Saturday, December 26, 2015

Intertwine



"Lord, we don't want to just go through the motions of life without honoring You in all we do. We don't want to live life apart from You and just "add You on" as a task or chore. We want an intertwining of You into our entire being--our lives, families, finances and occupation.

"I pray for Pastors and parents, that they recognize the gifts in those they care for, and encourage them, train them in those gifts.

"May we take the initiative to be about Your business. As we breathe in the breath of Your Spirit, and breathe out (speak) our own words, may they honor You and advance Your will in the earth. David took the initiative and wanted to build a permanent house for You. This pleased You. Yet he did it the way You desired--by giving it to his son to do and not building it himself. (1 Kings 8:17-19). May we do the same--may we look for ways to honor You, yet seek You, and follow Your path and plan. May we train our children to continue with Your business.

"We don't want to trust in the facades of our own "good works" or wealth, or the efforts of protection and provision that we create, but we trust in You. We ask for Your marvelous, arresting wonder to capture the attention of the people of Waterford. May they rise up as a mighty army of praying, worshiping warriors for You!"

"Lord, establish houses of intercession--places of continual prayer and worship that will release evangelism into the community, in addition to giving You the worship that You deserve. The Bangor Abbey of Waterford."

Re-prayer December 2012

Monday, November 30, 2015

Look up, Stand up



Father God, we know we have a destiny and a purpose. You knew us from before we were born, before the foundations of the earth. You predestined us to be conformed to the image of Your son--Jesus. Lord Jesus, we keep our eyes on You, not on those around us. We will not compare ourselves, our family, our church or our city, with others, but we keep our eyes on You Lord. We are changed into Your image from glory to glory. As we look at You--Your glory--and as we look intently into Your Word, we see who we are. We won't walk away and forget what we look like but will be doers of Your Word and changed to look like You. (Ephesians 1:3-5, Romans 8:28-30, James 1:25, 2 Corinthians 3:18).

Let it be clear that we are Your people. Let our identity be with You. We don't want to blend in with the sin of the world, but we look up, stand up and draw close to You. You are our refuge, we don't need to fear. (Psalm 91). We pray for those who would oppose us, just as You, Jesus, died for the very ones who were crucifying You. We release the high praises of God from our mouths and hold the two-edged sword of Your Word in our hands. (Psalm 149, Revelation 1:16, Hebrews 4:12). With Your Word we stand against every evil way, honoring You in every area of our life. As we go and live our daily lives, we thank You for Your Holy Spirit who helps us, teaches us, leads us and guides us in all of our ways.

Re-prayer November 2012

Saturday, October 24, 2015

Re-prayers for October 2012

Heavenly Father, You are our source of strength, our energy for living. You equip us and enlist us in Your holy army. We listen to You for Your instruction, receiving from Your Holy Spirit and not deceived by the deception of our enemy, not distracted by what pleases us or what we think we deserve. We praise You in all we do, worshiping You from a pure heart. Allowing Your Spirit to free us, creating an atmosphere for others to be free as well.

Re-prayer-October 6, 2012: Sincere Motivations

I pray for the atmosphere of the churches and Christian families, even the schools and businesses. I pray for the spiritual leaders, that they enter into the presence of the Lord in a way they never have before--a deeper degree of purity and experience Your holiness in a greater way. That the anointing of the Spirit break every yoke, reveal truth and set these leaders free. Free from deception, confusion, discouragement, frustration, envy, pride, lust and greed. I pray as these leaders reach this new depth in Your Spirit, that the people around them experience the same freedom and deliverance--freedom to worship and freedom to live as You've called them.

We pray from a pure heart, with Your Spirit's influence, with true humility--not the false humility of guilt or self-loathing. We pray with the genuine anointing of the Spirit of God, not relying on the false righteousness of good behavior May we bring the unity of the Spirit into our personal calling, worshiping You together, not just privately, and continually offer the sacrifice of praise to You with our words.

Hebrews 13:15

Re-prayer-October 13, 2012: Listen for the Sound

We are victors, not victims. We are soldiers in the army of God. We are not fighting for our own rights, but for the kingdom of God to prevail. We fight a spiritual fight against spiritual forces of darkness. We do not attack people or seek revenge on people. We will not be distracted by offense, bitterness or resentment. We are not a wimpy army! We have died to ourselves, taken up our cross and follow Jesus, who always causes us to triumph! May the sound of worship and victory reach the heavens, not the sound of whining or complaining.

1 Peter 2:20, 2 Timothy 2:3, 2 Corinthians 2:14, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, Ephesians 6:10-18

Re-prayer-October 20, 2012: The Roar of Worship

I pray that worship in Waterford continues during both good times and bad. That Your people consistently worship you. I pray for consistent 24/7 Christians who worship You no matter what--loudly and boldly, even in the face of evil or trouble. The lion overcomes all other prey, and our praise overcomes the enemy consistently.


