Strategic Prayer: Applying the Power of Targeted Prayer - Book Review

In both physical and spiritual warfare, strategic timing is "mission - critical information." Targets are timing - critical. There is always an appropriate, strategic time for focusing on any target. Tools and Knowledge is worthless until applied. Money is not a problem for God, and God is always on time! ................ Stra-te-gic also stra-te-gi-cal: Important or essential in relation to a plan of action. .......................................................... Without question, prayer is the most important - and potentially the most powerful - tool in a Christian's arsenal. ................................................... It's time we learn to pray practical, specific, result - oriented prayers. The earth is our Lord's, the fullness of it, and everyone who lives in it. .................... Eddie Smith, the author, the cofounder and president of the U.S. Prayer Center, equips pastors and intercessors worldwide. ....................................... Michael L. Hennen (coauthor) has served as a pastor, missionary, and church planter to diverse cultures and people. He and his wife spend most of their time in the Middle East. ............................................................ Eddie's wife, Alice is one who was called at an early age to pray for the nations. .. This book addresses the practical need to identify and prioritize prayer targets. Its principal reflect a theology born more out of life experience than the classroom. .. The effectiveness of spiritual methods depends largely on the conditions of the spiritual environment and the experience of those employing them. Attentive to spiritual principles, regardless of environment or experience, always bring positive results. ............................................... The overriding purpose of Strategic Prayer is to equip you to pray more strategically. ................................................................. The power of our prayers is resident in the person of God, and our effectiveness as intercessors is wholly dependent on the quality of our relationship with Him. ...... Effective prayer is faithfully aligning oneself under His authority to speak and to do His word and will. ........................................................ Wait for the Spirit's leading, through those who cover you, before proceeding with any strategic and corporate prayer initiatives. ................................. What targeted, strategic prayer can destroy in a few minutes, satan has neither time nor resources left to rebuild. .............................................. As for spiritual structures, one of the biggest challenges facing any intentional intercessor is knowing how to prioritize prayer. And how can we be certain that our prayer coverage is adequate? Prayer targeting. We must carefully evaluate and select ours. ........................................................................ We use strategic prayer targeting to prioritize our prayer to achieve a specific goal. ........................................................................ In both physical and spiritual warfare, strategic timing is "mission - critical information." ................................................................. We must engage in thorough research and become well informed of circumstances in natural and spiritual realms. ................................................... When the Sunni mosque was being built, Eddie, would drive by and prayer - walk their property. .................................................................. As it reached completion, he wrote a letter of apology for the medieval crusades. He had the apology written calligraphically on parchment, took it to the five closest evangelical churches, and asked the pastors to sign it with him. Then he placed it into a gold frame and presented it to the iman. He was moved with tears and asked him to speak at the mosque's grand opening. Since then,he has developed a meaningful relationship with one of his elders. He is very near a decision to Christ. ......... 2 Chronicles 7:13 - 14: Intercessors, we must stand in the gap and "repent the land (turn from and sincerely apologize to god for the sins that have defiled the land, whether our own or others)." ....................................................... Therefore, I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. (I Timothy 2:1 -2 NKJV) ...................................................................... When we pray for those in authority, we pray for those who occupy positions of leadership in our community. .................................................... Our responsibility to pray for our leaders is twofold: .............................. We must certainly pray for our church leaders. ................................... We must also pray for our community leaders. .................................... First, we must identify the leaders in our communities and churches. ............... But when we cannot know the leader personally, we should pray for those that do. We can pray for them and for their influence in his life. ............................ In the spring of 1988, Michael was about to realize a dream for which he'd prayed for more than a year. He was being sent as a missionary to Venezuela. He had two problems: not enough money and not enough time to get the money needed. ............ When he arrived at his Messianic Jewish Congregation, he was greeted by his travel agent and handed a ticket. ................................................... Money is not a problem for God, and God is always on time! ........................ But by God's grace the riches of heaven are at the disposal of those who have faith to apprehend them, and time is only a hiccup in our eternity with Him. .............. Ask God to supply the financial resources necessary to expand His Kingdom through our lives. .......................................................................... Several years ago, Eddie attended a national conference on world evangelism in a midwestern city. ............................................................. There he met Rasheed, from Pakistan. He asked him, "Has anyone this week shared with you the good news of Jesus Christ and His Salvation?" Rasheed shook his head. Eddie took the time to present Christ and His gospel, and Rasheed prayed to receive Christ! ................................................................ When Eddie arrived at the meeting, a long discussion developed on strategies the American Church might employ to complete the Great Commission. Eddie said, "Gentlemen, the longer we sit in rooms like this, discussing the problem, while ignoring people like Rasheed - the young Pakistani man who manages the gift shop across the hall, who just gave his heart to Christ - the further we will be from the goal." ..................................................................... Strategic positions, high places can also be called "the gates of the city." The basic types are (1) geographic, (2) political, (3) commercial, and (4) religious. ................................................................ The four "inner gates" through which all society passes are (1) health and human services, (2) education, (3) mass media, and (4) culture. Those who occupy the inner and outer gates control the communities destiny. ................................. When Michael visited El Vijia, they were able to bring together in one room thirty-two of the city's thirty-six pastors in a historic meeting. ..................... This was the launch of their plan to visit El Vijia to bring a word regarding Israel to its pastors. ................................................................ Followers of Christ, regardless of denominational affiliation, usually agree that Jesus Christ, who is God, came to earth as a man, was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, died an atoning death, was raised from the dead, ascended into heaven, and is coming again. This agreement is the basis on which we come together to do Kingdom Business. .............................................................. We must remain vigilant to the Holy Spirit's voice when establishing strategy. He alone knows which one is best applied at any given time. ........................... The Bible is replete with examples of God's perfect timing. .................... Consider, for instance, the story of Esther, the Jewish girl who came to a position of influence with the king at the appropriate time (Esther 2:15). .................. Targets are timing - critical. There is always an appropriate, strategic time for focusing on any target. ...................................................... Timing - critical prayer targeting depends on discernment. Discernment depends on sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit is the hallmark of intercessors and prophets. ..................................................... The Holy Spirit (called the Spirit of Truth) given by the Father at the request of His Son, is as a Counselor (John 14: 16 - 17). ................................. Tools and Knowledge is worthless until applied. .................................. Paul says, "Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was bestowed upon you through prophetic utterance." ................................................. God endows individuals, communities, and nations with gifts designed to help lead the nations to Christ. .................................................. All authority and power in heaven and on earth has been given to Jesus. God will hold us accountable for how we use His power and authority. ........................... Do not try to accomplish His purposes with His power. .............................. SPIRITUAL RECONNAISSANCE: ........................................................... As a church, is our faith in God sufficiently evident to adequately reflect His glory to the community? ............................................................. PERSONALIZE IT: ............................................................... Has God's glory ever invaded my/your life or home and brought with it a spirit of repentance and weeping?

