A New Year's Project

The following was in our church bulletin a few weeks ago. First of all, I like what she says about death, for me this is a new way of looking at death.

One of my New Year's Resolutions is to do this project to leave for my family. I plan to write it in a pretty book that has blank pages for writing life story, etc. I'll leave blank pages inbetween each subject for adding to as I think of new things to write. I'm sharing this suggestion of writing Your Testament with all of you, perhaps you may want to do one for your family.

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From our church bulletin:

During the last weeks of the year think about the end of time. The phrase “the end of time” may strike a chord of fear in us. A picture of a fearsome, prophetic looking man with a sign around his neck that says “the end is near!” You better pray harder!” is part of our popular culture.

For us, death is a friend, a gateway to hope.

St. Margaret of Colonna said on her deathbed, “I thank Thee, dear Lord, for having permitted my body to become weak and infirm, so that I could the more freely return my soul to Thee.” Death is our return to God, our birth into the fullness of life promised by Jesus Christ.
To help us enter into the mystery of the end of time, I would like to share with you a reflection exercise by the Jesuit writer Anthony de Mello, a priest who conducted workshops throughout the world on the subject of prayer and reflective living. This reflection tool helps us to write down the story of our life. Writing down our personal story is the best gift we can give to our families. (Fr. Al Esposito)

A Testament
I imagine that today I am to die.

I ask for time to be alone and write down for my friends a testament for which the points that follow could serve as chapter titles.

“To reveal myself openly and honestly takes the rawest kind of courage – (John Powell, SJ)

1. These things I have loved in life (things I tasted, looked at, smelled, heard, touched)

2. These experiences I have cherished:

3. These ideas have brought me liberation:

4. These beliefs I have outgrown:

5. These convictions I have lived by:

6. These are the things I have lived for:

7. These insights I have gained in the school of life;
( insights into God, the world, human nature, Jesus Christ, love, religion, prayer)

8. These risks I took, these dangers I courted:

9. These sufferings have seasoned me:

10. These lessons life has taught me:

11. These influences have shaped my life (persons, occupations, books, events):

12. These things I regret about my life:

13. These scripture texts have lit my path:

14. These are my life’s achievements:

15. These persons are enshrined within my heart:

16. These are my unfulfilled desires:

Choose an ending for your testament. A poem (my own or someone else’s), a prayer, a sketch or picture (from a magazine, etc.) a scripture text, or anything that would be an apt conclusion to my testament.

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Go to Charlotte's site for more Spiritual Sunday inspiration.

Katherine

Christmas: God's Grace at Work

Time for Charlotte's Spiritual Sundays, go here for lots more inspiration.


Again today I'm sharing another one of Rick Warren's devotionals.

Christmas: God’s Grace at Work

by Rick Warren

God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. Ephesians 2:8-9 (NLT)
*** *** *** ***
God says, “I will give you my grace.” What is grace? That’s when God gives you what you need, not what you deserve. Grace is when God says, “I’m going to take your problem and make it my problem.” Grace is God’s Riches given to you At Christ’s Expense.

The Bible says: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV). In other words, you can’t earn your way to heaven. You can’t work your way in. It’s just a gift.
Did you know that’s why we give gifts at Christmas? Because that’s when God gave the gift of his Son to you – by grace. We give gifts because God gave us the greatest gift at Christmas.

I know I don’t look like it today, but for three years I was a lifeguard. And every lifeguard knows you can’t save someone as long as they are trying to save themselves. If somebody is drowning and flailing around in panic, a lifeguard knows to just stay back for a few seconds and wait until they give up. Because if you try to save them while they’re trying to save themselves, they will pull you under too.

When they finally give up, they relax, you put your arm around them and just swim back to shore. It’s really quite easy.

God wants to save you. Jesus Christ wants to save you from your hurts, your habits, and your hang-ups. He wants to save you for his purpose and by his grace. But you’ve got to quit trying to do it yourself. You’ve got to relax. You need to let go and let God be God.

True Meaning of Christmas

Go here for more inspiration

I'm sharing an email I received this past week.

                            TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS 

 Just a week before Christmas I had a visitor. This is how it
happened. I just finished the household chores for the night and was
preparing to go to bed, when I heard a noise in the front of the
house. I opened the door to the front room and to my surprise, Santa
himself stepped out next to the fireplace.
 
 "What are you doing?" I started to ask. The words choked up in my
throat and I saw he had tears in his eyes. His usual jolly manner was
gone. Gone was the eager, boisterous soul we all know. He then
answered me with a simple statement . . . 

 "TEACH THE CHILDREN!" I was puzzled. What did he mean? He
anticipated my question and with one quick movement brought forth a
miniature toy bag from behind the tree. As I stood bewildered, Santa
said, "Teach the children! 

 Teach them the old meaning of Christmas. The meaning that now-a-days
Christmas has forgotten. "Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out
a FIR TREE and placed it before the mantle. "Teach the children that
the pure green color of the stately fir tree remains green all year
round, depicting the everlasting hope of mankind, all the needles
point heavenward, making it a symbol of man's thoughts turning toward
heaven."  

 He again reached into his bag and pulled out a brilliant STAR.
"Teach the children that the star was the heavenly sign of promises
long ago. God promised a Savior for the world, and the star was the
sign of fulfillment of His promise." 
 
 He then reached into his bag and pulled out a CANDLE. "Teach the
children that the candle symbolizes that Christ is the light of the
world, and when we see this great light we are reminded of He who
displaces the darkness."  

 Once again he reached into his bag and removed a WREATH and placed
it on the tree. "Teach the children that the wreath symbolizes the
real nature of love. Real love never ceases. Love is one continuous
round of affection." 
 
 He then pulled from his bag an ORNAMENT of himself. "Teach the
children that I, Santa Claus, symbolize the generosity and good will
we feel during the month of December." 
 
 He then brought out a HOLLY LEAF. "Teach the children that the holly
plant represents immortality. It represents the crown of thorns worn
by our Savior. The red holly berries represent the blood shed by Him.
 
 Next he pulled from his bag a GIFT and said, "Teach the children
that God so loved the world that he gave his begotten son." Thanks be
to God for his unspeakable gift. 
 
 Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a CANDY CANE and hung
it on the tree. "Teach the children that the candy cane represents
the shepherds' crook. The crook on the staff helps to bring back
strayed sheep to the flock. The candy cane is the symbol that we are
our brother's keeper."
 
 He reached in again and pulled out an ANGEL. "Teach the children
that it was the angels that heralded in the glorious news of the
Savior's birth. The angels sang Glory to God in the highest, on earth
peace and good will toward men."
 
 Suddenly I heard a soft twinkling sound, and from his bag he pulled
out a BELL,. "Teach the children that as the lost sheep are found by
the sound of the bell, it should ring mankind to the fold. The bell
symbolizes guidance and return. 
 
 Santa looked back and was pleased. He looked back at me and I saw
that the twinkle was back in his eyes. He said, "Remember, teach the
children the true meaning of Christmas and do not put me in the
center, for I am but a humble servant of the One that is, and I bow
down to worship him, our LORD, our GOD."   

A Surprise!!

A large package was left on our doorstep! We weren't expecting any orders, so this was a surprise. When we opened it we found a live greenery wreath! And it is in the shape of a cross! At first we couldn't find who it was from, but finally found on the invoice that it is from our little two-year old grandson, Caden! He and his parents were just here with us for Thanksgiving. This wreath smells soooo good! It's been many years since we've had real greenery to decorate with at Christmastime.