Re-prayer-October 26, 2012: Acknowledge and Be Still

I pray for a calm stillness, a peace, upon Your people. That we take moments to breathe, be still and listen to You. That we acknowledge You in every way. That You are our source of strength. That what we consume is not our source of strength. Our energy for living is You. Just as Jesus said He had food to eat that the disciples didn't know about, show us how You truly are our strength. I pray that Your will, expressed in what You've sent us to do, be our motivation and our strength.

John 4:32-34

Reprayer October 2012

Monday, September 14, 2015

Build the Wells!



Some may call on the Lord from a place of peace. Some in the midst of chaos and confusion. Some with a desperate heart. Some are angry. Some doubt. Some fear. But from whatever place a person is, all who call on the name of the Lord will be saved. Romans 10:13. Yet they can't call on someone they haven't believed in, and, the Bible tells us, to believe they must hear a preacher who is sent.

Intercessors and worshipers arise and prepare the way for the sent ones! Pray and worship the Lord to make a path for them to go on. So the words of the Lord can be spoken and preached. People will hear, believe, call on Him and be saved--brought into the fullness of their destined purpose in Him.

Build the wells. Build the wells. Build the wells. Tear down the church walls and build the wells. The gathering places where the sound of the people is the sound of praise--declaring the righteous acts of the Lord!  Judges 5:11 It's a gathering place, a public place, not a hidden place. Not secret worship. Not one that does not mention the name of the Lord, but one that that declares His doings.

Let the Spirit of God be revealed, not the false prophets or religion that have an appearance of being good, but without the power. 2 Timothy 3:5 Let the true church, the living wells, be uncovered and offer the water that gives eternal life through Jesus Christ!

Re-prayer September 2012

Monday, August 17, 2015

His Eyes and Heart



1 Kings 9:3: "And the Lord said to him; "I have heard your prayer and your supplication that you have made before Me; I have consecrated this house which you have built to put My name there forever, and My eyes and My heart will be there perpetually."
A young child draws a picture and brings it to his daddy. The thing that makes it valuable is not the skill the child displayed in the picture, but the excitement of sharing it with daddy. And once daddy puts his blessing on it, he and the child bond in great joy and love. In the same way, anything we build for the Lord won't be "perfect." It won't be something He's never seen before. But our dedication to make it something great for our Daddy touches His heart. And once He blesses what we build for Him, He rests His eyes and heart upon it and we too bond in great love and joy with Him!

Lord, we are not trying to impress You with our greatness. You know us too well. We are not trying to out-do You. We are not trying to earn anything from You or manipulate You. We're simply sharing ourselves with You just because You're our Daddy. We too want to capture Your eyes and Your heart, perpetually.  

Re-prayer August 2012 blogs.






Friday, July 31, 2015

The Masterpiece of Wells and Rivers



We are in a season of prayer with a blank canvas before us. As we paint on this canvas with our prayers, Waterford becomes a masterpiece! On this canvas I see wells. I see family wells and church wells scattered throughout the township. These are places where people can come and meet Jesus. Like the woman at the well in John 4, it doesn't matter where they are from, their race or sex, or their past sins, they can come to the well and meet Jesus. This is a place where they recognize Him as the Messiah. They receive a drink from Him that changes their heart, their lives and their city.

These wells are places where true worship is defined. They are not mirages in the dessert which offer false hope, but these are deep wells--wells of truth--that bring true refreshing. These wells where Jesus is revealed as the Messiah and Savior, are places where worship is birthed, and He receives our drink from the well as we worship Him.

Jesus cried out in John 7, "if anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink." What He has to offer us is rivers of living water that will flow from our innermost being--the Spirit of God Himself--who is given to all who believe in Jesus. It doesn't matter who we are or where we came from, we all need water. We may differ in a lot of ways, but we all need water. We all need Jesus and the Spirit of God so these rivers may flow from us. Not only do they give life and refreshment to us, but to others around us as well.

May we all be as trees planted by the streams of water so we may yield fruit in proper season and not wither, but prosper in what we do. Psalms 1. May we teach our children to do the same and not neglect them or push them aside when we seek the Lord and study His ways. May we learn to put our roots down deep and draw from Him the refreshing water that we need.

When praying for Waterford, it's not just the geography of the land we pray for, but the people. I pray that all the people come to the wells and receive the truth of who Jesus is and worship Him. I pray that they receive drink from Him, and believe in Him, so the rivers of living water flow from their innermost being. I pray that these Spirit-filled people rise up in worship and prayer and paint on the canvas to contribute to the masterpiece. May Waterford truly become a piece of the Master's art--the Master's piece.

Re-prayer July 2012 articles



Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Worshipers Arise!


