Diasporic Church, the weather is getting warmer as Summer is gradually pushing in, currently at 78 Degrees Fahrenheit. Reflecting on last week’s “Pentecost” Sunday amidst changes in my life and family. Today, I am seated inside my beloved “restaurant,” with the warm air outside and chilly inside; a layer of cloudy steam is forming on the glass windows, reminding me of my current valley of decision-making. Despite the mist blocking my clarity, it does not mean that the outside is blurry and dull. Child of God, do you feel like me? Are you unsure of what tomorrow holds? Cheer up because our God is “Alpha and Omega,” The First and Last, and has our tomorrow worked out if you only believe and obey.
The words of the apostle John are heartwarming at such moments. My little children, these things I write to you so that you may not sin. (1 John 2:1) Why does the Elder John use the pet name “MY LITTLE CHILDREN?” Is he calling them so because he is an elder talking to a younger generation, a master at talking to his disciples; he is a mature believer mentoring younger believers? Whatever the case, the term my little children defines a status everyone must possess to live the Christian way. InMatthew 18:2-4 And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. What a great lesson to learn from Jesus Christ that humility invites exaltation. As a “little child,” It does not matter HOW RIGHT one is in winning a conflict; having your way does not make you a winner; every time you have your way, you lose your partner. Win your partner, not the argument! That is the posture of a “little child.”
My little children in Greek (Tek-nee-on), my “sweet ones,” John calls them, are anointed and abiding in the anointing, full of knowledge, and do not need a teacher. But he goes in-depth to remind them of their faith’s basic tenets, which they were seemingly beginning to forget. Who were these “sweet ones?” This writing, possibly to the Churches in modern-day Turkey, was meant to equip the diaspora churches growing outside the confines of Jerusalem yet undergoing socio-political and religious pressure from forces within and outside. Today, this region that flourished with Christendom is estimated to have a population of about 0.2% of Christians of all forms out of 86 million Turkish people, one Christian for every 500 people. The majority are Muslim, with many of the ancient churches founded by the early Christians, including Paul and John, being converted to “Mosques, Museums and Music” cultural centers. The Old, rugged cross has been substituted by the way to the crescent symbol.
The “Diasporic Church” shares many similarities to the Asia minor church. Faced with socio-political, religious, and cultural pressures that threaten our traditional fabric of faith that we inherited from our first-generation parents. I have listened to most of us share concerns about the challenge these shifts have put on us and our third culture children, who have no idea what we are complaining about. And I believe that if we do not take the warning of Elder John, the gospel will continue in another space while we reap the consequences of not paying attention to God.
My “Little Children,” when did we last drop the ball? What will you do about it?
Jesus’ first communion coincides with the “Feast of the Unleavened Bread” called the Passover. The “Passover” was a memorial of the departure of the Israelite community from a life of suffering and slavery in Egypt to a life of freedom. It is the feast of “unleavened bread” because no yeast or raising substance was used, and the bread was made in haste, so they had no time to let it rise. Symbolically, the children of Israel had to depart in haste and learn to depend on God for their sustenance as their “Bread of life.” The departure of the Israelites from Egypt was the beginning of their deliverance from a life of slavery. It took a night to deliver them from Egypt; it would take 40 years and more to deliver Israel from themselves.
Dear Seeking Soul, I am seated in this sacred space with a cup of tea. My friend “Mohamed” served me the tea and reminded me that the restaurant was quieter than usual as they observed the month of “Ramadan” (prayer and fasting for the Muslim community). The Muslim community believes that “Ramadan” is when the angel Gabriel spoke the first words of the Quran to the Prophet Mohamed. Some scholars have related “Ramadan” as an emulation of Jewish “Yom Kippur,” the “Day of Atonement,” which is also marked with prayer, fasting, and purification. On the Day of Atonement, YAHWEH was to “…forgive you, to purify you, that you be cleansed from all your sins.” By Divine Providence, this week leads into Palm Sunday, commemorating the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem riding on a donkey. Jesus, in a very intentional Journey of the “Human Atonement,” does the Last Supper to commemorate his departure. Similar to the “Passover” feast, Jesus was to begin the journey of the deliverance of all humanity from the “slavery and captivity of sin.” While it took a moment for the transaction of sin to be cleared by Jesus when he said on the cross, “IT IS FINISHED,” humanity is yet to take advantage of the freedom secured by Christ by His death on the Cross. Seeking Soul, what is the significance of Jesus “First Communion” with his Disciples?”
1. THE OBEDIENT STRANGER
According to Luke 22:10-12, Jesus instructs his disciples to follow after a man carrying a pitcher of water, “…And you shall say to the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, where is the guest chamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples? And he shall shew you a large upper room furnished: there make ready. Seeking soul, not much is known about this gentleman who was prepared to admit in strangers at a first request. Scholars relate the habit of “male carrying water” to a tradition of a sacred community of priestly descendants called the “Essenes” who had taken a vow of “celibacy” and lived a life of purity dedicated to God alone. This secret admirer of Jesus just like “Nicodemus” the Pharisee, is known to us by his character name “a goodman.” He straight away obeys the Jesus request for a fully furnished venue to celebrate the “Last Supper” without any argument.
Seeking Soul, what a lesson on the power of ones character, it gives one a name! Around the Communion Table, Strangers who believe in our Lord are Brethren too; give them space. Jesus knows them by name and has duty assigned for them. Therefore, as we have the opportunity, let us do good to all, especially those of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:10)
2. THE STRANGE MASTER
Jesus and his disciples are sitted for dinner, something strange unfolds. John 13:4-6 records that “Jesus riseth from supper, laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? At this gesture Jesus responds to Peter, “14-15 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.” In this narration, all sat as guests. It was expected to have a servant wait on the guests. it never occurred to the prestigious disciples that a servant should miss out on this significant occasion. It is at this point that Jesus, the master takes up the posture of a slave.
