Righteousness in WNY

"Every word of God is flawless;
    he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
⁶ Do not add to his words,
    or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.

There are three things that are stately in their stride,
    four that move with stately bearing:
³⁰ a lion, mighty among beasts,
    who retreats before nothing;
³¹ a strutting rooster, a he-goat,
    and a king secure against revolt."

Proverbs 30: 5-6, 29-31

On this last day of our 30 day fast, I encourage you to remember with faith the promises God has made and the things He has already done in your life and the lives around you.  Pour out thankfulness for even when we do not understand, His Word is flawless and He is a shield to those who love and take refuge in Him.  Just as this Proverb states, we cannot understand what God has done and the ways in which He works.  There are many things around us that we may find contemptible, incomprehensible, or amazing.  Things that we cannot understand.  However, they are none of these to God.  He knows at all times exactly what is happening in all places.  All things have to pass through the hand of God before they reach us.  Therefore, we truly can trust Him, lean on Him and take refuge in Him.  

God's timing is different than ours.  He addresses all things, we mainly are concerned with our little circle of people.  This is why we need faith.  Pray for an increase in faith in your life and the lives of others, especially the men of WNY.  Remember, that even if you do not see a physical change, God is doing a new thing. He hears our prayers and no Word of His returns void.  Therefore, believe that the prayers you have prayed over the last 30 days made a difference in the atmosphere and continue praying even if you do not see the results you had hoped for.

Lord, we bring you our petitions for the men of WNY.  We thank you for encouraging us to pray for them.  We ask that you would continue to move in their lives, lifting them up from the miry clay, setting their feet on solid ground, and drawing them ever closer to yourself.  We come against any schemes of the enemy that would hold back their progress.  We ask that you would bring families together, let businessmen who speak of you and live for you prosper and pastors who declare your truth be filled. Break down barriers to success and let goodness and righteousness reign in WNY.  

We praise the name of the Holy Lord Jesus Christ.  Amen!!

Praise the Lord

 "I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do."
Romans 7:15

"He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west."
Psalm 103:12

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
2 Cor. 5:17

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ¹³ Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand."
Ephesians 6:10-13 (for the rest of the chapter click on here)


What have you learned through this fast?  What has God done in you while you were praying for others?  How has He blessed your own life or taught you new things?  Has He brought your attention to areas in which you struggle and need to turn over to Him?  Have you seen any of your prayers answered or have you actually begun to struggle after fasting and praying?

I find it amazing how God uses us and changes us when we are working for others.  Personally I have learned how weak I am in areas that I though I was strong and therefore tried to go it on my own without Jesus.  He is so full of grace and mercy that He stood back and watched my try, knowing I would fail, then was there to pick me up and help me to lean on Him again.  I am so thankful that God never changes.  I love His character and His steadfastness.  I know that I can count on Him to remain steady when nothing else does.  What are you thankful for today?  Put on an attitude of thankfulness and praise your way through everything you face today- positive and negative. I believe that God allows the postivie in our lives to bless us and uses the negative to grow us into the people He created us to be.  Therefore, we should be thankful for even the difficulties in our lives because "suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope" (Rom. 5:4).

Praise the Lord today for all the situations in your life that He has used to bring you good.  Ask the Lord what He wants to do in you and where you need to grow.  Then enjoy the journey!!

"In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.  Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.  Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.  I will show wonders in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke. The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.  And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

Acts 2:17-21

These verses foreshadow the events we learn about in Revelation.  There is coming a time in which terrible events will come to pass.  People will be terrified and natural events in heaven and on earth will cause unparalleled destruction to those that are living in that time.  There is no doubt about it.  We know not the time or date in which these things will begin, but we do know that "everyone that calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." 

For this reason, with the love of Jesus, we should be out loving others into the Kingdom.  They come not because we push the righteousness of Jesus and make them feel ashamed, but because we meet with them, and pour the loving kindness of our Lord upon them.  We allow Jesus to love them through us.  For it is "His kindness that leads us to repentance."(Romans 2:4)  It is not for us to decide who is worthy of the Kingdom, for Jesus created us all and died for us while we were still unworthy.

We are commanded to LOVE the unlovable.  I read once that the definition of love is to put another's needs above your own.  I think this makes an otherwise elusive concept concrete. Are you willing to put the needs of the unlovable person you work with above your own?  Are you willing to put your thoughts and desires aside for someone who would never do that for you?  Remember, it is not about us, our life is not our own.  We were bought for a price and are commanded to go forth and love with His love.  Who can you love today?

