More On Effective Church Action

Town turns to prayer to fight pornography
Courtesy of OneNewsNow

An adult entertainment facility in Lavonia, Georgia, has shut its doors, and opponents believe it was due to the power of prayer.

Café Risqué opened six years ago, and the city lost several lawsuits to try to close it or force it to move from its location along the nearby interstate highway. The business was deemed an embarrassment to the city, but residents turned to prayer in order to shut the place down.

Larry Finger is senior pastor at First Baptist Church. "We prayed and hoped and trusted that the Lord would help us, and then eventually a situation came up where the property owner was prepared to sell, and using a third party, the city had someone buy the property," he details. "Then the city bought the property from them and closed the establishment."

Out of all the approaches to try to shut down the business, the only one that worked was prayer, says Finger. "It was a scourge on our community and we knew it, but we had come to the point where we thought we were almost hopeless outside God's miraculous help -- and we finally got the victory, and a great one it has been," says a joyful Finger.

The senior pastor is hopeful other towns with a similar problem -- perhaps that are ill-equipped to deal with the situation -- will not forget about prayer. He notes that Lavonians prayed for six years before there was a solution.

What?! You mean prayer actually WORKS?

Did you notice how long it took?

Have you ever quit before 6 years was finished?

I think that I probably added a couple prayers to theirs without knowing it on trips to Atlanta and Florida. I'm glad that place is gone... just like I'm glad Dockside Dolls in Mebane is gone. I credit prayer with that one too.

It is really amazing what the Church could accomplish if we would simply BELIEVE what the Bible says and act on that belief.

Quote Of The Day

Prayers are deathless. The lips that uttered them may be closed to death, the heart that felt them may have ceased to beat, but the prayers live before God, and God’s heart is set on them and prayers outlive the lives of those who uttered them; they outlive a generation, outlive an age, outlive a world. That man is the most immortal who has done the most and the best praying. They are God heroes, God’s saints, God’s servants, God’s vicegerents. A man can pray better because of the prayers of the past; a man can live holier because of the prayers of the past; the man of many and acceptable prayers has done the truest and greatest service to the incoming generation. The prayers of God’s saints strengthen the unborn generation against the desolating waves of sin and evil.

—Edward McKendree (E. M.) Bounds

Taking Love Up A Notch

Today's post at Our Daily Blog went right along with something else that I read today. How interesting it is that such a coincidence should occur.

The morning after Korah's rebellion, a large mob of Israelites formed around the Tent of Meeting. The mob called for retribution against Moses and Aaron because of their role in God's judgment of that rebellion. As the cloud of God’s presence enveloped the Tent of Meeting, Moses could already feel God’s growing wrath.

The moment he and Aaron fell on their faces, a terrible plague began....

...Even though the Israelites had come to threaten them and possibly kill them, Moses and Aaron were still willing to risk their lives to save them. It should be no different in our lives; no matter how obnoxiously people treat us, or how threatened we are by their actions, we must be willing to call out for their salvation and deliverance in prayer.

This is also true when it comes to the sins and wickedness influencing the very life of our own nations today. For example, my personal aversion to homosexuality and other forms of perversion must not stop me from praying and crying out for those bound by these terrible sins.

At times, like Aaron, you and I may even be called to stand between the living and the dead. That’s right, God may even call you to personally reach out to the very people you have been praying for from a distance.

Whether it is someone bound in a homosexual lifestyle or a person addicted to some illegal substance, God may need your actions as much as He needs your prayers....

...Today, the Holy Spirit is calling you afresh. He is calling you out of your comfort zone into a place of service which will change both your heart and the hearts of those around you.

- Jim Laffoon @ Our Daily Blog

The post is really excellent. It would be worth reading in its entirety.

Today I also read about a new ministry that is encouraging Christians to "Adopt A Terrorist" on the Presidential Prayer Team website .

A new web-based ministry is urging Christians to adopt a terrorist and pray for them as Jesus Christ had instructed his disciples to love and pray for their enemies.

Adopt a Terrorist for Prayer (ATFP) agrees that the military needs to fight terrorism, but advocates prayer as a counter-offensive strategy not utilized by generals and politicians. ATFP founder Dr. Thomas Bruce believes the war on terrorism is a spiritual struggle against fear.