Most of us would rather prefer the posture of dignified guests. The Communion table reminds us that, those of us who are greater must choose to be lesser and serve. Jesus says “If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. (John 13:14,15)
3. A GATHERING OF FRIENDS AND FOES
John 13:21-26 When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. Christ takes time to be vulnerable and emotional to his disciples as He is faced with two categories of persons around him, the “BELOVED” and the “BETRAYER.” A trusted disciple in their midst is plotting a betrayal (Judas) and John the disciple whom Jesus loved, is asked by the others to investigate who Jesus is insinuating about. Peter sympathizing with Jesus disturbed spirit, vows to stand by the master no matter what! Jesus shares communion with his most “beloved” and most “betrayer” on each of his sides. Seeking Soul, the communion table breaks “barriers” and builds “bridges.”Communion Table teaches us to Work with the “Beloved” and give space to the ”Betrayer.”Now, after the piece of bread, Satan entered (Judas). Then Jesus said to him, “What you do, do quickly.” (John 13:27). The actions of Judas the “Betrayer” would never stop the purposes of God from unfolding. Unfortunately when we focus so much on betrayers, we take matters on our hands, with the pressure to “even up.” Judas betrayal was the beginning of the redemptive end.
4. PREVAILING FEARS AND DOUBTS
Luke 22:24-27) records that “there was also a strife among them, and each of them should be accounted for as the greatest.” Christ is surrounded by self-serving ego-packed followers, each one displaying to be the master’s favourite. Instead of empathizing with Christ when he says his time is short and soon he will be no more…the disciples, on the other hand, are plotting a succession plan as to who will be next to take over from the master. The temptation and tendency among christian institutions is to create offices, yet Christ is in the business of recruiting SERVANTS. Around The communion table has Christ has no favorites; all are servants. Jesus repremands his followers that “…he who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he who governs as he who serves (Luke 22:26).
LESSONS FROM JESUS FIRST COMMUNION
The First Communion was Prepared by an OBEDIENT STRANGER: The call for inclusivity to all who love the master and serve Him best as they know.
The First Communion was Hosted by a STRANGE MASTER: The call to servitude to serve one another as God has taught us through Christ.
The First Communion was Graced by CLOSEST FRIENDS AND FOES: The call to brotherhood, for the communion table breaks barriers and builds bridges. Christ shared communion with both his beloved and betrayer.
The First Communion was Partaken AMIDST FEARS AND DOUBTS: While the disciples had strife as to who was to be who, the communion table created space that ALL called could fit in to serve the master.
Seeking soul, what lesson from the first communion do you identify with? How has it made a difference in you?
Now it happened as they journeyed on the road, that someone said to Him, “Lord, I will follow You wherever You go.” And another also said, “Lord, I will follow You, but let me first go and bid them farewell who are at my house. But Jesus said to him, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 6:57-62)
Accused of having acted in an “unchristian manner” by a team of clergy, Brother Dr. Martin Luther Jr responds from the Birmingham Jail. This is an excerpt from “Letter from Birmingham Jail.” “Beyond this, I am in Birmingham because injustice is here. Just as the eighth-century prophets left their little villages and carried their “thus saith the Lord” far beyond the boundaries of their hometowns, and just as the Apostle Paul left his little village of Tarsus and carried the gospel of Jesus Christ to practically every hamlet and city of the Greco-Roman world, I too am compelled to carry the gospel of freedom beyond my particular hometown. Like Paul, I must constantly respond to the Macedonian call for aid.” Brother Dr. Martin longed for the “church to be the dream, team” and not the “little foxes.”
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr further reiterates in his letter from “prison” an example of such a “Holy Defiant Team.” “…there is nothing new about this kind of civil disobedience. It was seen sublimely in the refusal of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to obey the laws of Nebuchadnezzar because a higher moral law was involved. It was practiced superbly by the early Christians, who were willing to face hungry lions and the excruciating pain of chopping blocks before submitting to certain unjust laws of the Roman Empire. To a degree, academic freedom is a reality today because Socrates practiced civil disobedience.” Seeking Soul, it is inevitable to conclude that when those of us who have been relegated to hold the Gospel plow, the “DREAM TEAM,” sleep on the job, we join the “little foxes” club by default.
Dear Seeking Soul, as my heart was disturbed by these “little foxes,” I remembered that God, too, desired a “Team.” Through the mouth of the prophet Ezekiel, God appeals for a fox catcher. Thus says the Lord:
The people of the land have used oppressions, committed robbery, and mistreated the poor and needy; and they wrongfully oppress the stranger. So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one. Therefore I have poured out My indignation on them; I have consumed them with the fire of My wrath; and I have recompensed their deeds on their own heads,” says the Lord God. (Ezekiel 22:29-31)
God Calls this Fox Catcher, A man to make a wall and stand in the gap between God and his people. In ancient times, the kings built the walls of a city to safeguard their people, and a priest mediated between the people and God. Ezekiel envisioned a ruler who would be a “Prophet, Priest, and King.” God looked for such a man, but he found none. For such a man can never be found except in Christ, who qualified as Prophet, Priest, and King.
God is still searching for a people, He says… “When I shut up heaven, and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people, if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:13,14)
Seeking Soul, as I listened to the prophetic dream of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. envisioned on Aug. 28, 1963, on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Reminding us that we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream. (Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Junior) I realized that this “dream” needs a “team” to realize. A people who will stand in the Gap.
