What name comes to mind when you think of a Biblical person whose behavior you don't want to replicate? Is it the Pharaoh who refused to free the Israelites? Is it Haman, who sought to murder every Jew in the Persian Kingdom? How about the Sons of Sceva? They went around declaring the name of Jesus but didn't walk in the power of that responsibility. The result was a great embarrassment for them.
Think of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5. They sold some land and pretended to give the entire proceeds to the church for the welfare of their fellow believers. At that time in church history, it was common practice for those who had more to sell their belongings and raise cash used to provide for others. In reality, however, the husband and wife had held some money back for themselves. That in itself was not a problem. The issue was that they acted pious in public, seeking to deceive Apostle Peter and their fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.
The Holy Spirit revealed their duplicity to Peter and Ananias died instantly for his attempt to deceive. When asked if the money presented was the exact amount received for the land sale, his wife lied, saying it was. She also dropped dead.
Through the experience of Ananias and Sapphira, the Lord taught the early Christians that nothing is hidden from the Holy Spirit. He also used the couple as an example of why all should obey His instruction to never deceive or lie (Leviticus 19:11). These lessons spread past the early believers according to Acts 5:11 - Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events. The fear in question here was the fear of the Lord and it spurred people to keep His commandments much more faithfully.
The list of individuals and groups we shouldn't imitate in the Bible is very long. We must remember that just as God used them to teach us what not to do, He can equally use any of us for the same purpose if we aren't careful. Studying and obeying the Word will help us avoid this predicament because it teaches us what to do and what not to do.
Even in this day and age, there are people whose experiences serve as cautionary tales of what not to do. God doesn't do this to be wicked or unkind. Remember, He has given everyone a choice to be either godly or ungodly in this story we call life.
What will you choose? To be an example of what to do or what not to do? My prayer is that nobody reading this message will make the sort of choices that open the door to becoming the sort of person whose behavior should not be emulated.
And if for any reason, you feel you could have become an example of what not to do, know that God is merciful. His mercies endure forever (Psalm 136:1, KJV). There is grace from the Lord to turn your life around so that you become an example of what it means to please Him. Simply repent for your sins and commit to obey the Lord. He will bless you, help you, and change your entire story. He will do these and more so that you won't be the poster child of what not to do. Instead, your life will be an example that is emulated to the glory of God.
CLOSING PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank You for another opportunity to gather in Your name and in Your presence. Hallowed be Your name. Thank You for bringing us together from different countries so we could worship You and stand in the gap for people.
Lord, as we go our separate ways, please remember us for our obedience in giving You due praise as well as praying for others. Meet each person who participated at their point of need. Wipe away their own tears and answer their personal petitions with speed and power whereby it is clear it could only have been You!
Thank You in advance for being the Prayer-Answering God. Thank You for being the Steadfast God. Thank You for being He who loves us all completely.
IJN, Amen.
From CMC - Hi family, late posting today. It’s been a hectic day at work, but very thankful that I made it here today! Just wanted to share a song, that I listened to last night. I haven’t heard in years.
Wishing everyone a very blessed weekend, and yay for the last month of the year! Thankful for all trials of this year.
From M22 - Abba father, as we gradually approach the holiday season. I pray for your protection, preservation and security over everyone of us and everyone seeking you for protection. I pray that you protect us as we go in and out every single day. Thank you Abba for shielding us IJMN amen.
From M22 - Abba I thank you for sis @FFJ . May she never grow weary of being your vessel. Strengthen her as she continues to work for you Abba. Bless her, her family, her business, job and interests. I pray that you will continue to expand her and this community IJMN amen.
From BI - I pray for charities and all who support the under served. May Abba grant them more resources to help others. Lord, meet the at their points of need. I pray that those that have been richly blessed will extend kindness to those without. May evil decrease and may charity and compassion increase all to Your glory, Lord IJMN Amen.
From AC - Abba, I thank You for what You have done for our M22 and we continue to plead Your supernatural, transcending peace upon her. We bind and cast out any thoughts of depression and anxiety, and pray for a sound mind focused on the eternal hope we have in Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:13) May You be her comfort and bless her with Your strength and Holy Spirit power. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.
From M22 _ Abba, I pray for couples waiting in you for the fruit of that womb, may they rejoice this new year as you bless them with beautiful and healthy babies. Help women carry to term successfully and help them deliver without complications. Help them nourish and nurture this babies IJMN amen.