“The terrorists are just the highest profile intimidators in Satan's arsenal,” Bruce said in a released statement. “They think they are serving God.”

You should really check out that article as well. I believe that Dr. Bruce offers some relevant insights that I won't be covering in this post.

It is so easy to get locked into an "us against them" mentality. It is pervasive in American culture. Heck, my other blog is even named "Xs and Os!" And truly this has been my default setting when it comes to people that I perceive to be opposing me in some way. I can't say that I am beyond responding this way, but God has been working in my heart to teach me to take a more diplomatic tone with people who disagree with my position on things.

It is our job to show love to our neighbors and even our enemies by serving them when we can (individually) and by praying for them. In many of the cases already identified in this post the eternal destination of our enemies is at stake. If we really understand how horrible hell is, we shouldn't desire that anyone go there. Perhaps our prayers can avert that terrible end for even our enemies.

An Admonition From the Word...

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

Ephesians 6:10-18

Don't Give Up!

The prayer that sparks revival begins long before the countryside seems to awaken from its slumber in sin. It starts when men fall on their knees and cry out to God. That's where true intimacy with God takes place and we begin the journey of being transformed into the image of Christ. And as men are transformed, the course of a nation can be changed.

— Wellington Boone, pastor, speaker and author

Only 50 Weeks Until The Election

Please remember to pray for the coming election. I know that it is easy to become frustrated with politicians and the political process (just read my blog sometime!) but there is so much at stake with each election. Some really great strides have been made in the defense of the unborn under the current administration and great strides have been made in the appointments that have been made to the Supreme Court. We must not lose these gains, but instead press forward to extend them.

We have been afforded a great privilege in the United States. We have a role to play in the selection of those who govern us. When the church has avoided the polls in protest or apathy we have paid dearly.

I have been interested in politics for quite a while and have at different times been fairly active in trying to change what is happening in this country. While writing letters, making phone calls, and other forms of activism are important, I have learned that the only thing that really impacts reality and outcomes in the political arena is prayer. The Bible says that God directs the heart of our governors where He wants them to go. I have sanctified each Tuesday (with the exception of Christmas Day and New Year's Day) between now and the election as a special day of prayer and fasting on behalf of the coming election. I would encourage you to join me if you can.

Here are some of the things that I pray regularly for our elected officials and for the election:

- That God will give our leaders wisdom in the enactment of just, wise, and godly laws.
- That God will protect our leaders and their families.
- That God will forgive us for the sin of abortion and will cause our leaders to outlaw this shameful practice.
- That God will give our leaders wisdom in the realm of international relations.
- That God will give us leaders that fear and love Him.
- That God will expose the corrupt, self-serving, and traitorous leaders that hold office and will replace them with godly men that will serve our nation with wisdom.
- That God will make HIS choices for our elected officials evident to His people.

One of the things that I believe hinders us in voting is that we are so busy that we don't have time to find out about the candidate's stances. As we near the election I will gather this information and post it on my blog. In the meantime, don't grow weary in praying that God's will will be done in the coming elections, and continue to pray for our leaders that are already in office.

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior...

2 Timothy 2:1-3

Devote The Coming Year To Prayer For Our Nation's Leadership

Election Day has just passed. I hope that you remembered to vote and that you were pleased with the results. As American Christians one of the great ways that we can be "salt and light" is to participate in the political process by voting.

The campaign for our next president began in earnest early this year (although it was begun the moment the last election was settled). Perhaps you are perplexed about the choices that are being presented before us. I know that I am. One of the greatest things that we can do over the coming year is to diligently pray that God will cause our nation to choose His choice for president and His choices for the other offices that will be up for election.

The folks at the Presidential Prayer Team have developed a website to help us as we are praying for our country. It is called Pray the Vote 2008. You can check it out HERE. There are large parts of the site under construction, but it looks like it will be a valuable resource.


"When you become entitled to exercise the right of voting for public officers, let it be impressed on your mind that God commands you to choose for rulers, "just men who will rule in the fear of God." The preservation of [our] government depends on the faithful discharge of this Duty; if the citizens neglect their Duty and place unprincipled men in office, the government will soon be corrupted; laws will be made, not for the public good so much as for selfish or local purposes; corrupt or incompetent men will be appointed to execute the Laws; the public revenues will be squandered on unworthy men; and the rights of the citizen will be violated or disregarded. If [our] government fails to secure public prosperity and happiness, it must be because the citizens neglect the Divine Commands, and elect bad men to make and administer the Laws." - Noah Webster

How true.

