Prayer for the Last Days

Based on 2 Timothy 3:2-5

Gracious Father, I know these are the last days. Help us not be concerned and lovers of only ourselves, but lovers of others. Put it in our heart to love one another, help one another, be there, be kind, gentle and caring for others. Let us show Your love to the unlovable, lonely, hurting and needy, especially to our enemy.  Help us do good to them and expect nothing in return. It is commanded that just as You have loved us, we are to love one another. You can put this love within us. Let us follow Your example Lord.  

Father, help us not to be lovers of money for the love of money is the root of all evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. I pray we are givers and not takers. I pray we put You first always, not financial gain or material things. You are our supplier.

Lord, I pray we are not boastful or proud, for the wicked boast their evil desires and despise You. We will not rejoice in boasting, for this is evil. Let us be boastful of You. Help us not to be proud also, for You oppose the proud. I ask for humble spirits, receiving Your grace. We know a man’s pride will bring him down, but You will honor the humble.

Oh God, let us stay near Your side, never speaking against You or others.  Set a guard over our mouths, Lord; keep watch over the door of our lips. Take the coal, touch our lips, use us Father. I ask that You put Your Words in our mouth. We exalt and forever praise You. Help us be encouraging to others, lifting and building them up, bringing grace to those who will hear.

Lord I pray also that we are always obedient to our parents, the ones You have given charge over us. Let us honor them as You have commanded, that we may have a long life. Help us be obedient, just as we are obedient to You Father.

Heavenly Father, I am so grateful and thankful for all You have done for us, and for all You are doing.  There is no limit to the goodness You have shown us, we can never repay the gift of salvation, we cannot fathom the gift of love, mercy, tenderness, forgiveness. The gift of pardon itself is immeasurable. May we always and forever praise Your name. Please forgive us when we are unthankful, ungrateful, or unholy. I pray we are holy and pleasing in Your eyes Father.  Let us ever be reminded of Your graciousness toward us.

Lord Almighty, many are unloving and unforgiving. This is not what we want to be. We want Your image  Father, the image of Jesus Christ. Guide us Holy Spirit the way You want us to grow. Remind us not to gossip or be slanderous, help us speak lovingly to those around us, never putting anyone down. Help us not to become wicked, faithless, heartless, or merciless Lord. We know You have given us a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind God, therefore we know we have self-control over these things.

We love all that is good, all that is from You, our Father Above. We love Your law, Your way, all of Your blessings, all Your abundant fruits.

In these last days Father, help us not betray our friends, walking after the flesh in uncleanliness instead of Your Spirit Lord. Let us not be reckless, conceited, or impulsive forgetting to put You first. Father, we will serve You and not our own self. For they that live in pleasure and self-indulgence are dead even while they live.

God, many claim to have a form of godliness, but reject the power that can make them godly. Help us turn away from these people, most of all help us not to be one of them Father. We pray against false prophets, myths, and wolves in sheep’s clothing. Help us not follow any teachings that are not from You, or any brother that lives an undisciplined life Lord.  Let us always accept the love and power that You have so freely given for we know godliness is valuable in every way.

I ask these things in Jesus name, for I know You can complete the work You have started in us until the day of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

2 Timothy 3:2, John 13:34, 2 Timothy 3:2, 1 Timothy 6:10, Philippians 4:19, Psalm 10:3, James 4:16, Proverbs 29:23, Psalm 141:3, Isaiah 6:6-7, Jeremiah 1:9, Ephesians 4:29, Exodus 20:12, 2 Timothy 3:3, Romans 1:31, 2 Timothy 1:7, James 1:17, 2 Timothy 3:4-5, Romans 16:18, 1 Timothy 5:6, 1 Timothy 4:8, Philippians 1:6

Back to the Basics of Love

Give me a pure and faithful heart Lord, a hunger to know who You are, and a passion to live in the love You have given me.  Cause me to burn with Your fire, fill me with holy desire to stand in Your grace, forever embracing You Jesus.  Give me a pure and faithful heart for You, my King.

The Lord created us with His own hands. His banner over us is love.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. God loves us so much that even before we were born, He gave up His only Son to die for us, so we could be with Him eternally. God wants us with Him forever, starting now.

