More often than not, we forget how important we are and think we're ordinary, instead. Now, our importance isn't because of our education or finances. Oh no, we're significant because of how God sees us. We were and are so valuable to Him that He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for us long before we were born. He knew that a blood price was needed to free us from the sinful inheritance left behind by Adam. God didn't blink. He paid the high price.
And yet, we sometimes doubt our worth to Him. We forget that He promised to pay entire nations as a ransom for us (Isaiah 43:3). And when we're not wondering if He knows we exist, we worry about how we'll meet His many expectations. Love others. Respect everyone. Help the poor. Don't gossip, deceive, or lie. Don't lust after other people. Don't covet what others have. Submit to authority. The list goes on.
These concerns arise because we don't realize that the same God who rescued us from sin through Christ's sacrifice is heavily invested in keeping us from falling back into the devil's clutches. These fears stem from not knowing that once we gave Him our lives and chose to believe in Him alone, everything changed. He took complete responsibility for us.
Romans 5:10 states, If the death of his Son restored our relationship with God while we were still his enemies, we are even more certain that, because of this restored relationship, the life of his Son will save us (GWT).
Therefore the God who paid a blood price for us will certainly help us with all that follows our submission to His will and plan for our lives. We don't need to try to do everything on our strength and be burdened by it all. We simply need to allow Him to carry the weight.
All we must do is cooperate with Him. He won't force us to step aside so He can go ahead of us. We have to make that choice each day. To do this, we can't ignore 1 Corinthians 1:8 - He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. Or the prayer said on our behalf in Hebrews 13:21 - May this God of peace prepare you to do every good thing he wants. May he work in us through Jesus Christ to do what is pleasing to him. Glory belongs to Jesus Christ forever. Amen (GWT).
We should be excited that God has given us everything we need for a righteous life: Him (2 Peter 1:3). We have to let His Holy Spirit remind us of what Jesus taught and apply it. We have to remember and rest on the promise in Philippians 2:13 - For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him (NLT). We must know that the God who rescued us before we knew we needed rescue is still rescuing us today, helping us to live a life pleasing to Him. We need to cooperate with Him, knowing He'll stick around despite our mistakes. His grace is and will be sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9). We just need to remember.
Be sure to return for fellowship at Noon EST. God bless you.
From MFC - Father God and Savior Jesus Christ we lift up those grieving their loved ones so closely to the Holiday season like my Pastor whose Mom passed last weekend, to Sis. Valerie in the loss of her beloved grandson and caretaker, Sis. Mattie in the loss of her beloved husband, and Sis. Yandy in the loss of her beloved Mother.
We pray for through the War in Israel. We pray over China after the terrible train crash that took so many lives.
And we cannot forget the people that we loved and lost along the way this year. We lift up our fellow peppers in their grief.
While our hearts are breaking, we look to the Balm in Gilead. Thank you Father for the gift of the Holy Spirit. In difficult times, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, even when our words and hearts fail us. We are so grateful for Your unconditional love, it is what keeps us during the storms of life. Hallelujah and Amen!
From CMDR - I know I have been MIA but I’m always happy to see y’all. I appreciate the prayers - this week, I’ve been frustrated with my job and the lack of work / life balance. Just be praying for me y’all -if God has something out there for me that’s better .
From LB - I am so sorry that I am late to the party but nonetheless I am here with you all! I had a couple of meetings get in the way but that will not stop me from participating in fellowship and praise. I just want to just say Thank God for breathing new life in a new day today.
I also want to say God Bless this group for being there through some hard times that I have gone through within the last year or so. This group has been such a huge blessing in providing a way to worship the Lord judgement free and without fear. This group has truly been such a lifesaver for me in more ways than one. Thank you all for the support you have given me and Thank you for the support that you have shown to others. Y'all are truly a blessing!
I am still battling with my insurance company over a year later with the water damage repairs and I am still going through some struggles on the job but I am still here and I still have faith that both situations will work out for the better in the end. I will see them both through. I just pray and ask for complete guidance and wisdom throughout the storm and that there will be sunshine waiting in the end. I know that God will bring me through better than ever.
And God, please continue to look out for all of us no matter if we are going through good times or bad times. Continue to be a guide and a comfort to us every step of the way and continue remind us that you have the victory over our lives. I wish Peace and Blessings to all of us during this season of thanks and fellowship during this holiday season! Amen!
