Love is the truest mark of Christianity. This is because being a Christian goes beyond believing in Christ. In fact, the first Christians got that term because they were Christ-like (Acts 11:26).
To be Christ-like requires us to love like He did. Jesus spent hours teaching, healing, and blessing others. Would He have done any of this for the three years of His earthly ministry if He wasn't a man who loved and loved deeply? Surely, He would not have died for our sake.
As Christians, we have been called to do the same. 1 John 4:21 - And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.
There are so many ways to show love. A kind word, gesture or a prayer. All these are good. However, we are also given a practical tip in 1 John 3:18 - Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.
What if Jesus, knowing that the 3000 (and more) were hungry, simply told them to go home without feeding them? Instead, Jesus was practical in His love - He gave people what they needed, going so far to solve the problems they didn't even know they had as He did for the woman at the well.
So, how are we - those who claim to believe in Jesus - showing love in a Christ-like and practical manner? Are we encouraging others with God's word because the Holy Spirit tells us that's what they need? Are we giving a dollar to the man asking for help? Are we choosing not to buy that coffee or new shoes so that money goes to the local food bank? And if we're short on funds, are we giving of our time to volunteer at organizations that help the less fortunate?
God has called us to give love to others. The Royal Law commands us to love people as we love ourselves (James 2:8). If we are honest, we love ourselves a little too much. We refuse to be inconvenienced even when the Lord is tugging at our hearts to be a practical source of His love to someone in need.
Brothers and sisters, how do we show Christ-like love in the world we live in? I pray you will consider doing more than you've done in the past. That you'll give your "widow's mite" trusting that the Lord will return it double.
2 Corinthians 9:12-13 - This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.
God bless you and guide you towards loving others even more, IJMN, Amen.
To read old related posts on the topic of love, please visit Topic: Love
Wait!!! Don't go yet!
If you are reading this, I want you to consider the love Jesus has for you. He died on the cross so that you and I could be free from the clutches of death and hell.
You need to be born again to get to heaven and truly be free of satan's clutches.
When you are born again, your life changes. Yes, certain shows become harder to watch because you receive Holy Spirit and He, not you, starts telling you what shows to stay away from. Your taste in music starts to change. All of a sudden that catchy tune isn't catchy enough for you to not listen to the lyrics and wonder whether God wants you doing that.
So, if you believe in Jesus, and know Him as the Son of God, are you born again? Has He changed you? Have you received the hallmark gift of becoming born again - the Holy Spirit (Acts 2)? Are you speaking in tongues and working in the gifts and virtues of the Holy Spirit? Or are you claiming to have 'discernment' - which means your reliance on your understanding and strength?
Be honest with yourself. And if you aren't walking in any of the gifts and virtues, how about you consider starting a genuine journey toward a life with God? Claim that blessing right now by saying, "Lord, I thank You for sending the Savior to die on the cross for my sins and everyone else who has come and will come into this world. Thank You, Jesus Christ, for bearing such a burden. Today, I acknowledge Your sacrifice on my behalf because I want to be completely set free from the devil's devices. Father, forgive me of all my sins and welcome me as a legitimate member of Your family. Thank You for making me one who the Son has set free indeed, IJN, Amen."
Once we've accepted Jesus Christ, we gain access to the Holy Spirit whom Jesus said would guide us and remind us of His teachings. The Holy Spirit serves as the voice of God for us. He cautions us and so much more. I see the Holy Spirit as having the assignment of getting us to heaven at all costs. We just have to develop the habit of listening and obeying His instructions.
Call on the Lord to give you a discerning heart that hears the Holy Spirit. Pray to be sober-minded whereby you aren't easily distracted away from hearing and obeying God's voice. Ask God to help you in these things and be sure to end your prayer with 'In Jesus Name' because Jesus said in John 16:24 - Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.
My prayer for you is Ephesians 3:16 - I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being...IJMN, Amen.
CLOSING PRAYER
God, I thank You for this blessed privilege to gather before You. Thank You for bringing us together and enabling us to worship as well as intercede.
Father, my prayer for participants is contained in 1 Kings 8:61 - And may your hearts be fully committed to the Lord our God, to live by his decrees and obey his commands, as at this time.”
Take all the glory for all You have done, are doing and will do, IJMN, Amen.
I pray for your special covering upon today's participants. May Your Presence in their lives be tangible and spur them on to greater displays of love, IJMN, Amen.
