OCTOBER 2019 PRAYER

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CELEBRATING LIFE: GENESIS 1-11
FALL FEASTS 2019
PRAYER & STUDY GUIDE
“Make Room 4 God’s New Year Celebrating Life Together....With Him”
WEEK 4 (October 20-26, 2019)
The Bible for Everyone: Scripture quotations [marked BfE] are reproduced from The Bible for Everyone, copyright © John Goldingay and Nicholas
Thomas Wright 2018. Used by permission of the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, London, UK.
Scripture quotations marked ESV are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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Scripture quotations marked JPS are taken from The Jewish Publication Society, JPS HOLY SCRIPTURES 1917 (English). The Bible text designated JPS 1917 is from The Holy Scriptures (Old Testament), originally published by the Jewish Publication Society in 1917. Electronic text Copyright © 1995- 98 by Larry Nelson (Box 1681, Cathedral City, CA 92235). All rights reserved. Used by permission.
Noncommercial duplication of the JPS text is permitted.
©2019 Caldwell Ministries, Inc. All rights reserved--No reproduction of the material is permitted without the expressed permission of CMI
The Orthodox Jewish Bible fourth edition, OJB. ©
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2002,2003,2008,2010,2011 by Artists for Israel International, Inc. Used by permission.
All rights reserved.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction to Our Special Edition Prayer & Study Guide Prayer & Study Guide, WEEK 4: October 20-26, 2019
Day 21: Let’s Try This Again, Shall We? Genesis 9:1-11.................................................................7 (Feast of Tabernacles/Sukkot, Day 8)
(Prayer Topic: A Prayer of Forgiveness of Others)
Day 22: Covenant Signs: Genesis 9:12-19.....................................................................................11 (Simchat Torah/Celebrating the Word of God)
(Prayer Topic: A Prayer for Healthy, Happy Marriages in the Body of Christ)
Day 23: In Which Things Go Wrong, Again: Genesis 9:20-29....................................................15 (Prayer Topic: A Prayer for Overcoming Addictions)
Day 24: The Nations: Genesis 10:1-20........................................................................................19 (Prayer Topic: A Prayer for the Nations of the World)
Day 25: Divisions and Overlaps: Genesis 10:21-32......................................................................23 (Prayer Topic: A Prayer for Peace in Jerusalem)
Day 26: The Problem with Humanity is Humanity: Genesis 11:1-9...........................................27 (Prayer Topic: A Prayer for People Who Feel Defeated, Fatigued or Sad)
Day 27: Countdown to Re-Launch: Genesis 11:10-26..................................................................31 (Prayer Topic: A Prayer for People Seeking Employment)
Covenant Groups............................................................................................................................35 Promise of Giving...........................................................................................................................36 Concert of Praise............................................................................................................................37
• • •
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INTRODUCTION
We continue over the next few weeks to make room for God to do His re-creating work in our lives. We will take time to study and pray through the first eleven chapters of the Book of Genesis. Many of the themes that are introduced here get worked out throughout the rest of Scripture, including the story of Jesus and the Church. As we walk through each set of daily exercises, you will be drawn into a deeper understanding of God’s ways and priorities through scripture, prayer, and reflection.
In order to enhance your experience, you are strongly encouraged to gather a Covenant Group of spiritually encouraging friends and/or family to journey with you through these days. Find times to meet together (at least) weekly in person, online, or on a conference call to share how the Lord is working in your lives throughout this time of intentional study, prayer and reflection.
(Please register your group here: http://b.link/CovenantGroupReg and follow the guidelines found on page 39. (DEADLINE for registration to be a part of our participants’ prize drawing is 11:59pm, Friday October 18, 2019.)
The equipment you will need for this spiritual expedition are:
● This guide;
● A Bible;
● A pen or pencil;
● Approximately 30 minutes of your time;
● Map colors/markers (optional);
● A Covenant Group of 3 or more Jesus Followers to meet with weekly; and
● An open heart and mind to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Ready? Set? Continue Upwards and Onwards!
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Day 21 (October 20)
Let’s Try This Again, Shall We? Genesis 9:1-11
(Feast of Tabernacles/Sukkot, Day 8; Shemini Atzeret/Sacred Assembly)
1. Center Down
Before you begin today’s spiritual excursion, please take a few moments to breathe! Take three slow, deep breaths, expanding from your abdomen; try not to raise your shoulders. As you inhale, whisper, “We thank You...” As you exhale whisper, “...for new beginnings, Lord!”
2. Slowly read aloud the following Scriptures:
(Feel free to pause at any time during your reading to reflect on, thank, praise, or acknowledge God’s stirring in your thoughts and emotions.)
God blessed Noah and his sons and said to them, ‘Be fruitful, be numerous, fill the earth. Reverence towards you and awe towards you will be on all the living things on the earth, on all the birds in the sky, on everything that moves on the ground and on all the fish in the sea; they’re given into your hand. Everything that moves, that’s alive, will be yours as food. As I gave you green plants, everything is yours. Yet flesh with its life, its blood, you will not eat. And indeed, your blood, for your life, I shall require. From every living thing I shall require it, and from a human being I shall require a human life, an individual for his brother. One who sheds human blood, by means of a human being his blood will flow, because it was in God’s image that he made humanity. But you: be fruitful, be numerous, teem on the earth, be numerous on it.’
And God said to Noah and to his sons with him: ‘Here, I myself am going to implement my pact with you, with your offspring after you and with every living being that’s with you: birds, animals and every living thing on the earth with you, all that got out of the [ark], every living thing on the earth. I shall implement my pact with you and all flesh will not be cut off again by the water of a deluge. Never again will there be a deluge to devastate the earth.’ (Genesis 9:1-11, BfE)
For further exploration: Video: http://b.link/Open2Me 3. Concepts to Consider:
What we notice immediately in our reading today is that Yahweh is a god of “beginning again.” His character is intrepid. He keeps His “Image-bearing-through-humanity” project moving along, even though we humans have gravely disappointed Him. Out of love, He chooses to see the best in us, and believes that humanity still has the capacity to partner with Him for the restoration and upkeep of the world as a means of demonstrating His grace to the cosmos.
Of His own volition, God re-establishes his covenant with humanity and all living things and puts a special emphasis upon the sanctity of life. The image-bearing of humanity is the primary reason given for not killing other humans and for treating the death of animals—whether for food or sacrifice--with respect. Although the death penalty is instituted here, it is done so as a means of limiting revenge. (This “blood vengeance” allowance was the exclusive purview of the victim’s immediate family, and even in this the execution was limited to the perpetrator alone, and did not extend to family, friends, etc. Later, there was also grace in the establishment of “sanctuary cities” for those who had committed involuntary manslaughter.— see: Numbers 35:12, 15; Deuteronomy 19:4–6) By setting limitations on revenge, God was working to prevent the unfettered violence that had characterized the pre-flood world.
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It is important to keep all that we are reading in context with the Ancient Near-Eastern world where blood vengeance in honor-shame societies was commonplace. What Yahweh adds to this common practice is a high view of life, a measure of grace, and limiting factors.
We see these ideals demonstrated in the life of Jesus. On one particular occasion, when the woman in John 8:1-11 was caught “in the very act of adultery,” according to the Torah the death penalty should have been imposed, but Jesus steps in and offers grace, because the redemption of the person, made in God’s image, was more important than the execution of the letter of the law (see: 2 Corinthians 3:6).
4. Reflection Questions:
(You are encouraged to write, draw, or respond however the Lord leads to the following inquiries).
