
prayer for revival among Church leadership
Scripture for Reflection and Preparation
2 Timothy 4:1-5 “1 Before god and Christ Jesus, who is going to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom, i solemnly charge you: 2 proclaim the
message; persist in it whether convenient or not; rebuke, correct, and encourage with great patience and teaching. 3
For the time will come when they will not tolerate sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, will accumulate teachers for themselves because they have an itch to hear something new. 4
They will turn away from hearing the truth and will turn aside to myths. 5
But as for you, keep a clear head about everything, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”
Ephesians 6:19-20 “19 pray also for me, that the message may be given to me when i open my mouth to make known with boldness the
mystery of the gospel. 20 For this i am an ambassador in chains. pray that i might
be bold enough in Him to speak as i should.”
additional Scripture
Romans 15:30-33
Pastors
A church will not rise any higher spiritually than its leadership.
Preparation
• Praise God for who He is
• Confess your sinfulness and need for cleansing
• Allow His Spirit to draw you near
• Listen as He speaks to you
Ask God to...
• Help your pastor maintain the right spiritual priorities
• Draw your pastor close to Himself
• Surround your pastor and his family with His protecting angels
• Fill your pastor with His Holy Spirit
• Remind your pastor of His great love for him
• Reveal to your pastor anything that stands in the way of his walk with God
• Convict your pastor to become more involved in protecting the sanctity of human life, God’s definition of marriage, and religious liberty
Thanksgiving
• Thank God for hearing you
• Trust that God is at work to accomplish His will
COPIED from "Pray and ACT 40/40", The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
prayer for revival among Church leadership
Scripture for Reflection and Preparation
2 Timothy 4:1-5 “1 Before god and Christ Jesus, who is going to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom, i solemnly charge you: 2 proclaim the
message; persist in it whether convenient or not; rebuke, correct, and encourage with great patience and teaching. 3
For the time will come when they will not tolerate sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, will accumulate teachers for themselves because they have an itch to hear something new. 4
They will turn away from hearing the truth and will turn aside to myths. 5
But as for you, keep a clear head about everything, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”
Ephesians 6:19-20 “19 pray also for me, that the message may be given to me when i open my mouth to make known with boldness the
mystery of the gospel. 20 For this i am an ambassador in chains. pray that i might
be bold enough in Him to speak as i should.”
additional Scripture
Romans 15:30-33
Pastors
A church will not rise any higher spiritually than its leadership.
Preparation
• Praise God for who He is
• Confess your sinfulness and need for cleansing
• Allow His Spirit to draw you near
• Listen as He speaks to you
Ask God to...
• Help your pastor maintain the right spiritual priorities
• Draw your pastor close to Himself
• Surround your pastor and his family with His protecting angels
• Fill your pastor with His Holy Spirit
• Remind your pastor of His great love for him
• Reveal to your pastor anything that stands in the way of his walk with God
• Convict your pastor to become more involved in protecting the sanctity of human life, God’s definition of marriage, and religious liberty
Thanksgiving
• Thank God for hearing you
• Trust that God is at work to accomplish His will
COPIED from "Pray and ACT 40/40", The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Day 13, Wednesday Oct. 10: Christians Who Need Revival
Day 13 Wednesday, October 10, 2012
prayer for
Church revival
Scripture for Reflection and Preparation
3 John 1:2 “2 Dear friend, i pray that you may prosper in every way and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.”
James 5:13, 16 “13 is anyone among you suffering? He should pray. is anyone cheerful? He should sing praises. 16 Therefore,
confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The intense prayer of the righteous is very powerful.”
Matthew 9:27-29 “27 as Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed Him, shouting, ‘Have mercy on us, Son of David!’ 28 When
He entered the house, the blind men approached Him, and Jesus said to them, ‘Do you believe that i can do this?’ ‘yes, lord,’ they answered Him.
29 Then He touched their eyes, saying,
‘let it be done for you according to your faith!’”
Church Friends Who Need a Touch from God
People all around us are in need of God’s spiritual touch and encouragement.
Preparation
• Praise God for who He is
• Confess your sinfulness and need for cleansing
• Allow His Spirit to draw you near
• Listen as He speaks to you
Ask God to...
• Fill your heart with love for your friends
• Help you know what encouraging words to share with them
• Surround them with His angels and fill them with His Spirit
• Remind them of His great love for them
• Create some divine encounters with people that would encourage them
• Restore their joy in their walk with Him
• Help them see things from God’s perspective
Thanksgiving
• Thank God for hearing you
• Trust that God is at work to accomplish His will
Copied From "Pray and ACT 40/40" The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
prayer for
Church revival
Scripture for Reflection and Preparation
3 John 1:2 “2 Dear friend, i pray that you may prosper in every way and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.”
