#105 “Great Intercessors of the Bible”

Stephen – Crowned—Pt.2

(That which Surrounds or Encompasses)

 “Now when they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, 
and they gnashed at him with their teeth. But he, being full of

the Holy Spirit, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the

glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God."

(Acts 6:2-3)

The Message Bible (MSG)

Listening to Stephen words as he address the council in becomes clear why the Apostles instructed the people to “Brothers and sisters, carefully choose seven well-respected men from among you. They must be well-respected and endowed by the Spirit with exceptional wisdom. (Acts 6:3).  He council he was speaking to was no laughing matter when it came to the bible history not to mention they prided themselves on being authorities on every detail except when it came to Jesus Christ. For here is where they seemed to have memory laps  complete with intense anger when reminded in the role they played in His Crucifixion. It wasn’t long before they could no longer bear his words.

What is so amazing is that while Stephen was speaking to them they could not take their eyes off of him no matter how badly they wanted to. “As all those who sat on the High Council looked at Stephen, they found they couldn’t take their eyes off him—his face was like the face of an angel!.” (Acts 6:15) I love the way the Holy Spirit anoints you for ministry just at the moment you need it. This reminds me of when the cloud of the Lord would descend upon the tabernacle and would remain until the next morning. God’s spirit does not dwell in tents made of cloth but in temples made of flesh and blood. “What, know ye not that your body is the Temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?” (1 Corinthians 6:19)

As intercessors there will be times when the Spirit of the Lord will descend upon you and take you into the spirit realm, at that moment you like Stephen will be transcended. Those who may be around you may not understand and like Stephen your countenance may change.  It all reminds me of the scripture that say, “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” (1 John 3:2) we are all striving to be like Jesus and one day we shall be.

Stephen was at a critical point in his role as deacon, one which was not included in his original job description.  Stephen was getting ready to incite a riot with his final words to the council…"You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit! As your fathers did, so you do. Which of the prophets didn't your fathers persecute? They killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One, of whom you have now become betrayers and murderers. You received the law as it was ordained by angels, and didn't keep it! Now when they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth.” The truth of the matter is, Stephen was not the first to site this phrase, for in "I have seen these people," the LORD said to Moses, "and they are a stiff-necked people. (Exodus 32:9) Also in psalm—“Then they would not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation whose heart was not loyal and whose spirit was not faithful to Gods.” (Psalms 78:8)

I believe at this point Stephen knowing full well who he was dealing with was in fact prophesying his own death. As your fathers did, so you do. Which of the prophets didn't your fathers persecute? They killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One, of whom you have now become betrayers and murderers.” Let us keep in mind that nothing that Stephen was saying was intended just to tell them how bad they were, but rather to convict them to repentance. With every word Stephen was interceding for their salvation. When we pray and intercede for the lost we too will at time recount the events of the bible in comparison; however only to in the same breath to ask God to turn them and heal them…deliver them from their sin.

We are hoping that something said will convict them to repentance that they may be saved…even if it is just one sinner that turns from his sin it is still good. Many believe that Stephen’s death was senseless and unnecessary however, because of what Stephen had said that day God marked one from among the crowd to preach Christ to the gentiles. Stephen was recounting something Jesus had said during His trial, “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven." (Mark 14:62)

“But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God and said, "Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!"  But they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and rushed at him with one accord.  They threw him out of the city, and stoned him”.  Stephan’s words so cut them to the heart that they lashed out at him and killed him just as he had said they would.  Yet at the same time he prayed for them that God would not hold them accountable for his death…just as Jesus had done on the cross. Why? Because He had told his disciples, “whoever sins you remit (forgive) I will remit (forgive); if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven."(John 20:23)

As we intercede for the lost we are in fact remitting their sins and the Father will remit them as well. And because of Stephen’s intercession there was there among the crowd a young man…“The witnesses placed their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. They stoned Stephen as he called out, saying, "Lord Jesus, receive my Spirit!"  He kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, "Lord, don't hold this sin against them!"  When he had said this, he fell asleep.” (Acts 7:55-60)

Not long after the death of Stephen the young man named Saul met the Lord Jesus on the road to Damascus and was converted, this was a direct answer to Stephen’s intercession on that day.  Just because you do not get the chance to see your prayers answered and fulfilled it doesn’t me that God did not answer; many of our prayers are prophetic in nature and are for telling a future event and deliverance.  So don’t stop praying and interceding for the souls of men. 

My Prayer: Father God, as we lift our voices in intercession for the souls of men and women everywhere, Father deliver and set them free by the blood of Jesus. Father, restore the souls of men everywhere and raise them up a might army in this earth. Father, even though we may encounter those who do not understand and may even become angry because of the words we speak by Your Spirit. Thank You for giving us the words, as am example of how we are to intercede. Guide us in Your perfect way and complete this day the work You have began in each of us in Jesus Christ’ precious name we pray, Amen!!! 

