Matthew 12:50 - For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.
I recently spent a little time with today's anchor scripture and for the first time in my life, it got me very excited. Jesus told each of us the way to become more than just his followers. The way to become family with Him. And the tip is simple - do the will of His Father.
And now, you're asking, what exactly is the will of God?
That's a fair question. I remember wondering the same when I gave my life back to the Lord, after thinking (very wrongly, if I may add) that I could take control of my life and do something with it. But, I digress... I also wasn't sure what God expected from me. However, He was kind and showed me that He wanted me to regularly spend quiet time with Him, study the Bible, and give Him praise. Then, He taught me to pray for others, to give to the less fortunate, to tithe, to Sabbath...
Seems like a long list and I can imagine why someone would think so. However, I have seen how God has helped me add these things slowly over time and in that way none of it seemed like a burden. And, I have to say, I have seen the benefits of doing the will of God - it has led to intimacy with Him. He nudges me in the direction I should go and helps me stay out of trouble, because believe me, I sometimes have a knack for it.
It makes sense that doing the will of God brings us into His family. This is why God made provision for all who believe in His Son to receive Holy Spirit and we are told in Romans 8:14 - For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. Thus, Holy Spirit acts as a guide - the Voice of God - telling us where to go (Isaiah 30:21). And when we do His will, we become the family members to Christ Himself, and enjoy the benefit of Holy Spirit.
That same Holy Spirit also helps us understand God's will for us. One day, the Lord may fill you with joy and cause you to worship Him hard for five minutes. A few days later, He might send someone your way who needs a comforting word that He will place on your lips. On another day, He may place a burden on your heart to pray for someone you know. And as we obey these instructions, we can eventually become like those Jesus spoke of in John 15:14 - You are my friends if you do what I command.
May the Lord help us. May He graciously show us how to do His will so we can become the true family member's of Christ, the genuine children of God, who Jesus can call His friends, IJMN, Amen.
CLOSING PRAYER
Father, please take all the glory for this gathering. Thank You for the chance to do so with others. Thank You for Your Presence and guidance in how and who we prayed for. I pray that our praises rose as a sweet-smelling incense and thank You for the capacity to give You our thanks and worship.
There is no one like You!
Lord, I place today's participants and those who will take part in the future before You. May they be recipients of Your grace and mercy. I pray that each of us will take the necessary steps to do Your will, relying upon You for strength when our flesh tries to sabotage us. I pray that as we do Your will, Jesus will select us to be His brothers, sisters, and even His friends. That we shall have intimacy with Him as well as with You. IJMN, Amen.
LAST 10 MINUTES
We should all want a close relationship with Christ, whereby He looks upon us and calls us His brothers and sisters. He has told us that all we have to do is God's will and we become a part of His chosen family.
So, let us pray for grace and strength to do what is necessary. Jesus Himself noted in Mark 14:38 - Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Therefore, praying and paying attention are crucial so we are not controlled by our flesh. Our flesh is unwilling to make the sacrifices necessary to do the will of the Lord. It doesn't want to study scripture first thing in the morning, it wants to scroll on social media instead. The flesh doesn't want to pray with zeal for others but rather we relax and watch our favorite show. The flesh wants to fornicate rather than keep the body - God's Temple on earth - a suitable vessel for the Lord.
Glorious God. Praise be onto You for sending Jesus Christ to live, die, resurrect and ascend to Heaven for our sakes and Your glory. Thank You for His word that those who do Your will can become His brothers and sisters. Thank You for His word that those who did as He instructed, became more than just family but friends. For Your word tells us that there is a friend who is closer than a brother and so we know that friendship with Jesus is important and possible.
As such, we call out to You for more grace to quiet our flesh that we may do Your will with joy. That we may follow Your instructions and listen to Your Voice as we are led to live righteously. Help us Lord, for we confess that though the spirit be willing, our flesh is weak. We rely upon You and Your promise in Philippians 2:13 - For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him (NLT). And it is IJMN we pray, Amen.
“The LORD rebuke you, Satan! The LORD, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebuke you! Is not this man a burning stick snatched from the fire?” (Zech 3:2)
God Almighty! I pray for children of God who are being accused by the enemy. I pray over people who have publicly shared their testimony. I ask that Your word would arise and stand guard over them. Defend them God! You have already delivered them; "who the Son sets free is free indeed" (John 8:36). So I rebuke every Spirit that wants them to backslide. "Arise oh Lord, and let Your enemies be scattered! Let all who hate You flee from Your presence." As carriers of Your Spirit and as "lights of the world", these believers have Your presence. So let these evil enemies flee from them in Jesus name. We resist the devil and it flees in Jesus name. Amen!
From BI - Heavenly Father, I pray for MB and all victims of bullying. Help them to rise out of this unpleasant experience. Protect them and guide them to safety. Grant them a listening ear and a shoulder to lean on when they feel overwhelmed. Give them the courage to not fight evil with evil. Lord, draw them closer to Your Word and Your light. Remind them of the plan You have for them, of the hope and future You have for them. I pray that MB is able to move into the home she desires to live in. Lord, protect Your children from toxic people and abusive environments. May they arise in victory against all spirits of harassment 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.
God I pray for the brethren. Persecuted Christians, school Christian clubs, godly organizations, my fellow Peppers ... all believers (Eph 6:18).
I exalt You God, and I honor You for Your marvelous plan for all creation. Remember these believers, for whom You have great plans (Jer 29:11). Please remember Your promise to keep them from stumbling (Jude 24) and to "sustain [them] to the end ... so that [they] will be blameless on the day of our Lord"
(1 Cor 1:8). Remember that Your Son has prayed them through: "My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one" (John 17:15). In Jesus name I have prayed, amen.
