The Help Of My Thoughts!

But his delight and desire are in the law of the Lord, and on His law (the precepts, the instructions, the teachings of God) he habitually meditates (ponders and studies) by day and by night. And he shall be like a tree firmly planted (and tended) by the streams of water, ready to bring forth it’s fruit in it’s season; it’s leaf also shall not fade or wither; and everything he does shall prosper ( and come to maturity). Psalm 1:2-3.
Your word have I laid up in my heart, that I might not sin against You…I will meditate on Your precepts and have respect to Your ways (the paths of life marked out by Your law). Psalm 119:11,15.
Computers play a large role in our lives! It’s not uncommon for households to have no less than two or more computers being used for everyone in the house to do and to accomplish many things in our lives! When it comes to the use of computers, It is said…”garbage in-garbage out!”. We can accept this saying with these machines we use everyday, but have a hard time grasping this concept when it comes to ourselves! We read the bible a little or a lot and often times after our reading we’ve forgot what we’ve read! The bible tells us that “out of the heart flows the issues of life.” The only way to deal with these issues is to stop and take time out of our busy schedules to meditate on God’s Word to help us deal with these issues! I like to use a Scripture Confessions Book along with my bible to help me pray the Word that is categorized in topics so I can focus my prayer scripturally on the issue. wait on the Lord. “Prayer with Meditation decreases worry and hesitation!” God Bless You as you wait on Him. He will respond! 

Evil Forebodings.

All the days of the desponding and afflicted are made evil (by anxious thoughts and forebodings), but he who has a glad heart has a continual feast (regardless of circumstances). Proverbs 15:15 AMP.

Many times in spite of the good that is happening around us, we can face an oppressive atmosphere that seems gloomy as though something dreaded is about to happen! We may even be in peace at the moment and still feel a sense of "something is about to go wrong"! This is what the Amplified Bible calls "evil forebodings"-which is, having worry and anxiety that is not based on true circumstances or situations! The enemy of our souls-Satan the Devil, works hard to attack the believers mind and heart to bring about a vague feeling of-"is God really in control of my life?" The only way to combat this overwhelming feeling of dread is to aggressively pray that God will change our minds in believing something good will happen to us rather than being negative and expecting the worse! The Living Bible says,"When a man is gloomy, everything seems to go wrong." The Devil robs us in our thoughts and want us to doubt God's goodness and love for us-thus making it difficult for us to enjoy everyday life! We will have a better outlook for our lives from the Holy Spirit in aggressive prayer and thanksgiving for whose we are and what the Lord will continually do on our behalf! We need to be around positive people as much as possible and the "Word of God" to see the encouragement of the Lord and watch Him show up "big" to intervene on behalf of His people.

Read Psalm 103 and Ephesians Chapter 1.

God Waits For Us!

And therefore the Lord (earnestly) waits (expecting, looking, and longing) to be gracious to you; and therefore He lifts Himself up, that He may have mercy on you and show loving-kindness to you. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are all those who (earnestly) wait for Him, who expect and look and long for Him (for His victory). Isaiah 30:18 AMP.

This is a very encouraging verse of scripture in that the Lord of the universe and maker of life would choose to wait for us! The Living Bible says it this way: "Yet the Lord still waits for you to come to Him, so He can show you His Love; He will conquer you to bless you, just as He said. For the Lord is faithful to His promises. Blessed are all those who wait for Him to help them." It is amazing to think that the "Almighty God" of Heaven and earth would love us so much that he would wait for us to come to our senses, would wait for us to receive His love, would wait for us to come to Him for help! We (who have received Him) are children of God! Being a child of the Father gives us blessings that others don't have. As a dad, whatever blessings come my way, my daughter automatically deserves simply because she is my child and not because she tried to be good to earn my favor! This is also true with us! Don't let the "devil" tell you that you don't deserve the blessings God have for you! You are not deserving within yourself (John 15:4-5); you are only  deserving because you are a beloved child of the "KING of Kings" and the "LORD of Lords"! And His Name is Jesus, The Christ! Read Romans 8:12-39.  God Bless You!

Encouraging Truth!

Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. It gave me great joy to have some brothers come and tell about your faithfulness to the truth and how you continue to walk in the truth. 3 John 2-3. John's heart was filled with joy as he heard the good report of his fellow brothers in the ministry. Gaius, his dear friend, was living in the truth that those who sacrifice their lives for the work of the Lord needed constant encouragement! Diotrephes, a local church leader who loved to be first, mistreated some traveling teachers then gossiped maliciously about John and those with him, refusing to welcome the brothers. He also stopped those who wanted to encourage the leaders to continue to do good in the body of Christ. 3 John 9-10. John would would go on to tell the church body not to imitate such behavior and stay away from those who do so. John exhorted the true believers, that those who do good is from God and encourage others who serve Him. What this says to me is that it is so easy to take those who are walking by faith in the ministry for granted, or to criticise them for what they are not doing! We are not called to this type of insensitive behavior! We are called to sacrificially bless and encourage those who lay their lives on the line for Jesus in the ministry! Send an email, write a note, and speak words of encouragement to that missionary, pastor,nursery servant, janitor, or anyone else who serve in leadership and servant hood in and about the church local and in the body of Christ. "That, my friends, is walking in the truth"!

SEEK THE TRUTH, LISTEN TO THE TRUTH, TEACH THE THUTH, LOVE THE TRUTH, AND DEFEND THE TRUTH UNTO DEATH.

John Huss ( 1370-1415)

2Minutes with Pastor Don- I stand at the door and knock!

