The Church Within You!

“ADVOCATE”

Summary

Prayer refers to the multifaceted communication of believers with the LORD God. In addition to such words as “prayer” and “praying,” this activity is described as calling upon God, (Psalms 17:6 “I call on You, my God, for You will answer me; turn Your ear to me and hear my prayer”). Calling upon the name of the LORD, (Gen. 4:26 “And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enosh. Then began men to call upon the name of Jehovah.”) Crying unto the LORD, (Ps. 3:4 “I call out to the LORD, and He answers me from His holy mountain”).

Intercession may be defined as holy, believing, persevering prayer whereby someone pleads with God on behalf of another or others who desperately need God’s intervention. Daniel’s prayer in Daniel the 9th chapter is an intercessory prayer, as he prays earnestly for the restoration of Jerusalem and for the entire nation. The Bible records the intercession of Christ and the Holy Spirit and numerous godly men and women under the old and new covenants.

Jesus interceded during His earthly ministry, praying for the multitudes whom He came to seek and save. He wept in brokenness over the city of Jerusalem. He prayed for His disciples, both individually and as a group. He even prayed for His enemies while He was hanging on the cross.

A present aspect of Christ’s ministry is to intercede on our behalf before the throne of God. For this reason, John calls Jesus our “Advocate” with the Father, one who pleads our case. Christ’s intercession is essential to our salvation; without His grace, mercy, and help mediated to us through His intercession, we would fall away from God and once again become enslaved to sin.

The Holy Spirit is also involved in intercession. Paul states, “We know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered”. The Holy Spirit through the human spirit of the believer intercedes “according to the will of God”. Thus, Christ intercedes for the believer in heaven; the Spirit intercedes within the believer on earth.

The Bible often refers to the intercessory prayers of believers and records numerous examples of remarkable, powerful prayers. In the O.T., the leaders of God’s people, such as kings (1Chr. 21:17), prophets (1 Ki. 18:41—45; Dan. 9), and priests (Ezra 9:5—15), were to lead the way in intercessory prayer for the nation.

The N.T. presents even more examples of intercessory prayers. The Gospels record how parents and others interceded with Jesus on behalf of loved ones. Parents pleaded with Jesus to heal their sick children (Mark 5:22—43); a group of mothers asked Jesus to bless their children (Mark 10:13); a man pleaded for his servant to be healed (Mat. 8:6—13); and the mother of James and John interceded with Jesus on their behalf (Mat. 20:20—21).

Every Saturday afternoon at the 2 PM hour intercessory prayer is held via conference line to one and all throughout every region, led by various Sisters, Deacons, Pastors, and Evangelists, men and women of God. Prayers are lifted heavenward on behalf of those that are unable to attend due to various circumstances, i.e., illness, family, loss, marriages, behind walls (visible and invisible), the homeless, etc., etc., etc. The prayer intercessors intercede to Jesus, as LORD Jesus, intercedes to God our Father in Heaven on behalf of one and all no matter what state one may be found in, we pray.

You are welcome to join. You are welcome to share with all listeners the prayers prayed by the prayer warriors. Remember, the day and the hour, no matter where you are to lift up your voice in prayer and join the many voices united and willing to stand in the gap. And if you can’t say a word, then just wave your hand! The Father knows the hearts and thoughts of all.

Are you willing to be an intercessor, an “Advocate” with the LORD Jesus, one who pleads the case of another?

Blessings,

Elder Barbara | FLB

Transcription

A HOUSE OF PRAYER FOR ALL NATIONS

This episode is taken from the (LAB) Book of Mark chapter 11:17. A house of prayer for all nations, not to the Jews only, for all of the children of God. When Jesus entered the Temple in verse 12 of this chapter, He found those that were buying and selling within the Temple and He cast them out, He overthrew the tables of the moneychangers and the seats of them that sold doves; and suffered not any man to carry any vessel through the Temple. He taught them saying; “It is not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves.”

He would not allow anyone to carry goods or wares through the Temple or the courts. After He had turned out the oxen and doves which were things of sacrifice, He revived the appointment of it as a house of prayer to teach us that when all sacrifices and offerings should be abolished, the spiritual sacrifices of prayer and praise should continue, and remain forever.

The kind of prayer that moves mountains is a prayer for the fruitfulness of God’s kingdom. It would seem impossible to move a mountain into the sea, so Jesus used that picture to say that God can do anything. There is nothing impossible for Him. God will answer your prayers, but not as a result of your positive mental attitude. (1) you must be a believer, (2) you must not hold a grudge against another person; (3) you must not pray with selfish motives; and (4) your requests must be for the good of God’s kingdom.

