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Tampilkan postingan dengan label INTIMACY WITH GOD. Tampilkan semua postingan

Jumat, 13 Februari 2015

GREAT QUOTES on PRAYER

Hasil gambar untuk christian prayer
GREAT QUOTES on PRAYER

"All prayer is hidden. It is behind a closed door. The best spade
diggers go down into deep ditches out of sight. There are numbers
of surface workers, but few who in selfobliteration toil alone with God."
-Seth Joshua

"A church in the land without the Spirit is rather a curse than a
blessing. If you have not the Spirit of God, Christian worker,
remember that you stand in somebody else's way; you are a
fruitless tree standing where a fruitful tree might grow."
-C. H. Spurgeon

"In the evening I was favored with great faith and fervency in prayer.
It seemed as if God would deny me nothing, and I wrestled for
multitudes of souls, and could not help hoping there would be
revival here."
-Edward Payson

"As I was walking in the fields, the thought came over me with
almost overwhelming power, that every one of my flock must soon
be in heaven or hell. Oh how I wished that I had a tongue like
thunder, that I might make all hear; or that I had a frame like iron,
that I might visit every one and say, 'Escape for thy life! Ah sinner!
You little know how I fear that you will lay the blame of your
damnation at my door."
-Robert Murray M'Cheyne

"I had an overwhelming experience of the Lord's presence. I felt so
powerfully overcome by the nearness of the Holy Spirit that I had
to ask the Lord to draw back lest He kill me. It was so glorious
that I couldn't stand more than a small portion of it."
-Mordecai Ham

GPN - 13/02/2015

13/02/2015

Dear Dave and church,

'God can turn winds of adversity into showers of blessing.' (Genesis 50:20)

Until tomorrow we have '4 days of Fasting & Prayer' with all The Blessing Churches. We believe and pray for breakthroughs for those who are in need and all who seek Him for an answer. Pray also for the pastors and for the ministry of the Johan Maasbach World Mission Foundation.

Tomorrow we will have the closing service of our '4 days of Fasting & Prayer' at the Immanuel Church in Utrecht. You are welcome to join us in prayer from 14.00 - 16.00 h. Do you have a need for yourself or someone close to you? E-mail us, so we can pray together for a miracle. 

Urgent: Pray for a miracle of healing for my daughter Shakira who has bonecancer and metastases in her body. According to the doctors he has only six months to live. Pray also for the evangelical tracts that we have spread at the hospital. Mrs. H.R.

Urgent: Pray for Mr. M.T. who has a severe metastatic cancer in the intestine and liver. Pray that God will do a miracle, but above all that he will come to repentance. Mr. G.d.H.

Pray for Bill, because he may have stomach cancer. He and his family are very scared. There was a lot of fluid in his stomach. Pray for God's healing. Ms. Vicky

Pray for God’s blessing, anointing and guidance during the mission trip to the USA from February 18th until March 3rd for John T.L. Maasbach and the MAP Band.

I need deliverance from watching junk on the internet. I want to repent and live a holy life. Please pray for me. Mr. F.R.

Pray for healing, comfort and new strength for Mrs. B. (94) She is cold and has recently lost her two sons. She has fallen and is now recovering from two broken ribs.

South Sudan: Please pray for God's provision, so I can pay the school fees for my children. Although we do not know how God is going to help us in paying them, yet we trust in Him. He will help us to go through, as He did in the past years. Evangelist K.F.

Pray for healing of chronic pneumonia for Mrs. E. Also for repentance and deliverance for her mother in law from witchcraft.

Pray for a breakthrough for my business with eBay in this really hard time. Pray that Mr. J.G. sr. will get the job that he applied for today and that Mr. J.G. jr. would get off drugs and go to a rehab center. Also agree in prayer for healing from God for the stomach of A.H. Mrs. D.G.

Pray for all preparations of All Kids 1st for the kids program this upcoming Easter. And for yourself, that God will put someone on your mind to invite to your church this Easter.

Mrs. G.B. asks us to pray for healing of her mom from pneumonia, COPD and arthrosis. For herself, for deliverance from a depression. She has a desire that her sons will live closer to her. And for an open door to help in her church.

Central Asia: Pray for Christians who are experiencing difficulties because of their faith, for God's protection and wisdom. Pray for Baurzhan, Nurzhamal and their families. They are afraid and tense for the possible consequences of a search of the secret service who had found a Bible with them. Pray for Sergey and his family. He is indicted for his involvement in the illegal distribution of religious literature and materials. The proof are several books and CDs with Christian content that were found in a house search. Open Doors

Mrs. v.K. (42) asks us to pray for deliverance from sleeping problems.

Pray for all those who want to follow Jesus and will be baptized at the Baptismal Service on Sunday March 22nd in The Hague. That God will bless them and keep them on His path, so they can be used in God's Kingdom.

Pray for the conversion of my son D. (32), who is an atheist. And for a partner for my daughter G.M. (40). Mrs. E.

Malawi: Pray for the land of our ministry, which we purchased on 2007. We have built a church and have plans to build a clinic and resthouse, grow maize meal, etc. Unfortunately, other people sold another part of the land illegally and some people have already erected some infrastructures. We really need God's intervention. Pray for the ministry of Aid for Trade and Savings Loan Association. Bishop T.C.

Continue to pray for Mr. L.D., for deliverance from insomnia, anxiety, restlessness and confused feelings.

Pray for open doors and open hearts during outreaches from various The Blessing Churches. Pray for each tract that will be spread, that people will accept the Lord and attend church.

PRAYER HELPS: He has answered our prayers, because I can move to a new home. Thank God that I can move on in peace and that I can close this chapter in my life. Pray that everything will go smooth, for enough help from people and the necessary finances. Ms. C.M.
NEW, MODERN AND SUPER FAST!
Listen non-stop to the faith-building messages of anointed preachers with singing, music and special prayer. Choose your own language, preacher and topic. Listen, download, like it, put in your favorites, share with others and much more! Pray and thank God that this station will reach many people in places where little or nothing of the Gospel is found and where people are on their own. Tune in at www.maasbachradio.com.

