Tag: Holy Spirit

Morning Reading: Luke 10:21-24 NLT – childlike amazement

Reading: Luke 10:21-24 NLT

Childlike_AmazementAt that same time Jesus was filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit, and he said, “O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike. Yes, Father, it pleased you to do it this way.

“My Father has entrusted everything to me. No one truly knows the Son except the Father, and no one truly knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”

Then when they were alone, he turned to the disciples and said, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you have seen. I tell you, many prophets and kings longed to see what you see, but they didn’t see it. And they longed to hear what you hear, but they didn’t hear it.”

Prayer: Lord Jesus – Your disciples were amazed at what they saw and heard… what you revealed to them. Renew that same amazement in me… the amazement that I felt when you first revealed yourself to me. Thank you for opening my eyes and ears to the wonders of your Kingdom. May I always approach you with childlike faith. And may I never lose the joy of your salvation. Amen.

Hymn: “I Stand Amazed” – Charles Hutchinson Gabriel (1905)

Morning Reading: Luke 9.37-43 NLT – power displayed

Reading: Luke 9.37-43 NLT

After Jesus was transfigured, He healed a demonized boy (Matthew 17:14-20; Mark 9:14-29; Luke 9:37-43).
After Jesus was transfigured, He healed a demonized boy (Matthew 17:14-20; Mark 9:14-29; Luke 9:37-43).

The next day, after they had come down the mountain, a large crowd met Jesus. A man in the crowd called out to him, “Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, my only child. An evil spirit keeps seizing him, making him scream. It throws him into convulsions so that he foams at the mouth. It batters him and hardly ever leaves him alone. I begged your disciples to cast out the spirit, but they couldn’t do it.”

Jesus said, “You faithless and corrupt people! How long must I be with you and put up with you?” Then he said to the man, “Bring your son here.”

As the boy came forward, the demon knocked him to the ground and threw him into a violent convulsion. But Jesus rebuked the evil spirit and healed the boy. Then he gave him back to his father. Awe gripped the people as they saw this majestic display of God’s power.

Prayer: Lord Jesus – Woe is me! I am a faithless corrupt person living among a faithless corrupt people. Forgive me, cleanse me, heal me, empower me… to soar with you in the power of your love… as your Spirit leads me on. To you be all honor and glory – now and forever. Amen.

Spiritual Song: “The Power of Your Love” – Hillsong (YouTube)

Please Pray for Christians in Somalia – World Watch List #5

Peanut Gallery: Christian Persecution – Somalia #5 on World Watch List 

East-Africa-Map

It is too dangerous for believers to meet openly in this strictly Islamic state. Terrorist groups such as al-Shabaab target converts to Christianity and eliminate them.

Aid workers, Christian or otherwise, require tight security due to the risk of abduction.

The election of a new parliament and president in 2012 created a framework for a more legitimate government. But for Christians the future still looks bleak, as the provisional constitution does not allow for religious freedom. (Population: 9.8 million – a few hundred Christians)

Please Pray:

  • Al-Shabaab, which is backed by al-Qaeda, remains a serious threat. Pray that its influence will diminish
  • That Christian radio programmes will bring hope to isolated believers and those who are seeking God
  • Some of those who have returned to Somalia following the political changes have been exposed to Christianity. Pray this will bring more tolerance towards Christians.

Prayer: Heavenly Father – May your Kingdom come… and your will be done… in Somalia, as it is in heaven. Feed your people and deliver them from evil. Lord Jesus – Come in power to Somalia… break their bondage to sin and death… set them free – may your Word go forth with power accomplishing your Kingdom purposes. Holy Spirit – Move among your people… strengthening, encouraging, protecting them. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Somali-woman-mourns-near--007Persecution dynamics

Islamic leaders maintain that Somalia remains a strictly Islamic state with no room for Christians. Children attend mandatory Madrasa Islamic classes, people are buried with Islamic burial rights whatever their religion might be, and it is extremely difficult to openly declare faith. It is too dangerous to meet openly and families of converts are fearful that they might be suspected of conversion and risk execution. Continue reading “Please Pray for Christians in Somalia – World Watch List #5” →

Sunday Reading: Isaiah 6.1-8 ESV – I saw the Lord

Sunday Reading: Isaiah 6.1-8 ESV

The St John's Bible"Vision of Isaiah 6.1-13" Donald Jackson, 2005
The St John’s Bible
“Vision of Isaiah 6.1-13”
Donald Jackson, 2005

In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called to another and said:

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!”

And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke.

And I said: “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!”

Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a burning coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar. And he touched my mouth and said: “Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for.”

And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?”

Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.”

Prayer: Heavenly Father – Give us a glimpse of heaven as we come into your presence today. Lord Jesus – Take away our sin and heal our wandering hearts. Holy Spirit – Send us out as bearers of your Good News… into a sad and broken world. In all we do, may we honor you. Amen.

Spiritual Song: “I see the Lord”

Please pray for North Korean Christians – World Watch List #1

Peanut Gallery: Christian Persecution – North Korea – #1 (worldwatchlist.us)

nk_woman
North Korean Woman

“For the eleventh year running, this is the most difficult place on earth to be a Christian. One of the remaining Communist states, it is vehemently opposed to religion of any kind. Christians are classified as hostile and face arrest, detention, torture, even public execution. There is a system of labour camps including the renowned prison No. 15, which reportedly houses 6,000 Christians alone. But despite severe oppression, there is a growing underground church movement of an estimated 400,000 Christians.”

Please click on this link to Open Doors US to learn more about Christians in North Korea.

Please join me in prayer –

Heavenly Father: May your Holy Spirit strengthen and comfort all North Korean believers in Your Son, Jesus Christ… especially those who are imprisoned and suffer great hardship, those who gather in secret to worship and pray, those who are afraid for themselves and their families, those who are sick and tired, those who are refugees, those who hunger and thirst, and those who labor to share the GOOD NEWS of Jesus Christ.

Lord Jesus: Bring Your Truth to Life – reveal Yourself through signs and wonders that demonstrate Your mercy and grace. Move among North Korean believers with wisdom, healing graces and power.

Holy Spirit move across the entire country of North Korea – its leaders, its military, all of its people at every level of society. Turn their hearts to Jesus Christ and lead them to repentance and faith… that one day soon the country of North Korea will know God’s deliverance and finally be free.

I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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For more information on Christians in North Korea – click here.

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