1. Compare God’s instructions form Genesis 1:26-28 with Genesis 9:1-11. What are the similarities? What are the differences? What, if anything, do you think is significant about what God kept the same and what He allowed to be different between these two narratives?
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5. Prayer for Today:
A Prayer of Forgiveness of Others
Magnificent Father, thank You for loving us, forgiving us and saving us. Thank You for being patient with us. Thank You for increasing Your presence, power, anointing, and abundance in our lives. We give thanks to You and proclaim Your greatness. Lord, we will let the whole world know what You have done in our lives. We will sing to You the praises due Your Name and tell everyone about Your wonderful deeds. Father, You are our God; we earnestly search for You. Our souls thirst for You; our bodies long for You in this parched and weary land where there is no water. We have seen You in Your sanctuary and gazed upon Your power and glory. Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how we praise You! Righteous Father, Your Word tells us that if we forgive those who have sinned against us, then You, our Heavenly Father, will forgive us. Today, we choose to forgive. We declare that we will be patient with people and forgive those who have
offended us personally.
Holy Spirit, we ask You to help all of us individually and as a community to forgive the people who have hurt us. Heal our emotions that have been wounded and teach us how to love unconditionally. Help us to be quick to listen and slow to speak. Holy Spirit, remind us to use Your power, that lives on the inside of us and helps us in all things. Remove all fear and continue to extend Your love and mercy toward us. Lord, help us to extend mercy to others and forget the past so
that we can move forward toward our futures.
Forgiving Father, please forgive us for not being forgiving. Forgive us for holding grudges, thinking evil thoughts, and seeking revenge. Forgive us for hatred and malice. Forgive us for not letting Your love flow through us. Forgive us for gossiping, lying and for rehearsing offenses in our minds. Lord, forgive me for (list any sins that you have committed).
Holy Spirit, remind us all of those we need to forgive; and we will be quick to forgive. (Take a moment and ask the Holy
Spirit to reveal names or faces of people that you may need to forgive. As He reveals, say, “I forgive name of person(s).”
Now, trust the Lord to heal any wounds in your soul caused by unforgiveness.)
Holy Spirit, help us all not to yield to temptation but deliver us from the evil one.
Triumphant Lord, You are the eternal King, Your rule is everlasting. All the people of the earth are nothing compared to You. All of Your acts are just and true. You alone have held the oceans in Your hand. You measured the heavens with Your
fingers and know the weight of the earth. The Lord God Almighty is Your Name. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Optional Time of Centering/Soaking:
If possible, take some time, perhaps 5 to 15 minutes, to get into a comfortable position and simply allow the Lord to minister to you at a deep level (Psalm 42:7). Turn off or put down all distractions. Close your eyes. Hold in your thoughts a meaningful word, phrase, or image from the Scripture passages you read today. Release all other thoughts and concerns into the Presence of the Lord. If your thoughts wander, that’s okay, just gently return to your Scriptural word, phrase, or image. You may want to set a timer.
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Day 22 (October 21)
Covenant Signs: Genesis 9:12-19
(Simchat Torah/Celebrating the Word of God)
1. Center Down
Before you begin today’s spiritual excursion, please take a few moments to breathe! Take three slow, deep breaths, expanding from your abdomen; try not to raise your shoulders. As you inhale, whisper, “Lord, Your Word...” As you exhale whisper, “...is established and true.”
2. Slowly read aloud the following Scriptures:
(Feel free to pause at any time during your reading to reflect on, thank, praise, or acknowledge God’s stirring in your thoughts and emotions.)
And God said, ‘This is the sign of the pact that I’m putting between me and you and every living creature that’s with you, to the generations, permanently. I’ve put my bow in the clouds. It will be a sign of the pact between me and the earth. When I bring clouds on the earth and the bow appears in the clouds, I shall be mindful of my pact that’s between me and you and every living creature among all flesh, and the water will never again become a deluge to devastate all flesh. The bow will be in the clouds and I shall see it, being mindful of the permanent pact between God and every living creature among all flesh that’s on the earth.’ God said to Noah, ‘This will be the sign of the pact that I’ve implemented between me and all flesh that’s on the earth.’ Noah’s sons who got out of the [ark] were Shem, Ham and Yephet; Ham was the father of Kena’an [Canaan]. These three were Noah’s sons, and from them the entire earth dispersed.
(Genesis 9:12-19, BfE)
For further exploration: Videos: http://b.link/CovenantsBP; (scholarly) http://b.link/ScriptureRichter 3. Concepts to Consider:
As we close our celebration of the Fall Festivals, we pause to give thanks for the gift of the written Word of God, known
in traditional Judaism as “Simchat Torah,” or “Rejoicing in the Torah” (see: Psalm 119:62).
Today’sBiblicalreadingopenswiththefamiliar,“AndGodsaid,”(ַו֣יֹּאֶמר ֱא&ִ֗הים vayomerElohim)whichtiesusbacktothe (re-)creative power of God’s spoken Word found in Genesis chapter 1. God re-establishes His creational covenant with all earthly life in Genesis 9, and God’s “bow in the clouds” is instituted as the outward sign of this renewed covenant. (Note: this “bow in the clouds” may indicate God symbolically hanging up His war-bow—since the words are the same in Hebrew
ַק ְשׁ ִ֕תּי[ for “rainbow” and a “bow” as weapon
kash-tee]
--as a sign of not obliterating humanity in the future.) Designating
symbols was typical of covenant-making in the ancient world, wherein these identifiers would stand as witnesses or as visible reminders of the agreed-upon stipulations of the covenant, like a wedding ring is used today (see also: Genesis
17:11, Exodus 34:27, Joshua 24:27, 1 Chronicles 17:11-14, etc.).
God’s covenants, of course, culminate in the revelation of Jesus as the ultimate Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and David. The “sign” or “seal” of God’s covenant for the Church is the universal outpouring of the Holy Spirit (see: Acts 2; Ephesians
1:13), Who is co-equal in substance and power with the Father and Jesus, the Son.
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And finally, we see in the Book of Revelation a rainbow surrounding the throne of God (Revelation 4:3) and wreathing the head of the Mighty Angel (aka Jesus; Revelation 10:1), which is supposed to remind the reader of the covenant made with Noah and creation. God has not forgotten humanity, nor has He turned back on His desire that “none should perish” (2
Peter 3:9). He keeps giving us chance after chance to join Him in a covenant union of holy love and abiding faith.
4. Reflection Question:
(You are encouraged to write, draw, or respond however the Lord leads to the following inquiries).
1. Take a deep breath, slow down and then ask yourself, “What signs and tokens of God’s faithful Presence can I see in my life?” Write them down and then give God thanks for them through a prayer, song, dance, art, or however you best express yourself.
5. Prayer for Today:
A Prayer for Healthy, Happy Marriages in the Body of Christ
Exalted Father, thank You for Your great love that continues from generation to generation! Thank You for the married couples in the Body of Christ. Thank You for encouraging and blessing our marriages. With our whole being we praise You. We rejoice in knowing that You are our God, and that we are the people You watch over and the flock under Your care. Thank You, Lord! We bless Your holy Name! We stand in awe of You and Your unfailing love for us. You are the Master who motivates our hearts toward all that is good. We acknowledge Your sovereignty over our marriages. We will sing a new song to You, Lord, for the wonderful deeds You have done. We shout with joy and worship You with gladness. We come before You singing with joy. You are the Lord, our Father, who made us and we are Yours!
