Following is an excerpt from an article by By Francis Frangipane origionally written on Aug 6th 2000. This article is also used in his In Christ's Image Training on prayer. Especially impressive is the third paragraph I have pasted.
"Arise Prayer Warriors!
Jesus told a parable to show that men ought to pray at all times and not lose heart (Lk 1. In other words, if you are not praying, you will lose heart. Most of the things I pray for I have to pray through to get the answer. God desires to see something deeper come out of my prayer time than just me getting an answer to prayer. He wants me to become like Jesus. So He arranges character-forming battles that not only will ultimately change the world around me, but will change me first. This is what all true prayer warriors have discovered.
When we picture a prayer warrior, we usually see a great aunt or grandmother. I think that every family has one. You never find them looking into a crystal ball to know the future for little Johnny--they are at the throne of God creating Johnny's future in prayer. They are not wondering if Mary is going to make it, they are praying her through to victory. They do not have time to lament Harry's drinking problem, they are storming heaven to see him delivered.
Prayer Warriors are the most frightening, powerful, demon chasing, world-moving, beings on earth. In truth, they are co-creators with God! If they were to gaze at a crystal ball, it would explode! They look at astrological predictions and rebuke them. They never wonder about the future because they are too busy creating it. Prayer warriors are positioned by God to stand in faith for their family. Prayer is stronger than kings and mightier than armies. Prayer is the most powerful force on earth!"
New Years Eve weekend was quite the time for me. I went to Madison Wi. to meet Fullofjoyeternal, (Sharyl) and Rick41 (Richard). Sunday morning Sharyl picked me up at my motel and I rode to her church with her. We attended her adult Sunday school class and church service.
This was my first experience attending an Assemblies of God church. I'll tell you what, those people REALLY know how to praise the Lord. They are a very gifted church in musical talents. The senior pastor's wife, also a pastor, plays the piano and leads the praise groups. Yes groups. Not only do they have a praise band, (like most churches do today) but a choir too, and a small orchestra as well.
If you've never been to a Charasmatic church service, I would strongly encourage you to check one out. It's a worship experience you'll never forget. During the praise and worship part almost nobody sits, and very few people even stand near their seats, except for the first couple rows. Nearly everyone is down in front of the alter, raising their arms in praise, and sometimes some of them get on their knees as well. Plenty of people crying tears of joy too, and occasionally you can hear someone speaking in tongues. It's sort of like attending the best rock concerts you've ever been to, but then getting to be involved in the very show itself as well.
Then things slowed down for a time of prayer led by the senior pastor, we sang a couple more songs and returned to our seats while the senior pastor gave his message of the week. Boy can that man preach up a storm. He just fills people with hope, cheer and positives. Then he led another prayer session asking anyone in the congragation who would like can come right down to the front and bow for prayer with him. The entire congragation, (and I mean literally) came down to the front and we were ALL holding hands with each other and on our knees before the Lord in prayer. There were no seats occupied at all. And again, as true to Charasmatic Christians the prayer session was full of emotion, healing, and humbleness to God. A lot of people were crying, including me. Others were quietly speaking in tongues. Some people softly saying things like, "Yes Jesus," or "Praise Jesus." After which was some more inspiring singing yet.
Sharyl introduced me to several of her friends from church, including the senior pastor and his wife Julie. We picked up her boyfriend Richard, and went to the residence of one of the church members for a small group meeting. We began what turned into a 10 hour party, but without any intoxicants.
That evening we watched the Green Bay Packers play the Chicago Bears on big screen TV. That was to be the main event. At half time I was on the floor with Sharyl's younger girl working on a puzzle with her, and Sharyl's friend Terri was doing something with the other. It was planned for Terri and I to occupy the girls so that Sharyl and Richard could slip out for a walk. They came back glowing and giddy. After the game Sharyl took me to my motel, took Richard home, and went home herself. But I'm a night owl and wasn't ready for bed yet. I got in my car and drove back to the church for the midnight prayer service that the senior pastor personally invited me to attend. And OMG what a service that was too.
It was a much smaller gathering. Perhaps 20 or 25 people. Pastor John the senior pastor had people giving testimonies of Christmas time or New Years miricles. He called upon me to give a testimony, (which was the last thing I expected) I got up went to the front and told the story I have in my blog about how God inspired the union that gave my family the best Christmas ever. Then he had us read from Revelation 19 and come up to the alter for prayer, which we were to pray on our knees at the steps to the alter, until after midnight, it was like 11:20 then.
