Promises and Books Read

As the year comes to an end and a promise of new beginnings illuminates my future, I have been pondering the changes I'd like to make. I've pondered myself right into a short list of promises I'm making to myself for the coming year. 

The first promise is to draw closer to God. I've said for years that I want to be close enough to God to hear His heartbeat. I've struggled with the how of that desire. But, I sense that I'm in a new season of my life and I hope to move closer to Him. I will nurture several disciplines this coming year in pursuit of that desire: Bible reading, Bible study, prayer, worship, silence/listening, etc. Now that I'm using Professor Horner's Reading system, my daily Bible reading has been both consistent and more meaningful. But, as meaningful as it is, it is not an indepth Bible Study so I want to set aside time for indepth Bible study using the Inductive Study Bible. Daily times of prayer, Monday fasts, First Friday Fasts (F3), and a few longer fasts are planned to keep me in communication with the Lord. Worship and times of silence and solitude will be aspects of my prayer time since prayer is as much (or more) about worshiping and listening to God as it is about asking.

The second promise is to follow the promptings of the Spirit to be actively involved in ministry through the Reaching Our Community Ministry, starting a teen Sunday School class, music ministry, and Intercessory Prayer Group (WIN). After almost 8 years of being hobbled at the former church, my spirit is more than eager to spread it's wings.

The third promise relates to two other Christian/spiritual disciplines: simplicity and frugality. I've been "moving toward" these but not consistently and purposefully as I wish I had. What is voluntary simplicity and frugality? It is making the conscious choice to reduce and/or minimize one's personal possessions and spending habits for the purpose of having more to use for the Kingdom. There is a quote that I think explains it well:

The bread you do not eat is the bread of the hungry; the garment hanging in your wardrobe is the garment of the one who is naked; the shoes you do not wear are the shoes of the one who is barefoot; the money that you keep locked away is the money of the poor; the acts of charity that you do not perform are so many injustices that you commit. ~Basil of Caesarea

I've been reading and listening to audiobooks lately. They are building my understanding of prayer and who we are in Christ. I highly recommend the following: "How to be a Prayer Warrior" by Derek Prince, "Intercessory Prayer" by Dutch Sheets (audiobook), and "Lioness Arising" by Lisa Bevere (audiobook). I intend to reread the Prince book and take notes. I was so taken by Dutch's book that I listened to it twice and ordered the workbook. Lisa's book is so inspiring! I finished it today and started listening again. I intend to order the "Safari Guide" for that one as well. It felt like Lisa was speaking to me, to my spirit and my spirit responded with a "YES" and "AMEN".

I continue to read my 10 chapters each day -- it is just really a PITA to keep noting which chapters so forgive me for abandoning that aspect of the blog. The corporate fast starts January 2nd and I will be aiming at 20 chapters per day...we'll see how that goes!

Intercessory Prayer Part 2

Previously, I mentioned having found an article with Andrew Murray's 31 day guide to intercessory prayer. I had used the "day 1" last Monday to pray for my church. That prayer session as great and so I figured I'd start on Dec. 1 and follow the guide through each day for the month.

I also purchased the book "Intercessory Prayer" by Dutch Sheets on audible.com and started listening to it today. WOW! What an eye-opener! I will be listening to it over and over. Another book I purchased on Audible.com was "Lioness Arising" by Mrs. Bevere. I suspect it will also be a great listen and add to what God is teaching me about prayer and intercessory prayer. I'm very excited about what God is doing and how He is teaching me and drawing me closer to Him in a more intimate relationship. 

Today's Reading: Matt 22; Gen 22; 1 Cor 6; Phlmn 1; Job 22; Ps 22; Prv 22; Jsh 22; Isa 22; Acts 22

Intercessory Prayer

I found an interesting website on prayer today. It has articles (some with audio option) on different aspects of prayer and intercession. One article was originally written by Andrew Murray and is a 31 day guide to how to develop an habit of intercessory prayer. Day one, which is where I started today, is to pray for the power of the Holy Spirit. I prayed this not only for myself and my family but also for my church. Another article is a good read on how to live an effective prayer life.

Tonight, mother, John, and I met Mother Pearson at the church for intercessory prayer. Hopefully, others will come to future sessions but tonight it was the four of us. Where two or more are gathered...we had a good session, praying for each other and for the church, Pastor and his family, and members of the church.

Today's Reading: Matt 15; Gen 15; Rom 15; 2 Tim 1; Job 15; Ps 15; Prv 15; Jsh 15; Isa 15; Acts 15

Intercessory Prayer

 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone--

for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. (I Timothy 2:1-2)

Tonight before church, I spoke with Mother Pearson at church and we've arranged to meet at the church on Monday evenings for intercessory prayer for the church. Mom, John, and another lady are going to join us. Mom, John, and I all felt lead to add fasting to this activity by fasting on Monday's in prep for the prayer meeting Monday evenings. I'm very excited about this opportunity.

I've been thinking about the Cleansing Streams Discipleship program that I'd wanted so much to do. Pastor Sherwood had promised to bring it to HPWC so I and some others could work the program. He never did. Now, it is outside my reach. But, that doesn't mean that the desire to effectively minister healing, deliverance, and free to people is out of reach. Far from it. I can gather the knowledge, develop the skills, and receive the empowerment of the Holy Spirit without going through a specific discipleship program. I think the Holy Spirit will bring me what I need--moving to NMBPHC was the first step in that process...that I believe with all my heart.

Today's Reading: Matt 10; Gen 10; Rom 10; 1 Tim 2; Job 10; Ps 10; Prv 10; Jsh 10; Isa 10; Ac 10