Rabu, 06 November 2013

All I Have is Yours


All I Have is Yours

“Bring out the best robe and put it on him.”
LUKE 15:22

To put on the Lord Jesus is to be clothed with the very best robe. This robe makes us look better than we really are. But when we are dressed with the best we begin to act differently. Having put on the Lord Jesus, we are clothed with Him and His character replaces our character. His Life is received in exchange for our life. If we cooperate with the Life we will naturally find our behavior is changed.
But what of the elder son? “Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours” (Luke 15:31). Hallelujah! There is no partiality with God, however much we may think God is being more fair or more generous to some brother or sister. Not so: the robe, the ring, and the shoes only represent the “all,” the fullness of the Father, and “of His fullness we have all received” (John 1:16). The Father says, “All that I have is yours!” Who can dare ask God for a single thing apart from the Son?
Source: Lord of All by Chip Brogden

Pray for Persecuted Believers Around the World

Pray for Persecuted Believers Around the World


Christian Aid Mission is asking believers to pray for our brothers and sisters around the globe who face harassment, imprisonment, and even death because of their faith in Jesus Christ.
While persecution is an ongoing reality in many parts of the world, the problem has received greater attention this year from secular media who reported malicious attacks on Christians in places like Egypt, Pakistan, and Nigeria.
The International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church is designated for Sunday, November 3. The annual initiative encourages Christians to set aside time to remember and pray for fellow believers who endure great adversity for the sake of the gospel.
Indigenous ministries assisted by Christian Aid Mission work on the frontlines in many of these difficult and dangerous areas. Some of their missionaries have been directly impacted by acts of violence and, in some instances, gave the ultimate sacrifice so that they may “finish [their] race with joy, and the ministry which [they] received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20: 24b, NKJV).
Click on the country links below the map for seven stories of persecution and a list of prayer needs. These examples reveal some of the challenges our ministry partners, their missionaries, and local believers confront as they faithfully follow the Lord Jesus and seek to fulfill the Great Commission to the ends of the earth.

Rabu, 08 Mei 2013

GPN 05-07-2013

 
GPN 05-07-2013

‘The fragrance of faithful praise should rise from the blossom of answered prayer.’ (Psalm 28:6)
Have a blessed week and Ascension Day! Greetings from Marga Hooglugt – GPN
URGENT! Pray for a miracle of healing for Jonas P. (28). He has a brain tumor and there is nothing they can do. He was brought up religious. Pray for his conversion.
Holland: Mr. B. from Amsterdam asks prayer. He feels lonely and stuffy. Pray for his healing and that he will visit the meetings in church again.
East Africa: Persecution of Christians by Muslim extremists continues to increase. Pastor Mathayo Kachili was killed in Buseresere, Tanzania, recently by radical Muslims who attacked him with machetes. He was a husband and father of 12 children. We met his wife, Generosa, to encourage and comfort her, and also helped provide some of her needs, including shelter, food, clothing and seed money to start a small business. Christianity is still the majority religion in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, and church growth has been remarkable in the last 20 years. But Islamists in the north have been pouring resources into East Africa to radicalize the Muslim population and drive out Christians. VOM Contact
Mexico: Please pray with me for: Micah (27), a missionary; he desires to be married and adopt children. My friend Jim; he is expecting a breakthrough this week. For me; there is still a need to build a website. Mr. M.B.
Southeast Asia: New Believer Persecuted for Holding Christian Fellowship – Brother "Keon" and his wife have suffered intense persecution since opening their home to other Christians last Christmas. The family accepted Jesus Christ after their son was miraculously healed from an illness. But after converting to Christianity, Brother Keon was forbidden to associate with anyone in the village. The village leaders were angry because Brother Keon received Christians into his home without asking their permission, which they would have denied. Brother Keon is now concerned about his family’s safety and his own safety, as other believers have been kidnapped or have disappeared. But they are standing firm in the Lord despite the dangers and remain in their village, where they feel called to minister. Please pray for them! VOM Contact
New York City: Please prayer for me this week. Last week I was attacked on the subway. I am still in a lot of pain and have a swollen face. Brother Danny
Mali: Bamako – A Christian aid and advocacy group has set up shelters for Christian converts in heavily Islamic Mali, which has been ravaged by civil war and Islamic extremism. Pray for God’s help and protection for all the Christians in Mali. Ms. V.
Laos: Pray for the 22 Khmu pastors who are being trained at underground Bible schools. These pastors will lead rural house churches throughout northern Laos.
I ask prayer for a gypsy woman (41) who suffers from stress. She does not visit church anymore. She is also very sad because her cousin committed suicide last week. Pray that she will visit the church meetings again and she will receive the strength and peace of the Lord.
Would you pray for and like to listen to uplifting Christian music?
Tune in at MAASBACHRADIO.COM
Marga Hooglugt
Global Prayer Network
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Selasa, 30 April 2013

Trying to Save Saeed

Trying to Save Saeed

By Jeremy Reynalds
Senior Correspondent for ASSIST News Service

BOISE, IDAHO (ANS) -- Saeed Abedini is in a battle for his life.
Saeed Abedini and his family
According to an article by Katy Moeller for the Idaho Statesman, the 32-year-old has languished in Iran's notorious Evin Prison for more than 200 days. He was convicted of "threatening the national security of Iran" for his involvement in Christian home churches from 2000 to 2005.His parents are allowed to visit him weekly, and they say he's enduring beatings and other torture. He has suffered internal bleeding and needs medical treatment, according to the American Center for Law and Justice.
Tiffany N. Barrans, international legal director for the nonprofit advocacy center, said it has petitioned to have the Red Cross come in as a third party to treat him.
"That has not been granted by the Iranian authorities," the Idaho Statesman reported Barrans said.
Saeed, a Boise resident with his wife and two children since 2006, was in Iran doing humanitarian work when he was imprisoned in September. In January, he was sentenced to eight years in prison.
The Idaho Statesman said Saeed has told authorities that if he is freed, he will leave Iran and never return, Barrans said. That didn't help his case.
As hopeless as the situation appears, Barrans said there's reason to be optimistic about his release. A decision on Saeed's appeal is pending.
"It gives the Iranian government an out, to save face," the Idaho Statesman reported Barrans said of the possibility that his sentence will be overturned. "They want to look like a country that is following the rule of law."
It's important to get Saeed released before Iran's elections in June.
"During and around those elections, the Iranian government is not going to want to release anyone who is seen as oppositional," the Idaho Statesman reported Barrans said.
Barrans said the key to Saeed's safe release is pressure from other countries - particularly those that have ties to Iran, including Qatar, Italy, Argentina and Brazil.
The Idaho Statesman said the American Center for Law and Justice is seeking support from those nations, and the group hopes the U.S. State D epartment is doing the same behind the scenes.
One positive new development, Barrans said, is that human rights groups within Iran haven taken up Saeed's cause.
"If there is enough stir in Iran - in their media and social media - it may cause unrest," Barrans said. "They may decide it's not worth the unrest during their elections, if this one man's case could disrupt that peace."
Keeping the Pressure On
The Idaho Statesman said more than half a million people have signed an online petition calling for Saeed's release.
Friends at his church in Boise are doing what they can to help.
"We have a constant flow of letters going to Iran, so they know he's not forgotten," said Rhett Allen, assistant director of children's ministry at Boise's Calvary Chapel.
Some of those letters have been written by children from the church, he said. The church is selling neon yellow "Save Saeed" T-shirts for $20 at its bookstore.
"We're exercising every resource that w e have," the Idaho Statesman reported Allen said. "We serve a good God, and we know he can do miracles."
Saeed's wife, Naghmeh, is doing a lot of public speaking, hoping to keep her husband's plight in the public eye.
The Idaho Statesman said a regular on Fox News, she tries to limit travel outside the state to just once a month so that she's not away from the couple's two children, ages 6 and 5.
Naghmeh said most of the money raised on her family's behalf has gone to others who need it more. She said she's sent it to a group of Christian families - associated with her husband - who fled from Iran to Turkey.
"I feel responsible for them," she said.
Raised in Idaho, Married in Iran
Naghmeh (Panahi) Abedini, 36, was born in Iran but grew up in the Treasure Valley.
The Idaho Statesman said her family fled during the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s. Today, her father runs a user-interface manufacturing company called PKG User Interface Solutions in Meridian.& nbsp;
Naghmeh graduated from Centennial High School in 1995, and earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Puget Sound. She had her sights set on medical school.
Through Calvary Chapel, the Idaho Statesman said, she did some missionary work in her 20s, including a trip to India, and felt God calling her to do the same in her native Iran.
Her parents were stunned at her decision.
"They felt I was going backward. 'We brought you here so you could flourish as a woman and be a doctor,'" she recalled.
The Idaho Statesman said she comes from a well-educated, high-achieving family. Her twin brother earned a doctorate in quantum physics from the University of Chicago.
Naghmeh went to Iran in late 2001 and met Saeed at a Christian gathering in 2002. They had a Christian wedding in Iran in 2004.
The Idaho Statesman said persecution of Christians intensified after Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was elected president, and they decided in 2005 that it was time to move to Idaho. Naghmeh was pregnant with th eir first child.
The couple live at Naghmeh's parents' house in West Boise. An ordained pastor, Saeed participated in Christian ministry in Iran via Skype.
In 2009, the Idaho Statesman said, Saeed and his family visited Iran. He was detained at the airport on their way home. He was interrogated every day for two months about his activities with the home churches.
The Idaho Statesman said Iranian officials warned him to stop his involvement with the home churches. However, they said he could do nonreligious humanitarian work and continue to travel back and forth between Iran and the U.S., Naghmeh said.
From 2009 to 2012, Naghmeh said, Saeed complied with the Iranian government's demands. Last summer, he was in Iran to build an orphanage on family land in the city of Rasht near the Caspian Sea.
"It was a big surprise when he was arrested," the Idaho statesman reported Naghmeh said.
Wife Warned Not to Go to Iran
Until he was imprisoned, Saeed was able to talk to his wife and children via Skype and telephone.
The Idaho Statesman reported Naghmeh said her first instinct was to go to Iran to be there for her husband. Officials warned her in-laws against that.
"They said, 'If she sets foot in this airport, she's going straight to prison,'" the Idaho Statesman reported Naghmeh said.
That's because she's a Muslim who converted to Christianity and was involved in Christian house churches in Iran with her husband years ago, she said.