From AC - Abba, it is by Jesus' stripes that we are healed and so I plead the healing blood of the lamb upon all of my prayer subjects with cancer.
I call on You to destroy and eliminate malignant cells from all systems, bones, blood, and organs. Soothe their discomfort, and pain in the only way that You can and replace the spirit of fear with Your transcending peace, strength, and comfort. Provide solutions and miraculous breakthroughs, and break down barriers and obstacles preventing them from gaining full access to high-quality healthcare, treatments, and medicines.
You are the Almighty God Who heals. The Great Yahweh-Rapha! There is nothing on Earth or in Heaven that is impossible for You to do. Please pour out your power upon Your children and heal them, in the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.
From AW - Father God, we lift up those who are homeless and struggling on the streets during the holidays. We ask for Your divine protection and care over them. Keep them safe from harm and help them to find shelter and warmth. Fill their bellies with food and their hearts with hope. Bring Your hope and healing into their lives, Lord. We ask all of this in Jesus' precious name, Amen.
CLOSING PRAYER
Praise be to You Heavenly Father! Once again, You've faithfully brought us to the end of another Praise & Pray (for others). We are grateful for bringing us together despite our being on different continents, time zones, and states.
You are our great and mighty God. Bigger than the biggest. Stronger than the strongest. You who put all others to shame.
Thank You for today's participants and those who will join at a later time. Remember them for serving You through their praises and petitions for others. I pray their lives glorify You and that You will be pleased with them. IJMN, Amen. Hallelujah!
From AC - Abba, it is by Jesus' stripes that we are healed and so I plead the healing blood of the lamb upon all of my prayer subjects with cancer.
I call on You to destroy and eliminate malignant cells from all systems, bones, blood, and organs. Soothe their discomfort, and pain in the only way that You can and replace the spirit of fear with Your transcending peace, strength, and comfort. Provide solutions and miraculous breakthroughs, and break down barriers and obstacles preventing them from gaining full access to high-quality healthcare, treatments, and medicines.
You are the Almighty God Who heals. The Great Yahweh-Rapha! There is nothing on Earth or in Heaven that is impossible for You to do. Please pour out your power upon Your children and heal them, in the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.
From sis FJ - Almighty God, I exalt You. You the Great Shepherd. Lord consider those that You have called unto Yourself -- see how the enemy is distracting them from You. I pray against every obstacle to the fullness of their salvation.
"Lift up your heads oh ye gates and be ye lifted up ye everlasting doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is the King of glory, the Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle". So let that obstacle make way for God's light into the lives of God's sheep.
"Arise oh God, let Your enemies be scattered. Let all who hate You flee from Your presence." Every evil spirit bows out of the way in Jesus name.
Let Your light shine now onto every obstacle, let it be confounded and destroyed. Because "the light shines and the darkness comprehends it not"
Even the captives of the mighty will be set free and the prey of the terrible delivered -- so let these Your lost sheep be returned to You.
You care about them and would even leave the 99 to find the 1.
Thank You God for hearing and answering my prayer, IJN
LAST 10 MINUTES
We've reached the last 10 minutes of fellowship. If today's message spoke to you, then please, praise the Lord. Yes, just take the time to thank you for reminding you that He is invested in carrying through this life, through all the ups and downs, until you reach His kingdom in heaven. Because that is the lesson we need to take away from this message.
God will walk you through life on earth into eternity in heaven via the blessing of His Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will caution you where to go, what not to do, and how to live so that you are passing the tests and becoming stronger in the Lord.
So now that You've thanked God for teaching you, ask Him for the grace of His Holy Spirit to dwell deeply in you. Ask Him for grace to cooperate with the Holy Spirit and walk triumphantly, knowing that God covers you and keeps you from harm. Pray to remember that even when a challenge arises, you will listen to His Spirit and not the voice of the devil.
Remember, all who call upon the Lord will be saved (Romans 10:13). Thus, as you've prayed, He will answer you, IJMN, Amen.
From M22 - Abba I want to say thank you for the Holidays. Thank you for providing us with lots of food, love and warmth. Thank you for bringing us together. Thank you for unity, love, joy and every fruit of the spirit taking root within us. We bless you Father of the Celebrant! Amen!