James 5:13, 16 “13 is anyone among you suffering? He should pray. is anyone cheerful? He should sing praises. 16 Therefore,
confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The intense prayer of the righteous is very powerful.”
Matthew 9:27-29 “27 as Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed Him, shouting, ‘Have mercy on us, Son of David!’ 28 When
He entered the house, the blind men approached Him, and Jesus said to them, ‘Do you believe that i can do this?’ ‘yes, lord,’ they answered Him.
29 Then He touched their eyes, saying,
‘let it be done for you according to your faith!’”
Church Friends Who Need a Touch from God
People all around us are in need of God’s spiritual touch and encouragement.
Preparation
• Praise God for who He is
• Confess your sinfulness and need for cleansing
• Allow His Spirit to draw you near
• Listen as He speaks to you
Ask God to...
• Fill your heart with love for your friends
• Help you know what encouraging words to share with them
• Surround them with His angels and fill them with His Spirit
• Remind them of His great love for them
• Create some divine encounters with people that would encourage them
• Restore their joy in their walk with Him
• Help them see things from God’s perspective
Thanksgiving
• Thank God for hearing you
• Trust that God is at work to accomplish His will
Copied From "Pray and ACT 40/40" The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Day 12--Pray for Churches in our Nation
Day 12 Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2012
prayer for
Church revival
Scripture for Reflection and Preparation
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 “11 and in view of this, we always pray for you that our god will consider you worthy of His calling, and will, by His power, fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith, 12 so that the name of our lord Jesus will be glorified by you, and you by Him, according to the grace of our god and the lord Jesus Christ.”
Ephesians 1:17-19 “17 i pray that the god of our lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, would give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him.
18 i pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so you may
know what is the hope of His calling, what are the glorious riches of His inheritance among the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of His power to us who believe, according to the working of His vast strength.”
additional Scripture
Jeremiah 42:2-3
Churches in the Nation
A national revival in the churches will change the course of the nation and touch the world.
Preparation
• Praise God for who He is
• Confess your sinfulness and need for cleansing
• Allow His Spirit to draw you near
• Listen as He speaks to you
Ask God to...
• Break the hearts of Christians all across the nation over sin in their lives
• Burden Christians across the nation to change their priorities
• Raise up national spiritual leaders to call the nation’s Christians to holiness
• Accompany biblical preaching throughout the nation with a great movement of His Spirit
• Pour out His Spirit on all the churches in the nation
• Bind Satan and every demon so they cannot hinder revival in the churches
• Raise up leaders to prevent enemies of the gospel from using the law or other means to silence the church
Thanksgiving
• Thank God for hearing you
• Trust that God is at work to accomplish His will
COPIED FROM Pray and ACT 40/40, the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
prayer for
Church revival
Scripture for Reflection and Preparation
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 “11 and in view of this, we always pray for you that our god will consider you worthy of His calling, and will, by His power, fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith, 12 so that the name of our lord Jesus will be glorified by you, and you by Him, according to the grace of our god and the lord Jesus Christ.”
Ephesians 1:17-19 “17 i pray that the god of our lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, would give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him.
18 i pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so you may
know what is the hope of His calling, what are the glorious riches of His inheritance among the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of His power to us who believe, according to the working of His vast strength.”
additional Scripture
Jeremiah 42:2-3
Churches in the Nation
A national revival in the churches will change the course of the nation and touch the world.
Preparation
• Praise God for who He is
• Confess your sinfulness and need for cleansing
• Allow His Spirit to draw you near
• Listen as He speaks to you
Ask God to...
• Break the hearts of Christians all across the nation over sin in their lives
• Burden Christians across the nation to change their priorities
• Raise up national spiritual leaders to call the nation’s Christians to holiness
• Accompany biblical preaching throughout the nation with a great movement of His Spirit
• Pour out His Spirit on all the churches in the nation
• Bind Satan and every demon so they cannot hinder revival in the churches
• Raise up leaders to prevent enemies of the gospel from using the law or other means to silence the church
Thanksgiving
• Thank God for hearing you
• Trust that God is at work to accomplish His will
COPIED FROM Pray and ACT 40/40, the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
Monday, October 8, 2012
Day 11: Prayer for churches in Michigan
Day 11 October 8, 2012
prayer for
Church revival
Scripture for Reflection and Preparation
Philemon 1:6 “6 i pray that your participation in the faith may become effective through knowing every good thing that is in us for the glory of Christ.”
Galatians 5:13, 22-23 “13 For you are called to freedom, brothers; only don’t use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love. 22
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, 23 gentleness, self-control. against such things there is no law.”
Hebrews 12:14 “14 pursue peace with everyone, and holiness—without it no one will see the lord.”
Churches in Your State
Spirit-empowered churches across a state can change the state and influence the nation.