While on the subject of surprise, I remembered another Joel Osteen devotional I read and had filed. Here it is:

God wants to Surprise You
by Joel Osteen

God wants to surprise and bless you. Just like a surprise in our every day lives from a loved ones causes much delight and joy, making us feel special, God wants to surprise us with His goodness. When we take the time to realize the small surprises that show up in our lives, this will create an attitude of faith and joy. He even wants to take what seems to be a setback or distraction in our lives, and turn it around to bless us; surprising us!

The Scripture says in Deuteronomy 28, “If we will keep God first place, if we will walk in His ways, all these blessings will overtake us.” That means you won’t be able to outrun the good things of God. One translation of the word “overtake” means “to catch by surprise.” Our Heavenly Father wants to be good to us. He wants to amaze us with His goodness. We should get up every morning with the attitude, “I can’t wait to see what God is going to do!” And you may have had some victories in the past, but you haven’t seen anything yet; God is about to super size your dreams

Faith Filled Words

I receive Joel Osteen and Rick Warren's daily devotionals. I make myself take the time to read them! They are both very inspiring and uplifting to me. This is about all I have time to post on Power of Prayer these days, I hope you benefit from this.

Katherine

Speaking Faith Filled Words

by Joel Osteen

Our words have creative power. With our words we can either bless our future or we can curse our future. If we are going to see God's best unfold in our lives, we have to stay on the offensive and speak words of victory. You see, it's not enough to just think it and believe it. You have to give life to your faith by speaking it out.

When we speak God's Word, the moment His promises come out of your mouth, in the unseen realm, something happens. You may not see it for a week, a year, or even ten years, but that does not mean it's not going to happen. Too often we cancel out our promises by speaking negative words. We should be determined that we are going to watch over what comes out of our mouth. No matter how long it's taking, or how it looks, we should keep declaring favor and faith over our situations. If you'll get in the habit of declaring favor and speaking faith filled words, you're going to see negative situations turn around. Your mountains are going to turn into molehills. Hold fast the profession of your faith. Be amazed as God shows up in big ways in your life.

Let God Solve Your Problems

Rick Warren's daily devotional this morning was especially good and I want to share it with you.
Katherine

Whose Battle Is It?
by Rick Warren

“But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out there tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!” 2 Chronicles 20:17 (NLT)
*** *** *** ***

In today’s passage, God is talking to King Jehoshaphat and the Israelites. They’re about to be attacked by three enemies: the Moabites, the Ammonites, and the Meunites.
Jehoshaphat had to be worried about how his people could defend themselves in such a battle, but God knew exactly what Jehoshaphat was thinking. He said, “You will not have to fight in this battle.” Now, that’s the kind of battle I like!

What God tells Jehoshaphat in this passage, and what he would remind us today, is this: “The battle is not yours; it’s mine. You don’t have to fight in it.”

In other words, it’s God’s problem. Let him solve it.

The fact is if you are God’s child, then your problems are his problems. And he’s much better at fighting your battles and solving your problems than you will ever be. Your job is to trust him to work it all out. Perhaps the reason we have so many tired, fatigued, and discouraged Christians is because we think, “It all depends on me.”

The day you resign as General Manager of the Universe, you’re going to find that it doesn’t fall apart. You can relax in faith, trusting that God is able to run things without your help.
Twice in this passage it says, “Don’t be afraid,” and “Don’t be discouraged.” When you face a seemingly impossible situation, don’t be afraid and don’t be discouraged. Has God ever lost a battle? No. He doesn’t lose battles.

There’s an important phrase in verse 17. God tells Jehoshaphat, “Take your positions and stand firm.” What does it mean to stand firm? It means to have a mental attitude of quiet confidence. It is never God’s will for you to run from a difficult situation. I’ve discovered that when I run from a difficult situation, inevitably God always brings it back around and gives me another chance.
Why?
Because God wants us to learn – and he wants to teach us through experience – that in every situation he is sufficient. He is competent and capable and he will meet our needs in that situation. Don’t be afraid; fear is the opposite of faith.

You stand firm on two things:
The character of God – He’s faithful. He does not bring us this far just to let us down. He doesn’t bring you out on a limb and then cut off the limb. Have faith in the nature andcharacter of God.
The truth of his Word – God’s Word is faithful. You can count on the promises found in the Bible.
Stand still. Remember Who the battle belongs to. Trust that he is able to deliver you. And then watch him do it!


Rick Warren is the founding pastor of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, Calif., one of America's largest and best-known churches. In addition, Rick is author of the New York Times bestseller The Purpose Driven Life and The Purpose Driven Church, which was named one of the 100 Christian books that changed the 20th Century. He is also founder of Pastors.com, a global Internet community for ministers.

Thankfulness

Today's Scripture
“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness” (Colossians 2:6-7 NIV).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria
Are you overflowing with thankfulness? Is your thankfulness spilling out on to the people around you? Don’t just think your thanks, show it! Don’t let the kindness of others go unnoticed. Sometimes it’s easy to take for granted the people who are closest to us, but those are the people we should thank the most. Your family, your friends, the ones who love and support you are the ones who should feel your thankfulness the most. And notice this verse says to live in Christ and be built up in Him. When you build yourself up by studying the Word and praying in the Spirit, then the second part of the verse will just come naturally—you will be strengthened in your faith, and your heart will be filled with thankfulness. Take a step of faith today and begin to show your thankfulness to those around you. Let it overflow on to the people around you. Sow seeds of gratitude and blessing. As you do, you will reap an abundant harvest in return and live the life God has planned for you today!

A Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father, thank You for strengthening me with Your faith and love today. Help me to be a blessing to those around me and give me creative ways to let my life overflow with thankfulness. I bless You today. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
This is another of Joel Osteen's Daily Devotionals

I'll be very busy this coming week (won't we all?) My youngest daughter, Ashleigh, and her little family will be with us for Thanksgiving. Her little two-year-old boy, Caden, will be entertaining us, I can hardly wait! I'm already busy wrapping their Christmas gifts for them to take back home with them. I've also started baking and preparing foods to put in the freezer.

May you have a happy and blessed Thanksgiving.

Katherine

Living In The Rain of God's Favor

God longs for us to be like a well watered garden, flourishing, full of joy, always in blossom. Yet many times, due to situations that are happening in our lives, we don’t necessarily feel like we are in full blossom, rather we feel like we’re in a dry spell.

When this happens, instead of giving up and accepting your present circumstance as your lot in life, decide to praise God more than you ever have. In the Bible, the psalmist said, “I will keep on hoping for You to help me. I will praise You more and more.” When we decide to give God praise, something powerful and supernatural happens. Peace, joy and divine favor begin to rain down over our lives.

By praising God at all times, what happens in the natural with rain, will be the same spiritually over your lives; a cloud can only hold so much condensation, so many vapors, before it releases. In the same way, when you keep sending up praise, you keep singing, “God is good all the time,” that cloud can only hold so much before the blessings come bursting back down. When you stay full of praise, God’s blessing will begin raining down, making sure that you are always in blossom; causing you to bloom where you’re currently planted, even if you’re in a dry spell!

by Joel Osteen

Not a Time to Despair

My little 80-year-old Catholic friend sent me this message tonight. It gave me hope, maybe it will give you hope as well. It can help whether you are Catholic or not. It is on the Our Sunday Visitor (OSV) site, see url at end of message. Katherine

By Valerie Schmalz
'These challenges are not a time to despair'

Bishops' pro-life point man urges Catholics to take grassroots action in encouraging Obama administration and Congress to value all life.