The Lord Mighty In Battle

"Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.  Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle.  Lift up your heads, O you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors; that hte King of glory may come in.  Who is he, this king of glory? The Lord Almighty- he is the King of glory"

Psalm 24 7-10

Speak with me to the gates of Buffalo and of WNY, that they would be lifted up that the King of glory may come in and revolutionize our region.  He is strong and mighty in battle- and we fight with His weapons. Not weapons of human warfare, but with the weapons that the Lord provides for us, worship, prayer and love.  Let us go forth so full of truth and love that others cannot help but want to know more about it.  Ask these things with true belief that the Lord is able to do all He says He is and that He desires to heal our land.

When the King of glory comes to our region, we will be changed.  We ask for our King Jesus to lead us in battle as we pray for others and for their salvation and blessing and for the lifting up of WNY.  Continue to pray for the men that they would be lifted up, that the covers would be removed from their eyes and ears, that they would see the true love of God, accept His love and forgiveness and begin walking in the covering and blessing of the Lord.  For those that are walking with God now, we pray that their territory would be enlarged, that they would be able to disciple their new brothers as they enter the Kingdom and that they would be protected from all evil as they go out to do the will of God who sends them.


As our fast comes to an end on Sunday-  I pray that you would continue to pray for our region, for those suffering from any kind of negative spirit or emotion.  Continue to pray for God to put someone in your life that you can touch and speak life into.  Pray that your words would come from Him in all situations and that He would use you as His hands and feet to touch and heal all those in WNY.

Examine Your Heart

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Luke 6:37, 38) This is part of the Sermon on the Mount.  Jesus is speaking of how to treat others, giving many lessons of the Kingdom of God and how God desires for us to behave toward those who may be our enemies.  We need to hear this today.  We are quick to judge and slow to forgive as a nation.  Grudges and Anger are "all the rage".  You can see it in television shows, movies and video games.  Take a look at road rage and you can see it clearly. For "with the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks" (Luke 6:45).   We, as followers of the Most High God, need to ask the Holy Spirit to examine our hearts and reveal to us any places in which we are harboring anger, unforgiveness or any other sin that sets itself up against God, that we may work to tear it down.  In this way we will be able to bring glory to God and shine brighter to those around us.

Jesus' Love

"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed."

Proverbs 16:3

"When a man's ways are pleasing to the Lord, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him."

Proverbs 16:7

Trust that Jesus sees you, know that He hears you and that He cares deeply about you.  You are His precious child, created by the work of His hands and the everlasting love in His heart.  Believe that there is no other that can love you like Jesus can and then choose to follow Him wherever He leads.  You can never get enough of Jesus.  He alsways has more to give and He only gives what you need for today so that you need Him daily.  He desires to be with you probably even more than you desire Him even in your neediest moments.  He is completely in love with you and wants to give you all the good things He has stored up for you.  His blessings are plentiful and He is not stingy with them.  He desires to pour them out upon you because He loves you.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight." (Prov. 3:5-6)

You can do this because Jesus is "not willing that anyone should perish, but that all would come to repentance" (2Peter 3:9)

Today, if you do not know Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, He is available and waiting for you.  He loves you and desires to dwell in your heart.  If you are willing, come to the one that knows everything about you and loves you anyways with an everlasting love and kindness that will never fade away.  Ask him into your heart and receive the greatest gift you could ever imagine.  Life on Earth with Jesus and life eternal in Heaven.

That WNY may be remembered...

"Take up a harp, walk through the city, O prostitute forgotten; play the harp well, sing many a song, so that you will be remembered."

Isaiah 23: 16

In this verse, Isaiah is speaking of Tyre, a city that turned from the Lord and was considered a prostitute and lived without God for 70 years.  This verse is calling them to turn back to God that they may be remembered.

Could it be that Buffalo too, turned from God and had to live a time without Him, but now our Merciful Lord is raising up a people to sing to Him once more that she may not be forgotten?  I cannot help but believe that the 2 major events that called people to God this past year will have a major impact on our region.  I pray for all the people that came to Rock the Lakes and Good Friday Together, and all other believers.  Pray with me that they would all hear a deeper call to live the life of a follower of Christ and make a difference in the world around them.  If this was to happen, the Body of Christ could make a difference in our region.  We could rise up in love and take back that which has been taken from us.  We could be a region set apart for God, living under His covering, seeking His face and walking in His ways.  We then, would be a light for the nation and the world to see.