Preparation
• Praise God for who He is
• Confess your sinfulness and need for cleansing
• Allow His Spirit to draw you near
• Listen as He speaks to you
Ask God to...
• Pour out His Spirit on all the churches in your state
• Convict every Christian in the state about sin in their lives that hinders revival
• Give Christian leaders across the state a vision of what God wants to do through their church
• Remove any barriers to revival in the churches across the state
• Convict churches to commit to strengthen marriages and protect marriage from redefinition
• Bind Satan and every demon and prevent them from interfering with revival
• Cause the Christians across your state to long for a close relationship with Him
Thanksgiving
• Thank God for hearing you
• Trust that God is at work to accomplish His will
COPIED FROM Pray and ACT 40/40, the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
prayer for
Church revival
Scripture for Reflection and Preparation
Philemon 1:6 “6 i pray that your participation in the faith may become effective through knowing every good thing that is in us for the glory of Christ.”
Galatians 5:13, 22-23 “13 For you are called to freedom, brothers; only don’t use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love. 22
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, 23 gentleness, self-control. against such things there is no law.”
Hebrews 12:14 “14 pursue peace with everyone, and holiness—without it no one will see the lord.”
Churches in Your State
Spirit-empowered churches across a state can change the state and influence the nation.
Preparation
• Praise God for who He is
• Confess your sinfulness and need for cleansing
• Allow His Spirit to draw you near
• Listen as He speaks to you
Ask God to...
• Pour out His Spirit on all the churches in your state
• Convict every Christian in the state about sin in their lives that hinders revival
• Give Christian leaders across the state a vision of what God wants to do through their church
• Remove any barriers to revival in the churches across the state
• Convict churches to commit to strengthen marriages and protect marriage from redefinition
• Bind Satan and every demon and prevent them from interfering with revival
• Cause the Christians across your state to long for a close relationship with Him
Thanksgiving
• Thank God for hearing you
• Trust that God is at work to accomplish His will
COPIED FROM Pray and ACT 40/40, the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Day 10, Oct. 7, 2012...Pray for Other Churches Around Us!
Day 10 Sunday, October 7, 2012
prayer for
Church revival
Scripture for Reflection and Preparation
Philippians 1:9-11 “9 and i pray this: that your love will keep on growing in knowledge and every kind of discernment, 10 so that you
can determine what really matters and can be pure and blameless in the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of
righteousness that comes through Jesus
Christ, to the glory and praise of god.”
2 Corinthians 13:7-9 “7 Now we pray to god that you do nothing wrong, not that we may appear to pass the test, but that you may
do what is right, even though we may appear to fail. 8 For we are not able to do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. 9 in fact, we rejoice when we are weak and you are strong. We also pray for this: your maturity.”
1 Thessalonians 4:4, 7 “4 so that each of you knows how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor. 7 For god has not called us to impurity, but to sanctification.”
Churches in Your City
Every community needs churches that are Spirit-empowered.
Preparation
• Praise God for who He is
• Confess your sinfulness and need for cleansing
• Allow His Spirit to draw you near
• Listen as He speaks to you
Ask God to...
• Pour out His Spirit on all the churches in your city
• Give the churches in your city a deep burden for the lost
• Raise up spiritual leaders in all the churches to call their members to holiness
• Convict every person in each church of their unconfessed sin
• Fill the pastor of every church in the city with His Spirit
• Break down barriers that prevent churches from working together for the Gospel
• Burden every church to work to protect the unborn and other vulnerable people
Thanksgiving
• Thank God for hearing you
• Trust that God is at work to accomplish His will
Copied from Pray and ACT 40/40, the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
prayer for
Church revival
Scripture for Reflection and Preparation
Philippians 1:9-11 “9 and i pray this: that your love will keep on growing in knowledge and every kind of discernment, 10 so that you
can determine what really matters and can be pure and blameless in the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of
righteousness that comes through Jesus
Christ, to the glory and praise of god.”
2 Corinthians 13:7-9 “7 Now we pray to god that you do nothing wrong, not that we may appear to pass the test, but that you may
do what is right, even though we may appear to fail. 8 For we are not able to do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. 9 in fact, we rejoice when we are weak and you are strong. We also pray for this: your maturity.”
1 Thessalonians 4:4, 7 “4 so that each of you knows how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor. 7 For god has not called us to impurity, but to sanctification.”
Churches in Your City
Every community needs churches that are Spirit-empowered.
Preparation
• Praise God for who He is
• Confess your sinfulness and need for cleansing
• Allow His Spirit to draw you near
• Listen as He speaks to you
Ask God to...
