It was August of 2017 in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. We were ministering at the first General Conference of the newly nationalized work. From our bird’s eye view of thegorgeous hotel overlooking the Kota Kinabalu Harbor on the China Sea, there was much to see. I was intrigued by the fishing vessels that would leave early in the morning, and return just as the sun was setting for the day.
There were many small boats that would stay close to the harbor, doing their work in shallow water. They weren’t equipped to go too far, and always kept in sight of land. They put in a hard day’s work, and probably caught enough fish to sell for the day. They were laboring to keep their families fed, but didn’t make any extra.
Then there were the ships. They were outfitted with bigger nets, and carried enough equipment and supplies to face any problems that might arise. They headed out into deep water far beyond the safety of the harbor. When they lumbered into port at the end of the day, they sat low in the water, their holds completely filled with fish. They weren’t only feeding their families for the day. They were affecting the commerce of a nation.
While watching these fishing vessels, the Lord impressed into my spirit that if I wanted to see His great works, I must choose to be like the ships, and not the boats. My first instinct was to remind Him of the obvious…I’m literally 9,000 miles away from home, overlooking the South China Sea, doing ministry. Doesn’t that make me a ship? The Lord’s silence assured me that it was going to take more than simply being willing to travel for me to be a ship, rather than a boat.
“They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters; These see the works of the Lord, and his wonders in the deep.” (Psalm 107:23-24)
As I considered what the Lord was revealing to me, He dropped this scripture into my mind. Such a perfect word for the object lesson He was showing me. I began to break down the passage, and noticed that even though the ships were called to go out into great waters, they first had to go down.
We all love to spend time on the mountain top, but sea level is at a much lower elevation. Revival may come on the mountain heights, but the work gets done by first going down to sea level.
The original meaning of the word business here is ministry. Many of us are willing to go and take care of spiritual business, but not all are willing to firstgo down.
To go down means that we must submit ourselves to the Spirit of God. We must get our flesh under control. We must get our self out of the way with all of its emotions, feelings, frustrations, preferences and carnal ways.
Going down is accomplished through consistent, diligent, consecrated fasting with prayer. The mountain top is where our eyes are often focused, and our hearts most desire to be. The anointed worship. The powerful Word. The comfort of unity and fellowship. Who wouldn’t prefer the spiritual heights? After all, the way down is messy, painful and we almost always have to go alone.
I feel like I have to ask…
-How hungry are you for the things of God?
-How desperate are you for a breakthrough?
-How low are you willing to go to draw closer to God?
-How many souls do you want to reach?
…Your level of fasting and prayer will answer these questions.
“And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.“ (1 Corinthians 9:25)
Most professing Christians have good intentions toward serving the Lord. It’s the day to day follow through that gets in their way. Neither the enemy of our souls, nor our flesh is ever going to make it easy for us to serve God, and be fruitful. There must be something within us (dare I say it?…) in addition to the Holy Ghost. There must be a resolve to continue, to keep pressing, to get back up. Lack of consistency is a major factor in why good people fall away from their walk with God. Here are seven areas where practicing consistency counts:
1. PRAYER
When a baby is born, we listen for that first cry, and rejoice when we hear it. That’s certainly not the only time that baby cries. His voice is heard from that day forward, and matures into full conversation throughout his life. So it is with prayer. When we come to the Lord in heartfelt repentance, we begin our conversation with him. That conversation continues to develop and mature throughout our lifetime. We should wake up talking to Him, go to sleep talking to Him, and visit with Him throughout the day. In his book The Book On Prayer, Rev. Ken Gurley calls this “practicing His presence.” Becoming consistent in prayer isn’t simply asking the Lord for more and more stuff. It’s Lear I g how to be “with” Him.
“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” (Matthew 7:7-8)
2. FASTING
Most Christians don’t give the process of fasting enough credit. The world and the devil know its benefits, however. This is another discipline where implementing it only one time will likely make you cranky and frustrated. We must give ourselves to the process of fasting with consistency. Ask the Lord to give you a fasting plan, and then be consistent in the follow through. He has promised in His Word that fasting properly breaks yokes, tears down strongholds and causes our our health to “spring up speedily.” None of this will happen if we only fast once in a while.
“Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.” (Matthew 17:21)
3. BIBLE STUDY
Being consistent in Bible study makes an invaluable difference in maturing spiritually. Perhaps you read the Bible every day. But do you study it? We can read God’s Word on many levels. One of the first ways we learn to read His Word is by starting with “Bible Stories” such as David & Goliath, Noah’s Ark. Daniel In The Lion’s Den. Perfect. This is absolutely the best place to start. However, there are so many other ways to study His Word in a deeper way. There are so many nuggets to mine out of the Word. Read deeper. Study deeper. Memorize scriptures. What do people’s names mean? They matter. What do the names of cities mean? They matter. How did a Bible character handle a similar situation to what you’re dealing with? It matters. I’m a firm believer that there is an answer in the Word of God for every question, situation or problem we might have. The answer will either be found in commandment, example or principle.
”Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
”Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” (John 5:39)
4. SLEEP
This may seem an odd thing to think about being consistent in. Many will be happy to read it here. The truth is we don’t get enough of it. Sleep is when our body and mind heal, resets and gets refreshed. Our generation stays so stressed and filled with anxiety. We go go go, and fill the rest of our time in front of screens. Bodies weren’t designed to function properly in that condition. Are you feeling overwhelmed? Sick? Frustrated? Undone? Overdone? Anxious? Sorrowful? Go to sleep.
“It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.” (Psalm 127:2)
5. EXERCISE
Similar to sleep mentioned above, our bodies need to move. They were not designed to be sedentary. Without going into anything scientific or medical, which I’m not qualified to do, we can simply take a visit back to the Garden of Eden. God didn’t create Adam & Eve, and place them in an office building surrounded by monitors, wires and cushy chairs. He placed them in a garden, and told them to take care of it. From the beginning, their lives were filled with motion and work.Their bodies were, no doubt, healthy, muscle-toned and strong. Their lives were the exact opposite of sedentary.
When we don’t get enough movement, stretching and lifting, our bodies become weak, and depression sets in. Lack of consistent movement affects our mental state. It doesn’t have to be in a gym. I can’t with a clear conscience even suggest that unless it’s a ladies only or men only facility or class time…but that’s for another blogpost. I can suggest, however, that you make time to get outside on a regular basis. Work in the garden, do yard work, walk the neighborhood, take the grands to the park, do jumping jacks on the carport, buy a jump rope…just get moving.
6. GIVING
This one tests our spiritual maturity level, for sure. Christians are called to be givers. The first area of giving we think of is money, and it’s absolutely needful. We are called to give a tithe of our income to the Lord. A tithe is one tenth. Ten dollars out of every one hundred. You might say you can’t afford to pay tithes. Friend, you cannot afford NOT to pay tithes. Scripturally, it belongs to God. We are not only called to pay tithes, but to also give offerings. It is God’s tithe, and our offerings. The Word declares we rob God when we refuse to give.
”Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.” (Malachi 3:8)
Beyond tithes and offerings, we have so much we can give. Mainly, our time, attention and energy. When we spend time with people, gifting them one of our most precious resources, we assure them Jesus’ love is working through His people. Make the phone call. Cook the meal. Sit on their porch and visit. Listen to their stories with a smile and a nod…again. Rake their yard. Babysit their children. Do their grocery shopping. The opportunities to give consistently are endless.
”Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” (Luke 6:38)
7. MINISTRY
Here’s an area we need to remind ourselves that takes consistent attention. We don’t say it out loud, but there is an unspoken belief that Ministry will somehow just fall upon us with no effort. Granted, our God-given calling may present itself with no previous thought on our part. God chooses callings. What we choose to do with those callings, however, become ministries. We can sit on a calling, tucking it away unseen, and it will not develop into a Ministry. Or we can focus on it, hone our skills in that area and mature it into a ministry that is beneficial to the Kingdom of God. It’s our choice.
A singer must practice singing. A teacher must practice teaching. A preacher must practice preaching. A writer must practice writing. You get the idea. What are you called to do? What is your gifting? Are you practicing it consistently? Will that song ever get written? Will that lesson ever get taught? Will that message ever get preached? Will that book ever get written? OUCH! I just stepped on my own toes! That thing you’re called to do…practice it daily.
“Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.” (Romans 12:6-8)
IN SUMMARY
Whatever you are called to do, it’s going to take consistent doing. Let’s do a personal evaluation of what we’re called to do, and how we are working to make that happen. It won’t come to fruition without a commitment to consistency.
”…God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you:…” (1 Samuel 12:23)
Having previously been a pastor’s wife for 25 years, I speak from experience when I say this role is one of the most emotionally weighted positions of service. That’s not to say it’s not fulfilling or rewarding, but it is uniquely stressful in areas you may not realize. *If all jobs were rated by percentage of difficulty, being a pastor’s wife ranks in the 75%-85% range. (ChatGPT)
10 WAYS TO COVER YOUR FIRST LADY IN PRAYER
~Her Relationship With God~
Just like you, your pastor’s wife requires a close relationship with the Lord. Also like your relationship with God, it doesn’t happen automatically. It takes intentional planning and consistent focus. In order to effectively minister to those in the congregation who look to her for wisdom, comfort and nurturing, she must keep her relationship with God as her primary focus. This isn’t always easy when she is being pulled in many different directions at once.
-Pray she is able to make time for personal Bible reading, prayer and devotion time with the Lord early in the day, and consistently.
-Pray she hears the Voice of God often.
-Pray she is able to find the mind of Christ for each day.
-Pray she is able to release all her cares to the Lord.
~Her Relationship With Her Husband~
Your pastor’s wife’s first priority after her relationship with God is to her husband. The results of a strong and intimate relationship with her husband will spill over into every other area of her life, and will be a blessing to those around her.
-Pray she and her husband have consistent personal time for just the two of them.
-Pray she and her husband have open and consistent communication.
-Pray she and her husband are able to work through differences of opinion in a constructive and godly manner.