Have A Bless Day…Go in God’s Peace! 

Follow this link to "Morning by Morning" http://prayin4you.blogspot.com

Sign up to receive the daily post Via Email

I hope you will Join to become a member of

Morning by Morning

#104 “Great Intercessors of the Bible”

Stephen – Crowned

(That which Surrounds or Encompasses)

 

 “It is not appropriate for us to forsake the word of God

and serve tables… Therefore select from among you, brothers,

seven men of good report, full of the Holy Spirit and of wisdom,

whom we may appoint over this business."

(Acts 6:2-3)

J.B. Phillips New Testament (PHILLIPS)

In this lesson we will cover the Great Intercessors of the Bible – Stephen”.  The church was growing so rapidly that there was no way for the disciples to handle everything that needed to be done among the believers. "During this time, as the disciples were increasing in numbers by leaps and bounds,"(Acts 6:1) Just as it is today people started talking about the church how they were neglecting the widows in the church. "Hard feelings developed among the Greek-speaking believers—“Hellenists”—toward the Hebrew-speaking believers because their widows were being discriminated against in the daily food lines."(Acts 6:2)  Isn’t it interesting that people will leap over one thousand things that you’re doing well just to find one wrong thing?  Now some scholar’s feel that this was only the Apostles thinking themselves as to important for menial task; however I don’t believe this was the case. Keep in mind that the church was growing by leaps and bounds by now, it was no doubt well over 12– 15 thousand members if not more. There is no way humanly possible for the Apostles to be planting new churches, preaching several times a week or even a day; staying in prayer and fasting as well as hand out groceries to the hungry, poor and needy daily. It was time to start do assigning some of the members these tasks to do, this made them partakers and labors right along with the Apostles.

“So the Twelve called a meeting of the disciples; they said, “It wouldn’t be right for us to abandon our responsibilities for preaching and teaching the Word of God to help with the care of the poor. So, friends, choose seven men from among you whom everyone trusts, men full of the Holy Spirit and good sense, and we’ll assign them this task. Meanwhile, we’ll stick to our assigned tasks of prayer and speaking God’s Word.” The congregation thought this was a great idea. They went ahead and chose—

·         Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit,

·         Philip

·         Procorus

·         Nicanor

·         Timon

·         Parmenas

·         Nicolas, a convert from Antioch.

Then they presented them to the apostles. Praying, the apostles laid on hands and commissioned them for their task. The Word of God prospered. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased dramatically. Not least, a great many priests submitted themselves to the faith.” (Acts 6:2-7)

By doing this the Apostles would have more time for prayer and study of the word, which they need in order to declare the Lord.  This would also give the Holy Spirit the chance to work through other member and allow others to know that they too could lay hands on the sick, cast out demons and proclaim the name of Jesus. Because they were given this opportunity, two of the deacons Stephen and Phillip were very influential in proclaiming the gospel and witnessing. “Stephen, who was brimming with God’s grace and energy; was doing wonderful things among the people; there were unmistakable signs that God was among them. But then some men from the meeting place whose membership was made up of freed slaves, Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and some others from Cilicia and Asia, went up against him trying to argue him down. But they were no match for his wisdom and spirit when he spoke.” (Acts 6:8-10)

One of the qualification of Stephen being chosen as one of the seven was that he was full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, “…whom everyone trusts, men full of the Holy Spirit and good sense,” (Acts 6:4) Once confronted by the Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and the others from Cilicia and Asia Stephen stood his ground in Christ authority and spoke boldly. There are those who believe that if Stephen had not engaged these men, he would never have been taken into court and tried thus he wouldn’t have been stoned to death.  This may be true however; it may also be true that this was exactly what Stephen had been chosen to do by the Lord.  Yes it would have been safer to not say anything and just walk away…but what about Saul of Tarsus, who was standing in the crowd? In fact he was holding the coats of those who were stoning Steven. 

 

 “So in secret they bribed men to lie: “We heard him cursing Moses and God.”  That stirred up the people, the religious leaders, and religion scholars. They grabbed Stephen and took him before the High Council. They put forward their bribed witnesses to testify: “This man talks nonstop against this Holy Place and God’s Law. We even heard him say that Jesus of Nazareth would tear this place down and throw out all the customs Moses gave us.”  As all those who sat on the High Council looked at Stephen, they found they couldn’t take their eyes off him—his face was like the face of an angel!”(Acts 6:11-15)

 In verse 15 of this passage the words always grips me with such awe, “As all those who sat on the High Council looked at Stephen, they found they couldn’t take their eyes off him—his face was like the face of an angel!”(Acts 6:11-15) This is why I believe that Stephen was anointed for this very day and time… he was literally transformed right before their eyes summarily like Jesus was on the mount of transfiguration.  When we enter into intercession I believe the same thing happens to us as we enter in and go behind the veil of God’s glory.  