During this season of prayer and fasting, I believe we are the people God calls to stand in Gap. Dear Seeking Soul, Today I call on all of us who dare dream to have courage and stand. Let us stand and join our Martyrs in the past who stood and spoke for what was right. And knowing that “we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12)
I ask those listening here today and many out there, those who dare Hold the gospel plow and dig straight, Who will stand in the gap? Who will dare stand up in the gap for the family, in your marketplace, and the community?
Who will stand in the gap and remind the world that all men and women are created equal and that God created them, Male and Female? Who will stand in the gap?
Who will stand in the gap and erect the table of brotherhood, where God prepares a table even before the enemies? Who will stand in the gap?
Who will stand in the gap to see Dr. Martin Luther’s Oasis of Freedom and Justice become the flowing river of righteousness?
Who will stand in the gap to see our Children enriched in their Character in what they see, read, and touch? Who will stand in the gap…
Who will stand in the gap and PRAY:
That every valley shall be exalted,
That every hill and mountain shall be made low,
The rough places will be made plain, and
The crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.
We pray that through our Lord Jesus, the Prophet, Priest, and King may this dream come true:
The coming of a new heaven and a new earth where evil and wickedness are completely eradicated.
Establishment of the holy city, New Jerusalem the aboard of God where the rule of righteousness shall spring forth.
The Continual dwelling of God with all humanity. “
That tears will be wiped, complete annihilation death, sorrow, and crying.
The riddance of pain, and the eradication of the Old order of wickedness to usher the new reign of righteousness.” (Rev. 21:1-6)
Who will stand in the Gap?
Seeking Soul, while my brother the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. envisioned the day when the dream of “Freedom, Justice and Equality” would come true. The time has come to rally those of us, who work the “Gospel Plow” to “Hold ON” until the “Team” is raised to realize the “Dream.” We need a “Team” to realize the “Dream.”
Will you be the “DREAM TEAM” and Stand in the Gap?
“I hate, I despise your feast days, And I do not savor your sacred assemblies. Though you offer Me burnt offerings and your grain offerings, I will not accept them, Nor will I regard your fattened peace offerings. Take away from Me the noise of your songs, For I will not hear the melody of your stringed instruments. But let justice run down like water, And righteousness like a mighty stream. (Amos 5:21-24)
Dear Seeking Soul, Today is the birthday of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. My heart was convicted of listening to this prophetic voice, which was the Voice of God to hundreds of God’s people in a season of darkness, oppression, and segregation. In the background, I am listening to the Negro Spiritual song “Hold on: Keep yo’ han’ on dat plow Hold àn! Hold on!” https://www.negrospirituals.com/songs/hold_on.htm
Still wondering what God wanted me to rally the church about, then I had it: Keep your hand on that Gospel plow and “HOLD ON.” Rev. Dr. Martin Luther Jr. Birth Day is a day to highlight the “Service to Humanity.” Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King preached on the triad of “Freedom, Justice and Equality” as a solution to the social evils of “Poverty, Racism and Violence”.
Today, by God’s divine providence, was the first day snow came down at night in the Dallas 2024 winter. As I walked on the virgin land, pure and all white, with every step on the snow being the first, I began to think of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s dream come true. Those who have been relegated to hold the Gospel plow, the “TEAM” to realize the “DREAM,” never slept on the Job. Those Martyrs like Rev. Dr. Martin Luther Jr, who died while plowing and now make up the “Cloud of Witnesses” in heaven, can look down with smiles and say, the “DREAM” has come!
Beloved Soul, as I walked on the virgin snow, I began to think of the time that the Prophet Amos and Brother Dr. Martin Luther Jr. envisioned. The time when the pure snow of righteousness would reign on all the hearts of men and cover the land. There is something about that “pure gentle fall” of snow that covers every pit, pot, and rot, unifying the land with the sanctity of oneness.
It does not matter whether the neighborhood is rich or poor
It does not matter whether the people are indigenous, immigrants, or impersonators.
It does not matter whether the infrastructure is simple or complex.
For when the “Pure gentle fall of snow” occurs, “every pit, every pot, and every rot” is covered with the sanctity of Oneness. So while my brother, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., envisioned the day when the dream would come true. The time has come to rally those of us who work the “Gospel Plow” to “Hold ON” until the “Team” is raised to realize the “Dream”. The prophet Amos envisioned the need to raise a “Team” (Amos 5:21-24):
A team that would restore the sanctity of our spiritual and national celebrations v/s21
A team that would restore the integrity and purity of our places of worship
A team that would restore the credibility of our treasures, time, and talents v/s 22
A team that would restore the sacredness of our music and dances v/s 23
A team that would weave in Justice and righteousness in the fabric design of our society v/s 24
Seeking Soul, while my brother, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., envisioned the day when the dream of “Freedom, Justice and Equality” would come true. The time has come to rally those of us who work the “Gospel Plow” to “Hold ON” until the “Team” is raised to realize the “Dream.” We need a “Team” to realize the “Dream.”
I am part of the TEAM to realize the DREAM
You are part of the TEAM to realize the DREAM
Church, as I walked on, on the virgin snow, outside our residence, my steps being the first, I noticed something else. There was a squirrel or bunny track that had disturbed my virgin path. I was not the first on the peaceful spread of snow. But that is the reality of our world church. I want to bring to your attention that, there are squirrels out there, and sometimes they find themselves in our midst, in our homes, in our institutions. Squirrels who shuffle the “Dreams” we long to achieve. The writer of the poetic romantic symphonies of Solomon, in one of his classical music pieces, writes a crescendo: “Catch us the foxes, The little foxes that spoil the vines, For our vines have tender grapes.” (Songs of Solomon 2:15)
Seeking Soul, the cry of the soloist is not about the little foxes but rather the noble, courageous folks who can Catch the little foxes so that our dreams can be realized. YES, those who know how to hold the Gospel plow and keep Holding until every soul is worked and restored into righteousness. Our world today, with all its pits, pots, and rots, needs fox catchers. As my heart was disturbed by these “little” foxes, I felt the urge to charge the church to rise.