-Pray she and her husband are able to spend time, not only together, but also enjoying the hobbies they enjoy separately.
-Pray she and her husband are able to agree and commit to emotional, physical and spiritual boundaries that will benefit their relationship, as well as their family.
~Her Children & Grandchildren~
If your pastor’s wife has children living at home, she has all of the responsibilities for their care as you do for your children. The younger her children are, the more time, focus, energy they require of her. There will be times when she simply cannot be everything to everyone, because the needs of her children must come first.
Also, children raised in a pastor’s home have areas of difficulty that other children may not have. They have feelings of needing to be “perfect” at all times because they are “the pastor’s kids.” They deal with sharing their parents with everyone else in the congregation. They deal with family plans that have to be rescheduled, or simply don’t work out due to unexpected things that come up in the congregation.
-Pray for her energy level as she cares for her family.
-Pray for her children’s physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing.
-Pray for their time at school, and their friendships.
-Pray they have close sibling relationships.
-Pray they develop a personal relationship with Jesus early in life.
~Her Relationship With Members Of The Congregation~
Your pastor’s wife has the challenging task of being everyone’s friend equally, while building personal relationships individually.
-Pray she can build personal relationships that are sincere, but do not isolate any individuals in the congregation.
~Her Emotional Well-being~
Being a pastor’s wife requires thick skin, and a soft heart. She wasn’t elected to this role, yet her presence is invaluable. She must be both vulnerable, and unwaveringly strong. Her life is a paradox of strength and gentleness.
-Pray for her to be well balanced emotionally, able to focus on what’s most important at the time.
-Pray she is able to let harsh words or criticism fall to the wayside quickly.
-Pray she is not easily offended.
-Pray for her the gift of laughter.
~Her Home Life~
Even though it looks like your pastor’s wife is always at church, ready to take on the next service, class, outreach project or potluck, she actually has a home life. She loves you, and she loves serving, but she needs a home life where she can relax, unwind, regroup, refresh and breathe a minute.
-Pray the atmosphere of her home is comfortable and peaceful.
-Pray that people respect her time at home with her family.
-Pray for the peace of the Holy Ghost to saturate her family members, and every minute of every day.
~Her Giftings & Callings~
Every pastor’s wife is different, just as you are different from your siblings, cousins or neighbors. They have many of the same responsibilities, but they have different personalities and giftings to accomplish them with. Don’t expect your pastor’s wife to handle a situation in the same way a neighboring pastor’s wife would, or like your childhood pastor’s wife did, or even like you would if you were in her place. The First Lady of your church might be a natural speaker, singer or organizer…or she might not, and that’s okay.
-Pray for your pastor’s wife to acknowledge, embrace and utilize her own giftings.
-Pray your pastor’s wife doesn’t feel pressured to be like anyone else.
-Pray your pastor’s wife finds clarity for ministries God is calling her to do that may not be traditionally expected of a pastor’s wife.
~Her Work~
Many, if not most, pastor’s wives must work a secular job in addition to their responsibilities to the church and congregation. This not only adds responsibilities, but often an added level of stress. Her job may be a well planned career that she went to college for, or it may simply be a job that helps with the family’s finances.
-Pray she finds the job God has planned for her.
-Pray she has the skills to do her job effectively.
-Pray she can be an effective witness to her coworkers.
-Pray she finds favor with her boss and coworkers.
-Pray the work she does is personally fulfilling.
-Pray she is blessed financially for her labor.
~Her Time Management~
Time for a pastor’s wife is counted by seconds, minutes, hours, days and blocks on a calendar. Most every moment is already spoken for, and must be managed. Free time is a rare commodity, and must also be scheduled.
-Pray she is able to manage her time and family’s schedule properly, and schedule some each week just for herself.
BONUS MATERIAL
I had already invested a few hours into this post when the thought came to me, “Maybe I should actually ask some pastors’ wives what areas they would like prayer for?” I messaged twenty pastors’ wives who I know personally, and asked them this simple question:
”As a pastor’s wife, what are the top three things that you would like your congregation to pray for you?”
By overwhelming majority, the top three prayer requests were:
1. Wisdom
2. Children/Family
3. Peace
The following requests were also mentioned, and most of them more than once:
-Compassion For People
-Health & Strength For Service
-Patience
-Sensitivity to the Leading of the Lord
-To Be Teachable
-To Be Able To Forgive Offenses (To Have The Gift of Memory Loss -LOL)
-Confidence
-Rest
-To Be Willing (This one broke me because it was preceded by, “I’ve never considered myself worthy to ask for specific prayers!”)
Well, there you have it. A glimpse into the hearts of pastors’ wives. I find it humbling that even when asked what they wanted prayer for, the answers were never really about themselves. Rather, they always focused on how they could be better equipped to serve others.
Hopefully, this list of prayer suggestions and requests will help you to pray more often, and more specifically, for your First Lady. Keep her in your heart, and in your prayers. You certainly are in hers.
Warm Regards,
~Pat~
*Don’t forget to leave a comment, and let me know your thoughts!
