Showing posts with label Shaped by God's Heart. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Shaped by God's Heart. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Washing the Car - All Things New
I got the bucket, sponge, spray nozzle and soap and invested some time washing the car today. Pam and I leave tomorrow for a road trip in our Toyota Camry with 221,200 miles on it! So I wanted it clean.I also had the oil changed, transmission flushed, and new brake pads installed. The old Midas guarantee (You’ll never pay for brake pads again as long as you own your car!) has served me well. Since we were going on a road trip, I wanted the car in the best mechanical condition possible.
Some folks wonder at my spending so much money on an older car with lots of miles. In fact, the service tech at Toyota said, “Wow, I’ve not written up a service order on any other car with that many miles.”
We live in a disposable culture. Most people do not anticipate driving a car 221,200 miles. I reflected on this today. I can work to keep the external appearance up and I can pay for maintenance to keep the internal mechanical systems functioning. But I cannot make my Toyota new again.
That is exactly what God does. He takes us in our broken, battered, abused condition and works a miracle that doesn’t just maintain us. He remakes us. He makes all things new again!
That is the gift He offers to the world, the Kingdom hope of every generation, “all things new.”
Friday, August 6, 2010
It’s Time to Use Our Time Wisely
Introduction by Milfred Minatrea
Ed Jordan knows what it feels like to minister in a difficult environment. I became acquainted with Ed and his wife Enikő, when Pam and I were privileged to provide leadership for their congregation’s annual retreat at Old Faithful Retreat Center. The center is a rustic camp within driving distance of Pocatello, Idaho, where Ed serves as Senior Pastor.
In a predominantly Mormon environment, the Jordan’s have become part of the community using creative ministries to establish relationships. Among those is Ed’s weekly contribution published in the Idaho State Journal. Ed was recently awarded The Amy Writing Awards “2009 Award of Outstanding Merit” for one of his columns.
Ed and Enikő were among the first missionaries appointed to serve in Eastern Europe after the fall of the Iron Curtain. They served in Hungary in Church Development, Leadership Development, and Decentralized Theological Education for eleven years.
I hope that you will enjoy periodic posts from my friend, Ed Jordan.
The rock group “Chicago” sang: “Does anybody really know what time it is? Does anybody really care?” My questions to you today are the same as theirs. Do you know what time it is? Do you really care? The discussion of time is both a timeless theme, and a timely one.
In Ecclesiastes 3:1 in “The Message,” we read: “There's an opportune time to do things, a right time for everything on the earth…” There are two major concepts of time in the Bible. Most commonly time is used as chronological time (kronos in the Greek language), which is time depicted by sequential points along a linear line (or circle, as in a sundial or typical watch). Chronological time is measured with minutes, hours, days, months and years. But there is also another kind of time used in the Bible, indicated by the Greek word “kairos,” which is conceptualized as the “perfect” or “ideal” time for something to happen. It is a time concept that measures what of significance occurred in an event.
Both of these concepts are used in the Septuagint translation of Ecclesiastes 3:1. There is a chronological time to accomplish every thing that needs to get done during this lifetime, and there is an “ideal” time and way for each of those things to be accomplished. This is why Martin Luther King said: “We must use time creatively, in the knowledge that the time is always ripe to do right.” (cf. Coretta Scott King). It is always time to do right, but within that time there is also the ideal moment and way to accomplish that right action.
Many people complain that they don’t have time to go to church, or to read their Bible, or to spend time with their loved ones, or to accomplish their lifetime dreams. In reality, we all have the same amount of time each day to accomplish what needs to be done. The difficulty is not in a shortage of time; it is rather a shortage of motivation, desire, and discipline to use our time wisely. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe said: “The day is of infinite length for him who knows how to appreciate and use it.” (in “Ludwig Curtius, Wisdom and Experience”)
Our lives are not just measured by how long we live. In reality, every life will be measured by what we filled our time doing. Time in life is measured by the relationships established, the love given, and the impact made for God, good, and eternity. The way we use the time God gives us clearly reveals our values, our creativity, our focus, our maturity (or the lack thereof), and our self-discipline to prioritize and to fulfill those priorities.
Sir John Lubbock, in “The Pleasures of Life,” stated: “Life must be measured rather by depth than by length, by thought and action rather than by time.” I like that. Using that measurement, how is your life measuring up? Are you making lasting, deep, constructive impacts on the lives of others on behalf of God? Or are you just filling time with fleeting busyness?
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, in “Hyperion,” commented: “What is Time? The shadow on the dial, the striking of the clock, the running of the sand, day and night, summer and winter, months, years, centuries - these are but arbitrary and outward signs, the measure of Time, not Time itself. Time is the Life of the soul. If not this, then tell me, what is Time?”
If time is the “Life of the soul,” how is your soul? Is it shriveling or enlarging? Is it being denied or nurtured? Is it hidden away, or shared with others? Chronological time is slipping away from each of us. Today is the ideal time to reestablish God as first place in your soul, time and life.
Dr. Ed Jordan is an award winning writer, and pastor of Gate City Baptist Church, 500 W. Maple Street in Pocatello. He can be reached at jordan@gatecitybaptistchurch.org.