Many Catholics were discouraged by the November election because President-elect Barack Obama and an apparent majority of the U.S. House and Senate favor unrestricted access to abortion. But Richard Doerflinger, the point man for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops on the life issues, says one advantage of his 28 years working on Capitol Hill is a sense of history -- and Catholics need to re-energize for the new era.

President-elect Obama has pledged to sign a Freedom of Choice Act, and had sponsored it when he was in the Senate. Doerflinger calls that legislation "the doomsday device of the pro-abortion movement." If passed, it would overturn virtually all pro-life laws that have been passed since Roe v. Wade, he said.

"We have to be very forceful and very skillful in building opposition to that," Doerflinger said.
Our Sunday Visitor: Many Catholics prayed novenas, fasted and joined Rosary crusades because of their fears of what a President Barack Obama would mean for the few gains of the pro-life movement. What would you say to them?

Richard Doerflinger: I would say the moral truth of the pro-life position is absolutely what it always was, and Catholics should re-energize themselves to spread that witness in this new situation. We have had presidents and Congresses that were against us on the pro-life issues before, and many times we've done better than we expected but only because we picked ourselves up and continued to advocate strongly to our representatives what our position is.

OSV: What would be an example of that?

Doerflinger: We had a similar situation in 1993. Bill Clinton had been elected president; we had a Democratic House and Senate. Our margin of support on pro-life issues was actually lower in the House then than it is now. And that's the last time we confronted the prospect of the Freedom of Choice Act passing Congress and being signed into law. The Catholic Church mobilized. We sent millions of postcards to Congress against the Freedom of Choice Act, and we prevailed. So much opposition was raised to it that it was never brought to the floor, and two years after the election of Bill Clinton, you had the House switch over to Republican control, there were dozens of new pro-life members and the threat was averted. These challenges are not a time to despair. We have succeeded against great odds before.

OSV: Is there anything we know about President-elect Obama's philosophy or proposed policies that is good news from a pro-life perspective?

Doerflinger: President-elect Obama says that he cares about the downtrodden of society and, certainly, that is a central theme of Catholic social teaching. The question is whether we can convince him and members of Congress that the unborn are the most downtrodden members of society and therefore deserve their regard. Many people voted for this candidate thinking that he and his party will do more to reduce abortions through support for pregnant women. We certainly want to encourage that, and we wait to see if that is really going to be a priority of this administration. If you want to reduce abortions, you can't simultaneously promote abortion through new laws. We will have to see how he handles that contradiction as well.

OSV: It seems as though one of the things the Democratic Party has been doing is backing more conservative Democrats in areas that are more conservative so that potentially there are Democrats in Congress who would not vote for a completely pro-abortion agenda. Is that correct?

Doerflinger: That has been happening, and some of the new Democrats coming in now are pro-life Democrats. We will have to see how strongly they take that stand. But the last congressional election also brought in some new pro-life Demo-crats. So, for example, the Republican Party lost about 21 seats in the House in November, but on pro-life votes, we count a loss of 16. So, we are not going the same way as the party. That is very important, to have support on these issues in both parties. In an election year when being Republican seemed to be the ultimate stigma, I'm glad there were pro-life Democrats running. The question is, of course, what kind of pressure they will face from their own party to conform. But we will be meeting with the new pro-life members at every opportunity and encouraging them to be firm and courageous in defending life.

OSV: When it comes to the Senate, what is the situation?

Doerflinger: For reasons that I am sure political scientists can explain, the Senate does appear to be more along party lines. There are only two Democrats in the Senate who tend to vote with us on the abortion issue, Sen. Bob Casey (Pennsylvania) and Sen. Ben Nelson of Nebraska. But there are three pro-abortion Republicans, Sens. Arlen Specter (Pennsylvania), Susan Collins (Maine) and Olympia Snowe (Maine). We don't even know who is in the Senate. There are two seats that may not be decided until December (Minnesota and Alaska).

OSV: What would you suggest for people who would like to do something, but cannot devote their whole lives to this?

Doerflinger: There are ways to help on a grassroots level, particularly at the parish level, particularly if the bishops nationally end up doing a campaign through parishes to send the pro-life message to Congress urging Congress to hold onto current pro-life laws. Any Catholic parishioner can assist in that; can offer to be the pro-life coordinator for his or her parish; can offer to collect the petitions; can help to get our educational materials out to their fellow parishioners to inform them more about what's at stake.

Aside from that, just talking about these issues with your neighbors, writing letters to the editor of your local newspaper when editorials and letters are published is helpful, as is writing to your own members of Congress urging them to support pro-life positions. All of these are things we hope every Catholic would do.

OSV: Any other thoughts about the issue of life in the United States?

Doerflinger: Obviously, the moral issue of respect for life goes beyond legislation. We need to be helping to build a culture in which children before and after birth are given respect, in which pregnant women in the community can expect people to gather around in support when she's in need; in which abortion becomes unthinkable even in times when it [will] remain legal for a while to come. In the end we are about changing the law, but we are also about changing hearts and minds.

Key policies and legislation

Based on Richard Doerflinger's analysis of upcoming issues, here are the issues to watch:

SCHIP: Efforts to include abortion and family planning in the health insurance program for uninsured children.

Embryonic stem cell research: Bill to authorize federal funding of research using "leftover" embryos from in-vitro fertilization. An estimated 400,000 embryos are in freezers, and the Senate vote before this election was 63-34 and the bill was only stopped by a veto from President George W. Bush. Expected to take effect. The question is whether funding for human cloning will be added as well.

Hyde Amendment: For 30 years, a rider to the Labor/Health and Human Services appropriation legislation has barred use of federal funds to pay for most abortions. Similar amendments prohibit most abortions in military hospitals, and keeps abortion out of federal employee health programs.

Hyde/Weldon Conscience Protection Amendment: Forbids government discrimination against health care providers that have an objection to abortion.

Freedom of Choice Act: The Freedom of Choice Act would overturn virtually all pro-life laws that have been passed in the 35 years since Roe v. Wade.
International initiatives

Mexico City Policy: Presidential policy against funding organizations that promote abortion as family planning. President-elect Obama is expected to rescind this policy early in his presidency, as did President Bill Clinton during his tenure.

Forced Sterilization and Forced Abortion: The United States currently opposes funding organizations that support or help manage programs using forced abortion or involuntary sterilization. That will be in danger as well.

Foreign Aid: Renewed calls for diverting our foreign assistance program even more into family planning and abortion.

President's Emergency Program for AIDS Relief: This is the program that sends aid for prevention and treatment of AIDS to Africa and other needy countries. Population control enthusiasts wanted to put family planning throughout, but were blocked last year. Says Doerflinger: "We warned in some of our alerts last year that a program for preventing the children of Africa from getting AIDS should not become a program for preventing the children of Africa. This may be a renewed fight." --Valerie Schmalz is an OSV contributing editor.

Let us know what you think! Email feedback@osv.com.