Who will catch us, the little foxes that steal, destroy, or even kill our “tender” dreams?
Who will catch us, the little foxes that endanger our “tender” relationships, aspirations, and celebrations
Who will catch us, the little foxes?
Seeking Soul, while my brother the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. envisioned the day when the dream of “Freedom, Justice and Equality” would come true. The time has come to rally those of us, who work the “Gospel Plow” to “Hold ON” until the “Team” is raised to realize the “Dream.” We need a “Team” to realize the “Dream.”
It came to pass in the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan he citadel, that Hanani one of my brethren came with men from Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews who had escaped, who had survived the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem. 3 And they said to me, “The survivors who are left from the captivity in the province are there in great distress and reproach. The wall of Jerusalem is also broken down, and its gates are burned with fire.” (Nehemiah 1:1-3)
Seeking Soul, Nehemiah was a man living in the diaspora, an immigrant like many of us scattered around the world, away from our native homes. But he never allowed the sophistication or challenges of his diasporic state to hinder his capacity to cause influence in his native country. Today, God has impressed upon my heart the desire to learn prayer as a missional strategy.
In a season after captivity where the children of Israel almost lost their identity during 70 years in captivity, God calls Ezra, whose name means Helper, to help his people regroup. In a season of great injustice, enslaved by their own, about ten years after Ezra, God mobilized Nehemiah, burdened by the plight of his people, to show comfort to a hopeless people. Nehemiah lived; his Hebrew Name means that (JEHOVAH IS THE COMFORTER, CONSOLES). He allowed God to use him as he had equipped him.
In prayer, Seeking Soul, God is calling you away from your place of comfort; God has identified you as a strategic partner to help and comfort his people. Unlike the usual prophet that God calls, Nehemiah is a professional, successful in his career and working with royalty. He had cut a niche for himself. But as a selfless leader, Nehemiah refused to be entrapped by royalty and responded to God’s urging. Dear Seeking Soul, I invite you to engage with Nehemiah and grasp some principles I believe will shake us from our places of comfort to the mission field, “Beyond the Borders.”
Prayer Enlightens: Nehemiah sought eagerly for report 1:1-3
Nehemiah seeks to establish the facts about his hometown. He receives a report through “Hanani, one of my brethren came with men from Judah.” He was aware of the state of affairs of his nation. The facts were clear, “Bothered People, Broken Walls and Burned Gates.” In fact, even after being told that the gates are burned and the walls are down, he still requests to travel to go get the facts straight.
Seeking Soul, Nehemiah inquired for the report. It is essential to know the facts to understand how to engage the field. …and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free. (John 8:32). Knowledge of truth is power for freedom. Dear Soul, what do you see and what has come to your attention that you can pray about?
2. Prayer Empathizes: Burdened Deeply for the captives 1:4
4 So it was, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept and mourned for many days; I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven. Having known the facts; Nehemiah was burdened by them. Dear Soul, we live in a period of God for us all but everybody for himself. You struggle alone, you cry alone… People see, people hear but we fail to engage on each others needs.
The church elder James reminds us that …If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. Brother James, gives us an example on how to carry each other’s burdens. What burden is God placing in your heart? (James 2:15)
3. Prayer Envisions: Prayed earnestly for redemption 1:5-11
Dear Soul, we can learn from Nehemiah while most of us get sick through the burdens we bear, like ulcers, high blood pressure, anxiety sicknesses, lack of sleep, and many others. Most of this chapter is Nehemiah pouring back the burdens to God in prayer. We must shift and know who can settle the scores and who is the burden lifter. Instead of Bearing the pain alone and being frustrated, Nehemiah goes down on his knees; some call him (Knee He Miah) the man on his knees.
Seeking Soul, today Jesus’ invitation is to all; “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30). The secret is to turn our burdens to prayer needs; that’s what Nehemiah did. Look, Soul, at how rich Nehemiah’s Prayer is:
In v/s 5 Nehemiah, Worshiped God,
v/s 6 Conducted Repentance for self and community
v/s 7 Admission of Guilt against the stipulated law of God
v/s 8,9 Recalled the promises of God and the consequences of rebellion.
v/s 10 Established the relationship between God and his people.
v/s 11 Presented his specific need before God: “Grant Mercy before the King.”
Before approaching the King, Nehemiah prayed. After being asked by the KING the reason for his sadness, he prayed. (2:4). Authentic prayer acknowledges The place of God, The State of the seeker, The word, The promises of God, and the seeker’s need.
4. Prayer Empowers: Called clearly away from comfort 1:11b
Nehemiah does not respond to missions because he has nothing to do. Due to his humble nature, he introduces his work at the end of verse 11: “For I was the king’s cupbearer.” God does not call idle people; he engages the engaged. Jesus’ Words are meaningful. “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow me.
Those called must demonstrate some level of loyalty. Luke 9:23 You must deny…. God calls us from a position of Surrender, like Isaiah, hear I am, send me… Nehemiah says I was a cupbearer (This was a guy entrusted with the King’s life; he served royalty and drank with royalty. But none of this kept him away from fulfilling God’s purpose for his Life. He took advantage of his position to serve God’s purpose.
Some of us constantly need this reminder that Mordecai tells Esther 4:13,14. When Esther Hesitates, thinking of her life at stake… And Mordecai told them to answer Esther: “Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the king’s palace any more than all the other Jews. 14 For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” this leads Esther to declare a (3 day Fast)
Seeking Soul, prayer gives boldness to attempt the impossible.