Join us in Prayer for Spiritual Awakening!

  

Join us in Prayer for Spiritual Awakening!

The OneCry Prayer Summit will be a live, participatory radio event on May 2, 2013, from 8:00 - 10:00 p.m. Eastern. This two-hour event will focus on prayer for revival and spiritual awakening within the North American church, weaving Scripture, meditations, worship, and reflections throughout. Listen online, as well as engaging and participating through live chat and social media.
Hosted by Moody Radio in partnership with many other stations passionate about spiritual awakening, we're excited to bring you this live radio event on the evening of May 2nd.
Visit Pray! Network at: http://www.praynetwork.org/?xg_source=msg_mes_network

Kamis, 25 April 2013

How Long?

How Long?

“The Lord said to Moses, ‘How long will these people treat me with contempt? How long will they refuse to believe in me, in spite of all the signs I have performed among them?’” – Numbers 14:11
Prisoners in North Korea

*Drawing by a former North Korean prisoner, depicting North Korean prisoners eating plants in a labor camp.


Imagine yourself a Christian living in North Korea, a land that is barren... a land that is silent. You have no church, no freedom to share your faith, no Bible, and no contact with other Christians. You are alone. 

We can only imagine that Christians in North Korea today are echoing these exact words found in Numbers, but instead of God crying to Moses, they are crying to God! “How Long?” In our perspective, Christians in North Korea have been suffering for long enough. But they are not without hope. In the book of Isaiah God tells us through His Word some of His plans and promises for His people, including His people in North Korea.

How Long?

Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea, was once called the Jerusalem of the East. Beginning on January 14, 1907, when a group of Korean Christians and Western missionaries met in Pyongyang for a Bible study …God began to move. Realizing their sin, and the need for Jesus, the group fell on their knees in repentance. In that instant a revival began that lasted 40 years.

When Japan was defeated in 1945 during World War II, Korea was divided into the North (under Soviet Union rule) and the South (under US rule). After the North established the Democratic People’s Republic (DPRK) in 1948 severe persecution began. That was over 65 years ago…in comparison the Israelites wandered in the desert for only 40 years.

In the book of Isaiah God tells us through His Word some of His plans and promises for His people.Holding on to these promises join today in intercessory prayer, through His Word, for North Korea.

THE LORD WILL MAKE NORTH KOREA A PRAISE IN THE EARTH

The Lord has made proclamation to the ends of the earth; “Say to the Daughter of Zion, ‘See, your Savior comes’! See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him.’” They will be called the Holy People the Redeemed of the Lord; and you will be called Sought After, the City No Longer Deserted. – Isaiah 62:11-12

North Korea is the most dangerous country in the world to be a Christian. And yet the Word of God continues to go out, especially in the cities near the Chinese border. Every year North Koreans risk their lives to cross into China. If they are fortunate enough to arrive safely, the danger continues. But if they fall under the care of Christian’s operating safe houses, the gospel message is shared… for many this is the first time hearing the name of Jesus. After receiving Christ, many return to North Korea, at great personal risk, to bring the gospel message to their family at home.

THE LORD WILL GLORIFY HIS CHURCH IN NORTH KOREA

…So He became their Savior. In all their affection He was afflicted, and the angel of His presence saved them; in His love and in His mercy He redeemed them, and He lifted them up and carried them all the days of old. – Isaiah 63:8-9b

On the surface, the fruits of God’s work are not evident in North Korea today. The church may be thought of as “desolate” because of its suffering and lack of visible strength. And yet, His Spirit is there, working in silence. Open Doors supports North Korean Christians in secret with Bibles, books, education and relief aid. Often we receive thank you letters from underground church leaders; oneNorth Korean Christian wrote:

“I am very proud to see our believers’ faithful lives becoming more mature. Their lives are in danger and still they follow the Lord. This could have not been possible if it wasn’t for your endless effort and love. Please continue to pray for us.”


GOD’S SPIRIT WILL NEVER LEAVE NORTH KOREA!

