Tuesday, September 5, 2017
Building People of Substance for Works of Power
Time to sing and shout, Friend .
Like many of you, I have been watching the remarkable events in Texas and Louisiana as they battle the hurricane. The whole thing is a little overwhelming. Then I heard that North Korea has tested another nuclear weapon, and the nation is poised on the brink of war. Today, Florida and the Caribbean are in the path of another huge storm. Sometimes circumstances seem too much. My ability to pray with my mind gets exhausted very rapidly. I decided I should review some things to help us to pray effectively in these situations:
1. Pray for specific individuals, people and groups that we may know. We can certainly pray God’s protection and deliverance for them, then speak in faith to the circumstances. Mark 11:23-24.
2. We can call on the promises of protection for all God’s people in a given area. Ps. 91 / 34:7 / Malachi 3:11
3. Speaking God’s Word in a situation brings angelic help on the scene: Hebrews 1:14 / Psalm 103:20.
4. When we don’t know specifically how to pray, the Spirit will help us. Praying in tongues allows God to use our voice to dispatch His angels to intervene. 1 Corinthians 13:1 / Romans 8:26-27 / 1 Corinthians 14:2
5. Thanksgiving to God because we know He hears us, and because we know He is good and merciful. Philippians 4:6-7
I am heartened by the story of Jehoshaphat. When Judah was threatened by overwhelming enemies, he called a prayer meeting. The prophets spoke that the Lord would be with them and fight the battle. The army began to march with the musicians leading the way, singing, “Praise the Lord, for His mercy endures forever.” When they came in sight of the enemy, they were shocked to find that they had already destroyed themselves. Here are the verses I want us to take hold of:
“And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed those who should sing to the LORD, and who should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army and were saying: “Praise the LORD, For His mercy endures forever.” Now when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushes against the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were defeated.” (2 Chronicles 20:21-22 NKJV)
Somebody Said: Groanings which cannot be uttered are often prayers which cannot be refused.” Charles Spurgeon
Let’s join together to pray for people we know, speak God’s word of protection over the areas that are threatened, and pray in the Spirit until the problems are resolved. In addition, let’s be appointed singers to praise and give thanks because we know we will we see the salvation of the Lord.
Pastor Virgil L. Stokes
Faith Christian Fellowship of Tucson
3141 W. Ironwood Hill Dr.
Tucson, AZ 85745
www.fcftucson.org
Office: 520-792-3238
Visit us on YouTube to taste the goodness @FCFTucson.
pastorvirgil.com 