Benny Hinn said in his teaching series “Practicing the Presence” that once we have entered into the Holy of Holies our spirit from that point knows how to return.  Once we press passed the flesh and distraction of the outer courts, pass the Holy Place into the Holy of Holies your spirit will always long to return.  We will conclude our teaching on Stephen in our next lesson. For now thank you for joining us and Have a blessed day. 

My Prayer: Heavenly Father, you have given each of us a task to fulfill and at the appointed time we shall do it. Just as Stephen had no idea what lay ahead of him, all he knew was that he was on fire for Christ.  He was endowed with power and boldness to speak the word in truth and righteousness before the religious leaders and scholars. Father thank you for giving us the same boldness so that we can speak Your word in boldness no matter who is listening. Perhaps there will be a Saul in the audience who will later become converted and declare Your name among the gentile nations. Thank You for giving us the wisdom and clarity of knowledge which we’ll need to complete the task You have assigned to us, in Jesus’ precious name we pray, Amen! 

Have A Bless Day…Go in God’s Peace!  

Follow this link to "Morning by Morning" http://prayin4you.blogspot.com

Sign up to receive the daily post Via Email

I hope you will Join to become a member of

Morning by Morning

#103 “Great Intercessors of the Bible”

Gamaliel – Intercedes for Disciples

(God is my reward/recompense) Pt3

 " But then again, if God is in this, you won’t be able to stop it—

unless, of course, you’re ready to fight against God!."

(Acts 5:13)

The Voice (VOICE)

Many churches today boast of having a prison ministry however, the earlier church has one up on them because they had the first ever prison ministry in the book of Acts. Peter and the disciples were imprisoned for preaching in the town square. “The church’s renown was so great that when Peter walked down the street, people would carry out their sick relatives hoping his shadow would fall on some of them as he passed. Even people from towns surrounding Jerusalem would come, bringing others who were sick or tormented by unclean spirits, all of whom were cured.”(Acts 515-18)

The only trouble with being the one who knows everything about religious law is that one can easily set themselves up as being the only one who right from wrong concerning the Law. All this power and authority tends to go to the heads of some and they refuse to relinquish this authority to anyone. “Of course, this popularity elicited a response: the high priest and his affiliates in the Sadducean party were jealous, so they arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison.”

However it wasn’t for very long; because, God wanted this message along with His servants out; so He sent an angel to free them. “Go to the temple, and stand up to tell the people the whole message about this way of life from Jesus. At dawn they did as they were told; they returned to their teaching in the temple.” By whatever means necessary the Lord will make a way for the gospel to be heard!

Once they had been give their freedom and new instruction, to go stand in the Temple and tell everyone the gospel message, the apostles straight to the Temple. So before the Jewish council was even awake the Apostles were up and preaching the Gospel again in the temple courtyard. “At dawn they did as they were told; they returned to their teaching in the temple. Meanwhile the council of Jewish elders was gathering—convened by the high priest and his colleagues. They sent the temple police to the prison to have the Lord’s emissaries brought for further examination; but of course, the temple police soon realized they weren’t there.  

They returned and reported, the prison was secure and locked, and the guards were standing in front of the doors; but when we unlocked the doors, the cell was empty. The captain of the temple police and the senior priests were completely mystified when they heard this. They had no idea what had happened. Just then, someone arrived with this news: You know those men you put in prison last night? Well, they’re free. At this moment, they’re at it again, teaching our people in the temple! (Acts 5:21-25) Notice what the police reported back to the High priest, “…they are at it again, teaching “our” people in the temple!” now all of a sudden the people belong to them and not the Lord.

This made the council furious so they sent the guards to go and bring the Apostles to them again; which they did with care as not to upset the crowd because they believed their witness. “Once again the men stood before the council. The high priest began the questioning. Didn’t we give you strict orders to stop teaching in this name? But here you are, spreading your teaching throughout Jerusalem. And you are determined to blame us for this man’s death.” (Acts 5:27-28) Still not willing to accept the blame for crucifying Christ the high priest again questioned the Apostles as to why they were directly disobeying their orders to stop preaching about Christ?

 

There may come a time when you are in a similar position and must decide whether or not to obey man’s orders or God’s I trust that you like the Apostles will chose to obey God. “If we have to choose between obedience to God and obedience to any human authority, then we must obey God.   The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from death. You killed Jesus by hanging Him on a tree but God has lifted Him high, to God’s own right hand, as the Prince, as the Liberator. God intends to bring Israel to a radical rethinking of our lives and to a complete forgiveness of our sins. We are witnesses to these things. There is another witness, too—the Holy Spirit—whom God has given to all who choose to obey Him. (Acts 5:29-32)