• Pour out His Spirit on all the churches in your city
• Give the churches in your city a deep burden for the lost
• Raise up spiritual leaders in all the churches to call their members to holiness
• Convict every person in each church of their unconfessed sin
• Fill the pastor of every church in the city with His Spirit
• Break down barriers that prevent churches from working together for the Gospel
• Burden every church to work to protect the unborn and other vulnerable people
Thanksgiving
• Thank God for hearing you
• Trust that God is at work to accomplish His will
Copied from Pray and ACT 40/40, the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Day 9, Oct. 6, 2012--Registering and Voting is Our Responsibility as Christians!
Day 9 Saturday, October 6, 2012
prayer for
Church revival
Scripture for Reflection and Preparation
Matthew 22:20-21 “20 ‘Whose image and inscription is this?’ He asked them. 21 ‘Caesar’s,’they said to Him. Then He said to them,‘Therefore, give back to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to god the things that are god’s.’”
Matthew 5:13-16 “13 ‘you are the salt of the earth. But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty? it’s no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled on by men.’ 14 ‘you are the light of the world. a city situated on a hill cannot be hidden.15 No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. 16 in the same way,let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.’”
additional Scripture
Romans 13:1-7
God’s Revived People to Register to Vote
Voting is an indispensable part of responsible Christian citizenship.
Preparation
• Praise God for who He is
• Confess your sinfulness and need for cleansing
• Allow His Spirit to draw you near
• Listen as He speaks to you
Ask God to...
• Burden Christians to want to be involved in the direction of the country
• Lead church leaders to preach on the importance of Christian involvement in the election
• Compel Christians to take the time to register to vote
• Help churches find creative ways to encourage Christians to register to vote
• Help you talk to your Christian friends about the importance of voting
• Help you get the information you need about the candidates and the issues to be able to vote intelligently
• Confound the efforts of people who try to stop Christians from getting informed in the churches
Thanksgiving
• Thank God for hearing you
• Trust that God is at work to accomplish His will
Copied from Pray and ACT 40/40, the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
prayer for
Church revival
Scripture for Reflection and Preparation
Matthew 22:20-21 “20 ‘Whose image and inscription is this?’ He asked them. 21 ‘Caesar’s,’they said to Him. Then He said to them,‘Therefore, give back to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to god the things that are god’s.’”
Matthew 5:13-16 “13 ‘you are the salt of the earth. But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty? it’s no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled on by men.’ 14 ‘you are the light of the world. a city situated on a hill cannot be hidden.15 No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. 16 in the same way,let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.’”
additional Scripture
Romans 13:1-7
God’s Revived People to Register to Vote
Voting is an indispensable part of responsible Christian citizenship.
Preparation
• Praise God for who He is
• Confess your sinfulness and need for cleansing
• Allow His Spirit to draw you near
• Listen as He speaks to you
Ask God to...
• Burden Christians to want to be involved in the direction of the country
• Lead church leaders to preach on the importance of Christian involvement in the election
• Compel Christians to take the time to register to vote
• Help churches find creative ways to encourage Christians to register to vote
• Help you talk to your Christian friends about the importance of voting
• Help you get the information you need about the candidates and the issues to be able to vote intelligently
• Confound the efforts of people who try to stop Christians from getting informed in the churches
Thanksgiving
• Thank God for hearing you
• Trust that God is at work to accomplish His will
Copied from Pray and ACT 40/40, the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
Friday, October 5, 2012
Day 8, Oct. 5. Prayer for Church Revival!
Day 8 October 5, 2012
prayer for
Church revival
Scripture for Reflection and Preparation
2 Corinthians 13:9 “9 in fact, we rejoice when we are weak and you are strong. We also pray for this: your maturity.”
Ephesians 3:17b-19 “17b i pray that you, being rooted and firmly established in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and width, height and depth, 19 and to know the Messiah’s love that surpasses knowledge, so you may be filled with all the fullness of god.”
Ezekiel 37:4-6 “4 He said to me, ‘prophesy concerning these bones and say to them: Dry bones, hear the word of the lord! 5 This is what the lord god says to these bones: i will cause breath to enter you, and you will live. 6 i will put tendons on you, make
flesh grow on you, and cover you with skin. i will put breath in you so that you come to life. Then you will know that i am the lord.’”
For Your Church
A God honoring local church is the key to spiritually healthy Christians and effective ministry.
Preparation
• Praise God for who He is
• Confess your sinfulness and need for cleansing
• Allow His Spirit to draw you near
• Listen as He speaks to you
Ask God to...
• Pour out His Spirit on your church
• Break down all barriers to revival
• Fill your church family with His Spirit
• Strengthen your church family’s burden for holiness
• Increase joy in your fellowship
• Strengthen your church’s commitment to its mission
• Raise up more laborers for ministry
Thanksgiving
• Thank God for hearing you
• Trust that God is at work to accomplish His will
copied from Pray and ACT 40/40, the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
prayer for
Church revival
Scripture for Reflection and Preparation
2 Corinthians 13:9 “9 in fact, we rejoice when we are weak and you are strong. We also pray for this: your maturity.”
Ephesians 3:17b-19 “17b i pray that you, being rooted and firmly established in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and width, height and depth, 19 and to know the Messiah’s love that surpasses knowledge, so you may be filled with all the fullness of god.”