Holy Spirit, as the Body of Christ, we expect You to lead us into all truth as it pertains to the covenant of marriage. We confess that our married couples are never subject to the spirit of fear; but they have power, love and self-discipline to help them keep their covenant pure. Lord, we confess that our husbands will live with their wives according to knowledge and they will cherish them as the manifested gift of God’s favor. We declare that our wives will honor their husbands and will adorn themselves as Sarah did, not with material elegance, but with a quiet and peaceful spirit which You love, Lord God. As the Body of Christ, we confess that our married couples will daily aspire to the greater love that Jesus personified and live a servant’s life before one another. We declare that they will provoke one another to good works and celebrate one another’s gifts. We confess that they will commit to encourage and build one another up in the Lord!
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Holy Spirit, help each spouse to keep a heart of unconditional love for their mate. Reveal creative ways for our married couples to love and enjoy each other. Heal wounds and hurts and rejoin marriages that seem to be walking down separate paths. Teach them to freely issue mercy and to forgive quickly without allowing grudges to form. Magnify the model of marriage through those who have healthy marriages, so that others are inspired and encouraged. Anoint their unity together as husbands and wives, so that their children will be given stability and assurance, and the unsaved will be given hope concerning the sanctity of marriage. Re-light the passion and fire for those who are struggling sexually and emotionally. When our married couples speak of one another, whether in public or private, please season their tongues with grace. Help our married couples to stay committed to truth and to cover one another’s weaknesses with unyielding love.
Father, as a spouse, I commit to making my marriage better by:
Father, as a single person, I commit to praying for the following marriage(s):
Holy Father, forgive our married couples for being too stubborn to offer grace and mercy to their spouses when they should have. Forgive those who have neglected their commitment to their spouse, sexually, emotionally and relationally. Where those couples have grown cold-hearted, make their hearts tender toward their spouses. Forgive them for the times they’ve become so distracted with the cares of this world that they have neglected their responsibility to one another.
Lord, forgive me for (list any sins that you have committed). Holy Spirit, remind us all of those we need to forgive;
and we will be quick to forgive. (Take a moment and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal names or faces of people that you may need to forgive. As He reveals, say, “I forgive name of person(s).” Now, trust the Lord to heal any wounds in your soul
caused by unforgiveness.)
Holy Spirit, help us all not to yield to temptation but deliver us from the evil one.
We worship You, O Great Deliverer! All praise belongs to You. You are the Lord God of Israel who alone does such wonderfulthings. WewillpraiseYourgloriousNameforever. LetthewholeearthbefilledwithYourglory,inJesus’Name, Amen!
Optional Time of Centering/Soaking:
If possible, take some time, perhaps 5 to 15 minutes, to get into a comfortable position and simply allow the Lord to minister to you at a deep level (Psalm 42:7). Turn off or put down all distractions. Close your eyes. Hold in your thoughts a meaningful word, phrase, or image from the Scripture passages you read today. Release all other thoughts and concerns into the Presence of the Lord. If your thoughts wander, that’s okay, just gently return to your Scriptural word, phrase, or image. You may want to set a timer.
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Day 23 (October 22)
In Which Things Go Wrong, Again: Genesis 9:20-29
1. Center Down
Before you begin today’s spiritual excursion, please take a few moments to breathe! Take three slow, deep breaths, expanding from your abdomen; try not to raise your shoulders. As you inhale, whisper, “O Lord...” As you exhale whisper, “...Your love is amazing.”
2. Slowly read aloud the following Scriptures:
(Feel free to pause at any time during your reading to reflect on, thank, praise, or acknowledge God’s stirring in your thoughts and emotions.)
Noah, a man of the ground, as his first act planted a vineyard. He drank some of the wine and got drunk and exposed himself inside his tent. Ham, Kena’an’s [Canaan’s] father, saw his father’s nakedness and told his two brothers outside. Shem and Yephet took a cover, put it on both their shoulders, walked backwards and covered their father’s nakedness, with their faces turned backwards so they didn’t see their father’s nakedness. Noah woke up from his wine and came to know what his youngest son had done to him. He said, ‘Cursed be Kena’an [‘Bow Down’]: he’ll be the lowest servant to his brothers.’ And he said, ‘Yahweh, the God of Shem, be blessed. May Kena’an be a servant to them. May God extend [yapht] Yephet and may he dwell in Shem’s tents. May Kena’an be a servant to them.’ Noah lived after the deluge 350 years. So all Noah’s days came to 950 years. Then he died. (Genesis 9:20-29, BfE)
3. Concepts to Consider:
This passage concerning the cursing of Kena’an (Canaan) is difficult to interpret on several levels, and its opaqueness has made room for some destructive misinterpretations over the centuries (e.g., the justification for chattel slavery being perhaps the most heinous). If we try and stay as close to the text and the cultural context as possible, one of the first things we notice is that Noah is the one cursing and blessing, not God. Often, these patriarchal pronouncements are not initiated by Yahweh, but they do have far-ranging consequences (see also: Genesis 27:26-29; Genesis 48:17-20). God tends to work with humanity--in as far as it is possible--because Plan A (partnering with humanity to reign in the earth) is still Plan A, despite our brokenness. This provision is evidence of God’s mercy and grace toward us.
If the patriarchs had stopped to ask God to participate in their decisions and blessings, God may have had a different direction or words of wisdom for them to consider, but like King David’s desire to build the temple, God made accommodation for it and then He found a way to work with, through, and sometimes around His covenant partners’ decisions, even though it’s not what God may have initially wanted (see: 2 Samuel 7:4-6). God’s patient and loving bent toward re-creation and redemption is mind-blowing.
Back to the Genesis 9 text above. The second thing we must deal with is the ancient Near-Eastern concepts of parental respect and care. Among all the current musings around this text, the least hyperbolic interpretation of the text seems to be that Ham didn’t follow well-established patterns of caring for his father who had inadvertently exposed himself. There is an ancient Syrian (Ugaritic) text that outlines the duties of a son to his father, where it states a son should “take his
For further exploration: Article: http://b.link/Misinterpretation-Slavery
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[father’s] hand when he is drunk and bear him up when he is full of wine.” It’s one thing for Ham to observe his father’s indiscretion, it’s another thing altogether not to do something about it and pass his responsibility off to his brothers. Biblically, not honoring a parent is very serious indeed (see: Exodus 20:12, Deuteronomy 5:6). Whatever Ham did or didn’t do, it seems that the point of this story is not to dwell on Ham or Noah, but to give us the setting for the occasion of Canaan’s curse, and why the Canaanites were subsequently viewed as corrupt and morally deficient by the Semites (the children of Shem), aka the Israelites.
Finally, Noah’s choice to plant vineyards and get drunk off the proceeds, Ham’s dishonoring his father and “passing the buck” like Adam and Eve in the Garden, and Noah’s hasty curse on his grandson Canaan all paint a picture of humanity once again running off the rails and falling prey to our “yetzer hara” or “evil inclination.” But thanks be to God for His infinite mercy, that He still doesn’t give up on us, but rather, “...shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us!” (Romans 5:8)
4. Reflection Question:
(You are encouraged to write, draw, or respond however the Lord leads to the following inquiries).
1. Where have I fallen short in honoring my parents or other parental or mentoring persons God has placed in my life? What concrete actions will I take to make progress in appropriately honoring those who have poured into my life? (Note: “honoring” does not mean allowing abusive persons to continually hurt you. Boundaries mean that I can respect and acknowledge positive contributions to my life without becoming emotionally entangled in a toxic relationship. “I appreciate you for being my parent/mentor and for all you’ve done for me, but for my own safety and mental health, I’m going to love you from a safe distance.”)