Let the worshipers arise--all those with a heart of worship--to speak praises and proclamations of worship to the King of kings! To sing, to dance and worship the Lord according to their own unique gifts He has given them. Let them tap into the creativity within to worship and live their lives for the glory of God. Let them prepare the way of the Lord, rebuilding the tabernacle of David so all will seek the Lord and turn to Him. Acts 15:16-17. Let them exude the fragrance of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 2:14.

Let there be strolling minstrels and teams of worshipers throughout the township--praying, proclaiming and praising the God of Heaven and the Lord Jesus Christ. Those who aren't looking to please people, but to please God. Let them breathe out the wind of the Holy Spirit bringing liberty throughout the township. Let it spread throughout Oakland County. Let the fruit of the Spirit be evident. Gal 5:22-23. Let it bring harmony to all of God's people, to the churches, to the pastors and worship leaders and all those in ministry, so God's people don't blame each other, but merge in harmony, and worship the Lord together, working together to build His house.

Let God's people, and all those who turn to the Lord, experience deliverance from all bondage--addiction and all forms of bondage, deliverance from disunity, deliverance from confusion, frustration and weariness. Let there be freedom from ungodly tolerance and acceptance of what God says is unholy. Let us embrace what He says is holy and turn from what is not. Isaiah 5:20. Let there be freedom from laws that would bring persecution to God's people, restricting their worship and ability to live out their expression of faith in public. 2 Corinthians 3:17.

Let the path of the worshipers open up each day so they see what You are doing and follow that. May they seek You early and expect you! May we build and dedicate our temples to You so Your presence fills our houses. 2 Chronicles 7. Open our eyes to today's path and we proclaim the way of the Lord on it. Matthew 3:1-3. Open the doors of opportunity to speak the mystery of Christ, and may we make it clear as we ought to. Colossians 4:3-4. Forgive us Lord, for despising a day. We will not despise any day, but we will rejoice in each day. You have made each one for us and we will rejoice in it. Psalm 118:24.

Let there be breakouts of awareness of God's goodness, of the fear of the Lord, the love of the Lord, the goodness that leads to repentance. Romans 2:4. Let the children and young people experience awesome moments of Your goodness, love and miraculous encounters with You. Let them be filled with peace and joy, rejecting the enticements of sin, ungodly activity and laziness. Let them discover the unique gifts You've given them and rejoice in them, worshiping You with them. Equip them so they may fulfill their purpose in You. Proverbs 1.

Let any plans of attack, or any impulsive crimes, against Waterford or the Oakland County region, lose energy, motivation and provision. Let the ideas dissolve into nothing. Anything the enemy means for evil in this area, God, turn it around for good. Genesis 50:20. You are our rock and we cry out to You in worship, praise, and thanksgiving!

Re-prayer June 2012 articles

Monday, June 1, 2015

A Deeper Faith



Elijah asked the people, "How long will you hesitate between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him."1 Kings 18:21 Those who consider themselves to be people of God must no longer waver back and forth. If the Lord is God, follow Him! It's time to choose sides and stand for the Truth. Those who consider themselves to be Christian must no longer be double-minded. Will we only be a Christian if it's popular to do so? Do we have enough depth in our faith not to give in to opposing forces?

"...the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind." James 1:6

Our faith must not be like the surf--or surface--of the sea which is tossed around by every wind that comes along. Our faith must have a stability and depth like the depths of the sea itself. My prayer for God's people is the same prayer Jesus prayed for Peter--that their faith may not fail. Jesus added--"and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers." Luke 22:32


People of God, let us worship, serve and walk with our God with an unwavering and determined faith. Let us strengthen one another, encouraging each other to do the same.

Re-prayer May 26, 2012

Thursday, May 28, 2015

A True Change of Heart



Jesus taught us through the parable of the sower that it's the condition of the heart (soil) that affects what happens to the Word of God (seed) when it is heard. (sown). I pray that all people in Waterford, sinner and saint alike:

  • Value the Word of God enough so that when they hear it, they pay attention and seek understanding. (not like seed sown by the wayside).
  • Give the Word room to grow, and when faced with difficult choices--choose the Word, even if its a more difficult path. (not like seed sown in the stony place).
  • Keep their hearts weeded, so the cares and distractions of this world don't choke out the Word and keep them from bearing the fruit that it was sent to produce in their life. (not like seed sown among the thorns). Matthew 13, Mark 4

We want sinners to be born again, and religious people to quit trying to earn their salvation through "good" works. We don't want people to outwardly conform to a set of religious standards, but instead have a true relationship with the Word of God--the Lord Himself. We can't have a church who puts the fear of man--or a desire for acceptance from man--above the fear of God. I pray, like Jesus did for Peter, that the faith of God's people does not fail, so that no matter what comes against us, we will choose Him, His Word and His ways above all. I pray that we remain a true and faithful people for the Lord Jesus Christ. Luke 22:32

Re-prayer May 19, 2012




Sunday, May 10, 2015

God's Laws, Not Man's "Fairness"


God's laws make a society work, man's laws do not. God is just, man tries to be fair and it doesn't work. God's Word will accomplish what it is sent to do.
O God, may we be vessels of honor, working with You to accomplish Your will, and not against You!
May Your kingdom come to Waterford! Everything in Your temple says glory! The beauty of nature speaks of Your glory, and of the submission of all creation to Your Word.
Lord, we honor You and Your Word. Teach us Your ways, the ways of justice, righteousness and truth--the ways of Your kingdom. We want Your kingdom--Your rule--in the earth. Your kingdom--the place where God and man dwell together.