Ezekiel 37:4-6 “4 He said to me, ‘prophesy concerning these bones and say to them: Dry bones, hear the word of the lord! 5 This is what the lord god says to these bones: i will cause breath to enter you, and you will live. 6 i will put tendons on you, make
flesh grow on you, and cover you with skin. i will put breath in you so that you come to life. Then you will know that i am the lord.’”
For Your Church
A God honoring local church is the key to spiritually healthy Christians and effective ministry.
Preparation
• Praise God for who He is
• Confess your sinfulness and need for cleansing
• Allow His Spirit to draw you near
• Listen as He speaks to you
Ask God to...
• Pour out His Spirit on your church
• Break down all barriers to revival
• Fill your church family with His Spirit
• Strengthen your church family’s burden for holiness
• Increase joy in your fellowship
• Strengthen your church’s commitment to its mission
• Raise up more laborers for ministry
Thanksgiving
• Thank God for hearing you
• Trust that God is at work to accomplish His will
copied from Pray and ACT 40/40, the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
Thursday, October 4, 2012
The Need to be Kneaded
I'll admit it...I LOVE cookie dough! (O.K., I 'really enjoy' it.)
I like to put all the ingredients together, stirring in lots of chocolate chips, and then...to mix it all in really well, I reach in (clean hands, of course) and knead it.
Kneading--the process of "Working into a uniform mixture by pressing, folding, and stretching" and mixing is necessary for a well made cookie, cake, or bread.
...but what does the dough feel like? What to the ingredients experience? (I know, dough has no feelings...work with me here!)
Kneading has GOT to be tough on the dough! The ingredients are all being mashed together in a decidedly UN-comfortable way.
If it were possible, it might even be painful for them.
However, the ingredients will never reach their fullest, sweetest potential if they choose instead to remain comfortable in thier separate containers.
They have to submit to the kneading of the baker!
In the same way, if we are ever going to reach our fullest, greatest potential, we are going to have to submit to the 'kneading' of the Lord.
As the Scriptures say, "God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns." (Philippians 1:6)
But in our experience, like the dough, it can be tough.
The best thing for us to do? Submit to it, and let Him continue that work!
This past Sunday, dozens and dozens of KCCers responded by coming forward, indicating that they want 'revival' in their hearts and faith, their families, this church, and their country.
If that was you, I want to encourage you: SUBMIT YOURSELVES TO GOD!
Let Him continue His work in you! Let Him show you the parts of your life that need to change, and let Him take you to 'the next level' of faith!
Don't sit back, don't try to be 'safe, sound, and comfortable'.
If you want to be made into your 'fullest, sweetest potential', you need to let Him continue His work, and to willingly and enthusiastically go along.
You need to be kneaded!
And so do I!
Following Jesus...together,
Dave
I like to put all the ingredients together, stirring in lots of chocolate chips, and then...to mix it all in really well, I reach in (clean hands, of course) and knead it.
Kneading--the process of "Working into a uniform mixture by pressing, folding, and stretching" and mixing is necessary for a well made cookie, cake, or bread.
...but what does the dough feel like? What to the ingredients experience? (I know, dough has no feelings...work with me here!)
Kneading has GOT to be tough on the dough! The ingredients are all being mashed together in a decidedly UN-comfortable way.
If it were possible, it might even be painful for them.
However, the ingredients will never reach their fullest, sweetest potential if they choose instead to remain comfortable in thier separate containers.
They have to submit to the kneading of the baker!
In the same way, if we are ever going to reach our fullest, greatest potential, we are going to have to submit to the 'kneading' of the Lord.
As the Scriptures say, "God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns." (Philippians 1:6)
But in our experience, like the dough, it can be tough.
The best thing for us to do? Submit to it, and let Him continue that work!
This past Sunday, dozens and dozens of KCCers responded by coming forward, indicating that they want 'revival' in their hearts and faith, their families, this church, and their country.
If that was you, I want to encourage you: SUBMIT YOURSELVES TO GOD!
Let Him continue His work in you! Let Him show you the parts of your life that need to change, and let Him take you to 'the next level' of faith!
Don't sit back, don't try to be 'safe, sound, and comfortable'.
If you want to be made into your 'fullest, sweetest potential', you need to let Him continue His work, and to willingly and enthusiastically go along.
You need to be kneaded!
And so do I!
Following Jesus...together,
Dave
Day 7 Devo: Repentance
Day 7 October 4, 2012
prayer for personal revival
Scripture for Reflection and Preparation
1 John 1:9 “9 if we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Mark 1:15
“15 ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of god has come near. repent and believe in the good news!’”