The council would have killed them then and there is not for God having a “ram in the bush” so to speak. I always love reading this passage of scripture because it clearly shows that God will raise up a witness for us, even if it must come from what appears to be the enemies camp. Gamaliel a Pharisee was a well known leader and authority among the Sanhedrin, he also was a Dr. of Jewish Law, according to. He was also the mentor or teacher of Saul of Tarsus (Acts 22:3); who later became known as Apostle Paul after his Damascus Road experience (Acts 9:1-9)  

“…but Gamaliel, a Pharisee in the council respected as a teacher of the Hebrew Scriptures, stood up and ordered the men to be sent out so the council could confer privately. Fellow Jews, you need to act with great care in your treatment of these fellows.  Remember when a man named Theudas rose to notoriety? He claimed to be somebody important, and he attracted about 400 followers. But when he was killed, his entire movement disintegrated and nothing came of it.  After him came Judas, that Galilean fellow, at the time of the census. He also attracted a following; but when he died, his entire movement fell apart.  So here’s my advice: in this case, just let these men go. Ignore them. If this is just another movement arising from human enthusiasm, it will die out soon enough.  But then again, if God is in this, you won’t be able to stop it—unless, of course, you’re ready to fight against God!”

We may not know when or how God will deliver us when we stand up for the truth, but be assured He will. The Apostles were by experience gaining great faith and confidence in Gods hand of deliverance; which was a good thing because they were going to need that faith and trust in the days, months and years ahead. 

My Prayer: Father God, we give You Glory and Praise for Your hand of protection being upon each of us as we stand in the gap for the lost and declare Your word to the lost and dying souls in this world. Thank for giving us boldness to stand no matter what the circumstance and say what thus said the Lord, even in the face of the proud and pompous religious people of this day. Thank You for raising up Gamaliel’s to speak in our behalf when the enemy threatens our lives for Christ sake. Thank You for giving us boldness, along with angelic protection and divine guidance as we complete the tasks You have given each of us in Jesus’ precious name we pray, Amen!!!

Have A Bless Day…Go in God’s Peace!  

Follow this link to "Morning by Morning" http://prayin4you.blogspot.com

Sign up to receive the daily post Via Email

I hope you will Join to become a member of

Morning by Morning

#102 “Great Intercessors of the Bible”

Apostles and Church— Pt2

 (Delegate, an Ambassador of the Gospel) 

 “As they spoke to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple

 and the Sadducees came to them, being upset because they taught

the people and proclaimed in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 
They laid hands on them, and put them in custody until the next day,

for it was now evening."

(Acts 4:1-3)

Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) 

This lesson opens with Peter and John being arrested for proclaiming in the name of Jesus and His resurrection for the dead. ““As they spoke to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came to them, being upset because they taught the people and proclaimed in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. They laid hands on them, and put them in custody until the next day, for it was now evening." (Acts 4:1-3)  The Sadducees could not allow this sort of teaching because after all this was why they had Jesus Crucified because of His popularity with the crowds. Now the last thing they needed was someone teaching the people that He was raised from the dead. They had to do something so they had Peter and John arrested to silence them until they could talk with them.   

The excuse that used was that they had healed the lame man at the temple gate. “Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “You rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, if we are examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed, be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, in him does this man stand here before you whole.” (Acts 4:8-10)  However, this was just a perfect opportunity to preach Christ to them, they were a captive audience.  

The Sanhedrin officials were astounded by the boldness and elegance of speech of Peter and John so much so they did not know what to do with them. “But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, saying, "What shall we do to these men? Because indeed a notable miracle has been done through them; as it could plainly be seen by all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we can't deny it.  But so that this spreads no further among the people, let's threaten them, that from now on they don't speak to anyone in this name." They called them, and charged them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. (Acts 4:15-18) There is no denying the hand of God was upon Peter and John and therefore the Sanhedrin could not deny the miracle which had been wroth by God through their hands.  

This was just the beginning of the opposition the Apostles and Church would have to face, but face it they would with the same boldness and confidence as they did this day. “But Peter and John answered them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, judge for yourselves, for we can't help telling the things which we saw and heard."  When they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people; for everyone glorified God for that which was done. For the man on whom this miracle of healing was performed was more than forty years old.” (Acts 4:19-22)  There will come a time in each of our lives when we too will have to decide on who’s side we’ll stand, “if God be God then choice Him, but if man is your God then choice man, but what a poor choice for a God is man.  

“Being let go, they came to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. When they heard it, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, "O Lord, you are God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all that is in them; who by the mouth of your servant, David, said, 'Why do the nations rage, And the peoples plot a vain thing? The kings of the earth take a stand, and the rulers take council together, Against the Lord, and against his Christ {Christ (Greek) and Messiah (Hebrew) both mean Anointed One.}.' (Ps 2:1, 2)

 

For truly, in this city against your holy servant, Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together to do whatever your hand and your council foreordained to happen. Now, Lord, look at their threats, and grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of your holy Servant Jesus." When they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were gathered together. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness. (Acts 4: 23-31) 

I love the Apostles response to the Sanhedrin court, but I love the way they approached the Father afterward more. “Now, Lord, look at their threats, and grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of your holy Servant Jesus."  They didn’t pray, “Oh Lord what are we going to do? How are we going to proclaim Jesus’ name now”? Instead they ask God to do even more that He had already done. Wow how amazing is that, instead of being afraid they became even bolder!!!  We cannot allow distraction and attacks from the enemy stop us from doing what we are called to do. Yes it can get hard at times but what in life doesn’t?  All of us have battles and may even grow weary in the fight, but just don’t give up, keep pressing forward, even is it’s only a few feet per day…that’s still progress! 