To pray effectively, you need to have faith in God, faith in the Will of God for you. Our prayers are often motivated by our own interests and desires. We like to hear that we can have anything. But Jesus prayed with God’s interests in mind. When we pray, we should express our desires but want His Will above ours.

Check yourself to see if your prayers focus on your interests or if they focus on what God has for you.

Blessings,

Elder Barbara

LAB|MHSB

THE LORD GOD, the Adversary, and JOB!

Summary

This episode provides you the listener a reading of the first three chapters of the Book of Job, who was a faithful man of God. The purpose of the story of Job was to demonstrate God’s sovereignty and the meaning of true unwavering faith. It addresses the question, “Why do the righteous suffer?”

Job was from the land of Uz, being a prosperous farmer, he was very well off for his time in Biblical history of the Old Testament. During that time lost his wealth, children, and health through no fault of his own. Even his friends were convinced that Job had brought this suffering upon himself. They wrongly assumed that suffering always came because of sin, and tried to persuade Job to repent of his sin. But the three friends were wrong. Suffering is not always a direct result of personal sin. When we experience severe suffering, it may not be our fault, so we don’t have to add to our pain by feeling guilty that some hidden sin is causing our trouble. For Job, the greatest trial was not the pain or the loss; it was not understanding why God allowed him to suffer.

Satan attempted to drive a wedge between Job and God by getting Job to believe that God’s governing of the world was not just and reasonable. Satan had to ask God for permission to take Job’s wealth, children, and health away. Satan was limited to what God allowed. Satan was allowed to destroy Job’s children, servants, livestock, herdsmen, and home; but John continued to trust in God. Next Satan attacked Job physically, covering him with painful sores. Job’s wife told him to curse God and die (2:9), but Job suffered in silence.

Suffering can be, but is not always, a penalty for sin. In the same way, prosperity is not always a reward for being good. Those who love God are not exempt from trouble. Although we may not be able to understand fully the pain we experience, it can lead us to rediscover God.

We must learn to recognize and not fear Satan’s attacks because Satan cannot exceed the limits that God sets. Don’t let any experience drive a wedge between you and God. Although you can’t control how Satan may attack, you can always choose how to respond when it happens.

It is easy to think that we have all the answers. In reality, only God knows exactly why things happen as they do, and we must submit to Him as our Sovereign. As you read this book, emulate Job and decide to trust God no matter what happens. Trust and believe in God, He will never leave you nor forsake you. What we must remember is that our God is bigger than any of our problems. When someone tells you how big their problem is, ask them, how big is their God.

Blessings,

Elder Barbara

LAB

Job lost his wealth, children, and health through no fault of his own. Even his friends were convinced that Job had brought this suffering upon himself. For Job, the greatest trial was not the pain or the loss; it was not being able to understand why God allowed him to suffer.

Transcription

THE LORD GOD, the Adversary, and JOB!

Summary

It is easy to think that we have all the answers. In reality, only God knows exactly why things happen as they do, and we must submit to Him as our Sovereign. As you read this book, emulate Job and decide to trust God no matter what happens. Trust and believe in God, He will never leave you nor forsake you. What we must remember is that our God is better than any of our problems. When someone tells you how big their problem is, ask them, how big is their God.

Blessings,

Elder Barbara

LAB

Transcription

“THE OAK TREE” A Message of Encouragement

Summary

This episode provides a message of encouragement referencing John Mark. Mistakes are effective teachers. Their consequences have a way of making lessons painfully clear. But those who learn from their mistakes are likely to develop wisdom. John Mark was a good learner who just needed some time and encouragement.

Mark was eager to do the right thing, but he had trouble staying with a task. In his Gospel, Mark mentions a young man (probably referring to himself), who fled in such fear during Jesus’ arrest that he left his clothes behind. This tendency to run was to reappear later when Paul and Barnabas took him as their assistant on their first missionary journey. At their second stop, Mark left them and returned to Jerusalem. It was a decision Paul did not easily accept. In preparing for their second journey two years later, Barnabas again suggested Mark as a traveling companion, but Paul flatly refused. As a result, the team was divided. Barnabas took Mark with him, and Paul chose Silas. Barnabas was patient with Mark, and the young man repaid his investment. Paul and Mark were later reunited, and the older apostle became a close friend of the young disciple.

Mark was a valuable companion to three early Christian leaders — Barnabas, Paul, and Peter. The material in Mark’s Gospel seems to have come mostly from Peter. Mark’s role as a serving assistant allowed him to be an observer. He heard Peter’s accounts of the years with Jesus over and over, and he was one of the first to put Jesus’ life in writing.

