03/06/2012 04:26

Tuesday, March 6th....We've been in Odessa for 40 days now. We're tired. Emotional. Missing our kids like crazy. Fighting a non-stop spiritual battle. And fighting for our boy.

We have great days and we love our time with our friends and love the new connections that God is leading us to, but we are ready to go home.

We had a great birthday party for "Luke's 16th birthday" on Sunday. He had an awesome time and loved every second of the attention, the decorations, the food, and presents. He was beaming all night. Once he went back to his dorm, his friends also had a party for him. He said there were 40 kids there and told me he smiled all night.  

This morning, as usual, I checked to see if I had any messages from my kids. Brian wrote the perfect e-mail. It was/is just what we needed. His e-mail will be the blog for today. I know it will minister to you as much as it will to us. Sometimes it's hard to believe that the words that come out of his mouth are from a 19 year old. They are God's words though; Brian allowed God to speak through him as he wrote this e-mail to us:

 

Prayer- seems to be a reoccurring topic I am continually learning more and more about.

without prayer, there is no power behind our movements and no fuel to our fires.

I am devoted to praying for you guys over multiple things and I want yall to let the prayers change you. EXPECT God to answer the prayers and give you opportunities and change your life daily.

 

Acts 12:5- while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him.

As you know, Peter escaped jail with the help of an awesome angel and visited the very home that was praying for his escape. funny thing: when he arrived at the door they were in disbelief. they did not think he was actually there. impossible they said. The early Christians even struggled with believing God would come through bc of their prayers. They were praying without even expected it to actually happen, and God still came through.

 

Why is it important to pray?

-Satan wants to destroy us and the plans God has so specifically gave us. Satan hates it that yall are in 'Kraine right now saving the life of a random kid that the world deems worthless. the devil hates that you are ministering to those who need encouragement and who have never felt the love of the Father before. He hates it and is doing what he can to disrupt and destroy the plans God gave you specifically.

-Prayer is stronger than satan. 

2 Corinthians 10:4 - Our weapons have power from God that can destroy the enemy's strong places

do we actually believe that? 

Pray purposefully with the mindset that it is not just 'another prayer' it is an offensive attack on the one who is trying to kill all you are fighting for. 

 

God is on our side. who can stand in our way?

James 4:7-8- humble yourselves before God. resist the devil, and he will flee from you. come close to God, and God will come close to you

Psalm 145:18- the Lord is close to everyone who prays to him, to all who truly pray to Him. 

God is right there with us. Look for him. Feel Him. Let Him live through you. expect His Spirit to work in your life and change you

 

best verse about prayer:

James 5:16- the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective

-were righteous. Jesus declares us righteous through His blood, not our works. there is truly power in our prayers. 

 

In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; 
   in the morning I lay my requests before you 
   and wait expectantly. 

ps 5:3

 

God will do as you ask in Jesus' name. that's a promise. cling to it and believe it. 

after you pray, expect Him to do it. Just wait for Him to absolutely blow your mind. pray confidently.

 

bottom line: prayer defeats and attacks satan's schemes to kill your ministry. prayer draws you closer and closer to the Lord God Almighty.

God has ultimate power (He can literally do anything with ease) and He faithfully loves us (He will provide in every way)