The war between Israel and the Palestinian government, Hamas, has revealed deep divisions in communities across the world.
As Christians, how are we supposed to feel about it all? Even a cursory review of the Bible reveals the foundational role of Israelites in our faith. Our Savior, Jesus, was an Israelite, after all. Scriptures have also taught us to be careful how we speak of and treat the Israelites. Yet, it is difficult to see ordinary Palestinians suffer the brutal consequences of their government's decision to attack on October 7, 2023. It is hard to hear people speak of them with derogatory language and dehumanizing concepts, ignoring that God chose to make them in His image.
While people are busy choosing sides, I want to encourage you to pick the only side that matters - God's.
Remember that Jesus submitted Himself to God's plan for His life when the end came. Following in His footsteps and submitting to God's will is a mark of genuine Christianity. Personally, I have learned that my desires must always give way to God's will. Any time I have been stubborn about this (and it's been many times, sadly), I have regretted the choice and the resulting consequences.
Therefore, please pray for God's will to be done in this conflict. Be humble enough to acknowledge that you won't know what that is unless He tells you. Each time we proclaim the Lord's Prayer, we state "Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10, KJV). If you truly believe this, then ask Him to show you how to pray about the war in a way that glorifies Him. In so doing, He will give you the prayer points He wants you to lift up regarding this situation. He will also provide you with the scriptural understanding that you need. Only then will you be able to pray in alignment with His will and His word. And that will increase the effectiveness of your prayers.
Simply pray "Lord, Thy will be done. Please show me how to pray about this situation." Then wait and watch for God to teach you so that you are prayerfully working with Him and not against His will. He may instruct one person to pray for children in Gaza while telling someone else to pray for the hostages. To another, He may say, "pray for the leaders involved" while telling someone to pray for peace. The key is to allow God's Holy Spirit to direct you.
Do not take your cues from the talking heads on either side of this issue. They don't care about your immortal soul. Only God does. And if truly He is your God, then allow Him to lead and not your emotions.
God bless you and see you at noon EST for fellowship.
From M22 - Abba as we approach the holiday season. I pray that you provide for every single one of us and anyone struggling with finances. I pray for your blessings in Phillipians 4:19 over lives IJMN amen.
From MFC - Good afternoon and Happy December!
Praying God's blessings over the Peppers. Life be living but God is still in control.
Thank you Heavenly Father for your divine wisdom. You are the author and finisher of our faith. Your word told us that there would be times of war and for peace. I am grateful that as we walk through this valley in the shadow of death, we don't have to fear the evil one. Almighty God you guide us and shine the light of Jesus over our path.
I will follow Jesus because He is the way, the truth and the light. Thank you for being our peace in times of trouble. We lift up this conflict to You, Father God....You will have the final say! AMEN
Y'all know I love holiday music. Here's one of my favorites from my Happy Birthday Jesus playlist.
As always, TFTT @FFJ. You are always so sweet to include me, check on me, especially during difficult seasons. Although this was a sobering message, To God Be The Glory! May we all be agents of prayerful change.
From M22 - Thank you Abba for sis @FFJ . Thank you Abba for your grace, mercy and forgiveness over her life. Thank you for her, her family, her business, her job and interests. Thank you Lord for granting her consistency. Thank you Lord for fighting her battles and granting her strength as she continues to keep this community moving forward. I pray that you will continue to endow her with so much more moving forward IJMN amen.
From M22 - Abba I pray for orphans across that world. I pray that you fill that void in their heart. I pray that you will continue to be their father and mother. Do much more for them than they can imagine. Eliminate every thoughts of abandonment in their hearts Abba. Help them know they can rest in your comfort and authority and that you have secured their future moving forward IJMN amen.
CLOSING PRAYER
Father, You are good. You are great. You are the greatest. We worship Your Holy Name.
I lift Your word in Haggai 1:13 -.._.“I am with you,” declares the LORD._
Thank You, Father, for being with us, Your children. Thank You for never straying from our side. Thank You for being everything we will ever need.
