#106 Letters to Intercessors

C. Peter Wagner explains
the importance of letters to
the intercessors:

"Doris and I periodically write 
a long letter to our I-1 and
I-2 intercessors.

We are very open and honest
with them.

When major decisions need to be made, they are the first to know and they pray us through them.

None was more important than the decision we made to 
coordinate the United Prayer Track of the A.D. 2000 
movement, which they all were praying about.

As they prayed with us for weeks and even months, they 
began hearing clearly from the Lord that the A.D. 2000 
movement was a major item on the heart of God for the 
1990s, and that the invitation to be a part of it was a 
call from Him.

As much anything else, these divine assurances through 
our prayer partners convinced us that God wanted us to 
make this high-level commitment, which has had radical 
implications for our future ministry.

When we write that letter, we always include our ministry 
itinerary for the next few weeks so they know exactly where 
we are and what we are doing.

We also enclose copies of vital correspondence on issues 
we are dealing with, reports I write or receive, photocopies 
of crucial articles and the like.

Jane Rumph types this letter and mails it to the I-1 and I-2 
prayer partners. Then she edits it to make it shorter and to 
remove the sensitive material and sends the edited version 
along with the itinerary to the I-3 intercessors.

This obviously requires considerably more effort than we had 
to expend in the days when our prayer partners were all 
members of our Sunday School class.

As Cindy Jacobs says, 

    'People need to be thanked often for their prayer sacrifice.
    They work hard at this.'

When a particular need arises, Doris or I will call our out-of-
town prayer partners on an individual basis. Jane Rumph is 
also tooled to initiate a prayer chain when the whole team 
is needed for urgent prayer.

She phones those who are out of town and Joanna McClure 
contacts the locals.

Most of the time, however, the seven prayer partners who 
live in other parts of the country are the ones who initiate 
telephone conversations with us.

Sometimes they do it simply because it has been a long 
time since we have talked. Other times they call with a 
fresh word they have received from the lord concerning 
us or our ministry. Every one of their calls is a great 
encouragement to us."

#106 Letters to Intercessors, 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. 188-189) in book by Regal Books

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Prayer Shield, rev. and updated ed.: How to Intercede for Pastors and Christian Leaders

C. Peter Wagner

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Let’s pray:

   Father, when I have a need,
remind me to call or text a 
trusted friend to pray with me.
  
   When I'm praying for someone,
and I feel inclined to call them
to see how they're doing, may I
do it.

   I believe it's important to let
them know that they're being prayed for, and that I'm concerned about how things are going.

   Help me be an effective prayer partner with others. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Today’s Bible verse: 1 Chron. 28:10 "Take heed now, for the LORD hath chosen thee to build an house for the sanctuary: be strong, and do it."

Today’s quote: Max Lucado – “Read books to your kids. Play ball while you can and they want you to. Make it your aim to watch every game they play, read every story they write, hear every recital in which they perform. Children spell love with four letters: T-I-M-E. Not just quality time, but hang time, downtime, anytime, all the time! Cherish the children who share your name. Succeed at home first!”

Some thoughts today: Despite all you've gone through, God has sustained you!

- Your perspective is what is important when there's two opposite opportunities before you. Pray for God to give you His plan for your life. Your decision may very well have a profound effect on the rest of your life.

-  We all have levels of faith. The more we see Jesus moving in our lives, the stronger our faith becomes.

8/2- Saturday’s post:  Discernment vs. Criticism Par 2 Jean Oathout

3rd- Sunday's post:  Walking Through Dark Valleys Dr. Charles F. Stanley

3rd- evening's post:  Tenderhearted Ginny Merritt

5th- Tuesday's post:  #107 Avoid the Dangers C. Peter Wagner

A popular post:  Praying for the Lost Dutch Sheets 
explains further about pride being a 

hindrance to folks 
receiving God: “This 
understanding of the 
blinding ability of pride 
is a tremendous clue in 
how to pray for the lost."

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Granny's Guide to Marriage in Verse  
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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)

#105 Communicate Regularly

C. Peter Wagner shares 
on the importance of our
communicating with prayer
partners:

"Communicating is the part
that takes time. 

One of the best known 
cases of missionary 
history where evangelism 
was stimulated through prayer occurred when J. O. Fraser recruited prayer partners for his evangelistic work among the Lisu of Burma.

For years nothing happened outwardly as he preached the gospel, but inwardly he learned that the real battle he faced was a spiritual battle.

He said, 

   'I know enough about Satan to realize that he will have 
   all his    weapons ready for determined opposition. He 
   would be a missionary simpleton who expected plain 
   sailing in any work of God. I will not.'

Fraser then wrote home his mother who for years had ministered as what we would call his I-1 intercessor.

He asked his mother to recruit 'a group of like-minded friends, whether few or many, whether in one place or scattered' to join with her in prayer for the Lisu.

