The Hand of God can be a terrific or a terrifying thing depending on the circumstances. If God is upset, his hand can dish out the cup of wrath we recently discussed. If He is pleased, on the other hand, His hand can usher great blessings.
God's hand can give people supernatural strength as was the case for Elijah. 1 Kings 18:46 - Then the hand of the LORD came upon Elijah [giving him supernatural strength]. He girded up his loins and outran Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel [nearly twenty miles] (AMP). While modern athletes cover long distances with great speed, remember they train for years. Elijah was a prophet who trained in praying, fasting, and sharing God's word with others, not marathons.
Yet, God helped him outrun a chariot.
The Hand of the Lord can bring favor and elevation. 1 Peter 5:6 - Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Nehemiah experienced this. He humbled himself before the Lord in fasting, interceded for his people and sought God's face for help restoring Jerusalem. God answered his prayer and he went from being a servant, to becoming the governor of Jerusalem. He shared his testimony on the effect of the Lord's hand to encourage others in Nehemiah 2:18 - I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me and what the king had said to me. They replied, “Let us start rebuilding.” So they began this good work.
The Hand of the Lord can also bring His manifest presence and power to a place meaning people receive deliverance, healing, blessings and more. Acts 11:21 - The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord. The first Christians regularly experienced God's hand in their midst and it led to evidence of His might which convinced others to believe that Jesus died and rose again for their benefit. And so, their numbers grew from a small minority to a faith held by many more today. And in this day and age, the Body of Christ continues to witness the presence of God and its impact in transforming people and situations.
These examples from scripture show the impact of God's hand on a person or a group. Keep in mind one additional effect. Psalm 37:23-24 - If you do what the LORD wants, he will make certain each step you take is sure. The LORD will hold your hand, and if you stumble, you still won't fall (CEV). God will uphold the righteous so they will not fall under the weight of the challenges they face. They will always come out victorious.
May the hand if the Lord rest upon you for your good and His glory, IJMN, Amen.
Today, I hope you'll join us at 12 Noon EST for Praise & Pray (for others) when we'll honor the Lord with our thanksgiving, intercede for others then meditate (think deeply) on the day's message. God bless you.
CLOSING PRAYER
Thank You, merciful God. Exodus 15:11 - Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders? Great Messiah, You have done the most incredible things. You are worthy of all our praise. Glory be to You, Lord!
Thank You for bringing us together once again. Cover us in Your grace and mercy, Father. Go before us, King of kings. May the meditation of our hearts and the words from our lips have been pleasing to You, Father (Psalm 19:14). We cover ourselves in Your grace and please the blood of the Lamb over our families and loved ones. We cover our prayer subjects and thank You for standing firm for us all.
IJN, we pray, Amen.
LAST 10 MINUTES
Did you read today's message? And did you take a second to pray for the Hand of God to be upon you for good?
If you are yet to, I want to strongly encourage you to do so. God's hand can bring great goodness and it is something every believer should seek from Him.
Remember our study on the Cornelius Anointing? He was one man, but God's hand rested upon him and brought blessings to his entire household as well as his friends who happened to be gathered in his home when God moved on his behalf. You can equally play such a role for others.
Are you interested in praying for His hand to rest upon yourself, your loved ones, and all that concerns you? If so, then let us pray...
God, thank You for the power of Your hand. From age to age it has done great things in the lives of individuals and groups.
Today, I call on You to place Your hand on me for my good and submit to Your will for my life. Take all the glory, IJMN, Amen.
Lord, I lift up Peppers and call on You to see them and hold them. Hear their cries and answer them, IJMN, Amen.
For You have said in Joel 2:32 - And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved; for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be deliverance, as the LORD has said, even among the survivors whom the LORD calls.
*From AC* - YAHWEH RAPHA, The mighty and powerful God Who heals. In Jeremiah 30:17 you declare that You will restore good health and heal all wounds of Your people, therefore I pray for Your divine healing and complete health restoration upon JAD, Mama K, and her family Auntie S, @kety and @EB's parent, for Your glory and victory. Free them from all health alignments, sickness, discomfort, and pain, and replace the spirit of fear, with Your transcending peace. In Jesus’ Healing Name, I pray, Amen.
*From AC* - Mighty God of comfort and compassion, I lift in prayer the family of the woman that passed away in the bed next to me in the ER. Your Word says that You are close to the brokenhearted and those crushed in spirit, so I pray that your mighty hand will rest upon them and ease their grief and suffering. May Your transcending peace that surpasses our human understanding guard their hearts and mind, in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Father, I place leaders before You. Great and mighty King, every knee must bow to You because You are the Sovereign Lord of lords.