Revelation 3:20 "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 him, and he with me."

Matthew 7:7-8 "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."
Just as we need to Ask, Seek and Knock for God to respond to us as we cry out to Him in all things, so it is with us as well to open the door of our hearts when God knocks  it at any given time! In order to receive  the help and growth we need to live for God in this world that can be dark at times, we need to allow the power of God through the Holy Spirit to come in the doors of our hearts and do a changing work that only He can and will do, if we let Him!
Just remember: Colossians 1:27 “To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.’
Blessings,
Pastor Don Dukes 

http://www.prayerfortheharvest.org

2 Minutes with Pastor Don- All our righteousness are filthy rags

Isaiah 64:6 (NKJV) But we are all like an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags”

A rich young man ran up to Jesus, fell on his knees before Him, and asked, “good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good -except God alone.” Luke 10:17-18. NIV.
Jesus himself depended on the good of His Father alone. It is the same with us. We always want to act as if our righteousness have something to do with God’s love for us. “No”! It is by His grace alone, and our accepting what Jesus did on the cross for our sins.

Blessings,
Pastor Don Dukes
http://www.prayerfortheharvest.org

2 Minutes with Pastor Don- Create in me a Clean Heart!

There are times as we walk with God, we become discouraged because our hearts are not as pure before the Lord as we would like it to be. We might say: “God would do so much more with me if only I had a pure heart.” Well, don’t despair! Remember that only God alone can do a great work  in us as we walk  with Him daily through His Son Jesus Christ! God said to the Israelites: “I will give them one heart and I will put  a new spirit within them, and take the stony heart out of their flesh, and give them a heart of flesh.“ Ezequiel 11:19 God is more than able to change a hardened heart into a softened heart towards Him! Rest, rely and  wait on Him! For as you seek Him, you’ll find Him waiting to minister to you and change the hard areas of the heart, to the heart of softness that you will desire to commune with Him and walk in victory!
Psalm 51:10 "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." Blessings,
Pastor Don Dukes

http://www.prayerfortheharvest.org/

Child like awe of God

Have you recently stopped to really pay attention to your children or other children at play? As you watch them, notice the sense of wonder they have! They are amazed at creation in it’s various forms, rainbows, snowflakes, things they can do on their very own, a sunrise, or a sunset. As adults, we don’t seem to have that sense of wonder  as a child does anymore. As we mature in age, we tend to get caught up in just trying to survive a living, instead of having an awe filled childlike amazement in God and what He can and will do in our lives! Read “Psalm 147” and meditate on it for a while. “Do not read this psalm in a rush“! This psalm will encourage us back to that childlike faith we as adults have lost along the way. I want that childlike faith to come back to me for today, and for the coming New Year. How about you? Let’s go to God the Father in prayer for Him to give us back that awe of Him in childlike faith! Amen! The Lord Bless You.

RECEIVE EVERY DAY AS A RESURRECTION FROM DEATH, AS A NEW ENJOYMENT OF LIFE… LET YOUR JOYFUL HEART PRAISE AND MAGNIFY SO GOOD AND GLORIOUS A CREATOR. William Law (1686-1761)

Psalm 147

 ¹ Praise the LORD.^[a]   How good it is to sing praises to our God, 
   how pleasant and fitting to praise him!
 ² The LORD builds up Jerusalem; 
   he gathers the exiles of Israel. 
³ He heals the brokenhearted 
   and binds up their wounds. 
⁴ He determines the number of the stars 
   and calls them each by name. 
⁵ Great is our Lord and mighty in power; 
   his understanding has no limit. 
⁶ The LORD sustains the humble 
   but casts the wicked to the ground.
 ⁷ Sing to the LORD with grateful praise; 
   make music to our God on the harp.
 ⁸ He covers the sky with clouds; 
   he supplies the earth with rain 
   and makes grass grow on the hills. 
⁹ He provides food for the cattle 
   and for the young ravens when they call.
 ¹⁰ His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, 
   nor his delight in the legs of the warrior; 
¹¹ the LORD delights in those who fear him, 
   who put their hope in his unfailing love.
 ¹² Extol the LORD, Jerusalem; 
   praise your God, Zion.
 ¹³ He strengthens the bars of your gates 
   and blesses your people within you. 
¹⁴ He grants peace to your borders 
   and satisfies you with the finest of wheat.
 ¹⁵ He sends his command to the earth; 
   his word runs swiftly. 
¹⁶ He spreads the snow like wool 
   and scatters the frost like ashes. 
¹⁷ He hurls down his hail like pebbles. 
   Who can withstand his icy blast? 
¹⁸ He sends his word and melts them; 
   he stirs up his breezes, and the waters flow.
 ¹⁹ He has revealed his word to Jacob, 
   his laws and decrees to Israel. 
²⁰ He has done this for no other nation; 
   they do not know his laws.^[b]
   Praise the LORD.

Turn from our limitations to a God who has none

Proverbs 30:2-4 (New International Version) ² Surely I am only a brute, not a man; I do not have human understanding. ³ I have not learned wisdom, nor have I attained to the knowledge of the Holy One. ⁴ Who has gone up to heaven and come down? Whose hands have gathered up the wind? Who has wrapped up the waters in a cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and what is the name of his son? Surely you know!

 “How completely satisfying to turn from our limitations to a God who has none. Eternal years lie in his heart. For Him time does not pass, it remains ; and those who are in Christ share with Him all the riches of limitless time and endless year." (A.W. Tozer).