“As for Me, this is My covenant with them,” says the Lord: “My Spirit which is upon you, and My words which I have put in your mouth shall not depart from your mouth, nor from the mouth of your offspring, nor from the mouth of your offspring’s offspring,” says the Lord, “from now and forever.”
 –Isaiah 59:21

Imagine not being able to pass on your faith to your children? In North Korea this desire is dangerous for both believers and their children. If their faith is discovered, they, with their children, are sent to prison and forced into hard labor. Other North Korean children may have been abandoned by their parents due to hardships, for others, their parents may have died. Living on the streets struggling to survive; Timothy, shares his story:

“Like so many children, I was separated from my parents. My father had to flee the country in a hurry. For years, I lived on the streets. Every day, I had to manage to find food. I only slept for a few hours each night and tried to stay awake in order not to die of hunger. I survived by helping to carry luggage at stations. After some time, I realized that I had no future in North Korea. While fleeing to China, I was detained by the border police. They took me back to North Korea where the guards tortured me severely. I kept praying to stay alive, because I had discovered that there was a God. After two weeks, I was released but because of the torture, I was no longer able to stand. My grandmother paid a woman to carry me across the river into China on her back. In the end, I gained freedom and I was reunited with my father. Whatever situation you are in, do not give up, but keep praying!”


GOD WILL REVEAL HIMSELF TO ALL 
“I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me; I was found by those who did not seek me. To a nation that did not call my name. I said ‘Here am I, her am I.’” Isaiah 65:1

Kim Il Sung, the founder of the DPRK, understood the power of worship and set himself up to be the only one.. Statues of him were erected; people were required to bow down before them. Kim Il Sung created a belief system called Juche which twisted the Holy Trinity of Christianity by teaching that Kim Il Sung is god, his son Kim Jong Il is the Christ figure, and the ideology of Juche replaces the Holy Spirit. Kim Jong Il referred to it as “Kimilsungism.” All North Koreans are indoctrinated with this belief system from cradle to grave.  But God has permitted Himself to be found by people who did not seek Him. That grace… guaranteed on the cross of Jesus Christ… is available to everyone, including the leaders of North Korea.  


JOIN IN PRAYING THIS PRAYER
Father God, when will the promise, “For they will be a people blessed by the Lord.”(Is 65:23) be fulfilled completely? Will it be upon the return of Your Son Jesus Christ when all earthly kingdoms will be destroyed and only Your Kingdom remains?  Father, we know that we are to wait for Your perfect time, but our hearts break for those in North Korea who are blinded by the lies. Father, remove the scales from their eyes so that they can see Your glory. We join today in prayer for a mighty, overwhelming outpouring of Your Spirit over the Korean peninsula, believing as we come to You on our knees, and petition on their behalf, that the next great revival in Korea will come soon, and that Your splendor will be spread over the entire nation. Praying in Jesus Name, our Redeemer. Amen.

KUASA DOA YANG TEKUN (LUKAS 18:1-8)

ARTIKEL DOA: KUASA DOA YANG TEKUN (LUKAS 18:1-8)

Kita tidak dapat mengerti dengan mudah mengapa Tuhan yang begitu penyayang dan yang rindu untuk memberkati kita, harus dimohon-mohon dalam suatu jangka waktu tertentu, kadang bertahun-tahun, sebelum jawaban doa itu datang. Hal ini juga menjadi salah satu kesulitan terbesar untuk bertekun dalam doa. Ketika doa kita yang terus-menerus dinaikkan tidak mendapat jawaban, daging kita yang lemah ini berpikir bahwa kita harus berhenti berdoa karena Allah mungkin memiliki alasan tersembunyi dengan menahan jawaban-Nya terhadap doa kita. Hanya iman yang dapat mengalahkan kesulitan. Pada saat iman menemukan pijakan di atas firman Allah dan nama Yesus, serta menyerahkan dirinya ke dalam pimpinan Roh Kudus untuk mencari kehendak Allah dan kemuliaan-Nya di dalam doa, iman tidak akan menjadi putus asa karena penundaan jawaban. Iman mengetahui dari Alkitab bahwa kuasa doa yang didoakan dengan tekun sangatlah besar; iman sejati tidak akan pernah kecewa. Iman tahu bahwa untuk menggunakan kuasanya, maka ia harus dihimpunkan terlebih dahulu, seperti air, hingga sebuah aliran dapat mengalir dengan deras darinya. Sering kali, iman harus "ditumpuk" terlebih dahulu sampai Tuhan melihat takarannya penuh baru kemudian jawaban doa itu datang. Setiap doa yang dengan yakin dinaikkan memiliki pengaruhnya masing-masing. Doa-doa itu disimpan untuk sebuah jawaban yang akan datang, sesuai waktunya bagi orang yang bertekun sampai akhir. Pikiran manusia dan segala kemungkinannya tidak memiliki kaitan dengan hal ini; hanya firman Allah yang hiduplah yang berarti.

Ketika jawaban doa kita tidak datang dalam waktu yang singkat, kita harus mengombinasikan kesabaran yang tenang dengan keyakinan yang penuh sukacita di dalam doa kita yang tekun. Untuk dapat melakukan hal ini, kita harus mengerti dua kata yang dikatakan oleh Tuhan kepada mereka yang berseru siang-malam kepada-Nya: "Ia tidak mengulur-ulur waktu terhadap mereka; Ia akan segera membenarkan diri mereka."

Sang Guru menggunakan kata "segera". Berkat itu sudah dipersiapkan. Bapa tidak hanya berkenan untuk memberkati, tetapi juga ingin memberi mereka apa pun yang mereka minta. Kasih-Nya yang abadi membara bersama-sama dengan keinginan untuk menyatakan diri-Nya secara sempurna kepada orang-orang yang dicintai-Nya dan untuk memuaskan kebutuhan mereka. Tuhan tidak akan menunda sedetik pun waktu yang seharusnya. Dia akan melakukan apa pun dalam kuasa-Nya untuk mempercepat kedatangan jawaban doa itu.

Namun, bila hal itu benar dan kuasa Allah memang tidak terbatas, mengapa kadang-kadang dibutuhkan waktu yang lama untuk mendapatkan sebuah jawaban doa? "Sesungguhnya petani menantikan hasil yang berharga dari tanahnya, dan ia sabar sampai telah turun hujan musim gugur dan hujan musim semi." (Yakobus 5:7) Tentu saja, petani itu menginginkan tuaiannya, tetapi ia mengetahui bahwa untuk mendapatkan hal tersebut dibutuhkan waktu selama semusim penuh. Jadi, ia mempunyai banyak kesabaran. Seorang bocah sering kali sudah ingin memetik buah yang baru setengah matang, tetapi seorang petani menunggu sampai waktu yang tepat untuk menuai.

Dalam kehidupan rohani, manusia juga terikat pada hukum pertumbuhan yang menguasai kehidupan segala ciptaan. Ia dapat mencapai takdir ilahinya hanya jika ia berada di dalam jalur perkembangan. Hanya Bapa yang menentukan waktu dan masa, yang mengetahui kapan sebuah jiwa atau gereja berada dalam kematangannya, dalam kepenuhan iman, dan dengan itu benar-benar dapat mengambil sebuah berkat dan menjadikan itu sebagai miliknya. Seperti seorang ayah yang sedang menanti anak tunggalnya pulang dari sekolah dan dengan sabar menanti sampai waktu pelatihan anaknya itu selesai, begitu pula hubungan antara Allah dengan anak-anak-Nya.

