INSTEAD OF A STIMULUS, PROCLAIM A FAST

PRAYER JOURNAL 3/27/20

Jonah 3:5 So the people of Ninevah believed God, PROCLAIMED A FAST, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest to the least of them.

Today, the Congress of the United States is prepared to pass the largest STIMULUS PACKAGE ever issued in the history of the World.  It is designed to assist people and businesses financially as we deal with this Plague that is sweeping our country and the world.

It will be a shot in the arm to our economy and be a temporary blessing to many struggling families.  As one Congressman said, “This will be Unemployment on Steroids.”  While Steroids may be a short-term fix, let me remind you that STEROIDS BRING LONG-TERM SIDE EFFECTS!  They include, changes in mood or behavior, irritability, increased aggression, depression, suicidal tendencies, and even worsen other underlying conditions.

SO WHAT IS THE ANSWER???

The Book of Jonah is one of the most wonderful unique Books of the Bible.  It begins with the Call of God, and then moves to Disobedience to the Call, Discipline from God and Repentance by the Offender.  The Book continues with Proclaiming the Word of God to an evil people, Hearing of the Word of God, Fasting, Humbling, Praying and Repenting by the warned people, resulting in Forgiveness and Mercy by God.  THEN ENDS with the Sent Preacher angry at God because He showed Mercy.  Definitely, an interesting read.

The Book of Jonah may hold a key to the Dissipation of the Virus sweeping our world.  When Jonah finally got around to preaching and warning the People of Ninevah of God’s anger with them and the coming destruction, the King didn’t hesitate…there was no stimulus package issued to ease anyone’s discomfort; there was no finger pointing or blame at neighbors, enemies or other high officials and leaders….The King issued a PROCLAMATION…

Verse 7-8 THE PROCLAMATION, “Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste anything; do not let them eat or drink water. But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth and cry mightily to God; yes let everyone turn from his evil way and from the violence that is in his hands.”

Verse 9 Who can tell if God will turn and relent and turn away from His fierce anger, so that we may not perish?

The King of Ninevah issued an EXECUTIVE ORDER, proclaiming a FAST OF FOOD AND WATER.  Not a “Daniel Fast” where they would make delicious vegetarian recipes for a month, but a REAL FAST, not only for every man, woman and child but also every animal.  The King also ordered that everyone would HUMBLE themselves (put on sackcloth), REPENT, and CRY MIGHTILY TO GOD!

There was no panic buying of food and hoarding of toilet paper, no mobilizing of the National Guard; not even a task force to help make the decision…JUST A PROCLAMATION TO FAST, REPENT AND SEEK GOD!

AND GOD SAW THEIR REPENTANCE, HEARD THEIR CRY AND SHOWED MERCY TO ALL!

Jonah 3:10 Then God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God relented from the disaster that He said He would bring upon them, and He did not do it.

WHAT WOULD HAPPEN….

If instead of a STIMULUS PACKAGE, the President of the United States would issue an EXECUTIVE ORDER OF FASTING, REPENTANCE AND PRAYER? 

I can tell you now, there would be LAW SUITS, calls for IMPEACHMENT, reminders of DIVISION BETWEEN CHURCH AND STATE as the virus continued to spread and more people died.

Would even the PEOPLE OF GOD listen and obey such a proclamation as we have obeyed SOCIAL DISTANCING, HAND WASHING AND QUARANTINE?  Or, would we mock the President right along with his political foes, point out his many sins and shame those who actually thought fasting and prayer was a good idea?

I AM NOT SAYING THAT GOD SENT THIS VIRUS BUT, I AM SAYING THAT GOD CAN STILL THE SPREAD AND HEAL OUR LAND…IT IS UP TO US….

And “Who can tell how God would move.”

WE DON’T NEED A PROCLAMATION to humble ourselves, repent, fast and pray.  Many people are joining in prayer today and for some Sunday has been proclaimed a Day of Prayer and Fasting.

GOD STILL SEES; GOD STILL HEARS; AND GOD WILL STILL HEAL OUR LAND IF WE CALL ON HIM!