Many times we are discouraged by our limitations no matter what we perceive them to be. Yet, God many times uses the simple things of the world to confuse the wise. Let's stop being so hard on ourselves about our weaknesses and focus in on the God who gives the strengths and talents that we have to glorify Him. We may not have all the wisdom we wish we had, but we know where to go to receive it. We go to the Author of life, THE FATHER, THE SON, AND THE HOLY SPIRIT! With God, there are no limits!

Resentment!

As we work hard in our well laid out plans at any given time, interruptions or "hick-ups" can cause us to have some very unpleasant emotions that will cause us to say "God...why this?...why now! "I'm trying to get so much done for You", and "here it is...this interruption"! The point is the interruption which comes our way may cause us resentment if we don't see it in the eyes of God. Maybe He wants us to see Him in some special way that day or, He may want to reveal something of our character to us. Whatever the case, when resentment rise up inside of us, we are not to push it back down but allow it to come out into the light of the Lord! He will then take that load of resentment on His Shoulders and help us to deal with it in the light of His love. He will give us a new heart of gratitude and encouragement to replace any resentment that may rise up!

Read Psalm 139:23-24; 1 Peter 5:6-7.

SURRENDER TO THE LORD MEANS TURNING AROUND ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY DEGREES-THAT MEANS A RENEWED PERSON AND RENEWED VISION....WE ARE NOT READY FOR THE BATTLE UNTIL WE HAVE SEEN THE LORD, FOR JESUS IS THE ANSWER TO ALL PROBLEMS.

Corrie ten Boom (1892-1983)

Day of Sun, Day of Gloom

There are days in our circumstances when we will find joy in God's Presents generously strewn along our life's path on a sunny day being content to breath or just to take the next step. On other days in our life's path, the days can be overcast and gloomy and we find it hard to have joy in anything. Whatever the case may be, God assures us that He is the Creator of this day and knows exactly what we are going through. He will be our greatest "Companion and Deliverer", and as we spend time with Him, we will have a change of heart in the midst of our circumstances, and a change of "mood" as well.

Read Psalm 27

“IT IS FAITH THAT BRINGS POWER, NOT MERELY PRAYING AND WEEPING AND STRUGGLING, BUT BELIEVING, DARING TO BELIEVE THE WRITTEN WORD WITH OR WITHOUT FEELING”.

Catherine Booth (1829-1890)

God's Love is Magnified

In the midst of trials Lord, You promise to be with us and to sustain us. During times of spiritual warfare, help me to know that I can choose to cast my care, my worry, and my concern on You because you care for me! If I were not sure of Your care, I would be overwhelmed with dread in the midst of spiritual warfare. When times seem dark, Your love is "MAGNIFIED" in the blessed assurance that you are with me and that I have this hope as an anchor for my soul which stands "firm and secure". Amen.

"But blessed is the man who trust in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit. Jeremiah 17:7-8 NIV.

Are your prayers floating in space?

Do you ever feel that when you pray,  your prayers are not potent enough and  just floating in space? Maybe you feel  your prayers are like a letter you would send to a large company to express your feelings on a certain matter. Though that company receives your letter, it gets shuffled in with all the other complaints, requests, and suggestions. Although we may feel that way at times, that is not true with God! All of our prayers matter to God! We don’t just pray out there in the great beyond and our prayers are forgotten.  Prayer with praise moves the heart of God, which moves the Hand of God! Read Rev. 8:3-4! We can pray with confidence and encouragement in the God that longs to commune with us.

Revelation 8:3-4 (Amplified Bible)³And another angel came and stood over the altar. He had a golden censer, and he was given very much incense (fragrant spices and gums which exhale perfume when burned), that he might mingle it with the prayers of all the people of God (the saints) upon the golden altar before the throne. ⁴And the smoke of the incense (the perfume) arose in the presence of God, with the prayers of the people of God (the saints), from the hand of the angel.

Teach me How to Pray- Part 3 of 3- Let's Pray!

Let's Pray!!! World Day of Prayer 2010 where I had the opportunity to encourage everyone to pray without ceasing.
Learn Powerful prayers, Healing prayers, Effective prayers as you watch video Part 3 of 3. I try to deliver simply the Word of God simply, and I pray that this message will inspire you to grow closer to God in your everyday life.

To find out more about our DVDs, please visit our Products Page at:

http://www.prayerfortheharvest.org/CDsDVDs.html

Teach me How to Pray- Part 2 of 3- Why Do We Pray?

Why do we Prayer? World Day of Prayer 2010 where I had the opportunity to encourage everyone to pray without ceasing.
Learn Powerful prayers, Healing prayers, Effective prayers as you watch video Part 2 of 3. I try to deliver simply the Word of God simply, and I pray that this message will inspire you to grow closer to God in your everyday life.

To find out more about our DVDs, please visit our Products Page at:
http://www.prayerfortheharvest.org/CDsDVDs.html

Teach me How to Pray- Part 1 of 3- What is Prayer?

What is Prayer? World Day of Prayer 2010 where I had the opportunity to encourage everyone to pray without ceasing.
 Learn Powerful prayers, Healing prayers, Effective prayers as you watch video Part 1 of 3. I try to deliver simply the Word of God simply, and I pray that this message will inspire you to grow closer to God in your everyday life.