How To Gain The Professional Edge 2nd Edition - Book Review

I think that I received this book in 2005. ......................................... Sharing some tips for Chapter 2(Two) & 3 (Three)..................................... One of the best ways to learn more about a company, industry, or occupation is by talking with people who know first hand what it is like. ......................... Informational interviews can help you: ............................................. Make valuable connections and expand your network ................................... Gain knowledge and insight about a company or industry .............................. Uncover additional resources and opportunities available to you ..................... Grasp the reality of what a particular job entails .................................. The purpose of an informational interview is to obtain information, not a job. However, informational interviews do help generate referrals, and occasionally, may lead to a job offer. .............................................................. Jay Lipe, author of The Marketing Tool Kit for Growing Businesses, recalls scheduling an informational interview that led to an offer. Jay scheduled informational interviews with individuals in fields that he wanted to learn more about. Jay's intent with these informational interviews was not to get a job. Rather, it was to learn from respected leaders about certain fields. ................................ Do recognize the value of conducting informational interviews and in connecting with others. Every time you talk with someone on the phone or in person, you remind that person about you, increasing the chance that person will think of you when opportunities arise. ............................................................ Some questions you might ask are: ................................................ How did you get into this line of work? .......................................... What's the best way to break into this field or industry? ............................. What is a typical day like? .................................................... What sets your company apart from the competition? ............................... When hiring, what do you look for in job candidates? ............................ You don't want to overstay your welcome - informational interviews should be brief. Keep your informational interview to a half an hour or less. .......................... When the interview is over, thank the person for his or her time, leave your resume or card, and get a business card. After the interview, do what you would after any other interview; make notes about the interview and anything you need to follow up on, then write and send a thank you note. .............................................. Yes, you should participate in an internship. An internship is brief, and considered a temporary period of employment with a company. ................................... Some companies pay their interns; others do not. An internship has value, whether you earn a salary or do the work for free. No internship is a waste of time. Any time you are a part of the inner workings of a business or office you will benefit by both observing and being involved. .................................................... The best time to seek an internship is while you are still in school; however, it's never too late to pursue an internship experience. Internships have many benefits and help you to: ................................................................... Gain career-related experience .................................................... Determine the type of work you enjoy and want to pursue ............................ Make valuable contacts and connections ......................................... Understand the dynamics of a work environment. ..................................... Acquire new skills and abilities .................................................... Put into practice what you have learned .......................................... Get your foot in the door at a company, possibly leading to future employment ....... Be open to learning and to the ideas of others .................................... Your Past Can Lead To Future Opportunities ..................................... What volunteer work have I done? .................................................... What leadership positions have I held? ............................................. What awards or special recognition have I received? ................................. What hobbies do I have? .......................................................... What skills do I utilize in my leisure time? ........................................ An experience doesn't have to pay you money or be career related for it to have value and impact. ..................................................................... Ms Susan Morem, How To Get A Job & Keep It, 2nd Edition. She is a nationally recognized career expert that provides job seekers & recent graduates step-by-step guidance. She offers advice on achieving career goals, managing life & career, and job search. ......................................................................... Ms Morem Company sent me her new edition of her book in September to review and I did thank them. I became familiar with Ms Morem & her company while being the Business Coach Host - Editor/Writer at another site.

