Dear Christian, stop being desensitized to the evil around you. If you are a believer in Christ then you have been called to be the salt of the world (Luke 14:3). Salt holds back degradation. This is why, till this day, it is used to preserve food and other products from going bad.
You therefore cannot afford to be numb to the wickedness that grows day by day. Sure, the Bible taught that the world will become increasingly wicked and that darkness will grow (Matthew 24:6-8). But this is why Christ called those who believe in Him the light of the world (Matthew 5:14). We are to act as an antidote of sorts. He also said in John 8:12 - When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” The purpose of light is to keep darkness at bay.
And to do this, you must not think that what the devil is doing to steal, to kill, and to destroy is normal. It is not someone else's problem. You cannot shrug your shoulders and never give it another thought.
You must become like those who were spared death in Ezekiel 9. These were individuals in Jerusalem who grieved and lamented over all the detestable things that were taking place in their city (Ezekiel 9:4). God had a mark placed on their foreheads and instructed His killing angels to leave them unharmed while they wiped out everyone else who worshiped other gods and practiced idolatry.
You also need to be like Lot. In 2 Peter 2:7-8, Apostle Peter said that Lot was "a righteous man, who was distressed by the depraved conduct of the lawless (for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard).
Dear Believer, the works of satan should stir you to stand as an intercessor and pray. The fervent prayers of the righteous are effective and you should be putting that scripture into effect not just for yourself but for others as well (James 5:16). You should stand as a person who knows the word of God and the power of the Lord, wielding both against the works of satan (Mark 12:24).
You might look at your situation and think you don't have the time to pray about other people's issues. After all, you're struggling and you believe you need all your prayer time to focus on your own problems. That is a lie from the pit of hell and it is best to not agree with the devil because the Word states "Agree with God, and be at peace; thereby good will come to you." (Job 22:21 ESV)
The devil wants you to think you need to only worry about yourself. The devil doesn't want you to be eager to do good to other people. It doesn't want you to share your testimony of God's power in your life. It doesn't want you to break the status quo - the belief that nobody can stand against the tide of evil washing over the world. However, God said in Ezekiel 22:30 - I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one. This is what we have been called to be. You are to be the person God sees and because you bow before Him on behalf of others, He will show them mercy. The person who won't allow satan's desires to be fulfilled on your watch because you know that you have a responsibility to your descendants and future generations of believers to leave them a better legacy.
You should really want to be that person and you can't get there if you are not grieved by the wickedness that runs rampant in this world. You also can't be the salt or the light of this world if you are a part of spreading satan's evil through sin and failure to truly repent and start the walk toward a changed and godly life.
Make the right choice today.
Be sure to read the messages hyperlinked in today's post and learn more from the following:
From M22 - Abba Father I pray for couples seeking the fruit of the womb. I pray that you will turn their waiting into fruitfulness. I pray that you will bless them with beautiful healthy babies that they will nourish and nurture in your ways. I pray that you will put an end to miscarriages, failed IVFs and difficult adoption processes IJMN Amen
CLOSING PRAYER
Great Jehovah! You have brought us to the end of today's fellowship and we are grateful for this privilege.
We thank You for bringing us together so that we could honor You this way. We pray that we were sweet-smelling offerings to You. God, let Your favor and mercy flow over us. Bless those who participated today as well as those who will at a later point in time. Take all the glory now and always, IJMN, Amen.
FINAL THOUGHTS
(First shared on May 31, 2024)
I like to share a final message of sorts at the end of P&P. If I may, here's what I have to say and I pray folks will receive it in the spirit it is being given. Lord, let this word exalt You and You alone. Amen.
We need to be careful what we consume and what we allow into our eye or ear-space. Even those threads/comments seeking 'help' might not quite be what you think. The sad stories can literally be seeds sent to germinate and impact your spirit. Pray for folks, yes. You don't always need to know the details of their situation. Learn to look at news headlines without reading the text or watching the segment, for instance.
Satan uses natural curiosity against humans but the Bible tells us to be smart. And it is possible because we were made in His image and carry His breath.
2 Corinthians 2:11 - in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.
Matthew 10:16 - “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.
Pray, people, for more discernment for yourselves and the rest of us.