My Prayer: Father God,  it’s always good to recount the acts of the Apostles and the early church, mainly because it reminds us that we are not the only ones going through opposition and if you brought them out you will surly do the same for us.  Thank You for giving such a great cloud of witnesses to remind us of the way we should go,  Jesus’ precious name we pray, Amen!!! 

Have A Bless Day…Go in God’s Peace!  

Follow this link to "Morning by Morning" http://prayin4you.blogspot.com

Sign up to receive the daily post Via Email

I hope you will Join to become a member of

Morning by Morning

#101 “Great Intercessors of the Bible”

Apostles and The Church — Pt.1

 (delegate, an ambassador of the Gospel) 

 “Then the high priest took action. He and all his colleagues,

those who belonged to the party of the Sadducees, were filled

with jealousy. So they arrested the apostles and put them

in the city jail."

(Acts 5:17-18)

Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

It was not easy for the religious leaders to let go of their control even after Christ’s death, they wanted to squash anything and anyone.  By now the news of the out pouring of the Holy Spirit had been spread abroad and the religious leaders were not taking it light. “ But the high priest rose up, and all those who were with him  (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with jealousy and laid hands on the apostles, and put them in public custody” (Acts 5:17-18)  The church however, had began to grow by leaps and bounds so to speak, it was just the first day of the Holy Spirit being released, “Peter said to them, "Repent, and be baptized, everyone of you,  in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins,  and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  For to you is the promise, and to your children, and to all who are far off, even as many as the Lord our God will call to himself."  With many other words he testified, and exhorted them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!" Then those who gladly received his word were baptized.  There were added that day about three thousand souls.”(Acts 2:38-41) Just in that one day there were three thousand souls added to the church, I can think of a whole lot of churches that couldn’t do that in one year.    

What made this possible? It was the signs and wonders, which were taking place at the time; in fact this is what signs, wonders and miracles are for, to draw unbelievers to the Lord. “Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under the sky. When this sound as heard, the multitude came together, and were bewildered, because everyone heard them speaking in his own language.  They were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another," Behold, aren't all these who speak Galileans?  How do we hear, everyone in our own native language?  Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and people from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, the parts of Libya around Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes,  Cretans and Arabians: we hear them speaking in our languages the mighty works of God!"  They were all amazed, and were perplexed, saying one to another, "What does this mean?" Others, mocking, said, "They are filled with new wine." (Acts 2:5-13) 

So now this new baby church which had just been born had grown from hundred and twenty in the upper room to three thousand new believers. Not this number was added to the number of believer’s who had already been following Jesus that number was well over thousands.

“They continued steadfastly in 

·         the apostles' teaching and 

·         fellowship, 

·         in the breaking of bread, and 

·         prayer 

Fear came on every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. All who believed were together, and had all things in common.” (Acts 2:42-44) It would seem that the prayer of Jesus that, “they would be one even as He and the Father were one..” was being answered. “They sold their possessions and goods, and distributed them to all, according as anyone had need.  Day by day, continuing steadfastly with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread at home, they took their food with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favor with all the people. The Lord added to the assembly day by day those who were being saved.” Although the church was still young it already had very powerful enemies and they would not relent until they had destroyed every one of the followers of Christ. This is one of the strongest motivators of the churches intercession.  

God was still establishing the authority of the apostles with signs, miracles and wonders, just as He had done with Moses and the children of Israel.  He showed might signs by the hand of Moses to prove that he was in fact His servant; so too were the disciples. “Peter and John were going up into the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour 3:00 PM.  A certain man who was lame from his mother's womb was being carried, whom they laid daily at the door of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask gifts for the needy of those who entered into the temple.  Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive gifts for the needy.  

 

Peter, fastening his eyes on him, with John, said, "Look at us."  He listened to them, expecting to receive something from them.  But Peter said, "Silver and gold have I none but what I have, that I give you.  In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!"  He took him by the right hand, and raised him up.  Immediately his feet and his ankle bones received strength.   Leaping up, he stood, and began to walk. He entered with them into the temple, walking, leaping, and praising God.  All the people saw him walking and praising God, they recognized him that it was he who used to sit begging for gifts for the needy at the Beautiful Gate of the temple.  They were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.  As the lame man who was healed held on to Peter and John,” (Acts 3:1-11) 

Because of the popularity of the gospel word spread quickly and the reports came to the religious leaders they began to fear that the people would all turn to this Jesus and forsake the Law.  Join us tomorrow as we continue this lesson on the intercession of the Apostles and the church.

