This month's theme:
What do we have in Christ? What is available to us as we believe in Him?
Prayers for October:
That people get to know God and answer the call on their lives. That they recognize their need and recognize that inner voice leading them to light.
Prayer for current events:
Peace in the Ukraine. Peace in the middle East. That all those in authority be led of God's wisdom to overcome the terrorist groups. That each country agree to what their involvement should be. That the bloodshed of innocent people cease.
We continue to pray that the Ebola virus be contained and a cure be found. Wisdom for every country in the diagnosing and treatment of the infected. That Africa get the help they need to treat every person infected, that no one be left without the help they need.
We pray that the violence and shooting will stop in Toronto. That God help us to educate and rehabilitate the young men who get involved in gangs and carry weapons. May they learn the ways of peace and get a better attitude towards their fellow brothers and life in general.
We pray that persecution all over the world for race, religion, sexuality, every reason will cease and that ways of peace, love and acceptance prevail.
Scriptures for this month's theme:
What do we have in Christ?
John 3:16. Salvation from death, forgiveness for our wrongs.
Isaiah 53:5. By His stripes we were healed.
John 10:10. He came to give us abundant life.
Ephesians 1:5, Romans 8:15,16, 2Corinthians 1:22. We are adopted into God's family.
Ephesians 3:16. Strength from the Holy Spirit.
2Peter 1:4, 2Corinthians 3:18. The nature of Christ developed in us by the Holy Spirit.
John 16:13, Romans 12:2. Knowing God's will.
1Corinthians 2:14-16. The wisdom of God.
Phillipians 4: 6-9. The peace of Christ.
Psalm 91: 12. Protection from harm.
Romans 5:5. God's love in our hearts.
We have everything that Christ had while he walked on Earth. How did he do it? May I suggest that Jesus spent time alone meditating on scriptures, praying and listening to God as much as he needed, till he knew God's will for him and felt strengthened by the Holy Spirit. Through Christ we have the Holy Spirit, so we can do what God inspires us to do. Only hearing God's voice through the Holy Spirit could we know God's will and have the courage, wisdom and strength to do it.
Words of encouragement:
Galatians 4:6,7. Since we are children of God, everything that belongs to God belongs to us. That would include the nature of God. Hope, faith, love for righteousness, honesty, loyalty, desire to know God, power to love, power to forgive, wisdom, insight, knowing what is best for us and the patience to work towards that, wait and receive!
Galatians 5:16. So live according to your new life in the Holy Spirit. Let the Holy Spirit guide you into God's will for you.
Romans 8: 13,14. For if you put to death the misdeeds of the flesh by the Holy Spirit, you will gain eternal life. For all who are lead of the Spirit of God are children of God.
Remember:
Jeremiah 29:11. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. ESV
Isaiah 58:11. The Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. ESV
1 Timothy 6: 18, 19. Be rich in good works and give generously to those in need, always being ready to share with others whatever God shows you. By doing this you will be storing up treasure as a good foundation for the future so that you may take hold of real life.
Thank you for joining in this month's prayers. May God give you more understanding of your purpose and your talents in this life. May God reveal to you all that you have in Christ. May the love of God fill and guide your heart always!
Photo: "Jesus" at Halloween Street party. If you think he looks a little humorous, just remember we all have a piece of God in us! ; )