I'm not sure I'm familiar with the Twitter religious kerfuffle referenced above, but because I look at the LSA thread list on the vertical banner to the left, I think I know who it involves. Not every popular pastor is for you. Ask the Lord to guide you to who will edify you in the spirit and not just give you motivational speeches. Be careful. Mind your business and eat your food - the word of God. If you have a home church that's not as exciting as the ones with popular vids, but it's feeding your soul, stay there!
God bless you!
From M22 - Abba Father I pray that you put an end to bloodshed and war in this world. I pray that you expose and destroy every forces causing war and chaos in this world. Abba Father I pray that you will restorr this world snd your everlasting peace will sweep every single part of this world. I pray that you touch the hearts and minds of presidents, prime ministers, labiur unions and negotiators to come to a peaceful agrremnt and ceasefire. Father Lord I pray that you help affected regions to rebuild and you bless them in thousandfold. I pray that you receive the souls of thr departed in your bosom and help their loved ones process their grief IJMN Amen
From M22 - Abba Father I pray for people waiting on you for their kingdom spouses. I pray that you grant them patience to wait on your timing. I pray that you uproot any counterfeits in theur lives that eant to distract them from your person for them. I pray that while they wait, they will serve you wholeheartedly and grow stronger in their relationship with you IJMN Amen
LAST 10 MINUTES
Today's message should have spurred you to fervently intercede for at least one person. If you are yet to do so, please stop what you are doing and pray for somebody as if their life depends on it.
Now, look at the people who participated in today's fellowship and pick at least one of them to pray for. Please pray for your fellow Pepper as if their life depends on it because this could very well be the case.
God has called us to give cheerfully. Jesus taught that it is better to give than to receive.
Use this opportunity to obey and be blessed by praying for a fellow Pepper.
God bless you.
PS: Pray for someone other than me. Not because I don't want to be prayed for, but because if not, it will be too easy for folks to just choose me, see?
From MFC - There is a lot on my heart right now, like I have all of the words but none of the words. Although my heart is heavy, this prayer remains in my spirit. We lift up families dealing with conflict and breaking generational curses. The Bible says in Psalm 112, Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in his commandments! His offspring will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.
Heavenly Father, the unforgiving heart is like a raging fire. It consumes everything around, regardless of its value. Nothing can come near it without being burned and scorched by the flames. Even now, there is an unforgiving spirit in my family that has not been extinguished. It creates strife and heartache. It destroys any semblance of peace. Therefore, put out this horrible fire through Your living water. Let it put out every unforgiving heart between us so that we can forgive one another, as You have forgiven us through Christ. Amen.
From M22 - Father Lord I pray that you will continue to strengthen sis @FFJ in her walk with you. I pray that as she honours you, you will bless her, her family, her loved ones and everything that concerns her IJMN Amen
From MFC - Heavenly Father, protect Your church from attacks and persecution. Use Your church to provide a haven of safety and refuge for those in need. Use Your church to extend Your kingdom in this world. Use Your church to bless the communities in which they are placed. Use Your church to refresh and revive the weary and hurting. Use Your church to equip Your people for works of love and service. Use Your church to proclaim the joyous message of the gospel. Use Your church to demonstrate Your faithfulness to a watching world through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen.
From M22 - Abba Father I commit my sibkings into your loving arms. I pray that you will continue to lead them by your mighty right hand of righteousness. I pray that you will continue to teach, transform, renew and prune them for your glory. I pray that you will help them to continually focus on you and not the worries of this world. I pray that you will continue to perfect and complete them in every aspect of their lives. I pray that you will answer their hearts desires and grant them success in all their endeavors IJMN Amen
Our Advocate, The Defender of the Defenseless, The Spotless Lamb -- God Almighty I exalt You as the only one who is able to save. I pray for my brethren that in Your mercy Your light would shine upon their souls and deliver them from bondage. Any form of spiritual captivity that they may be in, I call upon You to free them. I speak Your destruction upon evil altars and chains tied to their bondage. You have sent Jesus so they can be "free indeed" and live "life abundantly". Let Your ministering angels go forth to perform the deliverance. Angels are "ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation". Thank You, My deliverer, in Jesus name, amen.
From MFC - Good afternoon and Happy June!
