Paul Preaches Jesus in Rome: Fulfilling His DestinyDAY 40: SUN 09 APR, 17 “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, ‘For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.’ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:35-39) Come and Rest in My Presence At the end of 40 Days in which you have sacrificed deeply to invest time in His Presence, pour your wholehearted loved on God. Tell Him what His love means to you. “In the way of God, thoughts count for little, love is everything.” “Count as lost each day you have not used in loving God." (Brother Lawrence, 1619-1691) Will your devotion to intimate encounter with God's Presence continue beyond these 40 Days? You can bring our Father glory by equipping this generation, and the next, to carry His Presence! Continue to pray for them, bless them, encourage and release them. Receive My PowerReading: the final fulfilment in this dramatic book! Acts 28:16-31 ESV Audio Bible Paul had longed to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ in Rome. (Romans 1:7-15) Extract: Acts 28:16-17,21-31 TPT “When we finally entered Rome, Paul was turned over to the authorities and was allowed to live where he pleased, with one soldier assigned to guard him. After three days Paul called together all the prominent members of the Jewish community of Rome. They replied… ‘we are anxious to hear you present your views regarding this Christian sect we’ve been hearing about, for people everywhere are speaking against it.’ So they set a time to meet with Paul. On that day an even greater crowd gathered where he was staying. From morning until evening Paul taught them, opening up the truths of the kingdom realm of God. With convincing arguments from both the Law and the Prophets, he tried to persuade them about Jesus. Some were converted, but others refused to believe. They argued back and forth, still unable to agree among themselves. They were about to leave when Paul made one last statement to them: ‘The Holy Spirit stated it well when he spoke to your ancestors through the prophet Isaiah: I send you to this people to say to them, “You will keep learning, but not understanding. You will keep staring at truth but not perceiving it. For your hearts are hard and insensitive to me—you must be hard of hearing! For you’ve closed your eyes so that you won’t be troubled by the truth, and you’ve covered your ears so that you won’t have to listen and be pierced by what I say. For then you would have to respond and repent, so that I could heal your hearts.” So listen well. This wonderful salvation given by God is now being presented to the non-Jewish nations, and they will believe and receive it!’ Paul lived two more years in Rome, in his own rented quarters, welcoming all who came to visit. He continued to proclaim to all the truths of the kingdom realm of God, teaching them about the Lord Jesus, the Anointed One, speaking triumphantly and without any restriction.” Notes from The Passion Translation: This completes the Acts of the Holy Spirit as recorded by Luke. The inspired account ends with Paul ministering to all who came to him. Tradition says that Paul was eventually released from house arrest and travelled to Spain. The acts of God continue to be accomplished through his apostolic company of surrendered lovers. Every believer has the same Holy Spirit and can do the works of Jesus on the earth today. Be My Spirit-led WitnessesListen to what the Word Says, Obey and Share. S: What has God among you during these 40 Days? Has God has answered your prayers and even exceeded your expectations? See the God Stories shared by others. We will be adding to this section in the days to come. Let’s give Him all the glory and our thanksgiving! You are welcome to email your God Story (250 words maximum) and a photo or post your Story on Facebook. Email us if you have a question or video testimony to upload. O: Do you have a clear understanding of Jesus’ call on you as His messenger? S: Would you like to stay in touch beyond these 40 Days? The Pray for Australia website will continue to provide a map and calendar of ongoing prayer groups. It would be helpful if you could update information on your prayer gatherings and continue to enter new prayer groups. You may like to check now and then to see the new prayer gatherings in your local area so you can join them or connect to encourage each other. You may also like to join Partners in Prayer & Evangelism. See recent articles at: www.PartnersinPrayer.org.au Share your Faith by simply forwarding this www.yesheis.com daily video to others: The Story Be My House of PrayerIn Jesus’ name, we declare the blood of Christ sealing all He has been done through these 40 Days. May we all continue to grow in Christ and bring You glory! I declare: “I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me. Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.” (2 Timothy 1:12-14) Let's declare: “To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious Presence with out fault and with great joy — to the only God our Saviour be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.” (Jude 24-25) "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21)
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Paul Receives Extraordinary KindnessDAY 39: SAT 08 APR, 17 “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love..” (Ephesians 4:1-2) Come and Rest in My Presence As you worship, pray for God’s Church to bring God glory by reflecting His likeness and being one in loving kindness. “May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus - that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” (Romans 15:5-7) Receive My PowerReading: Acts 28:1-15 ESV Audio Bible Follow Paul’s Third Journey from Malta to Rome Map 26 Extract: Acts 28:1-2,7-10,15 TPT “After we had safely reached land, we discovered that the island we were on was Malta. The people who lived there showed us extraordinary kindness, for they welcomed us around the fire they had built because it was cold and rainy. The Roman governor of the island, named Publius, had his estate nearby. He graciously welcomed us as his houseguests and showed us hospitality for the three days that we stayed with him. His father lay sick in bed, suffering from fits of high fever and dysentery. So Paul went into his room, and after praying, placed his hands on him. He was instantly healed. When the people of the island heard about this miracle, they brought all the sick to Paul, and they were also healed. The islanders honored us greatly, and when we were preparing to set sail again, they gave us all the supplies we needed for our journey. [In Puteoli] we found some believers, who begged us to