From M22 - Heavenly Father, I pray for people in the waiting season. I pray that you remove every form of doubt, sadness, comparison trap and unnecessary fear from their hearts. Help them hold on to your promises in your word and especially in Isaiah 40:31. Help them know your plans for them are of good and not of evil and they will rejoice in the end IJMN amen.
From BC - This month I’m welcoming in an abundance of peace, health and joy!
Special prayers for a friend who lost his mom last week.
From M22 - Abba, as the holiday season approaches, I pray for your abundant provision in the lives of individuals and families lacking in any area of their lives. I pray that you send helpers their way. I pray Abba that you supply all of their needs through your glorious riches IJMN amen.
LAST 10 MINUTES
Ananias and Saphira teach us that we cannot keep a secret from the Lord and He will reveal it through the Holy Spirit. The consequences will typically not be enjoyable.
It is therefore important that our private lives and public images align so we aren't hypocrites. Thank God, that once we give our life to Christ, we are washed clean and become new creatures. However, if we don't endeavor to stay clean, then we can slowly become the sort of hypocrites that God uses to teach others what they shouldn't do.
Take a moment and think about your life. Is there something you are doing that you know could become an example of what not to imitate? If so, repent now. Remember repentance isn't just about feeling sorry. It is a conscious choice to stop doing something and do the opposite. Think of the small changes you can make so that you are actively choosing to not return to that sin. Yes, sometimes you will have to put in some effort to stay free from sin.
Let us ask the Lord to reveal to us what we need to change to be more pleasing to Him and to not become like Ananias and Sapphira.
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the grace and mercy You show us. Thank You for being kind to us and our loved ones. Thank You for today's lesson that there are no secrets with You. Help us, good Father, to live lives that please You. Open our minds to the things we are doing that put us at risk of being examples of how not to live or what not to do. As You show us, Lord, please also show us how to eradicate these behaviors from our lives, so that we are living examples of Your goodness, mercy, and presence. IJMN, Amen.
Oh God, You are He who created the Heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them (Acts 4:24). Glory be to You oh Lord.
Great and mighty King, John 14:27 states Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Abba Father, the devil sows seeds of chaos all over the world, seeking to foster confusion in a world that needs Your peace.
However, You oh Lord are in control of everything. You are the Creator and Psalm 24:1 states The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.
Dear God, we pray for Your peace to come down. A peace that can only come from You. In nations across the globe, we pray for Your peace. We pray oh Lord for kings and those in authority at all levels of society so that Your children may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness (1 Timothy 2:2). IJMN, Amen.
From M22 - Abba I pray for people stuck in abusive situations. I pray that you send individuals, organizations, the government, churches, communities and leaders to rescue these individuals. I pray that you restore their sense if safety, confidence and trust. I pray Abba that you help them as they heal and process every form of trauma they have endured. IjMN amen.
Help us Father God that we may do as You will
Help us Lord to be obedient to You.
Help us God to answer Your call, IJMN, Amen.
Open the eyes of Your children, dear Lord, that they may see what You want them to see.
Open the ears of Your children, good God, that they may hear what You want them to hear.
Open the mouths of Your children Almighty Redeemer, that they may say what You want them to say.
Guard the sheep and keep them, marvelous God, from the wolves in sheep's clothing. Lead them to true shepherds that will lead them and keep them in You. Just as Jesus did for the disciples, keeping them safe, save for the one that was prophesied to fall.
IJMN, Amen.
From BI - Lord, I Lift sis @AC, sis @ketys, sis @B2, sis @MFC JO, MM, IS, DM, JB, DK, KL, JL, DL, HL and all in need of healing. Abba, You are the greatest Physician. I pray that You heal them in mind, body and spirit. I pray every bone, organ, blood stream and cell bow to the authority of Christ and by His stripes, they are completely healed. Lord, turn their tests into testimonies and put a new song in their mouths. Pour out Your mercy and grace upon them. May the mantle of good health and long life rest upon them IJMN Amen.
From M22 - Heavenly Father I lift up children, I pray that you continue to shield them from violence, harm and abuse. I pray that you continue to nourish, nurture and protect them Father. I pray that everything they will continue to do as they grow will contribute to the advancement of your kingdom on earth. Help them to not be overwhelmed by worldly distractions. Help them as they continue to run their heavenly race. IjMN amen.