“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.” (Psalm 91:1-2)
I had a rough beginning as a young child. In order to deal with the emotional trauma of abuse and neglect, I would imagine my body being the house I lived in. My eyes were windows from where I watched the world around me. When life’s circumstances became too heavy to bear, I would pull the shutters on the windows by closing my eyes. In this secret place, I was safe. I found solace. No matter what raged around me. No matter who said or did things that caused me pain, I found solace in my secret place. I never determined to think this way, or deal with trauma in this manner. For as long as I can remember, it was simply the most natural response to circumstances beyond my control.
I’ve sat beside the bed of several people who were at the point of death. There is a pattern I’ve noticed that has been confirmed by hospice workers. At the end of life, it’s very common for people to “go inside.” Even though there might be trauma going on in the body, and people are coming and going around them, they have “closed the shutters,” for these final hours.
It’s worth pointing out that in both of these scenarios, it doesn’t take conscious effort or energy to go inside to this secret place. Both at the beginning and end of life, it’s the most natural response.
Now as an adult full of the Holy Ghost, I realize this process is a God-given coping mechanism for navigating life. As a child, I didn’t realize God was there with me in my secret place. Yet, looking back at those painful seasons, I see so clearly that I was actually retreating into Him.
”That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.” (Acts 17:27-28)
The problem comes in the middle. For some reason, in between the beginning and the end, we come to believe that we must have all the answers. We must work all the problems. We must have a plan for every circumstance. We must navigate every situation in our flesh.
The truth is God doesn’t expect us to navigate life’s seasons in our flesh. He wants us to be like that little girl who so quickly pulled the shutters closed. Not to hide from reality, but to find solace in His Presence.
SOLACE
comfort in sorrow, misfortune, or trouble; alleviation of distress or discomfort.
something that gives comfort, consolation, or relief.
Do you need comfort in your sorrow, misfortune or trouble? Do you long for something to alleviate your distress or discomfort? Are you desperate for something that will give you comfort, consolation or relief? I have the answer for you, and it’s not something; it’s Someone.
The world will tell you, or at least make you feel like you’re weak if you draw away with God. Yet, in His Presence is exactly where He desires us to be. It’s where we should desire to be.
SPIRITUAL WARFARE
That doesn’t mean we’re not fighting the Good Fight of faith. It doesn’t mean we don’t trust God. It in no way means we’re being inactive or ineffective for the Kingdom. On the contrary, in the Secret Place of His Presence is where we are most faithful, most trusting and most active and effective In Kingdom work.
It’s in the Secret Place that spiritual warfare is accomplished. Not necessarily from a pulpit or any place of visibility. It’s true that God elevates and promotes who He chooses, bringing them out of obscurity to accomplish a work for His purpose. The most coveted place, however, should be when we draw away with Him, and close the shutters.
When I was a child, I fled to that place in fear, not yet knowing God, or that I was doing the most natural thing a child of God can do. Today, I rush into that same Secret Place, not in fear, but in the authority of His Name and full of Holy Ghost power. It’s where He and I accomplish our finest work together. Yes, I find solace in the Secret Place, and so much more.
“Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast.“ (Isaiah 26:20)
Warm Regards,
~Pat~
As always, feel free to leave a comment, share to social media, SUBSCRIBE HERE to my newsletter, and email me at pat@patvick.com
“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)
My People
This scripture is addressed to a particular group of people. While it is relevant and true for all mankind, it is a specific call to the people of God. As we see wickedness prevailing all around us, the Church is being beckoned by God to pray like never before. What do I mean by “the Church?” Who are these individuals? The Church is made up of people who are born again according to scripture.
Many people claim Christianity, but have never experienced this New Birth. In the Old Testament before Jesus offered himself as the sacrifice for our sins, the people of God were set apart from the world through the animal sacrificial system. However, since Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection and the outpouring of the Holy Ghost in Acts chapter two, we become the people of God by being born again of the water and Spirit. The New Birth process is given very specifically in Acts 2:38:
“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” (Acts 2:38)
So the “My People” of 2 Chronicles 7:14 are those who are scripturally born again. They have repented of their sins, been baptized in the only saving name of Jesus Christ, and have received the precious gift of the Holy Ghost, evidenced by speaking in tongues. This pattern is clearly seen in Acts chapters 2, 8, 10 and 19.
Who Are Called By My Name
Again, many people claim to be Christians, having never taken on the name of Jesus. We take on his name in baptism. Many have never been baptized at all, not realizing that baptism is necessary “for the remission (removal) of sins.” Others have been baptized, yet not in Jesus’ name. The early Church of the New Testament knew and practiced only one baptismal formula, calling the name of Jesus Christ over the one being immersed. If you have been baptized any other way, including having the titles father, son and Holy Ghost spoken over you, I urge you to study out the topic prayerfully, and be re-baptized in Jesus’ name.
Humble Themselves
In a world that is hyper focused on “self,” it takes a consistent effort to focus on being humble. And not only being humble, but specifically the act of humbling one’s self. The word humble here means to bend the knee and bring down into subjection. This concept is so foreign in the day we live. The world view is to be puffed up in pride, arrogance and self promotion. To fight for my way and my rights. God’s way, however, is to be in submission to His Spirit at all times.