Barnabas played a key role in Mark’s life. He stood beside the young man despite his failure, giving him patient encouragement. Mark challenges us to learn from our mistakes and appreciate the patience of others.

Take a moment and think it over, is there a Barnabas in your life you need to thank for his or her encouragement to you?

Blessings

Elder Barbara

LAB|HALLMARK

Transcription

THE SECRET PLACE

Summary

Psalms 91 The psalmist expresses the great confidence he has in the security that comes from dwelling in the shadow of the Almighty. With Him, there is abiding protection (91:1). Just like a bird takes refuge under the wings of its parent, the believer who lives under the cover of God’s covenant finds safety (91:4).

God covers His own with His faithfulness at all times. He provides them with a shield of protection. It assures us that God will be our refuge and that we may seek His protection in times of spiritual and physical danger. The promise of God’s security extends to those that trust in Him, those who commit themselves to the will and protection of the Almighty and daily seek to dwell in God’s presence. The more fully we abide in Christ and His word, making Him our life and dwelling place, the fuller will be our peace and the greater our deliverance in times of danger (Mat. 23:37; John 15:1—11).

91:10 There shall no evil befall thee. Nothing can happen to a faithful servant except with God’s permission. This truth does not mean that there will never be unpleasant or difficult times (Rom. 8:35—36), but that as long as we make God our LORD and refuge, everything that happens to us will work out for our good.

Rom 8:28 All Things Work Together For Good. This passage in the book of Romans, greater encourages the children of God when we must endure suffering in this life. (1) God will bring good out of all affliction, trials, persecution, and suffering; the good that God brings about is conforming us to the image of Christ and ultimately bringing about our glorification. (2) This promise is limited to those who love God and have submitted to Him by faith in Christ (Ex. 20:6; Deut. 7:9; Ps 37:17; Is. 56:4—7; 1 Cor. 2:9). (3) The “all things” do not include our sins and negligence, no one can excuse sin by maintaining that God will work it out for good.

The psalmist communicates God’s promise to deliver and protect those who set their hearts on Him. Indeed, the believer whose heart is devoted and submitted to the LORD in this way can count on God to rescue Him and satisfy him with the full length of days ordained for him (91:15—16).

Blessings

Elder Barbara

FLKJV|TTEBC4

Transcription

MANY PLANS ARE IN A PERSON’s HEART, It’s the LORD’s purpose that prevails!

Summary

Proverbs 19:21 Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.” This episode digs into the plans of what God has for you may be bigger than you imagine. Many are the plans in a person’s heart. A wise person commits their plans to the LORD. Proverbs 16:3 reads, “Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. In his heart, a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.”

A person whose plans oppose the LORD as in Psalm 2:1-3 “Why do the nations rage and the people’s plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and their rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against His Anointed, saying, ‘Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us’, may actually become God’s enemy. But the person whose ways are from God will certainly succeed Proverbs 16:1, 9 reads (1) To humans belong the plans of the heart, but from the LORD comes the proper answer of the tongue. (9) In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.

I like the way Pastor Evans laid it out for us to grasp a clear understanding of this scripture of Proverbs 19:21 NIV “Many are the plans in a person’s heart,” but above all else, we must believe in the value of seeking God and His mind on all things. We can plan our schedules as much as we want, but what God has declared is guaranteed to take place. God did not create us and redeem us to live a plotless, purposeless existence. And that’s good news!“

We should not settle for just anything. God could have something that is bigger for us. If we step out of our own way and allow God’s dream for us to materialize. Then we will behold His purpose and plans for us. Therefore, The LORD’s decree will prevail, so seek Him and His calling for your life.

Blessings,

Elder Barbara

TTEBC|HBS

Transcription

A NOTE OF IMPORTANCE TO MY SONS! (and yours)

Summary

Love and faithfulness are important character qualities. Both involve actions as well as attitudes. A loving person not only feels love; he or she also acts loyal and responsibly. A faithful person not only believes the truth; he or she also works for justice for others. Thoughts and words are not enough, our lives reveal whether we are truly loving and faithful.

In the Book of Proverbs within the third chapter, the Word speaks of the LORD’s discipline. As a father speaking to his son passing along encouraging words of wisdom. Informing that the LORD’S disciple is the other side of God’s grace. We, as children of the Highest, should cherish God’s correction in our lives because God disciplines those He loves (Heb 2:7-10). The Beatitudes of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount (Mt 5:3-12) work much the way these verses are found in Proverbs. God is pleased with people who discover that wisdom is a priceless treasure.

