Boundaries

A boundary is a visible mark designating a limit. A bound is the limit itself and may be an imaginary line, but a boundary is a mark that reveals that line. So just because we make a mark and call it a boundary doesn't necessarily mean that is the real boundary. In other words, God establishes the true boundaries and limitations of all habitations.1

"and He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation, that they would seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us;" Acts 17:26-27.

Boundaries are important for they determine areas of authority and responsibility. Everyone has a personal boundary. God's design is for you to have your own life you are responsible for and have authority in. This is your free will. There are boundaries (laws) in society that keep people safe and keep a community within certain bounds. Some communities have ordinances about things that others do not. Then there are state and federal laws which create certain bounds as well.

The above Scripture tells us that God determined mankind's boundaries so they would seek Him, perhaps touch Him and find Him. The boundaries we have are supposed to be for the purpose of maintaining a relationship with God within those boundaries. You can have boundaries in your personal life that keep you in relationship with God. For example, spending time in prayer and study of the word, and abstaining from sinful behavior. A community can have boundaries that ensure people are free to worship God as they desire. Laws and ordinances are made, and enforced, to protect those boundaries.

Our first responsibility is within our own boundaries--personal, family, community etc. and it's important we seek the Lord for His will to be done within those boundaries. Within these boundaries we worship Him and grow in intimate relationship with Him. Yet that's not to say we become shut off from those outside our boundaries. 

Father God, I pray for the people of Waterford to recognize the boundaries in their life--personal, family and community. I pray You reveal the wisdom of Your ways to all in this community. Help us with our responsibilities, and help us see the joy in these areas as well. I pray for safety, protection and freedom within our families and community so we may worship You and live our lives the way You have designed for us to. I pray for our neighbors as well, and those people and cities around us that are struggling. We pray Your path to freedom becomes clear to them and that You help them on that path, in Jesus' Name, Amen!

1 Noah Webster 1828 on-line dictionary. 1828.mshaffer.com retrieved 8-16-2014
Re-prayer September 9, 2011

The Foundation of Family

"You shall therefore impress these words of mine on your heart and on your soul;...

You shall teach them to your sons, 

talking of them when you sit in your house 

and when you walk along the road 

and when you lie down and when you rise up." 

Deuteronomy 11:18-19

In the beginning, God established families. He created them as male and female parents producing children. The foundation of any community is families. As a family adheres to the Word of God and shares the fresh breath of the Spirit of God, it will grow and prosper. Each member of the family individually will discover his or her place and learn, with joy, how to fulfill that place. God designed families so people would be able to grow and learn in an atmosphere of intimacy and love.

Without a firm family foundation, a person doesn't have the atmosphere of love saturated within him or her that is necessary to flourish. We need the acceptance and intimacy found in a family or we become insecure in our gifts and won't be able to offer our gifts properly to our community. Our provision will be lacking, and others will not be blessed by what we are meant to contribute to society.

The attack on families has been horrendous. There is a strong line of thought that's been thrown out into world that would have us think that a traditional family with a mother and father is not that important. However, by weakening the family unit, we weaken our communities and our country. Of course there are tragedies that sometimes cause a family to be missing either a mother or father, but that isn't supposed to be the norm. Being a parent--a mother or father--is an honorable position to be in. Raising a child through the discovery process of their life's purpose is an awesome, yet very fulfilling, task. We need to protect the family and do all we can to preserve and strengthen it. 

The attack on families may come from without, or within. Within many families strife, selfishness, self-centerdness and a feeling of lack or missing out is common. These are destructive attitudes that are sent from the enemy of mankind. The only way to combat these is through the Lord Jesus. Sinful attitudes dim the light of the gospel of Christ which we must have in order to see clearly. If our vision becomes clouded then we become confused. Once confusion sets in, the way is paved for deception.

Families must be strengthened by keeping their light shining bright. With clear vision, each family member can develop properly, see their dreams clearly and flourish in them, bringing joy and sharing in provision with the community. Children bring fresh life and growth to a family, and families bring life and growth to a community. 

God I pray for the families of Waterford. Strengthen them by bringing the enlightenment of Your Word and the Lord Jesus Christ. Let the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ shine brightly in the hearts of the families. May parents see the importance of their position over their children. Fill their hearts with love for their children. Let them see the value of their children and the uniqueness of their gifts. Help them to help their children grow and develop in what You have gifted them to do. Encourage and strengthen the parents of Waterford. Give the churches wisdom, along with a desire, to help the families be all that You've called them to be. In Jesus' Name, Amen!

Genesis 1:27-28; 2 Corinthians 4:4-6; Proverbs 22:6; Ephesians 6:2
Re-prayer June 17, 2011

Tell the Stories

"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." 