5. Prayer Equips: Equipped Sufficiently for the task 2:5-8
Nehemiah took his position of royalty to seek support for the mission ahead.
2:5 Permission to take Sabbatical leave for construction project
2:8 Logging Permit for materials for the gates, temple, walling, and his house
Dear Soul, Your positioning is not by chance but a divine appointment to fulfill God’s purpose. Whether you serve in the royalty or you are a house caretaker, Nurse Practitioner, Security, Military, Caregiver, trucker, teacher, business person… God has positioned you strategically. The resources we need for missions is not with others, It is here. Your gift is not small if given from your whole heart. The Bible says ….we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching. he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. (Romans 12:5-8)
Prayer will harness the Talents, Treasures, and Time resources needed to accomplish God’s purposes.
Moses said to the Lord, “You have been telling me, ‘Lead these people, ‘but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You have said, ‘I know you by name and you have found favour with me.’ If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favour with you. Remember that this nation is your people.” (Exodus 33:12,13)
Seeking Soul while Abraham teaches us to agonize for the city; on day ten of prayer, Moses reminds us to be a voice for the people by “Taking God to Task” for the course of His people, whom he has created after His image. As you read the book of Exodus, You almost wish you would skip chapter 32. In this chapter, we find the children of Israel turning from God to worship the golden calf. They had waited too long while Moses got stuck on the mountain with God.
They got tired of waiting; they wanted to move on, but they could not go on without a leader and God. So they fixed a plan: First, to enthrone Aaron as a tentative leader to take the place of Moses, and second, to make a golden calf to substitute God. In essence, they plot a coup against Moses and God. Soul, when Moses returns, he chooses to deal with the rebellious crowd with his understanding. It is here that Moses separates the “hypocrites” from the “true worshipers.”
According to Exodus 32:26, Moses stood at the entrance to the camp and said, “Whoever is for the Lord, come to me.” And all the Levites rallied to him. And the Levites separated themselves from the rest and, from that day, were chosen to be servants of God. Moses commands the Levites to kill all men who prostituted with the idol; about 3000 people are instantly killed, including brothers, neighbors, and friends. As if that is not enough, God strikes the Israelites with a plague to punish the sin of rebellion.
In this chapter, Beloved Soul, we encounter Moses, the great intercessor. A great man to derive some prayer principles from today. While they were on the mountain, God hinted to Moses that he would want to eradicate the Israelite community and begin a whole new generation through Moses. Yet Moses pleads for their survival without knowing the gravity of his people’s idolatry. Moses descends from the mountain and cannot contain his anger at the extent to which the Israelites had fallen from Grace. He is so mad at them that he takes on himself to punish those who had worshiped the Golden Calf. Moses grinds the golden calf into dust and forces the digressers to drink Golden Calf Powder Juice.
After the death of the 3,000 people, Moses hurried back to the mountain to have an audience with God. He pleads passionately with God to disregard the people’s sins because, according to Moses, he had already inflicted sufficient punishment. He bargains with God to remove his name from the Book of Life and spare the children of Israel. Another example, Seeking Soul, of how God can choose to answer our prayers! In this case… God says no, he who sins is the one I will remove his name from the Book of Life! Every man for his soul.
God is about to dispatch His people, Israel, for the final quest into the promised land. They are standing between their slavery past and their free future. Seeking Soul, as we begin this year in prayer, I believe that’s where most of us are in life. We are standing between our past and our future, waiting to hear that ultimate word of God, whether to proceed and how to proceed. Soul, the beginning of the year, comes with its packages of uncertainties, expectations, and anxiety.
Dear Soul, shifting from the bloody scene of Exodus 32, Exodus 33 is a conversation between Moses and His friend God. A calculated prayer where Moses seeks God’s attention by “Stating his case and listening to God’s intentions. From verse two, God initiates the conversation with a series of promises: the company of an angel the eradication of all enemies. and the inheritance of the Promised land
BUT WITHOUT THE PRESCENCE OF GOD.
God says, “But I will not go with you, because you are a stiff-necked people and I might destroy you on the way.” (Exodus 33:3). Seeking Soul, Moses Takes God to Task in three significant areas we can learn today:
THE PROMISE: Do not settle for a promise without God’s Presence. Seeking Soul, every single moment, life offers a series of opportunities and favors. The fact is that not all opportunities that come our way are meant for Good! Remember, all that glitters is not gold, and if the deal is too good, think twice. Prayer precedes all. Moses tells God, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.” (Exodus 33:15). Pray for discernment and against every distracting spirit that takes God’s people from his ordained purpose.
THE PRESCENCE: Seeking Soul, “Without holiness, no one will see God.” Whoever seeks the Prescence of God must be ready to abide by the standards of God. God states His position to Moses, “But I will not go with you, because you are a stiff-necked people and I might destroy you on the way.” (Exodus 33:3). Seeking Soul, the Prayer of a righteous person prevails. I challenge you to stand in the gap like Moses and appeal to the mercies of God for all in need. Moses says to God, “Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, show me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight: and consider that this nation is thy people” (Exodus 33:13 KJV)
THE POWER: Answered Prayer demonstrates God’s Power. Seeking Soul, the conversation shifts a notch higher; this time, it is Moses presenting his case. Remember, Moses and God were so close to each other that the bible records: And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. (Exodus 33:11a KJV) The persistent faith of Moses, the priest, and the prophet is seen here. Moses declares to God, “For wherein shall it be known here that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight? Is it not in that thou goest with us? So shall we be separated, I and thy people, from all the people that are upon the face of the earth (Exodus 33:16 KJV). Dear Seeking Soul, Pray that the power of God will be revealed in families, churches, communities, and the marketplace and that those who see God at work will worship him for His great deeds.