Pray
We get so busy being busy for God that we forget to actually spend time communicating and communing with Him. Prayer is our lifeline. Just watching, listening or reading one news story a day is enough to bring fear, anxiety and depression into our minds…if we don’t pray. The world has gone crazy. The perilous times Jesus spoke of have arrived, and will only escalate until He returns. We are the generation called to navigate these end time events. We must not allow the condition of the world to cause us to hide under our covers, hoping it will all just go away. God has called us to pray His Will into existence. If we, the Born Again People of God won’t, who will?
Seek My Face
A lot of people are seeking God, but they are seeking His Hand, not His Face. They are seeking blessing, but not relationship. Yes, He has instructed us to ask for what we need, but those prayers should come from an intimate relationship with Him. He wants to meet our needs, and even bless us with things we want, but don’t necessarily need. He’s good like that. His great desire, however, is for us to be with Him. From the very beginning of creation in the garden, it was His pattern to visit with Adam and Eve daily. To commune with them. When we begin to press into His Presence daily, seeking His face, not just requesting goodies from His hand, things will begin to change. Our lives, homes, relationships, communities and lackluster church experience will be changed.
Turn From Their Wicked Ways
Here’s a truth: God does not bless sin. We are living in the dispensation of grace, and His grace is truly amazing. But we have leaned on God’s grace until it has become disgraceful. His grace is given to lead us to repentance, not to continue living in sin. If we profess to be His, we are called to Holiness and Sanctification. I realize it’s not a popular lifestyle with the world, nor with professing Christians who live with one foot in the Church and one foot in the world, but that’s really the point, isn’t it? It’s time to be all in.
“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” (Romans 6:1-2)
Then
The above mentioned actions are what we are accountable for. We must do our part, and do it consistently, before we can expect what happens after the “then.” When we are obedient to be born again according to scripture, so that we can be called by His Name, humble ourselves regularly, pray consistently, seek His face in relationship and not only His hand of blessing, turn from our wicked ways, THEN we can expect Him to respond accordingly.
Hear From Heaven
This begins God’s response to our obedience and faithfulness. He will hear from Heaven. Doesn’t God know, see and hear us at all times? Well, there’s hearing, and then there’s hearing. He is always listening to hear us call on His name in true repentance, in baptism and in seeking the in filling of His Spirit. He is always listening to hear us humble ourselves before Him and call on His name in prayer, desperate and determined to seek His face. THEN He hears us when we pray according to His will. THEN He hears our spiritual warfare prayers that push back the darkness, tear down strongholds, and bring deliverance to our families, friends and loved ones.
Forgive Their Sin
It’s worth repeating that God will never bless sin. If we want our sins forgiven, we must do our part so that He will hear us, and respond with forgiveness. But it’s not only about us. The Born Again People of God are the conduit of His mercy to a sinful world. If people are going to be forgiven of their sins, it will be largely due to our sincere prayers for them. Not sweet little lay me down to sleep or Lord, bless this food prayers. But deep, consistent intercessory prayers for a lost and dying world. God in Heaven, we beseech you to hear us in Jesus name!
Heal Their Land
I believe with all my heart that America has a God given mission in the earth. It’s the very reason for its existence. To be an ally, support and help to the nation of Israel in these last days before Jesus’ return. How can we do that, be that, fulfill that with the most heinous lifestyles being promoted as good, normal and to be sought after in our nation? How?! It is time, and high time, that the Church of the Living God be salt and light in a nation and world bound by sin.
Conclusion
I believe God has promised us a great end time revival in these last days.yes, I know scripture speaks of a great “falling away,” but it’s a two way street. Many people are rushing headlong into hell, but others, many others, are hungry for Truth. Hungry for the real things of God, and not the counterfeit. Let’s make it our mission to find them. Let’s live out 2 Chronicles 7:4 before them, and watch God respond by hearing us from Heaven, forgiving our sins and healing our nation. In Jesus’ name.
So, what is the greatest need in the world today?
“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)
Warm Regards,
-Pat Vick
As always, feel free to leave a comment, share to social media, SUBSCRIBE HERE to my newsletter, and email me at pat@patvick.com
It was the final extended trip of the year for us. The exclamation point on our year of travels. We were in the mountains of East Tennessee, as we usually are at this time in the Fall of the year. A nine day trip filled with multiple events. Our annual Tennessee District UPCI Ministers’ Retreat, and several days of motorcycle riding with friends, bookended between two weekends of ministry.
It was Monday, November 4th, and we were riding the ROARING FORK MOTOR NATURE TRAIL with several of our TenPen Riders. The mountain vistas were breathtaking in their autumn foliage. I was taking photos of the broad canvas masterpiece God had painted. That’s when I heard him whisper into my spirit, “Look closer.”
As we rode along, attempting to be obedient to the unction of the Spirit, I began snapping shots of closer objects. Boulders, rock ledges and the overhead canopy of tree branches. The images were still pretty good even though we were on the move. The familiar voice came again, ever so clearly, “Look closer.”