Ed Jordan knows what it feels like to minister in a difficult environment. I became acquainted with Ed and his wife Enikő, when Pam and I were privileged to provide leadership for their congregation’s annual retreat at Old Faithful Retreat Center. The center is a rustic camp within driving distance of Pocatello, Idaho, where Ed serves as Senior Pastor.
In a predominantly Mormon environment, the Jordan’s have become part of the community using creative ministries to establish relationships. Among those is Ed’s weekly contribution published in the Idaho State Journal. Ed was recently awarded The Amy Writing Awards “2009 Award of Outstanding Merit” for one of his columns.
Ed and Enikő were among the first missionaries appointed to serve in Eastern Europe after the fall of the Iron Curtain. They served in Hungary in Church Development, Leadership Development, and Decentralized Theological Education for eleven years.
I hope that you will enjoy periodic posts from my friend, Ed Jordan.
It’s Time to Use Our Time Wisely
The rock group “Chicago” sang: “Does anybody really know what time it is? Does anybody really care?” My questions to you today are the same as theirs. Do you know what time it is? Do you really care? The discussion of time is both a timeless theme, and a timely one.
In Ecclesiastes 3:1 in “The Message,” we read: “There's an opportune time to do things, a right time for everything on the earth…” There are two major concepts of time in the Bible. Most commonly time is used as chronological time (kronos in the Greek language), which is time depicted by sequential points along a linear line (or circle, as in a sundial or typical watch). Chronological time is measured with minutes, hours, days, months and years. But there is also another kind of time used in the Bible, indicated by the Greek word “kairos,” which is conceptualized as the “perfect” or “ideal” time for something to happen. It is a time concept that measures what of significance occurred in an event.
Both of these concepts are used in the Septuagint translation of Ecclesiastes 3:1. There is a chronological time to accomplish every thing that needs to get done during this lifetime, and there is an “ideal” time and way for each of those things to be accomplished. This is why Martin Luther King said: “We must use time creatively, in the knowledge that the time is always ripe to do right.” (cf. Coretta Scott King). It is always time to do right, but within that time there is also the ideal moment and way to accomplish that right action.
Many people complain that they don’t have time to go to church, or to read their Bible, or to spend time with their loved ones, or to accomplish their lifetime dreams. In reality, we all have the same amount of time each day to accomplish what needs to be done. The difficulty is not in a shortage of time; it is rather a shortage of motivation, desire, and discipline to use our time wisely. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe said: “The day is of infinite length for him who knows how to appreciate and use it.” (in “Ludwig Curtius, Wisdom and Experience”)
Our lives are not just measured by how long we live. In reality, every life will be measured by what we filled our time doing. Time in life is measured by the relationships established, the love given, and the impact made for God, good, and eternity. The way we use the time God gives us clearly reveals our values, our creativity, our focus, our maturity (or the lack thereof), and our self-discipline to prioritize and to fulfill those priorities.
Sir John Lubbock, in “The Pleasures of Life,” stated: “Life must be measured rather by depth than by length, by thought and action rather than by time.” I like that. Using that measurement, how is your life measuring up? Are you making lasting, deep, constructive impacts on the lives of others on behalf of God? Or are you just filling time with fleeting busyness?
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, in “Hyperion,” commented: “What is Time? The shadow on the dial, the striking of the clock, the running of the sand, day and night, summer and winter, months, years, centuries - these are but arbitrary and outward signs, the measure of Time, not Time itself. Time is the Life of the soul. If not this, then tell me, what is Time?”
If time is the “Life of the soul,” how is your soul? Is it shriveling or enlarging? Is it being denied or nurtured? Is it hidden away, or shared with others? Chronological time is slipping away from each of us. Today is the ideal time to reestablish God as first place in your soul, time and life.
Dr. Ed Jordan is an award winning writer, and pastor of Gate City Baptist Church, 500 W. Maple Street in Pocatello. He can be reached at
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Family Reunion
It is that time of year when families gather for the annual reunion: aunts, uncles and cousins, some twice removed, and, to complicate things, some twice or thrice married. Reunions are a mixed bag. Some experience the thrill of familiar faces that frame the memories of their youth, and plunge into the pleasure of telling stories passed down through the years, embellished with each cycle of telling. “Do you remember when …?” The stories don’t even require a complete telling. Laughter fills the circle before the story can be told because everyone who is listening has either heard it or told it countless times.Others hang back along the fringe, looking puzzled, trying to figure out who these people are and how they might be remotely related to them. The young and the newly added “in-laws” are usually in this number. Sometimes they seek each other and have their own make-shift reunion, sharing the common bond of amnesia regarding the inside jokes and familiar references to names not present, faceless people everyone else seems to know whose absence makes their presence even more pronounced.
The reunion has a strange mix of sorrow and laughter. Significant people are absent. Voices that once echoed at the tables of past reunions now lie silent beneath the earth. The same people who gather for the reunion gathered and wept at the funerals for those who no longer come. Their memories are like the deep colors that form the background for vivid paintings or the rich bass tones of the oboe and the French horn that enrich the orchestra. At the same time, these sorrows are offset by giggling children who appear like bright colors that dance on the canvass and whose laughter picks up future melodies like the flute.
