Tag Archives: Prayer

April 18, 2014 · 3:07 pm

Friday’s Prayers for Prisoners (4/18/2014)

I have been rereading No Longer a Slumdog by K. P. Yohannan this week:

One of the hardest things to witness is the large number of little boys and girls looking into our Gospel for Asia Bridge of Hope Centers wanting to be involved, but unable to join.

…The hardest part is turning down child after child and seeing them suffer without firsthand contact with the love of the Lord. Honestly, there are so many children out there who need our help. One of the biggest requests from our leaders is, “Can we please open up more centers?”

As we have more resources, we proceed with opening more centers. But there are so many times, I have to tell our leaders, “Not yet.” (No Longer a Slumdog, K. P. Yohannan, © 2011 by K. P. Yohannan, GFA Books, pages 145)

Each morning my heart is blessed when I pray for the six children on the bulletin board over the computer that Carol and I sponsor for Bridge of Hope. But then, my heart is broken when I consider the millions we are not able to sponsor. I always pray, “Lord, don’t let them slip through the cracks of eternity without hearing about You.”

Today, I prayed:

Lord, enrich us Americans in every way to be generous in every way so that we produce many thanksgivings to You. (Based on 2 Corinthians 9:11)

What do you think and has the Lord spoken to you?

Join with me on Fridays to fast and pray for prisoners, according to Hebrews 13:3.

No Longer a Slumdog is now free at Gospel for Asia. You can check it out here.

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April 17, 2014 · 12:43 pm

Jim’s Testimony

My name is Jim.

My beautiful wife and I have been sponsoring children since we first found out about Gospel for Asia’s Bridge of Hope program. We had always wanted to have a large family, perhaps a dozen children, but our hearts were changed as we saw the incredible need of the poor children throughout Asia.

Instead of a dozen, we have had two children. Then, we got four more through GFA Bridge of Hope. They were our little hearts, children whose letters we read over and over again. Their pictures were mounted on our wall, and every day the four of us prayed for them. I considered them to be my children and loved them as my own, although I was sure we would never meet this side of eternity.

But God blew my socks off and sent me to India on a business venture about a year ago. My wife reminded me about Gospel for Asia and said I should give them a call to see if I could visit a GFA Bridge of Hope center while I was there. Amazingly, I could!

My heart was not ready for the sights of India. Still, the images of people, I can only assume they were Dalits, sitting on the roadside without any life in their eyes…everything looked so hopeless! I felt incredibly burdened for these people. It almost brought me to tears to see them and still does to this day.

But when I went to the center, I was simply astonished. The joy! The laughter! The sight of these children, dozens of them, beautiful, laughing, singing! It was so different from everything I saw around them. They were so vibrant and full of life.

This group of over a hundred kids was laughing, studying, and learning about the Lord all at once. It was amazing. But all of this did not prepare me for what was about to happen.

There was one little face in the crowd that I recognized. When I saw him, my little Manu, I just froze. The teacher told him who I was, and he locked eyes with me and he smiled the largest smile I have ever seen. He ran up to me and latched onto me like I was a life raft in the middle of the ocean.

This little 8-year old boy stepped back and looked me straight in the eyes. “Dad,” he said, “thank you for loving me.”

I burst into tears.

After that day, I have never been the same. I left India with a new perspective on life. Anything we could do to help these children, we must do.

Now, my wife and I sponsor two dozen children − twice as many as we ever thought we would have on our own. They are scattered all throughout India and Nepal. I cannot imagine doing anything more worthwhile with my life. This is it. My family and I are dedicated to saving as many people as we can. And Gospel for Asia enables us to do that.

No Longer a Slumdog is now free at Gospel for Asia. You can check it out here.

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April 15, 2014 · 1:02 pm

Tuesday’s Prayers for America (4/15/2014)

When Jesus walked in His ministry, Israel was a powder keg, waiting for a spark to set it off. The Jews were searching for a warrior, like King David, to lead and rid the nation of Rome’s iron rule over it. They desperately desired their freedom.

Therefore when the people saw the sign which He had performed, they said, “This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world.” So Jesus, perceiving that they were intending to come and take Him by force to make Him king, withdrew again to the mountain by Himself alone. (John 6:14-15)

Jesus understood that Israel’s problem was not Rome, but rather, its sin. He knew that every human, from the worst to the best, needed a Savior to set him loose from the kingdom of darkness.

So, Jesus walked in His calling and became the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the whole world.

This week tempers raged in America as the Bureau of Land Management attempted to remove cattle from a ranch in Nevada. Guns were drawn by both sides, but eventually the government forces retreated from the scene.

Sadly, we can expect more confrontations like this, between government forces and citizens or citizens versus citizens, because sin is increasing more and more in America.

As Christians, we are not called to stand on the sidelines and watch the action from afar. We are called to rush onto the battlefield and pray for both sides, hoping God’s grace will cover all disputes.

Today I prayed:

Lord, I pray and intercede for all people and for our government leaders, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life in America, godly and dignified in every way, so that all may be saved and come to the knowledge of the Truth. (Based on 1 Timothy 2: 1-2, 4)

What do you think and has the Lord spoken to you today?