He hears me, even when I am in my distress

Thank You God for hearing me even when I am in my distress. No matter where I am, I know that You hear my voice. 
I was brought to the book of Jonah, where he ran from God’s calling on his life and was brought back to Him through extremely rough circumstances. Being in the belly of a large fish, Jonah had no choice but to pray a “belly prayer”!  Our “belly prayers” happen when the circumstances in our lives are so broken that we have no other choice but do what Jonah did, that is, to cry out to the Lord in prayer! Just remember that nothing is beyond the reach of prayer because no prayer is too hard for God to answer.


Jonah 1:17-2:1-3 (AMP)
Now the Lord had prepared and appointed a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights. THEN JONAH prayed to the Lord his God from the fish’s belly, and said, I cried out of my distress to the Lord, and He heard me; out of the belly of Sheol cried I, and You heard my voice.
For You cast me into the deep, into the heart of the seas, and the floods surrounded me; all Your waves and Your billows passed over me.

Our Accessible King

Jesus is the King of the Universe whom we can access at any given time. All we need to do is to come to Him at all times! If we want to access earthly kings, leaders, and priests, we have to go through "red tape" or they will make themselves inaccessible to regular people when it comes to royalty. Not so with Jesus! Our king (the Creator of the Universe) Jesus is accessible to us all the time! Praise the Lord!

Romans 8:15-17 (Amplified Bible) ¹⁵For [the Spirit which] you have now received [is] not a spirit of slavery to put you once more in bondage to fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption [the Spirit producing sonship] in [the bliss of] which we cry, Abba (Father)! Father! ¹⁶The Spirit Himself [thus] testifies together with our own spirit, [assuring us] that we are children of God. ¹⁷And if we are [His] children, then we are [His] heirs also: heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ [sharing His inheritance with Him]; only we must share His suffering if we are to share His glory

Isaiah 55:2-3 (Amplified Bible) ²Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your earnings for what does not satisfy? Hearken diligently to Me, and eat what is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness [the profuseness of spiritual joy]. ³Incline your ear [submit and consent to the divine will] and come to Me; hear, and your soul will revive; and I will make an everlasting covenant or league with you, even the sure mercy (kindness, goodwill, and compassion) promised to David.

You are with me

Lord, this world is constantly changing. Even my physical body is changing with time. But you promise that you are the same yesterday, today and forever! 
You will be by my side through all eternity.

Hebrews 13:8 (Amplified Bible) Jesus Christ (the Messiah) is [always] the same, yesterday, today, [yes] and forever (to the ages).

Revelation 1:8 (Amplified Bible) I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, says the Lord God, He Who is and Who was and Who is to come, the Almighty (the Ruler of all).

Psalm 102:24-27 ^{24 (Amplified Bible)}I said, O my God, take me not away in the midst of my days, You Whose years continue throughout all generations. ²⁵At the beginning You existed and laid the foundations of the earth; the heavens are the work of Your hands. ²⁶They shall perish, but You shall remain and endure; yes, all of them shall wear out and become old like a garment. Like clothing You shall change them, and they shall be changed and pass away. ²⁷But You remain the same, and Your years shall have no end.

7- You are with me

Lord, this world is constantly changing. Even my physical body is changing with time. But you promise that you are the same yesterday, today and forever! 
You will be by my side through all eternity.

Hebrews 13:8 (Amplified Bible) Jesus Christ (the Messiah) is [always] the same, yesterday, today, [yes] and forever (to the ages).

Revelation 1:8 (Amplified Bible) I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, says the Lord God, He Who is and Who was and Who is to come, the Almighty (the Ruler of all).

Psalm 102:24-27 ^{24 (Amplified Bible)}I said, O my God, take me not away in the midst of my days, You Whose years continue throughout all generations. ²⁵At the beginning You existed and laid the foundations of the earth; the heavens are the work of Your hands. ²⁶They shall perish, but You shall remain and endure; yes, all of them shall wear out and become old like a garment. Like clothing You shall change them, and they shall be changed and pass away. ²⁷But You remain the same, and Your years shall have no end.

A Prayer for Care

Lord, many times I go to church with a "fake face" telling everyone I'm ok when in reality I'm carrying around a load of guilt, shame, worry, anxiety and condemnation. Please, help me to be honest with You and those who care. You have set me free from the law of sin and death! Thank you Jesus for taking my care.

Philippians 4:4-7 (Amplified Bible) 4 Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, gladden yourselves in Him]; again I say, Rejoice! (A) 5 Let all men know and perceive and recognize your unselfishness (your considerateness, your forbearing spirit). The Lord is near [He is [a] coming soon]. 6 Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition ( [b] definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. 7 And God's peace [shall be yours, that [c] tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall [d] garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Psalm 103:1-14 [A Psalm] of David. 1 BLESS (AFFECTIONATELY, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul; and all that is [deepest] within me, bless His holy name! 2 Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul, and forget not [one of] all His benefits--3 Who forgives [every one of] all your iniquities, Who heals [each one of] all your diseases, 4 Who redeems your life from the pit and corruption, Who beautifies, dignifies, and crowns you with loving-kindness and tender mercy; 5 Who satisfies your mouth [your necessity and desire at your personal age and situation] with good so that your youth, renewed, is like the eagle's [strong, overcoming, soaring]! (A) 6 The Lord executes righteousness and justice [not for me only, but] for all who are oppressed. 7 He made known His ways [of righteousness and justice] to Moses, His acts to the children of Israel. 8 The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and plenteous in mercy and loving-kindness. (B) 9 He will not always chide or be contending, neither will He keep His anger forever or hold a grudge. 10 He has not dealt with us after our sins nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. 11 For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great are His mercy and loving-kindness toward those who reverently and worshipfully fear Him. 12 As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. 13 As a father loves and pities his children, so the Lord loves and pities those who fear Him [with reverence, worship, and awe]. 