When we asked Jesus into our hearts, we were made whole again. He washed us and made us clean. Sometimes, after a while, we lose that cleanliness. Dirt and sweat get in the picture. We need that shower again. We sometimes lose that honeymoon feeling so our spiritual life needs a pick-me-up, a refreshing. Our feelings for Jesus are not as fervent as they use to be. We tend to forget what Jesus has done for us in the past or what He is doing for us now. We even forget to think of what He will do for us, the promises that He has given. The fire in our heart has gone down. Instead of a blaze of burning desire to know and be with God, there’s just a little ember flickering somewhere. Ask God to light that fire, to rekindle that desire again. Make Jesus your first priority. Put the Lord first in everything, above all. Exodus 20:3 says Thou shalt have no other gods before Me. Other gods include work, money, spouses, children, hobbies… whatever you value more than the Lord. Not putting Him first is a sin, it is turning and stepping away from Him.

Acts 3:19-20 Repent ye therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, that so there may come seasons of refreshing from the presence of the Lord; And He shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you. When we let our fire die down, that means we are not tending to the fire. We are not feeding it with the fuel it needs. We are not taking care of what needs to be taken care of. If the fire dies, we have no heat, we will get cold, and the light will disappear. If the fire dies, it shows we are not paying attention to a very important part of our life. God says to seek Him first. He is our fire, our Love; the Holy Spirit is the oil for the fire. God’s Word is the fuel. it feeds and rekindles that burning desire and keeps the fire going strong.

We need to repent, ask forgiveness for not paying attention to Him as much as we should, for getting our eyes focused on other things. Turn back to God so He can wipe the slate clean again and get all the old ashes out of the way that are smothering the fire so it can breathe and become flaming hot again. God can refuel that burning desire for Him, but you have to do your part and turn back to Him.

Revelation 2:4-5 But I have this against you: You have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember then how far you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. Otherwise, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place--unless you repent. The Ephesians did God’s work and heard His Word so often that they grew tired of hearing it or became dull of hearing. They were born again, hardworking, had good morals, didn’t sin, but God’s Word was just there. They lost their first love. After the honeymoon, the excitement wore off, now it’s just a fact of life. It is comfortable, non-appreciative. It is just there. Jesus told them to repent.

Remember where you used to be with Jesus, how excited you were. God doesn’t want us to grow cold. When you fell in love for the first time, that’s all you could think about, from sunrise to sunset. The sky was always blue, that rain was sweet, flowers were gorgeous, the stars were so bright and beautiful, but somewhere down the line the sky turned a little dingier. His blessings go unnoticed.

Make sure to fill your lamp with God’s Holy Oil. Very first thing in the morning, seek His face, pray and worship Him. Spending extra time with God and paying more attention to His Word will revive your relationship again. Plan time to become closer to Him, to get to know Him more. Spending time with the Lord can bring revival to your soul, and that fire can spread to others. Seek that second honeymoon with Him.

Remember the heights you have fallen from. You can climb to that height again and reach even higher goals with the Lord. Remember how you were so excited and expecting to see what God had for you around the corner? You were looking for something from Him every day. You can have that again, and more. Let your prayers be full of faith.

Psalm 34:18 The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. A broken heart, contrite spirit is destroyed, hurt, and full of sorrow, whether it be from tragedy or sin of another, or his own sin. This spirit cries out to the Lord. This is a heart that the Lord can work with and grow near to.

Rev 2:7 … To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. To those of us who overcome our sins by repenting, asking forgiveness, forgiving others, we have the right to eat from the tree of life, we can feed on the Word of God. When we are born again, we are given eternal life. Those that have known the Lord for years can still repent, live a more vital life and come back to their first love with God’s Word. His Word brings life because it is Life.

We can come back to how it was when we first gave our heart to Jesus. Nothing came between us. Overtime, we might have lost some of that excitement and love. Do you still read your Bible for hours daily? Do you look for answers in the Bible and trust every Word written? We use to sing praises to Him all day long and see His beauty in everything around. We were always excited to go to church and hear His Word, to stand in His streams of refreshing living waters. Soaking in His presence was a daily event.  Hearing the Lord’s voice was so easy and seeing His works were so evident. We had no doubt that every prayer we prayed would be answered in time because our faith was so great. We knew every blessing, great or small, came for the Father of Lights. Every time we heard the name Jesus, our ears would perk up and our heart would automatically jump with joy.

Things pertaining to the Lord get set aside when we lose that first love. Soon, Sunday school is not important, and we walk into church during song service. Prayer meetings aren’t a priority because we have other things to do during that time. When we were first born, we couldn’t wait to attend all of these things the Lord blessed us with, no matter how far the drive was. Seeking the comfort of our bodies now instead of the prosperity of our soul comes first.