Cover today's participants in Your mercy and grace. Be their provider, lifter, and defender.
As they have sought out Your wisdom on how they are to approach the Israel-Hamas war, I pray over them that the ears of their hearts will be open to receive Your instruction. God, please fill them with Your word and direction on how to pray that they may please You, the Head of the Heavenly Armies. IJMN, Amen.
LAST 10 MINUTES
Ask the Lord for grace to do His will.
I make this recommendation because God may give you instructions on how to pray that will shock you. You might have had an opinion on the Israel-Hamas situation that is contrary to what God tells you to pray on.
I want to encourage you to follow His will. To do what He wants you to do and not what your heart, your emotions, or popular sentiment is telling you.
Remember Stephen? We recently learned how His submission to the Holy Spirit of God was the secret sauce that elevated him from his food distribution job to preaching God's word with boldness. Philip was a peer of his, who also had to be filled with the Holy Spirit to get the same food distribution gig. Listening to the Holy Spirit, he was sent on a specific road to a specific chariot (Acts 8). In it was a eunuch from the Queen of Ethiopia's court. Imagine if, having been directed to that man, Philip decided not to evangelize to him because the man was black, African, or a eunuch.
Keep this in mind as you receive God's instruction on how to pray. I plead with you to submit for the Bible says "Woe to those who quarrel with their Maker" in Isaiah 45:9. Don't let your biases, preconceived notions, or pride get in the way of honoring God as He wills. For obedience is better than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22). Thus, it is best to obey rather than seek to make offerings in an apology later.
From BI - Lord, I lift up KL, HL, JL, DL, JO, MM, IS, sis @AC, sis @ketys, sis @B2 and any pepper in need of healing. I pray that You heal them in mind, body and spirit. I pray that Your healing permeates their households and touch every one of their loved ones in need of healing. I pray that all yokes of affliction be broken. May all their tests turn into testimonies. May their mouths confess the goodness of God. May goodness, mercy, perfect health, long life and God’s transcending peace be their portion IJMN Amen.
From M22 - Abba, I commit myself and my siblings into your hands. I pray that you help us to continue to seek you Lord. I pray you will continue to be our father, mother, shield, buckler, safe haven and much more. I pray that the fruits of the spirit will continue to take roots in our hearts and produce abundant harvest. I pray that we will continue to be vessels for your glory. I pray for overall stability in our lives IJMN amen.
fROM m22 - Abba I pray for women that are due for delivery (childbirth). I pray abba that you coordinate the doctors and midwives so they can deliver their babies safely without complications. I pray that no lives will be lost in the process. IjMN amen.
From sis FJ - Dear God, I thank You for being sovereign over every aspect of our lives. "The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, the world and all who dwell in it". Lord I submit the media into Your capable hands. Lord, You know that there are many inappropriate things often shown on commercials that don't need to be so extreme. It sows bad seeds into the minds of our most vulnerable. It is offensive to see, and wasn't always this bad.
Lord Jesus said that even though You won't just take us out of the world, He asked that You would protect us from the evil one. So please protect every eye and ear gate and let the "shield of faith" be activated to block every evil arrow coming from the media. Let there be an increase of righteousness instead so the media promotes better things that are pleasing to You. In Jesus name, amen.
From C - Jehovah Rapha we call out to You because we know that only You can bring forth healing! Baba I lift up into your hands MP father and her whole family that you bring forth healing and that this healing can be a testimony of Your goodness and mercy! We pray over ms Natalie that you can help her face dialysis as she waits for her kidney transplant, and that she lives for her little son, over ms Angie M and her financial situation that you bring forth the miracle she desperately needs, over her daughter’s school, I pray over the A family, over ms C and her boys and her battle with lipedema that you heal her legs.
Thank You for community for every prayer lifted up, we know that Your heart is always for us and we declare that we believe IJN Amen
From M22 - Abba I pray for people affected by layoffs and unemployment in this season. I pray that you open up streams of opportunities for them as they navigate job hunting. Abba I pray that you lead them to companies where they won't have to worry about their job security or finances. I pray that you help them adjust IJMN amen.
