Have you ever met a person who said a whole lot...of nothing? They might seem to speak very eloquently and string many nice-sounding words together, but once you take the time to process what was said, you realize that they didn't say anything of value. It will become clear that everything they said was meaningless.
We all should watch out for such people because the reality is that they exist in large numbers. Some of them are this way because they love to hear their voice. Others just overspeak because they are anxious. And then some fill the space around them with lots of words in an attempt to manipulate people. Their words are meant to sway Christians, in particular, away from the truth of God's word and all that Christ died to achieve. Christians are warned to be wary of these types in Ephesians 5:6 - Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient.
Empty words. Words that are devoid of true meaning. Yet, they will sound deep and intelligent to those who do not know their God. The Word warns in Daniel 11:32, that people who do not live according to God's instructions will be deceived with flattering words. These deceivers will say exactly what certain people want to hear, feeding their ego, and satisfying their ungodly curiosity. Unfortunately, it is what their itching ears want to hear (2 Timothy 4:3).
God has given the antidote to such deceivers who wield empty words as their weapons of choice - the content in the Bible. The more God's children study His Word, the more they not only become familiar with what He has said but they also recognize the very cadence of His voice. That way, when satan speaks, they can easily dismiss the voice of the stranger because it sounds nothing like that of their Shepherd (John 10:27).
Merely reading the Bible the way people read other tomes will not do. The Bible is a spiritual book and requires a spiritual lens. That lens only comes as we receive the Spirit of God and submit to His direction. And to receive the Holy Spirit, each person must believe in Jesus and acknowledge Him as their Lord and Savior. By becoming born again, people gain access to the deep spiritual knowledge that is needed to live a life of victory over the devil and its plans to steal, kill, and destroy per John 10:10.
We can't afford to think we can take the need to know God's word lightly. Jesus Himself stated in Mark 12:24 - ...Are you not in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God? By God's grace, we shall not be in error. And as we study the Bible, the Lord will open our minds so we can understand the Scriptures (Luke 24:45). Every part of our body will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord which will counter the empty words of the deceivers satan is using to lead even the well-intentioned away from God and His purpose for their lives.
Let us be ever mindful of Micah 2:11 - If a liar and deceiver comes and says, ‘I will prophesy for you plenty of wine and beer,’ that would be just the prophet for this people! That shall never be our portion in Jesus' mighty Name, Amen.
See you at Noon EST for fellowship.
From M22 - Happy Weekend Folks!!! May we continue to find rest in God! Amen
From M22 - Thank you Father for every single Pepper. Thank you for guiding us through each day of this month. May we have more than enough reasons to thank you at the end of this month IjMN amen.
CLOSING PRAYER
Father, again You have done it. Bringing us together from multiple backgrounds and nations to honor You with our praise and intercession.
Thank You God for this privilege.
As we go our separate ways, I pray over today's participants that the rest of their day shall be blessed and filled with Your glory. IJMN Amen.
From JIR - My aunt had a stroke almost 2 months ago with no major improvements. The facility she is in is doing the bare minimum and it is concerning to me. Please if anyone can join me in praying for my aunt to be moved to a better facility and make a full recovery I will be grateful. I know anything is possible with Jesus in the fold. I have been praying for her but the more the better. IJMN.
Thank you all.
From M22 - Thank you Abba for sis @FFJ . Thank you Abba for every powerful uplifting prayer over both written and unwritten. Thank you Lord for strengthening her and consistently guiding her to steer this community. Thank you Lord for taking care of her, her family, her friends and loved ones. Thank you for increasing her on all sides. Thank you for divine visitation and revelation you have impacted onto her. We bless you Father. Amen.
From M22 - Abba Father, where two or more are gathered, you are in their midst. Thank you Abba for being in our midst Everytime we gather. Thank you Lord for the impact you have made in our lives through this prayer gathering. Thank you for what you have done, what you will do and what you will continue to do IjMN amen.
From M22 - Father Lord I pray that you will continue to deliver and restore us on all sides. Thank you for fighting battles on our behalf. Thank you for shielding us from danger. Thank you for holding us steady by your mighty right hand even when we stray. We worship you Mighty Father for your mercy! Amen.
LAST 10 MINUTES
We have learned of the need to be wary of empty words sent to distract and divorce Christians from God's word and plans for us. Let us pray for the Lord's help and protection on this issue -
God, protects us. May our ears be closed to empty words. For the Savior said that His sheep do not listen to the voice of the stranger. Therefore, God, help us to only hear and listen to Your voice. May Your scripture come alive in us so we discern the word that is sent to manipulate and divorce us from You. And Lord, we call on You to silence those being used to lead Your sheep astray. IJMN, Amen.