Pengertian akan kebenaran ini dapat menuntun orang-orang percaya untuk menyiapkan sifat-sifat yang berkaitan dengan ketekunan doa, yaitu kesabaran, iman, penantian, dan pujian yang merupakan rahasia untuk bertekun. Oleh iman kepada janji Allah, kita mengetahui bahwa kita sudah memiliki jawaban dari permohonan yang kita naikkan kepada-Nya. Iman memiliki jawaban akan janji itu sebagai milik yang tidak kelihatan. Iman bersukacita di dalam keyakinan itu dan bersyukur kepada Allah mengenainya, tetapi ada perbedaan mengenai iman yang sejenis itu dengan iman yang lebih jelas, penuh, dan lebih matang yang memandang janji tersebut sebagai suatu pengalaman kekinian. Di dalam ketekunan, keyakinan, dan doa penyembahanlah jiwa bertumbuh dalam suatu kesatuan dengan Tuhannya dan melalui itu memiliki berkat di dalam-Nya.

Mungkin, ada beberapa hal di sekitar kita yang harus dibereskan terlebih dahulu melalui doa sebelum jawaban itu benar-benar terjadi. Iman yang mempercayai bahwa ia telah menerima jawaban doa, memiliki kemampuan untuk mengizinkan Tuhan menggunakan waktu-Nya. Iman itu tahu bahwa ia sudah memiliki jawaban itu sekaligus merasa harus mendapatkannya. Dalam ketekunan yang tenang, gigih, dan teguh, iman itu terus berdoa serta mengucap syukur sampai berkat itu tiba. Demikianlah kita dapat melihat kombinasi dari apa yang awalnya terlihat sebagai hal yang saling berlawanan; iman yang bersukacita dalam jawaban Allah yang dianggap sebagai sesuatu yang telah diterima, bertemu dengan kesabaran yang berseru-seru siang dan malam sampai jawaban itu tiba. Seorang anak yang menanti-nanti dengan iman yang sabar akan bertemu dengan Tuhan dalam kemenangan.

Bahaya besar dalam pelajaran ini adalah godaan untuk berpikir, bahwa mungkin sudah menjadi kehendak Allah untuk tidak memberikan kepada kita apa yang kita inginkan. Jika doa-doa kita sejalan dengan firman Allah dan dipimpin oleh Roh Kudus, jangan berikan kesempatan untuk rasa takut ini menyerang Anda. Belajarlah untuk memberi Tuhan waktu. Ia membutuhkan waktu untuk bersama-sama dengan kita dalam persekutuan dengan-Nya, kita harus memberi-Nya waktu untuk menggunakan kuasa hadirat-Nya di dalam diri kita. Hari demi hari, selama kita menanti-nanti jawaban doa itu, kita perlu memberi waktu kepada iman untuk membuktikan realitasnya dan mengisi seluruh keberadaan kita. Tuhan akan menuntun kita dari iman menuju sebuah penglihatan; bahwa kita akan melihat kemuliaan-Nya.

Jangan biarkan penundaan mengguncangkan iman Anda, sebab iman akan menyediakan jawaban doa itu tepat waktu. Setiap doa yang berkeyakinan merupakan sebuah langkah yang mendekati kemenangan! Penundaan itu akan mematangkan iman, mengalahkan rintangan dunia yang tidak kelihatan, dan mempercepat kedatangan akhir penantian itu.

Berkat yang didapatkan dari doa yang bertekun tidak dapat dilukiskan. Tidak ada yang dapat menguji hati dengan lebih sempurna dari doa yang berdasarkan iman, doa itu akan mengajar Anda untuk menemukan, mengakui, dan menyerahkan segala hal yang menghalangi datangnya berkat -- segala hal yang tidak sejalan dengan kehendak Bapa. Doa semacam itu juga menuntun Anda ke dalam persekutuan yang lebih akrab dengan Dia, satu-satunya Pribadi yang dapat mengajar Anda berdoa. Penyerahan secara total hanya dimungkinkan ketika kita berada dalam darah dan Roh.

Biarlah sikap Anda tetap sama, baik ketika berdoa untuk diri Anda sendiri ataupun untuk orang lain. Setiap pekerja, secara jasmaniah atau secara mental, membutuhkan waktu dan usaha. Kita harus menyerahkan segala upaya kita untuk hal ini. Alam menunjukkan segala kekayaannya hanya kepada pekerja yang tekun dan bijaksana. Benih yang kita tabur di surga, usaha yang kita kerahkan, dan pengaruh yang kita harapkan dapat terjadi di dunia, membutuhkan sebuah penyerahan total di dalam doa (Galatia 6:9).

Biarlah kita secara khusus mempelajari pelajaran ini sambil mendoakan Gereja Kristus. Mempelai wanita ini benar-benar seperti seorang janda tanpa kehadiran Tuannya, sebab kini ia berada di bawah belas kasihan musuh-musuhnya dan tidak mampu memperbaiki situasi yang ada. Ketika kita berdoa bagi gereja-Nya ataupun bagi bagian mana pun dari gereja itu yang berada di bawah kuasa dunia ini, baiklah kita meminta-Nya untuk melawat mempelai-Nya ini dengan karya-karya Roh yang besar untuk mempersiapkannya demi kedatangan-Nya. Berdoalah di dalam iman yang teguh bahwa doa-doa itu sungguh membantu dan doa yang bertekun akan mendapat jawabannya.

Tuhan, Ajarlah Kami Berdoa

Ya Tuhan, Allah kami! Biarlah kami mengenal jalan-Mu dan dengan iman mempercayai apa yang sudah diajarkan Putera-Mu: "Ia akan segera membenarkan mereka." Biarlah kelembutan kasih-Mu dan kesukaanmu dalam mendengar dan memberkati anak-anak-Mu menuntunku untuk menerima janji, bahwa kami akan menerima apa pun yang kami minta, bahwa jawaban itu akan diberikan tepat pada waktunya. Tuhan, kami mengenal musim-musim di alam; kami tahu bagaimana kami harus menunggu buah yang kami harap-harapkan. Penuhilah kami dengan keyakinan bahwa Engkau tidak akan menunda sedetik pun dari yang seharusnya, dan bahwa iman kami akan mempercepat datangnya jawaban itu.

Ya Tuhan kami! Engkau berkata bahwa orang-orang pilihan Allah menyenangkan-Mu siang dan malam. Ajarlah kami untuk memahami hal ini, Engkau mengetahui bahwa kami begitu cepat lelah. Mungkin kami merasa bahwa keilahian Bapa berada di luar jangkauan doa-doa kami yang tidak selaras dengan-Nya ketika kami memohon dengan sangat kepada-Nya. Ya Tuhan! Ajarlah aku mengetahui betapa nyatanya hasil doa itu! Aku tahu ketika aku gagal dalam sesuatu di dunia ini, aku dapat berhasil dengan upaya yang diperbarui dan dilakukan terus-menerus serta dengan menyediakan waktu dan pikiran. Tunjukkanlah kepadaku bagaimana menyerahkan diriku sepenuhnya ke dalam doa -- dengan hidup sepenuhnya di dalamnya -- bahwa aku dapat menerima apa pun yang aku minta.