I encourage you to live a life that brings glory to God.  Sing your songs and play your instruments that our region would be remembered.

Activated

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

Acts 1:8

When the Holy Spirit came upon the Apostles in the book of Acts, they were ACTIVATED.  I believe this is the word for this week.  That we as believers and the church as a whole would be activated, but more, that the prayers that we have prayed up until now and the men that we have been praying for would be ACTIVATED.  Activated to seek God more completely.  Activated to go forth and do His will.  Activated to make a difference for eternity.  Activated to believe and do good to others.  "For faith that is not activated by good deeds is dead". (James 2:17 paraphrased by me). 

Let us go forth and show the world the difference between what they believe and what it is to truly follow Christ.  Pray also, that spirits of the men of WNY would be activated to believe and follow Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

"for the LORD will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard."

Isaiah 52:12

As we complete the 3rd week of fasting for the men of WNY, we once again look to Isaiah 52:12 and ask our Lord to not only complete the good work He has begun here, but also to solidify that which has already taken place in the spirit and in the natural. 

Lord, you have gone before us, as you always do, and we ask that you continue to guard that which we have completed in Your Name.  Thank you for all that you have done in and through us this week and in the prior weeks.  We thank you for your faithfulness, grace and mercy.  Jesus you are holy and worthy of all honor and praise and so we submit ourselves to you today asking that you would show us more of you, more of your heart and desires that we may line our lives and hearts up with yours to make an eternal difference in this life.

As we move into Week 4 of our 30 day fast I encourage you to pray for the following:

That God would continue His work in this season, and that Satan would not steal that which God has planted and begun. That God would be our rear guard as we move into the next thing that He has for us and that we, as the women He has used would be able to continue touching those he puts in our paths.

Of course, pray as the Lord leads you individually. 

In Rich Blessings-
Amen

Righteousness for Evil

"Seek the Lord while He may be found; call on Him while He is near, let the wicked forsake his ways and the evil man his thoughts.  Let him turn to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him, and to our God, for He will freely pardon. 

You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.  Instead of the thorn bush will grow the pine tree, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow.  This will be for the Lord's renown, for an everlasting sign, which will not be destroyed."

Isaiah 54: 6-7, 12-13


Seek the Lord today, follow Him and do His will.  He is near to us today, waiting for us to call out to Him. Pray that He would bless Buffalo in this way.  That instead of hatred, poverty and corruption, righteousness, love and forgiveness would grow.  That we would be an everlasting sign to the nations of God's great love, mercy, and power.  Praise the Lord with all you have.  Follow Him wherever He may lead.  Forgive those who have wronged you and pray for their good.  Show the world how to live God's way- they will know we are Christians by our love!

Pray also for the wicked that they would forsake their evil thoughts for the Lord and His ways which lead to everlasting life.  That the trap they are caught in would crumble and they would see the truth.  Pray for those with hardened hearts and whose eyes and ears are shut.  Pray for those that you have never prayed for before.  Begin to bless them and ask God to work in His way. For our fight is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers of darkness (Eph. 6:12).  Therefore holding grudges and harboring anger for their works will not help anything. We need to pray that God's will would be done in their lives also, and that the evil would be stopped so that goodness and righteousness can prevail.

Pray Isaiah 54

"Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes.  For you will spread out to he right and to the left; your descendants will dispossess nations and settle in their desolate cities."

Isaiah 54: 2-3

As we pray and continue our fast for the men of WNY I believe we should be asking for more. God does not expand with addition, He expands with multiplication.  I believe after we have humbled ourselves, cleansed ourselves with the help of the Holy Spirit, we need to ask with total faith for great and mighty things.  Things that could only be done by our Lord.  That when they are done none of us can take credit, but all we can do it give all the glory to Him that others would see the truth and believe also. 

Isaiah 54 (click here to read) continues on with many blessings of protection and prosperity for those who belong to the Lord our God.  I encourage you to read it and pray these blessings over WNY for the duration of our fast and beyond, until the Lord sees fit to bring it forth in a corporate manner over our region.

All praise and glory be to Jesus our King!!

His Way...Not Ours....

"He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth."

Isaiah 53:7

Here Isaiah is prophesying about the coming King Jesus.  We all know how the story played out- Jesus was silent while he was beaten and killed for our transgressions.  Yet He had the last word and won the war doing it God's way!