Emotional Stability Prayer

"Lord", You have told me in Your Word to press on for the prize that Christ Jesus has called me heavenward, but many times my feelings don't match up to what your promises tell me. Please align my feelings with your heart. Amen!

Philippians 3:12-14 (Amplified Bible) 12 Not that I have now attained [this ideal], or have already been made perfect, but I press on to lay hold of (grasp) and make my own, that for which Christ Jesus (the Messiah) has laid hold of me and made me His own. 13 I do not consider, brethren, that I have captured and made it my own [yet]; but one thing I do [it is my one aspiration]: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the [supreme and heavenly] prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward.

Prayer for a positive mind

Dear Lord, Your truths are positive and uplifting. Please deliver us from the worlds philosophy that says: "If we don't expect anything to happen we won't be disappointed when it doesn't." Doubt and unbelief wars against our minds! Thank you for setting us free from negative and wrong thinking, delivering us from satan's attacks in this area! In Jesus name, Amen! Based on Matthew 8:13

Matthew 8:13 (Amplified Bible)  Then to the centurion Jesus said, Go; it shall be done for you as you have believed. And the servant boy was restored to health at that very  moment.

My prayer for a peaceful heart

Lord Jesus, in our lives and in this world it’s hard to have peace with so much going on around us. Yet, You have promised us peace no matter the circumstances in our lives or in this world. Thank you for your peace that is greater than this world! Amen.

John 14:25-27 (AMP)
²⁵ I have told you these things while I am still with you.
²⁶ But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you.
²⁷ Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.]
1 John 4:4 (AMP)
⁴ Little children, you are of God [you belong to Him] and have [already] defeated and overcome them [the agents of the antichrist], because He Who lives in you is greater (mightier) than he who is in the world.

Be Anxious for Nothing!

Lord, Your Word tells us to be anxious for nothing, yet anxiety tries to creep its way into my heart at any given time. Help me Lord to trust Your Promises in Prayer with expectations which will bring me great joy.

Philippians 4:4-9 (AMP) ⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, gladden yourselves in Him]; again I say, Rejoice! ⁵ Let all men know and perceive and recognize your unselfishness (your considerateness, your forbearing spirit). The Lord is near [He is coming soon]. ⁶ Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. ⁷ And God’s peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. ⁸ For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them]. ⁹ Practice what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and model your way of living on it, and the God of peace (of untroubled, undisturbed well-being) will be with you.

My Help, My Trust!

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty (Whose power no foe can withstand). I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my fortress, my God; on Him I lean and rely, and in Him I (confidently) trust! Psalm 91:1,2. So, how do we win the battle against worry, fear, and anxiety? The answer is found in these couple of verses of Psalm 91. First, we must "dwell", which means "to remain...to settle...to continue...sit (-down)." This is the same word Jesus used in John 15:4 when He told His disiples, Dwell in Me, and I will dwell in you. (Live in Me, and I will live in you.) Just as no branch can bear fruit of itself without abiding in (being vitally united to) the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you abide in Me. Second, we must dwell in the secret place of the Most High, meaning a hiding place, a place of protection, a place with a covering over it so we will be kept safe from all our enemies. And third, we must remain under the shadow of the Almighty, meaning we must make the Lord our Refuge and our Fortress, leaning and relying on Him and confidently trusting in Him. As we do these things, He will deliver us from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. "Amen!" GOD HAS IN HIMSELF ALL POWER TO DEFEND YOU, ALL WISDOM TO DIRECT YOU, ALL MERCY TO PARDON YOU, ALL GRACE TO ENRICH YOU. Thomas Benton Brooks (1609-1680).

The Secret Place!

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." (Psalm 91:1-2). These verses speak of The Temple of the Lord where the godly would find safety under the protective wings of the Lord. For us today, this "secret Place" means to lean, rely on, and to confidently put our trust in the Mighty Hand's of God. The secret place is the presence of the Lord. When we are in that secret place, we don't have to worry or fret or have any anxiety. We don't have to figure out everything. Our flesh may be screaming at us to "do something", but we can remain calm, cool, and at peace. We don't have to go emotionally "crazy". We can relax and be secure in knowing that in the presents of the Lord there is joy, peace, and rest in the Holy Spirit. Look at Moses for example. He had a very large task ahead of him in confronting the Pharaoh of Egypt on God's behalf to let the children of Israel go. Then as the Lord delivered them out of Egypt, Moses would have to lead them! Naturally, Moses was very concerned about it, just as we are concerned about what God has called us to do in our lives. But all Moses really needed was the knowledge and the assurance that God would go with him and help him. That is all we need to know too. Read and pray through Psalm 91 and Psalm 34. God promises to deliver us from all our fears! FEAR IMPRISONS, FAITH LIBERATES; FEAR PARALYZES, FAITH ENCOURAGES; FEAR SICKENS, FAITH HEALS; FEAR MAKES USELESS, FAITH MAKES SERVICEABLE-AND, MOST OF ALL, FEAR PUTS HOPELESSNESS AT THE HEART OF LIFE, WHILE FAITH REJOICES IN ITS GOD. Harry Emerson Fosdick (1878-1969)

