GOOD NEWS FOR GOD’S MEN

January 27, 2012

HIS WORD FOR TODAY:

Leave no soul unturned in 2012!

Matthew 9.13

“But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

REFLECTING IN HIS WORD:

A rather poignant statement in Jesus’ day to those who were a part of the ruling elite in and around the temple. The economy of the temple was based far more on the buying and selling practices of the vendors in the temple square than the mercy and forgiveness ministry before the Judgment Seat. Jesus would overturn the tables on which the bankers’ wares were found as money was exchanged (temple tax included, of course) so that the appropriate and designated sacrifice could be purchased (at a very “reasonable” price, no discount included but side contributions were welcomed). In the eyes of these, mercy and forgiveness were a means to an end of their poverty made conditional on how much are you willing to pay. But, in the eyes of Jesus, mercy and forgiveness were matters of the heart and soul. Jesus took mercy personally and forgiveness interpersonally. So, the business of God’s mighty men was not, and is not, to demand sacrifice of another’s means in order to share the measure of mercy and forgiveness. Rather, it is to impart mercy and forgiveness as a means of putting an end to sin’s reign of terror in the lives of others as it has been for each of His acknowledged mighty men. Those who are truly righteous who understand the real desire of God’s heart, the real wisdom of God’s mind and the real power of God’s Spirit (as did Jesus) embrace the concept of mercy and know that the only sacrifice needed is the laying down of their own lives for another which is an act of godly love. The sinner has already sacrificed everything, knowingly or not, to maintain a life that cannot eternally satisfy but infernally usurp their hope until it is gone and they are left with a burning for more sin when none is left to be had. Imagine, a sinner in hell where all things are consumed but themselves. There is nothing to give, nothing to receive, no fix for the addiction, no cure for the burning desire for what they want but now can never have. Why would any of God’s mighty men desire to condemn a person who is so troubled already to greater hardship? Unless, of course, they wish to surrender their own promise of life eternal and abundant so they could share the living hell with unrepentant sinners forever. How much better is it to extend the gospel of Jesus Christ and give hope through mercy to those whose only chance of healing and salvation is God! Just as Jesus commanded the Pharisees to go and learn what that teaching meant (meaning “go and practice mercy”), so every mighty man of God knows this is the way, the truth and the life which is intended for all of God’s people.

PRAYER CONCERNS (share your needs and others in the comment section so that God’s Mighty Men can join prayer forces as intercessors of faith, hope and love)

* For those who will lead God’s people in worship, praise and service this weekend
* For encouragement and wisdom in deciding education issues for our childrens’ future
* For the abuse of women in Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan to cease especially the forcing
of teenage girls into unwanted marriages and prostitution
* For peace and a new job placement for a brother in Christ, healing and wisdom for a
colleague’s family in crisis
* For Israel to have wisdom in deciding to follow God’s leading before military intervention
against Iran
* For protection on Christians around the world and the celebration that all life lived in Christ
will be blessed with life in the Kingdom
* For the cessation of violence in Mexico: as long we allow drugs to make cost anything it will
cost us everything!
* For the mission teams sent out by the Church into all the world that they remain safe as they
intercede and plant the seed of faith, hope and love
* For all our military personnel of the past and present for the service they render and the
sacrifices they have made and are making for the sake of our country and for the benefit of
others around the world
* For Mission Waco, “No Man’s Land” and the people of Guatemala

PRAYER CELEBRATIONS (where we see Him at work in the world):

* For all my family and friends who have extended me a happy birthday greeting…making this
day a special day indeed as there are more of them than I am years old
* For wisdom to assist in finding strategies that will help student success
* For His Word on what and where our ministry is to be: a given word at worship was “restore”

ABIDING IN HIS PRESENCE THROUGH PRAYER:

Father, quench the fires of hell which burn in Your people through the presence of sin in the world with the salve of faith, hope and love. May it be our hands, O Lord, that share in anointing others with mercy. AMEN.