Join with me on Tuesdays to fast and pray for America.

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April 11, 2014 · 4:15 pm

Friday’s Prayers for Prisoners (4/11/2014)

There are 2.3 million people held in America’s prisons and jails. Our national incarceration rate is the highest in the world.

Within three years of being released, 67% of ex-prisoners re-offend and 52% are re-incarcerated, according to a study published in 1994. The rate of recidivism is so high in the United States that most inmates who enter the system are likely to reenter within a year of their release. (Confronting Confinement by John J. Gibbons and Nicolas de B. Katzenbach)

There are numerous theories for America’s high prison population. Most revolve around racism, poverty, lack of education, drugs, and so forth. And no doubt these are contributing factors, but the basic problem is sin, which is the root cause of all human suffering.

Today, I prayed:

Lord, I pray that Your Spirit will fall upon prisoners in America’s prisons and jails causing godly grief to produce a repentance that leads to salvation without regret. (Based on 2 Corinthians 7:10)

What do you think and has the Lord spoken to you?

Join with me on Fridays to fast and pray for prisoners, according to Hebrews 13:3.

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April 8, 2014 · 3:16 pm

Tuesday’s Prayers for America (4/8/2014)

The Old Testament ends with a promise that Elijah the prophet would come before an extreme judgment hit Judah and Jerusalem. This prophet would proclaim a message that was meant to turn the hearts of people back to God and His ways. Yet, if the message was not accepted by the Jews, Jerusalem and Judah would be utterly destroyed.

Jesus stated that John the Baptist was the Elijah prophet as mentioned in Malachi for Judah and Jerusalem, but John was not recognized and accepted as such by the Jews. He was ignored by many and killed.

What happened to Jerusalem and Judah?

In 70 AD, the Roman Army led by General Titus totally destroyed Jerusalem, slaughtering 1.1 million Jews. The Temple was so demolished that only the Wailing Wall remains today. Jesus prophesied this disaster almost forty years before it happened on the first Palm Sunday.

Paul stated that these things took place in the Old Testament as warnings and examples for us.

Today, I prayed for America:

Lord, I pray that You send Elijah-like prophets to prepare us Americans for what is soon coming to our nation and that these prophets will turn our hearts back to You and prepare us for Your soon return. (Based on Luke 1:17)

What do you think and has the Lord spoken to you today?

Join with me on Tuesdays to fast and pray for America.

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April 4, 2014 · 1:41 pm

Friday’s Prayers for Prisoners (4/4/2014)

The above photo shows the bulletin board above my desk.

As you can see, most of the space is taken up by the pictures of the six children we sponsor in India through Gospel For Asia. The six range in age from six years to twelve years old and live in places like Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh.

The six children are Dalits, who are considered subhuman, impure from birth, and untouchable by those born into higher castes. The population of Dalits in India is almost equal to the total population of America or 300 million people.

Our little effort to sponsor six Dalit children through GFA’s Bridge of Hope program came about because the Lord crushed my heart one day while I was praying. We signed up that same day.

Okay, now let me tell you something: we have never been able to afford the children. That’s right! My wife and I are not wealthy and live paycheck to paycheck. Yet, the Lord always provides for us. Why?

Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will repay Him for his deed. (Proverbs 19:17)

And:

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. (2 Corinthians 9:8)

God’s word works for us.

My prayer for prisoners today:

Lord, I pray that we American believers who are blessed with the world’s goods would open our hearts to help people in need so that we actually love with our deeds and truth, and not just with our words and talk. (Based on 1 John 3:17-18)

What do you think and has the Lord spoken to you?

Join with me on Fridays to fast and pray for prisoners, according to Hebrews 13:3.

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April 1, 2014 · 12:53 pm

Tuesday’s Prayers for America (4/1/2014)

Sanctuary: a place of refuge or safety.

Refuge: a shelter or protection from danger.

There are 31 American cities who designate themselves as “sanctuary cities.” These cities protect illegal immigrants and refuse to enforce federal immigration laws. They include: Los Angeles, Santa Ana, San Francisco, San Diego, San Jose, Oakland, Portland, Seattle, Chicago, Minneapolis, Detroit, New York City, Washington, D. C., and eighteen others.

Sanctuary cities are set up by politicians for reasons the politicians deem are beneficial to themselves and to their constituents. If the political winds change directions, sanctuary cities could just as easily reverse their municipal minds overnight.

So much for the vagaries of man-made sanctuaries.

Then the LORD said to Joshua, “Say to the people of Israel, ‘Appoint the cities of refuge, of which I spoke to you through Moses, that the manslayer who strikes any person without intent or unknowingly may flee there. They shall be for you a refuge from the avenger of blood. He shall flee to one of these cities and shall stand at the entrance of the gate of the city and explain his case to the elders of that city. Then they shall take him into the city and give him a place, and he shall remain with them. (Joshua 20:1-4)

I believe the Lord is now in the process of choosing places to be cities of refuge for innocent people who will be fleeing from earthquakes, other natural disasters, and terrorists’ attacks. The citizens of these cities will house refugees and care for them until the refugees are able to return to their homes or move on with their lives.