From M22 - Thank you Abba for sis @FFJ . We bless your Lord concerning her, her family, her job, her interests. Thank you Lord for continually strengthening and transforming her through her relationship with you and your word in this community. I pray that you will continue to do much more through her and this beautiful community! Amen.
From M22 - Abba I want to say thank you for being there for my siblings. Despite how tough this year was , you held our hands through it. Thank you for being our father, mother, shield, buckler, safe haven. Thank you for every single person that has interceded, prayed, helped and being there for us. Abba I pray that 2024 will be a bigger and better year for us!! Amen.
Dear Lord, You are the sovereign over the universe. The earth is the Lord's and everything in it. The world and all who dwell in it. You have control over and created all that is visible and invisible. Your word instructs in Matthew 6:33 - Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need (NLT). And so in accordance with Your instruction, we seek first Your kingdom during this period of intercession.
Father, we lift up the hungry to You. Fill their tummies with good things (Psalm 107:9). Lord, we call on You to stand up for the oppressed. Remember that You have promised to not despise or scorn the cries of the suffering (Psalm 22:24). Lord, be their Defender. Show the wicked that the orphan and the widow have a fighter on their side. Do not remain silent while the evil ones mock and squint the eyes as they maltreat those who they deem easy targets. Remember Your word and move according to Psalm 12:5 - The LORD replies, “I have seen violence done to the helpless, and I have heard the groans of the poor. Now I will rise up to rescue them, as they have longed for me to do.” (NLT).
Good God, Merciful God, remember the weary and the brokenhearted. You are close to the brokenhearted and save those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18). This world has a way of crushing spirits and overwhelming many. But You are He who binds wounds. You heal, rescue and save. We call on You, the God who neither slumbers nor sleeps to stand. As stated in Zechariah 9:8 - But I will encamp at my temple to guard it against marauding forces. Never again will an oppressor overrun my people, for now I am keeping watch.
We make this petition in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
From M22 - Baba I pray for orphans across the world. I pray that you will continue to their parent. I pray that you will fill that void in their heart. I pray that you will guide and protect them. I pray for your provision and protection over their lives. I pray that you surround them with the most loving and supportive community IJMN amen!
Father, You are the King of kings and the Lord of lords. You are God all by Yourself and none can compare or ever come close to Your majesty and splendor. Hallelujah!
Many are overwhelmed by a spirit of sadness at this time. Their joy has been crushed and their hearts no longer rejoice. The devil is pleased to see this and revels in it.
However, Your word tells me in Proverbs 17:22 - A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
Almighty Redeemer, I call on You to Your oil of joy to those who need it. Refresh the weary and satisfy the faint as You promised in Jeremiah 31:25. May they receive the garment of praise for the spirit of despair they are dealing with. May they know that praise and worship are the key to their freedom as Your word reveals in Isaiah 61:3. IJMN Amen.
From M22 - Baba I lift up everyone that has felt like they didn't achieve anything major or improve in anyway this year. Like sis @FFJ said - you are always working even when nothing is happening. I pray that you touch the hearts of this people and help them to rest in your comfort and authority. Help them to be grateful no matter the circumstances. Help them to navigate the new year and I pray 2024 will be a year if breakthrough, testimonies and upliftment for them IJMN amen.
From AW - Father God, we thank you for this opportunity to praise you. You are worthy of all our praise and we are so grateful that you allow us to come before you and worship you. Thank you for your many blessings, and we pray that we would always be aware of your presence in our lives. We ask that you would continue to guide and lead us, and that we would always be willing to follow you. IJMN, Amen!
Lord, I lift up this platform and the many people who use it. Thank You for its existence as it is a means for us to gather in Your honor. I acknowledge, nevertheless, that it is not always used to Your glory and praise.
Yet, great King, I pray for those who are on this platform and in shackles. God, I remind You of Your word in Nahum 1:13 - Now I will break their yoke from your neck and tear your shackles away.
Father, the devil wants people bound and enslaved for its evil purposes. You, however, came to bring fullness of life (John 10:10). You have also promised that even the lawful captives are set free by Your might (Isaiah 49:29).
Therefore, Sovereign LORD, break the shackles of the bound on this site. May the chains at their ankles and wrists fall. Just as You did for Peter, when he was in jail, send an angel so that the chains fall (Acts 12:7). Set them free to see and know that You alone are God. May they encounter You and praise You for their freedom, IJMN Amen.
