It's election season in the United States and as usual, people have taken to pure thuggery. Democrats and Republicans continue their cycle of vicious fighting. Each side believes their presidential nominee and other down-ticket candidates must snag the offices they are running for. It is a do-or-die affair as people line up behind the political party (or person) of their choice.
My question is for the Believers who have chosen to camp with one party/person or another - how many would be ready to get 'thuggish' if the Lord asked you to do so? How many would answer God's call to brandish the Kingdom weapons of prayer, fasting, and praise to address the very issues you trust the political parties to deal with in your favor?
This is the problem. Many Believers are ready to fight via democracy but unwilling to fight spiritually for the future of the nation you claim to love so much. And when you 'pray' you solely pray your desires, never once asking the Lord what His will is so you can honor Him by praying for that. And you wonder why the nation is in shambles. You are not involving God in the issues of your life, of which politics is one.
You forget that the Bible has called on you, dear woman and man of God, to not insult your leaders. Alas, as far as you are concerned, that only applies to the leaders you prefer. You have forgotten that when Jesus spoke harshly of the Pharisees and Sadducees, He did so because it was His calling to teach them how to be better for God's purpose. Thus, even when He spoke harshly, calling them "vipers" and "hypocrites", He did so to fulfill His fiduciary duty as God's messenger and witness.
When you get on your device to insult one political side or another, are you doing it for God's purpose? When you stand on your soapbox in the digital square to support one ideology or another, does God get the glory? When you gather with like-minded individuals to lambast those who disagree with you, is that part of your ministry and Kingdom Identity? Or are you simply seeking the applause of your peers, living to please man and not God?
If any part of this message makes you uncomfortable, I praise God! Please, brother and sister in Christ, go pray and seek forgiveness for being more willing to 'fight' via elections and other worldly structures than to fight with the weapons of Christian warfare. Lay yourself at God's feet and ask Him to help you serve Him be it in the political sphere or elsewhere. Be humble enough to acknowledge that unless God tells you what He wants you to do, you run the risk of praying and acting outside of His will. Remember, only when a Christian prays according to His will do they get results (1 John 5:14-15). Why not align with God instead of being so 'thuggish' for politicians, political influencers, political parties, and the like?
And before anyone accuses me of discouraging voting, that was not the point of this message. Also, do your best not to slander me or anyone else. God hates slanderers and deals with them accordingly. That said if the Lord is placing it on your heart to vote, run and go vote. However, if you have not even taken a moment to ask the Lord whether He wants you to vote and who He wants you to vote for, please do not be deceived. God cannot be mocked. You cannot claim to be a Christian and not submit every aspect of your life to Him. If you have never submitted your political interest to God, that's not good. Please take this message as your call to put your political leanings before the Lord in prayer so you receive His instruction. Then, do what He tells you and not what you want.
God bless you and see you for fellowship at Noon EST when we shall worship our God and prayerfully intercede for others. We will also invite God into the areas of our lives that we've left Him out of and ask Him to direct us.
Please consider reading:
We honor You
We honor You
Not just with our lips
But with our hearts
From JIR - Amen! Have a blessed weekend brothers and sisters. IJMN.
CLOSING PRAYER
Thank You, God Almighty, for another hour spent in your presence. Thank You for kindly teaching us to be more passionate about what you want than our personal desires. Thank You for teaching us that we need to let You guide us in our political ideas.
Father, help us to remember what we have learned today. We call for and rely upon Your Holy Spirit to remind us of what Christ taught because He only taught what You instructed. Help us to no longer walk in ignorance that leads to destruction.
Good Lord, remember those who joined us to pray and worship You this day. I pray that they will experience Your miracles and splendor all the days of their lives. Thank You for those who lurked, those who let us know they joined us and all who will participate in one way or another. Take all the glory, my King.
IJMN, Amen.
From JIR - I have prayed for both world leaders and myself based on the 10 minute and 5 minute posts. May Your will be done my Lord! IJMN. Amen.