These cities of refuge will be blessed by the Lord and receive a special grace for their acts of hospitality.

Today, I prayed:

Lord, I pray that we American believers deny ourselves, pick up our crosses, and follow You so that Your divine plans of mercy will come forth in Your chosen cities of refuge and that You will be glorified. (Based on Mark 8:34)

What do you think and has the Lord spoken to you today?

Join with me on Tuesdays to fast and pray for America.

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March 28, 2014 · 7:30 am

Friday’s Prayers for Prisoners (3/28/2014)

Movie Review by the Dove Foundation:

Limited Theatrical Release – This gripping new documentary film tells the untold story of millions of women in Asia who are culturally persecuted for no other reason than the fact that they are women. From birth until death, their life is a vicious cycle of poverty and oppression; from the mass epidemic of female suicides, dowry deaths, forced abortion to the high rate of illiteracy among the women and even how more than 46 MILLION widows are being cast aside and ostracized by society simply because their husband died.

However, despite more than a millennia of hardships, the Gospel is being spread into the remote villages as Christian women are now rising up across the entire nation of India; bringing cultural change in every area of life through the hope of Jesus Christ.

These are the faces of true survivors. Those who have withstood a lifetime of adversity in the face of a culture stacked against them. Take a heartfelt journey through the eyes of these women, and others… (Full Movie Review can be seen here.)

What Others Are Saying About Veil of Tears:

“When I saw it, I knew I would never—could never—be the same. ‘Veil of Tears’ has taught me how to pray, to give, and to make a difference for Christ.”
– Joni Eareckson Tada

“‘Veil of Tears’ was so moving and informative. I want everyone to watch it and join us in making a difference in the lives of these women.”
– Francis Chan

“A well-produced, powerful and shocking exposé. ‘Veil of Tears’ will have you in tears.”
– Ray Comfort, Living Waters

“‘Veil of Tears’ asks the question, ‘Do we care?’ Now it’s up to us to answer.”
– John Schlitt, PETRA (Lead Vocalist)

“This factual account of the oppression of millions of women in Asia must be told. Though the story begins with tears, the Good News is that help is on the way through the ministry of compassion seen here.”
– Robert Coleman

Check the listing of theaters here or free simulcast here.

I prayed today:

Lord, I pray that the Spirit of the Lord rests on Veil of Tears so that liberty may be proclaimed to female captives in India, our blind American eyes may be opened, and oppressed women may be set free. (Based on Luke 4:18)

What do you think and has the Lord spoken to you?

Join with me on Fridays to fast and pray for prisoners, according to Hebrews 13:3.

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March 25, 2014 · 2:09 pm

Tuesday’s Prayers for America (3/25/2014)

Jesus’ choice of Matthew as one of His closest disciples had to be scandalous at the time. Matthew was a publican or a tax collector for the Romans. Jews hated tax collectors and considered them to be the lowest of sinners, a person that even God could not redeem.

As a tax collector, Matthew paid in advance tax money to the Romans for his tax booth. Then, Matthew collected taxes from the Jews to cover his investment. He charged more than the tax rate to insure himself a profit, but usually, tax collectors extorted far and above what was owed. They were known for their greed. Roman soldiers enforced their actions so no one dared to object to the dealings of a tax collector.

Thus, you can understand why the Jews hated tax collectors.

Matthew’s life ended up being an explosive testimony to the Jews of the life-changing power of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Today, I prayed:

Lord, I pray that You walk through America and say, “Follow Me,” to the lowest of sinners, the Matthews among us, and use them as testimonies of Your greatness. (Based on Mark 2:14)

What do you think and has the Lord spoken to you today?

Join with me on Tuesdays to fast and pray for America.

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March 24, 2014 · 1:08 pm

Lord, Help me Love Democrats (Part 9)

Is abortion America’s Ai, a battle we can’t win because we have a national sin?

If so, what is our national sin(s)?

I have written and published an eBook entitled, New Wind Blowing. The fifty-four page book declares an alternative solution to the abortion problem and three other major issues:

I believe that one of America’s sins, which has opened the doors for God’s judgments of first, abortion, and then, illegal aliens, national debt, and Islamic terrorists to fall upon our nation was our government’s treacherous handling of the Vietnam War, especially in dealing with South Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. Our broken promises and lies have resulted in the deaths of millions of innocent people whose blood has cried out to a just God. (New Wind Blowing by Larry Nevenhoven, Amazon eBook, 2013)

New Wind Blowing is a prophetic book, which means I believe the content came from the Holy Spirit. Could I be wrong? Yes, of course, I could be totally off the mark.

But yet, all of my premises in the book are backed up with numerous scriptures and historical points.

Okay, how many scriptures back up our dependence on putting faith in America’s political system to rid our nation of a sin, such as abortion? Can you name one? Probably not.

And yet, we American Christians continue to walk down the same path the Moral Majority laid out for us almost forty years ago.

What have we Christians got to lose by being open to new ideas? Or are we just so determined to keep beating the same dead horse forever with the same results at the end of the day?

(Continued in Part 10)

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