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5. Prayer for Today:
A Prayer Concerning Overcoming Addictions
Heavenly Father, thank You for Jesus, the Name that is above all names. Thank You for giving us the power of the Holy Spirit which is greater than any power that exists in this world. Thank You for never giving up on us, even when we fail time after time. You are so merciful and kind. We cannot live without You, Lord. We will praise You with our whole hearts. We will tell of the marvelous things You have done. We are filled with joy because of You, Most High, and we sing praises to Your Name! We know You to be a shelter for us when we are oppressed and troubled. You never abandon those who search for You. Lord, we love You. You are our strength. You are the Rock in whom we find protection and safety. Your Name is worthy of praise!
Faithful Father, it is not Your will for us to be lost and held captive by addictions to drugs, alcohol, sex, food, gambling, or any other vices. We decree that whoever the Son has set free is truly free. Therefore, we rebuke the spirit of addiction that seeks to destroy the lives of those within our Church Family, our personal families, and in our community. There is no other name that is powerful enough to save our loved ones who are bound by addiction than the Name of Jesus. We are the righteous, and our earnest prayers have great power, producing wonderful results. We will not waver and doubt when things seem to get worse instead of better. We know that You will respond to our faith. Therefore, we declare that we will not cease to pray until our loved ones who are bound by addiction are released and delivered. We declare, in the Name of Jesus, that our homes, our families, and our communities are restored back to You!
List the names of friends, family, or neighbors who are struggling to break free of an addiction. Commit to pray specifically for them today:
Holy Spirit, make us keenly aware of those within our Church Family and community who are hurting and bound. Give us a heart of compassion toward them. Show us how to reach out to them without judging or condemning them. Remind us of Your love and grace that brought us through our trials. Heal those who are bound by addiction in every area of their hurt. Strengthen and help those who have been hurt by the fallout of addiction – the grandparents raising grandchildren, incarcerated parents, abandoned and abused children, impoverished families, and those who have lost loved ones due to addiction. Help us, as a Church Family, to build better partnerships with community organizations who are reaching out to house, educate, and rehabilitate those who want to come out of addiction. May we be salt and light to them as the Lord has commanded.
Righteous Father, please forgive us for not being there when we should have for those who turned to drugs for comfort. Forgive us for judging and condemning those who are addicted. Forgive us for overlooking opportunities to show love and compassion to the hurting families who are suffering from the effects of addiction. Forgive those who are addicted for turning to something unholy for help instead of turning to You. Forgive them for not responding to the voice of wisdom and making unhealthy choices in life. Forgive those of us who have at one time, knowingly or unknowingly, contributed to the cause of another’s addiction.
Holy Spirit, help those struggling with addictions not to yield to temptation but deliver us from the evil one.
Glorious Lord, ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything You made, we can clearly see Your invincible qualities – Your eternal power and Your divine nature. O Sovereign Lord, You have only begun to show Your greatness and the strength of Your hand to Your servants. Is there any god in heaven or on earth who can perform such great and mighty deeds as You do? In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Lord, forgive me for (list any sins that you have committed). Holy Spirit, remind us all of
those we need to forgive; and we will be quick to forgive. (Take a moment and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal names or
faces of people that you may need to forgive. As He reveals, say, “I forgive name of person(s).”
Now, trust the Lord to heal any wounds in your soul caused by unforgiveness.)
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Optional Time of Centering/Soaking:
If possible, take some time, perhaps 5 to 15 minutes, to get into a comfortable position and simply allow the Lord to minister to you at a deep level (Psalm 42:7). Turn off or put down all distractions. Close your eyes. Hold in your thoughts a meaningful word, phrase, or image from the Scripture passages you read today. Release all other thoughts and concerns into the Presence of the Lord. If your thoughts wander, that’s okay, just gently return to your Scriptural word, phrase, or image. You may want to set a timer.
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Day 24 (October 23)
The Nations: Genesis 10:1-20
1. Center Down
Before you begin today’s spiritual excursion, please take a few moments to breathe! Take three slow, deep breaths, expanding from your abdomen; try not to raise your shoulders. As you inhale, whisper, “Help me to be...” As you exhale whisper, “...faithful in this generation!”
2. Slowly read aloud the following Scriptures:
(Feel free to pause at any time during your reading to reflect on, thank, praise, or acknowledge God’s stirring in your thoughts and emotions.)
These are the lines of descent of Noah’s sons, Shem, Ham and Yephet. Sons were born to them after the deluge.
The sons of Yephet: Gomer, Magog, Maday [Media], Yavan [Greece], Tubal, Meshek and Tiras. The sons of Gomer: Ashkenaz, Riphat and Togarmah. The sons of Yavan: Elishah, Tarshish, Kittites and Dodanites. From these, the nations on far shores parted into their countries, each with its language, by their kin-groups among their nations.
The sons of Ham: Kush [Sudan], Misrayim [Egypt], Put and Kena’an [Canaan]. The sons of Kush: Seba, Havilah, Sabtah, Ra’mah and Sabteka. The sons of Ra’mah: Sheba and Dedan. Kush fathered Nimrod, who was the first to become a strong man on the earth. He became a strong man as a hunter before Yahweh; that’s why it’s said, ‘Like Nimrod, a strong man as a hunter before Yahweh’. The beginning of his kingdom was Babel, Erek, Akkad and Kalneh, in the region of Shin’ar. From that region Ashshur went out and built Nineveh and the town squares, Kalah, and Resen between Nineveh and Kalah: that’s the big town. Misrayim fathered Ludites, Anamites, Lehabites, Naphtuhites, Patrusites, Kasluhites (from whom the Pelishtites [Philistines] went out) and Kaphtorites. Kena’an fathered Tsidon his firstborn, Het, the Yebusites, the Amorites, the Girgashites, the Hivvites,the Arkites, the Sinites, the Arvadites, the Tsemarites and the Hamatites. Later, the Kena’anite kingroups dispersed and the Kena’anite border reached from Tsidon until you come to Gerar, near Azzah [Gaza], until you come to Sedom, Amorah, Admah and Tseboyim, near Lasha. These are the descendants of Ham by their kin-groups, by their languages, in their countries, by their nations. (Genesis 10:1-20, BfE)
For further exploration: Videos: (scholarly) http://lecture.watch/RadicalGodYale ; http://b.link/SonsOfNoah 3. Concepts to Consider:
Most people consider these lists of names to be long and boring, but if you slow down, look closely, and compare these lists of names to other genealogies in the Bible, you will notice that the final editors, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, compiled lists for theological reasons, not simply to relate geographical factoids. They did their best to outline the peoples Israel would interact with throughout their history, and to prefigure conflicts with—especially—the descendants of Canaan.
It is interesting to note that while most of the names listed above correspond to known tribal regions of the ancient world, a few—specifically the descendants of Kush—have been identified as actual names of some of the Ethiopian pharaohs instead of tribal progenitor names. Amos 9 also gives us some interesting insight into how God sees “the nations.”
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“Do you Israelites think you’re any better than the far-off Cushites [Sudan/Ethiopia]?” GOD’s Decree. “Am I not involved with all nations? Didn’t I bring Israel up from Egypt, the Philistines from Caphtor [Crete], the Arameans [Syrians] from Qir [a place of Assyrian walled captivity]?
“But also on that Judgment Day I will restore David’s house [tent/tabernacle] that has fallen to pieces [John 1:14]. I’ll repair the holes in the roof, replace the broken windows, fix it up like new. David’s people will be strong again and seize what’s left of enemy Edom, plus everyone else under my sovereign judgment.” GOD’s Decree. He will do this.
