Author: Prayer Warriors Advance, LLC

If not you, then who….

Scriptural Foundation:

1 Peter 5:8-9 New King James (NKJV)

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.

1 Peter 4:12-14 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)

Beloved, do not be amazed and bewildered at the fiery ordeal which is taking place to test your quality, as though something strange (unusual and alien to you and your position) were befalling you. But insofar as you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, rejoice, so that when His glory [full of radiance and splendor] is revealed, you may also rejoice with triumph [exultantly].

If you are censured and suffer abuse [because you bear] the name of Christ, blessed [are you—happy, fortunate, to be envied, with life-joy, and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of your outward condition], because the Spirit of glory, the Spirit of God, is resting upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. 

Hebrews 10:24-25 New King James (NKJV)

And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

Reflection:

One particular church service there was an alter call, I witnessed as one by one several teenagers and young adults came forward for prayer. The call was for anyone feeling depressed to the point of considering suicide.  You could feel the anointing heavy in the room, as the Lord ministered to them through the prayer warriors standing behind them.  My eyes over flowed with tears and my heart ached because I could remember being that age and hearing those whispers in my thoughts.  “Why am I so different?”; “I don’t really fit in anywhere?”; “Is there something wrong with me?”; “Why is life such a struggle when the Lord is one my side?”, etc.

As a Body we need each other to fight this fight together. We may not be going through the same season of struggle, but we have all been through something that we can help each other. If these young warriors in the faith at the alter are struggling and they are doing things “the right way”, how much more at risk are the mature in the faith that forsake the assembling of the church assembly because of past hurt and/or disappointment.  They are putting themselves and their families in harm’s way spiritually. People are not perfect, Jesus is. If we seek Him, we will all ultimately come together as notes in a worship song – a wonderful fragrance unto the Lord.

Like myself, many of these precious souls at this altar have been in church all their lives. On a daily basis their parents have diligently poured the Word into them.  As a result, we have one of the most vibrant and multi-talented youth ministry I have ever seen.  Over flowing with gifts from the Lord, these children are on fire for the Lord and their energy is infectious.  So then why do we as Believers that are a little farther down the path forget and tend to minimize their struggle?  Isn’t that a form a judging? Am I stepping on some spiritual toes? If it is for your betterment, I am challenging you to reflect.

Let us turn to the Word for a sobering reminder. The enemy of our soul, attempted to snuff out our Lord Jesus Christ as a baby.  A baby!  Through Herod, the devil’s second attempt (the first being Joseph considering not marrying Mary) trying to kill Jesus, was under the guise of worshiping the King of the Jews. When we as Believers commit to our sanctification walk, at times it will feel like we are the only ones going through the struggle.  That is why it is paramount to fellowship with other Believers.  To come together as one Body to worship and pray for one another.  If we don’t, we are just putting ourselves on the outskirts and that is where the enemy wants us, so focused on ourselves that we don’t notice that we have drifted away from the Lord’s commandment – “This is My commandment, that you love and unselfishly seek the best for one another, just as I have loved you. No one has greater love [nor stronger commitment] than to lay down his own life for his friends. You are my friends if you keep on doing what I command you.”

Remember Saints, we are all warriors in the Army of the Lord, we lay our lives down willingly. If not you, then who…

“Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father.” – John 10:17-18

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • Is there someone the Lord has put on your heart? Someone you haven’t seen at church in a while?
  • Reach out ask them if you can pray with them.
  • Repeat

Distraction Free Zone

Scriptural Foundation:

Psalm 46:10-11 King James Version (KJV)

Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

Exodus 3:5 New International Version (NIV)

“Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.”

Exodus 14:13-14 King James Version (KJV)

And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.

Reflection:

The silence is deafening…I don’t know about you, but daily meditation on the Word of God is a workout in-and-of itself. It doesn’t matter the time of day, when it gets quiet, that is when my mental to-do list starts rolling.  I have a million and one things that I am thinking about at any given moment.  Always…always with a sinking feeling that I am forgetting something when things are running too smoothly.  Can you relate?

So, with one’s mind always conducting an audit, how can we really focus in on what the Lord is telling us? Although these things at some point needs to get done, it is not as important as the daily instructions we receive from the Lord (whether we are listening or not) that is getting drowned out by this constant mental dialogue. As a result, the only way to obtain these daily instructions is shut off the mind and focus in more on what the Holy Spirit is saying.  How?