Oh, Heavenly Father. Thank You for being Jehovah Rapha. You are the God who heals and I worship You for this greatness. Glory be to Your Holy Name!
Lord, Your word states in Jeremiah 30:17 - But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,’ declares the LORD, ‘because you are called an outcast, Zion for whom no one cares.’ Your word also states in Isaiah 38:16 - Your words and your deeds bring life to everyone, including me. Please make me healthy and strong again (CEV).
Good God, we know that the enemy wants Your children to fear but Your grace is sufficient to cast down such imaginations and thoughts. And when armed with Your word, we are armed with Your promise, a covenant You cannot break for You are He who cannot lie.
I speak Your word over those looking to You for healing. Lord, You have promised to restore Your people to health and to heal their wounds. As Your people call on You to make them healthy and strong again, I say thank You in advance for Your healing grace upon their lives. Good Lord, You alone shall get the glory for what You have done for them, IJMN, Amen.
From M22 - Abba, I thank you for everything you are doing concerning the conflicts in this world. Thank you Abba for your mighty hand moving over each conflicting parties. Thank you Abba for very step you are taking towards truce and settlements between every parties involved. Thank you Abba for the truces, settlements and agreements. IjMN amen.
From M22 - Thank you Abba for another fellowship day. Thank you for every single PEPPERS. Thank you Abba for ushering every single one of us into the last month of 2023. Thank you Abba for consistent prayers, praise, worship, intercession and fellowship. Thank you blessed Father for accepting our offerings and answering our prayers. IjMN amen.
PRAYER TIME
Pray for the people you know.
Pray for people you've never met.
Pray for your nation and your community.
Pray for other nations and communities.
Pray for others and not yourself.
Jesus, You can do
and redo
and undo
even overdo
Yes, I thank You my Savior for being capable of doing anything and everything.
I am grateful that God's power can never be limited.
Praise be to the Lord Almighty.
Hallelujah!
From AC - Thank You Lord, for holding my hand throughout this stressful week. I am nothing without You! I will extol You, my God, my Kind; and I will bless Your name for ever and ever (Psalms 145:1) Amen!!
You are good, oh wonderful King
You are kind, Abba Father.
You are all-knowing.
You are omnipotent.
You have all power and authority.
Thank You for being the one and only God!
From M22 - Abba I bless you for holding the hand of everyone struggling with mental and emotional issues. Thank you Abba for conquering the battlefield in their minds. Thank you Abba for doing what is beyond the power of therapists. Your word is life Abba and I pray that we continue to be strengthened by your word no matter how tough it gets. IjMN amen.
From BI - Thank You Lord for truce and the release of hostages in Gaza. Thank You for always showing up for Your children. Heavenly Father, thank You for beauty for ashes, oil of joy for mourning and garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. Thank You for being the same yesterday, today and forever. Glory Glory Hallelujah!!!
From M22 - Thank you Abba for being patient with me as I work through my relationship with you. Thank you for loving me despite my imperfections. Thank you for holding my hand despite how the year has been so far for me. Thank you Abba for lifting me up when I don't have the strength or the will to keep going. Thank you Abba for holding my hand as I navigate my mental health. I bless you Abba for your grace, mercy and forgiveness over my life. IjMN amen.
Thank You God!!!
Surely, there is none other like You.
You exist alone. Have existed alone and will always exist alone as the only God!
I praise You, Jehovah, for stepping into the lives of my prayer subjects. I thank You for the testimonies shared with me. I thank You for the privilege to see You work things out BIG TIME for people.
I am in awe of You, my King. Thank You for being He who answers prayers. Nothing is difficult for You. No obstacle can keep You from flexing Your might on behalf of Your people and to Your glory.
I rejoice in You, my Lord. I rejoice in You, the God of gods!
From M22 - Thank you Abba for being my father, my mother, my defender, safe haven, sanctuary, helper. You are the Miracle worker, Destiny changer, Lion of the tribe of Judah. I bless you my heavenly Father. IjMN amen
From BI - Thank You merciful Father for Your mercy, grace and favour. Thank You for keeping and protecting me. I give You all the glory for when there is a casting down, You lift me up. I cannot thank You enough for meeting me at my points of need. Abba, thank You for Your light that illuminates my path so I never have to wander in the dark. El Shaddai, thank You for my overflowing cup of anointing. You alone are worthy of all praise, honour and adoration. Hallelujah!!!
