INTERCEDE FOR THE CHURCH

Scripture: Daniel 9:1-19

 “I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf…” I Timothy 2:1 (NLT)

 The end time is near, and the Church, more than ever before, is experiencing many of the signs foretold in scriptures. Many false prophets abound in our midst. Innocent and naive Christians are deceived with false teachings and doctrines. Many other believers, who are mature and committed to the faith are intimidated, persecuted and even killed in various parts of the world.

GODLY WISDOM

Scripture: Proverbs 8:1-13

 “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.” James 3:17 (KJV)

In seeking for wisdom, every believer must know that there are two types - the wisdom from God and the wisdom of the world. Without a clear picture of this, the believer that begins with godly wisdom may end up influenced, operating and entrapped by worldly wisdom.

This issue can play out in the marketplace where Christians who start out honest and fair in their dealings become swayed by the seemingly successful ways of unbelievers.

BE TEACHABLE

Scripture: Proverbs 15:1-12

“There is severe discipline for him who turns from the way (of righteousness); And he who hates correction will die.” Proverbs 15:10 (AMP)

Many believers are practicing Christianity at their convenience. Many choose to ignore instructions from the church leadership; some take their leaders for granted, while others customize instructions to suit their self-interest.

THE POWER OF AGREEMENT

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

 “Again I say to you, that if two believers on earth agree [that is, are of one mind, in harmony] about anything that they ask [within the will of God], it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. Matthew 18:19 (AMP)

A tree cannot make a forest; it needs other trees to create one.. Similarly, your prayer alone is not enough to handle all the challenges that can confront you. You need to tap into the power of fellowship and agreement. You need to have believers who can join voice with you in prayer for an optimal and fruitful Christian experience (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10).

GIVE TO RECEIVE

Scripture: Proverbs 11:24-31

“I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35 (KJV)

Many believers suffer from lack due to their disobedience to the most basic principle of wealth creation - giving. Obedience to God’s command to give is an act of submission to him. Giving is an affirmation of our love for God. It also symbolizes our acknowledgement that he is the provider of all we have (James 1:17).

The fear of lack and an uncertain future prevent many from keying into the blessings that come from giving.

FAITH TO DO THE IMPOSSIBLE

Scripture: Matthew 17:14-21

 “And Jesus said unto them, because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, if ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain,remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove, and nothing shall be impossible unto you.” Matthew 17:20 (KJV)

Feedback: How refreshing was your personal time with God?

Faith can be referred to as believing in God and what he can do, and acting on that belief. You cannot profess your faith when you do not act accordingly. It is important to recognize that the life of a Christian will amount to nothing without an unwavering belief in God’s ability to do the impossible because without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews. 11:6)

TAKE GOD’S WORK SERIOUSLY

Scripture: Haggai 1:1-10

 “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)

It is common to see people give 100% to their careers but treat the work of God with carelessness and levity. They perform tasks at levels far below their potentials and capabilities, believing that their secular jobs are more important because they receive direct financial reward.