Social media provides a window into the lives of others. It reveals how many live contrary to the word of God. It shows that they do so without any apparent consequence. The drug dealer has girls, money, and respect. The girl who leverages her looks has the finest designer goods and enjoys countless trips to exotic locations. Meanwhile, the believer who prioritized God's instructions can barely pay their bills.
It seems backward and hard to understand but the scriptures provide crucial insight. Insight to keep the believer walking in the way of the Lord and not become like the wicked - those who do not obey God.
The Bible states in Isaiah 48:22 - “There is no peace,” says the LORD, “for the wicked.” When God says the wicked have no peace, He means it. And because Jesus said that the scriptures can neither be broken nor ignored in John 10:35, you should believe the scriptures. Thus, no matter how good things seem for those who do not observe God's instructions, the truth is they have no peace because they are wicked. Ignore the fabulous life they present. It is nothing but 'packaging' and does not reflect their reality.
Why would someone try to make others think things are rosier than they are? Again, there's a Bible verse for that. Proverbs 21:29 - The wicked put up a bold front, but the upright give thought to their ways. These individuals don't reveal the sleepless nights caused by hauntings, the medication needed to function each day, the choices made that eat at their soul, and much more. They seem to have everything but in private they confess they feel empty.
Unfortunately, so many believers have looked at the packaging and decided that the sacrifices of living for God were not worth it. They thought the time spent waiting on God for change in their lives had been a waste of time. They forgot Proverbs 24:1 - Do not envy the wicked, do not desire their company. Instead, they chose the 'if you can't beat them, join them' approach and turned away from the faith.
To prevent this, God will sometimes not give a person access to the life of those who wronged them. He knows that if His child sees the packaged lie of their enemy, they will think that His promise of vengeance will never come to pass. And if that happens they will compromise and become the very person who hurt them. Then, God's promises for them will be forfeited because He has sworn not to bless the wicked. It is also why the contrary can be true. Occasionally, God will not allow a person to see the struggles of their enemy when His God's Cup of Wrath is in their hand. He does this so they won't sin by gloating and thereby miss His further blessings (Proverbs 24:17-18).
The Bible teaches in Isaiah 55:8-9 that God's ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not like ours. Everything He does is much higher and thus not easily comprehended by mortal beings. Therefore, let us be humble enough to believe His word that what we see is not the fullness of what that thing or person is. John 7:24 - Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly. Remember, God sees down to the most minuscule part of an individual (1 Samuel 16:7). Their outer appearance is not hidden from him. And He wants us to be the same way. After all, Genesis 1:27 tells us we were made in His image, we have the mind of Christ per 1 Corinthians 2:16 and carry a deposit of His Spirit (2 Corinthians 1:22).
Stop thinking that you understand what you see with your eyes. Don't think the grass is greener on the other side. Life is much longer and more complex than you think. Your carnal mind will not get you to heaven so please do not turn away from God, His ways, and His wisdom no matter how tough things get. Do not think that people who don't submit to God have it easy - they don't. Walk humbly with your God and obey His commands because that way, you will enjoy the fullness of life and eternity with Him in heaven. God bless you.
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CLOSING PRAYER
Hallelujah!!! The Lord has done it again!
Thank You so much Lord for bringing us to the end of another fellowship day. Thank You for the grace and strength to learn from You, praise Your Holy Name, and pray for others. Thank You for directing us to pray for ourselves based on today's teaching as well. Father, we thank You. Hallowed be Your Holy Name.
God, as we disperse, please cover us in Your grace and protection. Help us to not become mindless but to remain connected to You in mind, body and spirit. Please God, help us to keep Your word in our heart and on our lips. Help us to move through the day renewed and refreshed in You.
Bless our comings and goings. Help us to bring Your light into every place You send us to. Help us to be mindful of what You want no matter where we are. Hallelujah, thank You, King of kings.
Keep us safe over the weekend and shield our loved ones. Bring us together again on Tuesday to once again gather at Your feet. Be Thou glorified forever, Lord. IJN, we have prayed and say, Amen.
LAST 10 MINUTES
We need God's wisdom to see past the outer appearance of people and things because when we do, we may just realize that everything that glitters is gold.