Taken from:
http://www.osv.com/OSVNav/OSVNewsweeklyNovember232008/Thesechallengesarenotatimetodespair/tabid/7095/Default.aspx

Response from Dutch Sheets on the Election

Dutch Sheets' response to the recent presidential election


Dear Prayer Warriors, I am forwarding a response by Dutch Sheets of the recent Presidential Elections. This is a sober account of what he believes is the ramifications of the choice we made as a nation for these elections. May this move us to more prayer, and to seeking the Lord for strategies to advance His Kingdom at this crucial hour. Blessings,Mary MedfordRegional Coordinator, Carolina Strategic Prayer Alliance

November 6, 2008 Greetings!

I feel certain that many in my stream of the Church want a statement from me concerning Tuesday's presidential election. I will be frank in my remarks but I do not, however, intend to vent anger or attack anyone. I have read several statements from friends and colleagues I respect very much. Their thoughts are well stated and, for the most part, insightful. None of them, however, seem to want to say some things that I believe need to be said. I do not claim infallibility or to have the final word, but my convictions run deep and I believe I bear a God-given responsibility to share them. Was This God's Will?


Was what happened Tuesday God's will? I am quite confident it was not. America was offered a very clear choice between moving further toward protecting the unborn or further away; between a Supreme Court that would move toward honoring God, life and morality or away from it. The stakes couldn't have been higher nor the cost greater. As a nation we put on blinders concerning Barak Obama's background, associations, beliefs and practices, and set these causes back years, possibly decades. And in doing so we took another step away from God and His plans for America, and another step toward judgment. Judgment Will Increase

This is not a fire and brimstone warning from an angry, legalistic preacher. In fact, I feel more sadness and grief than anything else. Perhaps I feel what Jesus felt as He wept for Jerusalem while announcing its judgment. I am not hoping for judgment; I am saying it is inevitable. I don't know where the unbiblical belief comes from that says a nation can live any way it pleases, can reject God and His ways-even mock Him-and not receive His judgments. Nor do I know when the belief came that it is always mean-spirited or judgmental to warn of these things. To the contrary, I believe it is our responsibility.


In warning of judgment, I am not suggesting that God is going to intentially and directly hurt people. Much judgment is simply the absence of God's protection and provision, caused by a rejection of His laws and ways. We have been experiencing some forms of judgment in America for years, but God in His incredible patience and mercy has kept us from the level we've deserved. I believe this will change to a degree and judgment will now increase:

For those in the Church who aligned themselves with pro-abortion forces, I believe judgment will result.· For leaders in the Body of Christ who refused to take a stand for fear of losing people, money, and tax-exempt status-I believe there will be a degree of judgment.· For those, both within the Church and without, who voted money over morality-a potential raise or better health insurance over the life of a baby-there will be judgment. (The irony is that this decision to base one's vote on the hopes of a better economy won't produce the hoped for result anyway.

The scriptures teach that it is righteousness which exalts a nation and that the nation is blessed whose God is the Lord.) I have heard the argument that God cares as much about social justice issues (such as poverty and racism) as He does abortion, making a vote for Obama OK. I certainly believe God puts a very high priority on caring for the poor and I, too, have wanted to see equality demonstrated through a "minority" president. But to equate having a better income or the desire for a first black president, regardless of his positions on abortion and morality, to the issue of killing 50 million babies is not justice-it is a gross distortion of justice and great deception.

I fear that we have been desensitized to this issue of abortion. I believe it kills babies and takes innocent life. I also believe it is blood sacrifice that empowers demons. Let's not forget this in our noble attempts to be kind and conciliatory.

For African Americans I can easily see how it could bring healing to have a first black president, just as it would be for Native Americans to achieve this or for women if a woman were elected president. Again, I have wanted to see justice in this way. I am only saddened that the price for this healing ended up being Barak Obama, a man that will set the cause of life and, most-likely, our God-given destiny as a nation back so drastically. (I also realize there are some who interpret any criticism of Obama as racism. Racism is so NOT what I am about nor what I live, that I will not even dignify any such accusations with a response.)

What Can We Expect? What are some of the judgments we can expect on our nation from this election? · More economic woes· More violence in an already violent nation· Disease and death (satan, who is responsible for these things will have greater inroads to our nation.)· Natural disasters (weather-tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, drought; fires; earthquakes; etc.)· Terrorism (they will fear us much less now)· War, perhaps on our own soil· Judgments relating to the Court. The stacking of the Supreme Court against the sanctity of life and God's influence on America will occur, which will in turn cause the shedding of more innocent blood, more rejection of God's laws and the stealing from us of our godly heritage-all of which will perpetuate a cycle of even more judgment.

How Did This Happen? I've been asked if this could have been averted had there been more prayer. I'm not sure. I believe there was a remnant of Christians fervently praying over these elections-I don't think there was anything more they could have done. Others, obviously, should have done more. The complacency and lack of discernment concerning our real condition in America-especially by the Church-is both appalling and horrifying.

America is in serious trouble and it seems no one wants to say it. Fewer still are willing to do anything to change it. Though I understand our reasons, we must be careful in our attempts to placate our feelings and calm our fears through religious phrases like "God is still on the throne" or "God has a plan". He was on His throne 35 years and 50 million babies ago. And He had a plan back then. The problem is, it was us. I understand our reasons for waving high the banner of God's sovereignty at times like these-it gives us hope. I will wave it, as well. But please be careful with this. Too much emphasis on God's sovereignty and we're worthless; too little and we're hopeless.

Maybe we should say, "we lost a critical battle but God will give us strategy to win the war." Then find the strategy. But still yet, since God is usually willing to work through a remnant, I thought we had enough prayer. Obviously, God decided otherwise. There comes a time when He will not forgive or bless the majority based on the prayers or actions of only a few.

America rejected God and asked for a king; I believe we now have our Saul (see 1 Samuel 8:5-7)-a man who does not have God's heart for America but his own. Like Israel in scripture, our nation believes it can turn from God and still be blessed. In His mercy and justice He will show us otherwise.

Like many, believing I had many promises and confirmations that God would "grace" us with a pro-life president in this election, I failed to consider strongly enough that all promises-even scripture-are conditional 99.9% of the time.

Though I never prophesied or made guarantees that McCain-Palin would win, failing to factor this principle in strongly enough no doubt caused me to share my optimism with others inappropriately. If this caused any harm or confusion, I apologize.

Has the fact that my prayers weren't answered shaken my faith? No. I'm a little confused and discouraged. I'm also somewhat angry at the nation in general and much of the Church. Mostly I'm grieving over the nation and what this will cost us. I am not, however, angry with God and do not question His justice.

And it is not true that we wasted our time, energy and money in our efforts anymore than it is a waste when we share the gospel with people who don't get saved. We must keep in the forefront of our thinking the fact that ultimately we are doing this for Him and that He will reward us for our faithfulness.

And who knows, perhaps He will store up all those prayers for the next battle (Revelation 5:8, 8:3-5). A friend and fellow warrior said it well, "We did 'give it our all.' I know the Lord was pleased with that. A coach wants to know one thing at the end of a heartbreaking sports loss: 'Did you leave it all on the field?' (your passion, your commitment, your strength, your courage, etc.) I know that we 'left it all on the field.' We didn't hold anything back until the game ended. Tragically, it ended in defeat.

