Happy Resurrection Weekend! Jesus Has Risen!
Prayer For America
By Asher Intrater
Israeli press briefly covered the story of Barak Obama's pastor, Jeremiah Wright of Trinity United Church of Christ, preaching a sermon in which he repeatedly shouted, "God damn America, God damn America!" (There is no word in Hebrew for "damn" and the statement had to be translated as "God curse America".)
It is not my purpose in this article to deal with the political implications of his connections with Obama, nor with the theological issues of "liberation theology," nor even from the question of Obama's personal faith as he openly professed that he "found Christ" in that church. I would like to approach it from a perspective of prayer: the need for us to be PRAYING FOR America.
The Jewish people were commanded to pray FOR the nation of Babel (Iraq) when they lived there in exile in the 6th century BC Jeremiah 29. All Christians are called to pray FOR those in authority I Timothy 2.
Jeremiah 29:7 Seek the peace of the city where I have caused you be carried away captive, and pray to the Lord for it: for in its peace you will have peace.
No doubt it was difficult for the Israelites in Babel to pray for the nation they felt had abused them. Yet in their generation, Babel was the world leader, just as America is the world leader today. Although it seemed to them paradoxical, praying for Babel‘s well being would result in their well being. So today, America‘s well-being is still beneficial for most Christians, Jews, and suppressed peoples around the world.
It is easy to feel resentful against America, even for those who live there. The entertainment industry has spread sexual immorality and licentiousness; the people are often over fed, comfort worshiping, and self indulgent. And yet, would you really want a world without America?
America is the only nation that has made a clear stance against Islamic Jihad. It is the only nation that has consistently supported Israel in the U.N. It is the nation which has produced most of the biblical and faith based literature that is available. It is the nation with the best form of elections, court systems, and law making in the world. (On Friday, Iran held national elections in which all of the candidates who stood for reform against Ahmadinejad‘s regime were disqualified before the voting began.). America guarantees civil rights and freedom of religious expression more than any nation.
Over the last six months the U.S. dollar has fallen almost 25% on the international market. The majority of Christian charitable organizations, as well as evangelistic missions, receive their financing through the dollar. That means this year all those ministries have effectively lost 25% of their support base.
While most true believers in Yeshua (Jesus) would never voice such harsh statements as Reverend Wright, the spirit of revenge and resentment against America has had a subtle influence on many. Much so called "prayer" or "prophecies" concerning America have been nothing more than complaining and accusations before the throne of God. The result has been an inadvertent cursing of the nation and its leadership. Others have had their prayers simply neutralized, figuring it is just best not to pray for America at all.
I believe it is urgent to pray for America right now. Here are a few key pointers:
1. Moral repentance May there be a sweep of revival across America, resulting in a sincere turning to God, integrity in government and business, a breaking of the spirits of Jezebel, rebellion and lust, a flourishing of true communities of faith.
2. Politics May godly and righteous people be elected for the presidency, the Congress, the Senate, governors, mayors and judgeships in this year‘s election in November 2008. May President Bush have an effective and fruitful last year in office.
3. Economy May the dollar stabilize and rise again on the international market, and may all the charitable and missionary organizations have their budgets met. May godly men and women arise to prosper in the business world.
4. Military May there be a clear victory in Iraq, with the international terrorist forces being broken and scattered, with a stable and just government coalition of local Iraqis arising to run the country, and with the return of American troops. (And I personally would hope for Bin Laden to be captured or removed approximately 60 days before the elections in America.)
5. Israel May the U.S. continue to be a loyal friend to Israel in these End Times. (The Israeli papers were quick to note that Wright‘s "damning" of America was partially connected to America‘s support of the State of Israel.)
Note: President Bush and other world leaders will be in Jerusalem for the celebration of Israel‘s 60th anniversary at the same time as the Global Day of Prayer and "The Call, Jerusalem" scheduled for May 11. (In fact, they will be meeting immediately after us in the same auditorium at the Jerusalem Convention Center.) Perhaps you should plan to come take part in this sacred assembly, or at least take the day to fast and pray together with us.
www.revive-israel.org
http://frangipane.org/
Israeli press briefly covered the story of Barak Obama's pastor, Jeremiah Wright of Trinity United Church of Christ, preaching a sermon in which he repeatedly shouted, "God damn America, God damn America!" (There is no word in Hebrew for "damn" and the statement had to be translated as "God curse America".)