Seeking Soul, Your work is an evangelistic tool to the world around you. How will you represent God wherever you are, so that those around you may experience the “Promises, Prescence and Power of God?
And Abraham came near and said, “Would You also destroy the righteous with the wicked? Suppose there were fifty righteous within the city; would You also destroy the place and not spare it for the fifty righteous that were in it? Far be it from You to do such a thing as this, to slay the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous should be as the wicked; far be it from You! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” (Genesis 18:23-25)
Seeking Soul, now that our eyes are getting opened and our hearts getting heavier with the burdens that burden God’s heart, our knees should bend in humble adoration as we CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD, just like the tax collector who was deeply grieved by his sin that he could not look up to the holiness of God’s Prescence to demand anything. I call on us to “Beat our breast” in shame for divine intervention, understanding that it is not our compulsion that moves God to respond but rather His mercy over our deprived state. (Luke 18:9-14)
In Genesis 16, Mr. and Mrs. Abram intervene to help God fulfill the covenant promise he had made to Abraham. The result is the consequence of a son who would be an enemy and troublesome to his brothers. In Genesis 17, God not only renews His covenant with Abram by introducing circumcision, for without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sin, but He also changes their names. He demands of them a new wholistic commitment: “…walk before Me and be blameless” (Genesis 17:1). In their conversion, God “baptizes” Abram to Abraham and Sarai to Sarah. While Abram and Sarai both imply Father and Mother of “many,” God manifests His Omnipotence by expanding their influence beyond their immediate family to include “nations.” In the renewed covenant, Abraham and Sarah become the father and mother of “many nations.”
Dear Seeking Soul, God is determined to make it right through you. As you choose by faith to walk before God blameless, he transforms your perspectives from seeing local to seeing global. The apostle Paul prays the same for the Ephesian Church. Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty powerwhich He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come (Ephesians 1:15-21).
Seeking Soul, from the intercession prayer of Paul to the Ephesians, we learn some benefits of having a “global” perspective:
Attentiveness: Since I heard of your Faith – Soul, you can only know the plight of others, neighbors, and nations by getting involved and being engaged, and you will get what to pray for daily.
Gratefulness: Do not cease to give thanks – Soul, building relationships with others will fill you with gratitude for what God is doing among them.
Distinctiveness: Making mention of you – Soul, constant remembrance demands intentionality and takes a personal interest in others and what they are going through.
Godliness: God of our Lord – Soul, God is the source of all wisdom, knowledge, enlightenment, hope, glory, power, and dominion; you can approach God confidently with the assurance that He can take care of issues, no matter what.
Once the eyes of Abraham are opened, his interests become Global. In Genesis 16, his “local” vision sees an heir to be received through his servant; in Genesis 18, Abraham’s “global” eyes are opened to Intercede for the city of Sodom and Gomorrah to be spared from destruction for the sake of his nephew Lot. Notice how Abraham is so sensitive not to allow the “Lord to pass by. ” He appealed to the favor of God. Due to his generosity, Abraham and Sarah are promised by “The Lord” a child. When the Divine guests seek to move over to Sodom and Gomorrah to destroy it due to “the outcry against the city,” Abraham cries for the City, appealing to God not to destroy the “righteous with the wicked.”
Dear Seeking Soul, shift your “local” lenses to “global” and see the outcry of the cities destined for judgment. Open your eyes to the Seven Mountains of influence in every city attributed to Bill Bright, Loren Cunningham, and Francis Schaeffer. How are these areas influencing your city?
Religion: The Church (Religion) & Christian Laborers; Evangelism and Discipleship; Other Faiths and Belief Systems & Unreached Peoples. Identify and pray over the idols that are taking over the people’s hearts away from God.
Family: Family and Marriages; Parenting & The Vulnerable children; The Elderly & People with special needs; Poor and Displaced. Pray over the sustenance of the home institution that God founded.
Education: Teachers, professors; Youth and Senior High Schools; Colleges and Universities; Kindergarten and Elementary, Middle School and junior High. Pray against every mind that exalts itself above the purposes of God.
Business: The Economy, Health Care, Humanitarian Ministries, and NGOs. Pray for the marketplace economics against corruption and injustice that perpetuates slavery and poverty as a few benefits at the expense of many.
Government: Local and National Government; The Military & State, County Employees; Human Rights and Individual Freedoms; Crime and Violence; Justice and Integrity. Pray over every authority that God will use them to accomplish His purpose for the nations.
Media: Radio, TV, Print, Internet; Social Networking & News Media; Pornography Industry; Alternative lifestyles. Pray that the destructive forces of evil will be confused and that all media be used to proclaim the Gospel to hasten the coming of our Lord.
Arts and Entertainment: Arts and Movie Industry; Cultural Entertainment and Traditions; Addictions; Prayer of Salvation, Deliverance and Sanctification. Pray for deliverance from “hurts, habits, and hang-ups” that enslave people and nations to be unproductive.
Seeking Soul, what areas of influence in your city would you bring before God in Prayer?
…Then men began to call on the name of the Lord. (Genesis 4:26)
Seeking Soul, I am back to the “Restaurant” that has become my hiding space to seek the Lord. Today, amid the noises and chats from diverse people encroaching on this space and the sound of Middle Eastern Orient instrumental “Oud” music in the background, I am cast back to Eden. I can barely hear people’s conversations as I am lost in His Prescence filled in His word. God has impressed upon my heart to study the generations that grew outside the Eden sanctuary after Adam and Eve were cast out of the sacred Prescence of God as a result of disobedience.