Again, out of obedience, I continued snapping photos close to the roadway we were traveling. A meandering mountain brook. A hollow tree stump blanketed in green velvet. A jaunty tuft of ferns. These images, however, were blurry because we were on the move. No matter how many I took, they were either distorted, or I didn’t actually capture what I was aiming for in the shot. I began a silent lament, “Lord, I can’t get a good shot because we’re moving too fast.”To which He immediately replied, “That’s right. You can’t see the blessings closest to you when you’re moving so fast.”
I knew without question what He was referring to. Even in this week of spiritual highs, and making memories with dear friends, I was exhausted, both physically and mentally. I purposed in my mind to write a devotion about what God had revealed to me…just as soon as I had the time.
I silently prayed the prayer which was destined to change the trajectory of my immediate future. “Lord, you know I would slow down if I could. You also know I don’t really have a lot of control over my schedule.” The words He impressed in my spirit left me wondering whether I really wanted to know the solution He had in mind…
”Oh, I can take care of that.”
Four days later, we had come to the end of our allotted riding days, and would transition back into the second weekend of ministry before making our way home to West Tennessee. We made a visit to the special place at the entrance of the Great Smokey Mountain National Park which my husband’s mother, Linda, always loved. It’s right by the Welcome to the Smokey Mountains sign where we stopped and took photos, as we always do. We walked down into the riverbed, retelling the stories that my sweet mother-in-love had often conveyed to us of how her father had brought her here when she was a little girl.
I was taking photos of the scenery, and noticed several stacks of rocks in the riverbed that someone had taken the time to carefully erect. It made for a wonderful shot, but I decided I could get an even better one if I stepped on a few rocks to get a better angle. The rocks were only a few inches high, but they were a bit slippery. We had also hiked up to CLINGMAN’S DOME a few hours earlier, so my legs were like noodles. Still, it was going to be the best photo of all…
It’s amazing how quickly situations can change. One second I was up. The next, I was flat on my back in the riverbed with water running around my head and into my ears. I immediately thought my leg was broken, as I had never felt that kind of pain before. My husband rushed over, and pulled me up to a standing position. It quickly became obvious that he wasn’t going to be able to get me back up the bank by himself. Thankfully, several hikers came by at just that moment, and offered assistance. It took my husband and three random strangers to haul me up out of the riverbed.
Here’s a humorous “twist” to the story. (Pun intended) I can only imagine how pitiful I must have looked. We had been riding the motorcycle, so I was wearing a skullcap, which my grey hair was whisping out from in all directions. I was muddy, wet and wearing a skirt with leggings. I’m sure these good Samaritans had never seen the likes. I could tell from the way they were speaking to me as they were heaving me up the bank, they thought I was elderly. When we finally made it to the road level, one asked, “Okay, Hon, can we help you to your car?”They began to look around for an ancient sedan suitable for such an old grandma. My husband quickly replied, “No, we’re on that bike right there.” They were shocked into complete and utter silence. Crickets. 🦗 🦗 🦗
A trip to the ER revealed my leg was indeed broken. It could have been much worse. There was no protruding, nor misaligned bones. Only a clean, spiral break just above the ankle. It was enough to solve the problem I was lamenting to the Lord about. In one divine moment, I had no other option but to slow down and heal.
[bctt tweet=”“Being busy for God isn’t always being productive for Him.”” username=”patvickdotcom”]
The holidays came and went during my eight week convalescence. I put up minimal decorations, and entertained none at all. I did, however, have plenty of focused time for prayer, writing and squeezing grand boys. I was able for the first time in a long time to “look closer” at the blessings God has gifted me.
Realizing my situation was a God-ordained lesson, I determined to learn what He was teaching.
10 LESSONS I LEARNED THE HARD WAY
1. Time is precious. Use it wisely.
2. Words matter. Pray as specifically as possible.
3. Don’t complain to God, and expect Him to do nothing.
4. When you ask God to fix a problem, keep an open mind over how He chooses to do it.
5. When God chooses an uncomfortable path for you, determine to not be offended at Him.
6. Down time can be productive prayer time.
7. Family members are our greatest blessings. Take time to appreciate them.
8. Make time to slow down or God will maneuver the universe to alter your course.
9. Be thankful for every blessing in your life.
10. Building relationships is more important than going, doing and having.
11. (BONUS!) Being busy for God isn’t always being productive for Him.
QUESTIONS TO PONDER
1. What are the blessings God is asking you to slow down and appreciate?
2. What have you recently complained to God about?
3. Is it something in your power to fix?
4. What lessons has God taught you the hard way?
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Do you realize that Jesus prayed for you? Those prayers are still at work in your life -leading, guiding, protecting and comforting you. If Jesus knew and acted on the need to pray ahead of time, so should we.
“I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.” (John 17:15)
Prayers never die. That is a comforting thought to me. It gives me a measure of peace to know that every single prayer anyone has ever prayed for me is still working for my good, even if that person is no longer alive. Also, every prayer that I have personally ever prayed is still alive and well. That doesn’t mean that I don’t need to pray today, but it does mean that If I’m having a stressful day, I can lean on prayers that I prayed in the past.