What God impressed upon my heart this morning is how differently Jesus handled being wronged than how we do.  We get all up in arms and cause a stink when we are wronged.  We let everyone around us know- even if it was a simple misunderstanding.  We carry on when we need to be letting go. 

I believe God would have us seek Him before we speak and if we are wronged, then give it to Him,  ask Him what He would have us do with that wrong, follow His leading, and forgive.  "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," (Isaiah 55:8) and we are "not to take revenge... but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord" (Romans 12:19). 

Although this goes against our human desire, and cultural norms, it is always better to allow God to work and not get in His way.  When He handles situations for you, He has your best interest in mind and He knows exactly what everyone involved needs.  We are called to "bless those who curse (us), pray for those who mistreat (us)" (Luke 6:28) for we are not of this world but just passing through.

Follow Him with a pure Heart

²⁰ My son, keep your father’s command and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. Bind them always on your heart; fasten them around your neck. When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you.  For this command is a lamp, this teaching is a light, and correction and instruction are the way to life, keeping you from your neighbor’s wife, from the smooth talk of a wayward woman.

   Do not lust in your heart after her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes.
   For a prostitute can be had for a loaf of bread, but another man’s wife preys on your very life.
Prov. 6:20-26
Follow me says the Lord.  Move on from seeking my face and begin to do my will.  You are not saved through your actions, however you engage in acts of righteousness because you are saved.  Therefore, I say to you:  Yes you are right to seek my face, and to rest in me.  Now I want you to hear my voice and do what I ask of you.  Be willing to lay your own life down that you may live the Christian life and touch the hearts of others for the Kingdom.  In this way you will glorify my name and affect eternity.  Let no unrighteous thought, word or deed enter your mind or come forth from you.  Ask the Holy Spirit to help you examine your heart that you may know where you fall short and then we can work together to clean those areas and begin fresh.

We are the bride and Jesus is the bridegroom.  He desires a pure and spotless bride.  Therefore, anything that sets itself up against our spiritual husband or takes too much of our time away from Him may be considered an idol, or can be likened to an adulterous relationship.  Therefore, put the Lord first, guard your heart and mind of what you allow in (what you watch and listen to), and follow Him that you may be married to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the perfect husband in every way. 

"Let it Start with Me"

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere--in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
Acts 1:8

"If you cling to your life, you will lose it, and if you let your life go, you will save it."
Luke 17:33

What does it mean to ask for God to bring change and improvement?  It means that we are asking Him to change the world around us and we sometimes forget that He uses us to do it.  Therefore, the real question should actually be-"God, what can You do through me to change the world around me?" 

We are the hands and feet of the Lord.  Therefore, we need to be willing to sacrifice to see His purposes go forth in the world.  This is the only way we can affect eternity and leave a lasting, worthwhile legacy for those that will come after us.

Lets get real- what do you really mean when you pray?  God send someone else to change the world because I'm all good in my little circle- or are you willing to change your lifestyle according to what God desires of you?  Are you willing to cast down all doubt, fear and everyother negative thought that sets itself up against the Word of the Lord and go forth in holy, spiritual battle for Him, loving those that seem unlovable and ultimately changing the world?  We all want to say yes, but I pray that this week as you seek the Lord for others, you would also ask Him to show you His heart, and His desire for your own life and them ask Him for strength that you would be able to go out and affect eternity for His Glory. 

Listen to the song "Let it Start with Me" to the right

Forgiveness in the Face of Betrayal

"I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me...  Friend, do what you came for."

Matthew 26: 21, 50

Jesus said these words to Judas Iscariot at the last supper and in the Garden just before he was taken.   We often look at the consequences of Judas' actions, however there is not much focus put upon Judas as a person.  Why would he do such a thing?  Judas betrayed Jesus after spending 3 years with Him.  Jesus knew all along that Judas would betray Him, yet he chose to befriend and disciple him.  I am sure that Jesus immediately forgave Judas his sin, even though He did not take away the consequences.   I also believe that Jesus continued to pray for Judas and intercede for him to His Father in Heaven- because that was the character of Jesus.

Now let us examine the difference in the works of these 2 men. 
Jesus- holy, pure, (perfect), consumed with unconditional love, forgiver, unselfish giver, etc.
Judas- betrayer, liar, focused on the thing of this world to the point of incredible selfishness.

I believe that God is saying that in the face of our corrupt political establishments, breakdown of family and individual shortcomings, we need to be more like Jesus and show love, forgiveness and seek the face of the Lord for wisdom.  Note that Jesus did not take away the consequences of Judas' actions- however at the point in which Judas brought the soldiers to "capture" Jesus, Jesus called him friend.  This shows that Jesus was able to forgive even in the face of such intense betrayal. 