We will rise for another day because Jesus is worthy." Where Do We Go from Here? Does this election outcome shake my faith that we can see a great awakening and ultimately reformation in America? Absolutely not (and it strengthens my resolve). We will simply get there through greater pain and loss. Even my passion to see the Supreme Court shift is not from a presupposition that there can be no spiritual awakening without it. It is simply due to my deep conviction that their decisions bring so much death, destruction, curses and judgment to America; and because our full destiny as a nation is unquestionably linked to their decisions.

So, yes, we will get an awakening and reformation; but the reality is that this reformation of the nation will reform the Supreme Court (and government, in general), not vice-versa. My faith has never been in people or a political party; my faith is in the God who works through them.

I've been asked if my feelings about Sarah Palin have changed. They have not. I believe she is an Esther, a Deborah, with a huge mantle from God for reformation. God has a great destiny for her related to this nation if she chooses to continue down this path.

So, in conclusion, we must re-group as an apostolic, praying church and advance. We must maintain an immovable faith in God, His plans for America and His mercy. And we must move beyond simply asking God for a spiritual awakening and ask Him for strategy to produce reformation, as well. I, for one, am just getting started! For God and this great nation. (by Dutch Sheets, Colorado Springs, CO)

Thank you!

I am receiving wonderful comments from so many of you and I do appreciate your love and compassion, and wisdom, so much! I’m going to publish some of these comments for all to see since some may not go back to older messages to read the comments.

Thank you, Maree, for posting this comment: “We all came together to pray for the election...it didn't matter what church we went to, our weight or height or places we lived....we all came together to pray for Sarah and John.

The most important part of the whole thing was we came together to pray!!! All who believed that Jesus Christ is our saviour, died and on the third day rose from the grave and lives today....we prayed together!! We came together!!
None of us will ever be the same! I begged for forgiveness and mercy!! I was blessed!
The Lord is calling us still closer...our prayers were heard!!!

He's telling us we NEED each other...come together...lift each other up... we prayed for a greater good, our country and the people in it.
I'm trying to say..Let not your heart be troubled!! We have work to do! We are prayer warriors!!!

Check out these groups
http://www.americancongressfortruth.com/
http://www.actforamerica.org/
http://www.gop.com/
http://www.nfrw.org/

I believe we all need to get busy informing ourselves of bills being voted on and call our senators and congressman..especially the democrats...let our voices be heard! We need to put their phone numbers in speed dial..bookmark their e-mail addresses..whatever it takes. I KNOW some of you are doing this already. God Bless you Katherine!!

Good advice, Maree, I hope everybody will bookmark the sites above and keep informed of the bills being voted on.

From Shelley: Thank you for your blog about prayer. I have a prayer blog and I am glad to meet someone else with a passion for prayer. I believe that the prayers we have begun to see flow through out our nation are just the beginning of a revival if our churches don't fall back into apathy. I feel so alone sometimes and feel that there is no one else to share my burden for prayer. I am glad that I stumbled upon your blog. I hope to find more prayer warriors to communicate with. I belong to the www.teamsarah.org "Prayer Warrior" blog. It has been a blessing to connect with other prayer warriors. I hope that www.teamsarah.org continues or I can find another blog or forum to connect with others. God bless you.

----------------
From Charlotte: I know how disappointed you are. There are lots of us out there. However, I don't believe we have lost the power of prayer. God doesn't always answer our prayers the way we want. I have had a lot of prayers answered no when I thought the only logical answer was yes. Sometimes it was months or even years later that I could see why God gave that answer. I don't know what is in store for America. I do believe the end times are close and perhaps this is the way it needs to be right now. I know one thing. In the end we win. God has promised that. Hugs and blessings,

From Alice: Your blog here has been a blessing during these days leading up to the election. I feel we worked so hard, both spiritually and in actual deeds but God had other plans. Not knowing what this means has me on edge. I'm trying to rely on my faith alone but these anxious feelings keep popping into my head.

For the blog addresses of these dear friends above, go to the comments and click on their names.
From Maree: I can't tell you how many times I've depended on this verse, I'm sure you have too.
"The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
Psalms 34:18

Thankfully, our strength and courage does not come from government...Jesus, sweet Jesus is our strength and courage when we are weak.

You did your job and did it well. Go back to having fun on your blog and rest....we will all visit you there!! Blessings!!

Thanks, also to Adrienne and Cathy and all of you who sent me encouraging scripture.
Katherine

Top Ten Predictions

TOP 10 PREDICTIONS NO MATTER WHO WINS THE ELECTION


1. The Bible will still have all the answers.

2. Prayer will still work.

3. The Holy Spirit will still move.

4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.

5. There will still be God-anointed teaching and healing.

6. There will still be singing of praise to God.

7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.

8. There will still be room at the Cross.

9. Jesus will still love you.

10. Jesus will still save the lost.

ISN'T IT GREAT TO KNOW WHO IS REALLY IN CONTROL

Never doubt in the dark....what God shows you in the light !

Katherine

Time to Sing and Praise!

This is my second post today, please read the one below, plus another one will be posted later this evening.

Praying is hard work! It not only takes time, it can take a toll on our emotions and causes fatigue! I think the enemy takes advantage of this fatigue when we are battling in prayer.

Last night I was exhausted, I went to bed earlier than usual. I guess I am still on the old time, it takes me a while to switch back after being on Daylight Savings Time.

Right before I went to bed, I had the Battle of Jericho on my mind so I looked in the bible concordance for “Battle.” I found a few other verses other than the verses in Joshua. You may want to read about these biblical battles while you are praying and fasting for our country today.

The Battle of Jericho: Joshua 6 (you may also want to read chapter 5)

The first reference on battle I found was I Samuel 17:47. I turned to it and felt the Lord was speaking to me through “the battle is the Lord’s.”

Another verse on battle in the concordance was 2 Chronicles 20:15 “The battle is not yours.” Yes, these two verses are taken out of context, but I felt the Lord was saying this to me because I was so weary and tired last night. I felt a sense of relief reading these verses. It is a spiritual battle, and the Lord uses our voices, but He is in control, and the battle is won!!

While reading 2 Chronicles 20, I had highlighted other verses that caught my eye, I want to share them with you: “Do not fear or be dismayed because of this great multitude for the battle is not yours, but God’s.” (verse 15b)

Verse 17 says: “You need not fight in this battle, station yourselves, stand and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf. O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out to face them, for the Lord is with you.”

Verse 19 says they stood up to praise the Lord God of Israel, with a very loud voice!

Verse 22 says “When they began singing and praising, the Lord set ambushes against (the enemy.) (all paraphrased)

Okay, people, let’s start singing and praising!! Sing all the praise songs you can think of!!

Sing and praise in a loud voice, pray out loud, read scripture out loud!

I have been reading many other accounts of battle in the bible today. I am listing some of them if you would like to read them.

Other battles: I Samuel17:47 (The Battle is the Lord’s)
2 Chronicles 20:15 (The battle is not yours)
I Samuel 17:20
I Chronicles 5:20
Psalm 18:39
Psalm 55:18
Psalm 140:7
Psalm 144:1
Isaiah 21:15
Jeremiah 50:22
Luke 14:31
Job 39:25

Let's all sing and praise God!!

Katherine

I just received this message this morning and wish I'd had it a week or more to circulate. I hadn't planned to post a message, but will go ahead and post this since it is a confirmation that what we have been doing is right. I think most of you are familar with Dr. Charles Stanley, he has pastored a huge church in Atlanta for over 35+ years. His programs are on many TV stations almost daily, I have watched him for 25 or more years.

