Tuesday, April 29, 2014

#79 The Rule: Slow and Cautious



C. Peter Wagner tells us That "Even when God initiates the process, Doris and I have been very slow and cautious about inviting additional I-2 intercessors.

A turning point in our ministry came at the great
Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization held in Manila in the summer of 1989.

At the Lausanne Congress we sensed that God was putting strategic-level spiritual warfare high on our ministry agenda for the 1990s.

We did not at that time know of the far-reaching scope of this change, but God did, and He began to provide for us some world-class intercessors to add to our team of I-2s.

Truly, the intensity of the personal spiritual warfare we are now engaged in has escalated considerably, and we frankly need more help than previously.

The first additional I-2 intercessor was Cindy Jacobs, whom I have mentioned several ties.

We became acquainted earlier in 1989 at a Prayer Summit in Washington, D.C., and Doris and I formed a close personal friendship with Cindy and Mike.

We did several things together, but it still took Doris and me several months before we approached Cindy to join our ministry as a prayer partner.

She had known by the Holy Spirit for 
some time that we would invite her, but 
she patiently waited.

Cindy then introduced us to the next I-2 intercessor, Bobbye Byerly.

We had never heard of Bobbye Byerly until we met her in Manila where she was part of the 24-hour intercession team praying for the Lausanne Congress.

Cindy privately told us that Bobby had one of the highest international reputations as an intercessor that she was aware of.

We liked Bobbye and her husband, Jim, very much, but never dreamed God would give us this woman Cindy had spoken so highly of as a prayer partner.

{After a sleepless night, Bobbye informed Doris and Peter that God had kept her awake the whole night to give her the assignment to pray for them!}

Bobbye was very sweet about it, never at all pushy, even though she already knew what the final outcome would be. Yet, it took us four months to be convinced that the door was truly open.

Even then, we hedged a bit by asking Cindy if she would call Bobbye and tell her how we felt, giving her plenty of space to say no to our request.

She, of course said yes, and we have a wonderful relationship."


#79  The Rule: Slow and Cautious,
in the series taken from C. Peter Wagner’s
book, PRAYER SHIELD, How to intercede
for pastors, Christian leaders and others
on the spiritual frontlines. (pgs. 150 -151)
by Regal Books


PRAYER SHIELD  ChristianBooks - Scroll down to Wagner's book - offered for $9.69

Do you have a testimony to share? jowildflowers@gmail.com (for comments)


Announcing my book:

Let’s pray:

   Father, let this be the day that we commit to faithfully pray for our pastor(s) and leaders! 

   I see that their ministering to Your people really does depend on the prayer support they receive.

    May I join the ones who are concerned, to pray regularly.

   I believe that my prayers will be effective, as You'll guide and inspire me in my efforts to hold up my own leaders before You.

   I ask this in the Name of Your Son, Jesus. Amen.

Today’s Bible verse: Joel 2:21 "Fear not, O land, be glad and rejoice: for the LORD will do great things."

Today’s quotes: Mother Teresa - “Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.”


 Mike Smith – “Fellowship revolves around the redemptive work of God in our lives. As we meet together and share the things that God has done, we get a bigger picture of God’s work. As we see that bigger picture, we come to know Christ better. And as those around us see how we interact with one another, they recognize us as belonging to Him. They have the opportunity to see redemptive behavior in action. They, too, see a bigger, clearer picture of Jesus—lived out in the lives of those who follow Him.”

Our thoughts today: We are to be steadfast in our faith, and unmovable, always abounding in serving, learning, and sharing. Our labor is not in vain, in the Lord. 1 Cor. 15:58

- If a word of prophecy is not followed through, it dies.

5/1st- Thursday’s post:  #80  Recruiting I-1 Intercessors  C. Peter Wagner

3rd- Saturday's post:  Reach Out  Gloria Penwell

4th- Sunday's post:  Thrive Where You Are Planted  Kathy Bellows

4th- evening's post:  Let Me Explain...  Jean Oathout

A popular post: Making My Heart Sit Down  Mary Southerland shares with us, “Every minute of every day is either wasted or invested." 




jowildflowers@gmail.com (for comments)

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Announcing my book:

Granny's Guide to Marriage in Verse  
Kindle $2.99 A review would be 
appreciated.
Bridal Shower Devotional: Bridal 
Wisdom for Women

Granny's Guide to Marriage in Verse 
My book in paperback $7.95 
(Check out the Reviews on the
Kindle page of my book)

Wisdom for Brides (Christian 
Marriage, Counseling, & Help) 
(Volume 1)




Sunday, April 27, 2014

Playing Favorites


ID-100166672

Martin Wiles shares with us, "He converged on the church’s front steps and watched as parishioner after parishioner passed him by without as much as a “Good morning” or “Can we help you?”