For me, it has been going old school-limiting electronics during my devotional time. Years ago, I started using my phone for playing worship music or looking up scripture quickly – all good things.  At the same time, there were text messages, emails, and task reminders.  Recognizing the distraction, I shifted back to a regular digital clock for time management; I now use CD or MP3 players for worship; and lastly, a pad of paper for study notes and then a different smaller pad of paper for thoughts that pop up that is not related to the task at hand.  I went so far as breaking out my concordance for looking up scriptures.

Making these slight adjustments has “slowed down” my devotional time. For example, instead of looking it up on my phone, I take time to finding the scripture that the Lord puts on my heart in my concordance – it makes the process more methodical and I get so much more out of the seeking process.  Don’t get me wrong, outside my devotional time quick look ups are essential to get me through the day.  However, our daily communion time with the Lord should be treated a little differently… essentially a distraction free zone.

Like Abraham approaching the burning bush in Exodus, saints, we should treat our devotional time with the Lord as a sacred time and space. Despite the distractions, always strive to create this atmosphere of habitation with the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, you will never be disappointed.

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • Identify things/habits that may be disturbing your devotional time.
  • Think of ways that you can minimize these distractions – it may require a sacrifice on your part.
  • Ask the Holy Spirit to help you with this process.
  • Periodically audit your devotional time to make sure you are putting first things first.

 

Wisdom is like a Coupon

Scriptural Foundation:

Deuteronomy 4:28-31 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)

There you will serve gods, the work of men’s hands, wood and stone, which neither see nor hear nor eat nor smell. But if from there you will seek (inquire for and require as necessity) the Lord your God, you will find Him if you [truly] seek Him with all your heart [and mind] and soul and life. When you are in tribulation and all these things come upon you, in the latter days you will turn to the Lord your God and be obedient to His voice. For the Lord your God is a merciful God; He will not fail you or destroy you or forget the covenant of your fathers, which He swore to them.

Proverbs 10:13 New King James Version (NKJV)

Wisdom is found on the lips of him who has understanding, But a rod is for the back of him who is devoid of understanding. 

Reflection:

Couponing use to be my favorite pass time. I fancied myself being a good steward of our resources.  I used to feel so accomplished when I got to the register and our bill was cut in half due to my hard work. Granted, I spent a lot of time clipping coupons and waiting for sales to apply each coupon prior to them expiring for the maximum savings.  Although, I never got to the point of having a mini compound of stuff in my basement, for that season of life it was sufficient.

The Lord brought this time back into my remembrance. The Holy Spirit told me that wisdom is like a coupon.  It is something sawt after in the Word and there is only a limited window in which to apply it.  There is a difference between wisdom and a promise.   Wisdom has an expiration date, whereas as the promises of God have no expiration date.  As Believers, we should spend a lot of time in the Word seeking answers for the seemly insurmountable issues in our lives. The Word says if we seek the Lord we will find Him and He will answer us.  Wisdom gives specific direction for that moment in time; for that season of life.  That is why delayed obedience, is disobedience.  The wisdom or revelation that that Lord gave you months ago, may not apply today.  Circumstances change, every word we speak and every action that we make, sows a seed into your future. These words or actions may void out that wisdom.  Thank the Lord for His mercy and goodness! Wisdom can be “reissued” like store coupons with new expiration dates.

Don’t get me wrong, clipping coupons is a fun pass time, but always remember beloveds, the Lord is our provider and He will give you wisdom in the moment to get through every situation in life.

Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. – Isaiah 55:6-7

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • Take inventory the nuggets of wisdom that the Lord has given you in the past. List them out. Describe with as much detail as possible as to the circumstances proceeding hearing from the Lord.
  • Ask the Holy Spirit for each item if that specific Word of wisdom applies to your current situation.
  • Be at peace to know that some of those nuggets have “expired”. Ask the Lord to forgive you and then ask the Holy Spirit to navigate you back to that revelation in His time.

Where is the reverence?

Scriptural Foundation:

Malachi 2:5-6 New Living Translation (NLT)

“The purpose of my covenant with the Levites was to bring life and peace, and that is what I gave them. This required reverence from them, and they greatly revered me and stood in awe of my name. They passed on to the people the truth of the instructions they received from me. They did not lie or cheat; they walked with me, living good and righteous lives, and they turned many from lives of sin.

Jeremiah 20:9 New Living Translation (NLT)

But if I say I’ll never mention the Lord or speak in His name, His word burns in my heart like a fire. It’s like a fire in my bones! I am worn out trying to hold it in! I can’t do it!