Praying For Those In Authority

“Prayer changes lives and history. Praying for America’s officials will empower them to provide inspired, courageous, moral leadership during the domestic and international crises facing all Americans.”

— General John Wickham, former US Army Chief of Staff and member of the Presidential Prayer Team Honorary Committee

Happenings

Please note that there are some changes this week and with our holiday plans!

This week, in lieu of the usual Oasis Diner we will be caravaning over to the Carangelos' home in Mooresville for their decorating party in preparation for the first annual Carangelo Christmas Party. Please note that the time is from 3:30-7:30 instead of the usual 5:30-7:00.

Coming up next Sunday is the annual joint Thanksgiving service between Back Creek Presbyterian, New Hope Presbyterian, and StillWaters. The service is at 6:30 PM at Back Creek Presbyterian. There will be a fellowship afterwards. Please bring finger foods. Click HERE for a map and directions from Kidsports.

On the Sunday after Thanksgiving, the Kirkers are sponsoring their decorating party. The time is from 3:30 - 7:30. Dinner will be provided.

Finally, the big events, yes, EVENTS on December 2. You already know about the Kirkers' drop in party from 4:30-7:30, but the Carangelos have moved their party to the December 2 as well from 5:30-7:30. Please mark your calendars!

It is an exciting time in the life of our church. Please be praying for the success of these events and for our neighbors' hearts to be open to the gospel. Even if you can't host a party this season, be praying about ways that you can serve your neighbors and show them God's love in a very practical and tangible way as we enter the holidays.

Quote Of The Day

I ought to pray before seeing any one. Often when I sleep long, or meet with others early, it is eleven or twelve o'clock before I begin secret prayer. This is a wretched system. It is unscriptural. Christ arose before day and went into a solitary place. David says: "Early will I seek thee; Thou shalt early hear my voice.''

Family prayer loses much of its power and sweetness, and I can do no good to those who come to seek from me. The conscience feels guilty, the soul unfed, the lamp not trimmed. Then when in secret prayer the soul is often out of tune, I feel it is far better to begin with God -- to see his face first, to get my soul near him before it is near another.

— Robert Murray McCheyne 19th century Scottish pastor

Quote of The Day

Jesus realized that without the refreshing of His Father’s presence and the providence of His Father's words, He would quickly lose His effectiveness.

Have you learned this lesson yet – the lesson that your time with God is the very foundation of success in your life? If you haven’t, the lack of what you could be having is already affecting you more than you even realize.

Until you are experiencing the benefits of seeking God on a regular basis, you won’t even know what you have been missing. If this is where you find yourself today, remember it is never too late to start seeking the God who has always been waiting for you to pursue Him.

It is also crucial for you to realize that devotional consistency will not come without a fight.

Luke tells us when the people found Jesus in prayer, they tried to keep Him from leaving them (Luke 4:22). Like Jesus, you will find that the needs of the people you love the most will pull you away from your time with God, if you do not guard that time arduously.

For some of you, the ringing of the telephone and the busyness of your schedule will become your greatest enemies. Others of you will have to battle to detach your emotions from the stressful pace of life you are forced to endure.

Remember, your time with God is priceless. No matter how early you have to get up in the morning, or how radically you have to adjust your schedule, every precious moment you spend with God translates into hours of strength and faith for your life.

-Jim Laffoon @ Our Daily Blog

Corporately Speaking...

I doubt that anyone reading this message would argue that corporate prayer is critical to the life and success of any church. It was with this conviction that the Tuesday night Power Hour was begun. However, after nearly two months of Power Hour meetings, it has become evident to me that it just isn’t feasible for everyone to be able to take another night from their week to gather in prayer. At first this concerned me, but I couldn’t see a way around it. However, I have begun to witness something in the past several days that I believe is God’s solution to our dilemma.