He was new in the community. As one of the more prominent religious facilities in town, he hoped this church would show him acceptance and support. 

No offers were made. Perhaps it was his appearance or the fact that his tattered clothes didn’t parade designer names.

Inside, the members gathered to welcome their new pastor, but he was nowhere to be found. 

Actually, he was. Just not in the corner they scrutinized. He wasn’t on the front pew or behind the podium.

He was the man on the front steps no one spoke to or bothered to help.

When the pastor finally made his way to the sacred desk, no sermon was necessary. His message had already been preached—and the congregants knew it. 

There was nothing to say but a prayer of dismissal so all who had played favorites could return home and ponder his unspoken discourse.

Even the churches of the first century were guilty of playing favorites. But you dishonor the poor! Isn’t it the rich who oppress you and drag you into court?

I, too, have experienced favoritism as a child, when my build rendered me undesirable for athletic teams—both at school and in someone’s backyard. 

And unfortunately, I’ve seen more than my share of it in churches. 

Members were ecstatic when a wealthy or influential person joined the ranks, but snobbish when one apparently lacking in talents or wealth attempted to connect.

Playing favorites reveals my hypocrisy by exposing the fact that I’ve forgotten all people are created in God’s image and are important to him. He loves and cares for them, and I should too.

Are you guilty of playing favorites?

"But you dishonor the poor! Isn’t it the rich who oppress you and drag you into court?" James 2:6 NLT

Prayer: Merciful Father, help us see all people as you view them."

Playing Favorites - Martin Wiles

Photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net and Africa.

Martin Wiles is a native South Carolinian, author and speaker currently residing in Hodges, South Carolina. 

He and his wife Michelle are the founders of Love Lines From God http://www.lovelinesfromgod.com/

Wiles has authored Morning By Morning, Morning Serenity and Grace Greater Than Sin. 

He has served as a regional correspondent for the Baptist Courier. He has also been published in Proclaim, Secret Place ,Word Magic and Fires of Genius

He is a regular contributor to Christian Devotions, Christian Writers, PCCWebDaily, The WOW Blog, Faith Writers, The Eagle Record, and the Common Ground Herald.




Used by permission http://www.christiandevotions.us/ and Martin Wiles

Do you have a testimony to share? jowildflowers@gmail.com (for comments)

Let’s pray:

   Father, as we're to follow after the example of Christ, may we be careful not to prefer one person over another.

   As each one of us is Your favorite, I trust we'll treat our children and friends as though they are special to us, too.

   May I remember that we were all created by You, and that You have a purpose for us in Your plan of things.

   May I not have to have such a dramatic, eye opener happen to teach me to value others, no matter what my first impression may be.

   I ask this in Jesus' Name, amen.

Today’s Bible verse: Ps. 61:5 "My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him."

Today’s quotes: Dawn Mooring – “The voice you and I need to heed is God's. The directions and destination may be unfamiliar, but they lead us to the exact spot we need to be. The challenge before us is to obey the One whose voice is never wrong. Cup your hand around your ear and listen. God will whisper your directions.”

Justus Martin – “God will cause us to have compassion and to know the answers for hurting, searching people. He will enable us to speak truth to them of the reality of Jesus and all He has done for them.”

Some thoughts today: Christianity offers life after death! As Christ rose from the dead, so can we, if our faith is in Him and the salvation He died to provide for us. 1 Cor. 15:20-22

- Death, our enemy, came through Adam, but Life is available through Christ Jesus! 1 Cor. 15:21-26

- The resurrection of Jesus challenges us, as to where we stand with Him, and to be steadfast and immovable in our faith.

