So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed.–Luke 5:16
Earthly life was both glorious and active for Christ. Being fully God, yet fully man, He was busy training His disciples on a daily basis as well as pouring out Himself to the masses that had such tremendous need. Jesus left us so many examples in regards to sacrifice, commitment to purpose, and love. His earthly life, however, taught us another lesson that many forget in this torrid pace that we call life: the need to withdraw for a season in order to be refreshed.
Isaiah 40:30, 31 reminds us that
Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.—Is. 40:30,31
For over thirty years the ICHE Annual Convention has provided such a season of refreshing. From our first visit in 1999 onward, it has always been a three-day event where my wife and I could quietly slip into a seat and receive encouragement, training, and blessing from the numerous speakers, the sweet worship, and the wonderful fellowship.
Ironically, others have referred to the first convention we attended as being “life transforming.” While all of them have been good, some of conventions have been especially anointed for that season of life.
We are living in perilous times. Bad news seems to bombard us at every turn. This is why I am praying that this year’s convention will be especially sweet to the attendees. The convention committee has done their usual wonderful job. Volunteers are lining up to help. We have all the structure that goes into making a wonderful three days; however, unless the Father sends the Holy Spirit, nothing of spiritual significance will happen. BUT—and this is the good news—if we seek God’s face in prayer, repentance, supplication, and fasting, God will pour out His Spirit without measure so that first timers and old veterans alike can experience a season of refreshing, so they too can mount up with wings like eagles.
Will you join me for a day of prayer and fasting in April for the following convention related items. Additionally, would you take this month and pray for one of these requests each day with your family? Share the request and tell your children why we are praying that particular verse for that particular quest. This is another way we can disciple our children.
- Pray that God will supernaturally provide the finances for those who would like to come but are financially strapped right now.
- And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. –Phil 4:19,20
- And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. –Phil 4:19,20
- Pray that fathers will feel an unavoidable draw to the convention, and that they may receive conviction of vision and strength to be a part of the home discipleship experience and not simply leave the discipleship of their children to their wives.
- For I have chosen him, that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing righteousness and justice, so that the Lord may bring to Abraham what he has promised him.” –Gen. 18:19
- For I have chosen him, that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing righteousness and justice, so that the Lord may bring to Abraham what he has promised him.” –Gen. 18:19
- Pray for the unsaved and unbelievers who will no doubt be there for one reason or another to have their eyes enlightened by the Holy Spirit.
- So these came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” –John 12:21
- So these came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” –John 12:21
- Pray that those who are discouraged or weary in their homeschooling experience will experience a fresh infilling of God’s Spirit and renewed vision.
- but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. –Is. 40:31
- but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. –Is. 40:31
- Pray for beginning homeschoolers to get a vision for home discipleship and not simply homeschooling for an academic end.
- Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law. –Proverbs 29:18
- Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law. –Proverbs 29:18
- Pray that God will reveal to us if we have anything other than a Biblical worldview.
- Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! –Psalms 139:23
- Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! –Psalms 139:23
- Pray that God would awaken us from any complacency and would flood us with fresh energy.
- Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. –1 Chron. 29:12
- Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. –1 Chron. 29:12
- Pray for safety for all those traveling, both far and near.
- In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. –Psalms 4:8
- In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. –Psalms 4:8
- Pray for those who speak to share a fresh word that would especially meet the needs of people right now at this point in history.
- You shall speak to him and put the words in his mouth, and I will be with your mouth and with his mouth and will teach you both what to do. –Ex. 4:15
- You shall speak to him and put the words in his mouth, and I will be with your mouth and with his mouth and will teach you both what to do. –Ex. 4:15
- Pray for our young people to get a vision for Christian discipleship and receive hope for their future.
- Let not your heart envy sinners, but continue in the fear of the Lord all the day. Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off. –Proverbs 23:17,18
- Let not your heart envy sinners, but continue in the fear of the Lord all the day. Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off. –Proverbs 23:17,18
- Pray for parents of special needs children and struggling learners to receive wisdom and strength.
- For I will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish.” –Jer. 31:25
- For I will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish.” –Jer. 31:25
- Pray that individuals will go to the sessions they really need at this point in their journey.
- But he is unchangeable,[b] and who can turn him back? What he desires, that he does. For he will complete what he appoints for me, and many such things are in his mind. –Job 23:13,14
- But he is unchangeable,[b] and who can turn him back? What he desires, that he does. For he will complete what he appoints for me, and many such things are in his mind. –Job 23:13,14
- Pray for an especially sweet time of fellowship and connectedness.
- Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! –Psalms 133:1
- Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! –Psalms 133:1
- Pray for the army of volunteers to be refreshed in their service.
- Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. –2 Cor. 9:7
- Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. –2 Cor. 9:7
- Pray for the Convention Committee as they seek to tie up all the loose ends.
- If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. –James 1:5
- If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. –James 1:5
- Pray for the facility, the AV systems, the electrical system, etc. to operate properly.
- Pray that in all things our Lord Jesus Christ would be magnified and glorified.
- Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness! –Psalms 115:1
May God’s grace surprise each of us by penning a new chapter in the lives ICHE families. Thanks for praying and fasting with us. It’s only through Him.
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