PRAISE TIME
Oh glorious God, we praise Your Name!
Join your fellow participants in lifting high the name of the Lord.
Don't waste any time.
Love up on Him by expressing all the reasons (what come to mind) why He should be honored with your praises.
Tell Him how wonderful He is. Express gratitude for how powerful He is. Revere Him. Proclaim your praise!
From CD - Heavenly Father,
I just want to say thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you. I want to lift of those of us who may be experiencing holiday-induced sadness, for whatever reason, comfort us Lord and help us to remember all that You have done for us and where You are brought us from. Some of us are missing loved ones, some are missing love, but help us to remember that with You, we lack nothing.
Family, remember to wear (and keep on) the full armor of God because the cowardly alley cat is walking around pretending to be a lion and attacking minds, dreams, and those hidden places you only share with your thoughts & God.
I had to remind my brother (and myself) of a couple of things just this morning:
1. When David was anointed king, he didn't immediately go to the palace, he went back to the field.
2. Before Joseph walked into this prophesized season, he went to the pit, jail, and served as a servant in Potiphar's house
3. Job experienced some of the most devastating losses recorded in the bible, was encouraged by loved ones including his wife to cuss God and die...he remained faithful.
You are seed, so when the enemy tries to distort God's truth in your life, remind him that God planted you, not buried you. Trust the process because there is where development and training occurs.
Happy Friday ❤️
From IA84 - Good morning, everyone! Blessings to you and yours. Let us all be thankful and grateful for another day. God has allowed us to see another day, to breathe, to see, to touch, to walk, to taste, to smell. We are truly, truly blessed. And no matter what it is you're going through, just know that God will supply. Nothing is too big or too small, for he can handle it all. Keep your heads held high, believe in yourself, but most of all, believe in him! He is ABLE!!!! When you go out in the world today, try the best that you can, and trust in him! God is there. God is everywhere you go. He's in your mind, your body and your spirit. Whatever you do, and no matter the world surrounding you, don't give up! Don't quit. Keep trying. Keep praying. Keep trusting. God is all. Be still and know..........
Have a beautiful day! Sending love and blessings to everyone.
From AC - Happy Friday and 1st December, Peppers, May the Lord's favour shine upon you all today. Thank you for today’s teaching FFJ. After I read your post, I did some reading on the Sons of Sceva. Wow, how did I forget this story?! That demon whooped their fraudulent behinds! o_O
Abba, thank You for the transformative power of Your Word that is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training us in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16). Please forgive us for our disobedience and any ungodly behaviour we have displayed, and by the power of Your Spirit Help us to be more like Jesus, that we may never become an example to others of what not to do. In the name of Christ our Lord, Amen.
From BI - Thank You Lord for waking me up to a new day and a new month of December. It is because of Your mercy and grace I am still standing. Thank You Heavenly Father for not letting the devil have its way. Thank You Abba for putting a new song in my mouth. For all You have done, all You are doing and all You are going to do in my life, I say thank You! Glory be to Your Holy Name forever and ever Amen.
Thank you for today’s word sis @FFJ. May God grant us patience and strength to always do the right thing. I pray we follow the good examples set by the godly people in the bible. May our thoughts, words and deeds be pleasing to God IJMN Amen.
From M22 - Thank you for today's word sis @FFJ. It is a strong reminder to never be deceptive to God because he knows our hearts. Joshua 9 is another cautionary tale of "what not to do". The Gibeonites were deceptive towards Joshua and the Israelites and they ended up being cursed to do woodwork and menial work for God's altar. I pray that as we move forward in this new month and as 2023 is gradually coming to an end, we open our hearts to God and be truly transparent in our words, thoughts and actions. I pray that we will learn from this word on "what not to do". IjMN amen.
From M22 - Thank you Abba for the new month of December. Thank you baba for seeing us through 11 months till date. We bless you Abba for being our anchor through the good and tough times. We thank you for bringing us together to fellowship for 40+ weeks. It's not by our might or our power, it's by your grace, Heavenly Father. I pray that December 2023 will mark major breakthroughs and testimonies in the life of Peppers IJMN amen.