We somehow have confidence that Heaven is about reunions. We all look forward to seeing people who loved us, those we loved, when we get to Heaven. And, somehow, this earthly reunion helps us look forward to that day. We don’t know exactly how it will happen or how God could manage all the intertwined family relationships when we get to Heaven, but, somehow, family reunions portend the Heavenly event. When I was a child we sang, “Will the circle be unbroken?” It was a way to ask the question together and look forward to something more, something more perfect that God has planned for us.
Jesus did not shy away from using this image to help us look forward to a more perfect day. He said, “In my Father’s House are many mansions. If it were not so, I would have told you. I go and prepare a place for you that where I am, there you may be also.” The book of Hebrews uses this metaphor to spur us on to better living: “Seeing that we are surrounded by so great a host of witnesses, let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the originator and the finisher of the race.” It seems to me that God takes pleasure in our reunions, just as He takes pleasure in reuniting Himself with us through His Son.
Bill Tinsley “reflects” on current evens and life experience from a faith perspective. Reflections appears in multiple newspapers an is available weekly via email by writing bill@tinsleycenter.com.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Next Generation Leaders
Investing in next generation leaders is a rewarding experience for me. Today, I began a peer learning community with six servants of God who are in the beginning stages of ministry. After that, I visited with dear friends who have faithfully served Christ and His church for more than 50 years. Both bless me. From the latter I encounter practical wisdom gained throughout the years. With the other, I share the sunrise of potential Kingdom impact.
Both sunrise and sunset are beautiful. But, I find great hope in investing in those who are just beginning their vocational ministry roles. One of my desires is to help each group appreciate the other. To the young leaders, I am an older guy. To those who have retired, I am still among the young.
But as I was influenced and mentored by others, now I want to pour my life into those who follow. Let me be clear, it is not that I have great knowledge, rather I engage as a fellow learner in our mutual service of the King. Together, we can hear His voice, celebrate our individual calling into intimacy with Him, and share the joys and sorrows we experience in the tasks to which we are sent in His mission.
We are each called to into intimacy with Him and sent to live His mission. In that young and old have much in common.
Both sunrise and sunset are beautiful. But, I find great hope in investing in those who are just beginning their vocational ministry roles. One of my desires is to help each group appreciate the other. To the young leaders, I am an older guy. To those who have retired, I am still among the young.
But as I was influenced and mentored by others, now I want to pour my life into those who follow. Let me be clear, it is not that I have great knowledge, rather I engage as a fellow learner in our mutual service of the King. Together, we can hear His voice, celebrate our individual calling into intimacy with Him, and share the joys and sorrows we experience in the tasks to which we are sent in His mission.
We are each called to into intimacy with Him and sent to live His mission. In that young and old have much in common.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Gone Fishing...
Where have you been? Some have been asking me this question. On March 13, my best friend in ministry died. Dr. Jerry McKinney was more than a friend. He was a pastor who grasped the significance of the missional church and had become the most encouraging supporter of our work through Missional Church Center. Further, Jerry was old enough and wise enough to have become a father figure to me. When we visited, whether in person or more frequently by phone, our conversations were lengthy, deep, and transparent.Jerry was an avid reader; in fact we became acquainted after he had read and resonated with the content of Shaped by God’s Heart: the Passion and Practices of Missional Churches. From the pastor’s study at Putnam City Baptist Church he called me to enquire about meeting. I will never forget the morning he drove from Oklahoma City to meet me at my Dallas office. I knew shortly after we met that I was in the presence of a critical thinker whose greatest hunger was to know God intimately and lead disciples to follow Him faithfully.
It was my privilege to share the message at Jerry’s memorial service there in the sanctuary where he had stood to teach God’s message. Only two months before, on January 21, Jerry had invited a group of men together to consider the development of an Advisory and Support team for our Missional Church Center ministry. It was in Jerry’s words, “to help take the ministry to the next level.”
I never saw him again after that meeting. My schedule carried me over the next six weeks to various states. I did not know that his cancer, multiple-myeloma, had grown resistant to the experimental medications that had worked to abate symptoms and spread of the horrible disease. Then, he was hospitalized and not able to have visitors. His family created a blog so that those who loved Jerry and the family could be aware of the daily, sometimes hourly, changes in his condition.
I did not know that the final hug we shared on January 21 would be our last. That our prayers together that day would be the last time we would speak to our Father together.
Where have I been? One answer to that question, an accurate one, would be, “I have been fulfilling the commitments to ministry that I had made prior to Jerry’s death.” I have continued to research and prepare to speak to the best of my ability. I have prepared proposals for churches that are in “critical condition” and who desperately need to find a vision pathway toward the future. I have worked on creation of tools to help the staff of an association of churches to more effectively identify churches with common issues, so that they can more effectively assist those churches toward health in God’s mission.
