When a parent is partial to one child over another, there is bound to be dysfunction, envy, and possibly hatred in a family. None of these are things that the Lord wants for His people. And this is why He sets a great example of being a just and fair Father - all who faithfully do as He teaches reap the rewards. He also shows love to sinners (Matthew 5:45). This is because He cares for everyone He created and yearns for them to experience His best.
The Lord has called His children to mimic His behavior. This is why we are told in Proverbs 28:21 - To show partiality is not good— yet a person will do wrong for a piece of bread. God desires fairness and justice among His people. Christians should treat both the rich and the poor equally. The Bible spells this out in James 2:3-4 - If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? Here, the scripture teaches Christians not to discriminate against poorer believers because doing so puts them in the position of judge and we must never usurp God's authority as Judge over all. After all, Matthew 7:1 states, Do not judge, or you too will be judged.
This instruction goes beyond the four corners of the Body of Christ (the Church) and sets an expectation on how believers should deal with all people. When we treat the wealthy better than the poor, for instance, we also ignore God's teaching in 1 Samuel 16:7 where He said "...The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” We cannot allow our eyes to dictate how we treat others. Just because someone looks or smells nicer does not mean they deserve better treatment. Fortunately, Christ Himself taught all believers to treat others as they would like to be treated (Matthew 7:12). This instruction is part of the Royal Law and no Christian can afford to ignore it.
Just as we shouldn’t mistreat the poor to benefit the rich, we should also avoid discriminating against the wealthy. Micah 6:8 - He has told you, mortal one, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God? (NASB). The Lord expects His people to treat others justly and those 'others' include the rich. Jesus displayed this when He chose to go to the house of a wealthy tax collector in Luke 19. The rich man, Zacchaeus, was considered a sinner by his townspeople because of his occupation. Yet, his wealth and the public criticism didn't stop Jesus from spending time with the man.
By the end of the encounter, Zacchaeus was so transformed that he promised to give half of his wealth to the poor. He also committed to repay four times the amount to anyone he had cheated. Imagine if Christ had not had compassion and chosen to teach Zacchaeus about God's word. What if the Savior chose to only share God's wisdom with the poor? A man like Zacchaeus would not have experienced the salvation he needed.
We must learn from this to treat everyone well, showing compassion and kindness without partiality. Besides, we never know which of our encounters can transform a Zacchaeus. This may seem hard to do, but we can trust God to help us because He knows humans tend to make the mistake of being unjust and partial. As long as we recognize that partiality is a problem and commit to erasing that aspect of personality, the Holy Spirit will gradually transform us.
As for Christians in positions of influence, may we never take a bribe or a 'gift' that will cause us to favor one interest over that of another. I pray that we will instead apply justice and godly wisdom as contained in His word as we deal with others. That way, we will not violate the Lord's instruction by being partial. By His grace and guidance, we will never use the position He has mercifully placed us in to be petty or deal wickedly with any group or individual. We will not discriminate but rather remember that every person was made in God's image and that He is working on them just as we are being built for His purpose. The Lord will help us all, IJMN, Amen.
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CLOSING PRAYER
Father, thank You for another opportunity to praise You and pray for others. Thank You, Lord, for this privilege. We have no idea how much our participating in this fellowship is leading to blessings for other people and for ourselves. Yet, God, You are He who has spoken through the words in Hebrews 6:10 - God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.
Thank You, therefore, for guiding us to work for others and express our love through intercession. We know that as we continue, You will continue to remember us for our obedience and sacrifice.
And so Lord, with that, I commit everyone who participated today as well as those who will in the future. Cover them in Your grace and mercy. May they experience Your blessings and enjoy expansion in their knowledge of You. May Your word blossom in them and may their lips speak Your very word. May their feet be walk where only You lead and may their eyes take in what You want them to see. May their eyes be open to Your voice alone and may their hands be filled with Your strength to do as You instruct.
I hail You, most Holy God. I worship You this day and always. And it is in the name of Your Son, my Savior, I have prayed. Amen.
Oh be lifted
Above all other Gods
We lay our crowns
And worship You
Oh Glorious God
We praise Your Name
We lay our crowns
And worship You
LAST 10 MINUTES
Let us pray about today's message:
Father, we know that we are sinners and we come to You seeking Your mercy. Lord, please forgive us for when we have displayed partiality in our actions, thoughts, and words. We repent for not treating others well and call on You to kindly forgive us for this sin.
Lord, we acknowledge that we are human and need Your grace and help to do better. Help us to be impartial and to treat others as You expect. Teach us through Your word and guide us so we emulate Christ in dealing with others day by day. May we submit to Your Holy Spirit in all things so that we honor and please You in all ways, IJMN, Amen.