January 26, 2012

HIS WORD FOR TODAY:

Leave no soul unturned in 2012!

Daniel 12.13

“Many will be purified, made spotless and refined, but the wicked will continue to be wicked.”

REFLECTING IN HIS WORD:

While Jesus died for the sins of all men, not all men will surrender their lives to Jesus and receive the joy of their salvation. It remains a choice in obedience to the gift of freewill which God has offered to each of us. As God’s mighty men, we cannot decide ourselves to whom we will offer the message of choice. We must give each person the opportunity to know the Word by living out Christ in the world and proclaiming the truth as we know it in scripture. We should do so as witnesses for the gospel and upon the testimony of two men when one shall not convince them to the “yes” of God. I remember in preparing a Bible study on the Book of Revelation the number of people who will still be on the earth as unbelievers. I am saddened when even one of God’s children denies the gift of eternal life. I was horrified to consider the billions who will do so. But, I remain an optimist that our testimony and desire for life shall change that number as much as possible. But, it will not happen by good intentions and pointing fingers which say “why don’t you do that.” Instead, we must endeavor to reach all men with the gospel for the glory of God and for the sake of their own lives. Leave no soul unturned in 2012.

PRAYER CONCERNS (share your needs and others in the comment section so that God’s Mighty Men can join prayer forces as intercessors of faith, hope and love)

* For encouragement and wisdom in deciding education issues for our childrens’ future
* For the abuse of women in Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan to cease especially the forcing
of teenage girls into unwanted marriages and prostitution
* For peace and a new job placement for a brother in Christ, healing and wisdom for a
colleague’s family in crisis
* For Israel to have wisdom in deciding to follow God’s leading before military intervention
against Iran
* For protection on Christians around the world and the celebration that all life lived in Christ
will be blessed with life in the Kingdom
* For the cessation of violence in Mexico: as long we allow drugs to make cost anything it will
cost us everything!
* For the mission teams sent out by the Church into all the world that they remain safe as they
intercede and plant the seed of faith, hope and love
* For all our military personnel of the past and present for the service they render and the
sacrifices they have made and are making for the sake of our country and for the benefit of
others around the world
* For Mission Waco, “No Man’s Land” and the people of Guam

PRAYER CELEBRATIONS (where we see Him at work in the world):

* For wisdom to assist in finding strategies that will help student success
* For His Word on what and where our ministry is to be: a given word at worship was “restore”

ABIDING IN HIS PRESENCE THROUGH PRAYER:

Father, may the words of our mouths, the meditations of our hearts and the works of our hands be purposeful today to bring hope to others so they will confess that “Jesus is Lord.” AMEN.

January 25, 2012

HIS WORD FOR TODAY:

Leave no soul unturned in 2012!

2 Chronicles 15.7

“But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.”

REFLECTING IN HIS WORD:

Change is not easy. Many times change is downright hard. It is difficult because change means having to give up what has become a normal default routine in your heart, mind and spirit; recognize its faults and negative consequences and then learn something new which must be practiced over and over again until it becomes the new you. There are times when it is easy to change because we see immediate rewards and benefits. Short-term only reinforces simplicity of reason because when the real challenge to a new way of life rises up the change still only has shallow roots and can be too easily unplanted. But, there are times when no rewards or visible benefits at all for a long period of learning in the midst of change gives consciousness to futility. The tendency is to lose sight of the goal because the stomach of reason is hungry for affirmation. King Asa of Israel was called to make a change like that. It was difficult because the nations around him weren’t changing and even within his own circle of influence there were voices of “maintain the status quo.” But, God sent a prophet into his midst was became God’s voice of reason and encouragement. He spoke into the darkness with the light of revelation and truth so that Asa could stay the course. He opened his eyes to the truth of the failure in the people around him. He declared that the sacrifice to make the change to honor God and bring blessing upon his own people would be rewarded if he would remain strong in his commitment to trust God and do His will. Mighty men, you are that prophetic voice for others. You are to be a voice of reason, a presence of hope and a reminder of the truth so that others who are making the change toward total righteousness can succeed. You are called to be an encourager just as much as you recognize the need to be encouraged. I write these reflections as a means of encouraging you with God’s word and admonition to remain faithful to the cause of Christ in your life. If He is the cause in your life the effect you life will have for Him will be valued and fruitful. Be strong, mighty men, in faith, hope and love. Do not give up, for your work will be rewarded today and in the days to come.