Where have I been? “On the back porch with Jesus,” would be another correct response. I had determined at the beginning of this year that in my personal time with God I would delve into the Gospels, spending a year listening to the words of Jesus. That is what I have been doing. Just today, I read each of the synoptic Gospels account of the Transfiguration of Christ. I watched Peter go from the confessing “rock” to the restricting “stumbling-block.” I keep hearing Jesus say, “He who has ears to hear, let Him hear.” Today, I heard the Father say, “This is My Son. Listen to Him.”
Where have I been? I might answer, “Away from the pen and keyboard.” My capacity to write has been stifled. I have not posted on Facebook or Twitter. I have been unable to complete the proposal for the book on which I am working. While I continue to compile research, I have failed to make progress in the body of writing. There is a gap in my personal journal, even though I was reading and being enriched in the Word, I found no way to record what I was hearing and observing.
Where have I been? I have been in a fog of grief. At first I was totally oblivious to what was going on in my soul. There was an emptiness for which I found no resolve. Over a period of months, I realized that I was “in a funk.” Now, the fog of that experience has begun to lift. Please don’t misunderstand; I never sensed that Jesus abandoned me. I still connected with friends and family. I still laughed. But after the laughter, my soul still felt empty.
You can say, “Buck up man…you are a child of God. You shouldn’t go through such experiences.” “You should have greater maturity in Christ than that!” You can say what you wish. I simply know where I have been. And even if it seemed to the entire world a most unproductive place, I would beg to differ. Something in side of me is different; different in a good way. I do not know where I may be tomorrow. But on this side of the experience, I know that where I have been has been a good place.
After Jesus death, Peter said, I am going fishing. Across the years, I have read that as an abdication of his responsibility as a disciple following Jesus’ death and resurrection. I perceived Peter negatively, running away when the tough times came. Now I think that in the absence of his best friend, he needed a comfortable place where he could heal. For one who was raised as a fisherman, the sea was that place.
All of us have times when we need to get away; times when little is demanded of us. Times when we can retreat to a place that is comfortable. I guess that is where I have been…fishing. Not literally; but figuratively. I have withdrawn for a period of time until the pain began to recede and the way forward began to appear.
Where I am is a good place.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Seek God on Behalf of the Coming Generation
SUNDAY MARCH 28 Day 40
SEEK GOD ON BEHALF OF THE COMING GENERATION
"How often I wanted to gather your children together, the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings...You will not see Me until you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.’” – Matthew 23:37, 39
That many who are now small children would soon become passionate followers of Christ; that during their lifetimes they will finish evangelizing the world; that they will endure suffering to overcome evil and bring forth the promised blessing of God upon all peoples; that they will give Christ the finest whole-life worship of all history.
PRAYERWALK: Walk your city consciously thinking of the people who will live and work there in years to come, should the Lord tarry. Pray for the generation that will be dwelling in your city when Jesus returns.
SEEK GOD ON BEHALF OF JERUSALEM
Pray for God’s peace and glory to be upon Jerusalem.
This is an excerpt from Seek God for the City 2010, published by WayMakers. Used with permission. http://www.waymakers.org/. Hear more at http://bit.ly/bHXQpo.
SEEK GOD ON BEHALF OF THE COMING GENERATION
"How often I wanted to gather your children together, the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings...You will not see Me until you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.’” – Matthew 23:37, 39
That many who are now small children would soon become passionate followers of Christ; that during their lifetimes they will finish evangelizing the world; that they will endure suffering to overcome evil and bring forth the promised blessing of God upon all peoples; that they will give Christ the finest whole-life worship of all history.
PRAYERWALK: Walk your city consciously thinking of the people who will live and work there in years to come, should the Lord tarry. Pray for the generation that will be dwelling in your city when Jesus returns.
SEEK GOD ON BEHALF OF JERUSALEM
Pray for God’s peace and glory to be upon Jerusalem.
This is an excerpt from Seek God for the City 2010, published by WayMakers. Used with permission. http://www.waymakers.org/. Hear more at http://bit.ly/bHXQpo.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Seek God on Behalf of Elderly People
SATURDAY MARCH 27 Day 39
SEEK GOD ON BEHALF OF ELDERLY PEOPLE
They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, “The LORD is upright; He is my Rock...” – Psalm 92:14-15 (NIV)
That God’s strength and peace will be poured out on everyone who is advanced in years. Pray that they may be honored, that they may be cared for; that loneliness be banished through lasting friendships and family bonds; that sickness be lifted; that they may live to see their prayers answered; that their latter years will be significant, reflecting the glory of God.
PRAYERWALK: Pray at a retirement community or an extended care facility.
SEEK GOD ON BEHALF OF THE MIDDLE EAST
United Arab Emirates, Yemen
This is an excerpt from Seek God for the City 2010, published by WayMakers. Used with permission. http://www.waymakers.org/. Hear more at http://bit.ly/bHXQpo.
SEEK GOD ON BEHALF OF ELDERLY PEOPLE
They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, “The LORD is upright; He is my Rock...” – Psalm 92:14-15 (NIV)
That God’s strength and peace will be poured out on everyone who is advanced in years. Pray that they may be honored, that they may be cared for; that loneliness be banished through lasting friendships and family bonds; that sickness be lifted; that they may live to see their prayers answered; that their latter years will be significant, reflecting the glory of God.