The results were dramatic. Hundreds of Lisu families came to Christ in a short period of time. But that is not the immediate point.

The point is that when James Fraser requested her to find prayer partners he was wise enough also to say to his mother,

   'If you could form a small prayer circle, I would write
   regularly to the members.'

Fraser was very serious. He said,

   'I am not asking you just to give 'help' in prayer 
   as a sort of sideline, but I am trying to roll the main
   responsibility of this prayer warfare on you. I want
   you to take the burden of these people on your 
   shoulders. I want you to wrestle with God for them.'

And his role? He saw himself as an intelligence officer. 

   'I shall feel more and more that a big responsibility 
   rests on me to keep you well informed.'

He was prepared to invest the time necessary to communicate with his prayer partners.

John Maxwell, from whom I 
learned most about personal 
prayer partners, gives 
communication with 
intercessors a high priority.

The 100 men who pray for him 
have privileges that other church
members do not have, particularly 
to accessibility to the senior pastor.

John does not send a Tychicus to them, but he meets with them personally four times a year, three times for breakfast and once on an all-day partner retreat where they eat together, play together, learn together and above all pray together.

He meets with one-forth of them every Sunday morning 
before the service on a rotating basis. He shares his needs,
and they lay on hands and pray God's anointing on their 
leader. John has lunch once a month with this I-1 intercessor, 
Bill Klassen.

Because my intercessors are scattered around the country, I do not find it as easy to keep in contact with them as I might if they were in the same church.

Doris and I were frustrated about how to communicate with the I-3 intercessors until Jane Rumph, who is one of our original I-2 prayer partners, agreed to become the prayer coordinator for our ministry. 

Jane keeps the mailing list of more that 100 up to date and is in personal contact with several of them.

When we put off writing for too long, Jane gets on our case, as we have instructed her to to."

#105 Communicate Regularly,

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. 181-183) by Regal Books

Let’s pray:

   Father, I see the importance

of communication, now.

   May I write, call, text, or see

personally, those who pray for me.

  If I can be of service to my pastor

in writing to his prayer partners, I

ask that I be willing to do so.

   I ask this in the Name of Jesus. Amen.

Today’s Bible verse: Is. 40:31a "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength."

Today’s quote: Fran Pasch – “God has given us a gift, the greatest gift of all—His Son, Jesus Christ. Sometimes in the hustle and bustle of everyday activities, we forget Him, burying Him in the attic of our minds. But unlike the world, Jesus offers us a second chance. He forgets the past and wipes our slates clean when we put aside those things we’ve kept hidden from Him and begin anew by making Him the center of our lives.”devotions and poetry  

Some thoughts today: When the devil keeps coming against your efforts for the Kingdom, keep on "digg'n" and try the next "well" of opportunity God gives you.

- You need to get up and take some risks and do what God has instructed you to do. Don't talk too much about any success, as it hinders what God's doing.

- Whatever you've imagined is far less than the huge opportunity before you. Don't despise small beginnings, as God's the One with great ideas for you, as you learn to walk in obedience to His leading.

31st- Thursday’s post:  #106  Letters to Intercessors C. Peter Wagner

8/2- Saturday's post:  Discernment vs. Criticism Part 2 Jean Oathout

3rd- Sunday's post:  Walking Through Dark Valleys Dr. Charles F. Stanley

3rd- evening's post:  Tenderhearted Ginny Merritt

A popular post:  A Meeting for Reconciliation  Dutch 
Sheets - “…Psalm 85:10 states, ‘Lovingkindness and 
truth have met  together; righteousness and peace 
have kissed each other...  God had a dilemma seen 
through four words in this verse. He not only is a God 
of lovingkindness..."

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Samples of Jean's crafts

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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)

Discernment vs. Criticism- Part 1

Jean Oathout shares with us

first, some thoughts about what 
is taught about Discernment.

We need to learn the 
difference between 
discerning what is wrong, 
and what may be just our
critical thoughts.

And, what about Deception?
Where does that fit in?

Isn't Wisdom involved here too, somehow?

In Proverbs, that are many verses on wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. Prov. 2:2; 2:10,11; 9:10 are but a few to check out.

Many times we are given discernment about a situation that 
we believe is not right. What we think, say, and do about it 
is important to God, as it's His desire that we ask Him how 
to handle it. 

We're to ask for His direction, how to pray, and who to speak to, if anyone.

God wants us to hide His Word in our hearts and minds, as then we'll be able to distinguish what is true, and what is false. Col. 3:16 tells us to "let the word of Christ dwell in you richly..."

If we see a sin that needs to be dealt with because of its effect on others, then do it according to Matt. 18:15-17. It can restore relationships and heal churches if used correctly. We're admonished to first go to the person, and try to help them make a correction themselves, so it won't be necessary to involve others.