I also have two more messages that I will post today, one this afternoon and one tonight. I hope you will return to read them, and please read the posts below if you haven't already.

A message from Charles Stanley--
I was very dismayed when recently a member of my Church said to me with greatresignation that she was afraid Obama will take the presidency. These words camefrom someone that in the past has been a great prayer warrior. What is happeningwas my question??? Why are we Christians settling for the loss of our Christian heritage, not issuing a battle cry and falling to our knees and taking our country back? We allow ourselves to be stripped of the right to pray at school functions and in school, we have the Ten Commandments removed from government places and are told we cannot pray publicly or proclaim Christian principles, all the while providing public prayer places for Muslims. We allow Muslimmosques to operate in America funded by Saudi Arabia, and proclaimanti-American, anti-Christian threats and terrorism. What in the world is going on and why are we being so apathetic?

Why aren'twe praying? Our God is an Almighty God who is waiting patiently for us to raise our voices to heaven to stop the tide of the anti-Christian actions in our world today. Now we have a charismatic, albeit inexperienced, candidate for president that does not respect our flag and refuses to wear one on his lapel except whenit becomes politically expedient, and whose own wife and pastor that he loves profess to have strong anti-white feelings, and we sit back and say 'it is agiven, we can do nothing???' There has never been a time in 2000 years that we can do nothing, never a time that we must sit back and allow the evil in men's and women's hearts to take over our world! We should be afraid,very afraid because our apathy is leading us to perdition.

It is time for all Christian Americans to raise the battle cry and take our nation back! Maybe McCain on his own cannot defeat Obama, but our God can and He will if we take to our knees in prayer and raise a mighty cry to the heavens to 'Save us O Lord'. We have God's promises in 2 Chronicles 7:14, 'If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.' We have the power to change the course of this election and to keep a man as suspect as Barak Obama from leading our country to who knows where with his message of 'change'; a change which I fear will be away from our Christian ideals, and away from Christ, and further away from one nation under God to one nation under Allah.

We are great at passing stories and pictures around the internet but where are our prayers and prayer warriors praying to stop this tide of Barak Obama? God parted the Red Sea, Jesus was raised from the dead, and we can bring our country back to its Christian roots and stop the undermining of our country by Muslims. We can stop our country from being 'under Allah' but we must begin to pray, to pray as our country and our lives depended on it because they do. We can stop all these atrocities against God's commands that have taken root in our country through something as simple as sincere prayer, a call to God to deliver us, to forgive us our sins of apathy and to protect us from the evil that is upon us. Okay prayer warriors, here is your challenge, start those prayer chains. Getthe spiritual power working on our behalf and stop Barak Obama the proper way, by calling on our God to save us from the deception that charismatic preaching is using to lead us on the wrong path. Stop those who would take God out of our country and our government. Raise up good men to lead us and protect us.

George Bush is being buffeted because he has fought a holy war against the evils that attack us .... and we should not be surprised because a prophet is not honored in his own country. But we should not rest on our laurels and allow ourselves tobe taken further off the path of Christianity and to have God removed from our presence in our schools, courts, government and businesses.

Invite God into the fray. Ask that His power rest upon us and give us the victory. Ask him to raise up a mighty army to defend us and to protect our country as he did in days of old. Let us be victorious beginning NOW. The battle is His but we must call on Him without ceasing and unite our voices and hearts in prayer and fasting. Please pass this around to all people of prayer that you know and maybe, just maybe, a more eloquent person of prayer will write something better and more inspiring and even the rocks will shout that Jesus is Lord and our Mighty God is with us andbringing the victory for us and ultimately for Him. AMEN! (By Charles Stanley)

Truths

Prayer for those voting: That each person voting will be convicted to vote for the person of righteousness, the person of God's choosing, in each elected office and in each ballot initiative. Pray for God's Presence to overshadow each person as they make their decision.

"The Spirit of the Lord will be upon him - the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord - and he will delight in the fear of the Lord. He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears." Isaiah 11:2-3

Here are two informative videos, please click on them to view. Charlotte, At Home in Scottsdale has it on her blog and I want to share it as well: Click here It is amazing!

Kathy, Mimi's Garden, has this one on her blog, please click here to view,

or here:

http://americaschoicenow.com/

Also from Charlotte's blog:

ONLY IN AMERICA

Only in America would you find a totally biased press focus on Palin's so-called $150,000 wardrobe but totally ignore Barack Obama's spending more than $600,000,000 trying to get elected.

Only in America could Barack Obama, the leading candidate in the Presidential election, sit in a racist, radical church for more than 20 years and never hear the rantings of his lunatic Pastor, yet still be considered "brilliant" by the liberal press and public.

Only in America can a Presidential candidate (Barack Hussein Obama) SAY he is Christian, yet chose a MUSLIM name for himself as a grown man in college.

Only in America (while we remain in a contracted war with Islamic terrorism and have lost close to 10,000 lives in the war and terrorist attacks over the last 20 years) can a man even carry the name of BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA and still be considered a legitimate candidate for President.

Only in America can a man who began his political career in the home of a known domestic terrorist, (who also bombed the White House and Pentagon and says he wished he would have done more) be considered a good candidate for President because he is "articulate" and "charismatic".

Only in America can one candidate (Palin) who is the Governor of the largest state in the U.S. be called "inexperienced", but the opposing candidate for President (Obama) be called "ready for the job" with one term in the U.S. Senate.

Only in America can a leading candidate for President (Obama) promise to lower taxes for 95% of the population when only 60-70% pay taxes in the first place, yet still go unchallenged with his rhetoric and actually be believed by a portion of the voting public.

Only in America can a candidate who is favored by the Islamic states, Farrakhan, Chavez, Castro, Iran, Korea, Colombia and other terroristic nations be considered a legitimate choice for President.

Only in America can a candidate (Obama) be rated the most liberal Senator in the U.S. , claim to be "moderate" while he is running for President, and yet still go unchallenged by the so-called U.S. media.

Only in America can a radical, bigoted, hateful racist (Louis Farrakhan) who has likened White people to "the Devil" and embraces a religion which says that whites are "descendants of the devil", call Obama "the Messiah" and a "great hope" without people abandoning their support in droves.

Only in America can a Presidential candidate (Barack Obama) claim he is going to reduce the income tax (1 TAX) on people who make less than $250,000 a year, then raise 8-10 OTHER TAXES we all pay, either in direct taxes or taxes that are passed on in the increased cost of goods and services resulting from theses increased taxes, and still be considered trying to help the "middle income" families of America.

Only in America can a man who is not even constitutionally eligible to hold office be so close to winning the Presidency. Barack Obama's father was not an American and his mother was not a legal resident long enough before he was born to qualify him as eligible for the Presidency. Where is the so-called "Press" of this country?

Only in America can a man who is not eligible for selection to the FBI because of his past terrorist associations be close to winning the White House.

Fasting. Replies to questions, comments, etc.

(Note: If you are looking for Spiritual Sundays, it is posted below this.)
I really do appreciate you leaving comments. A few of you are asking questions in your comments. Since some people don’t go back to the comments (I’ve been guilty of this on other blogs) I will attempt to answer the questions here.

From Kate: “I think it's good to pray! I'm wondering; however, if a certain candidate doesn't win, does that mean that God didn't answer our prayers; that He said no? Or does it mean that we didn't ask according to His Will? Or could it mean that a different candidate was indeed "God's man"?