Father, I thank You for being the Mighty Man of War. The El Gibbor. Jehovah Sabaoth.
Lord, I lift up the situation between Israel and Hamas. God, on a Sabbath and on a holiday to Your glory, Israel was attacked, leading to the deaths of many. Several hundred were kidnapped. Father, You see all and You know all. I invoke Your word in Isaiah 45:17. You have declared an eternal salvation for Israel and IJN, and I know that You Jehovah Shalom will ensure that peace comes sooner rather than later.
I want to also pray for the innocents in Gaza who have been affected by the choices of Hamas to bring war to their land. There are too many children and others being killed and Lord, I pray for them as well that as is promised in Psalm 65:7, You shall still the turmoil of the nations. Father, remember the miracle You worked for Rahab. All around her, the city fell but she and her loved ones were made secure because of her faith in You. For Your faithful in both countries, protect and cover them. Lead them to safety.
God, I also call on You to send angelic help into this situation. When Daniel prayed, You sent an angel, but one of the chief princes, Archangel Michael, had to help him fight his way to Daniel. As such, please send your angels to fight against every prince of Persia and every evil coalition intent on causing more bloodshed and chaos. Remember that You do not abide the stirrer of conflict and You have reserved a bloodbath for those who do not shrink back from spilling human blood (Ezekiel 35:6). Be they in the physical or the spiritual. Lord, let Your way and Your word quickly come to pass, IJMN, Amen.
From M22 - Abba I pray for everyone that is sick and recovering. I pray that your healing power radiates every inch of their body. I pray that you touch the hearts and minds of every medical staff to do what's right to help patients heal. I pray that you coordinate the eyes and hands of every operating surgeons and help them conduct successful surgeries IJMN amen.
From M22 - ABBA I pray for people struggling mentally. I pray that you grant them your peace in Phillipians 4:7. I pray that you restore their sense of safety and trust. I pray that you help them rest in your comfort and authority. I pray that you will restore their self concept, self esteem, self confidence and self worth. Help them to see themselves the way you see them IJMN amen.
Father, You said children are a heritage and reward from the Lord.
So when we hear that children are dying we know that is not Your plan. Lord, forgive our world for the things we have done to throw us out of alignment with You. We pray for families that You will wrap Your strong arms around them and keep them out of the enemy's schemes.
Where children have been lost to the evil of this world, we call on You for Your grace and mercy upon those left behind to struggle with the resulting pain. Indeed God, give peace, show grace, and help them. Please Father.
We call upon You to bring an end to the violence. Protect children. The enemy wants to destroy them for a variety of reasons but especially because Your word states in Psalm 8:2 - Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.
Destroy the devil's plans, God. The devil is a liar but You are truth and goodness personified. Hear our prayer, IJMN, Amen.
From C - Glory be to You God IJN amen
From M22 - Abba I pray for everyone of us. This world is full of distractions. I pray that you help us shift our focus from the natural to the spiritual. Help us to truly and genuinely seek you according to your word in Matthew 6:33. IjMN amen.
From C - “Then Jesus went into the temple of God and drove out all those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. And He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’ ”
Matthew 21:12-13 NKJV
Abba father the greedy heart of men causes wars, death and destruction! yet You prince of peace will bring forth peace in us! Abba I uplift into your hands the people of Palestine, the children who are innocent in all of these, the people of Congo who are enslaved because of men’s greed, the people of Sudan, West Papua and so many other communities who are facing conflicts Abba we pray for peace we pray for safety that Your mighty and powerful hand covers all! In Jesus name we pray Amen
From M22 - Abba I pray over children across the world . I pray that you protect and preserve them from violence, harm and abuse. I pray that you will continue to nourish and and nurture them so they can glorify and advance your kingdom here on earth IJMN amen!