Mr and Mrs Adam lost both of their children, the second-born Abel, murdered by his brother, and the first-born Cain, cursed to damnation and mental deprivation by God as a result of his atrocities. Through Cain, true worship was exterminated when he killed his brother Abel, whose sacrifice God had accepted. Cain is jealous and masterminds the first murder recorded in human history. God intervened and warned Cain, “…Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.” (Genesis 4:6)
The demise of worship comes with Cain being banished from the Prescence of God. Then Cain went out from the presence of the Lord and dwelt in the land of Nod on the east of Eden (Genesis 6:16). The generations that followed Cain are intertwined in this curse of violence and deprivation. Lamech Cain’s grandson deviates from God’s order of marital fidelity and takes on two wives. Sadly, Lamech continues the generational curse committed by his grandfather Cain when he confesses to his wives: “…I have killed a man for wounding me, Even a young man for hurting me.”
Dear Seeking Soul, as we plunge deeper into prayer, our eyes in His Prescence begin to open to the diverse wickedness that bedevils our souls, families, communities, and nation. Is it not true what the scriptures say about those who choose to forsake God; “…The Lord will send upon you curses, confusion, and rebuke, in all you undertake to do, until you are destroyed and until you perish quickly, on account of the evil of your deeds, because you have forsaken Me. (Deuteronomy 28:20) But does God reveal this so that we can join in judging the world? Seeking Soul, would you participate in responding to God’s dilemma; “…I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one. (Ezekiel 22:30)
In my study, I am listening to the Oriental dirge music of the “Oud,” reminding me of the pain of the children, mothers, and fathers in the Middle East, ravaged by war that knows no boundaries. Those who sleep and rise with the wails of sirens and the tearing sounds of explosions. The trauma of death, bloodshed, and maiming leave unforgettable scars that only God can heal. The deep-seated vengeance that has become a malignant infection eating into the human soul. I hear the sacred warning from God demanding action. When I say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,’ and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life, that same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand. Yet, if you warn the wicked, and he does not turn from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity, but you have delivered your soul. (Ezekiel 3:18,19)
Seeking Soul ALL IS NOT LOST! Despite the decadence and state of spiritual derailment during the Adams era, a new season dawns. The Bible says, …And Adam knew his wife again, and she bore a son and named him Seth, “For God has appointed another seed for me instead of Abel, whom Cain killed.” And as for Seth, to him also a son was born; and he named him Enosh. Genesis 4:25,26). Abel is replaced in the person of “Seth,” who bears a son called “Enosh”. When all was thought lost, God, in His mercies, remembered Adam and gave him a seed that would restore once more the Prescence of God. With the Birth of Lamech, the grandson of Cain, evil was perpetuated, BUT In the birth of Enosh, the grandson of Lamech, Worship is restored. Hallelujah! And as for Seth, to him also a son was born; and he named him Enosh. Then,men began to call on the name of theLord. (Genesis 4:26)
Dear Soul, God is initiating a restoration. As your inner eyes are open, you begin to see gaps that can only be filled with divine intervention, healings that only God causes, restoration of broken relationships, and deep-flowing forgiveness. YES! When you take your space and intercede and bring these issues before God. Do not fall into the trap of fixing the problems and seeking man-made solutions. BEGIN TO CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD. Call the name of the Lord over:
Every barren circumstance
Every prevailing evil that binds into captivity
Every broken relationship
Every destructive hurt, habit, and hang-ups
CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD!
Oh, Soul, may God now open your eyes to the truth; Cain, in his “possessions,” failed to worship God in Spirit and Truth and is cursed to wander, while Abel, his victim, was all poured out in total surrender just like “breath” as his name suggests. Yet through Adam, a third son, “Seth” as a “Compensation” for his first loss, through whom the prophecy of a seed to crush the serpent’s head would be born. And through Seth, “Enosh,” whose name refers to “Mankind,” is born. God begins all over again to restore a relationship with humanity with the coming of “Enosh.” Enosh also gets Enoch, who walked with God till he was “no more,” and Noah, by whom God begins a whole new lineage of Mankind.
Thus says the Lord, When I shut up heaven, and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people, if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. (2Chronicles 7:13,14) Seeking Soul, take your Bible and notebook; as you read through the story of Genesis 4, ask God to open your eyes to the things that break the heart of GOD. What are the things the Holy Spirit is raising to you that you can begin CALLING ON THE NAME OF THE LORD about?
Then Sarai, Abram’s wife, took Hagar, her maid, the Egyptian, and gave her to her husband Abram to be his wife… (Genesis 16:3)
Seeking Soul, did you realize sometimes God needs help? That is what Sarai (Mrs. Abram) figured out. On this seventh day of prayer and fasting, you are highly expectant of beginning to receive answers to prayer. You feel you have just accomplished the perfection season of God. Today, God did a miracle by directing me to meet a stranger I barely knew, to intervene in the needs of our church in a significant way. God answers prayer!
Sarai may have heard the conversation between God and Abram and wondered how that could be. God had promised Abram in Genesis 15:4 “…“This one (Eliezer) the servant, shall not be your heir, but one who will come from your own body shall be your heir.” Realizing she was aging and without the biological viability to become pregnant, she crafted a plan that would help her realize God’s promise.
Dear Seeking Soul, does that sound familiar? You need a relationship; you search for it. You need money; you work for it. Have you not heard the common phrase that “God helps those who help themselves?” You bribe to get your way and thank God for giving you money to realize your desire. Soul, are we not the proverbial hyena who finds a bone on the road and instructs the bone that “if you don’t move from my way, I will have no choice but to eat you?”