Kate, I honestly don’t know the answer to this question. I do believe God answers all prayers, but not always the way we want. I feel like His Will would be to have a “person of righteousness” leading our country. Someone who has Christian standards and uses them as our country was founded on. On the other hand, is God angry with this country for allowing abortions, etc. Will we have to suffer because of this?? Is there a plan that was already established in the Heavens that has to do with “end times and tribulation” that includes having an unrighteous leader who allows things not of God?? (This is the scary part, if it were to be true.) This is why I feel we need the numbers in praying for a righteous leader. Do numbers help to convince God that we truly want a Godly country? I want to believe so. When I think of all the different Christian denominations who are standing together in one accord, who have the faith and are believing together for this answer, I can’t help but believe, yes, God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit hear us and will answer us!! Praise God, for His mercy, on us!

Sr. Lorraine: “Yes, I am happy to join you all in prayer. I too feel impelled by the Spirit to pray and intercede for the good outcome of this election. I feel confident that God will show his power. It is in precisely such situations as these that God loves to act. The Obama side has tons of money and the mainstream media on its side. The McCain/Palin camp is, humanly speaking, on the short end of the stick. But when McCain wins, it will be all the more evident that God is the one who moves hearts to vote for life.”

Sister Lorraine, it is wonderful that you are joining us in this prayer. Someone who devotes their life in prayer and sacrifice is a real asset to any prayer group!! Yes, the Obama side has tons of money and the liberal media, but McCain’s side has the power of prayer!!! And it will be a great witness (and lesson) for the liberals see there is a God, who honors the prayers of His Children!

Clif – I’m also so happy to see you join us here on Power of Prayer! It’s great to have a man among us, and especially a Man of God! I’m sure you can “tell us a thing or two” with advice and encouragement! I welcome your wisdom as a retired minister. Please share with us often!

Maree: “We are going on a trolley ride today to help a local Republican, Ann Northup, get her seat in congress back...she served from 1997-2007. Had her seat taken away last year by a trust fund baby. Please pray for Ann!

Okay, everybody, please add Ann Northup to your prayer list! Let’s get her back in office. Maree, please let us know the outcome.

KJ: I finally got so tired of the media voting for me that I started making phone calls at the Republican Headquarters. Prayer power! I am even planning to fast. If we will employ our spiritual weapons, we will see God move. This is no time to go to sleep, that's for sure. KJ”

KJ, this is a good thing that we should all consider. What can we do? Of course praying is the most important thing to do, but we can also add volunteering as an activity (but only if it doesn’t take away from having time to pray.) I’m thinking I would do something like that now that I’ve gotten so interested in politics (I never was before.) I have also made a promise that I am going to continue praying for the people in office. I regret that I haven’t given George W. Bush the prayer support he needed. Yes! “Employ our spiritual weapons!!” It is a spiritual battle, and the Lord needs our voices!”

Maree: We are getting a good response from Team Sarah, do you have some ideas about how to fast you could post here? Several have mentioned they have never fasted before but are opened to it.

Maree, I am not very good at fasting, I sometimes feel sick when I don’t eat, especially in the mornings (don’t know if it is low blood sugar, or what, I have always been like this.)
I have no formal training, nor have I even read any books of instruction on fasting. To me fasting is making a sacrifice, giving up something that I really like and enjoy, as a sacrifice to the Lord.
Fasting should be done with much prayer. First I pray whether I should fast, then I pray for strength to fast and keep it up. I have fasted different ways at different times. Sometimes I fast with liquids, and no solid foods – water, juice, tea (unsweetened,) broth, etc. (not something you love, since this is a sacrifice! If you love meat, you could give that up for a day or so. Once I fasted with just white rice, three times a day, nothing else. If you love ice cream, candy, or cookies and have that daily, giving them up for a day or two might be a good fast! Breaking any routine could be a good sacrifice! Recently I have thought about fasting with giving up something I really love, such as a TV program, a shopping trip, or purchase, etc. This might seem foolish to some, and I don’t know if the Lord honors these, but to some it could be a sacrifice! So if you love “Dancing With the Stars” on TV that might be a good thing to give up Monday and Tuesday nights! ;-) Or any other favorite tv show or entertainment.

Another thought -- The bible does tell us not to complain or brag about fasting, to keep it a "secret!"

If anyone else has something to add to this list, please do so! Just remember it should be something hard to do, not easy. Don’t give up spinach if you hate it!! Sister Lorraine, maybe you can help us with suggestions on fasting. Clif, you may also want to add some word of wisdom for us on this subject!

I haven’t replied to everybody’s questions and comments, if you have one you want discussed, please let us know.

Thank you all so very much! God Bless!
Katherine

Change is Coming!

A Fall Prayer For Changing Times

In a time when so much is changing, surround yourself and those you love with beautiful reminders that what matters most stays the same.

Lord, there is so much happening in our world right now. In the midst of it all, it’s so good to know you’re in control, your love is never ending, and you provide for us. As the trees turn colors, and the nights grow cooler, may we be reminded that every season of our lives is a part of your loving plan. Amen. (by Holley Gerth, DaySpring Writer)

“For I know the plans I have for you” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

On the political side, we’re praying fervently for McCain’s “Change is Coming!” Obama also has a Change slogan, but we are praying, and praying hard that we won’t have to endure his kind of change!!

I’m feeling so encouraged by all the news I’m hearing about people and churches all over the nation who are praying, fasting, holding prayer vigils for a day, some up to three days! I have the faith that our Lord God is going to answer all these prayers of His Christian children crying out to Him!!

Keep praying, keep fasting, keep battling with scripture! Don’t give up! It’s a spiritual battle and the battle has already been won!!! Praise the Lord!! Thanking you, Lord Jesus, in advance! And thank You for the power of prayer you have given us!

Daniel 9:3-19

We don’t have many children in our neighborhood and haven’t had any Trick or Treaters for several years now. Tonight we were invited to a concert given by the U.S. Navy Band (Washington, D.C.) We enjoyed it so much, especially the patriotic music. I was breathing election prayers even during the music! Tomorrow we will be gone all day to a day-retreat our church sponsors. I hope to pray for the election in groups. The setting is on a river in Jacksonville, and the weather is very pleasant now, so I’m looking forward to all of this.

I’m posting this suggestion for praying and fasting on Monday before the election. I can’t remember if I received this as an email, or if I copied it from someone else. If you recognize it, let me know and I will give credit where it is due.

I have just read Daniel 9:3-19, and it can reflect what has happened in our country. Please read and meditate on it. And please pray about whether you should fast and pray on Monday, November 3rd. I plan to fast at least one meal each on Monday and Tuesday.

(The “I” in this is not me:)

"I am asking every believer in Jesus Christ to set aside Monday, November 3 as a day of fasting and prayer . I would urge you to review the prayer of Daniel on behalf of his people in Dan . 9:3-19, and to pray that way for our nation. And finally, I would ask you to distribute this call to prayer as widely as possible so that the greatest number of people would lay hold of the throne of grace all at once. It may be that God will show mercy to America , that He will shed His grace on her once again. Thank you for joining in this effort. " (The author of this is unknown to me, but it is a wonderful suggestion!)

Let me know what you think about the Daniel 9:3-19 scripture selection.