Isaiah 55:11; Romans 9:21; Psalm 29; Matthew 6:10; Psalm 148; Revelation 21:3

Re-prayer April 28, May 5 and May 12 2012

Saturday, April 25, 2015

Mature Body of Christ


I pray Your church be the true body of Christ in the earth we've been called to be. I pray for all the members to join together, each one taking their place. May the blood of Jesus freely flow through Your body bringing the healing and nourishment necessary for us to become a strong body of believers. I pray that all of the lost sheep be found and brought to the fold You have prepared for them. May we cry out for the pure Word of God so we grow up in You. We lay aside the doctrines that have been junk food for our spirits, we crave the pure Word of God which causes growth and maturity. We don't want to remain an immature body any longer! We want to grow up in You Lord and be the ekklesia you've called us to be. Our destiny is to be like You Jesus. We will do Your work in the earth. We thank You for working with us, confirming Your Word with signs and wonders following!


1 Peter 2:1-3; Matthew 28:18-20; Matthew 10:24; Luke 6:40;  Mark 16:14-20; Hebrews 2:1-4; Ephesians 1:3-5; 

Reprayer April 20, 2012

Monday, April 20, 2015

God's Freedom of Speech Definition


"...As they observed the confidence of Peter and John...
they were amazed
 and began to recognize them
as having been with Jesus."
Acts 4:13


Peter and John were arrested in Jerusalem and the authorities asked them by what power, or in what name, they had healed a lame man. Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, answered them by speaking of Jesus. As he spoke, they observed their confidence. The confidence of Peter and John was something recognizable. The rulers and elders of the people realized that Peter and John had the same confident, authoritative, free speech that the Lord Jesus Himself had when He walked among them.

According to Strong's Concordance, the word confidence is parrésia which means freedom of speech, confidence. Because of the freedom of speech Peter and John displayed, the authorities saw Jesus in them. They didn't like it, but because of the open miracle done, they couldn't deny it. They did, however, "warn them to speak no longer to any man in this name." (Acts 4:17).  Peter and John's response to the warning was, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge; for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard." (Acts 4:19-20). They could not, and would not, stop speaking about what they had seen and heard in Jesus Christ. 

After further threats, they were released from custody. What did they do? They gathered with their own people and prayed. They prayed for the Lord to grant them to speak His Word with all parrésia. (Acts 4:29). They knew that the authority to speak freely in the Name of Jesus was granted by the Lord Himself. This authority to speak freely is a God-given authority. No authority on earth can take it away. Freedom of speech, specifically freedom of speech about Jesus Christ, is granted from God Himself. It cannot be prohibited by any earthly authority! "When they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with parrésia." (Acts 4:31).  

They went out in unity and gave testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus with great power (Acts 4:33). Many signs and wonders were taking place (Acts 5:12-16) and the apostles were arrested. The authority of man took hold of them to stop their freedom of speech. However, an angel came and let them out of prison during the night and told them to preach to the people in the temple, which they did. While the Council was trying to figure out what happened to their prisoners overnight, someone told them they were in the temple teaching the people. The restraints of man could not hold them while they had the parrésia--God's free speech authority--with them!

The apostles were brought in and questioned. (Acts 5:18-27). The high priest said, "We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching in this name, and yet, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching..." (Acts 5:28). Peter and the apostles answered, "We must obey God rather than men." (Acts 5:29) and he preached Jesus to them. They became furious and wanted to kill them, but Gamaliel persuaded them otherwise. However, before releasing them, they beat them and ordered then not to speak in the name of Jesus. (Acts 5:40). What was their response? They went away rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name, and they continued to preach Jesus as the Christ every day. (Acts 5:41-42).
Father God, I pray that we, Your people, recognize that our free speech right--the right to teach and preach in the Name of Jesus, and to heal and do signs and wonders in Your Name--is an authority given to us by You. May we gather and pray for this parrésia so we do not shrink back from what You have called us to do. May we go forward in boldness and confidence, freely preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the message of Your kingdom. May we determine in our hearts to obey You and understand that the authority You've given us is the greatest authority of all, and even Your angels will help us to fulfill Your purpose for us.
The Apostles and Believers Prayer:
"As Your bond-servants may we speak Your word with all parrésia, while You extend Your hand to heal, and signs and wonders take place through the name of Your holy servant Jesus." (Acts 4:29-30).