The world used to think you were a nut for going to church all the time, but it was that burning love and desire to be with Christ 24 hours a day that kept you going back. It was a blazing love for the Lord. How high is that blaze now? How many songs do you have in your heart now compared to then? Is your first love stronger or has it grown weaker?

We used to listen to the preacher hanging on every word with joy, excitement and expectancy. But somewhere along that line, that excitement was lost. We were hungry for God’s Word then. We can get too full of the world and too busy to have room for God’s Word. Sometimes our watches or lunch plans get in the way of hearing a message straight from God Himself. Our spiritual ears can close up after a while. We could have been in fellowship with Jesus that whole time, but our minds were somewhere else. Why? Because we lost our first love. Other things to do first and not enough time are two excuses. Seeking God’s face in prayer was continual, now we rely on our self for the answer. We now have a quick one minute prayer instead of our intense, compassionate one hour or more conversation with our Heavenly Father. A couple scriptures will do for the day, if any, instead of the in-depth study we used to have with the Lord. We used to pray over difficulties, now the worry has crept in.

Where is our first love? Did we outgrow it? Are we much wiser now? Have we grown older and richer? Maybe in some ways, but not spiritually. There is a void in our life that only God can fill. No matter how much we have now, we had much more when we came to know the Lord. We were fully engulfed in His grace and love, but now we’ve stepped outside a little bit, or maybe a whole lot. Have we given up a little time with God to do something else? Or have we given up something else to be with God? Do we talk about where we are going in Christ?

1 Timothy 1:15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. We need to remember where Jesus brought us from and thank Him daily for this. We were nothing but a sinner bound for hell. If we keep remembering God’s grace and going back to the Cross, we will be led back to our first love.

At times, we get caught up doing for Christ instead of seeking Him. Like 10:40-42 But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” Martha was busy worried about other things first, while Mary knew where the good stuff was. She wanted to be in the presence of Jesus. He was her first love.  Don't end up being a Martha, doing what you think is important, putting tasks before the Lord. Work needs to be done, but we can be with the Lord while tending to these matters.

We must get back to our prayer closet to meet with our Heavenly Father. Forget religion and tradition, get back to the basics of love- which is our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Remember the Cross, remember the grace He gave. The more we sit near Him, the more we grow to love Him.

James 4:8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Repent daily for not giving Him enough time. If God wasn’t in your every thought, you didn’t give Him enough time. Repent for disobedience. Every breath comes from God, why not give it back to Him?

Our love to Christ depends on our nearness to Him. Psalm 42:7 Deep calls to deep at the sound of Your waterfalls; All Your breakers and Your waves have rolled over me. The depths of your soul should cry out to the depths of His. Getting to know the Lord can do nothing but benefit you. Immerse yourself in the Living Waters, plunge into and remain in His presence. The more we seek Him, the more we recognize and receive from Him.

A heart that is close to God can’t help but be on fire for Him, full of His love and energy. Going weeks and months without personal contact with Him is not staying near to Him. You have moved away, putting other things first. If you lose your fist love, you lose purity towards your first love. You will not stay true to that love. Love and purity go hand and hand together. The Lord chastises His children when they are impure. Deuteronomy 8:5 Know then in your heart that, as a man disciplines his son, the LORD your God disciplines you. Job 5:17 Blessed is the one whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.

When you are close to the Lord, you are in earshot of His voice, therefore hearing Him clearly unless you are focused on something else. It is very hard to get out of the will of God when you are in His presence and hearing His voice. Stay in the Holy of Holies with your Father, grow in the knowledge and wisdom He gives you. Constantly return to your prayer closet, stay under his grace, stay in fellowship with the Lord. Sit at the feet of Jesus Christ and fall in love again.

And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. Mark 12:30. Since the Lord put this as the first commandment, it is probably the most important one. He tells us this for a reason. God knows if we do this, we will stay close to Him, we will be in His will and the devil can’t touch us there. We are safe in God’s hands. We are the Lord’s children. God is love, we are the children of Love.

Let’s not let Jesus hold anything against us, let us not forsake our first love.

---

 [lW1]

Benefits of Fasting

Benefits of Fasting

Some interesting facts... Doctors today are finding that fasting brings physical benefits. When we fast for several days, it has a cleansing effect on the body and clears the mind. God made our bodies to do that naturally.  When we are sick, we are not hungry, we lose our appetite, therefore not taking toxins in and subsequently cleansing our body.