The answer is for us to take time in each of our small group meetings to pray. By praying in these meetings, we will see a number of things happen. First of all we will begin to see the barriers that we have erected between ourselves fall. Corporate prayer begets community and relationship. As we draw nearer to God we are also drawn nearer to each other. Secondly, we will begin to minister to each other more effectively. We will all begin to do the work of the ministry. (It’s not just Cameron’s job!) Finally we will begin to see God move in our lives and in the life of our church in very tangible ways!

There is one problem that we will still have to overcome. How can we all pray corporately when we are all meeting at different times and in different places? I believe that the answer to this challenge can be found in the Stillwaters’ Prayer Points. Much like the talking points that political parties use to keep their spokesmen promoting the same message, using the Prayer Points will help us to keep on the same page (no pun intended) as we pray individually and corporately. This list will be included in the bulletin every week and will also be posted to the church blog weekly at http://conspiracyofkindness.blogspot.com.

Pastor Cameron has also rolled out the new prayer initiative called 7 at 7, calling each of us to pray for Stillwaters for 7 minutes at 7:00.

Here is this week’s list:

Stillwaters’ Prayer Points

1.) Praise God for who He is. Praise Him for His mighty works.

2.) Thank God for what He has done for us.

3.) Pray for individual needs. (We won’t list them here. As you develop relationship with your brothers and sisters in the church you should be learning about needs that they have. Pray for the folks and the needs that you know about.)

4.) Pray for the needs of the church:

- RAIN!!!!
- Church finances.
- Wisdom and clear direction in this transition period.
- A greater hunger to know God (through prayer, through the Word, through service.)
- Greater love for each other and greater love for our neighbors.
- Unity.
- Stillwaters Jazz Band (Pray for opportunities to play, pray that we will mesh as a band, and pray that our opportunities to play will produce opportunities to minister to others.)
- Greater freedom in worship
- Pray that the church will be led by the Spirit and not influenced by dead religion.

5.) Pray for lost and unchurched family members, friends, and neighbors. (Once again, you know them so you pray for them!)

6.) Pray for Sunday’s service:

- Pray that God will direct the leaders to include the things that He wants included in the service.
- Pray for God to empower the music team, those who speak or pray, and Pastor Cameron so that God’s message to the church is accurately and powerfully delivered on Sunday.
- Pray that God’s presence be felt in our meeting place.
- Pray that the hearts of those who attend will be prepared to receive the message of the Lord.
- Pray that God will be pleased with the worship that we have to offer Him.
- Pray that God will help us to worship Him in Spirit and in truth.

Coming Soon To A Neighborhood Near You...

Stillwaters' first Christmas party of the season has been scheduled for December 2 at the Kirkers' in Windmill Ridge. As details become available and needs are made known we'll be reporting on it here.

The rest of the church was challenged to schedule their very own Neighborhood Christmas party. Different families will host the events in their homes and other church members will supply food, help in making preparations, help in staffing, and help cleaning up. Cool, huh?

Initial sign ups were this morning, but I haven't seen the list yet. As we have information about additional parties, you'll be able to find the details here.

Please be praying for each party and for each host. Please pray that the parties will be well attended and that there will be opportunities to share God's love and grace with our neighbors. Most importantly pray for our neighbors. We want to make it hard for our neighbors to go to hell. As we show them God's love in practical and fun ways we'll do just that.

It's going to be a great holiday season!

(A shameless plug for the Stillwaters' Jazz Band: if you need the SJB for your holiday entertaining, please let Justin know! Book now ahead of the Christmas rush!)

MORE (10/8/07)

The Carangelo family has entered the fray! Their neighborhood party will be on December 15th. Mark your calendars! More details as they become available.

First Concert October 20?

It looks like the Stillwaters Jazz Band will be having their first public (well, semi public) concert at the Vriesema's on October 20. The date is still soft, but start praying for it anyway! More information to be posted as we have it.

Want to know more about the Stillwaters Jazz Band and its mission? Read Justin's excellent post about it HERE.

Quote Of The Day (Thanks, Luke)

"The true relation in prayer is not when God hears what is prayed for, but when the person praying continues to pray until he is the one who hears, who hears what God wills."
- Soren Kierkgaard

Quote of the Day

...never forget that the more you pray, the more the devil will pay. The enemy hates the prayers of God’s people because he is powerless to withstand the divine power released by those prayers.

- Jim Laffoon