If you’re like me, and the rest of humanity, you have rough days. You might be sick, overwhelmed by decisions that need to be made, the recipient of someone else’s terrible choices, or even your own terrible choices. Some days, I wake up feeling like I can go to hell with a water gun (as my husband likes to say.) Other days, I stumble and fumble, just trying to make it through the day in one piece. On these days, I can barely think right thoughts, and I certainly don’t pray my best prayers.
Proactive Prayers
With this in mind, I make a point to intentionally pray for my future self when I’m going through difficult times. On a beautiful sunny day, when I’m feeling well, and there are no major catastrophes to deal with, I will pray like this:
”Lord Jesus, thank you for this moment. Thank you for the sunshine, the strength in my body, the peace I feel in my soul, and that I can feel you so very present with me right now. Lord, on some day in the future, when I don’t feel well, when I’m confused, or sick or anxious or overwhelmed, remind me of this moment. On that day, hear this prayer that I’m praying right now, and touch me. Give me peace, and remind me that you’re bringing me through that situation. Remind me that you’re working for my good, and that the difficult season will pass. In Jesus’ name.”
I’ve also learned that when I’m having a difficult day I can call to remembrance the prayers I’ve prayed in the past. That prayer might sound something like this:
“Lord Jesus, I feel terrible. I’m so confused. I feel like giving up. I feel so hopeless. I feel like there is no end in sight to this situation. It feels like it’s going to go on forever. BUT I remember that day when I was walking in the sunshine. I felt so good, and I was full of faith and joy. I remember praying for this exact moment. I didn’t know when it would come, but you knew. Lord, I’m calling on that prayer right now, and the faith I felt on that day. Let me feel that hope, faith and joy. Thank you for letting me remember that this is only a season, and a good season is right around the corner. In Jesus’ name.”
I might also say:
“Lord, I’m calling to your remembrance every prayer that has ever been prayed for me for peace and victory. Prayers that Granny prayed for me as we knelt in the blue bedroom all those years ago, let those prayers come before your throne right now, and pour out the answers to them at this moment.”
Praying A Hedge of Protection
Of course, I pray for myself and my family to be protected as we go through our days because we never know what the satan has planned for us that we will need a Divine Intervention for. As for future protection, there is one prayer that I have prayed over and over since being Born Again. I have seen so many people give up on their relationship with God when they’re going through difficulties. To preempt the mental attacks that I know will come in the future, I have prayed this prayer many times:
“Father, if there comes a time in the future that I become confused or disoriented spiritually. If I begin to wander away from your will, I pray on this day while I’m in my right mind, that you will keep me forcibly in your will until I am thinking right again. Don’t allow me fall into temptation and be led away from your will. On that day, I pray that you would remember this prayer that I’m praying today. In Jesus’ name.
Be Proactive In Prayer
[bctt tweet=”“The biggest reason our prayers are not answered is because we don’t pray them.”” username=”patvickdotcom”]
Prayer is serious business, and accompanied by the Word, it is the Christian’s greatest weapon against spiritual darkness. I’m not an elite prayer warrior like Sis. Vesta Mangun or Sis. Joy Haney, but I do believe God hears and answers my prayers, as He does yours. The biggest reason our prayers are not answered is because we don’t pray them. Pray now. Pray in advance.
Warm Regards, -Pat
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What prayer should sound like is based on what you are wanting to get accomplished. It’s so much more than, “Now I lay me down to sleep” and, “Lord, bless this food to the nourishment of my body.” Although there’s nothing technically wrong with these prayers, they are usually recited verbatim, and almost instinctively, spoken with no thought. They have become a ritual that we go through.
Prayer is meant to be powerful, earth shaking and life changing.
[bctt tweet=”“Prayer is meant to be powerful, earth shaking and life changing.”” username=”patvickdotcom”]
Several years ago, I was in the prayer room at our Tennessee UPCI Camp Meeting. As I listened to the voices around me calling on God in Holy Ghost anointed prayer, I was moved to record what I heard. Sounds of travail. Sounds of intercession. Sounds of strongholds being broken. Sounds of worship. Sounds of victory. Sounds of deliverance. Sounds of rejoicing. Sounds of a holy symphony that brought Heaven close to Earth.
Again, technically, yes, but can you truly be satisfied with lay me down to sleep prayers? Now that you’ve heard Holy Ghost, anointed prayer with your own ears. Now that you’ve heard and felt the power of prayers prayed by sanctified saints in Jesus’ name. Now that you know there is a level of prayer that you’ve never been to, or have forgotten over the years.
The Call To Go Deeper
I encourage you to go deeper in prayer than you normally do. Deeper than you ever have. That is what God is calling you to. Pray until you get past the average and everyday humdrumness of the same old, same old rote prayers, and allow the Lord to take you into deep, life changing prayers that move Heaven and Earth. Holy Ghost infused, devil-chasing, stronghold-breaking, miracle-working, revelation-bringing, vision-casting, life-saving prayers. That’s what God is calling you to, and that’s what prayer should sound like.
