Empowered by Prayer: Building God's Kingdom Together

Devotional

Day 1: Prayer as Our Spiritual Battle Cry

Prayer is not a passive activity; it is the active engagement in spiritual warfare, where the faithful call upon the sovereignty of God over every aspect of their lives. When one ascends the mountain to intercede for the city, it is a physical representation of a spiritual ascent, where the heart and soul reach out to God, seeking His guidance and provision. This act of faith is a declaration of dependence on God, acknowledging that human efforts are insufficient without divine intervention. It is in these moments of earnest prayer that the church finds its strength and mission propelled forward, as each plea and praise weaves into the fabric of God's unfolding plan. [49:33]

James 5:16b-18 (ESV)
"The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit."

Reflection: How can you incorporate a dedicated time of intercession for your community into your daily prayer routine, and what specific issues will you bring before God?

Day 2: Unity Beyond Borders

The unity of the body of Christ is a testament to the power of God's love, transcending geographical, cultural, and denominational lines. The collaboration between different church teams, such as the Father's House team and the local church in El Salvador, is a living example of the scriptural call to bear one another's burdens. This partnership in ministry is not just about shared resources or expertise; it is about the shared heart and spirit that binds believers together in the pursuit of God's kingdom. When the global church unites, it reflects the multifaceted wisdom of God and becomes a formidable force against the challenges that face the faithful.

Galatians 6:2-3 (ESV)
"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself."

Reflection: What is one practical way you can support a ministry or mission work outside of your local community this week?

Day 3: Building for Eternal Impact

Church expansion is not merely a matter of constructing larger buildings; it is about creating spaces where spiritual growth and transformation can occur. As the church contemplates physical expansion, it is essential to remember that each brick and beam is purposed for more than just shelter; they are part of a spiritual edifice where lives will be changed, and disciples will be made. The focus remains steadfast on the eternal souls that will be touched and nurtured within those walls, and every plan laid is done so with the anticipation of God's miraculous works in the hearts of those who will enter.

1 Peter 2:4-5 (ESV)
"As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."

Reflection: How can you contribute to the spiritual building of your church community, beyond its physical growth?

Day 4: Servanthood Blessed by God

The dedication and service of individuals within the church are clear indicators of God's favor and the working of His Spirit. The enthusiasm and expertise that members bring to missions, such as those serving in El Salvador, are invaluable assets to the church's endeavors. Their willingness to serve is a reminder that God equips His people with various gifts and talents, not for personal glory, but for the fulfillment of His will on earth. Recognizing and celebrating the grace with which these individuals serve encourages the entire body of Christ to embrace their own calling with equal fervor.

1 Corinthians 12:4-6 (ESV)
"Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone."

Reflection: What gifts has God given you, and how can you use them to serve your church or community this week?

Day 5: The Power of Connection and Support

Staying connected and supportive of one another's ministries is vital to the health and success of the church at large. Sharing updates and testimonies is not merely about relaying information; it is about weaving together the narrative of God's faithfulness and the collective journey of believers. Encouragement and prayer are not optional extras but essential components that sustain and propel the mission forward. As the church supports each other, it strengthens the bonds of fellowship and ensures that the work done in obedience to God's call has lasting and far-reaching impact.

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."

Reflection: How can you actively participate in the life of another believer this week, offering support or encouragement in their walk with God?

Sermon Summary

In the heart of El Salvador, we are witnessing the unfolding of God's plan for our community and the expansion of His kingdom. As we ascend the mountain to pray over the city, we are reminded of the power of intercession and the importance of seeking God's guidance for the growth of our church and the spiritual nourishment of our leaders. Tonight, we gather in a leadership meeting, not just as a formality, but as a crucial step in aligning our hearts with God's vision for our congregation and the broader community.

Our time in El Salvador is marked by a sense of divine appointment and fellowship. The presence of the Father's House team here is a testament to the unity and support within the body of Christ. It is a blessing that transcends geographical boundaries, reinforcing our commitment to serve and uplift one another in our shared mission.

As we evaluate the building and deliberate on plans for expansion, we are not merely focusing on physical structures. Instead, we are laying the groundwork for a spiritual edifice where lives will be transformed, and souls will be won for Christ. The excitement and anticipation are palpable among us, as every step we take is saturated with prayer and the expectation of God's miraculous works.

Our brothers Jeff, Alan, and Durant, among others, are instrumental in this journey. Their contributions and the grace with which they serve are clear indicators of God's favor upon our endeavors. As we continue to navigate the next few days, we remain confident in the Lord's provision and the outpouring of His blessings.

In closing, I urge you to stay connected and keep us in your prayers. The updates we share are not just news; they are testimonies of God's faithfulness and the power of a church united in purpose and passion. Let us continue to support each other, knowing that what we do in obedience to God's call has eternal significance.

Key Takeaways

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Bible Reading

1 Timothy 2:1-2 (NIV) — "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness."

2. Ephesians 4:3-4 (NIV)
"Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called."

3. 1 Corinthians 3:9-11 (NIV)
"For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building. By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ."

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Observation Questions

What is the significance of ascending the mountain to pray over the city in El Salvador? ([00:00])
How does the collaboration between the Father's House team and the local church in El Salvador demonstrate the unity of the body of Christ? ([00:23])
What are the key elements discussed in the leadership meeting that align with God's vision for the congregation and the broader community? ([00:08])
How do the contributions of Jeff, Alan, and Durant reflect God's favor upon the mission in El Salvador? ([09:40])

Interpretation Questions

How does the act of intercession, as described in 1 Timothy 2:1-2, relate to the church's mission in El Salvador? ([00:00])
In what ways does Ephesians 4:3-4 illustrate the importance of unity within the global church, as seen in the partnership between the Father's House team and the local church in El Salvador? ([00:23])
How does 1 Corinthians 3:9-11 help us understand the spiritual significance of the church's expansion plans in El Salvador? ([00:18])
What does the sermon suggest about the role of prayer in driving the mission of the church? ([00:00])

Application Questions

How can you incorporate the practice of intercession in your daily life to support your local church and community? ([00:00])
Reflect on a time when you experienced the unity of the body of Christ. How did it impact your faith journey, and how can you foster such unity in your current church community? ([00:23])
What steps can you take to ensure that your contributions to your church are aligned with God's vision and purpose, similar to the efforts of Jeff, Alan, and Durant in El Salvador? ([09:40])
How can you actively participate in the spiritual growth and expansion of your church, beyond just focusing on physical structures? ([00:18])
In what ways can you stay connected and supportive of other ministries within your church or globally, as encouraged in the sermon? ([09:45])
How can you make prayer a central part of your life, recognizing its power in driving the mission of the church? ([00:00])
Think of a specific person or team in your church who is dedicated to serving others. How can you encourage and support them in their ministry? ([09:40])

Sermon Clips

"Today we're going to go up the mountain. We're going to pray over the city." This reflects the commitment to intercession and the belief in the power of prayer to influence the community. [49:33]

"We're taking Jeff and Alan and everybody over. We're going to look at the building and look at some plans for expansion." This quote highlights the practical steps being taken towards church growth and the involvement of key team members. [49:33]

"Everything is going great here. We're looking forward to the team's going to be here." This conveys a sense of anticipation and positive expectation for the work being done and the fellowship experienced. [49:33]

"What's it mean to you for the Father's House team to be in El Salvador? We are feeling so blessed sure about it." This quote captures the sentiment of unity and the blessing of international collaboration within the church. [49:33]

"Keep checking back, because we may put something else up." This encourages ongoing engagement and support, emphasizing the importance of staying connected with the ministry's progress. [49:33]

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