Then, we will stop envying those who reject God's ways. We'll gain contentment and patience as we wait for the more the Lord has in store for us.
All of us have made this mistake at one point or another and today's message gives us the opportunity to repent. We can also ask God for the grace to not repeat this sin so we grow with Him.
Heavenly Father, thank You for being the God who created us. We are wonderfully and fearfully made in Your image. Thank You for rescuing us from the devil's plans for our lives and redeeming our souls through the blood of Jesus Christ.
Lord, we have fallen short of Your glory, looking upon others with envy. We have even envied the wicked who reject Your word and Your way. Today, we repent for this sin and plead for Your forgiveness and mercy. Dear God, as we have confessed, we receive Your loving grace and mercy in faith. Thank You, great King!
Now, we look to You for wisdom and strength to not return to this sin. Help us, God. Anoint us with godly contentment, the discerning of spirits, Your oil of joy, patience, and all that You want us to have. Lord, we submit our lives to You. Shield our eyes, our hearts, our minds, and our lips from worthless things that serve to destroy instead of edify us in You. God fill us with more of Your word, Your will, Your Spirit, and You. IJMN, Amen.
From M22 - I pray over this community that whatever has been a source of worry or tears in our lives will try around for our own good. I hold on to God's word in Romans 8:28 that we will rejoice in due timing. I pray that we experience God's power and generosity in every aspect of our lives. Joy comes in the morning, it will come all day long for us IJMN Amen
From M22 - Abba Father I thank you for sis @FFJ . I pray that you continue to strengthen her as she obeys you and heeds to your will. I pray that she will never grow weary in fulfilling her kingdom duties. I pray that you continue to shower your infinite blessings over her and her loved ones and even her business. I pray that she will continue to experience your generosity beyond bounds IjMN Amen
Father God, I thank You for the children I know. Lord, I pray for them and for other children that belong to You. Lord, please preserve them. Father please keep them from evil. Jesus promised, "I will never leave You till the end of time" (Mt 28). So please be with them as they grow up and go through various stages of life. I pray that You surround them with the right friends and teachers and mentors. Your promise for them is of good and not of evil (Jer 29:11). You promise that You will teach these children, "and great shall be their peace". Lord please uphold Your promise and bring them safely through life and into Your heavenly kingdom. In Jesus name, amen.
From M22 - Father Lord I pray over this community that we continue to experience you in every facets of our lives. I pray that you continue to strengthen us to pray, praise and intercede. May we never grow weary in our duties as intercessors. I pray that you continue to take care of us and ours. Thank you Father! IJMN Amen
From M22 - Abba Father I pray that you help us to focus on you and your plans for our lives. I pray that you help us to overcome the comparison trap and stop comparing ourselves to others around us. Help us to focus on your unique plans for our lives. Help us not to fall into the trap of jealousy and envy as we wait on you. IjMN Amen
From M22 - Abba Father I pray for people struggling to get gainful employment. I pray that you direct them to wonderful companies where they will shine and make as difference with their skill set. I pray that you bless them with multiple offers and help them choose what aligns with your will for them. IjMN Amen
From M22 - Abba Father I pray for me and my siblings. I pray that as we wait on you, you strengthen our faith beyond measure. I pray that we will inherit your promise in Jeremiah 29:11 that you have given us a future and a hope. Abba Father I pray that you make a way for my brother to pay off his remaining debt. Lord I pray that you continue to guide and direct me and my siblings. I pray that your plan prevails in our lives above all else IJMN Amen
From M22 - Abba Father I pray for people struggling with homelessness and poverty. Father Lord I pray that you provide streams of opportunities for them to elevate in their lives. I pray that you send them help to keep them off the streets. I pray that you bless them with wonderful accomodations, provisions, education and jobs. I pray that you guide the governments, governors and communities to help these people have a better standard of living. Thank you mighty God for settling them and answering their prayers. IjMN Amen.
fROM m22 - Abba Father I pray that you continue to take care of children across the world. Father Lord your word says that children shall inherit your kingdom. I pray that you touch the hearts and minds of parents, caregivers, teachers and guardians to nourish and nurture them in your ways. Abba Father help them to fulfil destiny and to inherit your kingdom promise. IjMN Amen
I'm not just asking for an outcome
Or praying for results
I'm not hoping that it all goes
Exactly how I want
No, I'm not asking You to do it
Or asking that You don't
I'm just inviting You to my situation
Come through 'cause I want You in my situation
I'm just inviting You In my situation
I'm just inviting You to my situation
Come through 'cause I want You in my situation
I'm just inviting You In my situation
Hear the cries of the downtrodden. You who show mercy and compassion to whom You choose. Lift the burdensome yokes from shoulders to Your glory.