Luke 13:1-5 “1 at that time, some people came and reported to Him about the galileans whose blood pilate had mixed with heir sacrifices. 2 and He responded to them, ‘Do you think that these galileans were more sinful than all galileans because they suffered these things? 3 No, i tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as well! 4 Or those 18 that the tower in Siloam fell on and killed—do you think they were more sinful than all the people who live in Jerusalem? 5 No, i tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as well!’”
Repentance
Revival begins when Christians repent of their sin and embrace holiness.
Preparation
• Praise God for who He is
• Confess your sinfulness and need for cleansing
• Allow His Spirit to draw you near
• Listen as He speaks to you
Ask God to...
• Help you surrender every area of your life to Christ’s lordship
• Help you be aware of any sin in your life
• Help you be willing to give up sin in your life
• Help you change any patterns in your life that tempt you to sin
• Help you make strong Christian friendships that encourage you in holiness
• Help you live faithfully
• Help you to be an example of holiness to others
Thanksgiving
• Thank God for hearing you
• Trust that God is at work to accomplish His will
Copied from Pray and ACT 40/40, the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
prayer for personal revival
Scripture for Reflection and Preparation
1 John 1:9 “9 if we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Mark 1:15
“15 ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of god has come near. repent and believe in the good news!’”
Luke 13:1-5 “1 at that time, some people came and reported to Him about the galileans whose blood pilate had mixed with heir sacrifices. 2 and He responded to them, ‘Do you think that these galileans were more sinful than all galileans because they suffered these things? 3 No, i tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as well! 4 Or those 18 that the tower in Siloam fell on and killed—do you think they were more sinful than all the people who live in Jerusalem? 5 No, i tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as well!’”
Repentance
Revival begins when Christians repent of their sin and embrace holiness.
Preparation
• Praise God for who He is
• Confess your sinfulness and need for cleansing
• Allow His Spirit to draw you near
• Listen as He speaks to you
Ask God to...
• Help you surrender every area of your life to Christ’s lordship
• Help you be aware of any sin in your life
• Help you be willing to give up sin in your life
• Help you change any patterns in your life that tempt you to sin
• Help you make strong Christian friendships that encourage you in holiness
• Help you live faithfully
• Help you to be an example of holiness to others
Thanksgiving
• Thank God for hearing you
• Trust that God is at work to accomplish His will
Copied from Pray and ACT 40/40, the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Day 6: Concern for the Lost
Day 6 OCTOBER 3, 2012
prayer for personal revival
Scripture for Reflection and Preparation
Isaiah 55:10-11 “10 For just as rain and snow fall from heaven, and do not return there without saturating the earth, and making it germinate and sprout, and providing seed to sow and food to eat,11 so My word that comes from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what i please, and will prosper in what i send it [to do].”
Luke 10:2 “2 He told them: ‘The harvest is abundant, but the workers are few. Therefore, pray to the lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.”
Matthew 28:18-20 “18 Then Jesus came near and said to them, ‘all authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe everything i have commanded you. and remember, i am with you always, to the end of the age.’”
Concern for the Lost
Christians should be genuinely, deeply burdened for lost souls.
Preparation
• Praise God for who He is
• Confess your sinfulness and need for cleansing
• Allow His Spirit to draw you near
• Listen as He speaks to you
Ask God to...
• Help you understand more about the plight of the lost
• Help you understand better how much He abhors sin
• Protect the right of people of faith to share their faith
• Give you a renewed burden for the lost
• Help you share His message of love with the lost
• Save the lost people you will pray for right now
• Lead you to more lost people to witness to
Thanksgiving
• Thank God for hearing you
• Trust that God is at work to accomplish His will
Copied from Pray and ACT 40/40, The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
prayer for personal revival
Scripture for Reflection and Preparation
Isaiah 55:10-11 “10 For just as rain and snow fall from heaven, and do not return there without saturating the earth, and making it germinate and sprout, and providing seed to sow and food to eat,11 so My word that comes from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what i please, and will prosper in what i send it [to do].”
Luke 10:2 “2 He told them: ‘The harvest is abundant, but the workers are few. Therefore, pray to the lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.”
Matthew 28:18-20 “18 Then Jesus came near and said to them, ‘all authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe everything i have commanded you. and remember, i am with you always, to the end of the age.’”
Concern for the Lost
Christians should be genuinely, deeply burdened for lost souls.
Preparation
• Praise God for who He is
• Confess your sinfulness and need for cleansing
• Allow His Spirit to draw you near
• Listen as He speaks to you
Ask God to...