Re-prayer April 14, 2012


Thursday, April 2, 2015

The Sign of the Summit Place



The Summit Place Mall has been a sign of the spiritual condition of Waterford. It was once a place that was thriving economically. It was a community place. It expanded and the name was changed from the Pontiac Mall to the Summit Place Mall. It really became a source of pride at the peak of its life. Whatever led to the decline is a topic of debate, but it came to a place of neglect which lasted for years. Soon it will be demolished, which will allow for it to be rebuilt, so this is a good thing.

The demolition of the Summit Place Mall should signify a demolition of the high places in our individual thinking which lead us into pride. Whether it's because of our personal prosperity and success, our place in the community, or whatever it might be, all sources of pride need to be brought down. They are not a strong foundation to build on and will eventually cause what we are building in our lives to crumble and fall.

The question is, what will be built in its place? Concerning the Summit Place, we need to pray that what is rebuilt is from the Spirit of God, something that will promote righteousness and godliness. Not from a religious work of the flesh, but from the creative, life-giving breath of the Spirit. The same is true for our individual lives. If we want our lives, as well as the township, to have a lasting prosperity, we will need to have individual spiritual prosperity in place to build on. Individual spiritual prosperity is the righteousness of God which is only found through faith in Jesus Christ.

Proverbs 10:16 in the amplified Bible says, "The earnings of the righteous...lead to life, but the profit of the wicked leads to further sin." The righteous will spend their money on that which leads to further life. The wicked spend their money on that which promotes sin. When we do business with godly businesses it will further expand those businesses. They give their money to the churches, to charitable organizations, to help the poor and for the responsible necessities of life. By giving and spending to these places, righteousness is advanced and the righteous businesses and organizations prosper and expand in the work of the Lord. This brings economic stability to a community so basic needs are met--groceries, fuel, home repairs etc. It also brings a prosperity that allows for all sorts of gifts to flourish--the arts. The ungodly spend their money on drink or drug, gambling, an ungodly/irresponsible type of entertainment, and so on. This type of spending promotes and prospers those unrighteous enterprises.

We want to be sure we remember that the foundation for our spiritual lives is righteousness, not religion. We're not talking about choosing good behavior over bad. We're not talking about an arrogant, superior attitude which turns its nose up at those who are trapped and bound by sin. We're talking about a true faith and trust in the Lord Jesus which results in a passionate worship of Him, and love for mankind.

God is in the restoration business. He sent His Son to redeem mankind which was lost. My prayer is that He redeem the Summit Place Mall property and that it become a righteous place which honors Him. I pray the hearts of the people of Waterford return to the Lord, not in a religious facade, but with a true heart-conversion so the blessings of God will flow as He has intended all along.

To read of my personal return to the Lord see the April 7, 2012 post.



Wednesday, April 1, 2015

A Lovely Dwelling Place




How lovely are Your dwelling places, O Lord of hosts!
My soul longed and even yearned for the courts of the Lord;
My heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God.
The bird also has found a house, and the swallow a nest for herself,
where she may lay her young,
Even Your altars, O Lord of hosts, My King and my God.
How blessed are those who dwell in Your house!
They are ever praising You.
Selah
Psalm 84:1-4

Oh Lord, may Waterford become a lovely dwelling place for You. May the churches of Waterford truly be Your courts, and places where You may be found with great joy. May the hearts of the people become the same--courts of the Lord--where You live. May both our heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God, yearning for You. May our young people be raised in Your house, even on Your altars O God. We are blessed to dwell in Your house and praise You forever!

Re-prayer March 31, 2012

Friday, March 27, 2015

Less is More: Homage to the Son


"Do homage to the Son..." Psalm 2:12

Homage means to kiss. However in practice, it was a promise, with a ceremonial acknowledgement, by a vassal of allegiance to his lord, who then kissed the vassal after his declaration. When directed towards the Lord, homage is a reverential worship and expression of devout affection. A vassal is one who has been given a territory of land in exchange for his allegiance and usually military services. 
May we recognize that all we have and all we own, belongs to the Lord. May we pay homage to Him and sincerely express an allegiance to Him!
At times we collect and pile stuff around us thinking that ownership of all this stuff will somehow bring us satisfaction. The truth is, when we give all that we have to the Lord, recognizing it really is all His anyway, and commit ourselves to following His ways with all that He entrusts to us, then peace will flood our souls like nothing else can. 
May we acknowledge the Lord in all our ways, trusting in Him with fear and honor, receiving His healing and refreshment as a result! Proverbs 3:5-8
We don't need to try and build a kingdom for ourselves. As believers in Jesus Christ, we are a part of a greater kingdom--an eternal kingdom--not made with hands. When you feel dissatisfied with what's around you--whether clutter or lack--then look to the Son and pay homage to Him. Ask Him to show you His kingdom and your place in it. Seeing the glory of His kingdom will satisfy you more than any earthly thing ever could! Psalm 145:8-13; 1 Peter 2:9-10.


biblehub.com, Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible,
http://1828.mshaffer.com, 1828 Noah Webster , retrieved March 27, 2015
Re-prayer March 24, 2012

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Pause and Reflect



I once heard a person quote another who said, "I have so much to do today, I must spend 3 hours in prayer!" This person learned that seeking God and His plans make everything work. Those times when we feel too busy to seek the Lord are the very times we need to seek Him the most. Those moments when we close our eyes, quit looking and listening to all the noise, put our own plans on hold, and seek God are vital moments to treasure.