The Fasting Center International says fasting can remove 5-10 lbs. of toxic chemicals in the average adult’s cell, tissue and organ areas. They also suggest that fasting heightens your clarity of consciousness, it moves you back towards your life’s birthright potential of optimal health, increasing your happiness and healing power as you scientifically reset your body’s odometer. Even people who are underweight at the beginning of a fast have been known to gain weight after completing the fast.

According to Mark Mattson Ph.D., the current Chief of the Laboratory of Neuroscience at the National Institute on Aging, "Fasting does good things for the brain, and this is evident by all of the beneficial neurochemical changes that happen in the brain when we fast. It also improves cognitive function, increases stress resistance, and reduces inflammation." Dr. Mattson has discovered fasting 2 times a week can significantly lower the risk of developing both Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. Fasting removes unnecessary weight naturally, restores energy you used to have, enhances the wisdom God gave you naturally, enhances you spiritually and lifts your faith.

Along with physical benefits, fasting for the Lord has spiritual benefits. Matthew 6:16-18 Whenever you fast, do not put on a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they neglect their appearance so that they will be noticed by men when they are fasting. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full, But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that your fasting will not be noticed by men, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you openly.

In other words, it’s between you and God. Nobody else has to know about it. Jesus says “when you fast” not “if you fast”. Fasting is just as essential for your spirit as praying, it should be in your routine regularly. Fasting with prayer is an act of righteousness.

Matthew 6:1 Take heed that ye do not your alms (acts of righteousness) before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Verse 2-3 talk about giving in secret, 5-6 says to pray in secret and verse 16-18 says to fast in secret. Our Father knows all  our acts of righteousness and will reward us.

The hypocrites fasted for “self”. They made their faces black with ashes, or sometimes wore a veil, or made somber faces, didn’t wash their face or comb their hair when they fasted. They did it outwardly for their own reputation. It was not for their own spirit, but for their self. They didn’t fast for the Lord.

Fasting is an act of self-denial, mortification of the flesh. Dr. Mattson suggests it is a challenge to your brain. It is telling your flesh that your spirit is in control. When fasting, you are curbing the flesh and its desires, making you to be more lively in religious exercises- Matthew Henry commentary. If you’re busy letting people know you’re fasting, you’re wanting attention. When you seek attention and pity, or praise and applause, you are not seeking God. Seeking attention is wanting to uplift yourself which leaves no room for listening for God’s voice, no room for hearing Him, and no room for praying, therefore there will be no spiritual breakthrough.

Jesus doesn’t tell us how often too fast, but He will let you know when to. He will speak to your heart. Fasting is the most powerful spiritual discipline for the Christian. Fasting and prayer can let the Holy Spirit transform your life. When we seek God’s face through fasting and prayer with a broken, repentive and contrite spirit, He hears from Heaven and heals our lives, our churches, our communities. Fasting and prayer can bring about revival, it can actually change the direction of a nation and fulfill the Great Commission.

Some benefits of fasting can be 1. Light 2. Health 3. Righteousness 4. God’s glory being your rearguard (securing your passage) 5. Answered prayers and cries for help 6. God’s guidance 7. Satisfaction 8. Strengthening 9. Restoration. This is all found in Isaiah 58:8-12

Fasting can restore your first love for the Lord and give you a closer walk with Him. The purpose of a fast is to sacrifice to God, humble yourself to Him, come closer to Him, understand His Word more, find His will and direction, seek healing or to intercede and pray on behalf of others. When you need an answer to something and prayer alone hasn’t gotten any results, fasting is a helpful tool.

Psalm 35:13 But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; …David humbled himself before the Lord with fasting and prayer for his enemies as though they were his friends or brothers. (35:14) God wants us to respond in mercy to our enemies, just as God responded towards us while we were yet sinners. Christ sacrificed Himself for us.

Fasting helps loose the chains of injustice, set captives free, to raise relief for the poor, renewal, and protection. Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your house, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to ignore your own flesh and blood?  Isaiah 58:6-7

The Lord wants us to fast, deny ourselves and seek Him so He can do a mighty work in us and through us, for us and for others.