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LAST FIVE MINUTES
Now, pray to be the very leader you are asking God for.
Yes, ask the Lord to make you a leader in your spheres of influence. The sort of leader, who like David, pleases God. The sort of leader who as Proverbs instructs, whittles out the wicked from their environment. The sort of leader who places the will of God first at all times.
PRAY!
LAST 10 MINUTES
We have to be careful because the devil uses politics to rile up our emotions so we speak curses instead of blessings upon our nation, our fellow nationals, other countries...
We forget that God told the Israelites to pray for Babylon, the land of their captors, because if not they wouldn't prosper there. If God could ask His people to pray for the land of their captivity, what do we think we, His children through Christ, are to do for the nations we were born into or live in?
We can't expect to prosper if we don't obey God's word. We can't afford to be ignorant of the scriptures and God's desires as they relate to politics and frankly, everything else. This is why the devil is getting away with so much and we believers - who are tasked with enforcing God's word and will - are letting it happen. We're more focused on political thuggery than spiritual warfare which pays more dividends.
Now is the time to roll up your sleeves and pray for your nation. Pray for your leaders. Call on God to place the God-fearing in positions of power. Pray for those who are proud to encounter the Lord as Nebuchadnezzar did. Pray for leaders like Joshua, who knew God, to step into power. Pray for leaders who will glorify God and bless the people and the land. Pray for the wicked to be removed from authority.
1 Timothy 2:1-4 - I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
God wants us to have leaders who will allow us to live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. He wants people to be saved and come to know Him and that can't happen if we don't have the leaders He handpicks.
PRAY!!!!
From M22 - Thank you Father for teaching us that we can intercede on behalf of the political climate in our respective countries and even the world. I pray Father Lord that you direct on us on the roles we need to play as we pray for leaders, governments, institutions and citizens alike. IjMN Amen
From JIR - I pray for those who are into religions, practices, doctrines or gods that are not consistent with the Word of God; the Holy Bible. I pray that You open their hearts up and they turn to You Lord, fall on their knees and ask for Your forgiveness. I pray that they call on You, they seek You and they give their lives to You, Lord. IJMN. Amen.
From M22 - Amen. Father we pray for our dearest sis. Thank you Father for strengthening her as she leads this community forward. I pray that you continue to increase her in supernatural wisdom, favour, knowledge and strength. I pray that you will continue to perfect and complete everything concerning her and her loved ones. IjMN Amen
From M22 - Abba Father I submit myself to you. I pray that you silence the voice of the Accuser in my life. I pray that you put an end to mental health struggles and anxiety in my life. I declare that I am set free and I will experience your love and grace more than ever. I commit my application to you Abba, help me to stop being nervous because of the past and help me to be present. No matter the outcome Father, I trust you want the best for me. Help me to focus on your will for my life. 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.
From M22 - Abba Father I commit my siblings unto you. I pray that you continue to renew and strengthen them for your purpose and glory. Hello then to put you first in everything they do. You see them and everything concerning them and I pray that you help them to be sensitive to your voice and timing. Help them to depend on you and not their own wisdom. Father Lord I pray for my brother that you direct his path, I pray you help him slow down and turn to you for the wisdom he needs to navigate this season of his life. Father Lord I pray that you grant my baby sister success in her exam results. I pray that you guide her as she looks forward to her 2nd year of uni. I pray for my twin that you grant her success as she prepares for her exams later this year. I pray that you order her steps as she works on her uni plans. Thank you Father for answered prayers IJMN Amen
From M22 - Abba Father I pray for everyone of us in this community. If there's any way we have indulged in idolatry through our desires, thoughts and actions. I pray that you forgive us and have mercy on us. I pray that you help us to focus on you because you are the giver of good things. Help to channel this energy into strengthening our walk with you IjMN Amen
fROM M22 - Abba Father I pray for couples waiting on the fruit of the womb. I pray you turn their waiting into fruitfulness. I pray that as they wait on you, you help them to fix their eyes on you and not do anything outside of your will. Help them not to idolize this desire but to trust you will give them the very best. I pray that you put an end to miscarriages, failed IVFs and difficult adoption processes IJMN Amen
Father, You are the great and mighty God! Jehovah Sabaoth. El Kadesh. The Mighty Man of War!