It is not my purpose in this article to deal with the political implications of his connections with Obama, nor with the theological issues of "liberation theology," nor even from the question of Obama's personal faith as he openly professed that he "found Christ" in that church. I would like to approach it from a perspective of prayer: the need for us to be PRAYING FOR America.
The Jewish people were commanded to pray FOR the nation of Babel (Iraq) when they lived there in exile in the 6th century BC Jeremiah 29. All Christians are called to pray FOR those in authority I Timothy 2.
Jeremiah 29:7 Seek the peace of the city where I have caused you be carried away captive, and pray to the Lord for it: for in its peace you will have peace.
No doubt it was difficult for the Israelites in Babel to pray for the nation they felt had abused them. Yet in their generation, Babel was the world leader, just as America is the world leader today. Although it seemed to them paradoxical, praying for Babel‘s well being would result in their well being. So today, America‘s well-being is still beneficial for most Christians, Jews, and suppressed peoples around the world.
It is easy to feel resentful against America, even for those who live there. The entertainment industry has spread sexual immorality and licentiousness; the people are often over fed, comfort worshiping, and self indulgent. And yet, would you really want a world without America?
America is the only nation that has made a clear stance against Islamic Jihad. It is the only nation that has consistently supported Israel in the U.N. It is the nation which has produced most of the biblical and faith based literature that is available. It is the nation with the best form of elections, court systems, and law making in the world. (On Friday, Iran held national elections in which all of the candidates who stood for reform against Ahmadinejad‘s regime were disqualified before the voting began.). America guarantees civil rights and freedom of religious expression more than any nation.
Over the last six months the U.S. dollar has fallen almost 25% on the international market. The majority of Christian charitable organizations, as well as evangelistic missions, receive their financing through the dollar. That means this year all those ministries have effectively lost 25% of their support base.
While most true believers in Yeshua (Jesus) would never voice such harsh statements as Reverend Wright, the spirit of revenge and resentment against America has had a subtle influence on many. Much so called "prayer" or "prophecies" concerning America have been nothing more than complaining and accusations before the throne of God. The result has been an inadvertent cursing of the nation and its leadership. Others have had their prayers simply neutralized, figuring it is just best not to pray for America at all.
I believe it is urgent to pray for America right now. Here are a few key pointers:
1. Moral repentance May there be a sweep of revival across America, resulting in a sincere turning to God, integrity in government and business, a breaking of the spirits of Jezebel, rebellion and lust, a flourishing of true communities of faith.
2. Politics May godly and righteous people be elected for the presidency, the Congress, the Senate, governors, mayors and judgeships in this year‘s election in November 2008. May President Bush have an effective and fruitful last year in office.
3. Economy May the dollar stabilize and rise again on the international market, and may all the charitable and missionary organizations have their budgets met. May godly men and women arise to prosper in the business world.
4. Military May there be a clear victory in Iraq, with the international terrorist forces being broken and scattered, with a stable and just government coalition of local Iraqis arising to run the country, and with the return of American troops. (And I personally would hope for Bin Laden to be captured or removed approximately 60 days before the elections in America.)
5. Israel May the U.S. continue to be a loyal friend to Israel in these End Times. (The Israeli papers were quick to note that Wright‘s "damning" of America was partially connected to America‘s support of the State of Israel.)
Note: President Bush and other world leaders will be in Jerusalem for the celebration of Israel‘s 60th anniversary at the same time as the Global Day of Prayer and "The Call, Jerusalem" scheduled for May 11. (In fact, they will be meeting immediately after us in the same auditorium at the Jerusalem Convention Center.) Perhaps you should plan to come take part in this sacred assembly, or at least take the day to fast and pray together with us.
www.revive-israel.org
http://frangipane.org/
Emergency Prayer Sri Lanka
GFA Bible College Comes Under Attack
Sri Lanka
Militants attacked 10 students from Gospel for Asia's Sri Lanka Bible College March 2 and are now campaigning to have the Bible College shut down.
The students were on their way to Sunday worship service at a GFA-related church when the attackers ambushed them, covered their faces and beat them up. They dragged one of the students into a van, where the radicals trampled and kicked him.