The devil doesn’t want you to fast and will try and make it difficult for you by distraction or otherwise. He knows that it wins battles against evil. Matthew 17:21 "But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting." (In fact- the devil has taken this verse out of some Bible versions because he doesn’t want you fasting) Jesus was talking about a demon. Fasting is used as a weapon in a spiritual battle. Combined with prayer, it is one of the most powerful weapons a Christian has. It shows discipline to the Lord, and it shows Him you are serious about your prayer requests whether they be for others or yourself.

When fasting, you are not forcing God to do something, but resisting supernatural strongholds and power in your life. While you fast, you are to seek God’s face, especially during times of weakness when you want to partake in what the Lord has asked you to give up- usually meal times. Focus wholly on Him, desire God's will instead of yours. Make every act one of praise and worship toward Him. This brings you into a time of heightened spiritual devotion. This in turn strengthens your faith, and this is your shield against the enemy’s attacks. Your prayers can become powerful and effective when focusing on God.

In Matthew 4:1-11, Jesus fasted 40 days and nights. During this time, it is recorded that the devil tempted Him 3 times. Luke 4:2 says He was tempted for 40 days. Each time Jesus responded with God’s Word. He was armed and prepared for the enemy with the Word of God, with the Truth.

Biblical fasting is always connected to prayer and communication with God. Just before Jesus was sent to the wilderness for 40 days, He had gotten baptized and was praying, then Heaven opened up and God said, “You are My beloved Son, with You I am well pleased.”

Praying, seeking God, reading His Word, and being humbled goes hand in hand when you fast. It is natural to want to seek Him more. You have more time to pray the more or longer you fast. You become aware that you need to turn to God and seek His face. There is nothing else to rely on for strength except Him. You become aware that He is your strength so you lean on Him more.

True spiritual fasting focuses on God. Zechariah 7:5 … for the past seventy years, was it really for Me that you fasted? Your attitudes, actions, desires, motives and words need to be totally centered on God. He has to be your center of attention- all else is by the wayside. Nothing else should be important. The Holy Spirit will bring your sins to your attention so you can ask forgiveness and go on and continue with God.

2 Chronicles 7:14 If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. Humble, pray, seek Him, confess, turn from wickedness… these are all contained in fasting. God said He will hear from heaven and forgive and heal. Through your fasting God can heal our land. Through your prayer and fasting, others are blessed.

There are many examples in the Bible of fasting and many different ways. No certain way is right or wrong. There is no certain length of time, or certain food or thing to abstain from. John Wesley fasted every Wednesday and Friday, requiring his clergy to do the same to keep their walk close to God. Apostle Paul made it a continuous part of his walk with God. Nobody’s method was right or wrong. Fasting is a condition of the heart, not the number of days. Some people are impressed by God to fast 40 days. Saul fasted 3 days while he was blind. Moses fasted 40 days, then another 40 days.

Some fast 1 meal a day, 2 meals a day, 1 week a month, 1 day a week, some are no food or water, some are no food but water, liquids only, or abstain from a certain thing or habit that God has impressed upon them to give up. The Holy Spirit tells you what He would like you to fast and when to stop. He will never ask you to fast longer than you can handle. God never intends to harm your body.    

The important thing is to remember why you are fasting. Your vow to God can lead to desired spiritual results as you seek His face. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. Matthew 6:17-18

Cry for our Nation

Lord we come to You on bended knee once again praying for our great Nation that You have so graciously given us. We humble ourselves and pray, we seek Your face and ask forgiveness. Forgive our complacency, forgive us for not keeping Your commandments. Forgive those of us who know better but have not taught Your ways and upheld Your laws. We have chased after other gods and not put You above all. We have not loved You with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. We have abandoned You, our first love, and we have fallen. Father, we repent. Help us do the works we first did. Lord, do not remove our lampstand from its place… Hear from Heaven Father and forgive our sins, heal our land!

We offer supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, for all men; for kings and all those in authority, so that we may lead tranquil, peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity. We know this is right and pleases You God our Savior, for You want all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. We submit ourselves to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from You. The authorities that exist have been appointed by You Father. It is You who changes the times and the seasons; You remove kings and establish kings; You give wisdom to wise men and knowledge to men of understanding. Lord, give wisdom and knowledge of Your righteousness to all those who lead us, let them fear You Father. Turn their hearts to You.

Lord we pray we are not a stiff-necked people, that we are not destroyed. We turn back to You and Your righteousness, for when the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people groan. Lord, keep our vision alive, for where there is no vision, the people perish but blessed are the ones who keep Your law. Blessed are those that keep Your laws and seek You with their whole heart. We humble ourselves so You will lift us up.