First, giving honor to God who is the head of my life. Many blessings to our esteemed leader, @FFJ and to all Peppers near and far. My work schedule does not always allow for me to participate live, but you know I be lurking LOL.
Today's message echoes the word I received this morning in my daily devotion. Personally, I do not feel numb to evil but I do feel overwhelmed by it. This season feels so heavy from the pain and suffering...it is giving Ecclesiastes 1.
Father God, we give thanks for the blessing of life and yes, even the trials and tribulations. Only You can take what the devil meant for evil and turn it to good, Father God. We praise You for using these things to challenge us, refine our faith and build our confidence in the Almighty God. I know that nothing is too hard for You. Forgive our sinful nature, forgive our apathy and let loose your unspeakable joy over our hearts so we may press ahead, toward the mark of a higher calling in Christ Jesus. When we are feeling weak, especially in our quest to follow, honor, and serve God, He promises “power to the faint.”
It says in Isaiah 40:31…
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Let us continue to fight the good fight of faith, even when it is hard. Hallelujah and Amen!
Abba Father I pray that you will continue to protecr children across the world. I pray that you will continue to shield them from violence, harm and abuse. I pray that you will touch the hearts and mind of their caregivers to nourish and nurture them in your ways I pray that you will help them fulfik their kingdom calking and your purpose in their lives. I pray that you will help them flourish in every aspect of their lives and endeavors IJMN Amen
Heavenly Father, I lift up sis @CecilX and everyone in this fellowship seeking a change in employment.
Father, You are the God who we call on to bless the works of our hands. Psalm 90:17 - May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands.
Although satan claims it has authority, we know from reading Matthew 28:18 that all authority is in the hands of our Savior Jesus Christ. We also know that You have complete power over all that is in the Earth (Psalm 24:1).
As such, dear Lord, I call on You to show favor to Your children in their endeavors and to bless the works of their hands as they seek employment. Guide them toward the place You want them to be in and may they submit to and receive Your directions, to Your glory, and by Your grace, IJMN, Amen.
From JIR - I would like to pray for atheists and agnostics to be given a mustard seed of faith, so that mustard seed grows into a tree of faith in You Lord. Nothing is impossible with You in the midst. I pray that they rebuke their unbelief and come to the realization that without You they and everything around them would fail to exist. Please bless them to humble themselves and open their hearts to hear Your calling Lord. I pray that they fall on their knees and ask You for forgiveness. I pray that they seek You Lord, they call on You Lord and they give their lives over to You Lord. IJMN. Amen.
From M22 - Heavenly Father I want to thank you for ushering this wonderful community into the Month of June. Thank you Father for deeujg us through the last 5 months. Thank you Father for who you are, thank you for what you have done in the past, what you are doing presently and what you will do in the future. May your mighty name be exalted IJMN. Abba Father I pray for your completion and perfection in our lives. I pray that you uproot whatever you have not planted in our lives. I pray that you help us to seek your Kingdom diligently and consistently. I pray that your mercy, grace, favour and wall of fire will continually surround us IJMN Amen
PRAYER TIME
Let us join together to pray for the needs of people. Let us call on the Lord to step into lives and shift atmospheres to His glory.
The Lord has instructed us to care for and love others, so praying for others is key for intercessors. Right now, there's a new Covid-19 strain called Omicron. Pray and ask the Lord to guide medical professionals and pharmaceutical companies in discharging the appropriate care and medicines to address this issue and other diseases.
Call on the Lord to provide for families and individuals in need at this time. It may be the holiday season, but people are homeless, hungry, and scared. Ask God to help them and to use you to be of help.
Is there someone in your life in need of prayer? Lift them up to God and the rest of us will join you in praying for them.
May the Lord guide each of us and convict us of who or what to pray for His glory and by His grace, IJMN, Amen.
Hello God! I thank You for helping me to get up and get some things done today. Thank you that my hair turned out nice. Thank You for providing or all our needs. Amen!
Psalm 93:1 - The LORD reigns, he is robed in majesty; the LORD is robed in majesty and armed with strength; indeed, the world is established, firm and secure.
Lord, I thank You that satan has no hold over me. I am the righteousness of God. I am the redeemed and I say so.
I was bought and paid for at a hefty price. I am priceless to You, my King.
Thank You for loving me and being so mushy about me and all who belong to You.