All of the students were admitted to the hospital for treatment. GFA leaders in Sri Lanka filed complaints with the police, which are cooperating in the investigation.
The militants are now distributing leaflets in the area around the Bible College, asking others to join them in their protest of the college with the eventual goal of closing the school.
GFA leaders in Sri Lanka ask for prayer that the militants' scheme would be unsuccessful and that the militants themselves will choose to follow Jesus. The leaders also ask for prayer for the students who were attacked, that their wounds will heal quickly and that they will continue to stand firm in their faith.
Yours for the unreached,
K.P. Yohannan Founder & President
http://www.gfa.org/gfa-bible-college-comes-under-attack
Sri Lanka
Militants attacked 10 students from Gospel for Asia's Sri Lanka Bible College March 2 and are now campaigning to have the Bible College shut down.
The students were on their way to Sunday worship service at a GFA-related church when the attackers ambushed them, covered their faces and beat them up. They dragged one of the students into a van, where the radicals trampled and kicked him.
All of the students were admitted to the hospital for treatment. GFA leaders in Sri Lanka filed complaints with the police, which are cooperating in the investigation.
The militants are now distributing leaflets in the area around the Bible College, asking others to join them in their protest of the college with the eventual goal of closing the school.
GFA leaders in Sri Lanka ask for prayer that the militants' scheme would be unsuccessful and that the militants themselves will choose to follow Jesus. The leaders also ask for prayer for the students who were attacked, that their wounds will heal quickly and that they will continue to stand firm in their faith.
Yours for the unreached,
K.P. Yohannan Founder & President
http://www.gfa.org/gfa-bible-college-comes-under-attack
Free From Condemnation Through Christ
If you are struggling with your identity in Christ. I encourage you to meditate on these scriptures, and speak them out loud. This is who God says you are according to His Word.
Romans 8:1–2 I am free from condemnation.
Romans 8:28 I am assured that God works for my good in all circumstances.
Romans 8:31–39 I am free from any condemnation brought against me and I cannot be separated from the love of God.
2 Corinthians 1:21–22 I have been established, anointed and sealed by God.
Colossians 3:1–4 I am hidden with Christ in God.
Philippians 1:6 I am confident that God will complete the good work He started in me.
Philippians 3:20 I am a citizen of heaven.
2 Timothy 1:7 I have not been given a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind.
1 John 5:18 I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me.
Blessings in Christ.
Faith Producing Seed
I just want to encourage you to daily read the word of God, and to listen to those anointed to preach and teach the word of God. Your faith will be increased and that's because the word of God is like faith producing seed.
Hbr 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Rom 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Blessings and may your faith arise.
The Potters House
I just have to share this ministry with you. It is a blessing from God. I can't even begin to share the depth of this ministry and the anointing that is upon it. However I encourage you to visit the ministry site, spend some time reading it over, and decide for yourself. You will be richly blessed.
Master Potter Ministries
http://www.masterpotter.com
Christ The Mediator
Here is a quick but profound scriptural study about Christ the mediator.
In virtue of his atonement Eph 2:13-18; Hbr 9:15; 12:24
The only one between God and man 1Ti 2:5
Of the gospel covenant Hbr 8:6; 12:24
Typified Moses
Deu 5:5; Gal 3:19
Aaron Num 16:48
Here's a great study on Christ, the King, at Kingdom Rain
http://kingdomrain.lifewithchrist.org/permalink/38075.html
The Latest Christian News
Keep up on the latest updates and topics of interest. This is a really awesome web site filled with lots of information, articles, and the latest happenings around the world. It amazes me what one can learn and come to realize by just spending some time at this site.
A Awesome Ministry
We all have our favorites and there truly are some awesome ministries within the body of Christ. The following ministry site is for IHOP. This is truly what I call a spirit led blessed of God ministry in motion.
I have had the awesome privilege of hearing Mike Bickle and many of the gang from IHOP preach before at conferences and the ministry is simply awesome and moving. So if you have never heard of IHOP or visited the IHOP ministry site. I encourage you to check it out and spend some time reading over the site, the teachings and all that God has been and continues to do through IHOP. You will be blessed.
The International House of Prayer
http://www.ihop.org
Blessings in Christ
In His Glorious Name Ministries Online
http://inhisgloriousnameministriesonline.blogspot.com
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