From Far, To Near

Manasseh led the people of Judah and Jerusalem to do even more evil than the pagan nations whom the Lord had destroyed when the Israelites  entered the land…So the Lord sent the Assyrian armies, and they took Manasseh prisoner. They put a ring through his nose, bound him in bronze chains, and led him away to Babylon. But while in deep distress, Manasseh sought the Lord his God and cried out humbly to the God of his ancestors. And when he prayed, the Lord listened to him and was moved by his request for help. (2 Chronicles 33:9-14. Manasseh not only practiced evil himself; he led the nation of Judah and the people of Jerusalem to do even more evil than the pagan nations had thought of. He practiced the worship of idols, witchcraft, and sorcery, burned his own sons at a pagan alter, and if that weren’t enough, he even defiled the temple of God by placing an idol of the sex goddess Asherah there. God had had enough of Manasseh’s rebellion. So He sent many warnings to Manasseh for him to change. He would not listen, and God brought the Assyrian army to capture him and lead him away like an animal. Manasseh surely did not deserve God’s mercy. But in his captivity he cried out to God in humility and repentance, the Lord not only heard his cry for help, but also let Manasseh go back to Jerusalem and restored his kingdom. After what had happened to him, Manasseh would always know that the Lord alone is God. Many of us fall away from God from time to time either in open rebellion or in taking small steps off His path. But be encouraged, this passage tells us of God’s loving grace and His desire to forgive us and to restore us. He wants us to come to Him humbly so He can heal us and redeem our lives from whatever “pit’ we may be in. Please read and “pray” through Psalm 103. God Bless You!

THE MOST MARVELOUS INGREDIENT IN THE FORGIVENESS OF GOD IS THAT HE ALSO FORGETS, THE ONE THING A HUMAN BEING CAN NEVER DO. Oswald Chambers (1874-1917)                   

Ever Present Help!

The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. Those who know your Name trust in you, for you, O Lord, have never abandoned anyone who searches for you. (Psalm 9:9-10. Oppression and trouble are difficult things to encounter in our lives. Oppression can push us down and block our ability to grow and to be all that God has intended us to be. Trouble Harasses and inconvenience us and causes worry and anxiety to creep into our lives. Oppression and trouble will “tag-team” together to keep us from enjoying day to day life. Either of these in little doses can turn our lives upside down! The Psalmist tells us that the “Lord” is the solution to “oppression and trouble,” and that knowing His Name means understanding, declaring, proclaiming, and confessing who God is and what His power can do to rescue us in the midst of these storms. That’s why having daily devotions in God’s Word is so vital to our Christian growth. He promises to rescue us, and His Word (The Holy Bible) helps us to know it! No matter the oppression, or the trouble, God’s character is foundational and unshakable! As we “PRAY” in His Name, seek Him in His Word, and allow the Comforter (The Holy Spirit) to work in our lives, we will see oppression and trouble lose their effectiveness. The Lord is our refuge, shelter, and strength. He has never abandoned anyone who sought Him, and He will never abandon us! “Dear Lord Jesus! Please help us to know that You are refuge and strength. Help us to know that being close to you will bring us peace and safety in the midst of the storms of life. You are our victory… to bring us the victory! “Amen!

WE MUST TRUST GOD. WE MUST TRUST NOT ONLY THAT HE DOES WHAT IS BEST, BUT THAT HE KNOWS WHAT IS AHEAD. Max Lucado.

Ever Present Help!

The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. Those who know your Name trust in you, for you, O Lord, have never abandoned anyone who searches for you. (Psalm 9:9-10. Oppression and trouble are difficult things to encounter in our lives. Oppression can push us down and block our ability to grow and to be all that God has intended us to be. Trouble Harasses and inconvenience us and causes worry and anxiety to creep into our lives. Oppression and trouble will “tag-team” together to keep us from enjoying day to day life. Either of these in little doses can turn our lives upside down! The Psalmist tells us that the “Lord” is the solution to “oppression and trouble,” and that knowing His Name means understanding, declaring, proclaiming, and confessing who God is and what His power can do to rescue us in the midst of these storms. That’s why having daily devotions in God’s Word is so vital to our Christian growth. He promises to rescue us, and His Word (The Holy Bible) helps us to know it! No matter the oppression, or the trouble, God’s character is foundational and unshakable! As we “PRAY” in His Name, seek Him in His Word, and allow the Comforter (The Holy Spirit) to work in our lives, we will see oppression and trouble lose their effectiveness. The Lord is our refuge, shelter, and strength. He has never abandoned anyone who sought Him, and He will never abandon us! “Dear Lord Jesus! Please help us to know that You are refuge and strength. Help us to know that being close to you will bring us peace and safety in the midst of the storms of life. You are our victory… to bring us the victory! “Amen!

WE MUST TRUST GOD. WE MUST TRUST NOT ONLY THAT HE DOES WHAT IS BEST, BUT THAT HE KNOWS WHAT IS AHEAD. Max Lucado.

My Burden, My Help!

The Lord is faithful in all he says; He is gracious in all He does. The Lord helps the fallen and lifts up those bent beneath their loads. Psalm (145:13-14). Life has become a grind for most of us! We have so many responsibilities and so much work that we can’t see any way to get it all done, and even if we did, a new pile of weighted responsibilities come the next day. The load can be the burden of  praying for a loved one who doesn’t have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, worry of financial trouble or, despair over circumstances that seem to never change. Whatever the situation, God delights in helping the fallen and to help us up when we’re bent under our own personal load. When our hearts and burdens are heavy, we can give them to God and ask Him to lift our hearts and show us His faithfulness.”Lord! Please be the glory and the lifter of our heads!” Amen. “The Lord is kind and merciful….He showers compassion on all His creation (Psalm 145:8-9).