From C - Please uplift my mom and brother in prayer
From M22 - Abba I want to pray for children across the world. Thank you Abba for accepting our prayers on behalf of children in this community. I pray that you will continue to nourish and nurture them. I pray that you will continue to shield them from harm, violence and abuse. Help them to live out your purpose for them. IjMN amen.
Heavenly Father, You are our great and mighty God. The One to whom we cast all our burdens for You alone to carry them all and provide solutions. Hallelujah!
Lord, Matthew 7:7 tells us to ask that we may receive.
God, we know satan wants to thrust people into famine, drought and hunger but You God came that people would receive the fullness of life.
So, we come to You, the Giver, to receive what is needed. Father, we cry out for an end to famine, food insecurity, inflated food prices, lack of water for drinking, agriculture and animals.
Lord, we know that our sin has brought forth lack into a world filled with plenty and plead for Your forgiveness, Your mercy, and miracles. That children sleep with full bellies around the world, that mothers see their children satisfied, that orphans smile, that fathers praise You For Your provision and that the spirit of lack and the spirit of poverty are rendered powerless in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
From M22 - Abba I want to say thank you for every single one of us Peppers! Thank you for steering our ship through the storm. Despite challenges, prayers never left our lips. Thank you Abba for strengthening us despite our shortcomings. Abba as we celebrate the holidays and most importantly the birth of your Son Jesus. We pray that you will continue to guide and bless us. May our prayers, praise and worship be a sweet offering to you Abba. Amen.
From MFC - Happy Birthday Jesus! While the whole world is busily preparing for the imminent festivities, Your words come into my mind from the Scriptures: “When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?” You once came into our midst in humility and mercy, and You will come once more in glory and justice, to try the whole world. I pray that when the day comes to meet You, You will find me with strong faith, a persistent hope and fervent love first of all for You and also for my neighbor. Inspire me and grant me holy commitment to all You have revealed to us. Amen.
PRAYER TIME
Remember all that praise you lifted up? Well, it has opened the ears and the heart of the Lord.
Now is therefore the time to intercede for others.
Pray for the needs of people in your life, your community, and around the world.
Jesus taught that it is better to give than receive. So, this is your time to give to God His due honor by obeying the instruction to pray for others (1 Timothy 2:1). This is also the opportunity to give by blessing people with prayers on their behalf.
From sis FJ -
Glory to You, great God! The Earth is Your footstool. All creation exalts Your majesty!
Thank You for deliverance and freedom
I want to thank You for this fellowship. Thank You for the people You have brought together. Thank You for the prayers answered. Thank You for the hearts healed. Thank You for the bones You've mended.
You are our good God. You who are always working even when it seems nothing is happening.
You are amazing!
Psalm 109:30-31 - With my mouth I will greatly extol the LORD; in the great throng of worshipers I will praise him. For he stands at the right hand of the needy, to save their lives from those who would condemn them.
Lord I extol You, my God! Thank You for all You have done. Thank You for putting every enemy to shame. Thank You for silencing the accuser and being the God of Vindication.
I praise You my God! You are great and greatly to be praised!
From CMC - God, we thank you for offering us your love! I ask that you show me and those here today what you need of us. Thank you for showing us what it means to be loved by you! Thank you for seeking us and speaking to us today. What a lovely feeling it is to be close to you.
In Jesus name, Amen.
From AC - Mighty King of kings, The First and The Last, The Alpha and Omega, we give You ALL THE praise and glory! For unto You, every knee shall bow and every tongue shall swear allegiance to the Powerful and Almighty Father in Heaven! Glory Hallelujah!
Lord. I must thank You for the miracles I saw on the news recently.
During a twister, a baby was sucked out of their home in their bassinet. The child and the rest of her family were found alive all by Your grace and to Your glory. Thank You for that mercy!
Then I saw a report about a train that hit a truck and everyone walked away. No lives were lost! I know that You showed grace in that situation and I praise You. Thank You that the families involved are not mourning the loss of life at this moment.
Hallowed be Your Holy Name.