This does not make sense to us in our American culture.  We want justice, and all that is right- even as we are sinners ourselves.  God died for us while we were still in that dark, sinful state.  What better way to show this than through Judas.  How different are we really? 

With the help of the Holy Spirit, let us examine ourselves, our shortcomings in character and in deed.  Help us to ask forgiveness, forgive others and pray for one another and for ourselves just as Jesus did.  I believe that we must first be made clean, taking responsibility for our actions and changing our sinful ways before we can effectively do this for others.  This is because we can forgive because He first forgave us, just as we can love because He first loved us. 

As we move into the 3rd week of our prayer and fasting, let us seek the Lord for the forgiveness of politicians and others around us, specifically the men in positions of leadership- (country, job, community, homes, or even just of themselves)- that they would begin to have their eyes opened and seek the Lord for all they need.  Pray as the Spirit moves you in this time.

Prayer for Protection

The LORD will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard. Isaiah 52:12 As we complete our 2nd week of fasting for the men of WNY, I encourage you to pray that God would guard that which He has begun in the spirit.  That we would see the fruit of our labor and that His plans would come to pass.  As we begin the 3rd week of fasting, we will focus on Godly leadership in all areas, from the top down, and the bottom up.  Every man that has been created has a leadership role, no matter how small- even if it is only for his own family- or as a model to those around him.  We have prayed for individual healing and forgiveness and for hearts turned toward the Lord.  We have also prayed for families to be healed and restored.  Next we will pray for leadership that we would walk down the paths that God has outlined for us.  That fathers would rise up and become the spiritual leaders of their homes and for those that already are walking in that role, that they would have new revelation and fresh oil poured out upon them.  We ask these things boldly and with all faith that He who is able and who began this good work will be faithful to complete it. Ladies- thank you for your commitment to our men.  Continue seeking the Lord in fasting and prayer.  Be encouraged that your faith, works and prayers make a difference. To God be all the Glory

Connecting with Him

"Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world."

James 4:8

"Seek the LORD while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near."

Isaiah 55:6

I believe that the Lord is desiring us to draw nearer to Him.  I feel an intense desire to be with Him and feel his presence in my daily life.  As we move through this fast it is becoming even stronger.
I wonder if you are feeling the same?  Please post and share how things are going for you this month, whether you are fasting with us or not.

Seek the Lord, Draw near to Him.  He desires your heart.

-Set aside time that is specifically for Him (morning is best).
-Purpose to focus on Him in this time.
-Journal regularly- I write letters to the Lord because otherwise sometimes I feel like I am just writing to write. 
-Gather worship music that touches you- it will help you praise and worship.  Some of my favorites are in the list to the right.
-Pray for that which is on your heart.
-Make a commitment to follow through even when it is difficult and inconvenient.
-Be open to the work of the Holy Spirit.

If you are going to begin spending time with the Lord for the first time in a structured way- it may be a struggle to get started, but if you continue, it will become the most precious time of your day. 

Trust me, its worth it.  Spending time with God, and getting your mind focused on what is right, true and holy before you are inundated with the information and stresses of our culture makes a world of difference in what you will be able to accomplish for God.

Seek the Lord and Love Him with all your Heart

But if from there (wilderness) you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul.

Deut. 4:29

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind.

Luke10:27

Today seek to love the Lord with all of your being.  Do not despise His ways, but allow Him to teach you as you walk through the steps of your life here on Earth.  Allow yourself to be forgiven and when you fall, get back up.  The Lord is good and His mercies are new every morning, and his love endures forever (lam 3:22,  psalm100:5). 

Do not allow any idol in your life.  Ask the Lord to cleanse you from all unrighteousness and seek to be holy as He is holy.  Pray for those around you, bless those who curse you and live an upright life shining the light of Jesus everywhere you go.

Salt, Light, Love

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:34-35 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:13-16 We can only love one another the way Jesus loved us if we know him first.  In this knowing we must seek Him daily and draw near to Him that He can help us to understand how He loved us.  In this way we can turn and love the world around us.  How can we touch a hurting world without love? What is love? It is putting the needs of others above your own. We are praying for fathers and families this week.  Malachi 4:6- Fathers and children turning toward each other.  If we go into the world and have not love how will we be able to impact those around us to love or to even want to know Jesus and receive the free gift of grace and forgiveness? Seek the Lord today, commune with Him in His sweet love and take that Love into the world that is hurting and looking for something of substance.