Jehovah Jireh, our Provider. We call out for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Your children. That Lord, Your people will have a more intimate relationship with You. You promised in Ezekiel 36:27 - And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.
Father put Your Spirit in people. Let them know You love them enough to want to be with them always. We await Your word in Isaiah 45:8 for these times - "You heavens above, rain down my righteousness; let the clouds shower it down. Let the earth open wide, let salvation spring up, let righteousness flourish with it; I, the LORD, have created it.
Your righteousness and salvation are the heritage of Your people. We cry out for more, God, IJMN, Amen.
From BI - Abba, there is no one more powerful than You. There is no one more compassionate, more forgiving, more loving and more merciful than You. Blood is spilled on Your holy land and this is contrary to Your word and will. Take control Lord and bring an end to all hostilities in Israel. Let love, forgiveness, harmony and compassion dwell in Israel. Grant hope in place of despair, love in place of hatred, strength in place of weakness and joy in place of sorrow. Lord, heal the broken-hearted and bandage their wounds IJMN Amen.
PRAYER TIME
Know someone going through it?
Pray for them right now.
Did you hear of or see something about a troubling situation?
Pray about it and all who are involved right now.
Ask God to enter into these issues to resolve them for His glory.
Lord, I believe in You and I thank You that I can.
For You have always been faithful.
Thank You for teaching me that You were never responsible for any of my disappointments.
Those happened because I showed up to the wrong appointment.
God, I'm at a loss for words for what You do, have done, and will do.
I look forward to more of Your grace, mercy, glory, goodness, kindness, love, and restoration.
Thank You for that privilege.
Thank You, God for fighting for me. Oh, Mighty Man of War.
My Ajagun Segun.
Olugbeja mi.
Thank You for always taking responsibility for me.
Thank You because I belong to You and I always will.
God, thank You!
God, I thank You that You don't expect me to be perfect. I am grateful that despite my imperfections, You continue to work things out for my good.
Lord, there aren't enough words to truly express how much You've done for me and the joy You've given to me.
Still, THANK YOU, JEHOVAH!!!!!
The only God I have ever served. The only one I will ever worship. The only God who is true and faithful to a fault.
Thank You!
From BI - Who are we that we can be in Your presence and yet, You give Yourself freely to us. Thank You for allowing us to cast our cares unto You. Thank You that we can always approach Your throne of grace. Thank You for being Jehovah Jireh, our great provider. Thank You for being El ROI, the God that sees us with eyes that neither sleeps nor slumbers. I rejoice knowing that we belong to You. All honour, praise, adoration and glory belongs to You, my King and my redeemer.
When I only see in part
I will prophesy Your promise
I believe You God
Because You finish what You start
I will trust You in the process
I believe You God
From C - Glorious Father in heaven, we come into to space today to thank you for your grace, continued blessings, for your goodness and protection. Lord your word says that this world there’s so much that consumes and spends us, but in You we can find solace, peace and rest! Abba we bless you because truly in You we are renewed day by day! As we begin another P&P we lift into your hands all the praise , that you delight in it just as you did from your servant David, the prayers that will be lifted that you God listen just as you did for Jeremiah, Elijah, Elisha and Daniel. As we intercede for others that wherever they are Your Holy Spirit touches them! Thank You sovereign God for everyone here present. We bless your Holy name! Amen
From C -
From M22 - Thank you Abba for another beautiful fellowship day. Thank you for your love for us. You dress the lilies in all of their beauty and splendor. How much more we who you have endowed with so much more. I thank you Abba for everything you have done, you will do and you are doing in our lives. As we countdown to the end of another year, we bless you for holding our hands through the challenges, triumphs and victories! Amen
Lord, I have to praise You for the miracles You brought to pass in my life this week. Thank You for telling me what You would do and the privilege of watching things work out that way.
Even when I wasn't sure, You simply reassured me. You held my hand through it all. Even when I was tempted to let go, You held on tighter and spoke tenderly to encourage me.
God, I just thank You.
