Twelve Great Ministry Resources for 2009

Here are a few of the sites I have come to enjoy and even depend on in ministry through the last few years:

1. www.e-sword.net  Do you want to build a world class Christian library in just a few minutes for FREE? This is the site for you.

2. www.harvestime.org This site provides comprehensive Bible College cirriculum in seven languages on pdf files for FREE.

3. www.livingwaters.com Probably the best evangelism training site available today. Many FREE resources as well as low cost outreach training and materials.

4. www.sermonindex.net  Over 16,000 sermon audios from the last one hundred years. Hours and hours of instruction and inspiration.

5. www.newchurchreport.com Compilation site of the latest articles from across Christian cyberspace. Currently under new management.

6. www.biblicalspirituality.org Lots of articles and resources both FREE and low cost about spiritual disciplines.

7. www.biblegateway.com Premier site for dozens of versions of the Bible online.

8. www.oneyearbibleonline.com read the Bible in one year from the version of your choice for FREE. New feature lets you start on any day of the year.

9. www.ccel.org Christian Classic Ethereal Library. Hundreds of Christian books available FREE online.

10. www.cpforum.net and www.mentoringleaders.com  two of the most dynamic Church leaders today.

11. www.davidwa.org  David Watson is arguably the most successful church planter alive today. His site is full of provocative articles and video about soul-winning, disciplemaking, church planting, and missions.

12. www.raycomfortfood.blogspot.com Thius blog entitled “Atheist Central” is a no holds barred discussion of faith with agnostics and atheists.

BONUS SITE: www.pandora.com Register at this site and build your own praise and worship radio station.

 

A Spiritual Confrontation

In Acts 12 we see one of the great spiritual confrontations of all time. On one side we have Herod who, from the world’s point of view holds all the advantages:

• Political Power: Herod is a third generation appointee of the Roman empire with dictatorial power over his area of the world.
• Military Might: With his position comes access to the great legions of soldiers, sixteen of whom have been detailed to personally guard Peter.
• Legal Advantage: A show trial has been arranged to make Peters execution a “fair and legal” process.
• Popular Opinion: Herod does all of this with the approval of the Jewish people who feel threatened by this little upstart faith.

On the other side we have the church which has several disadvantages going into this confrontation:

• James, a key leader of the movement has already been mudrered by Herod.
• Peter, the head of the church is now in chains and awaiting certain death.
• The Rest of the Twelve are in hiding and do not appear to have any significant influence in the outcome of this conflict.
• The Church has no polictical, legal, military, or financial power whatsoever and does not have popular opinion on her side.

But…“while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him.” (Acts 12:5 NLT)

 

 

What was the outcome of this confrontation?

• Angels were summoned. Although the church had no authority over angels (see Hebrews 1-2) they did have the ear of God for whom the angels serve.
• Peter was miraculously set free, even while he slept, unaware that help was on its way.
• The Church, though it was praying for results, was amazed at the rapidity and profundity of God’s answer. They were shocked to find Peter free and knocking at the door.
• Herod was removed. First from the area (vs.19) and then permanently from the earth.
• Ministry was unleashed. By the end of the chapter the church was again growing rapidly and the first missionary team was being positioned to “Go into all the world….”

This confrontation in Acts 12 has profound implications for the church today. If we will unite our hearts in prayer there is nothing the Lord cannot and will not do to set people free, remove the power of the enemy, and unleash the church for ministry. We will be simply amazed at the results.

Let’s keep praying and never give up.

 

Perspective on Prayer

What is the goal of our 40 days of prayer? It is important to remember that the goal is increased faith not religion. What is the difference?

Religion builds walls. Walls of ritual, rules, roles, and routines. These walls create boundaries that classify people as insiders or outsiders. Religion builds a wall and then tries to herd everyone into its protective shadow.

Faith digs wells. Wells of the water of the Spirit. Wells of salvation. Wells that put people over process, relationship over rules, results over methods, and obedience over success.

• Abraham had the faith to follow God’s leading to a new place. He dug wells where none had yet existed.
• Isaac had the faith to reopen wells covered up by the enemies of his father.
• Jacob removed a stone from a well in order that the sheep could drink fresh water.
• Moses fought for the right to water the sheep at a well in the wilderness.

In Australia the “stations” are so large that there is no way to fence in the livestock. Instead they dig wells knowing that the herds will never wander too far away from fresh water.

Both building walls and digging wells takes a lot of hard work. But the results are dramatically different. As you pray, don’t get religious, get faithful.

 

40 Days 24X7 Prayer

Important Information

• Prayer will start on july 6th at 6PM with a special evening Prayer Launching Service and will go for 40 days and nights.
• Sign-up as individuals or groups on the giant sign-up sheets in the foyer of the Cordova. There are still spots available!
• The prayer room is located in the hallway upstairs. There are creative tables, prayer corners, and alcoves to pray, read the Bible, and worship.
• Night pray-ers will be given a combination number to get into the building.
• Snacks will be available.
• YOU WILL BE BLESSED!
• Need more info? Contact: js_watson@roadrunner.com

 

40 Days of Day and Night Prayer

Jesus said: “And will not God bring justice for his chosen ones who cry out to him day and night?” Luke 18:7 (NIV)

 

Come join with us as we cry out to God to bring his grace and glory to Pullman and the Palouse. We will be praying day and night beginning 6PM July 6 for forty days. Sign up for an hour or more in the lobby of the Cordova.

 

 

 

For more information on day and night prayer visit www.24-7prayer.com.

 

Ten Steps to a Powerful Life

1. Pray
2. Pray more.
3. Pray even more.
4. Pray even more than that.
5. Pray when you don’t want to.
6. Pray when you do.
7. Pray for a purpose.
8. Pray even if you don’t have one yet.
9. Pray every day.
10. Keep praying.