Cleansing in Love

"...For your sake I will send to Babylon and bring down as fugitives all the Babylonians in the ships in which they took pride.  I am the Lord, you Holy One, Israel's Creator, your King."

Isaiah 43:14

As we pray let us petition God for the casting down of all spirits that set themselves up against the power of the Lord.  Let no unclean thing pass by you without prayer for cleanliness and holiness to prevail.  Seek the Lord today in your quiet time and ask Him exactly what He would have you pray for as you go out today.  Then go forth in obedience to Him and His word.  Do not be deceived by that which appears to be like the Lord, but ask for wisdom, discernment and a deep rooted knowledge of Him that you would not be deceived yourself.  Jesus said "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me." (John 10:27). 

Today, if you are one of His precious sheep, listen for His voice, take hold of the deep things of our faith and go forward in the victory that has been bought for you.  Stand firm and pray that our region would be cleansed and renewed by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Show His love to all those you come in contact with.

Today, if you are not yet a believer, and you are feeling a pulling on your heart to get to know Him more, or become a follower of Jesus, ask Him to enter your heart.  Pray a simple prayer along the lines of: "Jesus, I know I am a sinner and I ask your forgiveness.  Please come into my heart and live within me.  I desire to follow you and be a child of yours.  I believe in you Jesus."  Then get connected with other believers.  You can leave a message on this blog and I will make sure you are able to find a church in your area that preaches the word of God.  Welcome to the family!

Pray for the families in WNY

Day and night they never stop saying:

“‘Holy, holy, holy
is the Lord God Almighty,’^[b]
who was, and is, and is to come.”

⁹ Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, ¹⁰ the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say:

¹¹ “You are worthy, our Lord and God,
to receive glory and honor and power,
for you created all things,
and by your will they were created
and have their being.”

 

Revelation 4:8-11

 

 

As we move into the 2nd week of our fast, let us begin with praise and honor for our Great God who sits upon the throne of Heaven overlooking the Earth and loving His creations.  He has a father's heart, which desires to touch us, heal us, protect us and prosper us.  Let us seek Him this week for Malachi 4:6;  That He would turn the hearts of the fathers to the children and the hearts of the children to the fathers here in WNY. 

 

We have a God that is able to do great and mighty things, therefore we ask not for a few families, or just for those people that we know to be touched.  We ask for our whole region, believing in faith that He desires this and He is able to do it.  The victory is won, the enemy has to flee, but He does not send him out all at once, as we, in our humanness, would not be able to handle it.  He works gently, lovingly and in time that we can handle. 

 

Lord, I ask for a changing and a renewing of the minds and hearts of fathers across our region.  I pray that you would open their eyes and ears that they would see and hear that which you have for them.  I pray that the hurts they are holding onto would be penetrated by you and your love, that they would be able to be the men,and fathers that they were created to be.  I pray that they would feel your love and begin to submit to you.  I pray that any fathers that are estranged from their families would feel a pulling on their hearts to begin the process of forgiveness and redemption and for fathers that are walking with their families, that you would strengthen them, give them a renewed heart and mind in this time that they would be able to support those around them. Lord, renew our region through forgiveness, love and the family and do it in a way that glorifies your Holy Name. 

 

Jesus, we trust in you for the renewing and rebuilding of the family unit here in WNY.  Praise God always.  Amen

"But you will not leave in haste or go in flight; for the LORD will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard."

Isaiah 52:12

As we complete the first week of the fast for the men of our region, let us thank God that when He is bringing a new thing He goes before us, and He is our rear guard.  We do not have to do anything in haste, wondering if it is right, but seek the Lord in all things and obey and He will bless the work of our hands and protect the spiritual changes He has brought about. 

Lord, as we go forward, protect that which has already been done in Your Name and cast away all things that set themselves up against you.  We ask for continued blessings and strength in this fast and in our lives as we continue to seek you for the blessing and breakthrough of the men of our region. 

In Jesus Mighty, Matchless Name We Pray, Amen

Believe

"See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.  We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first...

Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you (Israel*) did in the rebellion"

Hebrews 3:12-15
*my addition


Ask the Lord for a gentle spirit, that you may hear him Today.  This verse states that when we stop listening to God's word, we will be hardened by sin's deceitfulness and become rebellious.  This will not bring forth the glory of God nor the blessings of God for us, our families, or our region.  Therefore, let us seek the Lord first, ask Him to tune our ears to His still small voice and learn to obey that which He desires for us to do.  His ways are always good, and He is always love.  Therefore we have no need to worry if we are living according to His will.  Begin to give thanks to the Lord for He is good, His mercy endures forever.  Psalm 118:1 

You may want to begin with forgiveness.  Examine your heart, who do you need to forgive?  God?  Yourself? Others?  Unforgiveness is like a wall that blocks God out and keeps the hurt in.  The truth is that unforgiveness primarily hurts yourself.  There are many medical issues that come from unforgiveness, on top of the spiritual issues.  Forgiveness does not mean that we allow others to hurt us any longer, or that we need to put ourselves in that same situation again.  However, it means that we let go of the pain and allow God to work in our lives for the good.

Pray also, for those around you to let go of their unforgiveness.  Sometimes we hold onto our hurt like a security blanket, but God says- let it go.  He has much bigger and better things in store for us that hurt and pain.

Who you were Created to Be

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Ephesians 2:10

Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgement, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.  Just as each of us has one body with many members and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we are many who form one body, and each member belong to all the others.  We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.

Romans 12:3-6

God has given us each a role to play therefore do not try to be mirror images of the people around you.  Seek Him for who He created you to be and then follow Him with gladness because He uses all types of people.  Celebrate the differences of those around you, ask the Lord to bless them.  Do not hinder their walk because God created them just the way they are.  Lift them up in love, speak what is helpful and true, and work in communion together for the greater good.  One gift is not better or worse than another- that is fallen human thinking.  God gave each gift according to the plans He has for each person, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. (Jer 29:11).


Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6

Listen to the song "City on a Hill" by Casting Crowns- that is what I am praying our city will become once again.

Encouraging Words

New International Version (©2011) Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. New Living Translation (©2007) Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. English Standard Version (©2001) Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4:29 (Taken from BibleSuite online) What proceeds from your mouth?  Is it righteous, grace filled truth, meant for building others up?  Is it hurtful, dishonest or selfish? Is it a mix of both?  I would guess that most of us, as fallen human beings, speak a mixture of helpful and hurtful words to each other. If you are at all like me you may tend allow the situation you are in dictate the words that come forth from your mouth.  This however, is not what Jesus said to do.  He wants us to choose beforehand to say things that are good and helpful to others.  He did not say- speak only that which makes them happy.  Sometimes we have to say things that are true, but do not make others happy.  We all sometimes need to hear things that are difficult to handle, but are helpful for building our character and well being.  This is why we seek the Lord first. How do you know what to say and what not to say?  Prayer and unity with God is of utmost importance. For, if any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. (James 1:5).  You can read all about wisdom through the book of Proverbs. How can we live in love and unity with each other - giving glory to God and shining our light to a broken world if we are not focused on helping each other, and building one another up?  It is impossible because we will be causing division among ourselves and showing the world that we are no different than them.  Therefore, my challenge today is to begin asking God for wisdom in this area of your life.  Ask Him to show you where you are strong, and where you need to grow.  Then repent for your sinful speech, and begin to turn it around for God's glory.  Ask Him what to say and when to say it. I have found that making a conscious choice to act in a certain way decreases the chances that I will "go my own way".   Spend time with Him each day and learn to hear His still small voice if you do not know it.  Allow Him to do a new work in you and finally, focus on speaking that which is helpful for building each other up.  You may be the only one who changes around you, but the change has to start somewhere.  Finally, praise the Lord for small victories.  Give Him the glory, for when you will do the little, he does the big.  He is faithful always.

Unity

"How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!  It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down the beard, running down on Aaron's beard, down upon the collar of his robes.  It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion.

For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore"

Psalm 133

"Your bodies are members of Christ himself...He that is joined unto the Lord is one with him in spirit"

1 Cor.15, 17

God loves unity.  God IS unity.  He desires that his people would dwell together in unity- not uniformity- seeking His face and doing His will.  Look back at all the apostles were able to accomplish through Him, while living in unity with each other, in the book of Acts.  Jesus said that we would do even greater works than He did with the Holy Spirit.  Why are we not living in this way today?

Many things around us are not appearing good.  There is much sin, corruption, and talk of the end of the world.  Where should we, as children of the Most High God be putting our attention?  On Him.  We should be focusing upon Him, living in unity with each other and doing that which He calls us to do.  That is not to say that if we do these things we will not struggle.  No, we will struggle because difficulties and struggles are what God uses to perfect our fallen bodies.  Therefore, as Paul said, count it all joy because you are leaning and becoming more like God through those times, if you will allow it.