My Prayer: Our Father God, we come before You giving you Glory and Honor and thanksgiving for Your wondrous works and unfailing love towards us Your children. You are our heavenly Father and we give You praise for Jesus Your Son, and for life everlasting through His shed blood. As we began our day with this the Lord’s Prayer we thank You Father for ordering our day according to heavens design and will. Thank You for giving us the words, provision and guidance we will need to complete this day in Jesus’ precious name we pray, Amen!!!

Have A Bless Day…Go in God’s Peace!

Follow this link to "Morning by Morning" http://prayin4you.blogspot.com

Sign up to receive the daily post Via Email

I hope you will Join to become a member of

Morning by Morning

100 “Great Intercessors of the Bible”

The Disciples- (Releasing the Holy Spirit)

“All these with one accord continued steadfastly

in prayer and supplication, along with the women,

and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers."

(Acts 7:55)

New King James Version (NKJV)

Now that we have concluded the study of, “Jesus Christ our Greatest Bible Intercessor” and “The Holy Spirit”. Now let’s transition into the Acts of the Apostles and that of the early church. Now that the Lord has gone back to the Father, the disciples must continue the work He began here on earth. They were instructed by the Lord, “Being assembled together with them, He charged them, "Don't depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which you heard from me. For John indeed baptized in water, but you will be baptized in the Holy Spirit not many days from now." (Acts 1:4-5)

Have you ever heard the Lord tell you to “GO”, while at the same time He’s telling you to “WAIT”? This can be a very frustrating and somewhat confusing time; because you’re not sure is it’s the Lord or your flesh telling you to “wait”! Although it may seem conflicting your trust in the Lord will bring you an assurance that it’s okay. Here we have Jesus giving the Great Commission to His disciples… “GO”, then He tells them but “WAIT”! Why? “. . tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high —(Luke 24:49) He had promised them that the Father would send another comforter to be with them, but with Him would come power from on high to enable them to complete the work here on earth. In the wait we are endured with power, wisdom, guidance and provisions and gifting to complete that for which we have been called.

No doubt the greatest challenge was the waiting, we hate to wait! Waiting in lines, on line not enough time just to standing around when we’ve got to make a dime, we just hate waiting anywhere or anytime! But slow your row because until Jesus says so it is best that you not “GO”, but "WAIT", we must keep in mind that the timing of the Lord is perfect. David said, “I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry…”(Psalms 40:1) Waiting is one of the true signs of a child of God’s faith and trust in Him, when they can wait patiently. You do understand that even the Lord Jesus had to wait, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner." (John 5:19) there is a reward for patiently waiting, "Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD!" (Ps 27:14)

Here are the disciples following the instruction of Jesus and they are all assembled in one place in one accord, in with one mind and one heart…a waiting for the promise. Not just for them alone but for every believer for years to come. The Holy Spirit was something none of the disciples knew anything about because, "Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified."  (John 7:39) They were just taking Jesus at His word that this was a gift from the Father. So as they prayed, “All these with one accord continued steadfastly in prayer and supplication, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.” (Acts 1:14)

During this time they felt that they need to replace, “Judas, who was guide to those who took Jesus.”(Acts 1:16) Often times we feel lead to do things that often seems right, but it is not what the Lord would have us do. No doubt the disciples felt they needed to replace Judas; however, Matthias was not the Lords choice to replacing Judas. Later the Lord makes His choice for His twelfth disciple and it was Paul to be the twelfth disciple.

While in the upper room praying and interceding for the promise God poured out the Holy Spirit at His appointed time, “Now when the day of Pentecost had come, they were all with one accord in one place. Suddenly there came from the sky a sound like the rushing of a mighty wind, and it filled all, the house where they were sitting. Tongues like fire appeared and were distributed to them, and one sat on each of them. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other languages, as the Spirit gave them the ability to speak.” (Acts 2:1-4) This was the releasing of the power of God, which Jesus had spoken of, “Behold I give you Power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you” (Luke 10:19)

Today this same power abides with us, but for the asking and claiming. We have been given this power and authority to enable us to fight a good fight and to be victorious over the powers of darkness. I’m often surprised to see many Christians response to the Holy Spirit, based on their denominational beliefs and teachings. Some believe that you can receive the Holy Spirit; while others believe He can’t be received, because He’s just a comforter. Sad to say many times we short change ourselves because of our lack of understanding of who He (the Holy Spirit) truly is. “They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other languages, as the Spirit gave them the ability to speak.” (Acts 2:4) If they received the Holy Spirit, then we too must receive Him. This was just the beginning of the intercession that the disciples and the church would do, for there was much more to come in the days ahead. So too is there much more intercession for us as intercessors to do in the days ahead…so if you have not done so already I admonish you to, “…Receive ye the Holy Spirit.” (John 20:22b)

My Prayer: Heavenly Father, You alone is gracious and true, thank You for sending the Holy Spirit to lead us and guide us into all truth. Thank You for filling Your children with Your Spirit, with power and might. We worship You Lord God and give You praise and honor and glory for all that You are doing in us and through us. We ask You Father complete the work, which You have began in us fulfill the plans and purposes that You have ordained for each of us Father grant us boldness to speak Your word without fear or reservations, that souls might be saved and come to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Thank You for Your many blessings in Jesus’ precious name we pray, Amen!!!