In chapter sixteen of Genesis, Sarai relates her bareness to God, who has “restrained her from bearing children.” She is generous enough to offer her maidservant to the husband to bear a son for her as a surrogate mother of sought. That was a common customary habit of wealthy people who would get children through their “slave” laborers.
Seeking Soul, the Bible clearly indicates that “…Abram heeded the voice of Sarai.” What? Oh yes, even after the elaborate argument with God and sealing the covenant with blood, Abram never thought it prudent to consult with God before implementing his wife’s “emergency intervention plan” (emip). Please hold on before casting the first stone on Sarai. Don’t you think that is who we are?
Seeking Soul, do you feel as though you have waited too long for the answer to your prayer? You know you have done it right by praying, fasting, meditating on the word, and waiting upon the Lord. You suddenly remember that maybe I need to take the initiative by making this one call; what is wrong with spending one night to demonstrate my love? It looks like we will get married anyway! Soon, you realize you have made compromises and must bear the consequences of the drastic steps taken without consulting God.
It is not long before Sarai and Abraham are faced with a domestic quarrel. The slave girl despises Sarai now that she has gotten pregnant, Sarai blaming Abram for the jealousy fit and Abram lashing back at Sarai to deal with the girl according to her desire. Sarai renders Hagar the slave to become homeless, and if it were not for God’s intervention, a pregnant woman would have starved to death in the wilderness. Seeking Soul, what lessons do we learn from this love scandal episode?
Divine Plan: There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. (Proverbs 14:12) Does your plan have the approval of God? Count the cost of the ultimate consequences.
Ultimate Purpose: Sarai intended to get a child through her husband; she never cared about the means. God was particular and had already stated that Abram was to get an heir, not just a child. Besides, this heir was not to come through the slave path. God never needed help from Sarai to make that happen. Thus says the Lord, ‘Ask of Me, and I will surely give the nations as Your inheritance, And the very ends of the earth as Your possession (Psalm 2:8)
Sure Posterity: Through Abram’s son, a nation would be formed, a righteous nation after God to displace all the idol-worshiping nations that existed in the land. Abram’s heir would become a solution to the “evil” that prevailed. Unfortunately, with the coming of “Ishmael,” a lasting “restlessness” would coexist among the brothers. The Bible says, “Ishmael, shall be a wild man; His hand shall be against every man, And every man’s hand against him. And he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren.” (Genesis 16:12)
Seeking Soul, how have you found yourself attempting to help, instead of waiting on God?
And when the vultures came down on the carcasses, Abram drove them away. (Genesis 15:11)
Seeking Soul, as you begin to discern the voice of God, as you get deeper into an intimate experience of The Divine encounter, in prayer and fasting, you must be ready for battle. There is a battle coming! Yes, be reminded, that:
…the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled. (2 Corinthians 10:4-6)
In Genesis 14, Abram has just come from engaging in a physical battle. He got a report that his nephew Lot was taken captive as a slave by enemy forces. He manages to marshal a team and rescue his family from the enemy. He is unaware that this physical battle was preparing him for a more significant spiritual encounter that would determine his destiny.
Seeking Soul, beyond the pains of hunger that you are beginning to gradually overcome, despite overcoming the moments of isolation in your wilderness experience, above rejecting the competing voices and succeeding to listen to Christ, The True Shepherd, there is a battle coming you must be ready to conquer.
Genesis 15, Abraham is confronted by a great enemy, the “self.” God confirms to him that He is his Shield, Abraham’s exceedingly great reward. The narrator indicates that Abraham contends God’s offer; he is not satisfied that God is offering himself as a gift. Abram wants a tangible gift he can identify with and see with his naked eye. The Bible says:
But Abram said, “Lord God, what will You give me, seeing I go childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” 3 Then Abram said, “Look, You have given me no offspring; indeed, one born in my house is my heir!”(Genesis 15:2,3)
Dear Seeking Soul, don’t you see how similar we can easily be trapped with the urgency of our interests in prayer until we fail to see God’s ultimate plan? Abram’s childlessness is glaring louder to him than the company of God, who has promised to be with him always. What urgent matters are more important to you than an encounter with God?
God assures Abram that his slave will not be his heir but that Abram shall get his son and inherit the land he was promised. Abraham demands confirmation from God to be given an assurance of inheritance, now that he had no son at all. To settle the score, God invites Abram to a covenant-signing agreement. Abraham must prepare the sacrifice and cut it into halves so that God may pass in between them. That was a joint cultural pact in those days when two parties were sealing a covenant.
The narrator does not tell us how long Abram waited for God to arrive at the covenant ground, but it took a while, and Abram had to “protect” his covenant and eventually got so tired that he fell asleep. Seeking Soul, was this deliberate to test Abram on whether he was patient enough to wait on God? No one knows, BUT The Bible says, “…And when the vultures came down on the carcasses, Abram drove them away.” (Genesis 15:11)
Seeking Soul, you are about to seal a pact with God, but the “vultures” won’t let you go through; drive the “vultures” away!
Oh, Soul, your way is coming on God’s way, and you must wait patiently because God has promised His Prescence, and you are not alone, drive the “vultures” away!
These “vultures” that threaten your covenant with God must be kept away if the deal with God will have to come through. How patient are you to fight this battle until God appears? Yes, for Abram “…And it came to pass, when the sun went down, and it was dark, that behold, a smoking oven and a burning torch appeared between those pieces. 18 On the same day, the Lord made a covenant with Abram…”
Seeking Soul, your battle against self is won by patience. The Bible says…
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: “For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:35-39)
Dear Soul, as you encounter God in prayer and fasting, how is the “self” coming in the way of your encounter with God?