29th- Tuesday’s post:  #79  The Rules: Slow and Cautious  C. Peter Wagner

5/1- Thursday's post:  #80  Recruiting I-1 Intercessors  C. Peter Wagner

3rd- Saturday's post:  Reach Out  Gloria Penwell

4th- Sunday's post:  Thrive Where You Are Planted  Kathy Bellows

A popular post:  God's Plan For Man  Matthew Hagee -"God has a very specific plan just for men. God's plan is what He created you specifically to be, how He wants to fully develop you into someone that brings honor to Him, someone that puts Him first in all things."

They pray, so should we!



jowildflowers@gmail.com (for comments)

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Granny's Guide to Marriage in Verse  
Kindle $2.99 A review would be appreciated.
Bridal Shower Devotional: Bridal Wisdom for Women

Granny's Guide to Marriage in Verse 
My book in paperback $7.95 
(Check out the Reviews on the Kindle 
page of my book)

Wisdom for Brides (Christian 
Marriage, Counseling, & Help) 
(Volume 1)

Are You Hanging On For Dear Life?

Michael Brooks tells us, "In Genesis 6:14, God said to Noah: "So make yourself an ark of cypress wood; make rooms in it and coat it with pitch inside and out." 

I think it's interesting that the word translated "pitch" is the same word that is translated "atonement" in Leviticus 17:11 (as well as in other passages in the Old Testament). 

Romans 8:1b "for those who are in Christ Jesus..."

It is a perfect picture of what Christ's sacrifice has done for us: The atonement of Jesus is what keeps out the waters of judgment and condemnation -- it not only insulates, but is also part of the construction of our position "in Christ" as safe and blessed.

When the rain began to fall, God didn't throw Noah and his family a rope and tell them to hang on for dear life. 

Rather, the Lord said, "I'm going to place you and your family inside." 

The same is true for us.


It's no longer up to us to hold on -- in other words to try and keep from sinning as long as we can. 

Our Ark is Jesus. We are in Him.

In our previous passage Paul told us: "Therefore there is no condemnation." 


Why? Because we are in Him. When the rains, floods, winds, storms and forty foot seas of life happen all around us, we don't need to worry.

We are safe, dry, warm, and secure -- in Jesus.

Questions to Ponder:

Are you in Jesus? Have you accepted His gift of atonement? Why not? Are you still trying to do life your way? The Lord waits for you. 

Will you receive the greatest gift of all?"

Michael Brooks writes for  Testament League

Do you have a testimony to share? I'd like to create a post of several testimonies from my readers. jowildflowers@gmail.com (for comments)

Let's pray:  


A Prayer for Grace After Failure by prayer@bibledeck.com

   “Father, because of your marvelous grace You commissioned Your Son, Jesus, to die for an ungrateful, unreceptive and hostile people, and that includes me. 

It’s so easy to be critical of Peter who so boldly asserted that he would never deny Christ, but did so within hours and at such a critical moment.

Yet Peter’s actions help us to view the tender grace You poured out on Him at His lowest moment. His bitterness dissolved into brokenness. You are close to the brokenhearted, and deliver those whose spirit has been crushed. It is so instructive and encouraging to know that weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning.

Peter, a fearful failure who grew into a faithful follower, eventually gave his life for the cause of Christ. May we too have such a resolve to follow you even it it means we may lay down our life for You.

I thank You for Your amazing grace that looks beyond our faults and sees our need. Amen.”

Today’s Bible verse: 2 Chron. 20:20b "Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established: believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper."

Today’s quote: Buett 

“Once I was an outcast stranger on earth,
 A sinner by choice and an alien by birth;
 But I’ve been adopted, my name’s written down,
 An heir to the mansion, a robe, and a crown.”

Some thoughts today: Hide God's Word in your heart. Consecrate your life to Him, and be available to be used.

- The Sea of Galilee is a sea of life, as not only pure water flows in, but water flows out, and down into the Dead Sea, where there are no outlets. God wants us to resemble the Sea of Galilee, not the Dead Sea!

- It is our responsibility to receive impartation of God's Word, and to then find an "outlet" to share it with others, and not just hold it in. 

