Thursday 14th January
Prayer Week
I have Made you to function as a unit, the body of Christ, the Ecclesia. Now this is difficult when you are torn apart. How can the bond remain strong? Does it matter? I would suggest it does. You may have heard of the illustration of a single piece of coal being taken from the fire and going out, that describes someone stepping out of fellowship but it doesn’t work here in lockdown. I will not let your flame go out. You cannot always gather as a physical body but you are part of my body, part of my vine, you are plugged into me, remain in me and I will remain in you. I have not left you as an orphan, I have not left you alone. You are not loved less by me or by your church body just because you cannot gather.
You say these are unprecedented times, they are but they are not times where I have left you or the church. I have not been taken by surprise, I have plans for this season and for you in it as much as I have plans in a “normal” season. My power hasn’t changed, my nature hasn’t changed but don’t put me on hold, don’t hold your breath until you come out the other side. A lot has fallen off in the shaking but what remains? What is valuable to you? What is valuable to me? You are still my church, my bride. You still need me you still need each other. Build now on sure foundations things that will remain in this season and the ones to come. What is important to you? What are you willing to work for to see come into being? How can you participate in connecting with the body? In connecting with me?
- Ask God to show you some one or something that you can connect with this week.
- Who is the church to you? Who is the body? Who needs you and who do you need?
- Pray for the scattered body to find new ways to unite. Ask God for strategy.
John 15:4, 11+12
“Remain in me and I will remain in you.
No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me....
I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”
Romans 10:6-8
“ Do not say in your heart who will ascend to Heaven( that is to bring Christ down) or who will descend into the deep?( that is to bring Christ up from the dead) But what does it say? “ the word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart”
Isaiah 52:7
“ How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation”