I had never been in such a long prayer vigil before, and had no idea what to pray for. I started out with praying for our nation, our leadership, Israel, and national events. And went on trying to think of who else to pray for. I got to praying for myself, by which time I could hear one of the church elders praying for me at the same time. And if that wasn't enough Pastor John began praying for me too. Both were praying out loud many of the very same things I had prayed in silence for myself. Hearing both these men who hardly knew me praying for things in my life, even intimate details they would have no way of knowing, I knew beyond doubt it was coming from God, and they were being told by the spirit exactly what to say.
I became an instant tear factory, and not just a few tears either. Once it started I was wailing, and sniffing, in the deepest cry I have ever had. I couldn't concentrate to pray, so I resorted to speaking in tongues in my mind, and the crying went even deeper yet. Then I began shivering, and felt very cold as if I had been out in subzero weather for hours, yet I was also sweeting profusely. I tried to keep my mind on prayers but just couldn't concentrate, so I mimicked in my head everything I could hear Pastor John say, while speaking in tongues in my mind as well. All the while, still deeply crying, still shivering, and feeling very cold, yet sweating like crazy.
A few minutes after midnight Pastor John stopped us all and had us make a circle holding hands. We sang a song alcopella, and John had us pray some more. He called upon the elder who seemed to go on for ever. All this time I'm still crying and shivering cold. Then John had us all at the same time pray for the person on our left, in my case was Pastor John. Suddenly I wasn't cold anymore. Although I was still crying, I was otherwise quite comfortable. Then John had us praying for the person on our right, so agan John was praying for me. He spoke of the ministry I'm going to have, and it will be bigger then I can imagine, my heart and love for bretheren, and giving me the desires I've had for years and almost given up on. Then he called me "man of God," and I totally lost it, and broke into crying even deeper then earlier.
Then the service was over. We were to say hi and hug each person present, then we could leave. By then I had stoped crying and felt very at peace. As we left I finally realized what had just happened to me. I had been broken before the Lord and humbled. An experience I had been scared to death of, and avoided any possibility of it, but God always catches up to us and breaks us when we least expect it.
I returned to my motel, and slept soundly and peacefully.
In the morning met Sharyl, Richard, and the girls for breakfast. I told them about what happened to me and shared some stuff from the Bible. During which time, an elderly couple stopped by our table very impressed that we were having a Bible study in public. The wife gave Sharyl her phone number and asked her to call. We finished breakfast and Sharyl loaded the girls in the van, and had me pray over her and Richard for their relationship and whatever else the spirit inspired me with. We said our goodbyes and and we went our ways.
The following letter was in a local churches prayer network today. Identity of the writer and church is being omitted.
As I am always encouraged to see the Lord at work, it is always a blessing to know that the prayers from the body are effective. Thanks for praying for Brett, my brother. I am excited to say that he will be returning to CR to live. This is a mighty good thing because his daughters are here and he is responding to God calling him to his responsibilities to them. PTL!!!!
I just have to share this really cool thing that God did for Brett. As it was decided that Brett was going to return, he needed to let the company he worked for in Ohio know. He did so with the confidence that he was going to be following what God wanted Brett to do. What Brett did not know was how God was going to immediately honor his faithfulness. Here's how.... Kraft Maid cabinets, the company he worked for, laid off 500 workers yesterday. Brett was not to be one of those for he was in a management position that would actually make him busier than ever with having to watch production even closer. With the news of him leaving (which would leave Brett with no income, unemployment, or severance package because he was just "quitting"), the plant manager called him and asked if he would be willing to switch positions with another man that was to be laid off. Brett said sure. So then yesterday Brett got laid off with the entire package that went along with that, of! severance pay, unemployment, and insurance for 90 additional days. The best thing is another man was able to keep a job and actually get promoted from where he was. This is a true blessing all the way around.
Here is excerpts of my new profile, somewhat similar to one I had before. I am a divorced, spiritually mature, Charismatic, Christian who has finally gotten off the fence of disobedience to the Lord and stopped ignoring his soft calling to me. I am seeking a special woman who will stand, or kneel next to me in God's presence, as we lift our arms, and praise our Lord together in the place where the spirit has led us to. Are you she who will kneel before God with me? If so, a passion filled, but Godly romance will surely ensue.
She will not have a Hollywood perfect face, or Barbee doll figure. Give me average, give me real, but give me a genuine woman of God who places God first. I'll be content with being second, and she in turn will have to accept that I will place her second as well. If she has children, I will embrace them, but I do not want additional children.
I don't believe in perfect predestined God-given soul-mates. However, I do believe any Christian can be right for any other Christian IF both are walking with God, and both are dedicated to working at the ensuing relationship. I am not perfect, nor do I desire perfect. We will never be rich, and perhaps not even comfortable, but we will become a pair of exciting living testimonies for God, and be we on holy fire for our Lord...together.