PRAYERWALK: Pray at a retirement community or an extended care facility.
SEEK GOD ON BEHALF OF THE MIDDLE EAST
United Arab Emirates, Yemen
This is an excerpt from Seek God for the City 2010, published by WayMakers. Used with permission. http://www.waymakers.org/. Hear more at http://bit.ly/bHXQpo.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Seek God on Behalf of Children
FRIDAY MARCH 26 Day 38
SEEK GOD ON BEHALF OF CHILDREN
Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. – Mark 10:14 (NIV)
That children will hear the gospel and encounter Christ early in life; that God’s great fatherly heart will be revealed with healing power to kids who have been wounded or disappointed by their parents; for lasting family stability; for excellence in education; for wisdom to be formed in their early days; for safety from violence and perversion; for laughter and joy.
PRAYERWALK: Pray for kids in your neighborhood or in nearby schools and playgrounds. Pray for the entire family that surrounds each of the children as you pass by their homes.
SEEK GOD ON BEHALF OF THE MIDDLE EAST
Syria, Tunisia, Turkey
This is an excerpt from Seek God for the City 2010, published by WayMakers. Used with permission. http://www.waymakers.org/. Hear more at http://bit.ly/bHXQpo.
SEEK GOD ON BEHALF OF CHILDREN
Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. – Mark 10:14 (NIV)
That children will hear the gospel and encounter Christ early in life; that God’s great fatherly heart will be revealed with healing power to kids who have been wounded or disappointed by their parents; for lasting family stability; for excellence in education; for wisdom to be formed in their early days; for safety from violence and perversion; for laughter and joy.
PRAYERWALK: Pray for kids in your neighborhood or in nearby schools and playgrounds. Pray for the entire family that surrounds each of the children as you pass by their homes.
SEEK GOD ON BEHALF OF THE MIDDLE EAST
Syria, Tunisia, Turkey
This is an excerpt from Seek God for the City 2010, published by WayMakers. Used with permission. http://www.waymakers.org/. Hear more at http://bit.ly/bHXQpo.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Seek God on Behalf of the Military
THURSDAY MARCH 25 Day 37
SEEK GOD ON BEHALF OF THE MILITARY
A centurion came to Him, asking for help...When Jesus heard this, He was astonished and said...“I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.” – Matthew 8:5, 10 (NIV)
For the gospel to spread through the special relationships of military life; for courage and protection in the danger of battle; for wisdom and the fear of the Lord as military personnel are sometimes called upon to do the work of governing and enforcing law; for grace upon chaplains and other spiritual leaders; that God will fortify families stretched by numerous moves and separations.
PRAYERWALK: Pray near a military base or establishment.
SEEK GOD ON BEHALF OF THE MIDDLE EAST
Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia
This is an excerpt from Seek God for the City 2010, published by WayMakers. Used with permission. http://www.waymakers.org/. Hear more at http://bit.ly/bHXQpo.
SEEK GOD ON BEHALF OF THE MILITARY
A centurion came to Him, asking for help...When Jesus heard this, He was astonished and said...“I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.” – Matthew 8:5, 10 (NIV)
For the gospel to spread through the special relationships of military life; for courage and protection in the danger of battle; for wisdom and the fear of the Lord as military personnel are sometimes called upon to do the work of governing and enforcing law; for grace upon chaplains and other spiritual leaders; that God will fortify families stretched by numerous moves and separations.
PRAYERWALK: Pray near a military base or establishment.
SEEK GOD ON BEHALF OF THE MIDDLE EAST
Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia
This is an excerpt from Seek God for the City 2010, published by WayMakers. Used with permission. http://www.waymakers.org/. Hear more at http://bit.ly/bHXQpo.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Seek God on behalf of Gangs
WEDNESDAY MARCH 24 Day 36
SEEK GOD ON BEHALF OF GANGS
“Because of the devastation of the afflicted, because of the groaning of the needy, now I will arise,” says the LORD; “I will set him in the safety for which he longs.” – Psalm 12:5
That God will satisfy their deep desires for significance and belonging; for God to break spiritual and social powers holding them; for caring Christians to embrace them in the authentic love of God’s family; for blessing upon the neighborhoods they claim.
PRAYERWALK: Pray at a place affected by gang activity. Speak God’s Word as you walk to spiritually “tag” the territories with unseen but real declarations of His Lordship and love.
SEEK GOD ON BEHALF OF THE MIDDLE EAST
Lebanon, Libya, Morocco
This is an excerpt from Seek God for the City 2010, published by WayMakers. Used with permission. http://www.waymakers.org/. Hear more at http://bit.ly/bHXQpo.
SEEK GOD ON BEHALF OF GANGS
“Because of the devastation of the afflicted, because of the groaning of the needy, now I will arise,” says the LORD; “I will set him in the safety for which he longs.” – Psalm 12:5
That God will satisfy their deep desires for significance and belonging; for God to break spiritual and social powers holding them; for caring Christians to embrace them in the authentic love of God’s family; for blessing upon the neighborhoods they claim.
