Day 12: Lifting the Hands of the Ministers of the Gospel

““11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12  to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”
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— Ephesians 4: 11-13

““And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, and those with gifts of healing, helping, administration, and various tongues.””

— 1 Corinthians 12:28

““Then I will raise up for Myself a faithful priest. He will do whatever is in My heart and mind. And I will build for him an enduring house, and he will walk before My anointed one for all time.””

— 1 Samuel 2:35

All the bible verses stated above is a testament to the fact that God is the one who has chosen the leadership of the church and given the different roles. All these roles are important, and none is bigger or lesser or more important than another. In some parts of the world or community thechurch has idolized some of these positions as if one is more important than the order. The main reason for these leadership roles is to teach, guide, and direct believers so that they can grow spiritual as they also uncover and use their own gifts for the wellbeing of the church. They are also responsible for spreading the Gospel, which has the transformative power to bring many to Christ. In preaching the gospel, the needs of the people are also being addressed. According to John 10:14-16 “14 I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.16  I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.” Just as Jesus is a good shepherd, the minsters are called to walk in the same shoes as Jesus Christ; laying their lives and going after the lost sheep to win them back into the church.

Prayer Points

Pray for the grace to  help the ministers  to be indeed good shepherds who are selfless, kind hearted, humble, willing to serve not out of compulsion but for the love of the father even as they serve and wait for the Chief Shepheard to reward them:  1 Peter 5:2-4 “2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not out of greed, but out of eagerness; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.”

Pray for the grace to always view and treat the church through the word of God-He purchased it with the blood of his son Jesus Christ: Acts 20:28 “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.”

Pray that ministers will stand like Apostle Paul to be reminded that the preaching of the Gospel of not dependent on their human skills or knowledge or display of talent as the bible says the wisdom of this world is foolishness.

Pray that the ministers will focus on the central theme- which is the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ upon which the foundation of the church is based: 1 Corinthians 2:1-2 “1 And so it was with me, brothers and sisters. When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God.2 For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.

Pray that ministers will be ready to  preach  the true  Gospel at all  times; meaning they are also committed to waiting on God in the place of prayer and the study of the word so that they are properly equipped: 2 Timothy 4:2  “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.”

Pray that the Lord Jesus who is the good shepherd will equipped the ones he has called to lead his church on earth so that they will walk in his will and achieve what they have been called to do: Hebrews 13:20-21”20  Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, 21 equip you with every good thing to do His will. And may He accomplish in us what is pleasing in His sight through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.”

Pray that the ministers of the gospel will humble themselves to know that the gospel is never about them, but the power of the Holy Spirt at work through them, therefore every glory belongs to God for every accomplishment. Romans 15:18-19 “18 I will not presume to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obedience by word and deed, 19 by the power of signs and wonders, and by the power of the Spirit of God. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ.”

Jesus’s emphasis to Peter here indicates his love for the church. Irrespective of where or who you are in the church, new believer, weak believer, backsliding, widows, orphans, elderly or strong, the ministers are call to take care of all and not selected groups. Pray that that their hearts will be filled with Love, the spirit of sensitivity, and discernment so that ministers will not neglect any particular group in the church as they guide, protect, and nurture the people: John 21:15-17 “15 When they had finished eating, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love Me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know I love You.” Jesus replied, “Feed My lambs.” 16 Jesus asked a second time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know I love You.” Jesus told him, “Shepherd My sheep.” 17 Jesus asked a third time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was deeply hurt that Jesus had asked him a third time, “Do you love Me?” “Lord, You know all things,” he replied. “You know I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.”

Pray that ministers of the Gospel will serve in integrity of the word of God, not to bring shame and disgrace in the house of the Lord: 2 Corinthians 4:2 “Instead, we have renounced secret and shameful ways. We do not practice deceit, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by open proclamation of the truth, we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.”

Pray that our ministers of the Gospel will have a compassionate heart toward the flock: Mathew 9:36 “When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”

We live in the era of technology and arrogance. Many do not respect the office of the ministers of the Gospel anymore. They are bold to just go online and post whatever they dim fit and careless about spiritual consequence. Pray that the body of Christ will arise and repent from this kind of wickedness and witchcraft. Pray for humility, confidence, and submission of the church to our spiritual leaders: Hebrews 13:17  “Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.”

Pray that God will raise intercessors to stand constantly in the gap for the ministers of the Gospel praying for their deliverance from any powers of unbelievers, praying that their preaching be acceptable by the listeners: Romans 15:30-31 “30 Now I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me. 31 Pray that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service in Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints there.”