Di atas segalanya itu, ya Guru, Pencipta dan Penyempurna imanku, biarlah seluruh hidupku berada di dalam iman kepada Anak Allah yang mengasihiku dan yang memberikan hidup-Nya demi aku. Di dalam-Mu doaku menemukan penerimaan dan memiliki kepastian jawaban. Tuhan Yesus, dalam iman seperti itulah aku akan selalu berdoa tanpa henti. Amin. (t/Yudo)

Diterjemahkan dari:
Judul buku: With Christ in the School of Prayer
Judul asli artikel: The Power of Persevering Prayer
Penulis: Andrew Murray
Penerbit: Whitaker House
Halaman: 118 -- 125

Selasa, 02 April 2013

Being Christ's Ambassador

 
Being Christ’s Ambassador Through the Storm
“I am honored to be God’s herald of love and the channel of other Christians’ generosity around the world.” (Abdul Hossain)
When Cyclone Sidr unleashed its wrath on Southern Bangladesh on November 15, 2007, Abdul lovingly extended help to his fellow countrymen. What makes Abdul’s gestures remarkable, is that Abdul served time in prison because of these same countrymen’s false accusations toward him. Yet, Abdul didn’t hesitate to extend a helping hand, but his assistance was a surprise and shock to others. No one expected that it would be Hossain who would come to their aid.
“I was astonished,” Abdul said, as he described his emotions when he first saw the ruins left by the cyclone in the village where he grew up. It was the worst disaster that anyone had ever experienced. Tall trees had their roots ripped from the ground and were thrown all around. Houses made of hay and tin were scattered everywhere. Roads were blocked by debris. It was nearly impossible to reach those who needed help the most.
Pity and love filled his heart as he cried out to God. “Not only did they lose everything, but their spirits also seemed to have vanished.” When relief goods were insufficient to meet the vast needs, he felt helpless, and could only console the villagers by telling them of God’s mercy and generosity.
Nonetheless, the rescue team abundantly met the needs of hundreds of survivors. One of them was a 90-year-old man who exclaimed upon receiving his relief bag, “How can I carry this? It is so big! God bless you,” hugging Abdul afterwards.
A response to the gospel from his countrymen is what Abdul hopes for after the cyclone. Forgiving the people who accused him, Abdul says that he holds no grudges. He hopes to love his countrymen into the Kingdom of God.
One With Them
Be One With Abdul by forgiving others in your life. Pray for Abdul and all persecuted believers as they forgive their enemies.
One With Them CHALLENGE
For $9.00 you can provide a believer with a relief pack filled with medicine, food and other basic necessities. Consider giving this gift today.


04/02/2013



“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust."
(Matthew 5:44-45)
 

Jumat, 15 Februari 2013

PENGHALANG BERUPA TIDAK MENGAMPUNI

ARTIKEL DOA: PENGHALANG BERUPA TIDAK MENGAMPUNI (1)

Banyak orang Kristen memunyai penghalang di dalam kehidupannya. Penghalang ini menghambat kemajuan rohani kita -- sesuatu yang mengikat; yang membuat frustrasi; menyebabkan tertunduk; menghalangi sukacita, damai sejahtera, kepuasan, dan penggenapan atas apa yang seharusnya kita miliki. Jika ada penghalang yang timbul antara Allah dan manusia, itu terjadi dari pihak manusia, bukan dari pihak Allah karena pada saat kematian dan kebangkitan Yesus, semua penghalang runtuh di sisi Allah. Salah satu penghalang terbesar untuk memperoleh damai sejahtera yang penuh dan perhentian yang sempurna adalah tidak mau mengampuni. Mari memerhatikan apa yang Yesus ajarkan dalam Matius 18:15-35.

Matius 18:18-19 memiliki apa yang saya sebut "pusat kuasa" dari gereja -- tempat dari semua kuasa dan kewenangan. Ini adalah sel dari gereja: 2 atau 3 orang percaya dipimpin bersama-sama oleh Roh ke dalam nama Tuhan Yesus. Dalam kehidupan jasmani, jika kehidupan sel tercerai berai, maka kehidupan menjadi tidak sehat. Hal ini juga berlaku bagi tubuh Kristus, yaitu gereja. Jika kehidupan sel setempat rusak, maka keseluruhan tubuh tidak akan sehat. Di dalam sel inilah terletak benih-benih atau sumber-sumber dari semua kehidupan gereja dan sumber dari semua kuasa.

Akan tetapi, janji dari kuasa ini dikelilingi dan dijaga dengan sebuah pagar. Anda tidak dapat memasukinya kecuali Anda memenuhi syarat-syaratnya. Saya sebut pagar ini "hubungan yang benar". Dalam Matius 18:15-17, Yesus berbicara tentang apa yang harus dilakukan kalau saudara Anda berbuat kesalahan pada Anda. Selanjutnya, ayat 19 berkata, "... jika dua orang dari padamu sepakat ...." Kata "gerika" yang dipergunakan di sini sama dengan kata "simfoni". Jadi, tidak sekadar kesepakatan secara intelektual, tetapi kesepakatan, kesehatian, keselarasan. Itulah ketika dua orang mulai berada dalam kesatuan roh. Secara alami, kalau Anda mau membuat simfoni, ada dua hal yang harus Anda punyai. Anda harus punya aransemen dan konduktor. Dalam alam rohani, jika Anda mau memunyai simfoni, Anda juga harus memunyai dua hal yang sama. Aransemennya adalah kehendak Allah; konduktornya adalah Roh Kudus.

Kesehatian atau kesepakatan tidaklah sekadar berkata, "Kita setuju." Kesehatian adalah berada dalam harmoni secara Roh dengan orang lain. Jika kita sudah sampai pada tempat dari harmoni rohani yang sebenarnya, kita tidak akan dapat dihalangi oleh apa pun. Karena hal ini, setan akan berusaha sedapat-dapatnya untuk mencegah orang-orang Kristen sampai ke tempat ini, dan dia sudah sangat berhasil dengan sebagian besar orang yang menyebut diri mereka Kristen.

Dalam Perjanjian Lama, Allah sudah menghadapi masalah yang cukup besar dengan umat Israel. Ia sudah menyatakan diri-Nya sebagai Allah yang tidak dapat ditampilkan secara memadai, baik melalui gambaran, lukisan, atau wujud apa pun. Usaha-usaha untuk membuat tiruan Allah secara tegas dilarang. Akan tetapi, berulang kali kita mendapati bahwa Israel jatuh ke dalam kesalahan dengan membuat patung atau berhala dan berkata, "Ini mewakili Allah." Kesalahan yang sama dilakukan juga oleh orang-orang Kristen pada masa sekarang. Tubuh Yesus Kristus tidak dapat ditampilkan secara kelembagaan. Akan tetapi, seiring dengan perjalanan waktu, orang-orang Kristen berkali-kali mencoba membuat sesuatu yang bisa dilihat dan diraba dari hal-hal yang rohani. Mereka mencoba untuk menghasilkan organisasi, lembaga, sesuatu yang dimaksudkan untuk mengikat bersama-sama, yang menggantikan kesatuan dan hubungan yang seharusnya dari tubuh Yesus Kristus.