God we cry out for the salvation of our country, our leaders, all lost souls.  Let us live by Your Spirit and walk in Your Spirit! Let us not be led away by the error of the wicked and fall from our own stability but help us grow in Your grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Turn our hearts toward Your statutes and not toward selfish gain. Give us an eagerness for Your laws rather than a love for money. Turn our eyes from evil things Lord, revive us in Your ways. But take care of us, Sovereign Lord, for Your name's sake: because Your mercy is good, deliver us.

Restore us Lord, and bring us back to You again! Give us back the joys we once had! Turn us again, O God; make Your face shine on us, that we may be saved. Your plans for us are peace, and not of evil, to give us hope and a future, an expected end. We know there is hope for our future in You Father and our children will return to You.

Please forget the sins of our youth and our transgressions: according to Your mercy remember us for your goodness' sake. Save our Nation Father.

We pray these things in the powerful name of Jesus Christ.

2 Chronicles 7:14, Matthew 22:38, Revelation 2:4-5, 1 Timothy 2:1-4, Romans 13:1, Daniel 2:21, Exodus 32:9-10, Proverbs 29:1-2, Proverbs 29:18, Psalm 119:2, James 4:10, Galatians 5:25, 2 Peter 3:17-18, Psalm 119:36-37, Psalm 109:21, Lamentations 5:21, Psalm 80:3, Jeremiah 29:11, Jeremiah 31:17, Psalm 25:7

I Want My People Well

I Want My People Well.    

God has the highest form of love for us, for He is Love, pure Love. (1 John 4:8) Our Lord breathes after us. With all His heart, soul, mind and strength, He loves us as no other can. Being our Father, He doesn’t want us to perish and He does not want us sick. God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have life everlasting -John 3:16. The Lord God sent His Son so we could live always in His abundance of peace, joy, forgiveness and goodness. His plans for us are for a future and a hope, He wants to prosper and be in good health. We were created to live, and live righteously with our Father in His presence. 

If God didn’t care for us He wouldn’t have provided us a way to be with Him, He wouldn’t have sent Jesus to save us from destruction. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved -John 3:17.

Jesus came to take up our sins, and sin is the cause of all illness and death. Without sin, there is no sickness. Before the enemy deceived Adam, there was no disease, no worry, no hurt. Romans 5:12- Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.

"He Himself bore our sins" in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; "by His wounds you have been healed." -1 Peter 2:24.  First Jesus became our sin; He bore our sins and carried them away so we could be forgiven, and by His stripes we are healed.

It is the Lord’s will for you to be healthy. Jesus shows us this in Mark 1:40-42. Then a leper came to Jesus, begging on his knees: “If You are willing, You can make me clean.” Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. “I AM WILLING, He said, “Be clean.” Immediately the leprosy left him, and he was cleansed.

In John 5:6, Jesus asked a man who had been sick for 38 years, “Will thou be made whole?” Do you want to be well again? Are you willing to accept the cure? Are you willing to be whole, clean and pure? Only Jesus can do this. Our Savior is the greatest healer of all, He pulls disease out from the root, He takes it all away. Jesus said, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee -John 5:14. Jesus spoke- and the man was healed. God’s Word went forth, and healing took place. The greatest cure of all is God’s Word.

Jesus not only heals the body, but He heals the soul and spirit. Those who are strong have no need of a physician, but those who are ill; I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance -Mark 2:17. He forgives all your sin; He heals all your diseases  - Psalm 103:3

On the cross, our sins were taken away, and we were healed. And by His stripes we are healed - Isaiah 53:5. Jesus stood in place of our punishment. He took our sins, our insults, our lies, our curses, and He traded them for our peace and salvation with God. Jesus redeemed our soul. Our soul has been healed and restored. When we are burdened down by our own sin, the Word of God can lift the weight and suffering, then healing can take place. He sent His Word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions -Psalm 107:20.

God’s Word brings Hope, His Spirit heals, the blood of Jesus gives life. Jesus Christ is the Balm of Gilead. Let Him heal you, and let your healing be a testimony to others.

Hosea 4:6 - My people perish for lack of knowledge. God sent us His Word, in flesh, and in written form so we could be knowledgeable in His ways and what He wants for us. Our loving Father has provided everything we need to be healed and stay healthy. He wants His people well.