"While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease." Genesis 8:22

There are things beyond our control that God has established. The seasons, the structure and the mysteries of the earth will speak to us of the greatness of God. These are the things we must open our eyes to, while closing them to that which would distract us away from Him. God draws us away to the peaceful place in Him where we can see the kingdom He is building. It is a strong and stable kingdom that is not effected by the trends and hype of the moment.

The angels around the throne of God call out to each other saying, "Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord of hosts, the whole earth is full of His glory." Isaiah 6:3. His glory is here in the earth. There is evidence of it all around us--in creation and in people. As we see the glory of the Lord we are transformed into the same image by His Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:18). Take a moment--or several moments--to pause and seek the Lord, see His glory and be changed into His image!

Lord God, we want to see You! We want to see Your glory and be changed into Your image over and over again. We want to go deeper and get closer to You. We are not satisfied with where we are, we want to know You more. We lay aside our plans, our busyness and all the noise around us and seek Your face.

Re-prayer March 17, 2012

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Appeal to Heaven

Note the appeal to heaven flag at the top of the mast
First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings,
be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority,
so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.
1 Timothy 2:1-2

We pray for those in authority so that we may live a tranquil and quiet life, in all godliness and dignity. God's best for us is a peaceful and godly life. One thing that can interfere with that is leaders who are ungodly. This would be those who interfere with our worship. Not only interfering by prohibiting our assembly or right to our beliefs, but also by interfering with our livelihood--our craft, our skill, our business or our jobs.

Our gifts and talents are given to us by God and when we use those gifts, it is an expression of worship. It honors the Lord when we use the gifts He's given us. Our gifts are the way He has chosen to provide for us, and bless society through what we produce. When we pray for those in authority, we pray for continued freedom in worship, as well as freedom in our business or livelihood.


"Father God, I pray for Waterford, for Michigan and for the United States, that all those in authority, including those that influence our president, our lawmakers and our judges, be godly people who recognize that You are the King of kings and the Lord of lords. I pray You raise up and place leaders in positions of government who are Your spokesmen, filled with Your wisdom and anointing. I pray that the knowledge and understanding of our founding fathers be transferred to our leaders and all those in authority. In the words of John Locke, we "appeal to heaven" for Your justice, so that we may live a quiet and godly life as You desire."

Read the story of the Appeal to Heaven flag at AppealToHeaven.org
Michigan's State Tree is the Eastern White Pine. Which is the same pine on the Appeal to Heaven flag.

Re-prayer March 10, 2012

Friday, February 27, 2015

Hearing the Voice




My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me;
John 10:27

In order to hear the voice of the Shepherd, we need to listen for it. Jesus is the Great Shepherd and He knows those who are His sheep--those who listen for, and hear, His voice. Once we hear His voice and do what He says--following Him--then we are outwardly identifying our inward belonging to Him. If we skip the step of listening and hearing, and just try and follow Him as an obedient sheep, we miss the whole experience of knowing Him. The greatest joy as a Christian comes from intimately knowing our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Lord, I pray that all those who consider themselves a Christian, take time to get quiet before You on a regular basis and listen to hear Your voice. I pray that we get away from the busy, hectic times of life and find that peaceful pasture with You. May we never try to look like Your sheep, without actually being Your sheep. I pray that we lay aside all of our dead, religious works, so that all we do is birthed from a joyful, intimate relationship with You. As we long for You, we belong to You.



Monday, February 23, 2015

The Basket of Figs


"I will give them a heart to know Me, for I am the Lord;
and they will be My people, and I will be their God,
for they will return to Me with their whole heart."
Jeremiah 24:7

The Lord showed the prophet Jeremiah two baskets of figs before the temple of the Lord. One had very good figs in it and the other had very bad, rotten figs which could not be eaten. The Lord said the good figs were like the captives that had been sent out away from Jerusalem that He would one day bring again into the land. He will give them a heart to know Him, they will be His people, He will be their God and they will return to Him with their whole heart. But the bad figs were to be scattered and destroyed.

Lord I pray that we, and those in this township, be as those who return to You with their whole heart. That we do not rebel against You or shrink back when we go through difficult times, even times of correction from You. Lord we want to have a heart that knows You. We want to be Your people, and You to be our God. We turn and return to You, embrace Your will for our lives, and ask for Your protection, mercy, grace and provision.