*From PBS* - Hallelujah, Lord, You are the only God of the breakthrough! Lord remove every mountain to be cast out and destroyed. May Your Power continue to break through and set the captives free. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life—Let the blind now see, let the deaf now hear, let the door knocks now be answered—to Your Glory. Every need that’s been prayed for and faith stood upon to be released to receive the answers—financial, healing, security, protection, love, favor, wisdom, understanding, joy, peace, comfort, goodness, mercy, forgiveness, wholeness, discernment, provisions, etc—breakthrough and rain down on Your children right now, in Jesus Name, amen!
LAST 10 MINUTES
Let us take some time to think of ways we can show Christ-like and practical love to people.
Let us be deliberate to consider how to put those steps into effect in our lives. That we shall do these things not so others will praise us but so people will look past us to the God who gave us the ability to love in such a way.
Almighty God, thank You for loving me. It is because You loved me first that I am able to love others. Thank You for setting the example.
Lord, I commit to show more love to others today. I ask for Your help that I will display the love of Christ to those You send me to. That I will look past myself and think about the person in need before me. Help me Lord to be more selfless, IJMN, Amen.
Precious Father, You have made Your people in Your image and carefully crafted them even since they were in their mother's womb.
"And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart." Ezekiel 36:26
"I will put my spirit within you so that you walk in my statutes, observe my ordinances, and keep them." Ezek 26:27
You see what has befallen Your creation, that there is a disconnection from You. My Lord, please give Your children hearing ears that will receive Your message. This I pray in Jesus mighty name, amen.
*From MFC* - Awesome God, have mercy on Your children that have been incarcerated in prisons all over the world. May Your light shine upon them that they may turn their lives around for the better. May they know who You are and Your mercies towards them irrespective of what they have done. Please give them the grace to manage prison life and help them to become the men and women that you created them to be for the glory of your holy name. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen!
Good God, You are the Almighty. Nobody compares to You. Father, please hear my prayer for people that they come to a knowledge of You as You promised in Jeremiah 24:7. Please give people a desire for You. Whet their appetites for more of You. Let hearts clamor for You. Pour out Your Spirit on all mankind in accordance with Your word in Joel 2:28. Be glorified, Lord our Redeemer, IJMN, Amen.
*From MFC* - God, my Way Maker, I pray for provision for those who need stable long-term employment. You already know what their next job is going to be, and You have a plan for their life. Mold and shape them to prepare them for the upcoming job. Guide them in finding the opportunity and in the application and interview processes. Uplift their spirit so they stay optimistic and confident. Drive them forward so they persevere until they find what You have planned for them. I pray all these things in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Deuteronomy 8:17-18 - You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.
Sovereign Lord, the word tells us that You give good and perfect gifts (James 1:17). We call on You to hear our prayers for those in search of employment opportunities. As You are He who gives the ability to create finances and other forms of wealth, we lift these children of Yours in Your presence that You will shift the atmosphere around them. Help them whereby they will receive Your favor and therefore favor from man. Let the hearts of decision makers favor Your chosen ones and let Your children honor You. That we shall stand with them giving praise when they come back to testify to Your glory and the world will know that You are God all by Yourself, IJMN, Amen.
From PBS - ‘Father, thank you for the beloved who’ve gathered here in your Name, in your presence, in your love, and faith to give you all the glory and praise. Thank you for another day and another week. Thank you Lord God that we are able to freely worship you and praise you wherever we’re located Lord; we thank you Father God that we are not without access to you.
Father God we pray for those who live in oppressive societies, who are being prevented to access your Word, to worship you openly Father. In the name of Jesus, we bind every stronghold and satanic work of the enemy operating against your children in these places Father God. We declare that those whom the Son has set free are free indeed as it is written. Father we pray for an increase in angels to come to all your children throughout all the world.
Father we pray for an increase in your ministering spirits and angels to save those who seek salvation and deliverance. Lord, may we continue to seek your face without any hindrances from man or the enemy.
We thank you Lord for renewed strength, human and spiritual, as we navigate through these trying times. We know that we are guaranteed the victory in Christ Jesus, yet we call to you Abba Father, whenever we need help, and are not ashamed to approach your throne boldly to make our petitions known. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, and is our open door directly to you Father.
Praise you Lord, the author and perfecter, of our faith. We love you and thank you for the honor of entering your presence, let your will be done, from here and to the farthest corners of the Earth and throughout the heavens, in Jesus’ name, amen!’