stay with them for a week. Afterward, we made our way to Rome. When the believers were alerted we were coming, they came out to meet us at the Forum of Appius, while we were still a great distance from Rome. Another group met us at the Three Taverns. When Paul saw the believers, his heart was greatly encouraged and he thanked God.” Listen to what the Word Says, Obey and Share. S: What is God saying to you through this? O: Which part does God move you to obey? S: Are you overflowing with “extraordinary kindness”? We encourage you to share what you have. You can give faithfully and sustainably because Christ is within you to overflow you. Do you remember Wesley Stubbings’ inspiring testimony last year in 40 Stories? Wes encountered God supernaturally when he cried out from his jail cell as a youth. We invite you to “greatly encourage” WesleyStubbingsin what he is doing now! Click here to support Youth Crime: Leadership Programs by Wesley Stubbings Be My Spirit-led Witnesses The very best gift we have to give others is the Presence of the Living God. We will maintain the joy and power we have received during these 40 days by doing what Jesus said - by continuing to abide in Jesus as the vine. “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” (John 15:1-8) A “fruitful life comes from a living relationship with the living God, the source of all life.” (Turner, p63) “The Spirit bears His fruit in our lives “love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23) Let’s continue to be whole heartedly devoted in our availability to God’s Presence.“…Put the bread of the Presence on this table to be before me at all times.” (Exodus 25:30) “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” (Revelation 3:20) “The King, full of mercy and goodness, very far from chastising me, embraces me with love, makes me eat at His table, serves me with His own hands, gives me the key of His treasures; He converses and delights Himself with me incessantly, in a thousand and a thousand ways, and treats me in all respects as His favourite. It is thus I consider myself from time to time in His Holy Presence.” (Brother Lawrence) Ask the Holy Spirit who you could surprise with a random act of kindness today. It may be someone He brings to mind. It may be someone you encounter “spontaneously” as you prayer walk or sit intentionally in a public place in your community. It may involve giving to those in need. Share your Faith by simply forwarding this www.yesheis.com daily video to others: What is Love? Be My House of Prayer Declare: “I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you.” (Psalm 63:2-4) Declare over yourself and those around you: “Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” (2 Peter 2:2-3) Jesus, we pray to you as the Head of Your church, for our pastors and leaders. Show us ways to honour and encourage them and pour loving kindness on them. Enable us as the church to be hospitable to those who are seeking You and to have the Bread of Your Presence on the table at all times. Holy Spirit, come upon us and lead us in how we pray: Pray for your prayer list and family and friends to receive Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Pray for Australia to receive Jesus as Lord and for His Church to be His House of Prayer. Pray for a new generation of young prayer warriors and evangelists to arise in Jesus’ revival and transformation in our nation. “…you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses..." (Acts 1:8) Paul Protected in MaltaDAY 38: FRI 07 APR, 17 “How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the Presence of our God because of you?” (1 Thessalonians 3:9) Come and Rest in My Presence “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Matthew 11:28-30 The Message) “It is extremely necessary we are synched with the rhythm of heaven. Rhythm is in the Holy Spirit and heartbeat of the Father. The analogy that most accurately represents the rhythm of heaven is the image of the waltz. There is love in the waltz. There is joy in the waltz – two partners moving as one.” (Hetland, Introduction, p31-32,35) Lean into Jesus and trust him for whatever you are facing. Receive My PowerReading: See the full story of the shipwreck: Acts 27 ESV Audio Bible Paul’s Third Journey Map 21 Extract: Acts 27:1,18-26,41-44 TPT “When it was decided that we were to sail for Italy, Festus handed over Paul and a number of other prisoners to the custody of a Roman officer named Julius, a member of the imperial guard. The next day, because of being battered severely by the storm, the sailors jettisoned the cargo, and by the third day they even threw the ship’s tackle and rigging overboard. After many days of seeing neither the sun nor the stars, and with the violent storm continuing to rage against us, all hope of ever getting through it alive was abandoned. After being without food for a long time, Paul stepped before them all and said, ‘Men, you should have obeyed me and avoided all of this pain and suffering by not leaving Crete. Now listen to me. Don’t be depressed, for no one will perish—only the ship will be lost. For God’s angel visited me last night, the angel of my God, the God I passionately serve. He came and stood in front of me and said, “Don’t be afraid, Paul. You are destined to stand trial before Caesar. And because of God’s favor on you, he has given you the lives of everyone who is sailing with you.” So men, keep up your courage! I know that God will protect you, just as he told me he would. But we must run aground on some island to be saved.’ …they drifted into the rocky shoals between two depths of the sea, causing the ship to flounder still a distance from shore. The bow was stuck fast, jammed on the rocks, while the stern was being smashed by the pounding of the surf. The soldiers wanted to kill all the prisoners to prevent them from escaping. But the Roman officer was determined to bring Paul safely through, so he foiled their attempts. He commanded the prisoners and crew who could swim to jump overboard and swim ashore. The rest all managed to survive by clinging to planks and broken pieces of the ship, so that everyone scrambled to the shore uninjured.” Listen to what the Word Says, Obey and Share. S: What does God say to Paul? Does this prophetic word come true? O: Has God intervened miraculously in your life? Can you rest in Jesus’ peace at tough times? Be My Spirit-led Witnesses S: Have you shared words that God has spoken to you? Did these bring life? Were they received? Pray for those you know who carry the gospel. Ask the Holy Spirit to prompt you to make a donation to a gospel ministry. e.g. Carl Musch: IMLA Indigenous Ministry Links Australia – evangelism, church