Genesis 18:19

God loves families. He designed it for parents to teach their children the ways of the Lord, so that His promises may be fulfilled in the earth. Children become history. They become His story. We must tell them our stories and the stories of history so they will keep the way of the Lord and continue telling His story. We must teach them the stories of the Bible. They must hear the stories of Abraham, Moses, David, Samuel, Elijah and all the heroes of faith.

God I pray for the safety and protection of the children of Waterford. I pray for the parents, the teachers and all who influence our children. I pray our children grow in a fertile environment, rich with Your presence. I pray they have encounters with You. That they learn to hear from You and grow in relationship with You. Pour out Your Spirit upon our children! 

I pray for the Waterford Historical Society. That the history of Waterford is preserved accurately. I pray we learn to search out our local history, as well as our state and national history. I pray you show us your plans for Waterford so we can pass that on to our children. Let this land be all You desire for it to be. I pray for the Parks and Recreation department. That the natural beauty of Waterford be preserved and restored. Let us learn of You in all that is around us. 

Let the families talk of You, Lord, around the dinner table. Let them attend church together. Let them enjoy each other surrounded by the beauty of Your creation. Turn the heart of the Fathers back to the children and the children to the Fathers. May the fathers and mothers, the grand-fathers and grand-mothers recognize the high honor of their position and train the children in Your ways.

Joel 2:28-29, Malachi 4:6, Romans 1:20, Deuteronomy 11:18-21

Re-prayer June 15 and June 17, 2011

Activate Community Gifts

"Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly..." Romans 12:6

God, I pray that You help the people of Waterford identify their gifts, receive the education and training they need, and open up doors of opportunity for them. Arrange our community in such a way that brings true unity/community to our township as You have designed. Let each neighborhood have diversity of gifts--arranged by You in perfect harmony. In good times and in difficulties we will each play our part, cultivating the great garden of Waterford. However, I pray this not only for Waterford, but for all the communities of Oakland County, southeast Michigan and beyond. Let the people discover, enjoy and prosper in their area of gifting, their work, their jobs, their call. Let us quit wishing, pretending and escaping reality, but let us receive the hope, the strength and the vision we need to go out and start making it happen. Let us recognize what You have planned for us, agree with You and take the steps necessary to walk that path all the way through to the end.

Re-prayer June 1, 2011; Recognition With Humility

The River

In 1963 the Clinton River, which ran through downtown Pontiac, was covered in cement to prevent flooding. Oddly enough, the Clinton River is the very reason the first settlers came to Pontiac. In 1818 a group of men led by Colonel Stephen Mack came together and purchased 1280 acres of land in what is now central Pontiac, (adding 160 acres in 1822 bringing it to 1440). They settled on the north side of the Clinton River, (then called the Huron of St. Clair), opposite the Chippewa Indians who used to camp annually on the south side while travelling from Saginaw to Detroit for trade purposes. The land of Pontiac was full of life. It was called by some a "forest." There were many trees, including fruit trees, as well as an abundance of wildlife. They settled by the river to use the water-power for their mills. They built a saw mill and a flour and grist mill. They also built a distillery early on as they found it was good for trade with the Indians. Life wasn't easy at first, but they stuck with it and it worked.1 

There is recent talk of "daylighting" the Clinton River, meaning they want to uncover it, allowing it to flow above ground through the city once again. I think this is a wonderful idea. Remember the words of Joni Mitchell who sang, "pave paradise and put up a parking lot?" This is literally what was done in Pontiac. The Clinton River is buried under the Phoenix Center and "Lot 9." I'm not saying a river can solve all the cities problems, however consider this--nature shouts with the attributes of God. When we cover it up how do our children explore, not only to see God in the world around them, but to unearth their own gifts within? They learn from teachers and artists which of course is wonderful, but when a generation is far removed from the natural beauty that inspired the teachers and artists from days gone by, something is lost. There is nothing like learning from the Master Artist Himself. What better way to learn math, science, architecture, music or fine arts then by studying from the Creator of these things?

As great as education is, we don't want it to replace experience. We don't want intoxication to replace inspiration, or the work of man to replace the work of God, which leads to idolatry and brings violence into a land. Lord I pray, unearth those things in Pontiac which flow with Your life. Let the earth itself cry out Your beauty for all to see. Let the children see Your works, learn from You and flourish in the gifts You've put within them, bringing honor to You!

Ezekiel 7 & 8, Romans 1:20, The Psalms
1. Pontiac...The Making of a U.S. Automobile Capital 1818 to 1950 by Esmo Woods
Re-prayer: May 23 & May 25, 2011

The Innkeeper's Call

Beginning today, we are going back and reviewing the prayer blogs from when Pray For Waterford Michigan first started on May 23, 2011. I felt that the Lord wanted us to "re-pray" each one of these prayers, adding additional insight from Him as He shows us today.