Proverbs 4:20-22 My son, give attention to My words; Incline your ear to My sayings. Do not let them depart from your sight; Keep them in the midst of your heart. For they are life to those who find them and health to all their body.…

God wants His people well.

I Rise Up and Take a Stand

I rise up and take a stand for my family God– the ones You have sent Your Son for. I come boldly before Your Throne of Grace Lord, that I may receive mercy and find grace for my loved ones in need. We are Your children Father. Draw them, turn them around and bring them back to You Lord! I claim all chains are broken! No more! I claim freedom! Bondage is gone! We are set free in the powerful name of Jesus Christ! My children are signed, sealed and delivered in the name of Jesus! You make ALL things new. I believe in You Jesus, therefore me and my family will be saved! You have made Your promise between You and me, and my family, throughout our generations, that You will be our God forever. You are our everlasting God.

You will open the eyes that do not see and unstop the ears that do not hear and we will step into Your calling Father. We follow the desires You have put in our heart. You have called us to great things. Your gifts and callings for us are irrevocable, You never change Your heart about what You have given us or the plans You have for us. The plans You have for us are for good and not evil, to give us a future and hope. We are created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which You have prepared for us in advance so we could walk in them. All it takes is Your Word Father. We go where You go and stay where You stay. We will dwell in Your house forever. It’s not because of anything that we do, but because of Your mercy that we are saved Lord. I thank You Father in the name of Jesus.

1 John 4:10, Heb 4:16, Gal 4:4-5, John 6:44, Psalm 107:14, 2 Cor 3:17, Ephesians 1:13, 2 Cor 1:22, 2 Cor 1:10, 2 Cor 5:17, Acts 16:31, Genesis 17:7, Isaiah 40:28, Isaiah 35:5, 2 Timothy 1:9, Phil 2:13, Romans 11:29,  Jeremiah 29:11, Eph 2:10, Matthew 8:8, Ruth 1:16, Psalm 23:6, Titus 3:5

Dear Lord

Dear Lord,
I pray for my family, friends, and loved ones. I ask that You help us to always do good to one another, to love our neighbor as You say, and not pay back evil for evil or do wrong to those who have wronged us. Direct us to do this so all can see Your love.
Father, we rejoice in You always and we pray constantly. May our thoughts be continuously on You Lord. We give You thanks in all things, knowing this is Your will for us in Christ Jesus. We know You have an excellent plan for our life.
Lord, let us not quench Your Holy Spirit. May we hear all Your Spirit is speaking to us and showing us. Let us always walk with You in Your will, in Your presence and on Your path daily.
We will not deny prophesying. We know Your word is extremely important. You don’t want us to be deceived but want us knowledgeable and understanding things to come. Help us test the spirits Lord.
We stay away from every form of evil, and even the appearance of it. We don’t want to lead anyone’s eyes away form You Father, may they always see Your goodness in us. We want to point the way to You Jesus.
Lord, You are our peace, You make us completely holy. Keep our spirit, soul and body whole and blameless until You come. We know You are faithful Lord, You have called us to be Your children and You will do all that You have promised.
Thank You Father for the richness of Your blessings and graciousness upon us all.
In the name of Jesus I pray.
1 Thessalonians 5:15– 28

Prayer for the Broken-Hearted

The righteous cry out and You hear us Lord, You rescue and deliver us from all our troubles. You are close to the brokenhearted and save those who are crushed in spirit. Lord we know You heal broken hearts and bind up wounds. You are near to those who call on You, to all who call on You in truth.

Father, I call Your Name, out of the lowest pit. You hear my cry for relief, You draw near and tell me not to fear. You, my Lord, are a shield about me,  my glory, and the One who lifts my head. I cry to You and You answer from Your holy mountain. I come to You weary, burdened and heavy laden, I know You will give me rest Father. Help me take Your yoke and learn from You for You are gentle and humble in heart, and I will find rest for my soul. I know Your yoke is easy and burden is light.

I will not fear because I know You are with me, I will not be dismayed because You are my God. You strengthen and uphold me with Your righteous right hand. You give strength to the weary and increase the power of the weak. I will trust in You Father with all my heart and not lean on my own understanding.

How blessed are we who mourn, for we will be comforted. When the cares of my heart are many, Your comfort brings me joy. From the ends of the earth, I cry to You for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety, for You have been a refuge for me, a tower of strength against the enemy.

Praise You for Your goodness, grace, mercy and love that You surround me with Lord. In Jesus’ name I pray.