Great God. You are the Balm of Gilead.
Your word states in Isaiah 38:16 - Your words and your deeds bring life to everyone, including me. Please make me healthy and strong again.
Heavenly Father, I know that satan stands opposed to the healing of those who are in need of it. But I praise You, for You are Jehovah Rapha - the Healer. Your purpose can never be thwarted and Your plan for people will be fulfilled. Hallelujah!!!
Good God, I hereby call on You to heal the sick. Make them healthy and strong again. Many are looking to You for a turnaround in their bodies and their minds. I cry out on their behalf, calling on You to honor Your word in Isaiah 38:16 and make them well again, IJMN, Amen.
From BI - Lord, into Your capable hands I lift orphans. I pray they find loving homes. May they experience Your loving presence, advance in wisdom and grow in Your love. Lord, heal them in mind, body and spirit. I pray for their spiritual development, that they may grow in the fear of God, in the faith of Christ and in the fellowship of the church, to love and serve You all their days. I pray the people entrusted with their care stay true to their responsibility. God, watch over these orphans and their carers IJMN Amen.
Almighty God. You are the King of kings and the Lord of lords. You are the God above all other gods. True and steadfast.
Psalm 24:1 - The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it;
Heavenly Father, I know that the devil told Jesus that it had control over the kingdoms of the world, but I also know that You've given Jesus authority over heaven and earth (Matthew 28:18). And as Psalm 24 tells me, the earth is subject to You.
Therefore, I lift up the world to You, my King. For the earth is Your footstool. I pray for Your mercy and grace. I cry out for Your forgiveness of mankind. Lord, have mercy. So much is wrong - and You already told us things would get worse in order to prepare us. Yet, only You are the remedy. Please let Your presence flow through the earth. Cleanse us of our impurities, pour out Your Spirit into all flesh, and touch hearts to turn to You, IJMN, Amen.
PRAYER TIME
We are called to pray for all men in 1 Timothy 2:1 and Jesus Himself prayed for people. One example is where He let Simon Peter know He'd prayed for him in Luke 22:32.
Let us do the will of the Father and also pray for others right now.
The Lord bless you as you do.
Thank You, Lord, for the servants You use to bless us. The music ministers, the teachers, the drama ministers, the apostles, those who receive and share prophecy, the dancers, those who lay hands and heal the sick. All who are using their gifts and talents to Your glory! You are doing so many incredible things in the Body of Christ. I thank You that I live in a time where Your Presence is powerful and undisputed. Thank You for moving in the midst of Your people. Thank You for You do not speak from shifting shadows. That You have not called those who follow You to serve You in vain.
Praise be to You, Jehovah!
From BI - Thank You Lord for being God all by Yourself. You are the only One that can do it all. In You is healing, mercy, grace, forgiveness, refuge, the greatest love and so much more. Thank You Jehovah for keeping Your eyes on me and smiling on me. Thank You for taking care of me. Praise be to You Lord forever and ever Amen.
Dear God,
Thank you for ending my week on such a good note!
Thank You for giving me success this morning at SalA. Thank You for renewing my hope in that situation.
Thank You that we got to give to someone today.
Thank You for the new season that's coming.
Thank You for giving me more rest and less stress
Almighty God, thank You for Your loving kindness upon all creation. Thank You for moving in mysterious ways for people. Thank You for what You've done and are doing for my loved ones. Thank You for opening doors that once were believed shut. Thank You for being faithful to Your word.
From C - Wonderful Lord! Our God is beyond good!
Lord I come to you to thank you for all you’ve done! Abba for your deliverance and for your mercies. For giving me hope and breathing life into me ! There’s no one else like You Lord I want to uplift into your hand all those who are yearning to be filled and their faiths renewed , cover and renew their strengths oh Lord, make them like eagles . I pray over the p&p and every peppers that will step a foot into this space bless and transform each and every single life here in Jesus mighty name we pray Amen
Father, I thank You for Your word in Philippians 4:13
Whenever the enemy wants me to feel tired, I am reminded that You strengthen me through Christ.
Thank You so much, Abba Father!
Deuteronomy 32:3-4 - I will proclaim the name of the Lord. Oh, praise the greatness of our God! He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.
Hallelujah!! God Your greatness knows no bounds. God, my Rock, Your works are flawless. Thank You for being just in all Your ways, Father. The Faithful God who is righteous and holy at all times.
Praise be to You, my Lord!
From BI - My Redeemer.
My Forgiver.
My Teacher.
My Guardian.
My Provider.
My Refuge.
My Salvation.
My King.
My Love.
My Creator.
My Healer.
My Friend.
My Abba Father.
I give You all glory, honour and adoration. You alone are worthy of all praise.
Thank You Thank You Thank You!!!
PRAISE TIME
It's Friday, y'all!!!
We are told that Jesus gave thanks to the Father. He wouldn't have left that as an example for the rest of us if we weren't to do the same.
So, given today's message, let's follow the Savior's example and do the will of the Father by honoring Him with our praise and worship. Tell Him thanks for the things He did for you or your loved ones this week.
Let's all take this step toward becoming and remaining the family members of Christ.
From M22 - Thank you Lord for a new day, your mercies are new every morning. Thank you Abba for another day of fellowship in your presence.
Thank you for today's word sis @FFJ. It was very insightful to understand how we can be more intimate with Jesus by doing his Father's will for our lives. I am learning to ask God to let his will be done in my life always. I tell if something or someone doesn't align with his will for my life, I don't want it. I am learning to sit still and let him steer my ship which means giving in 120% to his will and not interfering with his will over my life.