Reflection:

Reverence is defined as a deep respect for someone or something.  As a child, I had so much fear of the Lord that I thought I knew.  Along with my parents of course this fear/reverence kept me on the straight and well into my young adult years.  Growing up I never cussed. Call it catholic guilt, but I had it in my head, among other things, if I did that the Lord would strike me with a bolt of lightning or something. Then I went off to college…yes, I lived under a rock and I loved it there! I met all these good people doing not so good things and they seemed alright. Sad, but true the most I ever experimented in college was cussing.  Well when I tried it on for size…not only did it not feel right, but it didn’t sound good coming out my mouth. I actually had close friends asking me to stop doing it!

Did I make some mistakes yes! Meeting the world’s challenges for the first time in college had me far behind when I mixed and mingled with the world.  However, looking back I see the Lord’s hand at every juncture of my life. He had picked me for a purpose and that purpose wasn’t going to be tainted. The Lord is calling out to everyone, but there is only a few people that stop to listen.  These individuals that pause to listen are obligated with how we live out our lives to be Levites to the people that we come across in life.

I think that is why I have such a fire in my belly when it comes to the things of God. How can a Lord that loves you so much that He knows the number of hairs on your head not be held in reverence at all times? The answer, He wants to recognize and love Him for who He is. It is said that the devil gets a lot more sound bites in some people’s lives than testimonies as to how great our God is. When a challenge or tragedy arises, most Believers jump to the devil and how he is attacking them. Can I kick a holy cow for you all…you let the devil in to make a mess in your Eden. Just like Adam and Eve didn’t stay watchful in prayer and actions, most times we as Believers get lulled away by worldly things that in the beginning seem innocent, but in the end has your life in ruins. Getting a small credit card to establish your credit…taking an extra pill for the pain in your back to get through the day…entertaining the advances from the person that is not your spouse…all these things start small and innocent at first, but it provides a crack for the devil to slither his way into our minds. You have come too far in this life…seen too much to give up your inheritance now! Don’t you know you have an inheritance here on earth, the fruit of the Spirit and then a greater one when you get to heaven? Don’t let the devil steal the reverence you have for the on true and living God.

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • In what areas of your life is not reflecting the reverence of the Lord? What actions in your life is causing you to live below your inheritance?
  • Present these things to the Lord and ask Him to help you change them. Remember you may be the only epistle some unbelievers will ever “read”. Make it be one that gives glory and honor to God that will draw them to Jesus.

Three types of people…

Scriptural Foundation:

Mark 12:30-31 New Living Translation (NLT)

And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.”

Reflection:

I have a bunch of “grace growers” in my life. There is person in particular that throughout the years doesn’t seem to be changing despite my constant prayer for him or my change in approach to our interactions.  Sometimes it is like talking to a brick wall.  A couple of months ago, I had another challenging discussion with him, then I distinctly heard the Holy Spirit say. “He is going to hell.”

Me: What Lord?

H.S: He has so much control over his life there is no desire in him to reach out to Me. Is your temporary annoyance with his pride/arrogance worth the eternal damnation of his soul?

Me: When you put it that way, Lord, no.

H.S.: Your assignment is to love him and God will bring deliverance. Anger/annoyance jams the signal between you and the Lord. God loves him so much that he sent you to be a witness.  Do you love God enough to be a good witness? Will you obey His commandments?

Shortly after he said that, the Holy Spirit dropped the mic with our reference scripture Mark 12:30-31. Really…how can anyone argue with that?  It is so disarming when it comes to staying annoyed.  Then He proceeded to explain that in life we run across only three types of people:

  1. People going to hell – self-absorbed (outwardly focused)/they have a narrow field of vision/this current life is all that exists for them
  2. People that are saved, but living below their God given potential – walking out of step with the Holy Spirit
  3. People that are saved determined to reach their God given potential – walking in step with the Holy Spirit

That is it saints on a daily basis three different types of people cross your path and it is up to you to be ready when the Lord taps you on the shoulder to minister to them. I pray the following over myself all the time:

I get poured out solely for the joy of being filled back up by the presence and power of the Lord.

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • Create three columns. Place at the header of each: people going to hell, people out of step with the H.S. and in step with the H.S.
  • Proceed to think about the family members, friends, co-workers/associates.
  • Ask the Holy Spirit, what category each individual falls in.
  • Then ask Him to help you love them right where they are.

Plant the seeds of love and watch God work!