THE LORD IS MY LIGHT

PRAYER JOURNAL 3/26/2020

Psalm 27:1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?  The Lord is the strength of my life; in whom shall I be afraid?

Verse 3 Though an army may encamp against me, my heart shall not fear. Though war may rise against me, in this will I be confident.

Verse 5 For in the time of trouble, He shall hide me in His pavilion; in the secret place of His tabernacle, He shall hide me; He shall sat me high upon a rock.

“Oh Lord,” I prayed, “Please move against this virus.  I feel like a prisoner; I feel as if I am under siege.”

AND GOD ANSWERED,

“I AM your light; I AM your salvation; there is nothing to fear.  You can have confidence in me though an Army of Viruses encircles you because there is a SECRET PLACE in me where you can hide.  I will sit you HIGH UPON A ROCK…I AM THE ROCK!”

If like me, this quarantine threatens to overwhelm you and fear begins to creep in, GET TO HIS PAVILION…there you will find peace and safety on the Rock.

I am praying for each one of you today…for your physical well being and your mental strength as we journey alone, together.

STAND STILL

PRAYER JOURNAL 3/25/20

In prayer this morning….

“My people have prayed for many years, “Lord, send revival.” It has been prophesied many times, “Great Revival is coming.” Yet you were not prepared and you question my methods.

I call upon my people today, as you humble yourself, pray and seek My face, to lay aside every fear; lay aside every anxiety; lay aside every question; STAND AND SEE THE SALVATION OF THE LORD!”

Exodus 14:13 And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid, Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today.  For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever.

2 Chronicles 20:17 You will not need to fight in this battle.  Position yourselves, stand still and see the Salvation of the Lord, who is with you, oh Judah and Jerusalem . Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with you.

Jeremiah 33:3 Call to Me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things which you do not know.

WHY ARE YOU FEARFUL?

PRAYER JOURNAL 3/20/2020

Mark 4:37-39 And a great windstorm arose and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling.  But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow.  And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Master, do you not care that we perish?”  And He arose and rebuked the wind and said unto the sea, “Peace, be still.” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.

40 And He said unto them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?”

In this passage, Jesus had been teaching the multitudes of people that had gathered.  The Bible tells us that Jesus taught in PARABLES or used stories as examples to teach a PRINCIPLE.  Included in the crowd were His Disciples, the twelve that He had chosen to walk with Him daily.  They walked, they talked, they watched; He taught, He showed them by example and this passage of scripture tells us in verse 34, that when they were alone Jesus even EXPLAINED all things contained in the parables.

Yes, they had a history together; the Disciples obviously believed that Jesus was the “real deal” because they left all to follow Him.  They listened to His teaching and watched as He performed miracles, yet when they faced adversity, when the winds began to blow, as the storm arose, FEAR clouded out all they knew to be true and they were sure they were all ABOUT TO DIE!

BUT…

Jesus wasn’t worried; He was tired and resting peacefully.  THAT IS…until His frightened Disciples ran to the bottom of the boat yelling, “Wake up…We’re all gonna die….You don’t even care.”

THEN….

Jesus, “THE MASTER OF THE WIND; THE MAKER OF THE WAVES,” simply rose and said, “Peace be still.”

Yes, there is a crazy storm going on and for many, the boat is rocking wildly.  We have a HISTORY WITH JESUS.  We’ve experienced the miracles, we’ve heard the teachings, His voice has explained the great mysteries of Truth in whispers to our heart; we are even filled with the Holy Ghost; empowered by God,

YET…

We fear.  The Master is sleeping, the winds are howling, the boat is listing….WE ARE ALL GONNA DIE…”JESUS DON’T YOU CARE?”

And Jesus asks, “Why are you so fearful?  How is it that you have no faith?  You are my own chosen people, I have walked with you, shown you great things, and filled you with my Spirit…It’s gonna be alright.”

Oh yes, He cares!  And as soon as you call out His Name, He WILL calm YOUR storm.

HAVE A BLESSED DAY AND REST IN JESUS…HE IS NOT WORRIED!

THE SENT CHURCH

PRAYER JOURNAL 3/19/20

Acts 3:6 Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee; In the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.

Jesus always intended for the Church to be a “SENT CHURCH” not a “COME TO CHURCH.”