(Amos 9:7;11-12, MSG)
Later, Jesus will clear out the entrance to the Temple in the gospel of Mark and announce that it is “a house of prayer for all nations” (Mark 11:17/Isaiah 56:7). Jesus’ action will also put the spotlight on the final vision of God’s culminative restoration and redemption of humanity, as recorded in the Book of Revelation. People from “every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, [are] standing before the throne and before the Lamb” (Revelation 7:9) and where “the nations will walk by [the] light [of the New Jerusalem], and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it. In the daytime (for there will be no night there) its gates will never be closed” (Revelation 21:22-25). What a mighty God we serve who cares for and has made a way of salvation for all peoples!
4. Reflection Questions:
(You are encouraged to write, draw, or respond however the Lord leads to the following inquiries).
1. If I’m honest with myself, do I really want God to love and work for the redemption of all people? Do I think there are persons or people groups that are more or less deserving of God’s love and forgiveness? What experiences or traditions have led me to see the world this way? Take some time to confess your biases to the Lord and ask for eyes to see the world through His heart.
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5. Prayer for Today:
A Prayer for the Nations of the World
Father, we praise You as our God and King. We bless Your Name forever and ever. Everyday we will bless You and praise Your name forever. You are great and most worthy of praise. Your greatness is beyond discovery. Father, we thank You for teaching us how to pray. We are grateful for the freedom to worship You, our God. Thank You for sending Your son, Jesus Christ, for the redemption of all humankind. We thank You for touching the believers from all nations of the world topray. ThankYou,Father,forgivingusYourSpiritandunifyingus. WepraiseYouforhearingourpetitionsandanswering them. You are wonderful and we bless Your Name.
Father, You so loved the world that You gave Your one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him would not perish but have eternal life. We stand amazed at the fullness of Your love. We declare that all the earth will be filled with an awesome awareness of Your glory like the waters cover the sea. You have spoken this and we believe it will come to pass. Your word tells us that there will be a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing in front of Your throne and in front of the Lamb. And they will shout, “Salvation comes from our God on the throne and from the Lamb!” We confess that every person, tribe, nation, people and language will acknowledge that You are God of the nations and Your Son, Jesus Christ, is the liberator for all people. We confess people will be saved throughout the world.
Father, empower us by Your Holy Spirit so that we might fulfill the passion of Your Son. Unite, the church of Jesus Christ in all nations, so that the world will know the full measure of Your love. Holy Spirit, turn our attention to the task at hand so that we might make disciples of all nations. We ask You to call out and send forth a great multitude of workers to bring Your message of salvation to every nation, especially those nations that have yet to hear the message of Your great salvation and delivering power. Fill us with Your unconditional love, so that we can see each person as a new creation in Christ, destined to bring You glory.
List a few changes that need to occur in our world and begin to pray about them:
Father, forgive the Body of Christ for pride, competition, division, isolation, arrogance and selfish ambition that destroy Your witness to our communities and to the nations of the earth. As the Body of Christ, Holy Spirit, we admit that we may grieve You from time to time and limit Your great power through our carnality and our selfishness. We confess that we havenotlovedtheworldasYoulovetheworld.WeaskYoutohelpus. ForgiveusfordisobeyingYourcommandtocompel people to come to You. Forgive us for diluting the Gospel and denying Your power.
you have committed). Holy Spirit, remind us all of those we need to forgive; and we will be quick to forgive. (Take a moment and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal names or faces of people that you may need to forgive. As He reveals, say, “I
Lord, forgive me for (list any sins that
forgive name of person(s).” Now, trust the Lord to heal any wounds in your soul caused by unforgiveness.)
Holy Spirit, help us all not to yield to temptation but deliver us from the evil one.
Lord, You are the King of glory. You are the Lord Almighty. You are worthy to receive glory, honor and power, for You created everything. It is for Your pleasure that they exist and were created. Holy, holy, holy are You, the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is filled with Your glory. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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Optional Time of Centering/Soaking:
If possible, take some time, perhaps 5 to 15 minutes, to get into a comfortable position and simply allow the Lord to minister to you at a deep level (Psalm 42:7). Turn off or put down all distractions. Close your eyes. Hold in your thoughts a meaningful word, phrase, or image from the Scripture passages you read today. Release all other thoughts and concerns into the Presence of the Lord. If your thoughts wander, that’s okay, just gently return to your Scriptural word, phrase, or image. You may want to set a timer.
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Day 25 (October 24)
Divisions and Overlaps: Genesis 10:21-32
1. Center Down
Before you begin today’s spiritual excursion, please take a few moments to breathe! Take three slow, deep breaths, expanding from your abdomen; try not to raise your shoulders. As you inhale, whisper, “Thank You, Lord... ” As you exhale whisper, “...for Your abiding grace.”
2. Slowly read aloud the following Scriptures:
(Feel free to pause at any time during your reading to reflect on, thank, praise, or acknowledge God’s stirring in your thoughts and emotions.)
Sons were also born to Shem, the ancestor of all the descendants of Eber, and Yephet’s older brother. The descendants of Shem: Elam, Ashshur, Arpakshad, Lud and Aram. The descendants of Aram: Uts, Hul, Geter and Mash. Arpakshad fathered Shelah; Shelah fathered Eber. Two sons were born to Eber: the name of the first was Peleg, because in his time the earth divided [palag], and the name of the second was Yoktan. Yoktan fathered Almodad, Sheleph, Hatsarmavet, Yerah, Hadoram, Uzal, Diklah, Obal, Abima’el, Sheba, Ophir, Havilah and Yobab. All these were descendants of Yoktan. Their settlements went from Mesha until you come to Sephar, the eastern highland. These are the descendants of Shem by their kin-groups, by their languages, in their countries, by their nations.
These are the kin-groups of Noah’s sons by their lines of descent according to their nations. From these the nations parted in the earth after the deluge. (Genesis 10:21-32, BfE)
For further exploration: Video: http://b.link/MoreLoveWP 3. Concepts to Consider:
Eber is given “top billing” on the “descendants of Shem” marquee, because it is through him that we arrive at Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Peleg, the great-great-great-grandfather of Abraham is so named because traditionally his lifetime is said to coincide with the Tower of Bavel (Babel) and the dividing and scattering of all the peoples. There is a further division alluded to here between Peleg and Yoktan. Yoktan is viewed as the father of the Arab tribes and we even see an overlap between Sheba listed here and the Sheba/Seba listed under Kush’s descendants form our reading yesterday, which indicates a mixing and overlapping of the children of Shem and Ham.
At the end of the day, everyone listed under Shem are known as “Semites,” yet the descendants of Eber will rise to the top of the Biblical narrative arc and become the primary strand in our developing Israelite origin story that will lead us on a trajectory toward the revelation of the Messiah, Jesus, in the genealogies recorded in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke.
What these lists of nations seem to indicate from a 50,000 ft. view is that Yahweh cares about all the people of the earth and that He is making a way through the crowd and noise by choosing a particular people, not because they are innately superior in some way, but because He desires to lift up an unlikely people (Israel was not economically, numerically, or militarily powerful) though whom He demonstrates His heart and His ways, so that ultimately He may draw the whole of humanity to Himself (see: Genesis 26:4; Exodus 19:5-6; John 12:23; Revelation 5:10).
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4. Reflection Question:
(You are encouraged to write, draw, or respond however the Lord leads to the following inquiries).