PRAYERWALK: Pray at a place affected by gang activity. Speak God’s Word as you walk to spiritually “tag” the territories with unseen but real declarations of His Lordship and love.
SEEK GOD ON BEHALF OF THE MIDDLE EAST
Lebanon, Libya, Morocco
This is an excerpt from Seek God for the City 2010, published by WayMakers. Used with permission. http://www.waymakers.org/. Hear more at http://bit.ly/bHXQpo.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Seek God on Behalf of Day Laborers
TUESDAY MARCH 23 Day 35
SEEK GOD ON BEHALF OF LABORERS
Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in his ways. You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours. - Psalm 128:1-2 (NIV)
Pray that God will reveal the dignity and honor of doing work as unto Christ; that workplaces would be a setting of safety, joy and friendship for workers to be treated with justice and dignity; for continued employment in the changing global economy; for many to follow Christ and serve Him openly in the workplace with co-laborers.
PRAYERWALK: Almost every community has factories, construction sites or other places of industry. Pray for the laborers in these places.
SEEK GOD ON BEHALF OF THE MIDDLE EAST
Israel, Jordan, Kuwait
This is an excerpt from Seek God for the City 2010, published by WayMakers. Used with permission. http://www.waymakers.org/. Hear more at http://bit.ly/bHXQpo.
SEEK GOD ON BEHALF OF LABORERS
Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in his ways. You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours. - Psalm 128:1-2 (NIV)
Pray that God will reveal the dignity and honor of doing work as unto Christ; that workplaces would be a setting of safety, joy and friendship for workers to be treated with justice and dignity; for continued employment in the changing global economy; for many to follow Christ and serve Him openly in the workplace with co-laborers.
PRAYERWALK: Almost every community has factories, construction sites or other places of industry. Pray for the laborers in these places.
SEEK GOD ON BEHALF OF THE MIDDLE EAST
Israel, Jordan, Kuwait
This is an excerpt from Seek God for the City 2010, published by WayMakers. Used with permission. http://www.waymakers.org/. Hear more at http://bit.ly/bHXQpo.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Seek God on Behalf of Broken Families
MONDAY MARCH 22 Day 34
SEEK GOD ON BEHALF OF BROKEN FAMILIES
The LORD...supports the fatherless and the widow. – Psalm 146:9
Pray for healing of broken or embittered relationships; for comfort when a family member has passed away. Pray especially for children; that the Father heart of God will overshadow each to bring wholeness and that they would know the joy of being part of God’s family; that God will meet financial needs, bring supportive friends and grant hope to many who come to follow Christ.
PRAYERWALK: Apartment buildings often house fragmented families. Pray around an apartment complex, focusing prayers on those who have been bereaved or divorced.
SEEK GOD ON BEHALF OF THE MIDDLE EAST
Egypt, Iran, Iraq
This is an excerpt from Seek God for the City 2010, published by WayMakers. Used with permission. http://www.waymakers.org/. Hear more at http://bit.ly/bHXQpo.
SEEK GOD ON BEHALF OF BROKEN FAMILIES
The LORD...supports the fatherless and the widow. – Psalm 146:9
Pray for healing of broken or embittered relationships; for comfort when a family member has passed away. Pray especially for children; that the Father heart of God will overshadow each to bring wholeness and that they would know the joy of being part of God’s family; that God will meet financial needs, bring supportive friends and grant hope to many who come to follow Christ.
PRAYERWALK: Apartment buildings often house fragmented families. Pray around an apartment complex, focusing prayers on those who have been bereaved or divorced.
SEEK GOD ON BEHALF OF THE MIDDLE EAST
Egypt, Iran, Iraq
This is an excerpt from Seek God for the City 2010, published by WayMakers. Used with permission. http://www.waymakers.org/. Hear more at http://bit.ly/bHXQpo.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Seek God on Behalf of Ethnic Communities
SUNDAY MARCH 21 Day 33
SEEK GOD ON BEHALF OF ETHNIC COMMUNITIES
All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD, and all the families of the nations will bow down before Him. – Psalm 22:27 (NIV)
That God will bring racial harmony; that longstanding offenses may be healed by the forgiveness which begins in Jesus; that Christians show honor and act in Christ’s reconciling power; that the beauty of distinctive languages and cultures would be on display in local churches.
PRAYERWALK: Pray blessings near a neighborhood known for an ethnic identity different than your own; or pray blessings upon a business which is owned by people of another ethnicity than yours.
SEEK GOD ON BEHALF OF THE MIDDLE EAST
Algeria, Bahrain, Cyprus
This is an excerpt from Seek God for the City 2010, published by WayMakers. Used with permission. http://www.waymakers.org/. Hear more at http://bit.ly/bHXQpo.
SEEK GOD ON BEHALF OF ETHNIC COMMUNITIES
All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD, and all the families of the nations will bow down before Him. – Psalm 22:27 (NIV)
That God will bring racial harmony; that longstanding offenses may be healed by the forgiveness which begins in Jesus; that Christians show honor and act in Christ’s reconciling power; that the beauty of distinctive languages and cultures would be on display in local churches.