Sebagai contoh, Bala Keselamatan (ini bukan merupakan kritikan terhadap Bala Keselamatan). Di dalam Bala Keselamatan ada kesatuan organisasi yang kuat, yang sama dengan organisasi ketentaraan. Selanjutnya, ada ikatan kebersamaan melalui seragam sehingga kalau Anda melihat mereka, segera saja Anda akan mengenali dan berkata, "Dia dari Bala Keselamatan." Semua yang dapat dilakukan untuk menghasilkan kesatuan dan struktur organisasi dapat dijumpai di sana. Namun demikian, 2 orang dari Bala Keselamatan bisa saja berada dalam perselisihan yang tidak dapat dihindarkan lagi -- jauh dari kesatuan dan harmoni, bahkan bisa jadi mereka saling berlawanan. Dua orang bisa saja berada dalam Bala Keselamatan, dan yang satu bisa saja sudah bertobat dan dilahirkan kembali, sedangkan yang lain belum dilahirkan kembali. Mereka bahkan tidak berada dalam tingkatan rohani yang sama. Akibatnya, dewasa ini ada banyak orang Kristen dalam tubuh Kristus berada dalam hubungan yang keliru dengan orang lain, dan mereka bahkan tidak menyadari kalau ada hal yang keliru.

Suatu malam, dalam sebuah kebaktian, 5 orang maju ke depan untuk meminta dukungan doa. Saya digerakkan untuk bertanya kepada setiap orang secara pribadi, "Apakah ada sikap tidak mau mengampuni, kemarahan, atau kemauan untuk balas dendam di dalam hati Anda?" Dari 5 orang yang maju, 3 orang berkata, "Ya, memang ada." Saya menjawab, "Apakah Anda benar-benar mau agar saya mendoakan Anda? Saya dapat saja langsung mendoakan Anda, tetapi apa yang harus dilakukan agar doa itu ada pengaruhnya? Dan, tahukah Anda apa yang mereka katakan? "Lebih baik kami pergi dan membereskan dulu semuanya, kemudian kembali ke sini untuk didoakan."

Luar biasa! Namun, yang sebenarnya luar biasa adalah bahwa ada orang-orang yang tidak menyadari adanya hubungan yang salah. Mengapa mereka bisa dikelabui? Mereka sudah mengizinkan sejumlah hal lahiriah sebagai pengganti yang membutakan mereka terhadap kenyataan batiniah.

Jika kesatuan lahiriah tidak ada hubungannya dengan hubungan rohani batiniah di dalam tubuh Kristus, lalu apa yang dapat menjaga tubuh Kristus secara kebersamaan? Apa yang merupakan sifat dan sumber yang benar dari kesatuan kita? Kita mendapatkan jawaban atas pertanyaan yang sangat penting ini di dalam dua pasal dari Efesus dan Kolose. Di dalam Efesus 4:16, Paulus berbicara tentang "Dari pada-Nyalah seluruh tubuh, -- yang rapi tersusun dan diikat menjadi satu oleh pelayanan semua bagiannya, sesuai dengan kadar pekerjaan tiap-tiap anggota -- menerima pertumbuhannya dan membangun dirinya dalam kasih." Jika Anda tidak mau mengampuni orang lain, Allah tidak akan mengampuni Anda.

Dalam Kolose 2:19, dalam konteks yang sama, Paulus berbicara tentang Kristus sebagai kepala "seluruh tubuh yang ditunjang dan diikat menjadi satu oleh urat-urat dan sendi-sendi; menerima pertumbuhan ilahinya." Ada dua hal yang Paulus katakan tentang mempersatukan atau menjadikan satu anggota-anggota tubuh: Ditunjang dan diikat. Apakah yang dimaksudkan dengan ditunjang dan diikat? Ditunjang adalah hubungan antara anggota-anggota tubuh. Diikat adalah sikap yang terjadi di antara anggota-anggota tersebut.

Secara alami, lengan kita memiliki tiga tulang. Meskipun masing-masing kuat dan sehat, berfungsinya tulang-tulang itu secara berhasil bergantung pada penunjang yang kita sebut siku. Masing-masing tulang dapat berada dalam keadaan yang sehat sempurna, namun demikian lengan tidak akan bisa bergerak jika penunjang tidak berfungsi sebagaimana seharusnya. Hal ini berlaku juga dengan tubuh Kristus. Hubungan Anda dengan yang lain merupakan penunjang yang membuat Anda sesuai di dalam Tubuh.

Sekali lagi, dalam Efesus 4:3 dan Kolose 3:14, Paulus berbicara mengenai Ikatan yang kuat, yang mempersatukan seluruh Tubuh. Ikatan yang sangat perlu, yang dapat menjaga Tubuh Kristus dalam kesatuan yang benar adalah kasih. Tetapi bila sikap ini tidak dijumpai, maka seluruh fungsi dari Tubuh akan lenyap. Jika kita berada dalam hubungan yang salah dengan sesama orang Kristen, tubuh tidak akan dapat berfungsi; kita juga tidak akan dapat menerima apa yang kita butuhkan untuk diri kita sendiri -- kita tidak hanya menutup berkat bagi orang lain, tetapi kita juga menutup berkat bagi diri sendiri.

Pada suatu kali, sesudah berkhotbah di sebuah gereja, saya pergi ke gereja yang lain dan menyampaikan khotbah yang sama. Akan tetapi, di gereja yang kedua ini, saya merasakan ada sesuatu yang tidak beres. Tahukah Anda, apa yang saya temukan? Di gereja yang memiliki anggota aktif sekitar 400 orang pada hari Minggu, ternyata terjadi perpecahan di antara mereka. Orang-orang yang berada di sebelah kanan saya tidak berbicara dengan orang-orang yang berada di sebelah kiri saya selama 5 tahun. Ketika mereka saling bertemu di jalan, mereka mengambil jalan simpang untuk menghindar. Sebagai akibatnya, bagi saya, berkhotbah kepada orang-orang seperti itu adalah membuang-buang waktu saja karena tidak memungkinkan bagi Roh Kudus untuk bekerja di dalam gereja yang sedemikian.

Dalam Matius 18:23-35, kita mendapatkan perumpamaan tentang seorang hamba yang tidak mau mengampuni. Ayat terakhir dari pasal ini menunjukkan kepada kita bahwa Yesus berbicara mengenai orang-orang yang menyebut dirinya Kristen. Hamba yang pertama di dalam perumpamaan ini berutang 10.000 talenta. Karena tidak mampu membayar, dia nyaris dimasukkan ke dalam penjara. Ia memohonkan belas kasihan kepada tuannya. Tuannya mengampuni dia dengan menghapuskan semua utangnya. Akan tetapi, sementara berjalan keluar, ia bertemu dengan sesama pelayan yang berutang kepadanya 100 dinar. Ketika temannya ini meminta belas kasihan kepadanya, ia enggan melakukannya.

