The Bible helps believers become familiar with God's word and His voice. When this happens, it gets easier to identify satan's voice and works in this world. The Savior said as much in Matthew 22:29 - Jesus answered them, “You are deceived, because you don’t know the Scriptures or the power of God. (HCSB).
The failure to be conversant with God's word makes us prey to satan's schemes. This makes sense given that God Himself stated that people are destroyed by their lack of knowledge in Hosea 4:6.
There is something else that opens people up to satan's deception and that is the ignorance of God's power. Many today are in this very category. They don't believe that god can still part the seas or heal the sick. To them, the God of the Bible either doesn't exist or is on vacation, not worried about the affairs of man.
People with this attitude have become like those warned of in 2 Timothy 3:5 - having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people. This verse explains how a self-professing Christian can believe that the occult practices of the New Age somehow don't violate God's word. This is how an individual who 'grew up in the church' has no issue with stealing or lying without hesitation.
These individuals are neither attuned to God's word nor aware of His power. They therefore do not genuinely live in the fear of the Lord and so take actions without concern for the consequences here on earth and in eternity.
Are you one of these people? Are you ignorant of God's word? Do you not know of the power of God Almighty and its capacity to grant you favor or to act as a mighty arm that rains blows on you? So many of us want to imagine the Lord is a caricature of Santa Claus - fat and jolly with bags of toys. But, we aren't to act like impressionable children when it comes to spiritual matters. We are to get familiar with God's word and His power. The knowledge of both are available for free in the Bible. We can tap into both through fellowship with Spirit-filled believers, books written to edify and testimonies to His glory. We can't continue to live in error. We can't be 'lukewarm' with our thumb touching the things of God while our remaining four fingers are rooted in the things of the world.
Revelation 3:16 - So because you are lukewarm (spiritually useless), and neither hot nor cold, I will vomit you out of My mouth [rejecting you with disgust]. (AMP)
Just as ignorance of the law is no defense, ignorance of God's word and power can't be a defense when the day of our Savior comes. May none of us gnash our teeth and be left outside, uninvited from the banquet, IJMN Amen.
CLOSING PRAYER
Heavenly Father, we thank You for teaching us, Your children, this day. Thank You for being so mindful of us that You want us to be more aware of Your word and Your power. For then we will not be in error and we will not be unaware of the devil's schemes.
Lord, we pray for grace to remember today's message. That it sink into our marrow and guide us for the rest of our lives here on the earth and in heaven with You, IJMN Amen.
LAST 10 MINUTES
Take some time to think about today's message in the last 10 minutes of fellowship. Are you the person Jesus is talking about? If so you are in error and today is a great day to change.
If you are not who Jesus is talking about but once were, thank God for setting you free. Then, pray for others to equally be free of the deception that comes from a lack of God's knowledge.
Lord, please help us that we will not be like those Jesus said are easily deceived in Matthew 22:29. Open our eyes and ears to Your word and Your power. For we need to be cognizant of both in order to enjoy the fullness of life You have available for us.
Thank You for answering our prayers for we know that since You hear us, You answer us, IJMN 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.
Father, we cry out to You for provision. Your children are in need, be it of healing, finances, children, homes, peace, rest. Lord, please meet Your people at their point of need and refresh them. Lord, You are the God of multiplication. Just as the Shunamite woman was able to pour oil from one container into several vessels that she then could use to pay off her debt, free her sons and live on the rest comfortably - we call for this miracle of multiplication in the lives of Your children.
God, You showed Yourself as Jehovah Jireh. It is well established that You and You alone are Provider. As such we come for You on behalf of those who need Your provision and trust You to be that which they need.
You are the God of the double portion. Isaiah 61:7 - Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance. And so you will inherit a double portion in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours.
PRAYER TIME
Same way you praised with abandon is the same way you must pray for other people right now.
It isn't time to get tired or tone things down. Intercede for people with zeal.
What does that mean? Well, imagine how you'd focus and pray for yourself when you're desperate. Take that same attitude but apply it to the needs of someone else.
Cry out for God's mercy, grace, and help in the lives of others.
Remember, you aren't praying for yourself right now. You are honoring the word of God to intercede for people (1 Timothy 2:1).
Hallelujah to the Lord who reigns from on high! To Him who sits upon the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor, power and glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
Psalm 72:7 - In his days may the righteous flourish and prosperity abound till the moon is no more.
Good God, we are most often discontent with our leaders but Your word teaches us to be careful how we think and speak about them (Exodus 22:28). Additionally, Your instruction is that we pray for our leaders (1 Timothy 2:1).
Hence, I lift up leaders, praying that they will be a source of righteousness and justice for the people they lead. I pray that like David, they shall focus on doing good for their constituents (2 Samuel 8:15). That they shall turn away from graft and greed and instead turn to Your grace and goodness. That they shall please You in their position and be a source of Your blessings to others, IJMN Amen.
*From AC* - El Rapha and Holy Spirit we give You all praise for Your healing power. Please bless with renewed health: JAD, Mama K, Auntie S, @k and @MamaFatCheeks. I also plead the healing blood of Jesus upon my fellow Peppers and those who concern them.
By Your command Holy Spirit, may every cell, hormonal system, bone, organ, tissue, nerve ending, and vessel to come under the authority of the Almighty Healer Jesus, by Whose stripes we are healed, and into alignment with Your word in Psalm 30:2. Comfort Your sons and daughters Lord and guard their minds and hearts against the spirit of fear with Your transcending peace.