Many times if we pray about something we observe, we can help most by seeking the answer in prayer. 

Once the person is repentant, then the offense can be dealt with, and the solution for the sin or issue can be resolved.

We can't stop a person from being ignorant, but we can help them become more aware of what God wants of them. When they offend us, we have the right to speak up for ourselves, and to not allow them to dishonor us. You'll see that others will take note, and they'll do the same. 

{This makes me think of an incidence while living in PA many years ago. The boys and I heard several motorcycles drive into our driveway. I marched right out there and asked if there was something I could do for them. They said no, and would be on their way shortly.

My sons were peeking out from the curtains, watching me. I'd like to think it helped them be bold to confront challenges over the years.} 

We need to depend upon God's Word to give us the guidance in our discerning of what is right and wrong, and how we are to act and react in every situation.

What matters is how we handle it, and that we use the loving hands of Jesus Christ in the situation.

This is what the Lord spoke to me:

   "I'm listening, and I want to help each of them to 
   choose their words and attitudes carefully, as they'll 
   have an effect of folks' feelings and reactions."

As to spiritual discernments; we'll need God's Holy Spirit living 
within us to be able to have His perspectives where His Word 
is concerned. He can give believers understanding on what 
others say about His Word, as to whether or not it is Truth.  
1 Cor. 2:14-16 

May our hearts be in the right place when moving in any discernment we may have. We need to ask God to help us see the broad spectrum, use His wisdom, and then do what we know to do, so we won't be deceived and cause someone's hurt.

This is why studying His Word is so important!

Discernment vs. Criticism   Jean Oathout

On Saturday, 8/2, I'll post Part 2, which covers the subject of Criticism. Hopefully, we'll see it's effects and learn how to avoid being critical.

A Prayer for Peace

2008 by Diana C. Derringer

"Lord, why can’t we see that peace is better than conflict,
that love is better than hate,
that following your way means giving up our way,
and daily we’re to live like you?

Why can’t we see that disagreeing does not mean destroying,
that our opinion is not the last word,
that a crises, though dangerous, offers opportunity too,
and we all are important to you?

Lord, keep our eyes ever on you.
Live through us as never before.
Help us remember St. Francis’ request:
Lord, make us your instruments of peace."

"Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it." 

Psalm 34:14 (KJV)

Let’s pray:

   Father, when I'm given 
discernment about a situation,
help me bring it to You, first.

  I want to be able to see the
bigger picture, and be careful
not to make a wrong judgment.
   
   Help me pray first, asking 
for true discernment, and then 
to go the person privately.

   Or go to the person in charge, if that's what You direct.

   I ask that my heart be kept pure, Father. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.

(Google images added)

Today’s Bible verse: Prov. 3:13 "Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding."

Today’s quote: Sandy Quandt – Proverbs 4:23 GNT warns us to be careful what we think. Thoughts aimed in the wrong direction cause us to stumble and become ineffective. Solomon was wise in his warning. God graces us with care and provision. He also manages our provision. He also manages our every need. He doesn’t want our minds cluttered, our generosity stopped. Or love for others slighted. www.sandykirbyquandt.com

Some thoughts today: Whatever we put our hand to; we’re to act, think, and speak in godly ways, and follow the laws of love and grace. Real success begins with our treating others this way.

- Coming under authority, we learn it’s not about us. It’s a good way to learn to live for a purpose to help others dream, acknowledge their visions, and their goals.

- Don't worry about what you'll say. God will put His message in you to share His Life.

29th- Tuesday's post: #105  Communicate Regularly C. Peter Wagner

31st- Thursday's post:  #106  Letters to Intercessors C. Peter Wagner

8/2 Saturday's post:  Discernment vs. Criticism Part 2 Jean Oathout

3rd- Sunday's post:  Walking Through Dark Valleys Dr. Charles F. Stanley

Could it be that God really did
hear our 7-days of prayer?

A popular post:  Be Defensive. Keep the Serpent Out!  
Dutch Sheets tells us, “Adam was told in Genesis 2:15 
to guard or  ‘keep’ the garden. From what? It had to be 
the serpent! I assert this because first of all, it is much 
in keeping with the nature of God to have warned him."

jowildflowers@gmail.com

Samples of Jean's crafts
http://twitter.com/jeanoathout
http://facebook.com/jean.oathout

http://christianpoetsandwriters.blogspot.com/

I invite you to check out the above link, to see the many interesting topics of Christian Poets and Writers. 

Granny's Guide to Marriage in Verse  Kindle $2.99 

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)

(I give my personal testimony in the end
Chapter)

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Will the Roof Really Cave In?

Tammie Johnson - Why do 
people say, 'If I walk into a 
church, the roof would cave in?'