Father, You are the God from whom every family gets its name. You who put the solitary in families and bring people together for Your good pleasure. Thank You for all You are doing for families and godly relationships.
Lord, do not ignore the devil, which is on a warpath to destroy marriages and break families apart.
Regarding couples thinking of divorce, Lord please heal these relationships where there is room for this and it is Your blessed will. For the Lord hates divorce, so God, we know that with You all things are possible. Please touch their hearts, rekindle the love between such couples. Help them to understand your love for them as it translates to the love they have and share with others, IJMN, Amen.
The enemy knows that attacking families is a direct affront to You, God, for You are the One from whom all families come (Ephesians 3:15). Father, do know watch the enemy win. Preserve Your Holy Name and rescue and save these families IJN, Amen.
From M22 - Abba Father I pray that you will continue to take care of me and my siblings. I pray that you will continue to transform , renew and prune us for your glory. Father, I commit every commitment my siblings have in this month of April int your hands, I pray that you will guide and direct them every step of the way. I pray that you will help my brother complete his fees and help my sisters as they work towards their exams. May we have all cause to thank you every waking day IjMN amen.
Lord, Your word will never return to You void. For You are not a man who would lie, nor the son of man whereby You would repent. Hallelujah!
Isaiah 32:19-20 - Though hail flattens the forest and the city is leveled completely, how blessed you will be, sowing your seed by every stream, and letting your cattle and donkeys range free.
Lord, in this time of food scarcity, inflation and economic instability, I call on You for the peace and rest that You offer Your own. Let Your children experience Your abundance especially in these uncertain times.
I decree that where there has been a casting down, for the people of God there shall be a lifting up in accordance with Job 22:29. I decree that You, dear Jehovah Jireh, shall meet and over supply their needs in accordance with Your commitment stated in Philippians 4:19.
From AW - Father God, please bless LS with an amazing new job. Please help her find a job where she is valued, appreciated and supported by her coworkers. Bless her with the strength and confidence to nail her future interviews. Father God, I know you have a plan for each of us and I trust you will lead LS to the perfect job at the right time. Thank you for always taking care of us and being there in our time of need. IJMN, Amen!
From M22 - Abba Father I pray for war torn regions that you will touch the hearts and minds of leaders and parties involved to put an end to the war. I pray that you will help them come to an amicable agreement that will restore the normalcy and lives of citizens. Father Lord please replenish everything they have lost in the process and I pray that you will accept the souls of the dead into your bosom. I pray that you will console everyone that is mourning the loss of their loved ones IJMN amen!
Lord, the Centurion asked Jesus to heal his servant and in Matthew 8:7 - Jesus said to him, “Shall I come and heal him?”
The Centurion responded that Jesus need only speak a word and the servant, who was nowhere near by, would receive his healing.
Matthew 8:13 - Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would.” And his servant was healed at that moment.
Father, today, I am relying upon this miracle and calling on You to speak a word that people be healed. I believe and trust in You Lord. I know a mere word from You will do.
Therefore, Jehovah Ropheka, thank You for Your healing word for my prayer subjects. Thank You for being the God who need not come to heal. The God whose word is enough. Hallelujah!!
From M22 - Father Lord I pray that you will continue to tear down and dismantle every stronghold disturbing us physically, spiritually, emotionally, mentally, academically and financially. Abba I pray you will continue to renew our strength. Help us come out victorious and stronger IjMN amen.
From M22 - Father Lord I pray that you will continue to tear down and dismantle every stronghold disturbing us physically, spiritually, emotionally, mentally, academically and financially. Abba I pray you will continue to renew our strength. Help us come out victorious and stronger IjMN amen.
From sis FJ -
Almighty God, I come before You to intercede for my leaders: of schools, organizations, my community, and my nation.
The Bible says we should pray for "leaders and all in authority"
So God I come before You to pray for my leaders.
Lord, "whether they believe or not, God cannot deny Himself". So God please "direct their hearts like streams of water" do they enact policies that align with Your will. Please God, exalt Yourself through the leaders You have given us. Let Your will be done on earth as in heaven.
From AL - Saw this on the sidebar and just came to give thanks. Lord, I knew you would not leave me nor forsake me. Thank You for showing me exactly who you are. Thank You for answering my prayer in my darkest hour. Hallelujah in the highest!
From sis FJ -
Thank You Jesus for the great things You have done for me:
- Favor with my professor to move the date of our class final to avoid conflict with an important personal event
- Burst of motivation to complete work before the weekend
- energy to read the Bible again in the mornings without feeling drowsy
PRAYER TIME
Put your prayer requests on the backburner.
Pray for the needs of other people.
We are called to intercede over the next few minutes. May the Lord guide us all to lift up those He wants us to petition for, IJMN Amen.