Initial Prayer included:

• Waterford being a host to those passing through-hospitality
• Providing a place of peace, safety, comfort
• A place of bursting fresh fountains, not stagnant waters
• Those feeling their position and gifts are not important or not being recognized, possibly leading to feelings of worthlessness or arrogance and attempts at self-promotion
• Humility being a key
• Recognizing your value comes from the Lord

I believe the Lord wants to raise up spiritual "innkeepers." These are the ones that will tend to those who have been wounded by the violent and ignored by the religious. The innkeepers have hearts full of compassion and are equipped to bring rest, nourishment and healing.

I feel the Lord wants to establish innkeepers throughout Waterford who are solid anchors of hope. They may seem scattered throughout but in reality are strategically placed. As people pass through, or move in and out of the area, these people have stability and will tend to the wounded until they are healed. 

Everyone is called to be a neighbor, and Jesus Himself is the perfect example of this. Like the good Samaritan, Jesus paid for our healing. However, He calls us all to be neighbors and pay the price of ministering to people, tending to their wounds, carrying them in prayer, and bringing them to those who are specifically equipped for healing if needed, paying whatever the cost until the person is healed. The main characteristic of a neighbor is love and compassion.

Innkeepers might be churches. In fact churches should be "Inn's." However, there might be innkeepers in neighborhoods or places of business. Like the neighbors, innkeepers are full of great love and compassion, and they are equipped for healing. They are the fresh fountains, providing living waters as well as the rest and nourishment needed--an atmosphere and environment that promotes healing and health.

The wounded often feel they are not important or recognized as having any value. They are those who feel their lives are worthless and that they are half dead already. Helping them to see how much the Lord values them, and that He's placed gifts within them, will begin the healing process. Sometimes a wounded person fights, might be defensive and proud, and ends up beat up and wounded. Part of their healing process is for them to see that their gifts are from the Lord and not to be a source of arrogance or self-promotion. Pride and self-promotion are really a persons attempt to see value in themselves when they don't know that the Lord loves them. Rather than getting angry with the proud or self-centered, the neighbors and the innkeepers will be in place to help them heal, once they are in a position to recognize they need help. 

Are you an innkeeper?

Luke 10:25-37

May 1, 2014-National Day of Prayer: The Sound of Liberty

The Liberty Bell

May 1st was the National Day of Prayer. As I prayed for the United States, I found myself praying that God's full and true purpose for which the USA has been established be revealed. By the revealing of it we will be able to get in on it. Daniel sought the Lord after he read in the prophecies regarding what His plan for Israel was in setting them free after seventy years of exile. (Daniel 9). Just as Daniel had been searching the prophecies, there has been a fresh desire rise in the hearts of the Christians in America to return to the purposes for which this country was established. We've been uncovering a lot regarding God's plans and the place of Christianity in our foundation. 

Once Daniel found God's plan he sought the Lord in prayer, fasting and repentance. He petitioned the Lord for forgiveness, to fulfill the prophecy and return His people to their land. We too, as Christians have been praying and seeking the Lord. After Daniels prayers the angel Gabriel came to bring understanding. He brought great insight into God's timeline. I believe we need to be open for God to show us His full and true purpose for the United States of America. I believe we need to look upwards and receive His enlightenment as to what His purposes are for us. As we see His plans, we will be able to take our part in those plans. Yes we must search the Scriptures and the historical documents, yes we must pray and seek the Lord with humility and ask Him to fulfill His plans, but we must also open our eyes and see the answer when He brings it to us so we can take our place and do our part!

I pray that our foundation be even stronger than it was in the beginning so we will fulfill God's purposes for establishing the United States. Two thoughts that came to my mind as I prayed on May 1st were the Liberty Bell and the Statue of Liberty. God established this country as a free country, however we know that true freedom comes only from the Spirit of the Lord. We might be independent, especially from oppressive religion, however we must never be independent from the Spirit of God which brings true liberty.

The crack in the foundation of America's liberty will be restored when we discover our true and full purpose! 

The original Liberty Bell, (wasn't called the liberty bell originally), was inscribed with Leviticus 25:10:

"Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof. Lev. XXV X"

Leviticus 25:10 You shall thus consecrate the fiftieth year and proclaim a release through the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you, and each of you shall return to his own property, and each of you shall return to his family. (NASB)

The Liberty Bell has had troubles from the start. It was recast twice. It had cracking problems from the beginning and people didn't like the sound of the bell. Some people who lived in the vicinity of the bell became annoyed with the sound of it. Eventually it suffered a fatal crack on February 26, 1846 on George Washington's birthday. Do we agree with the sound of liberty? Do we try and make it sound pleasing to us instead of accepting it for what it really is? Does the sound of true liberty annoy us? Today, because of its condition, the Liberty Bell is gently tapped on certain occasions and not rung. I pray that as our true and full purpose is revealed and embraced by God's people that the sound of liberty is carried throughout the land by the Spirit of the Lord. Proclaim liberty throughout all the land!

Read more about the Liberty Bell history

2 Corinthians 3:37