PRAYER CONCERNS (share your needs and others in the comment section so that God’s Mighty Men can join prayer forces as intercessors of faith, hope and love)

* For encouragement and wisdom in deciding education issues for our childrens’ future
* For wisdom in Super Bowl ads to be aired this year (especially in context to pro-life versus
pro-choice)
* For the abuse of women in Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan to cease especially the forcing
of teenage girls into unwanted marriages and prostitution
* For peace and a new job placement for a brother in Christ, healing and wisdom for a
colleague’s family in crisis
* For Israel to have wisdom in deciding to follow God’s leading before military intervention
against Iran
* For protection on Christians around the world and the celebration that all life lived in Christ
will be blessed with life in the Kingdom
* For the cessation of violence in Mexico: as long we allow drugs to make cost anything it will
cost us everything!
* For the mission teams sent out by the Church into all the world that they remain safe as they
intercede and plant the seed of faith, hope and love
* For all our military personnel of the past and present for the service they render and the
sacrifices they have made and are making for the sake of our country and for the benefit of
others around the world
* For Mission Waco, “No Man’s Land” and the people of Guadeloupe

PRAYER CELEBRATIONS (where we see Him at work in the world):

* For another positive day at work for Mack and clarity of reason
* For His Word on what and where our ministry is to be: a given word at worship was “restore”

ABIDING IN HIS PRESENCE THROUGH PRAYER:

Father, we appreciate that You still believe in us and desire to work in our lives until righteousness is perfected in us by the service we offer to one another and to those whose needs for encouragement is great or small. We commit ourselves to the cause of Christ and the blessing it will effect in the lives of those You have given us. AMEN.

January 24, 2012

HIS WORD FOR TODAY:

Leave no soul unturned in 2012!

Psalm 118.22

“The stone which the builders rejected has become the capstone.”

REFLECTING IN HIS WORD:

The Elder John wrote, “You are from God and have overcome the world because greater is He that is in you than he who is in the world.” It is clear that the distinction being offered is an awareness of Christ who dwells within His people through the release and relationship of the Holy Spirit against Satan who was cast down from Heaven and prowls the face of the earth seeking to bring fear into the hearts, mind and spirit of humanity. Jesus is more powerful, more purposeful, more everlasting and more fulfilling that any other presence on earth, beneath the earth, over the earth and above the earth. His strength rises up out of a professed weakness which is in actuality a profession of trust, obedience and reliance upon God in all things first and foremost. It does not mean that He nor I nor you are physically, mentally or spiritually weak but that we not never stronger than God and therefore are limited as long as we rely on our own thoughts and efforts without humbling ourselves first to God. In that confession and profession, we are strengthened against the enemy and for God’s people at levels beyond where we are now. We are made strong so that what is impossible with man is made known as possible in and through the mighty man with God.

This is the “capstone” principle. The stone, by its appearance to the builders, did not seem to be strong and hard. It was seen as soft and weak and therefore not viable to be the capstone, the crowning piece, at the top of a building (imagine the stone at the top of a pyramid.) Christ, the gospel of Christ, was rejected as unsuitable by the rulers of His day and since because the Word appeared to have inherent weaknesses such as compassion, servanthood, obedience and mercy. Yet, praise God, the Stone which the builders rejected (including ourselves when we attempted to build our lives without Christ at the head) has become the capstone. With reality checks, many have decided to put Jesus Christ first in the lives, at the head of the thinking and in the lead of their journey of faith through this earthly life into the Kingdom life which is already but not yet. The question continues for God’s mighty men, “Who is your crowning glory?”