Pride before the fall…

Scriptural Foundation:

Proverbs 16:18 American Standard Version (ASV)

Pride goeth before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall. 

Proverbs 18:12 New Living Translation (NLT)

Haughtiness goes before destruction; humility precedes honor.

Reflection:

I am the best human coat hanger. How do I know this? Several trips to local theme park and I don’t ride roller coasters.  I am not a fan of heights, so I would prefer to keep my two feet on the floor.  My family and friends on the other hand, love the exhilaration of twisting and twirling through the air.  The adrenaline induced euphoria, bring us back to the park every year.  Being around all things tall and fast, I can’t help but think of how riding a roller coast closely simulates the pride process.

What is the pride process, you ask? It is a slow mental build up to the greatest emotional high one can naturally feel.  Where fear is conquered and you have earned a seat at the table; a head above the rest.  Likened to the slow lines at the theme parks; we wait for our turn to shine – wither it is at home or at work.  Finally we make it up to the front and then are asked to strap in for a wild ride…a ride of which we have no control of – speed nor stopping it.  Upon the conclusion of the ride, one is dropped right back where they started, but with the gained satisfaction of having survived the ride ahead of the new individuals now standing on line.

Pride is defined as a feeling or deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one’s own achievements, the achievements of those with whom one is closely associated, or from qualities or possessions that are widely admired.

It is one of those human emotions that creeps up on you, similar to the spirit of entitlement. It is a feeling that comes from a job well done, however, if mixed with another little something called ego it spoils the whole situation. The Bible says in due time we will all be lifted up; but we have to be mindful of the condition of our heart in the process. If you feel like you are a “self-made” person, your drive will get you far in this life, but eventually the fruit that you will bare will only be that of chaos and destruction. The individuals that rather serve that be served, will be raised up, but the difference will be that they have the firm footing of the Word that will sustain them.

For He will give His angels [especial] charge over you to accompany and defend and preserve you in all your ways [of obedience and service].  They shall bear you up on their hands, lest you dash your foot against a stone. – Psalm 91:11-12

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • Pride is one of those things that cannot be seen right away in ourselves. Ask your spouse, or a parent or a good friend what topics or areas they see as prideful in your life. This may be hard to here, but then it will be a two-fold application exercise of practicing the fruit of forgiveness.
  • Compile this list and present it to the Lord. Ask Him to convict you have the topics or areas that are really a prideful issue (some of the things you will hear for a loved one maybe from their own perspective that may or may not be truth).
  • Prayerfully work on these areas in your life and watch the Lord transform other things seemly unrelated in your life.

 

Stand ….even when you feel like sitting this one out…

Scriptural Foundation:

Matthew 14:29 New International Version (NIV)

“Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.

Ephesians 6:13 New International Version (NIV)

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand

Reflection:

Happy Blog-iversary to me! I can’t believe it has been a year since, I actively started answering the call from the Lord.  Sadly, the Lord had been speaking to me about starting a women’s group and then writing years earlier.  Each time, I found a way to “convince” myself that what I was doing for the Lord in the background was good enough.  Well our Lord is a jealous lover and He wants to give us the best and He demands that we give Him our best in return. Despite what I see or how I feel about the changes that are being made in my life, I am determined to keep myself pliable in the Potters hands.

So, what I have learned in the last several months? Change is uncomfortable and discipline is hard.  The passage in Matthew 22:14, For many are called, but few are chosen. Has taken on a totally different meaning in my heart.  Jesus told Peter to come and he walked on water.  God is calling each one of us to do something amazing!  The task will be impossible…like walking on water, but all things are possible with God.  The one thing that sets you apart from the rest that are called, is when you chose to answer that call then you become one of the chosen.  As one of the chosen, you don’t have the luxury anymore of “sitting this one out”.  You have come too far in the Lord, see too many miracles to sit aside and let someone else claim your inheritance.  I am just one person, but I have the power of the living God in my belly.  I will stand at my post, even when I feel like sitting.  I will stand, even when things look impossible in front of me.  I will stand, because my Lord, my first love died so that I could live free and it is my duty to spread this message to my last breath.

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • Be honest with yourself. What has the Lord been asking you to step out in faith on or for? What is stopping you for responding to that call?
  • Remember any journey you will ever take begins with one step. Step out of your boat of comfort and start walking on water!

It can’t be that easy….