How do we live in unity?  I believe it starts with prayer, an open heart, and a willingness to obey.  Pray for those around you and that your own heart would be softened in the areas in which God sees necessary.  Be willing to step out and allow God's work, let the Holy Spirit touch you and then step out and do that which He asks you to do. 

I pray today that we would all begin to feel a stirring in our hearts and then obey that which God is asking of us that we may begin to live together in unity with other believers, working together for the Glory of God our Father in Heaven.

Spring Cleaning

"Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary?  Who may live on your holy hill?

He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellow man, who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the Lord, who keeps his oath even when it hurts, who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent. 

He who does these things will never be shaken."

Psalm 15

As I was doing some spring cleaning yesterday I could not help but think that God wants to do some "spring cleaning" in our hearts and minds.  If this psalm is true (which the whole Bible is), then we as humans are a long way from being able to dwell in the sanctuary of the Lord, but Jesus.  After we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior we are redeemed (set apart for God) and cleansed (forgiven all of our sins).  This means that although we are not able to fulfill these requirements on our own, we can trust in the Holy Spirit to lead us and try to live a blameless life according to the principles that Jesus taught. 

When we fail, because we will fail, we ask for forgiveness, forgive our selves and get back up.  We cannot allow the voices in our heads to keep us down.  We keep our eyes set on Jesus.  He is our maker and the only one that will never let us down.

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Heb. 12:1-2

As you go forward today, pray for God to cleanse you of all that pulls you away from Him and ask Him to draw you nearer to Him that you may hear Him clearer and shine His light brighter to those around you. 

Pray also that the men of WNY would hear His voice, turn from their sin (which we all have becasue we are fallen) and allow the God of gods and the King of kings, the One true Living God to touch them, giving restoration, forgiveness, and peace to their souls.  That they would follow Him and in turn lead those around them to Him as we seek a new touch and a new thing from God in our region. 

As pastors Al and Debbie Warner say..."We are better together!!!"

Praise be to Almighty Jesus

Seek First the Lord

"But godliness with contentment is great fain. For we brought nothing into the world and we can take nothing out of it.  But if we have food and clothing we will be content with that...Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.  Fight the good fight of the faith.  Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession..."

1 Timothy 6:6-8, 11-12

Today let us put our eyes upon Jesus that He would help us to focus upon Him, seek Him first and allow Him to give us all that we need.  When we seek and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith , love, endurance and gentleness we are seeking God's character.  When we have God's character we do not have to respond to our struggles and difficulties the way the world does and when we respond according to God's wisdom we shine the light of Jesus out of our very beings.

Therefore, every day "seek the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding"  (Prov. 3:5)  that you would be a beacon of light to those around you. Changing the world with every move you make.  You never know who your words and actions will touch or how Jesus will use them.  Let everything you do be done for Him who gives eternal life and loves you beyond all comprehension.


Ladies-

As we begin our fast together, let us pray for spiritual breakthroughs for the men of our region.  If you are reading this from an area other than WNY, please join in praying for your region also.  God is so good and faithful. 

I am sharing a loose guide to help us focus our fasting and prayer.  Please pray as God leads you individually.

Week 1-
Spiritual breakthroughs touching the men in all walks of life.  A renewed, refreshed, or new desire to seek the Lord.  Pray also for forgiveness in all areas, between all necessary parties, and an ability to forgive themselves for any outstanding issues that would hold them back.

Week 2-
Restoration for families all over our region.  Husbands turning to wives, wives turning to husbands, fathers to children and children to fathers.  That the family unit would be restored.

Week 3-
Godly leadership. That men in leadership from the top down and the bottom up would begin with wisdom from on high and make decisions that would honor God and move the population in the right directions.  Let this include politicians, pastors, teachers, fathers, sons, brothers, and individuals who believe that their works do not impact anyone.

Week 4-
That God would continue His work in this season, and that Satan would not steal that which God has planted and begun.  That God would be our rear guard as we move into the next thing that He has for us and that we, as the women He has used would be able to continue touching those he puts in our paths.

This is simply a rough guide to help us as we move forward in that which God is asking us to do.  Thank you for your commitment to the Lord.  I feel a great excitement as we begin and I cannot wait to see what God is going to do as we walk down this journey. 

Praise be to God, our Holy King