I place stirrers of conflict before you. Your word states that these kinds will be suddenly destroyed and unable to receive remedy from anyone, anywhere (Proverbs 6:14-15).
The devil creates chaos and in many cases, uses humans to spread descension and division.
God, I come against those spirits of descension and division. I render them powerless in the name of Jesus. I pray that those who have submitted to this evil will be transformed by Your word and love. I pray, good God, that the yoke of the strongmen break and cast them to the pit of hell. Protect people from these evil ones according to Psalm 140:2, IJMN, Amen.
From M22 - Abba Father I pray that you continue to shield and preserve children from harm, violence and abuse. I pray that you help them fulfil their destinies and your will for their lives. I pray that you touch tht hearts and minds of parents, caregivers, teachers and guardians to nourish and nurture them in your ways IJMN Amen
Lord, the earth belongs to You. Everything we see and don't see is subject to Your dominion. Hallowed be Your Name.
Dear God, the United States is hurtling forward toward presidential election day. Lord, I submit the nation to You and say the word of Your Son - Thy will be done on earth as in heaven.
Father, give us the leadership You choose at every level of authority. It is by You that kings reign and create just rules. We need leaders who serve and honor You. Those who fear You.
I pray for leaders who put You first. Who will be like David that strove to care for His people out of a desire to please and serve You. I pray for leaders who are not swayed by ego, pride and the plans of the devil. I pray for leaders with godly wisdom who believe in justice and will not surround themselves with or strive to unduly benefit the wicked.
Lord, still, not my will but Yours be done in this land. IJMN I pray, Amen.
fROM M22 - Father Lord I pray for countries and regions experiencing natural disaster across the world. I pray that you lead the citizens to safety. I pray Lord that you accept the souls of the departed in your bosom. I pray that you touch tht hearts and minds of leaders to amplify evacuation measures. I pray that you direct them in how to resettle affected citizens. Father Lord I pray that you restore everything they have lost beyond their expectations and I pray that as they start over again, you will hold their hands and guide them as they navigate again. IjMN Amen
Glorious God. You are He who is to be feared and dreaded because You alone are the Holy One. Hallowed be Your wonderful Name!
Lord, Your word instructs us to ask that we may receive, to seek and thereby find, and to knock that doors be opened to us. (Matthew 7:7-8)
Father, the devil seeks to stand in the way of doors to blessings and opportunities just as Goliath sought to stand against Your people oh so long ago. Just like David did, Lord, we rise, unafraid before every paper giant, knowing that we serve the Lord who is powerful. Knowing that He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world.
Therefore, Father, we lift up those in search of work and other opportunities from You. Lord, You are He who opens the doors that cannot be shut. We pray that You will open such doors in Your due time for Your children. That whatever requires plenty of effort will be available to Your beloveds by Your grace. That Your blessings shall accompany them and usher them into places others have no access to and that it will be clear that such goodness came from You alone, IJMN, Amen.
From JIR - I pray for the terminally ill and sick. Please Lord place Your healing hands upon them and remove whatever illnesses and sicknesses are ailing them. Please bless them with compassionate doctors and surgeons. Please bless those doctors and surgeons with wisdom and knowledge, a supportive team, sturdy hands and sharp eyes to provide their patients with the treatments and surgery needed to heal them. Please bless those affected by severe conditions to be able to live full lives, put their illnesses behind them and give You all the glory. IJMN. Amen.
From JIR - You Lord are the reason for existence. Thank You for loving so much that instead of doing away with the human race, You sent Your only begotten son as a sacrifice for our sins to be forgiven. Your love is limitless and we thank You, we bow at Your feet and glorify You. We are indebted to You and are forever grateful. IJMN. Amen.