Have mercy, dear Father. We plead with You to not allow satan have its way. So many don't know how to reach out to You and we stand in the gap, crying out to You Lord.
You, the Eternal Tree, providing blessed shade. Blessing up to a thousand generations. Father. Nothing can stand in Your way and we plead that You will hear these prayers for the world. Break chains, Lord. Tear down obstacles. Lion of the tribe of Judah. Tear the enemy and defend fiercely, IJMN, Amen.
Powerful God. You sit enthroned in heaven. You are the most High. You are untouchable. King of glory, I ask that You please hear the cries of everyone affected by financial and racial injustice at schools. Recently, a lawsuit came out about resources at certain schools being unjustly withheld from children of divorced homes and even low-income children.
Lord, You said that people should not harm the poor, widows, or orphans or they will cry out to You and You will defend them.
"You shall not mistreat any widow or fatherless child. If you do mistreat them, and they cry out to me, I will surely hear their cry, and my wrath will burn," (Exodus 22:22-24). I cry out to You on behalf of people affected by this injustice, or who are facing undue resistance from financial aid offices at their colleges. Lord my God, let Your arm of justice bring a quick solution to their problems. Please remember that You promised that even if the wicked store up many riches, You will disperse it to the poor. "Whoever multiplies his wealth by interest and profit gathers it for him who is generous to the poor." (Proverbs 28:8). Let every resource be released to those that need it, IJN amen.
From M22 - Abba Father I pray that you continue to take care of children across the world. Father Lord your word says that children shall inherit your kingdom. I pray that you touch the hearts and minds of parents, caregivers, teachers and guardians to nourish and nurture them in your ways. Abba Father help them to fulfil destiny and to inherit your kingdom promise. IjMN Amen
Here's a prayer from 2021 shared by sis Justa
Father, You who hear and answer. You who never fail. You whose purpose cannot be truncated.
Remember us, Your children, for holding onto You. Remember us for holding tightly to that mustard seed.
Your word states and therefore can never fail, Isaiah 54:4 - “Do not be afraid; you will not be put to shame. Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated. You will forget the shame of your youth and remember no more the reproach of your widowhood.
You also promised Isaiah 45:19 - I have not spoken in secret, from somewhere in a land of darkness; I have not said to Jacob’s descendants, ‘Seek me in vain.’ I, the LORD, speak the truth; I declare what is right.
Our trust in You is not in vain. Our cries to You are heard, dear Lord. Give us patience and strength to wait for Your perfect timing and will. Doubts arise, so help us cast them on You Good God. Bring peace and reassurance to Your children, IJMN, Amen.
From M22 - Abba Father I pray for widows and orphans across the world. I pray that you continue to be there for them. You are the father of the fatherless, mother of the motherless and the comforter of the widows and widowers. I pray that you envelop them with so much love that it bless them in very aspects of their lives. I pray that you strengthen them as they walk with you every day. I pray that you supply all of their needs through your glorious riches in Christ Jesus. I pray that they will not know loss anymore in their lives IJMN Amen
From JIR - I pray for the terminally ill and sick. Please Lord place Your healing hand upon them and remove whatever ails them. Please bless them with doctors and surgeons who have love and compassion for them. Please bless those doctors and surgeons with wisdom and knowledge, a supportive team, steady hands and sharp eyes to provide their patients with the treatments and surgery needed to heal them. Please bless them to be able to live full lives and put their illnesses behind them. Please bless them to turn to You Lord, give You all the glory, seek You with all of their hearts and give their lives to You. IJMN. Amen.