October 29, 2011 - Southeast Quadrant Prayer

Today's prayer focus was for:
The Government and Township departments
The schools, board members and specifically Burt Elementary and Burt's staff. 
The churches, specifically Elizabeth Lake Church of Christ
The businesses, specifically in the area of Cass Lake Rd/Cass Elizabeth
The residents around Cass Lake Rd/Cass Elizabeth, mainly south of Cass Elizabeth

Proverbs 28:2 tells us when a ruler has discernment, understanding and knowledge it brings stability to the region.  Pray this for our leaders!
Also for churches to have fresh vision, to be encouraged and strengthened, for everyone to take their place in the body of Christ without jealousies, competition or criticisms. To seek the will of God, and to reach their neighbors and teach the children well.
That the textbooks and material taught in our schools are excellent and truthful, especially our American history.
Pray for what is influencing our rulers, leaders, teachers, etc. (See Proverbs 29:12)
That hard hearts are softened and opened to the will of God.

October 28, 2011 - Tyre

If you read Ezekiel chapters 26-28 God speaks of the city of Tyre and how they are going to be destroyed.  The reason is because they were:

• Prideful about their beauty and splendor
• Arrogant concerning its merchandise, trading and military strength
• Of the opinion that they were "a god"
• Of the opinion that their wisdom is what got them their riches and all of their blessings

Basically, Tyre did not give God the credit for all of their beauty, splendor, merchandise, riches, wisdom or position of strength and influence.  In Ezekiel 28 you read that the "prince of Tyre" had the same problem as the city--pride.  God, in speaking of the prince of Tyre, is referring to Lucifer, or satan before he fell from his position with God.  Of course he is the one who was influencing the city of Tyre, which sounds a lot like what the United States is becoming today. 

The people of the America need to make sure we repent of any pride or arrogance we might have developed in thinking that our own strength or wisdom has caused us to receive the many blessings that we have.  God is the one and only reason for any and all good things we have in this country.  Remember that "In God We Trust" is printed on our money for a reason!  Remember that this nation was founded as a Christian nation, whose founding fathers depended on God Himself in their mission. 

Consider the word of Benjamin Franklin at the Constitutional Convention on Thursday, June 28, 1787:

"In this situation of this Assembly, groping as it were in the dark to find political truth, and scarce able to distinguish it when presented to us, how has it happened, Sir, that we have not hitherto once thought of humbly applying to the Father of lights to illuminate our understandings? In the beginning of the Contest with G. Britain, when we were sensible of danger we had daily prayer in this room for the divine protection.- Our prayers, Sir, were heard, & they were graciously answered. All of us who were engaged in the struggle must have observed frequent instances of a superintending providence in our favor. To that kind providence we owe this happy opportunity of consulting in peace on the means of establishing our future national felicity. And have we now forgotten that powerful friend? or do we imagine that we no longer need his assistance? I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth- that God Governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without his aid? We have been assured, Sir, in the sacred writings, that "except the Lord build the House they labour in vain that build it." I firmly believe this; and I also believe that without his concurring aid we shall succeed in this political building no better, than the Builders of Babel:"1

In the very foundations of the forming of this country, they relied on God answering their daily prayers before they could even have discussions about how to form this nation.  We must, today, continue to trust in God to answer our prayers for protection, guidance and blessing and to humble ourselves before Him and give Him the credit He deserves for bringing us this far and blessing us to the extent that He has.

1 Source:
http://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/debates_628.asp
The Debates in the Federal Convention of 1787, Reported by James Madison, a delegate from the state of Virginia. Ed. by Gaillard Hund and James Brown Scott, Oxford University Press, 1920.

October 22, 2011 - Surrender

The word for today seems to be "surrender."  God doesn't want you to give up to hopelessness, but rather surrender to Him and allow Him to have His way in your life.  If troubles in life are bogging you down, the answer is not to give up hope and become discouraged, for that will take your strength away.  Instead, surrender to God and seek His ways and you will receive His power and strength to fulfil your purpose!

October 21, 2011 - Truth

Proverbs 23:23 tells us to buy the truth and not to sell it.  And not just the truth but wisdom, instruction and understanding as well.  There is a price to pay for truth.  You may have to admit you've been wrong or change some things.  You may have to let go of or grab a hold of something you would rather not let go of or grab on to.  But the price of being deceived is much greater than this!  It is worth it to do whatever you need to do to find truth.  When looking for guidance in your life, you need to hear from the true Spirit of God.  Make sure you are not just listening to good ideas.  Its not enough to just have good intentions.  Don't sell the truth!  We need the Spirit of Truth to lead us.  Open your heart to Him and let Him know you will receive His truth.  You will not regret it!

October 18, 2011 - Return to Righteousness

As we begin to respond to the Holy Spirit moving on our hearts, we will walk away from all those things that displease the Lord.  And when we do, we are not missing out on anything!  The closer we walk towards Him, the more peace, the more love, the more joy, the more satisfaction we will have.  God's promise is a new heart and a new spirit within us so that we may walk in His ways.  This promise is for individuals, but for cities too!  Waterford--get ready for a new spirit that is full of life!

October 6, 2011 - Praise!

Today was a day full of praise & worship!  How great it is to spend a day telling God how thankful you are for His goodness and blessings instead of asking Him for a zillion things!  There is something about the sound of praise going out into the air around you.  It will break through barriers like nothing else!

October 5, 2011 - Gangs

I woke up to this thought, after dreaming of a gang member doing gang signs with his hands:

"Gang symbols are not bad in and of themselves.  They show you are a part of something bigger than yourself.  It's the practices and principles of the gang that will get them in trouble."

We don't, necessarily, need to pray for the organization or brotherhood of gangs to be destroyed, but for their principles and practices to change.   Pray that the Motivations, Goals and Methods of the gang's leaders change from evil to good as God touches their hearts and draws them to Him.

October 3, 2011 - The Call, 40 day fast

We have been praying and fasting for The Call event taking place on 11-11-2011 in Detroit, Michigan at Ford Field.  God tells us if His people will humble themselves and pray and repent then He will hear us, forgive us and heal our land!  We are looking for our land- our communities, our state and our nation to be healed as we turn to the Lord and pray.  As for Waterford, much prayer is going on for the schools, the children, the churches and the economy of the area.