Katherine

(I may not be online tomorrow)

Prayers for our friends, election, voters, etc.

Comment from Lipstick Republican: "I, too, am amazed at the Christians I know who are supporting Obama. The verse that keeps coming to my mind is "O, you foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you?" Paul chastised the Galatians who had reverted to their old way of thinking. These people I love seem to have reverted to an unredeemed way of thinking, too. So I pray that the eyes of the (spiritually) blind will be opened and the ears of the (spiritually) deaf unstopped."

This is a good prayer. I believe in praying scripture, it works!

Here is the suggested way to pray from Patrick Joshua for the voters: (Note: I can't get this to change colors from blue to a lighter color. If you highlight the blue parts you can read it better.)
Praying for those voting: Pray that each person voting will be convicted to vote for the person of righteousness, the person of God's choosing, in each elected office and in each ballot initiative. PRAY FOR GOD'S PRESENCE TO OVERSHADOW EACH PERSON AS THEY MAKE THEIR DECISION.

"The Spirit of the Lord will be upon him – the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord – and he will delight in the fear of the Lord. He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears" Isaiah 11:2-3

Those praying: Pray that God would empower intercessors and people across the nation and around the world to call out to Him day and night in extraordinary prayer during this season.

"And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a Spirit of grace and supplication." Zechariah 12:10

The Church: Pray that the Church would be fully awakened, engaged and empowered during this critical season. Pray that we would understand the urgency and importance of this election and the implications for the advancement of God's purposes in our nation and around the world.

"The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this". Isaiah 9:7

I was watching The Orlando Baptist Church and heard they are holding a prayer vigil Monday and Election Day. I sent them the Patrick Joshua prayer guide, and they called and thanked me for it! I'm trying to get it around to as many people as possible. This is from Charlotte's At Home in Scottsdale blog Click on Charlotte's name to read it. I have an excerpt from it below on Tuesday, October 28.

I can't stress these prayers enough, pray them, pray them!! I was awake until after 3 a.m. praying during the night. I couldn't sleep, so I prayed!!! I kept reading over and over these prayers by Patrick Joshua.

God answers the fervent prayers of His Children!

I just read Susan's (Penless Writer) blog today, she has a great prayer guide posted, I'm going to print it out and use it to pray. I may be up half the night again!

Katherine

Another prayer suggestion, and a prayer request

Today I received two emails that I want to share with you. The first is about Obama's infomercial tonight. The second a prayer request from one of our supporters.

It is time to pray. Pray as if our country depended on it - and it does. On the 29th of October, Obama is slated to air a 30 minute infomercial/ad. It is time for Christians and all people of faith to come together. Turn off the TV. Pray to God to listen to the millions of voices in prayer to him. God can work miracles. God can intervene. God will hear our prayers. Gather your friends, neighbors, children, family, etc. and come together to pray. Pray for the curtain of deceit to be lifted and the eyes, minds and hearts of those who believe that Obama is "The One" to be opened and that they learn the truth of who Obama is before it is too late. Our combined prayers will be heard by God. John McCain and Sarah Palin will feel the strength of our intercessory prayers. This battle is God's to win - we are his prayer warriors. Please come together and pray. Our country "one nation under God" is in danger.

This is from redstate.com, and it touched me deeply with its display of faith in God' care - let's all take the lady's advice!!!

Note: He is on here in FL at 8 p.m. that's Eastern Daylight Savings Time. As Susan pointed out, it's very interesting that he scheduled this at a time when the majority of Christians go to church on Wed. nights! (See comments)

Please join me in prayer for Maree's prayer request below. Maree is one of our supporters. I think all of us have Christians friends who have the curtain of deceit over their eyes, mind, and heart to the truth of who the Lord would have us to pray for. Let's pray for all of them. Also see yesterday's post about praying for a "righteous person," and praying that those voting will be convicted to vote for the person of righteousness, the person of God's choosing. Pray for God's Presence to overshadow each person as they make their decision.

"The Spirit of the Lord will be upon him - the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord - and he will delight in the fear of the Lord. He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decided by what he hears with his ears."

I have been praying all the scripture, and the prayers out loud, every time I think of it (which is often!!)

Prayer request from Maree:
I mentioned I have some Christian friends that will be voting for Obama. My husband made a last ditch effort yesterday ...it fell on death ears.
One of these friends insist Obama is Pro-Choice which makes it okay....I love this person, they love the Lord..I KNOW they do!
I'm not asking why, why, why?? I'm asking you to pray for this person.. or better yet.. all Christians that believe Pro Choice is the way. Thanks and as always Katherine...God bless you!!


Have you seen this?

A Great Way to Pray for the Election

Charlotte posted a great message today and I've been sending it around to everybody I know. I love this way of praying! I'm posting a few of the suggestions. Please go to Charlotte's blog here, to read all of her post.

Let's pray this way too!

Excerpt from Charlotte's blog:

"Here's the pattern for prayer as we approach our election.

Prayer Guide for the Election Begins with Heart Preparation: Come into God's Presence with Worship. Thank God for his great mercy and many blessings. Ask God to extend his mercy to us and to our nation. Pray for the upcoming election.

Those running for office nationally: Instead of praying for specific candidates or political parties – Pray that the person of righteousness, the person of God's choosing, would be selected in every congressional district, every senate race and for the office of President.

"Righteousness exalts a nation but sin is a disgrace to any people." Proverbs 14:34

" When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan". Proverbs 29:2

Those voting: Pray that each person voting will be convicted to vote for the person of righteousness, the person of God's choosing, in each elected office and in each ballot initiative. Pray for God's Presence to overshadow each person as they make their decision.

"The Spirit of the Lord will be upon him – the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord – and he will delight in the fear of the Lord. He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears" Isaiah 11:2-3

Those praying: Pray that God would empower intercessors and people across the nation and around the world to call out to Him day and night in extraordinary prayer during this season.

"And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a Spirit of grace and supplication." Zechariah 12:10

Our nation: Pray that God's plans and purposes for our nation would be established during this election season. Pray that we would be a nation who follows God and is a blessing to the nations of the earth.

"Your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven". Matthew 6:10"

I'm only listing a few of the suggestions. Please click here to go to Charlotte's blog At Home in Scottsdale, to read all seven suggestions. Thanks, Charlotte, for posting this for us!

Katherine

Prayer Suggestions

Again I'm borrowing an exerpt from another like-minded blogger. This is from Susan, Penless Writer, go there to read the whole post, it is really good. Below are suggestions of how to pray about the election, and the conservative party. I have posted her link on my side bar, she will be posting something about the election daily this coming week.

Katherine

Exerpt:

"Here are some practical suggestions to consider:

1) Fast (a meal a day; a day a week; a Daniel fast; 3 days; 10 days; TV; etc.) and spend the time praying.

2) Agree in prayer with someone everyday for God's will to be done.

3) Form/participate in prayer groups regularly. Churches could pray everyday.

4) Take time in every gathering to pray. (Take 15 minutes in every service to pray for the elections. Turn an entire service to harp and bowl style intercession-worship and prayer combined.)

5) Join 2 or more on a conference call and pray for 15, 20, or 30 minutes.

6) Pray on the way to work (and on the way home).

7) Pray before you go to sleep.

8) Pray before church services.

9) Ask God to give you His strategy-He will!

In His grip,

Dutch Sheets Senior Pastor,

Freedom Church, Colorado Springs"