PRAYER CONCERNS (share your needs and others in the comment section so that God’s Mighty Men can join prayer forces as intercessors of faith, hope and love)

* For humility in the President’s State of the Union address and an affirmation to put God first
* For encouragement and wisdom in deciding education issues for our childrens’ future
* For wisdom in Super Bowl ads to be aired this year (especially in context to pro-life versus
pro-choice)
* For the abuse of women in Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan to cease especially the forcing
of teenage girls into unwanted marriages and prostitution
* For peace and a new job placement for a brother in Christ, healing and wisdom for a
colleague’s family in crisis
* For Israel to have wisdom in deciding to follow God’s leading before military intervention
against Iran
* For protection on Christians around the world and the celebration that all life lived in Christ
will be blessed with life in the Kingdom
* For the cessation of violence in Mexico: as long we allow drugs to make cost anything it will
cost us everything!
* For the mission teams sent out by the Church into all the world that they remain safe as they
intercede and plant the seed of faith, hope and love
* For all our military personnel of the past and present for the service they render and the
sacrifices they have made and are making for the sake of our country and for the benefit of
others around the world
* For Mission Waco, “No Man’s Land” and the people of Grenada

PRAYER CELEBRATIONS (where we see Him at work in the world):

* For another positive day at work for Mack and a day of professional affirmation for me at
work
* For His Word on what and where our ministry is to be: a given word at worship was “restore”

ABIDING IN HIS PRESENCE THROUGH PRAYER:

Father, You are first in our heart, mind and spirit. It may not always seem that way to You because we still struggle to live by faith and not by sight. But, each day we begin with You and though we may wander, we return to You. May we find ourselves each day more and more in tune with You and Your will for our lives. AMEN.

January 23, 2012

HIS WORD FOR TODAY:

Leave no soul unturned in 2012!

Psalm 118.22

“The stone which the builders rejected has become the capstone.”

REFLECTING IN HIS WORD:

As I read through this passage and its related scripture lessons, I could not help but first reflect back to a story I have shared before concerning DaVinci’s painting of the Last Supper. The young man he had chosen to paint Jesus ended up being the model for Judas Iscariot. It had taken some time to paint the different characters in the painting. During that time much had befallen the young man who know did not appear young or vigorous. The hardened and betrayed look on his face put there by life was the look DaVinci had desired for Judas. Little did he know it was the same person until he paid attention to the details of the model he was painting again for the second time. This is a powerful lesson for each mighty man who allows the world to be their point of reference for life. As mighty men of God, our residency, as is our hope, exists in God who dwells in the Kingdom of Heaven. It is our permanent residence while we are established here on earth by His command to do His will. Instead of being influenced by the world and show the harshness of life which sin can bring upon humanity, we are to be influenced by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and display the joy of living for Jesus. Where the world will consider rejecting us because we have faith, the Kingdom rejoices over us because our faith is in the King of Kings to whom we belong.

(More tomorrow.)

PRAYER CONCERNS (share your needs and others in the comment section so that God’s Mighty Men can join prayer forces as intercessors of faith, hope and love)

* For encouragement and wisdom in deciding education issues for our childrens’ future
* For the Southeast United States as strong storms pass over them
* For wisdom in Super Bowl ads to be aired this year (especially in context to pro-life versus
pro-choice)
* For the abuse of women in Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan to cease especially the forcing
of teenage girls into unwanted marriages and prostitution
* For peace and a new job placement for a brother in Christ, healing and wisdom for a
colleague’s family in crisis
* For Israel to have wisdom in deciding to follow God’s leading before military intervention
against Iran
* For protection on Christians around the world and the celebration that all life lived in Christ
will be blessed with life in the Kingdom
* For the cessation of violence in Mexico: as long we allow drugs to make cost anything it will
cost us everything!
* For the mission teams sent out by the Church into all the world that they remain safe as they
intercede and plant the seed of faith, hope and love
* For all our military personnel of the past and present for the service they render and the
sacrifices they have made and are making for the sake of our country and for the benefit of
others around the world
* For Mission Waco and the people of Greenland