1. At a basic level, the story of the People called Israel is one of God choosing to “show Himself mighty” through the “smallest kid on the playground.” There is a pattern with God wherein He tends to favor the second born, the onelabeled“lessthan,”ortheoverlooked. HowmightthispropensityofGod’stonoticeandempowerthe“least, the last, and the lost” encourage you in how you see yourself? In how you see others? In how we set goals and spend resources?
5. Prayer for Today:
A Prayer for Peace in Jerusalem
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name. Lord, You are great and mighty in power; Your understanding is infinite. We exalt You Lord, our God, and worship at Your holy hill. You are Holy. We give You thanks, O God. Your wondrous works declare that Your Name is near. Father, thank You for Jerusalem and for re-establishing the Nation of Israel. Thank You for remaining faithful and steadfast to the covenant You made with Abraham. Thank You for including us as children in Your covenant and for giving us a rich heritage. Lord, You are good. Your mercy endures forever. You are a faithful, loving and compassionate God.
Loving Father, in the Name of Jesus, we pray for peace to return to Jerusalem. We stand on Your Word that all who love this city shall prosper. We unite and declare that peace be within the walls of Jerusalem and prosperity in her palaces. For the sake of our families and friends, peace be unto you, Jerusalem. For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, we will seek what is best for you, Jerusalem. Father God, we, Your peacemakers, sow Your Word, in the Name of Jesus and by the power of the Holy Spirit. The seeds of Your Word of peace will reap a harvest of righteousness and peace in Jerusalem and in Your Kingdom here on earth. Your Kingdom is of people who have right-standing before You and who embrace Your peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. We are obedient to Your Word, Father, and know that You, Father, the God of Peace, crush satan under Your feet. Your grace and peace are with us, Your ambassadors of peace to the city of Jerusalem, through the knowledge of You, Father, and of our Lord Jesus Christ. We claim all spiritual prosperity, all necessary good, and freedom from fear, agitating passions and moral conflict for the envoys of Your good will and intentions for Jerusalem.
Father God, we pray Your shalom, Your peace – comprising Your health, prosperity, rest, safety and welfare – be administered to the people of Jerusalem. We covet that Your ambassadors from around the world will unite in prayer to You, to hear and obey Your voice to receive the blessing of Your peace plan for Jerusalem. Father, we lift up to You faithful American and world leaders who are still working to achieve peace in the Middle East. We pray that these leaders will act to influence the minds and spirits of Israeli leaders. We covet that the Holy Spirit be used to influence the decisions of the representatives of the Palestinian state. May Your will be done to bring peace to Jerusalem, Israel, Palestine, the wider Middle East, and the world as a whole. Holy Spirit, remind our Christian leaders that peacemakers who plant seeds of peace reap a harvest of righteousness in the development of God’s Kingdom here on earth.
What can you do to support bringing peace to Jerusalem?
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Lord God, forgive us in the body of Christ when we fail to be concerned about Your holy city, Jerusalem, and Your people, the Jews, both those who inhabit Israel and those of the Diaspora around the world. Forgive us when we are mindful only of the desire for peace in our country and not for peace in the Middle East and elsewhere in the world, for You love all the world and desire that all people come into Your Kingdom.
Holy Spirit, help us all not to yield to temptation but deliver us from the evil one.
AlmightyGod,YoualoneareourGod,theOnewhoisabletodomightymiracles. AsYourNamedeserves,Youarepraised in Jerusalem and to the ends of the earth. Your strong right hand is filled with victory! O Lord, the God of our ancestor Israel, may Your name be praised forever and ever. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Lord, forgive me for (list any sins that you have committed).
Holy Spirit, remind us all of those we need to forgive; and we will be quick to forgive. (Take a moment and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal names or faces of people that you may need to forgive. As He reveals, say, “I forgive name of person(s).”
Now, trust the Lord to heal any wounds in your soul caused by unforgiveness.)
Optional Time of Centering/Soaking:
If possible, take some time, perhaps 5 to 15 minutes, to get into a comfortable position and simply allow the Lord to minister to you at a deep level (Psalm 42:7). Turn off or put down all distractions. Close your eyes. Hold in your thoughts a meaningful word, phrase, or image from the Scripture passages you read today. Release all other thoughts and concerns into the Presence of the Lord. If your thoughts wander, that’s okay, just gently return to your Scriptural word, phrase, or image. You may want to set a timer.
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Day 26 (October 25)
The Problem with Humanity is Humanity: Genesis 11:1-9
1. Center Down
Before you begin today’s spiritual excursion, please take a few moments to breathe! Take three slow, deep breaths, expanding from your abdomen; try not to raise your shoulders. As you inhale, whisper, “Thank You...” As you exhale whisper, “...for remembering us.”
2. Slowly read aloud the following Scriptures:
(Feel free to pause at any time during your reading to reflect on, thank, praise, or acknowledge God’s stirring in your thoughts and emotions.)
Now the entire earth was of one language and common words. As people moved on in the east they found a valley in the region of Shin’ar and lived there. They said, one to his neighbour, ‘Come on, let’s make bricks and bake them thoroughly’; so, they had brick in place of stone, and tar in place of cement. They said, ‘Come on, let’s build ourselves a town and a tower with its top in the heavens, and make a name for ourselves, so we don’t disperse over the face of the entire earth.’ But Yahweh went down to see the town and the tower that the human beings had made. Yahweh said, ‘Here, one people with one language for all of them, and this is the first thing they do. So now nothing that they may scheme to do is closed off from them. Come on, let’s go down and make a babble of their language there, so one person won’t be able to hear his neighbour’s language.’ So Yahweh dispersed them from there over the face of the entire earth and they left off from building the town. That’s why it was named Babel, because there Yahweh made a babble of the language of the entire earth, and from there Yahweh dispersed them over the face of the entire earth. (Genesis 11:1-9, BfE)
For further exploration: Video: http://b.link/TowerBabelSB 3. Concepts to Consider:
Here we go again! The hubris and depravity of humanity bubbles up just as we saw it before the flood. Even as people moved east away from the Garden, after the devastation of the flood, and after the new covenant beginning with Noah, the people still refused to listen to God’s basic command to “fill the earth” (Genesis 1:27). Instead of being servants to the ground (Genesis 2:5 & 15), humanity concocts a scheme to build a huge city and a ziggurat (a tower) to try and reach the realm of God by their efforts and “wisdom” (“There is a way that seems right to a person, but in the end it leads to death,” Proverbs 14:12), rather than abiding by God’s ways and wisdom as revealed to humanity in the Garden where the realm of God (heaven) and the realm of Earth already beautifully overlapped. When it comes down to it, the narrative makes it clear that the problem with humanity is humanity itself.
God keeps His promise, however, and does not destroy humanity again, but instead He forcibly scatters them over the face of the earth by making a “babble” of their languages. Even when humanity is unfaithful, God remains faithful.
This babbling and scattering as a result of disobedience is graciously redeemed by God through the universal outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2. The multi-lingual peoples gathered for Passover are given a unifying proclamation of the Messiah in their own languages, thus dissolving the “wall that divided us” (Ephesians 4:14), and moving history toward God’s desired outcome of events that culminates in “
...He proclaimed the good news of peace to you who were far away
and peace to those who were near. For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no
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longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with the saints, and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone. The whole building, being put together by Him, grows into a holy sanctuary in the Lord. You also are being built together for God’s dwelling in the Spirit.”
(Ephesians 4:17-22, HCSB)
The “building” God desires most is not made with human hands but is raised with Christ through the power and wisdom
of His Spirit.
4. Reflection Question:
(You are encouraged to write, draw, or respond however the Lord leads to the following inquiries).