planting, ministry training, breaking the cycle of poverty. www.imla.org.au Do you have a God Story you can share with us? We are looking for people who have testimonies of salvations, healings and breakthrough that we can share to inspire the body of Christ. We'd love to hear what God has done in you, in your group, church or region during the 40 Days Relay! We will share some testimonies publicly. See tips on how to share a God Story. Email your brief story (250 words maximum) and a photo or post on Facebook. Email if you have a question or video testimony to upload. Share your Faith by simply forwarding this www.yesheis.com daily video to others: Give Be My House of Prayer Father, we pour on You our gratitude for Jesus and the Holy Spirit. You have given us salvation and the power to be Your witnesses! You fulfil every promise! Freely we have received, Lord. May we give as we have received. Lord, we pray for your favour upon those who need your protection and refreshing - especially people with depression, parents of young children, carers and workers who support people with high needs; those who are homeless; those at risk in their workplace; missionaries and all leaders and people under acute responsibility and pressure. We uphold them for refreshing, courage and strength as they rest in dependence on you, Jesus. Holy Spirit, come upon us and lead us in how we pray: Pray for your prayer list and family and friends to receive Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Pray for Australia to receive Jesus as Lord and for His Church to be His House of Prayer. Pray for a new generation of young prayer warriors and evangelists to arise in Jesus’ revival and transformation in our nation. “…you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses..." (Acts 1:8) Paul Preaches Jesus before King AgrippaDAY 37: THU 06 APR, 17 “Behold, now is the favourable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2) Come and Rest in My Presence “We were designed to be filled with and contain His manifest Presence.” “It is a dynamic thing to wait on Him with great expectancy within…The deeper we long for Him, the more we receive of Him. Let yours be an empty vessel ready to be filled with His fullness.” (Hetland, p 19, 15) Wait expectantly on the Spirit – with your heart wide open. PROPHETIC WORD OVER AUSTRALIA by Darren Canning "I have been hearing in the spirit that Australia is about to have a move of the Holy Spirit. Get ready for the fire to descend upon the Great Southland of the Holy Spirit. I saw waters bubbling from the deep and opals glowing in the dark in a dream in the area you know as Victoria, Southern Australia. I believe this will begin in May. God is about to release a new fire and you are about to conquer in Jesus' name. Even on this your 100th anniversary of bringing liberation to Jerusalem, God is about to do a new thing in your land. There is a new transparency coming upon your people. They will be victorious in Jesus' name." Receive My PowerReading: See the whole dramatic legal case: Acts 25:13-27, 26:1-32 ESV Audio Bible Extract: Acts 26:1-2,4-5,13-14,28-29, 32 TPT “Several days later, King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea for a visit with Festus. …Festus explained Paul’s situation to the king to get his opinion on the matter… King Agrippa said to Festus, ‘I would like to listen to this man myself.’ ‘Tomorrow,’ he replied, ‘you will have that opportunity.’ The next day King Agrippa and Bernice entered the audience hall with much pomp and pageantry. Accompanying them were the senior military officers and prominent citizens. Festus ordered that Paul be brought before them all. King Agrippa said to Paul, ‘You may now consider myself highly favoured to stand before you today and answer the charges made against me by the state your case.’ Paul motioned with his hand for silence, then began his defence. ‘King Agrippa… All the Jews know how I have been raised as a young man, living among my own people from the beginning and in Jerusalem. If my accusers are willing to testify, they must admit that they’ve known me all along as a Pharisee, a member of the most strict and orthodox sect within Judaism… While traveling on the road at noon, Your Highness, I saw a light brighter than the sun flashing from heaven all around me… ‘I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting. Get up and stand to your feet, for I have appeared to you to reveal your destiny and to commission you as my assistant. You will be a witness to what you have seen and to the things I will reveal whenever I appear to you. I will rescue you from the persecution of your own people and from the hostility of the other nations that I will send you to. And you will open their eyes to their true condition, so that they may turn from darkness to the Light and from the power of Satan to the power of God. By placing their faith in me they will receive the total forgiveness of sins and be made holy, taking hold of the inheritance that I give to my children!’… I have experienced the supernatural help of God up to this very moment. So I’m standing here saying the same thing that I’ve shared with everyone, from the least to the greatest… Agrippa responded, ‘In such a short time you are nearly persuading me to become a Christian.” Paul replied, “I pray to God that both you and those here listening to me would one day become the same as I am, except, of course, without these chains.’… King Agrippa said to Festus, ‘If he hadn’t appealed to Caesar, he could have been released.’” Listen to what the Word Says, Obey and Share. S: Think back over the many times God sent supernatural help to Paul. Be My Spirit-led Witnesses O: Will you obey Jesus’ prompts when He sends you to “open someone’s eyes”? 2 Corinthians 4:4 “The god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ.” Acts 26:17-18 “I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God.” S: Your Prayer List. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you divinely orchestrated, socially natural opportunities to gradually share parts of your testimony and the Gospel of Jesus with those you are praying for. Pray for W.O.W. (Day 12-13) and share F.A.I.T.H. (Day 27) Be inspired to prompt your group or church with these two great video clips that inspire us to share our faith. Share your Faith by simply forwarding this www.yesheis.com daily video to others who are learning how to pray with intimacy: A Chat with God Be My House of Prayer Father, thank You for the precious souls that you have brought into my sphere of influence. I pray that they may turn from darkness to the Light and from the power of Satan to the power of God. I seek Your Spirit’s grace to give me the right words at the right time for the right person so I can share the gospel with power. Lord, like Paul we pray for our leaders, kings and governors and appeal to them. Give us opportunity to present the gospel clearly to them. Open their eyes to their true condition so they may lead us from darkness to Light and from the power of Satan to the power of God. May the children of our society be protected and receive a Godly inheritance. Rescue us from persecution and hostility. We rest in reliance on your supernatural help. Holy Spirit, come upon us and lead us in how we pray: Pray for your prayer list and family and friends to receive Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Pray for Australia to receive Jesus as Lord and for His Church to be His House of Prayer. Pray for a new generation of young prayer warriors and evangelists to arise in Jesus’ revival and transformation in our nation. Pray for the Nations: We are seeking 70 Australian houses of prayer who will adopt and pray for one of the 70 Commonwealth nations who will come to Australia for the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast 4-15 April 2018. Your regular prayer group can do this if you commit to pray for one of these nations from now through April 2018. More information on registration, nations and support. “…you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses..." (Acts 1:8) Paul Preaches Jesus before Governor FestusDAY 36: WED 05 APR, 17 “And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” (Luke 12:11-12) Come and Rest in My Presence Lord, Your love casts out all fear! We worship you and abide in you. We rest in You, our Beloved. “I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.” (Psalm 63:2-3,6-8) “Soaking* prayer …is recovery of a spiritual path to a lifestyle of intimacy with God. At the core, prayer is coming to a deep union with God, our spirit with His Spirit, being filled with Him and…releasing His supernatural world to the world around us.” (Hetland, Introduction) *resting expectantly in whole hearted submission. "The longing of God's heart is to find people willing to position themselves in a posture to receive Him in all His glory. Only from the place of intimacy and pressing into the heart of God can we acquire His feelings and discover the divine strategy to release true justice on the earth. Authentic intimacy propels us forward into true advocacy that carries far more weight and authority..." (Feucht, p115,103) Receive My PowerRead the whole story: Acts 25:1-12 ESV Audio Bible Acts 25:1-12 TPT “Three days after Festus assumed his duties in Caesarea, he made the journey to Jerusalem. Religious authorities and prominent leaders among the Jews brought formal charges against Paul before Festus. They came asking him for a favour—that he would transfer Paul from Caesarea to Jerusalem—all the while plotting to ambush and kill Paul along the way. Festus responded to their request by informing them that he planned to return to Caesarea shortly. He told them, ‘Your leaders can come with me to Caesarea. If this man has broken any laws, you can bring charges against him there.’ After Festus had stayed in Jerusalem no more than eight to ten days, he left for Caesarea. The day after he arrived, he convened the court and took his seat on the bench as judge over the proceedings. After he ordered Paul brought into the courtroom, the Jewish leaders who came from Jerusalem encircled him and levelled against him many serious charges, which they were unable to substantiate. In his defence, Paul said by the Holy Spirit, ‘I have done nothing wrong. I’ve committed no offense against Jewish law, or against the temple, or against Caesar.’ Festus, because he wanted to curry favour with the Jews, asked Paul, ‘Are you willing to go with me to Jerusalem and be tried for these charges?’ Paul replied, ‘I am standing here before Caesar’s tribunal. This is where I should be tried. As you well know, I have done no harm to the Jews. If I have committed a crime worthy of death, I won’t seek to escape the death penalty. But if none of their charges are true, no one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!’ After conferring with the members of his council, Festus replied, ‘Since you have appealed to Caesar, to Caesar you will go!’” Listen to what the Word Says, Obey and Share. S: Did Paul appeal to Caesar to fulfil God’s word that he would go to Rome? (Acts 23:11, 27:24) O: How have you reacted when you are falsely accused? Pray 1 Peter 3:14-16 “But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honour Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defence to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behaviour in Christ may be put to shame.” S: Ask the Holy Spirit to show you the people you need to forgive. Be My Spirit-led Witnesses 40 Days Prayer & Worship Relay. Enjoy God’s presence in your times of praise and worship! “…be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Ephesians 5:18-19) Have you gathered in prayer with others from across the Body of Christ during these 40 Days? Find local groups by entering your town or suburb in the search section under the map so you can meet with them in this remaining week and after the 40 Days. Give God the glory for all He has done in your heart, church and region during the 40 Days Relay! See how to share a God Story. Email your brief story (250 words maximum) and a photo. Post it on Facebook. Email if you have a question or video testimony to upload. We will share some testimonies publicly. Share your Faith by simply forwarding this www.yesheis.com daily video to others: Within Reach Be My House of Prayer Jesus, we thank you for all who have ministered before you day and night throughout this 40 Day relay. Bless them Lord! We pray the churches will continue to collaborate in ongoing 24/7 prayer & worship. Holy Spirit convict our hearts so you can show us who we need to forgive so the defences that separate us as families, as the Church and as people groups will be swept away by love. Speak through us to those in authority. Lord, we pray for those who advocate on behalf of Jesus and His Kingdom before the leaders and governors in our courts, parliament and other places of authority. Keep us mindful to pray with them, stand with them and to exercise our authority as citizens on earth and in heaven in how we protect them - and all who face injustice and unrighteousness. Holy Spirit, come upon us and lead us in how we pray: Pray for your prayer list and family and friends to receive Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Pray for Australia to receive Jesus as Lord and for His Church to be His House of Prayer. Pray