Here we find one of the most beloved, quoted, and memorized scripture on trusting in God; “Trust in the LORD, with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding.” (5 & 6) I read to trust the LORD means believing in who He is and trusting in what He says, which goes along with placing your confidence in Him. “Trust Him where you can’t trace Him!” Even the blind man that sat by the roadside, calling out to Him trusted that He could heal him, having not seen yet he had heard of this Man called Jesus, son of David.

Solomon the author of Proverbs, was inspired by God to write to his sons, to provide them with instruction to open their minds and hearts to all that is around them. To shun evil and do good, to be helpers of another to seek the paths of righteousness, and to stay up on the path once found. In trusting in the instructions we find that God’s mercy is promising, and His truth in performing is everlasting.

We have been blessed with a rich history to pass along to our next generation and that history is of all the LORD has done for us then and now. Therefore, pass along to your children, your sons, and daughters the wisdom found here in these verses of scripture in Proverbs. Parents must exhort their children to pursue wisdom and avoid evil. Young people need to know the proper route to take, but they also need to recognize the telltale warning signs of a path that leads to destruction. “Teach your children well”.

Blessings,

Elder Barbara

FLB|TEBC|LAB|HSB

Transcription

MOUNTAIN MOVING PRAYER

Summary

“This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’”

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God.”

Prayer will not just change your life, it will give you a deeper perspective. It will increase your awareness that God is closer than when you first believed. He says; “Any when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

For those that stand in the gap for others than themselves, the Word in 1st Timothy says this, “I exhort therefore, that, first all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men”.

As Jesus makes intercession for us to the Father, we should always have the willingness of heart to intercede on behalf of another. If you trust in and believe His Word, “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” Therefore, if we come with a heart to yield unto God our Father, asking, trusting that if it’s in God’s Will our prayers will be answered.

How should we pray? “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;”. Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.

Today’s broadcast was captured ‘LIVE,’ as those that gathered during intercessory prayer. Take a listen, and if so, join in praying for those that are on your heart. Does not matter the time you pray, send heavenward a prayer for someone. And if you are wondering what to pray for, turn on your local news station. There is so much going on right now in this world on every corner, every street, in every neighborhood, town, city, state, and the world. It’s praying time folks!

Blessings,

Elder Barbara

Transcription

The Guest with False Popularity

Summary

Reading Luke 14:7-15 The Parable of the Honored Guest. In ancient times the best seats at a meal were those next to the host. Here, Jesus takes occasion to reprove the guests for striving to sit in [the most important place], and this gives us a lesson of humility. Jesus observed how these lawyers and Pharisees loved the highest seats toward the head of the table. He marked how they chose out the chief rooms, every man, as he came in, got as near the best seat as he could.

Experts in management tell us that most people wear an invisible sign that reads, “Please make me feel important”; if we heed that sign, we can succeed in human relations. Jesus taught two lessons here. First, He spoke to the guests, telling them not to seek places of honor. Service is more important in God’s kingdom than status. Second, He told the host not to be exclusive about whom he invites. God opens His kingdom to everyone.

The way to rise high is to begin low. Selfishness brings embarrassment; courtesy is appreciated and rewarded. Jesus used these recognized facts to show spiritual truth: only the person who humbles himself can enter the kingdom of God. It ought to check our high thoughts of ourselves to think how many there are that are more honorable than we, not only in respect of worldly dignities but of personal merits and accomplishments. Instead of being proud that so many give place to us, it should be humbling to us that there are so many whom we must give place to.

How can we humble ourselves? Some people try to give the appearance of humility in order to manipulate others. Others think that humility means putting themselves down. Truly humble people compare themselves only with Christ, realize their sinfulness, and understand their limitations. On the other hand, they also recognize their gifts and strengths and are willing to use them as Christ directs. Humility is not self-degradation; it is a realistic assessment and commitment to serve.

When Jesus advised people not to rush for the best places at a feast. People today are just as eager to raise their social status, whether by being with the right people, dressing for success, or driving the right car. Whom do you try to impress? Rather than aiming for prestige, look for a place where you can serve. If God wants you to serve on a wider scale, He will invite you to take a higher place.

The Savior warns that those who exalt themselves in this life will be put to shame in the future kingdom of heaven. Important is our place of honor before God. Such honor cannot be secured by self-assertiveness, for it comes only through humility and servanthood (vv.12-14), and by seeking “the honor that comes from God only” (John 5:44).

Blessings,

Elder Barbara

HSB|LAB|MHSB|TWBC|FLB