PRAYER CELEBRATIONS (where we see Him at work in the world):

* For a positive day at work for Mack
* For insight for the Monday Morning Mighty Men
* For His Word on what and where our ministry is to be: a given word at worship was “restore”

ABIDING IN HIS PRESENCE THROUGH PRAYER:

Father, restore these mighty men to the fullness of life in which You created them. Let Your Holy Spirit renew, rejuvenate and empower them as witnesses of faith, hope and love so that the world’s walls of sin may crumble before their mighty shout of “Jesus is Lord.” AMEN.

January 22, 2012

HIS WORD FOR TODAY:

Leave no soul unturned in 2012!

Psalm 41.4

“I said, ‘O lord, have mercy on me; heal me, for I have sinned against You.”

REFLECTING IN HIS WORD:

How often have we tried to excuse our actions which were wrong with a “but” qualifier? There may be some extenuating circumstances which assisted us in not making the best decision but they are not reasons for making bad decisions. As God’s mighty men we are called to say to God and to others “I am sorry and…” not “I am sorry but…” The psalmist cried out for God to have mercy on him as he recognized how he had sinned. That recognition probably came after a consequence arose and his conscience became deeply troubled. An apology, even a lament such as the one authored in this psalm, must require more action on the penitent’s part than just a confession. I am not speaking of bargaining with God which is a popular tactic in such petitions saying, “God if you will…then I will.” God has already made the greatest deal with us when He sent His only begotten Son to die on the cross for our sins. He said, “I will sacrifice My Son for your sins whether you appreciate the effort or not.” His decision was not contingent upon ours then nor is it now. Jesus the Christ died for the sins of the world- past, present and future. To those who appreciate His effort on their behalf and do more than just confess “Jesus is Lord” but make it the profession of their lives with works of mercy, kindness and charity will experience the joy of their salvation. It isn’t conditional. It is a secured promise. God’s forgiveness, sin-healing, is the “real deal.” If there is to be a “but” qualifier in our confession of deal-breaking, sin-engaging, it should be limited to “I am sorry, but I do know that Jesus has died for my sin. My sin walked Him to the cross and helped put the nails through His wrists so that He hung from the cross until He was dead; asphyxiated in exhaustion as He sought to hang on to earthly life until it was truly done so that we would receive the fullness of His heavenly life which was returned to Him in glory. That makes my sin even more difficult to bear but I share bear it as a yoke shared by Christ who has forgiven me and invites me now to do more than just apologize but to work to make the situation where I created injury a place of healing, affection and spiritual enlightenment so that the angels of Heaven and the people of earth will cry ‘Holy, holy is the Lord.’” That, mighty men of God, changes a “but” qualifier to excuse our sin into a “knee” qualifier to empower God’s mercy in and through our lives.

PRAYER CONCERNS (share your needs and others in the comment section so that God’s Mighty Men can join prayer forces as intercessors of faith, hope and love)

* For those who will lead God’s people this weekend in worship, praise and service
* For encouragement and wisdom in deciding education issues for our childrens’ future
* For wisdom in Super Bowl ads to be aired this year (especially in context to pro-life versus
pro-choice)
* For the abuse of women in Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan to cease especially the forcing
of teenage girls into unwanted marriages and prostitution
* For peace and a new job placement for a brother in Christ, healing and wisdom for a
colleague’s family in crisis
* For Israel to have wisdom in deciding to follow God’s leading before military intervention
against Iran
* For protection on Christians around the world and the celebration that all life lived in Christ
will be blessed with life in the Kingdom
* For the cessation of violence in Mexico: as long we allow drugs to make cost anything it will
cost us everything!
* For the mission teams sent out by the Church into all the world that they remain safe as they
intercede and plant the seed of faith, hope and love
* For all our military personnel of the past and present for the service they render and the
sacrifices they have made and are making for the sake of our country and for the benefit of
others around the world
* For Mission Waco and the people of Greece