Please bless these subjects with easy access to quality healthcare and guide the hands and minds of the medical team entrusted with their care and deliver Your children from disease, infirmity, weariness, and pain with a supernatural healing breakthrough, for Your almighty victory.
In Jesus' Mighty Name, I pray, Amen.
*From BI* - Lord, I lift up schools and students all over the world into Your loving hands. I pray You protect them and keep them focused on Your word and will for their lives. I pray You grant them understanding and retentive memory. May they achieve their goals and step into the future You have for them. May they keep good company and not be swayed by evil IJMN Amen.
I pray Lord that You protect Your children from school violence. Soften the hearts and renew the minds of those who wish to commit school violence. May hate be replaced with love, anger with peace and darkness with light. Lord dispatch Your Holy angels to be with children and school workers IJMN Amen
God, thank You for giving me of Your strength. Thank You for giving me of Your power. Thank You for giving me of Your victory. Thank You for giving me of Your glory. Thank You for giving me of Your splendor.
All my Hallelujahs belong to You forever.
Mighty God.
Hallowed be Your name.
Faithful God,
You are worthy to receive our praise
You alone are the air that I breathe
The song that I sing
You are the Lover if my soul
Unchangeable God.
Reliable God.
Only about can do,
What no man can do!
Praise be to the Lord God Almighty. The earth is filled with Your glory.
Heavenly Father, I thank You for being the most excellent King. Thank You for being all knowing and all seeing. That You for being the God if forever. Thank You for Nothing and no one can challenge you and win.
Hallelujah!
From sis FJ -
Hi! Participating in P&P earlier today (something may come up at 12pm today)
Praises:
- my job made a mistake with the schedule this week and scheduled me on a day that I was off. I was worried and contacted them about it. I praise God that they apologized again and again and quickly took action to remedy the situation
- I'm enjoying this new season! God had been good and keeping me happy
Prayers:
- for JEF. My Lord I thank you for JEF. You promise to keep is blameless till the end. You promise to complete the good works youve started and I ask that You remember what you have brought him through and who you have made him up be. I thank you in Jesus name for answering this prayer. Amen!
Matthew 21:9 - The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
Lord, I raise my Hosanna to you this day knowing that You deserve all the praise!
Thank You for this privileged opportunity to worship You in faith and truth.
*From BI* - Thank You Lord for Your word, will, forgiveness, love, correction, mercy, favour, grace and so much more. Thank You Lord for the gift of April and showers of blessings. I thank You Lord for Holy Week, a reminder of the perfect sacrifice of our Saviour Jesus Christ. Thank You for choosing me to be Your child and never forsaking me. Thank You my Abba Father!
PRAISE TIME
Let us join hands to lift up the name of our God in high praise.
Now is the time to talk real reckless as you abandon yourself to praising Him in a big way.
Don't hold back. Don't be conservative in worshipping Him.
Let it out. Raise your arms to the sky and rejoice in the God of gods.
*From IA84* - Busy day incoming, but I wanted to quickly stop in and say hello to everyone. Again, thank you for having me here in the P&P community. Let me give thanks first and foremost to God for another day. I don't know how my day is shaped and planned, but I trust and have faith that God will see me through. I pray for the relationships in my life, family and friends. I pray for wellbeing and understanding. I pray for courage and to be strong, in times of uncertainty and confusion. May God's blessings continue to encourage and keep me, in spite of my flaws and faults. I pray to be a blessing to others, as God continues to bless me. May his peace be still, for I know he is God all by himself. I am grateful and thankful. Blessings to everyone today. Be safe, be encouraged and trust in the Lord, no matter what!
*From CD* - I am here Family!! I was on a stay-cation last week, much needed time away :heart::heart:
*From EC* - Amen and good morning ladies!
I have a glorious testimony this morning!
Saturday as I approached my car which was parked in a lot that I frequent, I had just placed my handbag on the back seat on the driver’s side when I looked up and saw three young men approaching. They were all clad in black hoodies, sweat pants, jackets, and blue disposable masks - I immediately knew I was in trouble! One pulled out a gun and demanded that I give him everything I had. I emptied my pockets of my keychain and also handed him my car key fob. They entered my car as I walked into CVS to have someone call the police for me. The police arrived momentarily and a bystander told us that my car was still in the lot with three of the doors open and the engine was still running. The police notified me that the young men were captured in my church’s parking lot which was four blocks away. Me and a very nice lady who witnessed the incident arrived at the church and identified the men and they had my keys and fob. Ladies, while I do believe that they should be appropriately charged - not out of a sense of revengle, rather I don’t want another unsuspecting woman to be subjected to this. I pray that these men come to know the God who intervened and prevented them from ending my life. Glory To God!!!!
*From AC* - Thank You, Jesus, that Your mercies are new each morning, how great is Your faithfulness? Thank You for Your radical grace, which is Your neverending gift of love and forgiveness to all of us, even though we don't deserve it, because there is nothing - no action, no word, no deed - we can do to earn it and yet You give it to us freely. I am forever grateful and l rejoice in hope of the glory of the Almighty Father. In Your name, I pray, Amen.
*From AC* - Good morning Peppers, wishing you all and happy and blessed Holy Week for His Glory, Amen. Thank you @FFJ for today's important message. May we turn our eyes and ears to the Word of God that teaches us about His power, and keep it in our hearts, as instructed in Proverbs 40:20.
My son, pay attention to what I say;
turn your ear to my words.
Do not let them out of your sight,
keep them within your heart;
for they are life to those who find them
and health to one’s whole body.