Archive for the ‘Devotionals’ Category

Dear TC-HOP Family,

Luke 18:1 says, “Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart.” According to the parable of the sower, men and women lose heart from attacks from the evil one; from shallow, rootless faith that cannot endure trouble or hardship; from the cares of this world and also from the “deceitfulness of riches” that chokes our vibrancy and life in God. When given multiple, negative options, do I have the perspective and confidence in God to choose the “better” option, which is praying and trusting in God, though the pressure is great and often my choices don’t translate into immediate comfort or benefit? Ask yourself, ‘In my life, how real is the judgment of God, the age to come, and the reward that awaits me, so that I might stay steady and grow in love? Our great challenge, as we try to give ourselves to a lifestyle of prayer and fasting, lies within the very core of this world (I Jn. 2:16). The delusion of self-sufficiency and self-reliance, the pride of life, and the lust of the eyes and the flesh, all wage war on the devotional life of the believer. It is relatively easy, even for those who have the heart and calling to pray day and night, to lose heart in the journey of intercession and transformation. How can we as the people of God stay steady and persevere in the light of the external and internal threats to our soul and life in God? It’s only through a rich vibrant prayer life that we maintain the vibrancy, life, joy and perspective necessary to weather the storms that will come to shake our resolve and dedication. A life of prayer must translate into real faith, an expression of belief that touches every area of our thoughts, words and actions. Jesus is inviting believers to embrace a lifestyle of prayer and fasting that produces the fruit of agreement with Him in every area of our lives. The Son of Man will find faith on the earth at His return when He finds a people who love mercy, do justly, and walk humbly with their God. (Mic. 6:8) Jesus says in Luke 21:36, “Be always on watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”

Blessings,
Gary

Dear TC-HOP Family,

Ephesians 3:16-19 says, “I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have the power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”

I believe our times in intercession before the Father help us in fulfilling in our lives and the lives of others the prayer in this passage. Through intercession we internalize God’s word by saying it back to Him. In doing this, it marks our mind and spirit and strengthens us, progressively renewing our inner man. God’s words are spirit and life. Each time we say what God says, we impart His life that will illuminate our mind and tenderize our hearts. Intercession unites our hearts to the people and places we pray for. It is a practical expression of love for people and will help produce community with people and ownership of God’s purposes in cities and nations. Intercession will change the spiritual atmosphere of places and thus prepare the way for the presence of God. It releases anointed ministry to bring blessing and deliverance to many. Intercession for others causes multiplied blessings to return back on the life of the intercessor. Every prayer of blessing for another is a prayer that God returns back on you and your family. Lk. 6:38, “Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.” Finally, intercession positions us to hear from God about our calling and destiny. In intercession, we receive revelation into the destiny of others (loved ones), cities, or nations so that we may stand with them in contending for God’s fullness for them.

Through our times of intercession this week, let us remember the great impact of what we are doing as it draws us into intimacy with God, transforms with holiness, anoints with power, unifies the community, releases revelation, and increases our inheritance while it trains us to rule with His wisdom.

Blessings,
Gary