PRAYER CELEBRATIONS (where we see Him at work in the world):

* For a positive day at work for Mack
* For His Word on what and where our ministry is to be: a given word at worship was “restore”

ABIDING IN HIS PRESENCE THROUGH PRAYER:

Father, kick our “buts” to the curb and pour out the anointing which is given to those who truly confess and honestly profess that Jesus is Lord. AMEN.

January 21, 2012

HIS WORD FOR TODAY:

Leave no soul unturned in 2012!

Titus 2.11

“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.”

REFLECTING IN HIS WORD:

God loves everyone. His desire is that all His children return to Him in faith. His hope is that all His children understand the depth of His love and mercy and the gravity of their situation in the midst of the world. He did not choose just one people to be saved. He chose one nation to be His priesthood of faith, missionaries of hope and pastors of love to minister to the entire world. He set one nation, Israel, apart so that all people might come to know the glory of God. That singular entity of favor still falls on Israel, if she will repent, but has been expanded to the Church, the body of Christ, so that the focus remains the same and the goal be proclaimed. God’s grace is revealed to everyone. God’s desire is that no person be left out of the invitation to live in the Kingdom of God forever. God wants every person to have the opportunity to receive the Word and respond to it in a positive fashion building up the body of Christ to its fullest measure and greatest pleasure. If God desires that no “child [of God]” be left behind, then why should the desire of God’s mighty men be any different. So, the challenge is before the Church to increase in its numbers, its productivity and its prosperity in order that God’s will be as completed exerted as possible. How will the Church respond is up to you, me and us.

PRAYER CONCERNS (share your needs and others in the comment section so that God’s Mighty Men can join prayer forces as intercessors of faith, hope and love)

* For those who will lead God’s people this weekend in worship, praise and service
* For warmth and safety for those in the Northeast who are experiencing the effects of the
snowstorm that has crossed the northern tier of states from Washington to Massachusetts
* For the abuse of women in Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan to cease especially the forcing
of teenage girls into unwanted marriages and prostitution
* For peace and a new job placement for a brother in Christ, healing and wisdom for a
colleague’s family in crisis
* For Israel to have wisdom in deciding to follow God’s leading before military intervention
against Iran
* For protection on Christians around the world and the celebration that all life lived in Christ
will be blessed with life in the Kingdom
* For the cessation of violence in Mexico: as long we allow drugs to make cost anything it will
cost us everything!
* For the mission teams sent out by the Church into all the world that they remain safe as they
intercede and plant the seed of faith, hope and love
* For all our military personnel of the past and present for the service they render and the
sacrifices they have made and are making for the sake of our country and for the benefit of
others around the world
* For Mission Waco and the people of Gibraltar

PRAYER CELEBRATIONS (where we see Him at work in the world):

* For a positive day at school for Mack
* For His Word on what and where our ministry is to be: a given word at worship was “restore”

ABIDING IN HIS PRESENCE THROUGH PRAYER:

Father, thank You for including us in Your grace and in Your peace. Thank You for entrusting Your will into our lives so that it can be lived out daily with all people everywhere. AMEN.

January 20, 2012

HIS WORD FOR TODAY:

Leave no soul unturned in 2012!

Deuteronomy 29. 5

“During the forty years that I [God] led you through the desert, your clothes did not wear out nor did the sandals on your feet.”