Jeremiah 24:1-10

Sunday, February 15, 2015

Hushing the Storm and the Fear

I woke up with a song on my heart today, based on Psalm 91 and Isaiah 66:2. The words are:

I will set my love on You.
I set my love upon You,
You are my dwelling place
I set my love upon You,
and I know Your Name.
I do set my love on You,
'cuz You have set Your eyes on me.
You're my deliverer, and You are with me.
You will answer and rescue me.

I sing this as a prayer over the township, the state and our country today. The post from February 11, 2012, also speaks of Psalm 91, as well as praying for peace and safety while remaining alert and prayerful. I pray for an equipping of power and authority to rise up in God's people to dispel the terror that would try and grip the hearts of people. I pray that God's people have peace--but not a naive peace that comes from being unaware of what is going on.

When Jesus was asleep in the boat and the storm arose, His disciples woke Him up as they were afraid. He told the storm to "Hush, be still." Jesus was not asleep with a naivety that caused the storm to overtake Him with fear or physical harm. He arose in power and authority and took care of it. I pray God's people rest in His peace, while waking up into the power and authority He's given us, rebuking not only the physical harm, but the fear and terror as well. (For a related article on hushing the storm click here.)

Lord I also pray that You take us to a deeper level of forgiveness and holiness. Protect our children and equip them with all they need to fulfill Your will in their lives. Show all of Your people their gifts and call and how to bring that to fruition in their lives. Give all of our leaders the desire to seek Your wisdom and implement it in all of their decisions.

Matthew 8:23-27; Mark 4:35-41

Monday, February 9, 2015

Intercessory Breaths For Your City


The other day I cleaned one of the rooms in my home which hadn't been used much lately. A lot of stuff had accumulated there and it had gotten dusty. I cleaned, organized and dusted. As I stood in the room, I saw how a room stays cleaner just by being used. Even if we just stand in a room and breathe, we filter some of the dust out of a room. In the same way, when we breathe out words of praise, it's like a filter to the spiritual atmosphere around us. When we live in a city, day in and day out, we are breathing in and out, speaking words of either life or death, affecting the atmosphere the whole time. God said He would have spared Sodom and Gomorrah for just ten righteous. Just ten righteous people living, breathing, and speaking in a city will affect the city in such a way that can keep it from destruction. 

The key is consistency. James said that from the same mouth should not come both blessing and cursing. A fountain doesn't send out both fresh and bitter water, so we should not flip back and forth between good words and bad. Of course the only way to consistently speak good is for our heart to be filled with good. This only comes through being born again, becoming a new creation in Christ Jesus, and pressing in to Him daily with a heart that is wholly committed and surrendered to Him. As intercessors and prayer warriors for the Lord, let's be sure we do this first, and then stand in the gap for our cities!

Lord God, help us to do this, and may all of us in this township who believe in You, present ourselves to You whole-heartedly.

Genesis 18:32; James 3:10-12; Matthew 12:33-37; 2 Chronicles 16:9
re-prayer February 4, 2012

Saturday, January 31, 2015

Truth Has Stumbled in the Street

As I look back at the last two posts from January 2012,  I realize that the reference made to Isaiah 59:14-19 still holds true today.

14: Justice is turned back, and righteousness stands far away; for truth has stumbled in the street, and uprightness cannot enter.
15: Yes, truth is lacking; and he who turns aside from evil makes himself a prey. Now the Lord saw, and it was displeasing in His sight that there was no justice.
16: And He saw that there was no man, and was astonished that there was no one to intercede; then His own arm brought salvation to Him, and His righteousness upheld Him.

When truth stumbles "in the street" or you could say, when a society accepts sin, then those who turn away from evil become a target. Those standing for God's way of righteousness are looked upon as wrong, and some would go so far as to say they need to be changed, shunned, prosecuted or even killed. The Lord sees this. Jesus came to die, not only for the sins of mankind, but even for the failures of those who desire to please the Lord. Even our failure to pray as we ought to and live as we should. He became the great Intercessor, not only through His righteous, holy life (and death), but also through His prayers, which the Father hears because of His righteousness. Through faith in Jesus Christ, we become righteous like Him, and we too can pray and intercede for our land. 

17: He put on righteousness like a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on His head; and He put on garments of vengeance for clothing and wrapped Himself with zeal as a mantle.
18: According to their deeds, so He will repay, wrath to His adversaries, recompense to His enemies; to the coastlands He will make recompense.
19: So they will fear the name of the Lord from the west and His glory from the rising of the sun, For He will come like a rushing stream which the wind of the Lord drives.
20: "A Redeemer will come to Zion, and to those who turn from transgression in Jacob," declares the Lord.

