Kingdom Manna

Intercede

Luke 9:60, But Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”

Time came for Israel to choose, again. Forty years of wilderness wandering ended. A generation died. Moses died, buried by God’s own hand. Go forward, they were told—into the Promised Land.

Did they hesitate? Did they remember the disobedience of their elders that had caused the wilderness wait? Did they anticipate the promises ahead, or cling to the dryness they knew?

To take the first step, Lord, requires a big gulp of air. No matter how faithful You remain. No matter the growing evidence of prayers You answer; the fear in me rises like a hot lava bubble.

Deliver me from faltering feet. From focusing on the ‘what ifs’ instead of Your victories. From clinging to the familiar, and missing the opportunity to grow.

Teach me Lord to proclaim Your deliverance. Teach me to go forward carrying with me all the words of Your successes.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 22:31

and proclaim his deliverance to a people yet unborn,

saying that he has done it.

Kingdom Manna

Key

Matthew 18:18, Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.

The key of the house of David—salvation. Power over sin and death through Jesus. Shared with us. Purpose—to rout the enemy. S.D. Gordon says “prayer concerns three…God to whom we pray, the man on the contested earth who prays, and the evil one against whom we pray.” A battle in doubles—one seen—one unseen.

“For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”

The key not only delivers us from Satan’s realm but also includes us in the opportunity to free others. To bind and loose. The prospect sets my teeth chattering Lord.

For building a closer relationship to You, I long to learn to pray. For fighting spiritual enemies, I shrink. But then I remember that I was freed by another’s prayer, brought to You by prayer, given new life by prayer.

Teach me to pray Lord, with Your love.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 109:21

But you, O Lord my Lord, act on my behalf for your name’s sake;

because your steadfast love is good, deliver me.

Kingdom Manna

Intercede

Mark 3:24, if a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.

Community, city or country, when challenged with an outside threat or calamity, tend to pool all their resources, set aside their differences, and gather together to face the storm. Selfless acts of heroism, kindness and compassion form a stalwart barrier.

Unless.

Crooks, despots or counterfeiters are the leaders. Then their response to danger or disclosure aims for self-protection, escape, rejected responsibility. Voids open. Innocents are left defenseless. Power structures, governments collapse from within.

Unstable.

Christ comes to stand for us against the powers of evil. Powers of darkness, disease, despair. He does not leave us or reject us or divide us but gathers us under His care and counsel. Gives us His strength to handle the storm, the onslaught. Prays for us.

Until.

Calm is restored. Chains are broken. Covenant is renewed. Thank you Lord that You never leave us or forsake us. Thank you for Your unceasing protection from both within and without. In Your keeping we can remain undivided.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 37:24

though we stumble, we shall not fall headlong,

for the Lord holds us by the hand.