PRAYER TIME
Let us now stand as intercessors.
Pray for people. Pray for institutions. Pray for nations.
Call on God to move according to His word.
He is a good God!
Heavenly Father, thank You for being the doer of Your word. Thank You for being the Rock of our salvation. Thank You for being the Shepherd of our souls. Thank You for being the Almighty. The Beginning and the End. Thank You that You are eternal and everlasting.
For all You are, we thank You, God!
From M22 - Thank you Lord Jesus that we can find our freedom and victory in you. At the mention of your name, every knee bows. We thank you for fighting our battles and speaking us for where we have no voice or influence. Thank you for breaking every chain and destroying every power contrary to your power in our lives. We give you all the glory IJMN Amen
From M22 - Thank you Mighty Father for your love over us. Even when we fall short, you still embrace us and teach us. You see our internal and external struggles but I am grateful that we can rest in your word in Phillipians 4:7 that your peace will continue to guard our hearts and mind. All Glory be to your name! Amen.
Father, I want to thank You for loving me and mine. Thank You for always reaching out lovingly to help and strengthen. Thank You for indeed You keep Your word that You will never leave nor forsake us.
From JIR - Thank You Lord for Your grace and mercy. You are so kind and patient with us all. Your love knows no bounds. You love us more than we love ourselves. You care for us more than we can imagine. We look to You for guidance and hope. You give us peace and comfort when needed. We need You and can’t be without Your tender love. We thank You Lord for how far You have brought us. IJMN. Amen.
God of strategy, I want to thank You for direction and for your word. Lord, thank You for not depriving Your people of Your Word which purifies and is a lamp to our feet.
Thank You, God.
PRAISE TIME
Let us come together to worship the King of kings and the Lord of lords.
He is worthy to be glorified.
From JIR - Thank You Lord for blessing us to see another day. Thank You for waking us up with a another day to be the best servants we could be for You. Thank You for blessing us with another day to get closer to You Lord. Thank You for blessing us with another day to praise You and pray for others during P&P fellowship today. Thank You Lord. IJMN. Amen.
Thanks @FFJ for today’s message. I never thought how important it is to be involved in the political race we are currently facing here in the US. I am one who turns away from politics and turns off the tv or walks out the room when the political candidates and their parties begin their banter between each other. I get uncomfortable because I feel things are so ugly at this point and I don’t want to subject myself to that.
However, you have given me a new perspective and instead of not voting and not being involved in the outcome of things to come, seek God to see what He would want. I was foolishly taking my own stance on things which was no stance, instead of involving God on what He would want me to do. Thank you for today’s message. It teaches me to seek God for ALL things even things I don’t care to involve myself with. Thanks sis and God bless you. IJMN.
From EC - Amen and good morning ladies!
From M22 - Thank you Heavenly Father for another beautiful fellowship day. We glorify and honor your name. Thank you Father that we can gather here again today and because we are always assured of your presence in this gathering. We give you all the glory. Father Lord we submit and surrender ourselves to you. I pray that you continue to recreate and renew us for your purpose and glory IJMN Amen.
Thank you for today's word sis @FFJ . I am grateful for today's message. I remember how angry I was when Nigerians elections ended. Boy, did I have things to say about the state of this country. But I am glad today's message was enough conviction to hand over my political interest to him. I am indifferent about politics but I don't stand for oppression and inequality and I know how emotional I get when I read the news sometimes. Grateful I get to commit my political leanings to God and let him know how I feel about the state of the country and how I can join other believers in praying and interceding for our leaders and even citizens. I know God is continually working on leaders across the world. I just really pray that these leaders submit their hearts, minds and policies to God so he can continue to steer them in the affairs of the countries. I also pray that when we look at the state of our countries, we are convicted to pray and not curse or argue IJMN Amen