PRAYERWALK: Pray blessings near a neighborhood known for an ethnic identity different than your own; or pray blessings upon a business which is owned by people of another ethnicity than yours.
SEEK GOD ON BEHALF OF THE MIDDLE EAST
Algeria, Bahrain, Cyprus
This is an excerpt from Seek God for the City 2010, published by WayMakers. Used with permission. http://www.waymakers.org/. Hear more at http://bit.ly/bHXQpo.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Seek God on Behalf of Arts and Entertainment
SATURDAY MARCH 20 Day 32
SEEK GOD ON BEHALF OF ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
He has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts... to engage in all kinds of artistic craftsmanship. – Exodus 35:31, 33 (NIV)
That God will inspire artists and those in the entertainment industry with creativity and wisdom that reflects God’s beauty; that they will seek God themselves and come to follow Christ with courage; that their work will bring strength, goodness and hope to our communities.
PRAYERWALK: Visit a theater, art museum or place of entertainment for the purpose of praying for the artists and those working in support capacities.
SEEK GOD ON BEHALF OF EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA
Switzerland, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Uzbekistan, Vatican City, Yugoslavia
This is an excerpt from Seek God for the City 2010, published by WayMakers. Used with permission. http://www.waymakers.org/. Hear more at http://bit.ly/bHXQpo.
SEEK GOD ON BEHALF OF ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
He has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts... to engage in all kinds of artistic craftsmanship. – Exodus 35:31, 33 (NIV)
That God will inspire artists and those in the entertainment industry with creativity and wisdom that reflects God’s beauty; that they will seek God themselves and come to follow Christ with courage; that their work will bring strength, goodness and hope to our communities.
PRAYERWALK: Visit a theater, art museum or place of entertainment for the purpose of praying for the artists and those working in support capacities.
SEEK GOD ON BEHALF OF EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA
Switzerland, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Uzbekistan, Vatican City, Yugoslavia
This is an excerpt from Seek God for the City 2010, published by WayMakers. Used with permission. http://www.waymakers.org/. Hear more at http://bit.ly/bHXQpo.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Seek God on Behalf of Judges and Law Enforcement
FRIDAY MARCH 19 Day 31
SEEK GOD ON BEHALF OF JUDGES AND LAW ENFORCEMENT
Blessed are they who maintain justice, who constantly do what is right. – Psalm 106:3 (NIV)
Pray for righteous wisdom, principled patience and gentle authority; for physical and emotional protection; strength and blessing for their families; that they will become agents of God’s hand to resist evil and preserve an environment in which heaven’s justice can increase.
PRAYERWALK: Pray outside the nearest police station or court. Leave a short personal note for judges or police leaders letting them know how Christians are praying for them today.
SEEK GOD ON BEHALF OF EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA
Romania, Russia, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Svalbard Islands, Sweden
This is an excerpt from Seek God for the City 2010, published by WayMakers. Used with permission. http://www.waymakers.org/. Hear more at http://bit.ly/bHXQpo.
SEEK GOD ON BEHALF OF JUDGES AND LAW ENFORCEMENT
Blessed are they who maintain justice, who constantly do what is right. – Psalm 106:3 (NIV)
Pray for righteous wisdom, principled patience and gentle authority; for physical and emotional protection; strength and blessing for their families; that they will become agents of God’s hand to resist evil and preserve an environment in which heaven’s justice can increase.
PRAYERWALK: Pray outside the nearest police station or court. Leave a short personal note for judges or police leaders letting them know how Christians are praying for them today.
SEEK GOD ON BEHALF OF EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA
Romania, Russia, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Svalbard Islands, Sweden
This is an excerpt from Seek God for the City 2010, published by WayMakers. Used with permission. http://www.waymakers.org/. Hear more at http://bit.ly/bHXQpo.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Seek God on Behalf of Unemployed
THURSDAY MARCH 18 Day 30
SEEK GOD ON BEHALF OF UNEMPLOYED
That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil — this is the gift of God. – Ecclesiastes 3:13 (NIV)
That God will meet the needs of those without work in a way that they can clearly thank God for His provision; that they will soon find meaningful employment and glorify God for it; that God will open the way for righteous trade so that the entire city prospers in God’s provision.
PRAYERWALK: Pray for those in your neighborhood who have recently lost their job or are struggling to find one.
SEEK GOD ON BEHALF OF EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA
Macedonia, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal
This is an excerpt from Seek God for the City 2010, published by WayMakers. Used with permission. http://www.waymakers.org/. Hear more at http://bit.ly/bHXQpo.
SEEK GOD ON BEHALF OF UNEMPLOYED
That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil — this is the gift of God. – Ecclesiastes 3:13 (NIV)
That God will meet the needs of those without work in a way that they can clearly thank God for His provision; that they will soon find meaningful employment and glorify God for it; that God will open the way for righteous trade so that the entire city prospers in God’s provision.
PRAYERWALK: Pray for those in your neighborhood who have recently lost their job or are struggling to find one.