Have A Bless Day…Go in God’s Peace!

Follow this link to "Morning by Morning" http://prayin4you.blogspot.com

Sign up to receive the daily post Via Email

I hope you will Join to become a member of

Morning by Morning

#99 “Great Intercessors of the Bible”

Holy Spirit – (Comforter, Counselor, Advocate)

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send

in my name, He will teach you all things and bring

to your remembrance all that I have said to you."

(John 14:26)

English Standard Version (ESV)

In this lesson we will discuss another amazing “Great Intercessor of the Bible” the “Holy Spirit,” The Holy Spirit is also known as the “Holy Ghost.” Although this name may be a little frightening, there is no need to be afraid, as the Holy Spirit is the third person in the ‘Trinity or Godhead’ (God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit), "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:1) These were the instruction of Jesus to His disciples before He departed; admonishing them not to be afraid; because, the Father was going to send them someone that would help them, after the Lord’s departure. The Lord knew that His disciples would be enduring great persecution after He left, therefore they would need someone that could keep them in remembrance of the things He had spoken to them.

The Holy Spirit’s role took on many forms when it came to us the body of Christ; being that He was to “…bring back to our remembrance all that I (Jesus) has said,” (John 14:26) or all that we have read in the word. This comes in very handy when we are interceding because the Holy Spirit will bring to our remembrance the exact word needed for the situation at that very moment. So what exactly is the role of the Holy Spirit?

• Comforter — “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever…” (John 14:16) The Lord knew that the hearts of the disciples would be heavy once He departed; because they had gotten use to His presence being with them…now He was gone. Therefore the Lord Jesus asked the father to send someone who could comfort their hearts, who could abide with them; someone, who would never leave them nor forsake them. So the Father sent His Holy Spirit! “But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Comforter will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. When he comes he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment....” (John 15:26)
• Counselor — Here in John 15:26 John is referring to the Holy Spirit using the Greek word “parakletos” which is mostly translated to “Comforter”; however it would be best translated as “Counselor/Advocate,” both of these words are more commonly used as legal terms. So a counselor is “one who gives advice to another,” when we don’t know what to do the Holy spirit gives us direction or council.
• Advocate — is one who stands in defense of another or “One that pleads in another's behalf; an intercessor.” What I love about the Holy Spirit is that like the Father and the Son they are all three “one’ or ‘unified’ Jesus said what you see the Father do I do, well the same is true for the Holy Spirit, what you see the Father and the Son do He does. “If anyone does sin, we have an advocate (parakletos) with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1John 2:1)
• Helper — “…you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit … But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.” (Acts 1:5-8). In our flesh (our human nature) there are forces that are much stronger than us. Paul says: “Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh … those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” (Galatians 5: 16-25). The Holy Spirit will strengthen us, so that every time we are tempted, we do not yield to the lusts of the flesh.
• Teacher — “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth … He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.” John 16:12-14.
• Intercessor — The Holy Spirit prays for us when we don't know how to pray, “Likewise the Spirit also helps our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groaning too deep for words.” (Romans 8:26) When we’re at a loss for words, yet we are troubled within our spirits this is when the Holy Spirit steps in and intervenes in prayer for us. He prays through us.
• Draws Men to Christ — “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day. (John 6:44) Jesus told His disciples that unless the Spirit of the Father draws men’s hearts to Christ they would not come to be saved. “And he said, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father.” (John 6:65)  
• Lives in our hearts — when we become born again, the Holy Spirit comes to live inside of us, “What? Know you not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which you have of God, and you are not your own? For you are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.”

The Holy Spirit is here living with us, within us helping us to live righteously, without Him we would not be able to stand in these evil days. This is why the Lord prayed to the father to send Him so that we would not be left alone in this world. Do you remember that Jesus told His disciples “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

My Prayer: Our Father God, we come before You giving you Glory and Honor and thanksgiving for Your wondrous works and unfailing love towards us Your children. As we reflect on this powerful lesson about the Holy Spirit, we understand that He lives within us helping us to live according to Your word. It is He who helps to conform us by Your word as we read it daily. It is the Holy Spirit which leads and guides us into all truths, Thanks You for sending us another helper, comfortor, teacher and revealer of truth and revelation of Your word. Thank You for giving us the words and guidance to complete this the work which You have given us to do in Jesus’ precious name we pray, Amen!!!