1. In what ways have you “run ahead of God” or “thought for God” without actually slowing down to consult Him?
5. Prayer for Today:
A Prayer for People Who Feel Defeated, Fatigued or Sad
Abba Father, we are grateful that when we, the righteous, cry out, You hear and deliver us out of our troubles. Thank You for giving us Your peace and joy. Thank You for providing a life of hope, abundance, and destiny. Thank You for being our strong tower. You are great and most worthy of praise. You are to be feared above all gods. The earth is Yours and everything in it. You laid the earth’s foundation on the seas and built it on the ocean depths. Rise up O Lord, in all Your power. With music and singing we celebrate Your mighty acts. You have performed many wonders for us; Your plans for us are too numerous to list.
Comforting Father, You promised to give rest to all who are weary and carry heavy burdens. Your yoke is easy and the burdens You give are light. We are supposed to trust in You with all of our hearts and not depend on our own understanding so that You can direct our paths. You are the God who brings rest to our souls. Today, we declare that we trust in Your Word and believe that it is operative in the hearts and souls of our members who feel defeated, weary or sad. We confess that though they are surrounded by troubles, You, our Father, preserve them, and save them with Your power. Father, we expect You to give them peace of mind and we declare that their hearts will no longer be afraid. Although they may be pressed on every side by troubles, they will not be crushed or broken. They may feel perplexed,buttheywillnotgiveupandquit. Theymaybepursued,buttheywillnotbeabandoned.Theymaybeknocked down; but, they will get up again and keep going. Father, we declare that they will sleep without fear and enjoy pleasant dreams. There remains a rest for the people of God and we declare that those who feel defeated, weary or sad will obtain and dwell in this rest.
Holy Spirit, we ask You to replace sadness with joy, defeat with victory, and weariness with praise. Help those who feel defeated, weary or sad to focus on Your blessings in their lives rather than on their circumstances. Remind them to praise the Father at all times so they may obtain life and hope. We ask that You bring all things to their remembrance that concern You and Your plans for their lives. Holy Spirit, please increase their hope as they meditate on God’s Word. Help them to not be conformed to this world, but transformed by the renewing of their minds. Strengthen and renew them in their innermost being. Destroy the fiery darts of the enemy that attempt to permeate their souls. May they always hear Your voice and obey Your will. Show them strategies for victory over every circumstance that is trying to weigh them down.
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Holy Spirit, show me how to pray for those around me who are overburdened, weary or sad:
Loving Father, forgive them for any sinful behavior. Forgive them for worry and fear. Forgive them for being anxious. Forgive them for not giving You their cares. Forgive them for not trusting You at all times.
Holy Spirit, help us all not to yield to temptation but deliver us from the evil one.
Holy, Holy, Holy are You, the Lord of hosts the whole earth is full of Your glory. You are the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. You are the God who is, who was, and who is to come. You are the Almighty. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Lord, forgive me for
(list any sins that you have committed). Holy Spirit, remind us all of those we need to forgive; and we will be quick to forgive. (Take a moment and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal names or faces of people that you may need to forgive. As He reveals, say, “I forgive name of person(s).” Now, trust the Lord to heal any wounds in your soul caused by unforgiveness.)
Optional Time of Centering/Soaking:
If possible, take some time, perhaps 5 to 15 minutes, to get into a comfortable position and simply allow the Lord to minister to you at a deep level (Psalm 42:7). Turn off or put down all distractions. Close your eyes. Hold in your thoughts a meaningful word, phrase, or image from the Scripture passages you read today. Release all other thoughts and concerns into the Presence of the Lord. If your thoughts wander, that’s okay, just gently return to your Scriptural word, phrase, or image. You may want to set a timer.
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Day 27 (October 26)
Countdown to Re-Launch: Genesis 11:10-26
1. Center Down
Before you begin today’s spiritual excursion, please take a few moments to breathe! Take three slow, deep breaths, expanding from your abdomen; try not to raise your shoulders. As you inhale, whisper, “Thank you, Lord...” As you exhale whisper, “...for the Household of Faith”
2. Slowly read aloud the following Scriptures:
(Feel free to pause at any time during your reading to reflect on, thank, praise, or acknowledge God’s stirring in your thoughts and emotions.)
These are Shem’s lines of descent. When Shem had lived 100 years, he fathered Arpakshad, two years after the deluge. After fathering Arpakshad, Shem lived 500 years and fathered sons and daughters. When Arpakshad had lived 35 years, he fathered Shelah. After fathering Shelah, Arpakshad lived 403 years and fathered sons and daughters. When Shelah had lived 30 years, he fathered Eber. After fathering Eber, Shelah lived 403 years and fathered sons and daughters. When Eber had lived 34 years, he fathered Peleg. After fathering Peleg, Eber lived 430 years and fathered sons and daughters. When Peleg had lived 30 years, he fathered Re’u. After fathering Re’u, Peleg lived 209 years and fathered sons and daughters. When Re’u had lived 32 years, he fathered Serug. After fathering Serug, Re’u lived 207 years and fathered sons and daughters. When Serug had lived 30 years, he fathered Nahor. After fathering Nahor, Serug lived 200 years and fathered sons and daughters. When Nahor had lived 29 years, he fathered Terah. After fathering Terah, Nahor lived 119 years and fathered sons and daughters. When Terah had lived 70 years, he fathered Abram, Nahor and Haran.
(Genesis 11:10-26, BfE)
For further exploration: Article: (semi-scholarly) http://b.link/BiblicalGenealogies 3. Concepts to Consider:
designation of their progenitor, “Eber” (ֵע ֵבר which extrapolates to “Heber” from whence derives the name “Hebrew”), whose name literally means “the beyond.”
How fitting that those who will be known as the “Hebrews” are perched at the end of this chapter to look beyond Eden, beyond the flood, beyond the plains of Shinar and Babel, and to peer out now towards the land of Canaan, a land they had not known, but where God was about to lead them on a journey of grace that would dare and relaunch the human race with hope and grace.
The pattern of “creation-uncreation-creation again” has been used effectively as a unifying literary device throughout these first eleven chapters of Genesis. But now, this final genealogy serves to bridge this “see-saw” record of general human history with the history of a particular people that will be established though Abram, and who will take on the
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4. Reflection Question:
(You are encouraged to write, draw, or respond however the Lord leads to the following inquiries).
1. Where do you need a “re-launch” in your life? Where do you need to stop staring at the “broken now” and “look beyond” toward the horizon of Hope God has set before you?
5. Prayer for Today:
A Prayer for People Seeking Employment
Awesome Father, we thank You for providing employment for us, Your children. Thank You for sustaining those who are in need of a financial breakthrough. Thank You for helping them daily. Thank You, for being our source and our supply. Holy and righteous is Your Name. You are a great God, and a great King above all other gods. You are our God; and we are the people of our pasture, and the flock under Your care. Lord, You are the Creator of the heavens and the earth. You are our strength and shield, and we trust in You. You help us and our hearts are filled with joy. We burst out
in songs of thanksgiving.
Holy Father, it is Your will that Your children live healthy, productive, happy, and balanced lives. We confess that as those peoplewhoareseekingemploymentplacetheirtrustinYouanddogood;theywilllivesafelyinthelandandprosper. They will never let loyalty and kindness leave them. They will tie them around their necks as a reminder; and write them deep within their hearts. Then they will find favor with both You and men, and they will earn a good reputation. Lord, we declare that they will trust in You with all their hearts; and not depend on their own understanding. They will seek Your will in all that they do, and we believe that You will show them which path to take. In Jesus’ Name, we command the doors of employment to open for our unemployed. We declare that when they receive employment, they will work as if You are their direct supervisor. They will not talk back or steal, but will show themselves to be entirely trustworthy and
good. They will respect authority, walk in integrity and complete a full day’s work for a full day’s pay.