Living Worship - Book Review

I reviewed this book around 2005 or before. ........................................ John Randall Dennis is a composer, producer, author, speaker and worship leader. His songs has been recognized with various honors: three Gold Record Awards, a song performed for the President of the United States on prime-time TV and two Dove Awards. .......................................................................... Hundreds of thousands of churches around the globe conduct weekly "worship services." ............................................................................ Millions of "praise and worship" recordings are now sold annually. ................. In Psalm 51:15 David says, O Lord, open my lips, that my mouth may declare Your praise." The importance of speaking forth our praise to God is echoed in Psalm 92:1-2: "It is good to give thanks to the Lord. ...................................... So for the purpose of our study I have turned to Strong's Concordance to help me distinguish ancient worship from our contemporary ideas of worship. We'll use the original name shachah. ....................................................... Worship means the spirit of bowing in homage to God. ................................. We can worship God in the face of financial ruin, in betrayal, through the destruction of divorce, or intense physical illness. We can bow down before Him, inwardly and outwardly, if we have lost a loved one or if a loved one is lost. ...... Authentic worship confesses in word and song, in physical expression, realities about us and about God. ........................................................... Another vital feature of Hannah's worship, besides her perseverance, was her great humility. ........................................................................ The Magi: "We have come to worship Him." ........................................ Upon finally finding the holy family, the scriptures record that "they fell to the ground and worshipped Him. ............................................... Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh." (Matthew 2:11). ......................................................... The Leper: "Lord, if you are willing, You can make me clean." ...................... The biblical narrative (Matthew 8:2) says: "And a leper came to Him and said, 'Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.' "Here again, we see the theme: Worship has nothing to do with the state of the worshipper. ............................. "Living worship" means a worship that is alive. ..................................... Wherever your temple is you can worship - because the temple is you. ............... Shout to the Lord - Praise His Name! Psalm 33:3 .................................. Praise Him with your pipe organs or with your praise bands, worship with your hymnals or worship with your overhead projections - but above all, worship with your spirit.