REFLECTING IN HIS WORD:

Our God is wonderful, miraculous and amazing. For forty years, the people of Israel wandered through the wilderness working their way through an entire generation until the right people were in place to enter the Promised Land. Imagine that the clothes they started with and the sandals on their feet when they left Egypt never wore out. They certainly weren’t manufactured by today’s standards nor by today’s manufacturers wherever they may be found. We can truly say “they don’t make them like they used to.” What God did mattered and was permanent. We can say the say for the generations of mighty men since that time who have been clothed in heaven’s finery of mercy and grace. Adorned with faith, hope and love, God’s mighty men are dressed for eternal success. God’s promise and provision never wears out, never fades and never fails. Can we say the same about the covenants of faith we make with God and one another? If not, they we need to go back to God’s drawing board and commit ourselves to doing it God’s Way instead of our own.

PRAYER CONCERNS (share your needs and others in the comment section so that God’s Mighty Men can join prayer forces as intercessors of faith, hope and love)

* For those who will lead God’s people this weekend in worship, praise and service
* For warmth and safety for those in the Northwest US snowstorm and for those across the northern tier as the storm moves across
* For the abuse of women in Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan to cease especially the forcing
of teenage girls into unwanted marriages and prostitution
* For peace and a new job placement for a brother in Christ, healing and wisdom for a
colleague’s family in crisis
* For Israel to have wisdom in deciding to follow God’s leading before military intervention
against Iran
* For protection on Christians around the world and the celebration that all life lived in Christ
will be blessed with life in the Kingdom
* For the cessation of violence in Mexico: as long we allow drugs to make cost anything it will
cost us everything!
* For the mission teams sent out by the Church into all the world that they remain safe as they
intercede and plant the seed of faith, hope and love
* For all our military personnel of the past and present for the service they render and the
sacrifices they have made and are making for the sake of our country and for the benefit of
others around the world
* For Mission Waco and the people of Ghana

PRAYER CELEBRATIONS (where we see Him at work in the world):

* For a successful day in a new educational setting for Mack
* For resolution and healing of those who are addicted to drugs and the families who are seeking
to love them into wholeness
* For His Word on what and where our ministry is to be: a given word at worship was “restore”

ABIDING IN HIS PRESENCE THROUGH PRAYER:

Father, for the possibilities of today which You have created for each of your mighty men, we give thanks that You are already making the blessing for them, of them and through them a reality. AMEN.

January 19, 2012

HIS WORD FOR TODAY:

Leave no soul unturned in 2012!

Psalm 68.20

“Our God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign Lord comes escape from death.”

REFLECTING IN HIS WORD:

How good it is to know that our God loves us to life. I say that because our God is a God who saves His people from the burden of death. He takes up the burdens of our lives when we offer them to Him and puts them upon Himself. He makes it possible for us to have the best chance to live life to its fullest. Without His love, forgiveness and mercy this life would be unbearable. Do not mistake me, mighty men of God, I am not saying that God makes it easy for us to live life just that He makes it possible to live life. By His engagement and involvement in our lives, we are resourced with faith, hope and love to discover what our purpose and prosperity is. Without so many burdens on our hearts, minds and shoulders we are freer to discover the opportunities which would have otherwise been missed. Then, our God adds the favor and blessing of His Holy Spirit so that we know best what to do with those discovered treasures of purpose and prosperity. Remember the miracle at the wedding in Cana? Because of Jesus, the best was saved for last. In our lives, through Jesus Christ our best is saved to last. Without Him we would have no hope, no need for faith and love would be a distant memory. With Him we have the opportunity and the means for eternal and abundant life.