Thank You Father, for having all authority.
God, all leaders are subject to You and I call on You to touch hearts and minds. I pray they seek Your wisdom as they make decisions. I pray they turn to You for understanding, that they don't ignore Your authority. I pray they surround themselves with counsel that fear You and aren't wicked. I pray they base their rule/administrations on justice and fear of the Lord. You place one in a position of authority and pull down another. You control who sits on any throne.
Your word in 1 Timothy 2:1 instructs us to pray for our leaders and so I do, calling on You to have Your way. For Your purpose and plan cannot be thwarted no matter how hard satan tries. Thy will be done, here on earth as in heaven. IJMN, Amen.
*From BI* - Lord, I pray against the spirit of depression in the lives of Your children. I pray that You bring healing to their hearts and minds. I pray that the spirit of depression will depart from Your children never to return again. I pray Your children see life through Your eyes. When they are crushed by fear and worries, Lord remind them of Your power, strength and grace. Turn their faces towards You. Fill them with Your joy, transcending peace and a fresh awareness of Your love. May they know to cast their cares unto You believing that You will heal them and provide their every need IJMN Amen.
PRAYER TIME
Put your concerns on the backburner, RIGHT NOW!
You've got a bill that needs to be paid. An illness that requires God's healing. You are in need of help to solve a difficult problem.
All of these are valid issues that God can help you with if you pray.
However, the next 25 minutes are not for you to pray about your issues. This section of fellowship is for you to focus on the needs of others. Your job is to ask God to fight battles for people and bring about His victory in a host of situations.
Pray against all that satan is doing. Don't be afraid.
PRAY.
Thank You God. You are the only God. Thank You for You are Alpha and Omega. Thank You for with everything that You are, You are my Abba Father.
Psalm 86:10 - For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God.
From sis OD - Praise God and grateful for you all. Morning, afternoon and evening P & P
Thank You for answered prayers, my God. Thank You for speaking and moving. Thank You for evidence of Your might in my life. Thank You for Your love and kindness.
For You have not let go and neither will I to Your glory and by Your grace.
Hallelujah!
*From BI* - Thank You Lord for the opportunity to gather together and give You praise. Thank You for my early discharge from jury service. Thank You my Abba for providing for me. Thank You for always being present in my life. Thank You for JO, CE, JI and so many more of Your children You continue to breathe life into. Thank You for yesterday, today and forever.
This week, you reminded me that things might look a certain way but it doesn't matter because You always have the final say.
Thank You for putting the devil to shame in my life!!!!! Thank You for when satan thought it would make me doubt, I gave you praise and danced. Thank You for You silenced the accuser and gave me joy! Thank You because You have promised to bless and bless is what You are doing.
I'm grateful for Your mighty hand upon my life and all that concerns me. I'm grateful to You for all You do. Most of which I can't even imagine. Yet, You move for me! Glory belongs to You my Father, Hallelujah!
From BI - Thank You my Almighty King for all the blessings You fill my life with. I thank You for breath, shelter, protection and so much than I can count. You truly are a wonderful Father. Thank You Lord for showing forth Your power and glory in my life. Some take pride in chariots and others in horses but I take pride in the Name of God. Only You are worthy of all praise.
Psalm 77:13 - Your ways, God, are holy. What god is as great as our God?
Exceptional God.
Creator of the Earth.
Who is like Thee?
Exodus 15:11 - Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?
Take all the glory! You reign above in all splendor and grace. Almighty King!
I praise Your Holy Name!
*From AC* - El Shaddai, Whose power and might is like no other! glory to Your name! Thank You for coming through for me, as You always do and for having my six, these past 24 trying hours, when the enemy tried to attack, creating nonstop chaos. Thank You that what was mean’t for evil, You swiftly turned around for our good. Thank You Holy Spirit for maintaining my peace and joy. I dance in praise of the Lord! Amen!
PRAISE TIME
It's praise time and you know what the deal is.
*From AC* - Thank you for blessing us sis @FJJ with this beautiful message. God is the greatest.
Abba, I am so thankful for Your hand that rests upon me. Thank You for Your bountiful blessings and favour. Thank You for covering, protecting, healing and uplifting, me and mine, with Your mighty hand. All adoration belongs to You! Amen!
*From CD* - Good Morning Family, ... God blesses our coming and our going ❤️❤️
*From EC* - Amen and good morning ladies!