They don't know that when a 
new person comes to faith in
Christ, fireworks go off in 
heaven. 

The angels celebrate the new arrival! (see Luke 15:10)

If they only knew how much God loves them, and how happy He is to see them make the effort to get right with Him! 

But some folks are so convinced they're so bad, that God would not accept them.  

   And it's just not true. 

God loves them no matter where they've come from. No matter what they've done. 

If only they could understand...

That Jesus died on 
the cross so their sins 
could be forgiven, and so 
they can be washed as white 
as snow. 

But it is so very sad that we 
have some Christians out 
there preaching God's laws, 
and not his love. 

This is the truth: God loves people so very much that He longs for a relationship with them. He accepted the sacrifice of His only Son, Jesus, Who was born of a woman, and Who endured the agony of the punishment that we deserve for our sinfulness. 

After He was crucified on the Cross, He went into Hell and left the sins of the world there, so if anyone repents of their sins, He's provided forgiveness for them! 

(Can you imagine the stir He caused going there? A good book Jean has read is, A Divine Revelation of Hell  $3.99) 

Jesus was then raised from the grave and ascended to the Father in Heaven, to present His sinless, Holy Blood on our behalf. He thus provided atonement for us by giving His life on the Cross. 

This provision is available for everyone to accept or reject. No one will be excluded for any reason, other than unbelief. It's God's offer to us all.

But what do some teach? If you do this or that you can't be saved and go to heaven. 

   And that is the farthest thing from the truth. 

Because of this teaching, many people never get to know God.

God must be so sad when this
takes place, and I can visualize 
tears streaming down his face. 

   God wants them to know the truth. 

When there's true repentance 
for what we've done, there's 
forgiveness available in and 
through Christ's sacrifice on 
the Cross. 

I can hear Him crying out, 

   "Come to Me, come to Me, My children. Be not afraid." 

Oh, if only they could learn how much God loves them, they might run into churches and fall on their knees, praying,

"Help me, help me know the truth."

"For God so loved the world,
 that he gave his only begotten 
son. That whosoever believeth 
in him should not perish, but 
have everlasting life." John 3:16

Do I speak as if God were Real? Yes I do. 

Because he is! 

Tammie Johnson
(Used by permission)

Let’s pray:

   Father, with the truth in
mind that You love the folks
all around us, may we be
more open to Your leading
us to speak to them of Your
provision in Christ Jesus.

   Help us remember that You
celebrate each person who
comes into our churches
looking for truth and guidance.


   May we give a warm welcome to each of them, knowing You are watching how they are treated among us. It determines whether or not You'll draw unbelievers to our church!

   Will those who return for a visit be welcomed, no matter their past?

   I want to be a part of the welcoming team, that reveals Your love, kindness, gentleness, and mercy.

   Set a watch at the door of my mouth, that I may not sin against You, or anyone! (see Ps. 141:3 & Ps. 19:14)

   I ask for Your help, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Today’s awesome Bible promise: Acts 20:32 NCV “Now I am putting you in the care of God and the message about his grace. It is able to give you strength, and it will give you the blessings God has for all his holy people.”

Today’s quotes: Marvin Williams - "Many today are trapped under the weight of sin, but our great God can rescue us from underneath those burdens and then send us into the world to tell others that He can set them free."

Our Daily Bread - "Those who've been rescued from sin are best able to help in the rescue of others." 7/7/14

Some thoughts today: There's power in our words. Our words effect those around us. Is your mouth saved? James 1:26 talks about bridling our tongues.

- We can choose what we're going to speak. Lean on God to help. Ps. 19:14
gives us an excellent prayer to pray.

- Positive attitudes will make a way for you. Your joy in the Lord is your strength, as it comes from God.

27th- Sunday’s post:  Christ Heals the Hurting James Cagle

27th- evening's post:  Discernment vs. Criticism Part 1 Jean Oathout

29th- Tuesday's post:  #105  Communicate Regularly C. Peter Wagner

31st- Thursday's post::  #106  Letters to Intercessors C. Peter Wagner

A popular post:  The First Step —Accept Carole 
Tschumper says, "Tell God you trust Him even if you 
don’t understand. That’s what faith is. The shrill sound 
of the smoke alarm jolted us out of bed. At four a.m. 
my husband and I were sent running down the hallway."

Praying with friends
and studying the Bible
strengthens
our faith.

(Google images used)

jowildflowers@gmail.com

Samples of Jean's crafts
http://twitter.com/jeanoathout
http://facebook.com/jean.oathout

Granny's Guide to Marriage in Verse  
Kindle $2.99


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)

(I give my personal testimony in the last chapter)

http://christianpoetsandwriters.blogspot.com/

I invite you to check out the above link, to see the many interesting topics of Christian Poets and Writers. 

AuthorsDen.com
Where authors and readers come together!