Ketika tuannya mengetahui perbuatan hambanya yang telah ia ampuni itu, tuannya sangat marah. Sesudah memanggilnya dan menanyakan apa yang terjadi, tuannya berkata, "Kamu hamba yang jahat." Kemudian, tuan itu memerintahkan, "Serahkan dia kepada algojo, sampai dia melunasi utang-utangnya." Dan, ayat yang terakhir berkata, "Demikian juga akan dilakukan oleh Bapa-Ku yang di Sorga kepadamu, jika kamu tidak mengampuni dengan segenap hati saudara-saudaramu yang berbuat kesalahan kepadamu."

Diambil dan disunting seperlunya dari:
Judul majalah: Hidup dalam Kristus Vol.18, No.2
Penulis: Derek Prince
Penerbit: Yayasan Pusat Hidup Baru
Halaman: 6 -- 10

Selasa, 12 Februari 2013

GPN 02-12-13


GPN 02-12-13

‘Prayer is profitable whenever it is practiced.’ (James 5:16; Acts 6:6)
I wish you a blessed week. Marga Hooglugt
Please pray for quick healing and recovery of Mr. F.C. from a prolonged inflammation of his pancreas. He is in the hospital for months. Pray God for strength for his wife, who is in the last months of her pregnancy of their second child. Mr. E.E.
Pakistan: Pray for me, that God will heal and bless me, spiritually, physically and financially. Pray that God will use us for His glory to make a change in Pakistan. Pray for healing and God’s provision in the need of my brother P.W. in South Korea, who had an accident and lost his four fingers. Pray for Mr. L.G.K. in Kuwait. He is controlled by an evil spirit and is afraid. Pray for His healing. Pastor S.M.
I am exhausted and weary in a very long and difficult battle for my oldest son D. and my granddaughters, Kelsey and Kallie. Please pray God to move their mothers heart, and enable her to let my son see the girls on a regular basis. He is divorced for 2 years. My son just wants that his relationship with his daughters will be restored. We need a miracle! Mrs. H.K.
Turkey: Pray for a radio ministry that encourages secret and persecuted believers by providing encouraging stories of persecution. The radio episodes are relevant not only to believers, but also to Muslims who listen to the broadcasts. Since the Malatya murders several years ago, many believers have begun to consider the cost of following Christ. This program provides them with examples of courageous faith.
Pray that Mr. v.E. will receive healing and deliverance by the love of Jesus from a traumatic experience in his boarding period.
Eritrea: Christian Leaders Arrested in Asmarag – At least 20 church leaders were arrested at their homes in Eritrea’s capital on Thursday, January 17th, in an apparently coordinated move by authorities, and some have reportedly been imprisoned. The church leaders were from a variety of denominations, including the Full Gospel Church and the Mesret Kristos (Mennonite) Church. The situation in Eritrea has deteriorated dramatically in the last few months. Major commodities like electricity, water and grain are in short supply, and the government is to be unstable. In January, a group of dissident soldiers demanding political change tried to seize control of the Ministry of Information, and three army officers were arrested. Eritrea’s relations with Ethiopia have also worsened since the death of Ethiopian leader Meles Zenawi last August. Pray for God’s peace in Eritrea.
Suriname: Ask God to restore the contact with my son. He lived in the Netherlands for 18 years and I haven’t heard anything of him. Pray that God will help my son, Mr. I., to find a job here in Suriname. Pray for my daughter, that she will find a serious life partner.
Please pray for God’s wisdom in dealing with people who constantly lie and gossip. Mrs. S.E.
Eastern Africa: Safe House Raided – Authorities in a closed country in Eastern Africa raided a safe house and church at the end of January. ‘They came in a group with the police’, wrote the pastor who runs the safe house. ‘They accused us that we are burning and putting down the book of Quran, and they slapped my face. When they try to find their book they found only the Bible.’ The interrogators also asked the pastor’s wife and another Christian woman present what they believed. The women told them they were Christians. The authorities finally left after several people from the community came to tell them that the Christians were good people, but the authorities closed down the meeting place. Please pray for the pastor and his family and the Christians, who will likely have to find a new home and safe house. The pastor requests prayer for protection and boldness.
Mrs. G. has a lot of pain and sorrow. She does not know the Lord yet, but asks for our prayer through the Prayer line of GPN, for God’s strength and comfort. Pray that she may know the Lord personally.
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Marga Hooglugt
Global Prayer Network

Rabu, 13 Juni 2012

GPN 06-12-2012

"Prayer is profitable whenever it is practiced." Acts 6:6 I wish you God's blessing for the coming week, Roberto Wijnhof Can you pray for me? I was a Christian, but I have made wrong choices. Now I use pills to get rid of my drug addiction. Please pray for deliverance. I would like to serve the Lord again in my church. Mrs. W.V. Please pray for us here in Bali, that people get saved and healed and become disciples through our ministries. Please pray for my health, that I will receive healing from gluten allergies, and my girlfriend from a certain sickness as well. Mr. R.B. Because of my feelings of loneliness, I became involved in a relationship. I now regret this. I asked the Lord for forgiveness. Please pray that God will help me to live a Christian life. I really want to follow and serve the Lord. Mr. R. Can you pray for my daughter E. and son in law F.? Both are Christians, but they have relationship problems. Can you also pray that my daughter will get her driving license? Mrs. D. I ask prayer for my friend Mr. M. He has an intestinal ailment. Pray that he opens his heart to Jesus. Mr. H. I ask prayer for healing and strength. Because of my advanced age I suffer from physical complaints. Walking is a problem. I hope and pray that I can join my children on a holiday. Mrs. v.B. Please agree with me in prayer. I would really like to get a job at a school for disabled children as soon as possible. Ms. M. Mrs. C. asks our prayer. She feels very depressed. She had a Christian upbringing. Pray that she will get to know Jesus as her Lord and Saviour. That He will give her joy and new hope for her future. I ask you to pray that the Lord will help me to make the right choices. By disappointments, my husband no longer attends our church. Pray that the Lord will touch him again, so we will visit the church together. Mrs. R. Please pray for the healing of Mrs. H. She has bruises on her body. Mr. W. lives in Curacao. He has problems at work. He also has problems on an inheritance. Pray that he will be obedient to God's Word, so he will experience God's blessings and will see the results in his situation. Can you pray for me? I am from origin a Hindu. I gave my life to Jesus. I experience a lot of opposition. Pray that I will remain faithful to Him. Miss A. Please pray for Mrs. G. She has financial problems. She has many debts and cannot pay the rent. She asks God for help and wisdom to know how to deal with these problems. Mr. V. asks our prayer that the Lord will free him from his drinking problem. He followed a rehab program, without success. He prayed the sinner's prayer and wants to serve the Lord. Roberto Wijnhof Global Prayer Network E info@gpnetwork.com W http://www.gpnetwork.com