SEEK GOD ON BEHALF OF EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA
Macedonia, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal
This is an excerpt from Seek God for the City 2010, published by WayMakers. Used with permission. http://www.waymakers.org/. Hear more at http://bit.ly/bHXQpo.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Seek God on Behalf of Depressed People
WEDNESDAY MARCH 17 Day 29
SEEK GOD ON BEHALF OF DEPRESSED PEOPLE
But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us. – 2 Corinthians 7:6 (NIV)
That God’s healing presence will reach them; that the light of truth will dispel lies and the oppressive power of Satan; for helpful counsel; for the healing of long-standing wounds of mind and soul; that they would know the comfort and joy of the Holy Spirit; for the renewing of their minds in Christ.
PRAYERWALK: Pray for people you see today who may be downcast, even though they appear to be cheerful and strong.
SEEK GOD ON BEHALF OF EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA
Italy, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg
This is an excerpt from Seek God for the City 2010, published by WayMakers. Used with permission. http://www.waymakers.org/. Hear more at http://bit.ly/bHXQpo.
SEEK GOD ON BEHALF OF DEPRESSED PEOPLE
But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us. – 2 Corinthians 7:6 (NIV)
That God’s healing presence will reach them; that the light of truth will dispel lies and the oppressive power of Satan; for helpful counsel; for the healing of long-standing wounds of mind and soul; that they would know the comfort and joy of the Holy Spirit; for the renewing of their minds in Christ.
PRAYERWALK: Pray for people you see today who may be downcast, even though they appear to be cheerful and strong.
SEEK GOD ON BEHALF OF EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA
Italy, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg
This is an excerpt from Seek God for the City 2010, published by WayMakers. Used with permission. http://www.waymakers.org/. Hear more at http://bit.ly/bHXQpo.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Seek God on Behalf of Substance Abusers
TUESDAY MARCH 16 Day 28
SEEK GOD ON BEHALF OF SUBSTANCE ABUSERS
On the day the LORD gives you relief from suffering and turmoil and cruel bondage. –Isaiah 14:3 (NIV)
That God will break every form of bondage, including alcoholism and drug addiction. Pray for wise counselors to bring intervention and help; that God will heal their bodies; that they will turn from self-centered lives to living their lives for Christ.
PRAYERWALK: Walk your neighborhood, considering those who may be bound in alcoholism or drug addiction, calling on God to free them.
SEEK GOD ON BEHALF OF EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA
France, Georgia, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Isle of Man
This is an excerpt from Seek God for the City 2010, published by WayMakers. Used with permission. http://www.waymakers.org/. Hear more at http://bit.ly/bHXQpo.
SEEK GOD ON BEHALF OF SUBSTANCE ABUSERS
On the day the LORD gives you relief from suffering and turmoil and cruel bondage. –Isaiah 14:3 (NIV)
That God will break every form of bondage, including alcoholism and drug addiction. Pray for wise counselors to bring intervention and help; that God will heal their bodies; that they will turn from self-centered lives to living their lives for Christ.
PRAYERWALK: Walk your neighborhood, considering those who may be bound in alcoholism or drug addiction, calling on God to free them.
SEEK GOD ON BEHALF OF EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA
France, Georgia, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Isle of Man
This is an excerpt from Seek God for the City 2010, published by WayMakers. Used with permission. http://www.waymakers.org/. Hear more at http://bit.ly/bHXQpo.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Seek God on Behalf of the Unborn
MONDAY MARCH 15 Day 27
SEEK GOD ON BEHALF OF THE UNBORN
For He will deliver...the afflicted who have no one to help. He will...save the needy from death. He will rescue them from oppression and violence, for precious is their blood in His sight. – Psalm 72:12-14 (NIV)
That these precious children will be acknowledged and honored by all; for each of them to find sheltering homes; that the awful waste of their lives would cease; that they would come to Christ at an early age; for the parents of unborn babies, that God would turn their hearts toward their children.
PRAYERWALK: As you pray for your neighbors or co-workers, pray that God will break the power of self-centered lifestyles that disregard children, and that He will forgive and heal those who have harmed their children in any way.
SEEK GOD ON BEHALF OF EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA
Channel Islands, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Faeroe Islands, Finland
This is an excerpt from Seek God for the City 2010, published by WayMakers. Used with permission. http://www.waymakers.org/. Hear more at http://bit.ly/bHXQpo.
SEEK GOD ON BEHALF OF THE UNBORN
For He will deliver...the afflicted who have no one to help. He will...save the needy from death. He will rescue them from oppression and violence, for precious is their blood in His sight. – Psalm 72:12-14 (NIV)
That these precious children will be acknowledged and honored by all; for each of them to find sheltering homes; that the awful waste of their lives would cease; that they would come to Christ at an early age; for the parents of unborn babies, that God would turn their hearts toward their children.
PRAYERWALK: As you pray for your neighbors or co-workers, pray that God will break the power of self-centered lifestyles that disregard children, and that He will forgive and heal those who have harmed their children in any way.
SEEK GOD ON BEHALF OF EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA
Channel Islands, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Faeroe Islands, Finland
This is an excerpt from Seek God for the City 2010, published by WayMakers. Used with permission. http://www.waymakers.org/. Hear more at http://bit.ly/bHXQpo.
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