The gathering together was to be a time of encouragement, glorifying God, sharing testimonies and preparing New Christians to BE SENT.  Instead, the CHURCH BECAME AN INSTITUTION, complete with million dollar buildings, million dollar budgets, glitz, glamour, professional bands, smoke and lights.

Our Mission was TO GATHER TOGETHER.  In fact, Hebrews 10:25 “Not forsaking the assembling of yourself together,” became a DOCTRINAL STATEMENT…a SALVATIONAL ISSUE…one of the SACRAMENTS…but we forgot the PURPOSE.

You only have to go up one verse, to verse 24 to find that the PURPOSE was NOT in the meeting together, but to PROVOKE ONE ANOTHER TO GOOD WORKS BECAUSE WE WERE SUPPOSED TO BE SENT!

Oh, we instituted Evangelism Programs; we knocked on doors, handed out tracts, gave away bicycles, preached on rooftops and had candy rains to get people to COME to our gathering, then huddled together like a herd of sheep in the evening, NEVER SENDING OUT TO SPREAD THE GOSPEL!

Instead of being the Hands and Feet of Jesus, we invited our friends and neighbors TO COME and hear; COME and see; COME and learn; COME and be saved…and most of them wondered FOR WHAT? And FROM WHAT?

Imagine for just a moment, Peter and John are going to the Temple to pray…NOT TO GATHER TOGETHER, BUT TO PRAY…At the very Gates of the Temple lies a lame man begging for money.  Why didn’t he go into the Temple?  It was the House of God.  After all, isn’t that where all of the Power resides?  But no, he continued to lie there, begging for kind strangers to drop a few coins in his hands, just to be able to buy enough bread for the evening…

UNTIL…

He encountered a SENT CHURCH.  There would be no Acts 3:6 included in the Bible if Peter had said, “COME into the Temple with me.  We have a Priest that can anoint you after he reads the scrolls. And our architect; our praise singers, our altar will wow you so much that you will forget you can’t walk.”

BUT NO…PETER HAD BEEN SENT...He was filled with the Power of the Holy Ghost and carrying the Authority of the Name of Jesus…so the story has a very different ending…the man was no longer lame.

So we come to March 2020, our buildings are shuttered, our singers are silent and our gatherings have been limited…BUT THAT WAS NEVER THE CHURCH.

WE; the Redeemed; the Blood-washed; those filled with the Holy Spirit….WE ARE THE CHURCH and WE HAVE BEEN SENT!

SO GO…fulfill the Great Commission.  Live the Gospel to your neighbors; make sure they are okay and have the things they need during this trying time.  Smile at that person at the grocery store and give them 1 of the packages of toilet paper you have piled in your cart.  Thank the clerk as she scans your purchases. Tip the restaurant waitress that brings the takeout to your car.  Find someone who could seriously use Divine Intervention and PRAY with them, then pray for them the next day and the next, then follow up…check on them, so they know that they are not forgotten because you and Jesus love them.  Share a testimony with someone.  They don’t have to COME to Church to hear of the Goodness of God in your life…YOU’VE BEEN SENT!

REVIVAL IS HERE…GOD IS REVIVING HIS CHURCH SO SHE CAN ONCE AGAIN BE SENT!

GO!

WHATEVER YOU ARE SELLING, SOMEONE IS BUYING

PRAYER JOURNAL 11/25/19

Acts 8:18-20 And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the Apostle’s hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, 19 Saying, “Give me this power also that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” 20 But Peter said to him, “Your money perish with you, because you thought the gift of God could be purchased with money!”

To get an understanding of the working of the Holy Spirit in the Church, read the Book of Acts.  There were miracles, signs and wonders on a daily basis; people were healed of all varieties of disease and infirmities, demons were cast out, chains broken and many delivered from years of torment.

  THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT HAS NOT CHANGED, God still desires to work through Men and Women, healing, delivering, restoring, and providing through miracles, signs and wonders.  No, God has not changed and it would seem that mankind has not changed over the last two thousand years either.