Psalm 34:17-18, Psalm 147:3, Psalm 145:18, Lamentation 3:55-57, Psalm 3:3-4, Matthew 11:28-30, Isaiah 41:10, Isaiah 40:29, Proverbs 3:5, Matthew 5:4, Psalm 94:19, Psalm 61:2-3

Launch Out into the Deep

In Luke 5:4, Jesus had just finished teaching people from Simon's boat. He then spoke to  Simon, "Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught." The word "deep" comes from the root word meaning profound, it also means extent or mystery. The word "draught" means a catching, a haul (of fish).

Jesus is calling you closer to Him, He wants a deeper relationship with you.  Let your faith step out into the depths of the unknown with Him. Trust the Lord in all things and go deeper into His presence, then let down your nets and watch the blessings roll in. 

Studying His Word, praising and worshiping, and praying all bring you closer to the Almighty.  Launch out into the deep, into the profound  knowledge, wisdom and mystery of the Lord. As you do this, the Lord pours His blessings and gifts out on you.  He gives you revelations of wisdom and knowledge which also equips you to spread the Gospel. Everything He shares with you can be shared with others. This goodness and love of the Lord blesses them, draws them in, and it can bring them to the knowledge of Christ.

Not only are you blessed by immersing yourself in His love, but others are too. So launch out into the deep and let your nets down for the draught.

Your Work is Not in Vain

You have not labored in vain My love, you have not built your house for someone else to inhabit.  You have not raised your children in My word for the enemy to come in. Your children will be with me. They will stay with Me. You have planted your seeds in My vineyard. Your fruit is growing in My garden. You shall long enjoy the work of your hands. Your work has not been in vain, your children are blessed, as are their children. Before they even call on Me, I will answer them. While they are yet speaking, I hear them. Restrain from weeping and your eyes from tears, for your work will be rewarded. They will return from the land of the enemy!

Isaiah 65:21-23, Jeremiah 31:16

Transform Me

Transform my mind Father, renew my thoughts. Let me think on what is pure and lovely, let me think of You at all times. Close my eyes to the ugly and let me see only the good in others and myself. Show me the way, the only way. Let me walk on Your path every step that I take. Help me not to waver. Guide me as I grow. Mold me and shape me into what You want me to be for Your glory Lord.
I am not comfortable in this world, for I know my home is with You. I know I am here for a season but I will not be conformed to this world, but transformed by Your Word Father. I will know what is good and pleasing to You Lord. Let my life be a living sacrifice for You. Thank You for predestining me to be in Your image Jesus.

Romans 12:2, Philippians 4:8, Psalms 119:35, Jeremiah 18:4, Hebrews 11:13,16, Romans 12:2, Romans 8:29

His Ways are Higher

Flesh is all around you. You live in a flesh filled world.  I made the Heavens and the earth.  Let the Heavens rule over the earth.  Let your spirit govern your flesh. Your spirit has My Spirit.  My Word is in you- let My Holy Spirit and Word take over your flesh and influence your thoughts. Let Jesus come first in your life. Everyone has flesh and selfish thoughts, but let My higher ways come first within you. This is a valuable lesson. This is very important and benefits not only you but those around you. Let My Heavenly ways have total authority over your earthy flesh. Put My thoughts first.  

Renew Me Father

Create in me a clean heart Lord, one that is pure, uncontaminated, innocent and holy. Father, renew a right spirit within me. Rebuild it Lord, repair it. I need restoration. Fashion my spirit after Yours. I know I am made in Your image, conform me to Your ways and righteousness Father. Grant me a spirit of love and mercy, compassion and kindness. Give me a forgiving spirit Lord.

Don’t cast me from Your presence Father. If You are not there, I don’t want to go. Keep me safe under the shadow of Your wings Lord. Let Your eyes be upon me at all times. Your presence is all I need. Don’t take Your Holy Spirit from me.

Restore to me again the joy of Your salvation Father. Return me to my first love. Fire up my excitement and refuel my burning desire for You Lord. Forgive my complacency and set revival in my heart again. Remind me of how good You are and where You brought me from. Bring me into the depths of Your love Lord. 

I pray You hold me up with Your willing Spirit Father, then I can show others Your love and teach sinners Your ways. Like me, they will repent and turn to You Lord.

I am asking and believing for a clean heart, a right spirit and a closer walk with You Father, therefore I know I am receiving this in the name of Jesus. 

Psalm 51:10-13, Mark 11:24