From M22 - Thank you Abba for seeing us through January till date. Thank you Abba for holding our hand through each day, each week, each month, each season. Thank you Abba for helping us navigate even during difficulties and when we have no strength in us. Thank you Abba for your promise in Isaiah 43:2. We bless you Father! Amen
1 Chronicles 16:29 - Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering and come before him. Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness.
Yes, Lord!
We are here once again to worship You, the King of kings.
You are our Almighty God. The Sovereign One.
You who sit in splendor above us all and are unchallengeable. To You be all the glory now and forever.
From M22 - So Grateful for seeing us through in this beautiful community. I am so happy to be part of this wonderful family of God. Everytime I feel down or at the verge of giving up, I know this community is always interceding on my behalf and I am happy I get to intercede on behalf of others too. I pray that God will continue to see everyone of us through. Grateful to sis @FFJ for consistently bringing us together to fellowship.
PRAISE TIME
Now is the time to raise all your Hallelujahs to God. Don't be shy.
Love up on the Lord with no behavior.
Tell Him how much you love Him. Give Him glory for who He is and what He's done.
One of God's love languages is worship so let's get into it!
From AC - Good morning Peppers, blessings to you All. Thank You @FFJ for today's beautiful message, it blessed me this morning when I read it.
Jesus, my Lord and Saviour, thank You for reconciling me with our Father. Thank You for being the good and faithful Shepherd, that rescues me and covers me. Thank You for Your grace and mercy, which renew each day. Thank You for forgiveness and the gift of eternal salvation through the blood sacrifice that You paid for my life. Thank You for answered prayers, immeasurable gifts, and blessings. Thank You for Your steadfast love that is perfect and unchanging, pure and neverending. Lord, You are my happiness and my peace and my life’s greatest joy. May Your name forever be praised. Amen and Amen.
From MFC - Merry Christmas Peppers!
Praise God for the blessing of a new day. Thank you @FFJ for allowing the Lord to use you in this way. The message really spoke to my spirit today. I've felt overwhelmed and inadequate a lot lately.
When those moments creep up, I pray Psalm 131.
Best believe I'm adding the ones in the OP too. During this season, many people are struggling. But God promised to be close to the broken hearted. When we are weak He is strong.
May the strength of God and the peace of God guard your hearts and minds as the year comes to a close. We praise God for His mercies are new everyday. All praises to our Father God—who’s all-powerful and in control of all situations—provides true comfort and security...AMEN!
The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. Proverbs 18:10
From CMC - Hi Family! It’s been awhile! School is finalllllly over and I have some time to relax (flying out today for my birthday trip !)
God has been soooo good these past couple of weeks. Stressing over finals, I ended up quitting my full time position but he has never left me. I passed all my classes with A’s. One more semester and I’m done!!!!! I’ve been offered several jobs and I’m so overwhelmed with them that I don’t even know which one to take. My prayers have gotten so strong that I don’t even realize everything I’m asking for is coming into fruition.
I thank God everyday for his goodness and mercy. For forgiving all my shortcomings and sometimes not keeping my faith. He is an everlasting and loving man. I pray this season is filled with blessings and joy for you all!!!!
From NJ- hi everyone,
I pray that anyone reading this finds protection, harmony, love and peace within themselves and for others, as we are entering the holiday season let's be grateful for what we have and to continue practicing gratitude all year long. I pray for all breakthroughs and blessings for all !
From CMDR - I really needed this , thank you .
From EC - Amen and good morning ladies. Thanks for all the scriptural references.
From M22 - Thank you Abba for another beautiful fellowship day. Thank your for your love, grace, mercy and forgiveness over our lives. Thank you for your son Jesus. Thank you for being our Everlasting Father! Amen.
Thank you for today's word sis @FFJ . You definitely called me out with today's word . I am grateful for today's word reminding us about how much God loves us and how much worth we are to him. Everytime we feel down or we feel lost, I pray that we are reminded of how much God loves us and how far he's willing to go for us even when we don't have the words or strength to ask in prayer. I pray that we won't take him for granted. I pray for us to have a deeper , intimate and more genuine relationship with him. IjMN amen.
From SN - Good morning! :heart: Father, thank You for waking us up again to see another beautiful day.
Lord, I ask that You protect my sisters in Christ and I on this special day.
I pray Your love, protection, peace, comfort, and abundance over us in Jesus' name.
May we continue to live for You and honor You with our lives.