for a new generation of young prayer warriors and evangelists to arise in Jesus’ revival and transformation in our nation. “…you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses..." (Acts 1:8) Paul Preaches Jesus before Governor FelixDAY 35: TUE 04 APR, 17 “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” (John 14:6) Come and Rest in My Presence As you worship declare: "We have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14) "For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." (2 Corinthians 4:6) Intercede with the Father for those who need to know Jesus as their Way. Receive My Power Reading: See the case presented by the prosecution: Acts 24 ESV Audio Bible Extract: Acts 24:1,10-27 TPT “Five days later, Ananias the high priest arrived in Caesarea, accompanied by some Jewish elders and Tertullus, their prosecuting attorney…The governor motioned that it was Paul’s turn to speak, so he began to answer the accusations…’..You can easily verify that about twelve days ago, I went to Jerusalem to worship. No one found me arguing with anyone or causing trouble among the people in the Jewish meeting houses or in the temple or anywhere in the city. They are completely unable to prove these accusations they make against me. But I do confess this to you: I worship the God of our Jewish ancestors as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. For I believe everything that is written in the Law and the Prophets. And my hope is in God, the same hope that even my accusers have embraced, the hope of a resurrection from the dead of both the righteous and the unrighteous. That’s why I seek with all my heart to have a clean conscience toward God and toward others. After being away from Jerusalem for several years, I returned to bring to my people gifts for the poor. I was in the temple, ritually purified and presenting my offering to God, when they seized me. I had no noisy crowd around me, and I wasn’t causing trouble or making any kind of disturbance whatsoever. It was a group of Jews from western Turkey who were being unruly; they are the ones who should be here now to bring their charges if they have anything against me. Or at least these men standing before you should clearly state what crime they found me guilty of when I stood before the Jewish supreme council, unless it’s the one thing I passionately spoke out when I stood among them. I am on trial today only because of my belief in the resurrection of the dead.’ Felix, who was well acquainted with the facts about the Way, concluded the hearing with these words: ‘I will decide your case after Commander Lysias arrives’. He then ordered the captain to keep Paul in protective custody, but to give him a measure of freedom, he allowed any of his friends to visit him and help take care of his needs. Several days later, Felix came back with his wife, Drusilla, who was Jewish. They sent for Paul and listened as he shared with them about faith in Jesus, the Anointed One. As Paul spoke about true righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix became terrified and said, ‘Leave me for now. I’ll send for you later when it’s more convenient.’ He expected to receive a bribe from Paul for his release, so for that reason he would send for Paul from time to time to converse with him. Two years later, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. Before he left office he decided to leave Paul in prison as a political favor to the Jews. Listen to what the Word Says, Obey and Share. S: Would “true righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment” terrify you if you did not have the assurance that the grace of Jesus has saved you and that His Spirit enables you? (Hebrews 10:19-25) Be My Spirit-led Witnesses O: Do you notice the broken and perishing ones all around you - and love them as your Father does? “Between dawn and dusk they are broken to pieces; unnoticed, they perish forever.” (Job 4:20) S: The-Way-of-Life-Relay enables you to clearly present the gospel of Jesus using your phone. Have you trialled this tool? Have you practised it? Have you used it to share the gospel? Check out Australia for Jesus Share your Faith by simply forwarding this www.yesheis.com daily video to others: Who Is Jesus? Be My House of Prayer Jesus, I too “seek with all my heart to have a clean conscience toward God and toward others.” Our hearts are stricken at the thought of those who are perishing in our families and neighbourhoods across our nation and the nations of the earth. We cry out for harvest workers to bring them the gospel. We pray for opportunities to speak the gospel to them and be the gospel to them. Lord, we pause to pour Your blessing on our neighbours – locally and our neighbouring nations. Father we appeal to the courts of heaven on behalf of those who face in justice and those who administer justice on earth. May our constitution, laws and policies be aligned with your perfect will - to enable abundant life for our citizens, guests and neighbours of this nation. Holy Spirit, come upon us and lead us in how we pray: Pray for your prayer list and family and friends to receive Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Pray for Australia to receive Jesus as Lord and for His Church to be His House of Prayer. Pray for a new generation of young prayer warriors and evangelists to arise in Jesus’ revival and transformation in our nation. “…you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses..." (Acts 1:8) Paul Preaches Jesus to the Jewish Supreme Council DAY 34: MON 03 APR, 17
“For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 12:13) Come and Rest in My Presence Worship the One God – as one with others and yourself. (Mark 12:29-31) “This is our highest purpose for creation, to host and be filled with the very presence of God and live in perfect union with the Godhead. From that place we shine with His glory in all we are and all we do.” (Hetland, p47) Receive My PowerReading: Acts 22:30, 23:1-35 ESV Audio Bible Extract: Acts 22:30, 23:6,9-11,16,20,24-27,29-30,33,35 TPT “The next day the commander ordered that the high priest and the supreme Jewish council be convened, because he wanted to find out exactly why the Jews were accusing Paul. So he had him untied and brought out to stand before them all. “…Paul realized that part of the council were Sadducees, who deny the resurrection of the dead, and others were of the separated ones [the Pharisees]. So he shouted, ‘My fellow Jews, I am a separated one, and the son of a separated one. That’s why I’m on trial here. It’s because of the hope I have that the dead will rise to live again.’ Finally, some of the separated ones who were religious scholars stood up and protested strongly, saying, ‘We find nothing wrong with this man. It could be that the Spirit has spoken to him or an angel came to him.’ When the shouting match became intense, the commander, fearing they would tear Paul to pieces, intervened and ordered his soldiers to go in to their meeting and seize him and take him back to their headquarters. That night our Lord appeared to Paul and stood before him and said, ‘Receive miracle power. For just as you have spoken for me in Jerusalem, you will also speak for me in Rome.’ When Paul’s nephew, his sister’s son, overheard their plot to kill him, he came to the headquarters and informed him of their plans. ‘… they have forty men lying in wait to ambush Paul. These men have sworn an oath not to eat or drink until they have killed him. They’re all waiting for you to agree to their request so they can carry out their plot.’ Then he summoned two of his captains and said to them, ‘I want you to take Paul by horseback to Caesarea tonight at nine o’clock. Dispatch two hundred infantrymen, seventy horsemen, and another two hundred spearmen to provide security and deliver him safely to Governor Felix’ He sent with them a letter that read: From Claudias Lysias, to His Excellency, Governor Felix: Dear Governor, I rescued this man, who was seized by the Jews as they were about to put him to death…I found no charge against him that deserved death or imprisonment. When I was informed of an imminent plot to kill him, I sent him to you at once, and I have ordered his accusers to also come before you and state their charges against him. Sincerely, Claudius Lysias…Upon their arrival in Caesarea, they presented the letter to the governor and brought Paul before him…The governor said, ‘I will give you a full hearing when your accusers arrive here also.’ Then he ordered that Paul be kept under guard in Herod’s palace.” Listen to what the Word Says, Obey and Share. S: Compare Paul’s identity as a “separated one” with his advice to the Ephesians: “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” (Ephesians 4:1-6) O: Have you encountered division across the Church? What will you do about your part in it? Be My Spirit-led Witnesses S: Get to know other Christians and churches in your neighbourhood so you can pray together. Pray for them and bless them. Connect with other local prayer groups in your area. Look at the PrayforAustralia.com.au/map to see if there are flames in your area on the map! Enter your suburb or town under the map to find local groups you can stand as one with in your region. Share your Faith by simply forwarding this www.yesheis.com daily video to others: TreasureHunt Do you know a God Story you can share with us? We are looking for people who have testimonies of salvations, healings and breakthrough that we can share to inspire the body of Christ. We'd love to hear what God has done in you, in your group, church or region during the 40 Days Relay! See tips on how to share a God Story. Email your brief story (250 words maximum) and a photo or post on Facebook. Email if you have a question or video testimony to upload. We will share some testimonies publicly. Be My House of Prayer Jesus we pray with you that we might be one as You and the Father are one. Heal and raise us to be the body of Christ on earth so we fulfil your prophecy - and the world knows You and Your love for them. (John 17:23) Holy Spirit, come upon us and lead us in how we pray: Pray for your prayer list and family and friends to receive Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Pray for Australia to receive Jesus as Lord and for His Church to be His House of Prayer. Pray for a new generation of young prayer warriors and evangelists to arise in Jesus’ revival and transformation in our nation. “…you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses..." (Acts 1:8) Paul a Roman Citizen under arrestDAY 33: SUN 02 APR, 17 “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” (1 Peter 3:15) Come and Rest in My Presence Declare Christ the King! Luke 19:38 “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” Receive My PowerReading: See what happens next! Acts 22:17-29 ESV Audio Bible Acts 22:17-29 TPT “Then I returned to Jerusalem. And while I was praying in the temple, I entered another realm and saw him. [Jesus] He said to me, ‘Hurry and depart from Jerusalem quickly, for the people here will not receive the truths you share about me.’ ‘But Lord,’ I argued, ‘they all know that I’m the one who went into our Jewish meetings to find those who believe in you and had them beaten and imprisoned. When the blood of your witness Stephen was shed, I stood nearby in full approval of what was happening. I even guarded the cloaks of those who stoned him to death.’ Then he said to me, ‘Go at once, for I am sending you to preach to the non-Jewish nations.’ The crowd listened attentively to Paul up to this point. But when they heard this, all at once they erupted with loud shouts, saying, ‘Get rid of this man! Kill him! He doesn’t deserve to live!’ While the crowd was screaming and yelling, removing their outer garments, and throwing handfuls of dust in the air in protest, the commander had Paul brought back into the compound. He ordered that he be whipped with a lash and interrogated to find out what he said that so infuriated the crowd. When the soldiers stretched Paul out with ropes, he said to the captain, who was standing nearby, ‘Is it legal for you to torture a Roman citizen like this, without a proper trial?’ When the officer heard this, he immediately went to his commander and reported it, saying, ‘This man is a Roman citizen. What should we do now?’ The commander came to Paul and asked him, ‘Tell me the truth, are you a Roman citizen?’ ‘Yes I am,’ he replied. The commander said, ‘I had to purchase my citizenship with a great sum of money.’ Paul replied, ‘I was born as a citizen!’ All of the soldiers who were about to whip Paul backed away, because they were afraid of the consequences for tying up and holding a Roman citizen against his will.” Listen to what the Word Says, Obey and Share. S: What impact did Paul’s citizenship have? Watch for this through Paul’s court cases. O: Do you exercises the privileges of your national citizenship and your kingdom citizenship? S: How would you explain the benefits of being a citizen in the Kingdom of Jesus Christ? “The Kingdom of God is the total answer to the total needs of man. Jesus made the way for us to access heaven and live in its reality in the Spirit and be able to experience our inheritance as sons of God here and now. Through Him we have access to the heavenly resources needed to transform this earth and make it look just like heaven. We receive what Jesus accomplished, the finished work of the cross, by faith in the place of intimacy.” (Hetland, p57) Be My Spirit-led Witnesses Share Your Testimony. Practise a brief 1-2 minute version of your testimony. See tips on how to share a God Story. Email your brief story (250 words maximum) and a photo or post on Facebook. Email if you have a question or video testimony to upload. We will share some testimonies publicly. Share your Faith by simply forwarding this www.yesheis.com daily video to others: Gospel in Plain Speak Be My House of Prayer Lord, We pray for those being treated unjustly and cruelly. Lord have Your way! We declare, “Our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ…” Come, Lord Jesus! (Philippians 3:20) Holy Spirit, come upon us and lead us in how we pray: Pray for your prayer list and family and friends to receive Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Pray for Australia to receive Jesus as Lord and for His Church to be His House of Prayer. Pray for a new generation of young prayer warriors and evangelists to arise in Jesus’ revival and transformation in our nation. “…you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses..." (Acts 1:8) Paul Preaches Jesus at Roman GarrisonDAY 32: SAT 01 APR, 17 “Fan into flame the gift of God which is in you…” (2 Timothy 1:6-7) Come and Rest in My Presence Declare “My heart, O God, is steadfast; I will sing and make music with all my soul.” (Psalm 108:1) “Think often on God, by day, by night, in your business, and even in your diversions. He is always near you and with you: leave Him not alone. Do not forget Him, adore Him continually.” (Brother Lawrence, c.1614–1691) Receive My PowerReading: Hear all Paul’s extraordinary testimony: Acts 21:40, 22:1-17 ESV Audio Bible Acts 21:40, 2:1-17 TPT “When the crowd quieted down, Paul addressed them in Aramaic and said… ‘Ladies and gentlemen, fellow believers and elders—please listen to me as I offer my defence.” (Now, when everyone realized he was speaking to them in their Judean Aramaic language, the crowd became all the more attentive.) Then Paul said, “I am a Jewish man who was born in Tarsus, a city of Turkey. However, I grew up in this city and was properly trained in the Mosaic law and tutored by Rabbi Gamaliel according to our ancestral customs. I’ve been extremely passionate in my desire to please God, just as all of you are today. I’ve hunted down and killed the followers of this Way. I have seized them and thrown them into prison, both men and women. All of this can be verified by the high priest and the Supreme Council of Elders. For they even wrote letters to our fellow Jews of Damascus, authorizing me to arrest them and bring them back to Jerusalem as prisoners to be punished. As I was on the road approaching Damascus, about noon, a brilliant heavenly light suddenly appeared, flashing all around me. As I fell to the ground I heard a voice say, “Saul, Saul … why are you persecuting me?” I answered, “Who are you, my Lord?” He said to me, “I am Jesus, the Victorious. I am the one you are persecuting.” Those who were with me saw the brilliant light, but they didn’t hear the voice of the one who spoke to me. So I asked, “Lord, what am I to do?” And the Lord said to me, “Get up and go into Damascus, and there you will be told about all that you are destined to do.” Because of the dazzling glory of the light, I couldn’t see—I was left blind. So they had to lead me by the hand the rest of the way into Damascus. A Jewish man living there named Ananias came to see me. He was a godly man who lived according to the law of Moses and was highly esteemed by the Jewish community. He stood beside me and said, “Saul! My brother, Saul — open your eyes and see again!” At that very instant I opened my eyes and I could see! Then he said to me, “The God of our ancestors has destined you to know his plan and for you to see the Holy One and to hear his voice. For you will be his witness to every race of people and will share with them everything that you’ve seen and heard. So now, what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized, and wash away your sins as you call upon his name.’” Be My Spirit-led Witnesses Listen to what the Word Says, Obey and Share. S: What kind of information does Paul include in his testimony? O: Ask the Holy Spirit to help you write and share your testimony effectively. “You can never separate our Kingdom assignment or heavenly call (what we are called to do) from our Kingdom Identity (who we are) as sons and daughters of God. As we go deeper in intimacy, we discover who we are in Him and what He has called us to do and to be.” “As we soak* deeper, we experience the depths of His glory – His love, His goodness and His power. This brings us to a deep knowledge and intimacy with God. In that place we are transformed into His likeness and transformed lives have the power to transform other lives.” (Hetland, p69, Introduction) *rest expectantly in whole hearted submission S: Do you know a God Story you can share with us? We are looking for people who have testimonies of salvations, healings and breakthrough that we can share to inspire the body of Christ. We'd love to hear what God has done in you, in your group, church or region during the 40 Days Relay! We will share some testimonies publicly. See tips on how to share a God Story. Email your brief story (250 words maximum) and a photo or post on Facebook. Email if you have a question or video testimony to upload. Share your Faith by simply forwarding this www.yesheis.com daily video to others: A Different Love Story Be My House of Prayer Father, we worship you as our Beloved Father. What joy it is to be your children! Reveal to us who we are in You so we can reveal who You are in us. We honour our father and mothers that our lives may be long in the land You are giving us. (Exodus 20:12) Lord, we thank you for Paul's example in his confession before the authorities, leaders and people of Jerusalem. We pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit that will bring our nation to conviction and repentance. We pray that our governmental and church leaders will lead us in acknowledging what we have done wrong. We pray they will see the Holy One and hear his voice so they can lead us in the plan God has destined for our nation becoming a witness to every race of people, we pray, as Jesus has commanded us. We have studied Paul's example in preaching Jesus at the Roman Garrison in Jerusalem on Australia's National Day of Prayer for Defence! Lord, we pray with the Military Christian Fellowship, the Defence Forces and our fellow citizens to uphold the men and women who serve and those who have returned