Pray for the needs of the ministers-both physical and spiritual needs: Philippians 4:19 “ Andmy God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”

Pray for protection from the enemy: 2 Thessalonians 3:3 “But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.”

Day 11: Waiting on the Lord for Marriage

“ “I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem, by the gazelles or the doesof the field, that you not stir up or awaken love until it pleases.”
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— Songs of Solomon 3:5

Marriage is a good thing and is always a season of joy and celebrations when we witness our loved ones getting married. We want to take today to intercede for our children, sisters, and brothers around us that God will bless them with Godly partners so that they are able to fulfill their God given densities in Christ Jesus. 

From the bible verse above, the word “adjure” used here indicates a serious command or directive from God. The summary of what God is trying to say here is concerning the issue of time and love. Don’t just fall in love out of emotions or desperation. Ecclesiastes 3:1 states,  “To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.”  God is the creator of everything including time. He knows every detail of our lives. He knows there is a time not to stir love before its appointment time, and he understands the reasons for saying so. This implies that those waiting for marital partners are encouraged to be patient and trust God to discern the right direction for marriage. Therefore, singles waiting on God must learn to wait so that they will eventually enjoy the benefits of waiting as stated;  Lamentations 3:25-26 “25The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. 26 It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.” God has declared that he alone knows everything and whatever we may be thinking may not be good for us because we have limited knowledge and understanding. Isaiah 55: 8-9 “8For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. 9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.” Singles must not forget that although they are unable to see with their physical eyes what God is doing, it does not mean he is not at work. The bible says in Romans 8:28 “And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.” It can be hard to wait, given the fact that physically we are aging, our friends are getting married, and we are being harassed on the issue of marriage daily by family and friends. We must give God a chance to work all things for our good, knowing that ONLY GOD has the power to change time and seasons as he wants for our good, as stated in Daniel 2:21: “He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.”

Prayer Points

Marriage has always been God’s idea, pray against anything in families or society that contradicts God’s verdict for our children, sisters and brothers waiting on God: Genesis 2:18 “Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.”

Pray that they will not miss the appointed time of marriage. Pray against any form of delay or barrier stating against the plan of God: Habakkuk 2:3 “For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.”

Pray that they will devote this season of their lives to seek God in every aspect of their being. Seeking God in knowledge, wisdom, and understanding of who God really is and how to live a life that glorify him: Matthew 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

Pray against any plan of the enemy challenging the plan of God. The devil may come from families altars, friends, or self-inflected: John 10:10 “ The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

Pray that they will not relay on their personal knowledge from the world, education, and background but will trust God in every decision and direction of life: Proverbs 3:4-6 “5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

Pray that they will equip themselves with the word of God so that they are empowered to run away from worldly passions that are contrary to the word of God: 2 Timothy 2:22 “So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.” 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4 “3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; 4 that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor,

Pray for a deeper revelation of their identify in Christ as the temple of the Holy Spirit. If a temple means so much value has been invested in it, it must be secret and cherished. The enemy will like for the temple of God to be contaminated so that the work of God is not effective: 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 “Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. 19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”

Pray for a servant and service heart during this season of waiting. Pray that they will make every opportunity counts and not be wasted in serving the Lord: 1 Corinthians 7:32-35 “32 I want you to be free from anxieties. The unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to please the Lord. 33 But the married man is anxious about worldly things, how to please his wife, 34 and his interests are divided. And the unmarried or betrothed woman is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to be holy in body and spirit. But the married woman is anxious about worldly things, how to please her husband. 35 I say this for your own benefit, not to lay any restraint upon you, but to promote good order and to secure your undivided devotion to the Lord.”

Pray that their spiritual eyes be opened to the truth of God’s word so that are not settled with just anyone that carries a bible: 2 Corinthains 6:14 “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?”

God’s plan has never changed from creation, it just a matter of time; he knows that they have to get married. Pray against every other plan that wants to replace the plan of God: Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

Pray that they will fix their eyes on the word of God, seeking God in every aspect and not allowing the word of God to depart from their being: Psalm 119:6-10 “6 Then I shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all your commandments. 7 I will praise you with an upright heart, when I learn your righteous rules. 8  I will keep your statutes; do not utterly forsake me! 9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. 10 With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments!”

Marriage is a good thing, pray that God will remember and favor the singles on our lives, our children, families, ministries and bless them with Godly partners to the glory of God: Psalm 84:11 “For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.”