*From MFC* - Almighty and Everlasting God, we lift up the family and loved ones of Keith "Wonderboy" Johnson. Losing someone suddenly is very hard. As they go through this season of mourning heavenly Father, we ask You to give them the peace that surpasses all understanding. Father, we rest knowing that Your faithful servant is rejoicing in your kingdom. We thank you and magnify your name for the gifts you blessed Wonderboy with. May His ministry continue to bless generations to come in Jesus’ holy name, I pray. Amen.
Lord, You are the God of the breakthrough!
You word says that if I decree a thing, it will be established. Let Your word go forth and open doors for deliverance and breakthrough in the lives of all those who belong to You.
1 Thess 5:24 "God will make this happen, for he who calls you is faithful."
Micah 2:13 "The One who breaks open the way will go up before them; they will break through the gate and go out. Their King will pass through before them, the LORD at their head.”
This I ask in Jesus' name, knowing that I will have what I ask because I've done so in faith. Amen!
Jehovah Shamma, You are our ever-present help and I thank You.
God, You are Jehovah Jireh the God who provides. In accordance with Philippians 4:19, I call on You to provide for the millions affected negatively by Hurricane Ian. Several countries are reeling from the effects of this storm.
Lord, You alone know what every family or individual needs. Step in, God, and do the impossible. Insurance companies are struggling to bear the brunt of this event as well. We pray that they shall honor their agreements and experience Your blessings.
We pray that governments will kick into full gear to effect recovery. Not just for the haves but most especially for those with few options.
We come against the evil spirits of hopelessness, poverty, disease, fear, and death seeking to use this opportunity to latch onto people.
Send relief, dear God. Healing and reassurance to those crying out to You. Thank You for being the God who never ignores the cries of the afflicted. IJMN, Amen.
Father God, we praise You for Your creation and all Your good works! Thank You for every atmosphere where You place Your children to be lights of the world.
Ecc 10:9 "Whoever quarries stones may be injured by them; whoever splits logs may be endangered by them."
Ecc 10:10 "If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed, but skill will bring success."
My Lord, You have called Your children to be in the world, but not of it. So please surround Your children like a bright light and consuming fire to protect them in their line of work. All to Your glory, and by Your grace -- in Jesus' mighty name, amen.
Great God, thank You for being faithful and true. The God who neither slumbers nor sleeps but sends His angels to lift us so our feet do not hit stones.
1 Corinthians 10:13 - No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
Lord, in accordance with your word, please help us to recognize the avenues You send to get us out of the challenging situations we face. Let our eyes and ears be set to You so we move in alignment with Your plan and thereby leave the old seasons of our lives behind, IJMN, Amen.
*From MFC* - Creator God, thank You that You are faithful to fulfill all Your promises. You have said that you dwell in the hearts of your people through the presence of Your Holy Spirit. When the PEPPERS come together, You are in the midst of us. Hear our prayers and strengthen Your church, Lord. You are the God of peace. May you sanctify us completely, and may our whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. You, who called us, are faithful to the end through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen!
PRAYER
The next 25 minutes offers us an opportunity to express our love for others by lifting them up in prayer.
Please pray with zeal for others, the way you would if you were praying for yourself.
May the Holy Spirit guide you to pray in alignment with the will of the Lord and may You be greatly blessed, IJMN, Amen.
I love You Abba! Thank You for blessing out comings and our goings.
From PBS - “Father, in Jesus’ name, we thank You that the love of God has been poured forth into our hearts by the Holy Spirit Who has been given to us. We keep and treasure Your Word. The love of and for You, Father, has been perfected and completed in us; and perfect love casts out all fear.
Everywhere we go we commit to plant seeds of love. We thank You, Father, for preparing hearts ahead of time to receive this love. We know that these seeds will produce Your love in the hearts to whom they are given.
Father, we thank You that as we flow in Your love and wisdom, people are being blessed by our lives and ministry. Father, You make us to find favor, compassion, and lovingkindness with others.
We take no account of an evil done to us and pay no attention to a suffered wrong. We do not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but we rejoice when right and truth prevail. We bear up under anything and everything that comes. We are ever ready to believe the best of others. Our hopes are fadeless under all circumstances.
We are rooted deep in love and founded securely on love, knowing that You are on our side and nothing is able to separate us from Your love, Father, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Thank You, Father, in Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.’
*From HC* - Lord God in your loving kindness you have guided us. You have protected us. You have provided for us. You have blessed and called us. You are good and perfect and all you do. Help us to trust You, Your goodness and Your Love in every aspect of our lives. Help us to allow You to lead us in every area every time. IJMN Amen