The Lord comes with salvation, but also with vengeance for His adversaries. He will repay "the coastlands," "the west" will fear the name of the Lord. It's time to pray and intercede, so truth and justice return to our streets. Pray so people fear the name of the Lord, turning away from evil and to the Lord for salvation. Isaiah goes on to say a couple of verses later:

"Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold, darkness will cover the earth and deep darkness the peoples; but the Lord will rise upon you and His glory will appear upon you." Isaiah 60:1-2


1 John 5:14-15; John 12:49; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Timothy 2:1-2










Saturday, January 17, 2015

The Wise Man Anointing


Lord, raise up the elders in the gates and courts of the cities. The watchmen on the wall, the keeper of the keys, the wise men who deliver the cities with wisdom. Raise up the humble who don't care if they are remembered by men, but only wish to be remembered and noticed by You. Raise up those who will deliver our cities and communities by Your wisdom and anointing.

"There was a small city with few men in it
and a great king came to it, surrounded it and
constructed large siegeworks against it.
But there was found in it a poor wise man
and he delivered the city by his wisdom.
Yet no one remembered that poor man."
Ecclesiastes 9:14-15

The elders who sit in the gates and the courts, hold the keys to the city. They guard and protect the community. Raise up the elder anointing, those who are the doorways into the community. Those who decide what is allowed in or out. Anoint them with Your wisdom O God. Let them identify the threats and turn them away. Yet let them recognize when You are bringing a fresh and new thing, and not resist a new work from You just because it is unfamiliar. Let them teach the children, but not stifle their creativity or gifts of the new and the young.
"So I said, "Wisdom is better than strength."
But the wisdom of the poor man is despised
and his words are not heeded.
The words of the wise heard in quietness
are better than the shouting of a ruler among fools."
Ecclesiastes 9:16-17

Increase the strength of the voices of those who speak for You. Those who speak Your truth, Your wisdom and who teach Your ways. Let those of us who have thought that we have it right and its all the others who are bringing down our country, our community, our educational system and our churches, let us repent for our own pride and humble ourselves before You. It's not them, it's us!

"Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good."
Ecclesiastes 9:18

We pray for true conversion of the hearts of the people, the families, the churches, the watchmen, the elders and the wise. Let the eyes of the religious be opened to see the wickedness of their own heart, may true repentance follow, and a humble surrender to learn Your ways to a new depth O God.



Re-prayer January 14, 2012
Lamentations 5:14

Monday, January 12, 2015

Selah...


Peace I leave with you
John 14:27

Jesus left us with His peace. This is not peace like the world gives. The kind of peace He has given is peace that calms the troubled heart and melts away fear. The quiet, calm, still, presence of the Lord is actually quite powerful. The peace of God is not something weak or fragile. There is great strength in His peace. There is rest in the presence of the Lord--rest for our spirit, soul and body. Rest brings strength. Selah...Pause and think calmly about that.

Father God, I pray for Your people to receive an understanding of Your peace--the peace which surpasses all comprehension. I pray that Your peace guard their hearts and minds--their thoughts and intentions. Draw Your people into Your presence, into Your place of peace and rest. Let Your peace sanctify us and preserve us, completing us, making us blameless before You at the coming of the Lord Jesus. May we be the salt of the earth--preserving. And the light of the world--revealing.

John 14:27; Matthew 11:28-30; Philippians 4:6-8; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Matthew 5:13-16
Re-prayer January 7, 2012

Saturday, January 3, 2015

Prayer for The Parental Anointing


This year, in 2015, I'm continuing to "re-pray" the posts from three years ago. In the Spring of 2014 the Lord instructed me to go back to the prayers I posted on this site when it began in 2011, and seek Him once again concerning those things. I'm going after His heart in worship and prayer to release with authority His kingdom, His will, into the township and the surrounding region. Along the way He gave me the Ten Year Tenure article and I would love to see an army of prayer and worship warriors rise up to take the land for the Lord!

In reading the post from January 1, 2012 I say Amen and Amen! Read it by clicking here. It seems that the consequences of political correctness have snowballed in the last three years. Certain things happen when the church fears people more than God. When those who call themselves God's people desire to please people more than the King of kings, the world becomes warped. Our families, cities and nation becomes warped. We have a responsibility to teach our children the ways of the Lord as the Lord said about Abraham, "For I have chosen him, so that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing righteousness and justice, so that the Lord may bring upon Abraham what He has spoken about him." We raise our children in the ways of the Lord, and the atmosphere of the Holy Spirit, so they can grow up in Christ and fulfill their kingdom destiny--what God has spoken about them.

Father God, I pray for the parents and grandparents of this township. I pray for a parental anointing to be released in them so they understand how they can impart the ways of Your Spirit to their children. I pray they see their children through Your eyes. That they love them like You love them. Let them see the treasures within them and recognize the beauty of each one of their children and grandchildren individually. Families be restored--hearts of the father return to the children and the children to the fathers. Pour out Your Spirit upon all flesh--young and old alike!

Genesis 18:19; Malachi 4:6; Joel 2:28-29
Re-prayer January 1, 2012