• Help you understand more about the plight of the lost
• Help you understand better how much He abhors sin
• Protect the right of people of faith to share their faith
• Give you a renewed burden for the lost
• Help you share His message of love with the lost
• Save the lost people you will pray for right now
• Lead you to more lost people to witness to
Thanksgiving
• Thank God for hearing you
• Trust that God is at work to accomplish His will
Copied from Pray and ACT 40/40, The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Day 5--Examine Relationships
Day 5 OCTOBER 2, 2012
prayer for personal revival
Scripture for Reflection and Preparation
Ephesians 4:25-27 “25 Since you put away lying, Speak the truth, each one to his neighbor, because we are members of one another. 26 Be angry and do not sin. Don’t let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and don’t give the Devil an opportunity.”
John 13:34-35 “34 ‘i give you a new commandment: that you love one another. Just as i have loved you, you should also love one another. 35
By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.’”
Colossians 3:12-15 “12 Therefore, god’s chosen ones, holy and loved, put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, 13 accepting one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a complaint against another. Just as the lord has forgiven you, so also you must forgive. 14 above all, put on love—the perfect bond of unity. 15 and let the peace of the Messiah, to which you
were also called in one body, control your hearts. Be thankful.”
Examine Relationships
Christians must seek to restore healthy relationships.
Preparation
• Praise God for who He is
• Confess your sinfulness and need for cleansing
• Allow His Spirit to draw you near
• Listen as He speaks to you
Ask God to...
• Show you if you have any broken relationships in your life
• Help you know if you have contributed to broken relationships
• Help you determine to do all you can to mend broken relationships
• Help those you have hurt to forgive you
• Restore your fellowship with them
• Give you the courage to seek to restore fellowship
• Help you protect God’s design for marriage
Thanksgiving
• Thank God for hearing you
• Trust that God is at work to accomplish His will
Copied from Pray and ACT 40/40, The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
prayer for personal revival
Scripture for Reflection and Preparation
Ephesians 4:25-27 “25 Since you put away lying, Speak the truth, each one to his neighbor, because we are members of one another. 26 Be angry and do not sin. Don’t let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and don’t give the Devil an opportunity.”
John 13:34-35 “34 ‘i give you a new commandment: that you love one another. Just as i have loved you, you should also love one another. 35
By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.’”
Colossians 3:12-15 “12 Therefore, god’s chosen ones, holy and loved, put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, 13 accepting one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a complaint against another. Just as the lord has forgiven you, so also you must forgive. 14 above all, put on love—the perfect bond of unity. 15 and let the peace of the Messiah, to which you
were also called in one body, control your hearts. Be thankful.”
Examine Relationships
Christians must seek to restore healthy relationships.
Preparation
• Praise God for who He is
• Confess your sinfulness and need for cleansing
• Allow His Spirit to draw you near
• Listen as He speaks to you
Ask God to...
• Show you if you have any broken relationships in your life
• Help you know if you have contributed to broken relationships
• Help you determine to do all you can to mend broken relationships
• Help those you have hurt to forgive you
• Restore your fellowship with them
• Give you the courage to seek to restore fellowship
• Help you protect God’s design for marriage
Thanksgiving
• Thank God for hearing you
• Trust that God is at work to accomplish His will
Copied from Pray and ACT 40/40, The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
Monday, October 1, 2012
A Taste of Something Good...
Picture this:
It's Thanksgiving day...around noon. Lots of activity, getting ready for family and dinner. The turkey's been cooking for a couple of hours, the snacks are out, and the smell of wonderful dinner getting ready is filling the air.
When it's time to cut the turkey up, that's often my job. Because of that, I have a priviledge...I often get the first taste. Just a taste...Mmmm!
I LOVE getting 'just a taste' of things being made, while they're in the process of being made..."Just a Taste", I'll say. Whether it's turkey on Thanksgiving day, or chocolate chip cookie dough before it goes in (I know, I know...). What a treat!
Well, yesterday a BUNCH of people @ Kalamamazoo Community Church got 'just a taste' of what it feels like to be stirred by the Lord...to be renewed and revived!
I have to tell you, as a Pastor, when I'm calling for a response, I never know what I'm going to see...will it be one or two people? Will anyone respond? Yesterday, the majority of the church responded (including a bunch I did not expect)!
It was awesome and beautiful to know that the Lord had touched the hearts of everyone who came forward, and motivated them to get out of their seats, come to the front and say YES! I'm ready for Revival! I want the Lord to take me to the next level of faith! I need to be renewed, and I realize that I've ____(fill in the blank) gone cold, become apathetic, compromised my faith, etc.
It seems that there are a lot of people who are hungry!
...to which the Word of God says "Taste and see that the Lord is good! Happy are those who take refuge in Him!" (Psalm 34:8)
So, what about you?
If you're a KCCer, were you one who came to the front?