From BI - Thank You merciful Father for all You have done for me, all You are doing and all You are going to do in my life. You are the Great I Am. The God that can count the stars and sands. How mighty You are and what an honour to call You my Abba Father. When I look back on how far You brought me, a million thanks will never suffice. Glory be to Your Holy Name forever and ever, Amen.
PRAISE TIME
Glory, Hallelujah!!
It is time to give our God the praise and worship that He deserves.
So, let's not waste any time, shall we?
From EC - Amen and good morning ladies!
From DJ - OP your take on this was EXCELLENT!!!! Thank you again!
From M22 - Thank you blessed Lord for a bran new day. Another beautiful fellowship day. I thank you Abba for life, mobility, food, shelter, protection and so much more. Thank you Abba for every single of us Peppers both online and offline. Thank you Abba for your grace, mercy and forgiveness over our lives! Amen!
Thank you for today's word sis @FFJ . The conflict is indeed heartbreaking and it's quite tricky not to read the media and want to take sides. I am grateful for today's message highlighting us not being led by our emotions but by God's will. Given how fickle our emotions are, it takes the grace of God to truly take his side and remain firm no matter the outcome. I pray that God will help us know how to pray for every ongoing conflict in the world and our personal lives IJMN amen!
From BI - Thank You Lord for letting me see this great day that You have made, I will rejoice and be glad in it. Thank You Abba Father for Your love, mercy, grace, forgiveness, compassion and so much more than I can count. Thank You for the former rain, latter rain and present rain. You alone are worthy of all praise. Hallelujah!! Hallelujah!! Hallelujah!!
Thank you for today’s word sis @FFJ. We are living in times where the devil is having a good time being the agent of chaos. Israel holds a special place in my heart and I always pray for the Holy land. The Word of God will always triumph over that of men. May God help us to listen to Him and do His will. I pray our hearts are open to the counsel of the Holy Spirit. May God’s transcending peace be upon us and Israel IJMN Amen.
ALTAR CALL
Each of us is a sinner who has turned from the Lord. We have thereby fallen short of giving Him His due glory. And yet, God, in His mercy does not hold our iniquity against us. He doesn't treat us as our sins deserve.
The reason for this is Jesus Christ. He was sent to earth to die for you and me so that by His sacrifice on the cross, all can be redeemed and restored to God.
But, we must each repent and turn back to the Lord, so that the stain of our sins is wiped clean and times of refreshing may come our way (Acts 3:19).
Repenting and giving our lives to Christ, also solidifies the anointing and call of God on our lives, so that we can begin the journey to playing an essential role in God's kingdom on earth. Through this step, we receive Holy Spirit, the great gift Jesus promised to all who would believe in Him. Holy Spirit is the Comforter, the Advocate, the Teacher, the one who reminds us of everything Jesus taught.
Would you like to sign up for this? Would you like to receive the refreshing and joy of God? Have you tried with all your might to solve your own problems but to no avail? Are there challenges that look like mountains too high to conquer?
Jesus is the answer to every problem. He is your salvation and brings you the relief you need.
If you are tired of trying to figure things out on your own and want that relief, please say the following prayer from your heart:
Lord Jesus, I am a sinner. I confess my sins right now to you. And I believe that you are the son of God. I believe that you came, you died, you rose from the dead, and you paid the price for my sins. Today, I accept the new life and all that comes with it. Today I welcome the Holy Spirit. Come dwell in me, make Your home in me and I will never be the same again. In Jesus's name, Amen.
If you said that prayer and meant it, Congratulations!!!
Now please make prayer a regular part of your life. It is simply you talking to the Lord. Also, please start reading the Bible and ask God to make it come alive for you. It holds all the answers you need. Seek to be water baptized and ask God to lead you to a church of His choosing.
To learn more about the faith and find answers to some questions you might have, check out this handy page - ! How to have a stronger relationship with YHWH God! And consider watching this series (click on the text) on the fundamentals of the Christian faith.
The Lord bless you!