TO PRAY IS TO LET JESUS INTO OUR LIVES. HE KOCKS AND SEEKS ADMITTANCE, NOT ONLY IN THE SOLEMN HOURS OF SECRET PRAYER; HE KNOCKS IN THE MIDST OF YOUR DAILY WORK, YOUR DAILY STRUGGLES, YOUR DAILY “GRIND.” THAT IS WHERE YOU NEED HIM THE MOST.  Ole Hallesby (1879-1961) 

Peace In Trust

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6. For most of us, it’s not easy to trust in the Lord in all things! There are times we feel pursued by financial trouble, bad health, a person who misjudges us, or someone who opposes us so that our “heart is in anguish.” In these and other hard times that may come upon us, we may want to retreat, give up, or simply run away! Although it may not seem like it at that moment, God is greater than the problems we face! The Psalmist wrote in Psalm 55:22 NLT, “Give your burdens to the Lord, and He will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.” Let’s cast our cares and burdens on the Lord. He will help us to do this! Our shoulders are not big enough to bear our burdens alone! God will show up! “Lord, we believe, but help our unbelief! Please increase our faith in you! Amen!

WHATSOEVER IT IS THAT PRESSES YOU. TELL YOUR FATHER; PUT OVER THE MATTER INTO HIS HAND, AND SO YOU WILL BE FREE FROM THAT DIVIDING, PERPLEXING CARE THAT THE WORLD IS FULL OF ( Archbishop Robert Leighton)

A Better Way

At dawn the disciples saw Jesus standing on the beach, but they couldn’t see who He was. He called out, “Friends, have you caught any fish?” “No, they replied. Then He said, “Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you’ll get plenty of fish!” (John 21:4-6 NLT). The disciples did as Jesus instructed them, and they couldn’t draw in the net because there were so many fish in it. The disciples had been fishing all night and had caught nothing yet, Jesus was not only interested in what they were doing, He was also interested in the manner of what they were doing! He encouraged His disciples by telling them to cast their nets on the other side of the boat. They most likely reasoned in their own minds, “the water is the same everywhere! What difference will it make! But, they followed Jesus’ way of doing things and they pulled in a bounty of fish so large that the nets began to break! Jesus could have told His disciples to “give up! Try again another time!” No! He gave them a better way! There are times we may feel what we are doing for God in our calling, whatever that calling is, is not bearing much fruit and we want to give up! DON’T GIVE UP! Instead, let’s recommit our work to the Lord and ask Him to show us a better way that will bring us victory and peace. Let’s pray in the morning, pray while doing our specific tasks, and pray as we travel to our place of work! God promises to give us a better way with joy and encouragement, without finding fault (James 1:5-8 NIV). AMEN!

PRAYER FITS INTO EVERY PHASE OF OUR EARTHLY EXPERIENCE, AND THEREFORE WE MAY ALWAYS PRAY. YOUR PRESENT NEED, DIFFICULTY, OR TROUBLE MAY BE TAKEN TO GOD IN PRAYER. THERE IS NOTHING IN OUR LIFE IN WHICH OUR HEAVENLY FATHER IS NOT INTERESTED.  Charles Cook 

2Minutes with Pastor Don- In my Father's house are many rooms!

John 14:2 In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.
We have so many little chambers of the heart spiritually that is closed off to the work of God in our lives. God sent the Holy Spirit to help counsel and heal those places of the heart that are filled with pain, trouble, and strife. Jesus prepared a place for us! He said: “In my Father’s house are many rooms and I go there to prepare a place for you! Be encourage to make room in those deep chambers of your heart to God! He will heal you and give you victory.

Blessings,

Pastor Don Dukes
http://www.prayerfortheharvest.org

The 59th National Day of Prayer in Whitefish

2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 ¹¹With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. ¹²We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

The National Day of prayer meeting here in Whitefish was a great success in The Lord. We had double the amount of people show up than last year, and the people chosen to lead us in prayer were anointed by God to do so. Thank you all for praying for our Nation.
Today we are still seeing encouraging results of God’s work in the lives of people through the National Day of Prayer. As believers in Jesus Christ, as God’s people praying together, everyday should be  A National Day of Prayer.
God Bless you,
Don Dukes

http://www.prayerfortheharvest.org/NationalDayofPrayer.html

Psalm 104

Good morning everyone! I just went on a morning prayer with “Milo” the cat! God reminded me as I looked at the beautiful mountains, as “Milo” chased the birds around, of His love for me, which is not based on performance or the expectations of others! He wants us to rest in His love and live in His “GRACE”! Read Psalm 104 today! Meditate and be blessed! “Amen!”

Pressing on in Prayer!

Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, saying: “There was in a curtain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man. Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, get justice for me from my adversary! And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, though I do not fear God nor regard man, yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me! Then the Lord said, “Hear what the unjust judge said. And shall not God avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth? Luke 18:1-8.

Saint, just as the widow never gave up on her quest for justice from an unjust judge, so it is with us! Although we do go through times of discouragement, we must not be discouraged as we wait for the Lord’s return. We must persist in prayer! Unlike the unjust judge in (verse 6), God always does the right thing. It may seem at times He delays. But from His perspective, He is acting speedily on our behalf (verse 8). The truth in this parable applies to any discouragement we are facing as we wait for answered prayer! We always ought to pray, and not lose heart! God is looking for faith before and when He returns!….So, “KEEP THE FAITH”. Because without it, it will be impossible to please Him! (Hebrews 11:6). “Blessings”! 

Pressing on in Prayer!

Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, saying: “There was in a curtain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man. Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, get justice for me from my adversary! And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, though I do not fear God nor regard man, yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me! Then the Lord said, “Hear what the unjust judge said. And shall not God avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth? Luke 18:1-8.

Saint, just as the widow never gave up on her quest for justice from an unjust judge, so it is with us! Although we do go through times of discouragement, we must not be discouraged as we wait for the Lord’s return. We must persist in prayer! Unlike the unjust judge in (verse 6), God always does the right thing. It may seem at times He delays. But from His perspective, He is acting speedily on our behalf (verse 8). The truth in this parable applies to any discouragement we are facing as we wait for answered prayer! We always ought to pray, and not lose heart! God is looking for faith before and when He returns!….So, “KEEP THE FAITH”. Because without it, it will be impossible to please Him! (Hebrews 11:6). “Blessings”! 

Prayer is warfare!

Jesus said in John 10:10; “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (NKJV). The greatest deception the devil uses in the lives of believers and non-believers alike is that there is little or no spiritual warfare. As one of my dear missionary friends puts it- when it comes to demonic warfare; “ The Deceiver has woven an intricate web of apathy, ignorance and avoidance of such malicious manifestations. Yet God has clearly warned us to be Awake, Aware…and Active!” So, how do we become Awake, Aware, and Active in this spiritual battle? We do these attributes only in Prayer and the Word of God! Satan hates prayer and the Word of God..The Holy Bible- because he knows that the true believer in Jesus Christ can over power him with these weapons. Because spiritual warfare is ongoing, so is the need for believers to bow down in humility to ask our Heavenly for forgiveness for our apathy and to Fill us afresh with the Holy Spirit, then rise up in the strength of the Lord in Prayer and the Word to defeat the evil one in our lives and in the lives of others! “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles (schemings) of the devil. Ephesians 6:10-11.

How to Pray for our Business? National Day of Prayer 2010 5

 God's Challenge...
"You must have accurate and honest weights and measures, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you." Deuteronomy 25:15

 

"Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings; he will not serve before obscure men." Proverbs 22:29

Our Response...
Pray for divine intervention in our nation's economy. Ask God to reward honest work and provide His People- while raising up wise business leaders who honor Christ and exemplify His principles.

Please watch this short video below and let's pray together for our Business.

If you cannot see this video, please click here
God Bless you,
Pastor Don Dukes
http://prayerfortheharvest.org/NationalDayofPrayer.html

 National Day of Prayer in Whitefish

When: Thursday, May 6th at 6:00am (Breakfast will be provided)

Where: Pin & Cue

Address: 6570 US Highway 93 S

Whitefish, MT  59937-2936

For more information call: 406-249-0734

 dondukes@prayerfortheharvest.org

 

How to Pray for our Media? National Day of Prayer 2010 5

 God's Challenge...
"Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things." Philippians 4:8

Our Response...
Pray for Christian influences in the media industry. Ask God to honor actors and artists who stand for Christ, bless producers who recognize the need for family- friendly entertainment and increase the success of godly films and initiatives. Pray, also, that the younger generation will be shielded from the immorality that is so pervasive throughout Hollywood.

Please watch this short video below and let's pray together for our Media.

If you cannot see this video, please click here
God Bless you,
Pastor Don Dukes
http://prayerfortheharvest.org/NationalDayofPrayer.html

 National Day of Prayer in Whitefish

When: Thursday, May 6th at 6:00am (Breakfast will be provided)

Where: Pin & Cue

Address: 6570 US Highway 93 S

Whitefish, MT  59937-2936

For more information call: 406-249-0734

 dondukes@prayerfortheharvest.org

 

How to Pray for our Education? National Day of Prayer 2010 5

 God's Challenge...
"And if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear for the LORD and find the knowledge of God." Proverbs 2:3-6

"Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I believe in your commands." Psalm 119:66

Our Response...
Pray for God's presence in our schools, colleges and universities. Ask Him to select teachers and administrators who honor His statutes, protect our children and inspire them to discover their God-given callings. As we lift up this vital and influential institution, it's our hope that a reverence for scriptural  tenets will once again permeate America's classrooms.

Please watch this short video below and let's pray together for our Education.

If you cannot see this video, please click here
God Bless you,
Pastor Don Dukes
http://prayerfortheharvest.org/NationalDayofPrayer.html

 National Day of Prayer in Whitefish

When: Thursday, May 6th at 6:00am (Breakfast will be provided)

Where: Pin & Cue

Address: 6570 US Highway 93 S

Whitefish, MT  59937-2936

For more information call: 406-249-0734

 dondukes@prayerfortheharvest.org

 

How to Pray for our Military? National Day of Prayer 2010 #3

http://prayerfortheharvest.org/NationalDayofPrayer.html How to pray for our Military? Ask God to grant courage, protection, and strength for our men and women serving in our armed forces. Joshua 1:9

God’s Challenge…
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

"You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday." Psalm 91:46

Our Response…
Pray for the brave men and women serving in our armed forces. Ask God to grant courage, protection, and strength for our military- as well as for their families awaiting their safe return.

Please watch this short video below and let’s pray together for our Military.

If you cannot see this video, please click here
God Bless you,
Pastor Don Dukes
http://prayerfortheharvest.org/NationalDayofPrayer.html

National Day of Prayer in Whitefish

When: Thursday, May 6th at 6:00am (Breakfast will be provided)

Where: Pin & Cue

Address: 6570 US Highway 93 S

Whitefish, MT  59937-2936

For more information call: 406-249-0734