If you're not a KCCer, or you didn't, let me just ask you: Are you hungry and thirsty for more in your relationship with God? Do you realize that you've 'grown cold' in your faith, and want a taste of the Lord and the passion that loving Him brings?
The psalmist wrote, "As the deer longs for streams of water,
so I long for you, O God.
I thirst for God, the living God.
When can I go and stand before him?" (Psalm 42:1-2)
That is my desire...I, personally, thirst for God...but in this case, I don't want 'just a taste'...I want it all!
How about you?
It's Thanksgiving day...around noon. Lots of activity, getting ready for family and dinner. The turkey's been cooking for a couple of hours, the snacks are out, and the smell of wonderful dinner getting ready is filling the air.
When it's time to cut the turkey up, that's often my job. Because of that, I have a priviledge...I often get the first taste. Just a taste...Mmmm!
I LOVE getting 'just a taste' of things being made, while they're in the process of being made..."Just a Taste", I'll say. Whether it's turkey on Thanksgiving day, or chocolate chip cookie dough before it goes in (I know, I know...). What a treat!
Well, yesterday a BUNCH of people @ Kalamamazoo Community Church got 'just a taste' of what it feels like to be stirred by the Lord...to be renewed and revived!
I have to tell you, as a Pastor, when I'm calling for a response, I never know what I'm going to see...will it be one or two people? Will anyone respond? Yesterday, the majority of the church responded (including a bunch I did not expect)!
It was awesome and beautiful to know that the Lord had touched the hearts of everyone who came forward, and motivated them to get out of their seats, come to the front and say YES! I'm ready for Revival! I want the Lord to take me to the next level of faith! I need to be renewed, and I realize that I've ____(fill in the blank) gone cold, become apathetic, compromised my faith, etc.
It seems that there are a lot of people who are hungry!
...to which the Word of God says "Taste and see that the Lord is good! Happy are those who take refuge in Him!" (Psalm 34:8)
So, what about you?
If you're a KCCer, were you one who came to the front?
If you're not a KCCer, or you didn't, let me just ask you: Are you hungry and thirsty for more in your relationship with God? Do you realize that you've 'grown cold' in your faith, and want a taste of the Lord and the passion that loving Him brings?
The psalmist wrote, "As the deer longs for streams of water,
so I long for you, O God.
I thirst for God, the living God.
When can I go and stand before him?" (Psalm 42:1-2)
That is my desire...I, personally, thirst for God...but in this case, I don't want 'just a taste'...I want it all!
How about you?
Day 4 October 1, 2012
Prayer for Personal Revival
Scripture for Reflection and Preparation
Psalm 51:10-12 “10 god, create a clean heart for me and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not banish me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. 12 restore the joy of your salvation to me, and give me a willing spirit.”
Philippians 1:9-11 “9 and i pray this: that your love will keep on growing in knowledge and every kind of discernment, 10 so that you can determine what really matters and can be pure and blameless in the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of god.”
2 Corinthians 13:5 “5 Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith. Examine yourselves.
Or do you not recognize for yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you?— unless you fail the test.”
Self-Examination
Christians must see their sinfulness the way God sees it.
Preparation
• Praise God for who He is
• Confess your sinfulness and need for cleansing
• Allow His Spirit to draw you near
• Listen as He speaks to you
Ask God to...
• Search through your life and reveal any sin
• Help you be honest with Him about your sin
• Fill you with a deep desire for holiness
• Help you hate the sin in your life
• Help you surrender sinful thoughts and practices
• Help you protect the unborn
• Restore any lost joy in your walk with Him
Thanksgiving
• Thank God for hearing you
• Trust that God is at work to accomplish His will
Copied from "Pray and ACT 40/40 The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
Prayer for Personal Revival
Scripture for Reflection and Preparation
Psalm 51:10-12 “10 god, create a clean heart for me and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not banish me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. 12 restore the joy of your salvation to me, and give me a willing spirit.”
Philippians 1:9-11 “9 and i pray this: that your love will keep on growing in knowledge and every kind of discernment, 10 so that you can determine what really matters and can be pure and blameless in the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of god.”
2 Corinthians 13:5 “5 Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith. Examine yourselves.
Or do you not recognize for yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you?— unless you fail the test.”
Self-Examination
Christians must see their sinfulness the way God sees it.
Preparation
• Praise God for who He is
• Confess your sinfulness and need for cleansing
• Allow His Spirit to draw you near
• Listen as He speaks to you
Ask God to...
• Search through your life and reveal any sin
• Help you be honest with Him about your sin
• Fill you with a deep desire for holiness
• Help you hate the sin in your life
• Help you surrender sinful thoughts and practices
• Help you protect the unborn
• Restore any lost joy in your walk with Him
Thanksgiving
• Thank God for hearing you
• Trust that God is at work to accomplish His will
Copied from "Pray and ACT 40/40 The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
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