Thou hast ravished my heart, my sister, my spouse; Song of Solomon 4:9;
Psa 1:1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. 4 The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. 5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. 6 For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.
Fullofjoyeternal What a wonderful day in which to have your birthday. Since each new year is also your birthday, in essence the whole world is telling you 'happy birthday,' by saying 'happy new year.'
I have been out of town the last couple days, but indeed wish Sharyl both. This is going to be a year for outreach, it's already started, and it's gonna be special.
Why just this morning I was having breakfast with a wonderful Christian couple who are early in a dating relationship. We had our Bibles out, and we were having a wonderful little Bible study, when a little old lady stopped by our table apparently impressed with believers who would openly study the Bible in a public place.
Oh, how much I would love to have invited her to my church, but I was in a different state, so I suggested that the local couple handle the woman. Which gives the couple someone they can shephard and teach. Which in turn will bless them and help them grow as well.
Eventually they three will win others to the Lord as well. Happy Birthday Sharyl, and indeed happy new year to all. Let's reach out and speak the Word, both in season and out of season.
I have frequently wondered what the childhood of Jesus must have been like. Like most children, I'm sure it had it's ups and downs. I don't imagine he did a lot of playground healings, or levitating boards when he helped his step dad in the shop. We know he was perfect as a man, but was he perfect as a child? Before you say, "how dare I say such a thing," consider the following records.
Luk 2:43 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. Luk 2:44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. Luk 2:45 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. Luk 2:46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.
Every parent experiences losing their child for a time, and has to go looking for him. Such as while shopping at the mall, or a family gathering. Can you imagine going through that when you know that his daddy is God? Having to say, "OMG, I have lost your son and know not where to find him." Spending three days looking. Some mothers freak out when they spend three minutes looking. Mary had to have been beside herself when she found him.
Luk 2:48 And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.
And while he was perfect, he obviously did recieve some kind of discipline in his upbringing.
Luk 2:51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them:
What's it mean to make your child subject to you? Come on, you know it means grounding, or a time out, or even a little swat on the behind. In doing the will of his father in heaven, young Jesus had his mother and step father worried sick. He received some kind of discipline for having worried them so.
Luk 2:40 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.
Now if you read what's written, and really think about it, If he was perfect as a child, then he would have already been perfect in spirit and would not have needed to grow. But he did grow. After the record, and receiving discipline he continued to grow.
Luk 2:52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.
Here we have a second scripture indicating a growing process. It is very likely that Jesus had a pretty typical childhood. However, we know that he NEVER sinned because the Bible says so. We also know he had brothers and sisters.
Mat 13:55b; is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? Mat 13:56 And his sisters, are they not all with us?
He had four named brothers, and at least three sisters. He proabley spent a lot of time baby sitting.
I stand before the throne of Grace again Before the Holy Righteous One I feel dirty with these sins exposed And I'm exhausted from hiding
I know the pure in heart will see Your face You will lift them to fly with You But I've been running from Your love so long That I don't see how You could want me And I know that I am unworthy Lord But I fall down at Your feet And I know my sin crucifed You Lord But I feel you wash me clean
Stained and broken here I am again Have I wasted Your mercy? Shame is clinging like a filthy cloud It tears my eyes for the heavens
I know the pure in heart will see Your face You will lift them to fly with You But I've been running from Your love so long That I don't see how You could want me And I know that I am unworthy Lord But I fall down at Your feet And I know my sin crucifed You Lord But I feel you wash me clean
by Zach Blickens; Associate Pastor Youth/College; River of Life Ministries, Cedar Rapids Iowa.
Rev 12:1 And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: Rev 12:2 And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.
Here is a literal of verse 1 according to proper Greek and usage.
And there appeared a great sign in the zodiac; Virgo was endued with the Sun, and the moon was positioned under her feet, and her headship was connected to the twelve constellations of the zodiac.
This scripture used with astronomy, (not astrology) can pinpoint the date and time of the birth of Jesus Christ to with in a 90 minute span of time. Before I give you the date, I will tell you what is NOT the date. It is NOT December 25th, 1 B.C. The date was September 11th 3 B.C.
The time was between 5:15 PM and 6:45 PM as the sun was setting. This exact configuration occurred only once in the whole history of mankind.
Even though today is NOT our Lord's actual birthday, it is the date we celebrate it. The fact THAT he was born is much more important then WHEN he was born.
. In other words, if you are not praying, you will lose heart. Most of the things I pray for I have to pray through to get the answer. God desires to see something deeper come out of my prayer time than just me getting an answer to prayer. He wants me to become like Jesus. So He arranges character-forming battles that not only will ultimately change the world around me, but will change me first. This is what all true prayer warriors have discovered.