God has already declare his word from the beginning when he created us, therefore stand with God to agree with his declaration that only his purpose and good pleasure shall come to pass in the lives of our sisters, brothers, and as well as our children concerning marriage: Isaiah 46:10 “I declare the end from the beginning, and from ancient times what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.”

God had already chosen them, and a decision was made already concerning marriage for them, sometimes this has been misguided by circumstances, the church, family and friends. Pray that only what God has spoken will come to pass. Cancel every other declaration or words spoken by men that stands against the word of God: Ephesians1:11 “In Him we were also chosen as God’s own, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything by the counsel of His will.” Lamentations 3:37 “Who has spoken and it came to pass, unless the Lord has ordained it?” 

Pray that the appointed time set by God for marriage will not be diverted, delayed or changed by any entity in the face of the earth.  Acts 17:26 : From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands.”

Day 10: Possessing the Gates of our Enemies

““17 I will surely bless you, and I will surely multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of his enemies.” 18 And through your offspring all nations of the earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.”
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— Genesis 22:17-18

Possessing the gate of the enemy implies victory and dominanceover our enemies. It indicates total control of them. Gates are very strategic and important places of security.  We see this word declared again in Matthew 16:18 “And I tell you that you are Peter,  and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” The gates of our enemieswere never meant to defeat us; Jesus brought the final victory against our enemies when he completed the work on the cross of Calvary. Colossians 2:15 “ And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” Our victory was assured before we came to life. It takes faith, standing strong, and total dependence on the completed work of Jesus Christ for us to walk in total freedom, authority, and dominion. Abraham walked by faith for this revelation to become a reality. Romans 4:18 “Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.” The bible has not change, it will take faith and not fear to win spiritual wars standing against the promises of God in our lives.

According to Genesis 12:2-3 “2 I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. 3I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you.” God may be looking at us for the deliverance of our families, communities, churches, nations, but we may still be in the place where we cannot see pass our own issues. God promises to bless, and although the enemy is always standing in the way, we must stand by faith and not defeat or fear. Finally, God worn and still winning today, that devil was defeated on the cross 2000 years ago. Victory has not changed.  The Lord himself promised: I will make you” I will build my church”. “Gates of hell will not overcome you.” This is a personal promise for his own children. We are victorious in Christ Jesus and every day we must rise up and put on the garment of victory.

Prayer Points

Colossians 2:15 “And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” This is the truth we must live by daily. Jesus already defeated the enemy, so when we stand in the gate of the enemy we must not fear but remember that our position is victory. Therefore, thank the Lord for victory in the name of Jesus Christ.

Romans 8: 1-2 “1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2For in Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set you free from the law of sin and death.” John 3:18 “Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.”

We are not condemned because we have the victory in Christ Jesus. We must stand and declare this daily in every aspect of our being.

Isaiah 54:17 “no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the LORD.” Declare this over our lives, families, communities and the church.

2 Corinthians 10:4-5 “4 The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the flesh. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

Stand in this promise and dismantle strongholds, arguments, perceptions etc against you and your family in the name of Jesus Christ.

Psalm 91:1-3 “1 He will cover you with His feathers; under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and rampart. 2 You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, 3 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the calamity that destroys at noon.”

Declare these words and put your names in them.

Deuteronomy 28:7 “The LORD will cause the enemies who rise up against you to be defeated before you. They will march out against you in one direction but flee from you in seven.”

Arise, oh Lord, and let every one of our enemies be defeated, as they come in one direction, cause them to run into seven different directions in Jesus' mighty name.

Luke 10:19 “Behold, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy. Nothing will harm you.”

Stand in the power and the authority of the word of God and declare that all power of the enemy is under your feet and therefore his plans cannot stand against you.

2 Chronicles 20:1-4, 15-17“ 1 After this, the Moabites and Ammonites with some of the Meunites came to wage war against Jehoshaphat. 2 Some people came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army is coming against you from Edom, from the other side of the Dead Sea. It is already in Hazezon Tamar” (that is, En Gedi). 3 Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah.

4 The people of Judah came together to seek help from the Lord; indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek him. 15 He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or

discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.16 Tomorrow march down against them. They will be climbing up by the Pass of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the gorge in the Desert of Jeruel. 17  You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.”

When the enemy came to attack, King Jehoshaphat gathered everyone to seek God. He encouraged them. The Lord told them to take their position, stand and wait for their deliverance. Our position in battle is in the righteousness in Christ and our standing is in the promises of the Lord. The Lord is the one who fights for us. Pray and ask God for such encouragement, positioning and standing in the word of God and nothing else.