The Debt Diet - Book Review

Sharing tips from this book. ............................................... I reviewed this book in January 2005. ................ When Ellie Kay and her husband got married, they had $40,000 in consumer debt. In two and a half years they were debt free and they haven't looked back since. ........... Surf your way to College Savings .. Nifty Internet Tools (resources included in this book as well) .................................................... It is important to check with your tax professional (hire one, please) before you make major financial decisions. .......................................... There are nine (9) different money personalities. ............................. According to Dr. Kathleen Gurney, CEO of Financial Psychology Corporated, and author of Your Money Personality: What If Is and How You Can Profit From It. .............. Our Attitude About Money -- Most people like the color green. ..................... If the green becomes the center of life, then it becomes a demanding master. Do we worship the green so that it has become a god? Do we have to wear our green so others can see it and thereby define success by what we drive, own, and wear? ............... Money is great, but only if it contributes to your sense of well being rather than detracts from it. ........................................................ Happy Attitude About Finances - Wealth. By finding purpose - bringing it out in ourselves and in others and putting it to good use, we find true wealth - a wealth that stock market downturns or economic slumps cannot take away. .................... Top Ten Financial Values for Every Child .......................................... The Value of a Good Work Ethnic ........................................ The Value of a Dollar .................................................... The Value of Budgeting ......................................................... The Value of Saving and Not Spending ............................................ The Value of Investing ......................................................... The Value of Delayed Gratification ............................................ The Value of Sharing .............................................................. The Value of Diligence .......................................................... The Value of Diligence ........................................................... The Value of Responsibility and Accountability ...................................... The Value of Rest ................................................................... In the author's book it shares ... To find the starting salary in your field on the Internet, just type "starting salary for ____________" into any search engine. ............................................ Ellie Kay, the author is a gifted speaker as well as author. She is knonw as America's Family Financial Expert. She is a graduate of Colorado Christian University with a degree in the management of human resources.

Happy New Year - 2013

I thank God that I was blessed to see another year, Year 2013. .................. Certainty In An Uncertain World - Daniel 2. .................................... Man's power is only temporary. God's has "ALL" power. ........................... The Lord has the power to accomplish His divine purpose - Ezra 1. ................... The Lord can and does work through powerful individuals and groups to advance the cause of His people - Genesis 39:2, 19-21. ............................ According to the Bible, individuals that mean us harm have a tendency to hang themselves - Esther 5:9-13; 7:1-10; Matthew 27:1-10. .............................

Happy New Year's Eve 2012

Many people started out in 2012 and some have passed away whether by nature death, illness & tragedy let’s pray for the families. .................. Pray for our troops where ever they may be globally. .................... Please do not drink and drive. Be safe. ...............................

Family Matters .. 12/30/2012

Sunday School Lesson for 12/30/12. Unit I. Victory in Jesus. Family Matters. Ephesians 5:21-33; 6:1-4. ................................... Between wives & husbands (Marks of The New Life) - Ephesians 5:21-33 ............. Between children & parents (Marks of The New Life) - Ephesians 6:1-4 ............. Family members should love and care for one another; just as Christ love and cares for the church. (Put love into action) ................................... Train children and raise/admonish him/her/them in the Lord. .................... Ephesians 5:21-33; 6:1-4 .......................................... Verse 21 - Man Redeemed; Duties & Graces Of The New Life; Humility, Required ....... Verses 22,23,24 - The Family; Married Life; Duties of Wives ......................... Key to a harmonious marriage that is God-centered, follow God's instruction. ...... As long as husbands do things within the will of God wives should go along with their husbands. .......................................................... Verses 25,26,27 - Jesus Christ, Offices of Christ, Our Propitiation (propitiation - an atoning sacrifice) ......................................................... Verse 28 - The Family, Married Life, Duties of Husbands .......................... Verses 29, 30 - Jesus Christ, Figurative Characters of Christ, The Head of the Body ........................... Verses 31,32,33 - The Family, Married Life, Duties of Husbands .................. A husband should love his wife as himself. (Genesis - historical & spiritual idea of marriage "one flesh"). Wives should respect their husbands. ..................... Ephesians 6:1-4 ...................................... Promise: Verses 1,2 - "Health & Healing Promised" ............................ Verse 1 - The Family, Parents & Children; Duties of Children to Parents, Obedience .............................. Verses 2,3 - The Family, Parents & Children; Duties of Children to Parents, Reverence ............................. Verse 4 - The Family; Parents & Children; Correction, But Not Unjust .............. Do not provoke your children. ........................................... Spirit-filled families: Children should obey their parents in the Lord. Some obedient children die young but disobedient children at times make unwise choices which can lead to premature death. ............................................ Tomorrow we will be having early service at our place of Worship/Church & I wanted another lady to teach this Sunday School Lesson for I am not married, but I do not understand about being submissive & have no problem with it as long as my husband follow the Lord. ............................................ Scripture reference used/taken from: KJV Precious Promise Bible, KJV Topical Reference Bible & Zondervan Bible Commentary