Have A Bless Day…Go in God’s Peace!

Follow this link to "Morning by Morning" http://prayin4you.blogspot.com

Sign up to receive the daily post Via Email

I hope you will Join to become a member of

Morning by Morning

#98 “Great Intercessors of the Bible”

Jesus Christ – Anointed Savior) Pt6

“And do not lead us into temptation,

but deliver us from the evil one.

For Yours is the Kingdom and the

power and the glory forever,

Amen!"

(James 1:13-14)

New King James Version (NKJV)

By now you’re probably asking the question, “Do I have to pray only this prayer every day?” Well the answer is ‘Although it would not hurt to pray it every day, the answer is ‘No’. Jesus never told His disciples to only pray this prayer, what He did say is, “when you do pray; pray use this prayer as your pattern or guide. At first you may want to follow the prayer as it is written until you gain some confidence or a clearer understanding of what each category entails, get comfortable with how each area relates to one of the Names of God and then you can began to expand you prayer base. For instance, “Give us this day our daily bread…” relates to God being Jehovah-Jireh (our provider) can you see what I mean?

Nearly every time Jesus taught He followed a specific pattern, He would first give a topic and then He would provide instruction on how to apply it. “Therefore after this manner pray” or when you pray “pray along these lines” which in the Greek is “Houtos oun.” Jesus never intended for this to become some ritualistic practice like chanting redundant verses over and over again like mindless drone robots. But in the same sense He did however want it to become, such a part of you that without given it a second thought; you could transition into this pattern or prayer with great ease.


Now shall we pick up where we left off in our last lesson, also this will be the conclusion of this series on “Jesus the Greatest Intercessor of the Bible":


[] And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one — now we know and understand that God does not tempt His children, “Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.” (James 1:13)

Therefore we know this petition is not that God will not lead us into temptation but that He will keep the enemy (Satan) from tempting or enticing us into commit sin. We must always keep in mind that it is our own fleshly desire the Satan uses against us. These temptations can be from within us as a result of something we have not been willing to let go of; therefore it still has a stronghold in our flesh. “...each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.” (James 1:14-15) This is why Jesus prayed for us before He went back to the Father, “I’m not asking that you take them out of the world But that you guard them from the Evil One. I’m praying not only for them but also for those who will believe in me Because of them and their witness about me.” This should be our prayer as well that the Lord will deliver His children around the worlds from the Evil One attacks against them.

[] For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever — this verse of the Lord’s Prayer it very weighty, in other words it carries much Authority! Why? Because when we declare that, “Yours is The Kingdom, The Power and The Glory…” and we are your children then we have every right and privilege to stand on every one of God’s Words and to claim as our own each verse of promise, provision and protection that they posses. We have a right to claim everything this prayer entails. It says that I set myself in agreement with my Fathers Kingdom and every one of its decrees. “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32)

Everything Jesus has He has given it to us, “And the glory which you gave Me, I have given them that they may be one just as We are one.” (John l7:22) we have no cause to be down or depressed because every thing we need has been provided to be victorious in this life. “Arise from the depression and prostration in which circumstances have kept you; rise to a new life. Shine, be radiant with the glory of the Lord; for your light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. (Isaiah 60:l-2, The Amplified Version)

[] Amen!— concluding this prayer with the word “Amen!” is like the King placing His Royal Signet Ring’s seal on it. It seals our prayer through the Authority and Power of Jesus Christ; because, in the book of Revelation 3: 14 Jesus is called the “Amen of God” – “These things says the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God.” It is through Christ that all of God’s exceeding and precious promises are brought to fulfillment. I sure we have grown accustom to concluding our prayers in this manner however, it has far more authority than just saying I’m done praying! The word ‘Amen’ means “Even so, as I have prayed it, even so shall it be done,” this is not a conclusion to your prayer it a faith declaration and a notice of expectation…I expect to see it manifested!!!

My Prayer: Our Father God, we come before You giving you Glory and Honor and thanksgiving for Your wondrous works and unfailing love towards us Your children. As we reflect on this powerful prayer we understand that within these verses we have to summation of Your promise to us. Thank You for being the all sufficient one the Alfa and Omega the Beginning and the Ending of our lives and destiny. You are our heavenly Father and we give You praise for Jesus Your Son, and for life everlasting through His shed blood. As we began our day with this the Lord’s Prayer we thank You Father for ordering our day according to heavens design and will. Thank You for giving us the words, provision and guidance we will need to complete this day in Jesus’ precious name we pray, Amen!

Have A Bless Day…Go in God’s Peace!

Follow this link to "Morning by Morning" http://prayin4you.blogspot.com

Sign up to receive the daily post Via Email

I hope you will Join to become a member of

Morning by Morning