[bctt tweet=”“Pray until you get past the average and everyday humdrumness of the same old, same old rote prayers, and allow the Lord to take you into deep, life changing prayers that move Heaven and Earth.” -Pat Vick” username=”patvickdotcom”]
How can something so beneficial as talking to your Creator be so challenging? Seriously…Why is it so hard??? We talk to our family members. We talk to our friends. We talk to our co-workers. We talk to the person who brings our groceries out to the car at grocery pickup. We talk to bill collectors. We even talk to ourselves. Why do we we make such a big deal about making time to talk to God?
“And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden. And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.“ (Genesis 3:8-10)
REASONS TALKING TO GOD IS SO CHALLENGING
1. Isn’t it obvious? The first reason talking to God is such a challenge (at least in our minds) is that He’s God, and we’re not. Really…How do you speak to the Creator of everything? Fortunately, our God created us to have relationship with Him. Just like all those other people we converse with, He desires us to spend quality time talking with Him and listening to Him.
In the Garden of Eden, before sin entered into the world, God came and communed with Adam and Eve on a regular basis. As long as they were in a right relationship with Him, talking to Him wasn’t a problem. It was the most natural thing in the world.
[bctt tweet=”“Before sin entered into the world, God talked with Adam and Eve on a regular basis. As long as they were in a right relationship with Him, talking to Him wasn’t a problem. It was the most natural thing in the world.”” username=”patvickdotcom”]
2. The second reason that talking to God is such a challenge is that we are fearful. Sometimes fear comes from knowing that we deserve punishment for sin. Sometimes fear comes from satan, who is always trying to separate us from God. Sometimes fear comes from simply not knowing the nature or will of God which can only come from spending time in His Word. It becomes a never ending cycle of not knowing.
3. The third reason that talking to God is such a challenge is that we often have sin in our lives. Sin separates us from God. The moment Adam and Eve sinned, their spirits were separated from relationship with God. In order to come back into a right relationship with God, we must repent of any and all sin. Once we are free from the bondage of sin, we will feel the freedom to draw near to God again.
4. The fourth reason that talking to God is such a challenge is because of busyness. The lifestyle of our generals much different than those who lived in Bible times. In the last 100 years, electricity was discovered. This changed everything. For almost 6,000 years, when the sun set and darkness fell, people went to bed. Today, humanity never stops moving. People work at all hours, day and night. Our lives are so full, that we fail to make time for a real relationship with God.
A person has to have a true love for God to push back distractions and seek His Face. If it’s not done first thing in the morning, it rarely gets done.
5. The fifth reason that talking to God is such a challenge is because of disinterest. We have left our first love. Here is some honesty. Sometimes, we’re just not that into Him. We see a relationship with God and Kingdom living as old-fashioned, archaic, outdated, boring, and something to pursue when we’ve done everything else that we want to do with our lives. Oh, we wouldn’t admit to feeling that way, but our actions prove otherwise.
“Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” (Revelation 2:4-5)
THE QUESTION
Why don’t you talk to God as you should? Which one or more of these reasons apply to you? Do you feel like He’s unapproachable? Are you fearful? Do you have sin in your life? Are you to busy? Are you disinterested, and just not that into Him?
Be honest with yourself. every one of these issues can be corrected if you truly want to have sweet communion with God. He created you for relationship with Himself.
“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” (Revelation 3:20)
A year ago today, my youngest son and his wife were in Bangladesh on a mission trip. It was definitely a high point in their life and walk with God. I was so vey proud of them, and thankful for their opportunity to be a part of something so powerful and eternal.
Caleb came home from that trip with the flu. He flew the 17-18 hours from Dubai sicker than he had ever been in his life. The next morning, when he asked to be taken to the doctor, we knew he was seriously sick. He was treated for the flu, and all seemed well.
Soon enough, Covid arrived, and the lockdowns began. Still, our family was together and healthy way out on our farm. It’s amazing how things can change so suddenly. One day we were fine. Then next day Caleb couldn’t breathe without severe pain. From emergency room to Vanderbilt ICU in a blink.
Pneumonia had been growing undetected in his lung for a couple of months since he had the flu. He had to have surgery to drain the fluid from his chest cavity. Over 2 liters of fluid. Alone. All we could do was pray. The Lord was so merciful to bring him home to us.
More Covid. More lockdowns. Online Church. All travel plans cancelled. Family members with Covid. Powerful men and women of God being taken home to their reward. People we never thought we’d have to go through life without. Gone into their eternity.
Breathe.
Riots. Bizarre election. The country has gone mad.
My mother-in-love contracts Covid. No underlying health issues. We had to say goodbye in the wee hours of December 26th. Never expected it. Would have never dreamed we’d be here without her so soon.
Still, God is good. He is faithful. He knows the future, and the past because He’s already there. If we had known a year ago what our family would have to endure over the next twelve months, it would have shaken us to our core. We might have failed God had we known. I’d like to think we would have stood strong, but only He actually knows for certain.
Sometimes when we want to know what’s coming, it’s best just to know that He knows, and let that be enough.
“I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.” (Psalm 27:13-14)