Scriptural Foundation:

Matthew 11:28-30 The Message (MSG)

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

Reflection:

Rest has been the hardest concept for me to grasp in the Bible. All my life I have heard you have to work hard for the things you want in this life.  Being a busy bee, my mother can attest to this.  I am always moving, always thinking, always planning…sitting still was always the last thing on my mind. (By the way one of our daughters is the same way…it amazes me how much she moves even in your sleep…lol).  Then I met the Lord and the Bible told me that on the seventh day, God rested from all His work (Genesis 2:2-4).  When things went sideways at the very beginning with Adam and Eve, He already had a plan in Jesus to set it straight again. Now is it just me or did the Lord take generations to execute that plan.  The perfect play, but waited until a certain time to put it into motion.

When I ran track, I was a sprinter, although long distance running prepared me for my season I hated it because of the time it took get there.

The more time I spend with the Lord the more I understand it is that easy and it does take time to execute the perfect plan in this sin ridden world. The Lord gave me an awesome visual – a rubric cube!  In order for anything to line up several twists and turns of the cube has to happen to line up people and situations to create a miracle.  I don’t know where you are in your spiritual journey, but from a “recovering” busy bee, it is really that easy!

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • What about your life currently is not so easy?
  • Why do you think it isn’t easy?
  • Are you striving in your own strength or are you resting in the Lord to delivery you?

 

 

 

Controlling thoughts is like herding cats…

Scriptural Foundation:

2 Timothy 1:7 New King James Version (NKJV)

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

1 Peter 1:13-16 New King James Version (NKJV)

Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 14 as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; 15 but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”

Reflection:

Several years ago, I started pausing more. I noticed in the Word a lot of references to waiting and decided to apply it to my day-to-day walk.  What I found was I had a lot of squirrely thoughts running through my head.  It was overwhelming in the beginning and I asked the Holy Spirit to give me an approach for guarding my mind.  That approach was to dismiss all identified negative thoughts.

Negative thoughts breed fearful thoughts. Easier said than done…it required me to examine myself a little more.  Were these thoughts birthed out of frustration or animosity for a person or situation? If so, I would ask the Lord to help me with that issue.  Then came the people in my life that were particularly challenging.  As you may recall, they are my “grace growers’.  The manure they provide offends my spiritual nose and at times gets a rise out of my flesh, but even they are there to improve my walk with the Lord.

On the other side of the spectrum, have you noticed some believers talk just as much about the devil than about the Lord? They are always telling you about this struggle or that struggle that they are experiencing in their lives.  A phase that I hear from time to time…no level, new devil.  I honestly can’t stand hearing it.  The devil was defeated at Calvary – end of story.  Some Believers are scared to step on in faith, because the opposition that may come along.  Yes, there is a battle in our mind, but that is no reason to shrink back, instead forge ahead. We are called to help plunder hell and populate heaven with souls for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

I don’t think I have this thought wrangling in the bag, but the fact that I am aware and continue to try to control dwelling on the negative is a step in the right direction.

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • “Listen” to yourself for the next few days.
  • Compile your “greatest hits” of negative thoughts that just keep popping up.
  • Present this list to the Lord and then ask Him what you should do about getting rid of them for good.

Clean Slate

Lamentations 3:22-23 King James Version (KJV)

Not is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.

They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

Romans 12:2 New King James Version (NKJV)

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Reflection:

Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall…I love all seasons for different reasons. Winter, is seen as the season of rest and waiting. Spring, the season of new birth.  Summer, the season of fulfillment.  And then Fall, a natural firework in all its colorful glory, celebrating a cycle well done.

I particularly love Spring for the simple fact that all things in nature that seemed “dead”, come alive again. Although it is a long-term example in the Lord, we can look at this cycle of the seasons in our lives in the short term.  New years have the promise of greatness to come, but it is what we do with our time that will determine if the landscape of our lives remain the same or it changes.  You can’t get anywhere you haven’t been without directions. We have an opportunity to recalibrate every day of our lives.  If we approach life on an incremental/compartmentalized basis, when we get to days like the first of the year or your birthday, you can look back and see all the miracles and testimonies that have happened along the way.

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • *Set a small goal for each area of your life (spiritual, personal, family, career, etc.)
  • Search for a promise in the Word that supports that goal. Commit your list to the Lord.
  • What has helped me in the past is finding an accountability buddy. You can help each other stay on track.
  • Keep it up, you can do it! All of us here at Prayer Warriors Advance would love to hear your testimonies throughout the year as to how faithful our Lord has been to you.

*This may take the month of January to complete.