27th- Sunday evening’s post:  Playing Favorites  Martin Wiles

29th- Tuesday's post:  #79th- The Rules: Slow and Cautious  C. Peter Wagner

5/1st- Thursday's post:  #80  Recruiting I-1 Intercessors  C. Peter Wagner
  
3rd- Saturday's post:  Reach Out  Gloria Penwell

A popular post:  I Need Rest!   Gwen Smith - "I spin plates. Not real plates. Metaphorical plate. I spin lots of plates at the same time and I multi-task. This is both a blessing and a curse in my life. "



jowildflowers@gmail.com (for comments)

AuthorsDen.com
Where authors and readers come together!


Kindle $2.99 A review would be appreciated.
Bridal Shower Devotional: Bridal Wisdom for Women

My book in paperback $7.95 
(Check out the Reviews on the 
Kindle page of my book)

Wisdom for Brides (Christian 
Marriage, Counseling, & Help) 
(Volume 1)

Saturday, April 26, 2014

I Refuse to be Discouraged!

I Refuse to be discouraged

I refuse to be discouraged,
To be sad, or to cry;
I refuse to be downhearted,
and here's the reason why:

I have a God who's mighty,
Who's sovereign and supreme;
I have a God who loves me,
and I am on His team.

He is all-wise and powerful.
Jesus is His name;
Though everything is changeable,
My God remains the same.

My God knows all that's happening;
Beginning to the end;
His presence is my comfort;
He is my dearest Friend.

When sickness comes to weaken me,
To bring my head down low,
I call upon my mighty God;
Into His arms I go.

When circumstances threaten
to rob me of my peace;
He draws me close unto His breast,
Where all my strivings cease.

When my heart melts within me,
and weakness takes control;
He gathers me into His arms,
He soothes my heart and soul.

The great "I AM" is with me.
My life is in His hand;
The "Son of the Lord" is my hope,
It's in His strength I stand.

I refuse to be defeated,
My eyes are on my God;
He has promised to be with me,
as through this life I trod.

I'm looking past all my circumstances,
To Heaven's throne above;
My prayers have reached the heart of God
I'm resting in His love.

I give God thanks in everything.
My eyes are on His face;
The battle's His, the victory mine;
He'll help me win the race.

© BJ George
Credit: heartwarmingstories.net

(Google image added)

Philippians 3:12- 14 "I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us." (The Apostle Paul)

Eternal Assurance

The cross lay bare and bloodstained...
The nails ripped from Christ's hands.
They came and took His body.
Most did not understand.

The crowd wept tears of sorrow
For they did not realize
His mission was accomplished...
In three days He would arise.

What seemed like such a tragedy
Was all part of God's plan.
When Jesus died, He paid the price...
Our sacrificial lamb.

He conquered death by rising
And opened heaven's door.
If we will just believe in Him,
Our destiny's secure.

© Frances Gregory Pasch

                                                Frances Gregory Pasch


Double Vision: Seeing God in Everyday Life
through Devotions and Poetry (Pg.100)

by Frances Gregory Pasch

published by Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas.
Used by permission by Frances &
   Father, we have so much to be thankful for!
   Please remind us through the above poems of some things that are true, and that are available to each of us in and through Jesus Christ.
    We ask that You move on us, to help us be more thankful for Your every blessing.
   We ask this in Jesus' Name, amen.

Today’s Bible verse: 


        (Ps. 27:4) "One thing have I desired of the LORD, 
        that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house 
       of the LORD, all the days of my life, to behold the 
       beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple."

Today’s quote: 


Rhonda Odom – “When I take the time to get God involved in my everyday life, trusting Him in the good times and the bad, He turns every situation around and pours out His amazing grace. Through prayer and a thankful heart, I have learned to be content, free from fear and worry.”

Some thoughts today: 


- If we don't have a tight bond with the Lord, there'll be no power to give us strength through prayer times. The current way of praying just isn't going to work!

- We are to effect what happens here and to take authority. The Christian warrior's mentality is to take authority and effect changes!

- Tongues were a sign of fire being released on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4).



27th- Sunday's post:  Are You Hanging On For Dear Life? 
Michael Brooks

Sunday afternoon's post:  Playing Favorites  
Martin Wiles

29th- Tuesday's post:  #79 The Rule: Slow and Cautious   
C. Peter Wagner

5/1st- Thursday's post:  #80  Recruiting I-1 Intercessors  
C. Peter Wagner



A popular post:  

Still in God's Hands  Randy Kilgore - "Standing with her that day, however, I marveled as again and again she comforted others—her confidence in God unshaken by this terrible blow."




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