from service with physical and emotional injury. We pray for the families who sacrifice and have been impacted by loss. Father, we pray for our political and Defense Force leaders - that our senior policy and decision-makers bring a selfless approach to their responsibilities. May integrity and purity reign in Defence Force culture and training settings. Jesus, we pray your shield upon the 2352 Australian Defence Force personnel deployed to 10 operations, overseas and within Australia to protect Australia and its national interests. We pray powerful spiritual influence through the Defence Christian military ministries leadership, chaplains, and Faith Under Fire Course. May each person hear the tender invitations, power and comfort of the Holy Spirit. (See prayer points and gatherings at www.mcf-a.org.au.) Holy Spirit, come upon us and lead us in how we pray: Pray for your prayer list, family and friends to receive Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Pray for Australia to receive Jesus as Lord and for His Church to be His House of Prayer. Pray for a new generation of young prayer warriors and evangelists to arise in Jesus’ revival and transformation in our nation. “…you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses..." (Acts 1:8) Paul Protected by Roman CommanderPaul Protected by Roman CommanderDAY 31: FRI 31 MAR, 17
“…he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’.. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10) Come and Rest in My Presence Apply Psalm 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Inner stillness and rest position our hearts to receive and obey trustingly. “Our Father invites us to be still in His Presence and to know He is God. In that place He reveals new facets of His Nature.” “When we cease striving, He is able to reveal and impart more to us.” (Hetland, p18) Receive My PowerReading: Examine the near fatal mob attack on Paul. Acts 21:15-39 ESV Audio Bible Extract: Acts 21:27,30-36,38-39 TPT “…a number of Jews from western Turkey who had seen him [Paul] in the temple courts stirred up the whole crowd against him. This ignited a huge riot in the city as all the people came together to seize Paul and drag him out of the temple courts, closing the gates behind him. But as they were about to kill Paul, the news reached the commander of the Roman garrison that the entire city was in an uproar. He immediately ran out to the crowd with a large number of his officers and soldiers. When the crowd saw them coming, they stopped beating Paul. The commander arrested him and ordered that he be bound with two chains. He then asked, ‘Who is he and what has he done wrong?’ Some in the crowd shouted one thing and others something else, just adding to the confusion. Since the commander was unable to get to the truth because of the disturbance, he ordered that Paul be brought back to their headquarters. When they reached the steps leading up to the fortress, they had to protect Paul and carry him up because of the violent mob following them, and everyone was screaming out, ‘Away with this man! Kill him!’” As Paul was being led to the entrance of the compound, he said to the commander in Greek, ‘May I have a word with you?’ The commander replied, ‘So you know Greek, do you?’ …Paul answered, ‘I am, in fact, a Jew from Tarsus, in Cilicia, a well-known city of southern Turkey where I was born. I beg you, sir, please give me a moment to speak to these people.’ When the commander gave his permission, Paul stood on the steps and gestured with his hands for the people to listen.” Be My Spirit-led Witnesses Listen to what the Word Says, Obey and Share. S: What is the impact of Paul’s use of multiple languages? God Speaks My Language www.mylanguage.net.au O: Will you adapt the way you say things so you can communicate naturally and effectively to your neighbours in their ethnic, social and cultural understanding. We communicate best by facial expression, hearing the other person’s heart and felt need, and responding with kindness. S: Will you go out of your way to build real relationships with your neighbours and colleagues? Are you willing to be known as a Christian in your neighbourhood, school, workplace etc? This tests our authenticity. Are you more afraid of people or God? Are you hiding in anonymity or shining? If we don’t know them how can we love them? If they don’t know us, how can they can turn to us for friendship; with questions and when they need support? If we don’t offer to pray for them and share the good news with them – who will? Local house of prayer in homes are effective ways for the kingdom to be established in the ethnicity, language, culture of your neighbours. Are there local prayer groups in your neighbourhood? See: www.PrayforAustralia.com.au Share your Faith by simply forwarding this www.yesheis.com daily video to others: Deaf Muslim Gets Healed Today we read about Paul being protected by a Roman Commander. Tomorrow, Saturday 1 April, is our National Day of Prayer for Defence - led by members of the Military Christian Fellowship – Australia (MCF-A), a non-denominational fellowship comprising several hundred currently serving and retired servicemen and servicewomen. See prayer points and gatherings at www.mcf-a.org.au. Be My House of Prayer Lord, still my beating heart. I repent from striving. May I go in peace to reveal and impart who You are – so You are exalted in my neighbourhood and in the tongues of all the nations of the earth! Praise to Your Holy Name! Jesus, we pray that many will arise to pray for our leaders and communities to know truth and to speak it publicly with conviction. We especially pray this for our politicians and those in media, arts and entertainment. Focus us to stand as one for justice and righteousness in our statues and practices toward all. Deliver us from evil and overturn the schemes of the enemy; still the shouting voices of violence and bring the plans for disorder, dishonour, disturbance and confusion to nought. Holy Spirit, come upon us and lead us in how we pray: Pray for your prayer list and family and friends to receive Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Pray for Australia to receive Jesus as Lord and for His Church to be His House of Prayer. Pray for a new generation of young prayer warriors and evangelists to arise in Jesus’ revival and transformation in our nation. “…you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses..." (Acts 1:8) |
AuthorAustin Cove Community Church are intentional in our prayer lives. We know there are so many different ways to communicate to God in prayer and we like to get creative. ArchivesCategories |
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