PRAYER CONCERNS (share your needs and others in the comment section so that God’s Mighty Men can join prayer forces as intercessors of faith, hope and love)

* For warmth and safety for those in the Northwest US snowstorm
* For the abuse of women in Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan to cease especially the forcing
of teenage girls into unwanted marriages and prostitution
* For peace and a new job placement for a brother in Christ, healing and wisdom for a
colleague’s family in crisis
* For Israel to have wisdom in deciding to follow God’s leading before military intervention
against Iran
* For protection on Christians around the world and the celebration that all life lived in Christ
will be blessed with life in the Kingdom
* For the cessation of violence in Mexico: as long we allow drugs to make cost anything it will
cost us everything!
* For the mission teams sent out by the Church into all the world that they remain safe as they
intercede and plant the seed of faith, hope and love
* For all our military personnel of the past and present for the service they render and the
sacrifices they have made and are making for the sake of our country and for the benefit of
others around the world
* For Mission Waco and the people of Germany

PRAYER CELEBRATIONS (where we see Him at work in the world):

* For resolution and healing of those who are addicted to drugs and the families who are seeking
to love them into wholeness
* For His Word on what and where our ministry is to be: a given word at worship was “restore”

ABIDING IN HIS PRESENCE THROUGH PRAYER:

Father, for the possibilities of today which You have created for each of your mighty men, we give thanks that You are already making the blessing for them, of them and through them a reality. AMEN.

January 18, 2012

HIS WORD FOR TODAY:

Leave no soul unturned in 2012!

1 John 1.5

“This is the message we have heard from Him and declare it now to you: God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all.”

REFLECTING IN HIS WORD:

While the saying “there is a little larceny in all of us” has been oft quoted, I do not know who first coined the phrase and thus its origin of purpose is unknown to me. Most times, this quote has been used to describe advertising agencies and Wall Street stockbrokers but its application is most certainly wider spread than that. It is a cold look at the human condition whose root must certainly exist in what theologians call “original sin.” Funny how “sin” at any point in life is all about blame instead of claim, isn’t it? Wherever you find sin and sinners you will here the language of blame. It is always the fault of the other guy why someone is in the condition they find themselves. It even extends to such extremes as “you made me mad” which leads to “you make me happy.” Where does personal accountability come into play? It seems to be absent today as much as it was in the Garden of Eden that fateful eighth day.

But, not so with God. There is no larceny and false pretenses in the work, design and desire of God especially when it comes to the creation He loves so much. When the elder John wrote “God is light and in Him there is no darkness,” he was speaking about the condition of God’s heart and mind. Purity of thought and integrity in intention is the nature of God and how His mighty men can best see Him. It is easy to see God because He is not only the Light but He is in the light of knowledge, wisdom and purpose. There is no shadow nor darkness of thought or purpose in God’s mind or heart. He does not manipulate situations to get His way nor to teach us a lesson. He is straightforward and true to His Word. We can count on God. What He says He will do, He will do.

PRAYER CONCERNS (share your needs and others in the comment section so that God’s Mighty Men can join prayer forces as intercessors of faith, hope and love)

* For the safe finding of those still missing in the Mediterranean shipwreck
* For the abuse of women in Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan to cease especially the forcing
of teenage girls into unwanted marriages and prostitution
* For peace and a new job placement for a brother in Christ, healing and wisdom for a
colleague’s family in crisis
* For Israel to have wisdom in deciding to follow God’s leading before military intervention
against Iran
* For protection on Christians around the world and the celebration that all life lived in Christ
will be blessed with life in the Kingdom
* For the cessation of violence in Mexico: as long we allow drugs to make cost anything it will
cost us everything!
* For the mission teams sent out by the Church into all the world that they remain safe as they
intercede and plant the seed of faith, hope and love
* For all our military personnel of the past and present for the service they render and the
sacrifices they have made and are making for the sake of our country and for the benefit of
others around the world
* For Mission Waco and the people of Georgia

PRAYER CELEBRATIONS (where we see Him at work in the world):

* For resolution and healing of those who are addicted to drugs and the families who are seeking
to love them into wholeness
* For His Word on what and where our ministry is to be: a given word at worship was “restore”

ABIDING IN HIS PRESENCE THROUGH PRAYER:

Father, we strive today to be true to our word as well. We know it is our bond of faith, hope and love in covenant relation to You and those to whom we serve today. Let each of these mighty men be a mighty beacon of light in word and deed through Jesus Christ. AMEN.

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