If you know someone who is unemployed or who wants new employment, write down their names and insert their
names into this prayer:
Righteous Father, help those who are unemployed to prepare for their new job. Send them help, such as Career Initiative, to consult with them about how to prepare a resume and how to dress and prepare for an interview. Remind them that because they trust in You, they will not lack any good thing. Holy Spirit, please help them to not grow discouraged or frustrated, but help them to continue to remain hopeful and expect their breakthrough to come forth. Father, some need a miracle right now. Please help them. Holy Spirit, for those who have a poor work ethic, help them to improve. Erase any negative perception caused by past work experiences. Holy Spirit, help stretch their income until employment is
found.
Merciful Father, forgive those people who demonstrate a poor work ethic. Forgive them for not being on time, leaving early, and wasting time. Forgive those who have not paid their tithes and offerings (consistently), or spent their money unnecessarily. Forgive those for misusing company property. Forgive those who have operated in arrogance, greed, lust, pride, arrogance, and rebellion. Lord, forgive me for (list any sins that you have committed). Holy Spirit, remind us all of those we need to forgive; and we will be quick to forgive. (Take a moment and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal names or faces of people that you may need to forgive. As He reveals, say, “I forgive name of person(s).” Now, trust the Lord to
heal any wounds in your soul caused by unforgiveness.)
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Holy Spirit, help us all not to yield to temptation but deliver us from the evil one.
Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the nations. Who can be compared to You? Who is Your equal? Lord, You are high above all nations. Your glory is above the heavens. Yours is
the Kingdom, power, and glory forever. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
Optional Time of Centering/Soaking:
If possible, take some time, perhaps 5 to 15 minutes, to get into a comfortable position and simply allow the Lord to minister to you at a deep level (Psalm 42:7). Turn off or put down all distractions. Close your eyes. Hold in your thoughts a meaningful word, phrase, or image from the Scripture passages you read today. Release all other thoughts and concerns into the Presence of the Lord. If your thoughts wander, that’s okay, just gently return to your Scriptural word, phrase, or image. You may want to set a timer.
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COVENANT GROUPS
Ecclesiastes 4:12 states, “Though one may be empowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not easily broken.”
It is highly recommended that during this Fall Feast Season you gather a group of spiritually encouraging friends/family of 3 or more persons. This group should gather at least once a week throughout the month of September to pray, encourage, and reflect on the daily study topics together. You may choose to focus on one day out of the week during your time together, or you may choose to reflect on God’s work in your life from the entire week’s study and prayer topics.
IMPORTANT: Please register your Covenant Group with Pastor Kim and Incite! so that we can send you weekly reminders and encouragement. Please register by 11:59pm, Friday, October 18, 2019 in order to be a part of the prize drawing.
LINK TO REGISTRATION:
http://b.link/CovenantGroupReg
Remember, your most important Covenant Partners are God our Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. As One, trust them to help and strengthen you and your Covenant Partner(s) during the Church Family Fast, times of study, and reflection.
Guidelines for Covenant Groups
· General Guidelines for choosing Covenant Groups are as follows:
●If you are already participating a regular study or prayer group, you may want to rely on them to be your Covenant Partners throughout this Fall Feast Season.
If you are NOT already in a group, then we offer the following recommended guidelines in order to maintain Christian integrity in the Body of Christ:
● Married couples should generally gather with other married couples;
● Single women should generally gather with other single women; and
● Single men should generally gather with other single men.
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1) Blessed are You, Lord God of Israel, our Father, forever and ever. Yours, O Lord, is the greatness. The power and the glory, the victory and the majesty, for all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours. Yours is the Kingdom, O Lord and You are exalted as head over all. Both riches and honor come from You, and You reign over all. In Your hand is power and might. In Your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. Now therefore, our God, we thank You and praise Your glorious name.
I Chronicles 29:10-13 (NKJ)
2) You alone are the Lord. You made the skies and the heavens and all the stars. You made the earth and the seas and everything in them. You preserve and give life to everything, and all the angels of heaven worship You. Nehemiah 9:6 (NLT)
3) All heaven will praise Your miracles, Lord. Myriads of angels will praise You for Your faithfulness. Who
in all of heaven can compare with You, Lord? What mightiest angel is anything like You? The highest angelic powers stand in awe of God. You are far more awesome than those who surround Your throne. O Lord God Almighty! Where is there anyone as mighty as You, Lord? Faithfulness is Your very character. Psalm 89:5-8 (NLT)
4) You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. You created everything, and it is for your pleasure that they exist and were created. Revelation 4:11 (NLT)
5) Great and marvelous are Your actions, Lord God Almighty. Just and true are Your ways, King of the nations. Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are Holy. All nations will come and worship before You, for Your righteous deeds have been revealed. Revelation 15:3-4 (NLT)
6) Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is filled with His glory! Isaiah 6:3 (NLT)
©2012, Caldwell Ministries, Inc. All rights reserved -
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No reproduction of this material is permitted without expressed written permission of CMI


Concert of Praise...
(Cont’d)
7) Lord, You are King! Let the earth rejoice! Let the farthest islands be glad. Clouds and darkness surround You. Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne. Fire goes forth before You and burns up all Your foes. Your lightning flashes out across the world. The earth sees and trembles. The mountains melt like wax before You; before You, the Lord of all the earth. The heavens declare Your righteousness; every nation sees Your glory. Those who worship idols are disgraced—all who brag about their worthless gods—for every god must bow to You. Jerusalem has heard and rejoiced, and all the cities of Judah are glad because of Your justice, Lord! For You, O Lord, are most high over all the earth; You are exalted far above all gods. Psalm 97:1-9 (NLT)
8) Lord, You are King! Let the nations tremble! Lord, You sit on Your throne between the cherubim. Let the whole earth quake! Lord, You sit in majesty in Jerusalem, supreme above all the nations. Let them praise Your great and awesome name. Your Name is holy! Psalm 99:1-3 (NLT)
9) Open up, ancient gates! Open up, ancient doors, and let the King of glory enter. Who is the King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, invincible in battle. Open up, ancient gates! Open up, ancient doors, and let the King of glory enter. Who is the King of glory? The Lord Almighty, He is the King of glory. Psalm 24:7-10 (NLT)
10)Praise the Lord! I will thank You, Lord, with all my heart as I meet with Your godly people. How amazing are Your deeds! All who delight in You should ponder them. Everything You do reveals Your glory and majesty. Your righteousness never fails. Who can forget the wonders You perform? How gracious and merciful are You, Lord! You give food to those who trust You; You always remember Your covenant. You have shown Your great power to Your people by giving them the lands of other nations. All You do is just and good, and all Your commandments are trustworthy. They are forever true, to be obeyed faithfully and with integrity. You have paid a full ransom for Your people. You have guaranteed Your covenant with us forever. What a holy, awe- inspiring Name You have! Psalm 111:1-9 (NLT)
11) To You, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power. Amen. I Timothy 6:15-16 (NKJ)
12)The Lord is a great God, the great King above all gods. He owns the depths of the earth, and even the mightiest mountains are His. The sea belongs to Him, for He made it. His hands formed the dry land, too. Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the LORD our maker. Psalm 95:2-6 (NLT)
©2012, Caldwell Ministries, Inc. All rights reserved -
No reproduction of this material is permitted without expressed written permission of CMI
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NOTES:
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