From M22 - Thank you Father for sis @FFJ. I pray that you will continue to increase her in supernatural wisdom, favour, strength and understanding. I pray that you bless her , her loved ones and everything that concerns her. IjMN Amen
From M22 - Father I pray for the sick and recovering. I pray that your healing power permeates every part of their bodies. I pray that you touch the hearts and minds of medical personnel to use the right drugs, procedures and technologies to perfect your healing in their lives. I pray that you coordinate the eyes and hands of surgeons operating to carry out successful surgeries IjMN Amen
From M22 - Abba Father I lift my siblings into your hands. I pray that you will continue to transform and renew them for your glory. I pray that you help them excel in their endeavors. I pray that you destroy every stronghold trying to hold them back from fulfilling your purpose for their lives. I pray that you bless them with supernatural discernment and clarity to follow your lead for their lives. I pray that this last half of 2024 will favour them IJMN Amen
From M22 - Heavenly Father you are the God of miracles. You are the Father that will leave the 99 to look for the lost one. I pray that whatever situation or challenges Peppers are going through, that you will help them overcome. I pray that every petition we have lifted to you in private and publicly is accepted IjMN. Abba Father we hold on to your promise in Jeremiah 17:7-8, Phillipians 4:19 that you will shower us with abundance and supply all of our needs. Thank you Father for answering our petitions IjMN Amen
From M22 - Abba Father I pray for countries experiencing war. I pray that you put an end to the instability and chaos plaguing these regions. I pray that you help them rebuild and you restore everything they have lost. I pray that you disrupt every stronghold that is hindering them coming to an amicable resolution for the safety and stability of citizens. I pray for your everlasting peace over these regions IjMN Amen
From M22 - Abba Father I pray for people struggling with homelessness and poverty. I pray that you send them help that will change their lives of the better. Father it's not your will for them to be deficient in anyway and so I pray that you will bless them beyind their expectations according to your word in Ephesians 3:20. I pray that you will bless them with the right people and opportunities that will help them move forward in their lives IjMN Amen
Good God, You are the Almighty. Nobody compares to You. Father, thank You for hearing my prayer for people that they come to a knowledge of You as You promised in Jeremiah 24:7. Thank You for giving people a desire for You. Thank You for whetting their appetites for more of You. Thank You for letting hearts clamor for You. Thank You for kindly pouring out Your Spirit on all mankind in accordance with Your word in Joel 2:28. Be glorified, Lord our Redeemer.
Now and forever more, IJMN, Amen.
From M22 - Abba Father I pray for couples waiting on the fruit of tht womb. I pray that you will turn their waiting into fruitfulness. I pray that you will bless them with healthy beautiful babies that they will nourish and nurture in your ways. I pray that you put an end to miscarriages, failed IVFs and difficult adoption processes IjMN Amen
In the name of Jesus
enemy, you must flee
I am saved by the blood
How He loves me
He loves me
Hallelujah!
Glory to the King
I am bowing to Your Presence
In the presence of the King
Say His name
His name is Jesus
And He is the One who says
You are saved by the Blood!
From M22 - Abba Father I pray for the church of God world wide. That you help us to be more kind and empathic to each other. I pray that we will exemplify the fruits of the spirit in our character and actions so that people can get to know how mighty you are through us as believers. Help us to be our brothers keeper. Give us the discernment to shower otherseith the love you have continually shown us IJMN Amen
Father, I plead the blood of the Lamb over the entire election season in this country. God, let Thy perfect will be done. Lord, let not the will of the enemy have any strength. I cast down every one of the enemy's plans for this nation and its future. The devil is less than nothing and its schemes fall apart IJMN, Amen.
The Bible says, and I believe, that the earth is the Lord's, and everything in it. The world and all who dwell in it (Psalm 24:1). Therefore there is nothing in this earth, seen or unseen, that will not bow to Your plan and purpose.
I stand in agreement with Your word and say it is well. Your purpose for this nation cannot be thwarted nor will Your plan be delayed. Father, You have all authority over the election process and Your will shall be done. The devil has already been put to shame, IJMN, Amen.
I also pray about the election process in several other countries. 2024 has been a year of elections across the world. Mexico, India, Russia, Senegal, the UK, and several other places.
Elections are on the horizon in Brazil and elsewhere. Lord, I commit each election to You. Father, let it be whom You have chosen that steps into the position of authority. I pray for leaders who honor and submit to You. I pray for leaders whom it will please You to give them victory. I pray for leaders who walk in the fear of the Lord and will thereby bring Your blessings to the land and their people.
Father, have Your way. People are in desperate need of the leaders You choose and for this do I pray, IJMN, Amen.
From M22 - Abba Father I pray for nations of the world affected by political strife. I pray that you dismantle every element of chaos and disruption in these countries. I pray that you protect citizens in these countries. I pray that you touch the hearts of politicians and organizations involved to restore peace, order and stability to hese regions IjMN Amen
From M22 - Abba Father I pray that you continue to shield children across the world from harm, violence and abuse. I pray that you will touch the hearts and minds of parents, guardians, caregivers and teachers to nourish and nurture them in your ways. I pray that they will fulfil destiny IjMN Amen
From M22 - Abba Father I want to thank you for this wonderful community of believers. I bless you for every member both online and offline. Thank you for teaching, renewing, transforming and pruning us for your glory. Thank you Father for the privilege you have given us to be vessels through which your glory radiates. We surrender ourselves to you and ask tht you continually strengthen us in every aspect of our life. I pray Father that you help us navigate every situation, obligation and commitments in our lives. I pray that above all we seek your kingdom in everything we say, think and do IJMN Amen
PRAYER TIME
Keep that energy going but now, turn your attention to praying for the needs of others.
There's a lot going on in the world around us that requires our petitions. The weather is wreaking havoc on communities and entire nations.
Children are going missing. Accidents are happening on the roads. Oppressors are stealing from the needy. People are sick.
As you can see, there is no limit to the issues for us to pray about.
“Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!” (Revelation 7:12)
Father, I join the heavenly host to exalt You today.