Acts 8 gives an interesting account of a Revival in Samaria.  Philip had preached Jesus and witnessed many believing and coming forward to be baptized, including one of the local celebrities, a man named Simon.  Simon was a Sorcerer; through trickery, sleight of hand, and manipulation, he had gained quite a following, so much so, that his followers had set him up as the authority in their lives. 

As Simon listened to the preaching of Philip and witnessed the Power of the Holy Spirit working miracles, signs and wonders, he was intrigued, here was a Power greater than himself and he came forward to be baptized also.

THEN IT GOT EVEN MORE INTERESTING….

Peter and John came to town to help Philip.  Many had been baptized but none had yet received the Gift of the Holy Spirit.  Simon witnessed an event that he had never been able to pull off, when the Apostles laid hands on the baptized believers, they received the Holy Spirit.  Now that was just too much…think of the crowd that would gather if he could do that; the power; the money that would be his…Simon wanted what the Apostles had and he had the means to acquire such power. But, what Simon didn’t understand…

THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IS NOT FOR SALE!

Yes, Simon believed and was even baptized in the Name of Jesus, BUT…what was the real root of Simon’s belief?  Rather than recognizing his sinful state and need for salvation; rather than laying down his life to follow Jesus, Simon desired the POWER; the ABILITIES; the MANIFESTATIONS, that came with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.

Today, we have Prophetic Conferences, Prophecy Crusades and “Glory Cloud” Revivals to which people flock.  Some are hungry for God, while others are hungry for the show; to see the miracles, signs and wonders and then there are those who are constantly seeking for someone to give them a “WORD.” 

If you seek, you will find….there are plenty of “Sorcerers” ready to give a “word” to anyone willing to “grease their palm” or shower them with flattery and set them up as an authority figure to be consulted and obeyed.

Oh these followers are Believers, BUT…in what are they believing?

This is an excerpt from an article by Jennifer LeClaire, entitled, “This Shocking Prophetic Practice Needs To Stop Right Now.”

“Just recently, a young man is branding himself as a prophet, shared with me how he had prophesied over a number of people starting a business and they are wildly successful.  That should have been reward enough, but the young man was complaining that none of them returned with an offering in hand for his ministry.  He told me he felt led to start a consulting business to prophesy into people’s business for a PRICE.”

Here we have two different situations and God will deal with both.  We have a young man willing to SELL the Gift of God and a following willing to BUY whatever he is selling. And God says, “YOUR MONEY PERISH WITH YOU!”

THE GIFT OF GOD IS NOT FOR SALE!

Jesus purchased your salvation on Calvary….IT’S ALREADY PAID FOR!  And the Gift of the Holy Spirit comes as a complete package.  Included is your salvation, your healing, your deliverance, your provision, your counselor and your guide.  Jesus is all you need and it is a FREE GIFT to those who will repent of their sins, leave all and follow Him.

SAVE YOUR MONEY or even better give it to MISSIONS that are spreading the Gospel in places you can’t go.  Get on your knees and ask THE WORD to speak into your life.  God is talking, if you will take the time to listen.  He has a WORD for your day and a WORD for your future.  And you can “take it to the bank”…no sorcery or travel involved; JESUS IS THE REAL DEAL!

THE END OF YOUR FAITH

PRAYER JOURNAL 11/23/19

1 Peter 1:9 Receiving the end of your faith-the Salvation of your souls

As a little girl, when I would see a rainbow, my Mom would always say, “If you can get to the end of the rainbow, there is a “Pot of Gold.”  As I got a little older, I realized that no one can get to the end of the rainbow because it is really only refracted light through drops of water.

A few years ago Steve preached the sermon entitled, “The End of Our Faith.”  So many times our Faith Journey feels like a futile trek to the End of the Rainbow.  Not only is there no waiting “pot of gold” but it seems a small leak has developed in our “Faith Tank” and we have reached the END.

BUT WAIT….

Around the next bend; over the next hill; just ahead, there is more; YOU HAVE NOT YET REACHED THE END.  God has a Service Station with a repair shop and a full Tank of Faith prepared just for you.

KEEP WALKING…

God has something waiting for you that is so much greater than a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow….

AT THE END OF YOUR FAITH IS SALVATION OF YOUR SOUL!