INSIDE THIS ISSUE
december.09
19 Preparing for the Harvest
Revival Anyone? The Importance of Prayer 11
(part2)
SEEK THE KING
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FEATURES 11 REVIVAL ANYONE? (part 2) - The Importance of Prayer Without prayer, there will be no revival. Without prayer, you will not see an incredible outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Without prayer, we will not be able to see the hand of God transform cities and regions. 19 Preparing for the Harvest As Christians, we always celebrate the concept of harvest. We’ve been told that we need to sow wisely, and prepare to reap richly. Ecclesiastes tells us there is a season to both plant, and to pluck up what has been planted (3:2), but what are we to do in the waiting? 22 Seek the King If we first endeavored to simply just be with Him, our needs could be met without even uttering a specific request. After all, if you never asked for anything before you were already in the presence of God, how different might your prayer life be?
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Prayer Matters Magazine 3 December 2009
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
december.09
Spotlight
MONTHLY
17 “To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing.” ~Martin Luther King Jr.
Book Reviews
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06 FRONTLINE 07 TESTIMONY 09 KNOWLEDGE 17 SPOTLIGHT 23 PRAYER SECRETS 27 Q & A SESSION 29 BOOK REVIEWS 31 CALENDAR
Powerful Prayer Secrets
On The Cover: The birth of the Lord Jesus Christ; one that has forever changed humankind. ~ Nativity (Holy Night) Gemaldegalerie, Dresden 1528-30 Oil on canvas, 256,5 x 188 cm
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DECEMBER.09 | contributors
From the desk of...
Rick Thorp is the Founder and Executive Director of a multi-faceted prayer organization called The Joshua Group. The organization serves as a covering for numerous ministries that solely focus on the promotion of Christian prayer. He has been in church leadership for over 31 years and is a licensed and ordained minister currently serving as an associate pastor at his home base, Tacoma Christian Center, a large inner-city church in Tacoma, Washington. Pastor Rick is the inventor of a unique prayer program for churches and groups called PrayerMap; is the publisher of Prayer Matters Magazine; and the Director of a grass roots movement called Prayer Move America. He is becoming known as a revolutionary figure and an influential force in the area of prayer, revival and victory, and is a popular, influential speaker that carries a strong anointing of God. Pastor Rick resides in the Pacific Northwest with his wife Jennifer, has a daughter Ashley, and two grandchildren, Malachi and Rion. For conference, seminar or other speaking invitations, email: contact@thejoshuagrouponline.com
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Prayer Matters Magazine 3 December 2009
ROXANNE MILES is currently the Founding Director of Purposeful Progress Strategic Solutions, which is dedicated to helping faith and community based nonprofit organizations succeed through training, group facilitation, project management and strategic planning. Mrs. Miles has been in church leadership for almost 20 years and is a licensed evangelist, leader of intercession, Bible course instructor and regular Conference presenter for women and prison ministries. Additionally, Roxanne uses her creative gifts to demonstrate God’s heart through illustrated sermons, drama and dance. She lives in Tacoma, Washington with her husband and two sons. TERRY HARRIS is the Founder and Senior Pastor of Tacoma Christian Center in Tacoma, Washington. With Pastor Harris’ leadership, the church, with over 1200 members, has been a powerful force in the city and the entire Western Washington region. After close to 30 years of vision and commitment, the church campus encompasses over 1-1/2 city blocks, and along with the sanctuary and offices, it includes a restaurant and a state-of-the-art gymnasium named Winners. In addition to operating a large church, Pastor Harris has taught God’s Word via a weekly television broadcast, serves on numerous Boards, has authored a book and continues to be a integral leader of the community. ANTOINNETTE WILLIAMS currently serves on the Board of Directors of The Joshua Group, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting Christian prayer, where she also holds the office of Secretary. Mrs. Williams is an active leader of her local church for nearly seven years where she is an evangelist, Bible College teacher and lead intercessor. She uses her powerful gift of ministering the Word of God to empower and inspire people to become all that God has predestined them to be. Antoinnette impacts the Kingdom of God by sharing her ministry gifts at Women’s Conferences, Intercessor Seminars and area churches. She lives in Federal Way, Washington with her husband Michael.
DECEMBER.09 | frontline
Merry Christmas
PEOPLE OF PRAYER That’s right. I said it. Merry Christmas! Put me in “politically incorrect” jail! Let’s get real. We celebrate Christ’s birth on Christmas. We’re not talking about presidents, movie stars, cartoon characters or mythological heroes -we’re talking about Jesus and Christmas (whoops...I said Christmas again). The absurdity of this day and age where we can’t display a nativity scene, or a cross, or a Christmas tree on public property is beyond imaginable. No more Christmas parties -they are now “winter parties”. No more Christmas carols at a Christmas play -now it’s, “holiday music at a winter festival.” How ridiculous! Now that I have vented, let me tell you a story of what not to do. My wife was at a shopping center and an employee said to a lady, “happy holidays.” The lady quickly turned around and with the meanest, snobbiest tone possible said, “Merry Christmas!!!” Then she stomped off in total disgust. The poor worker looked as if she just got hit with a baseball bat and wanted to crawl up in a corner and cry. When my wife came up next, the poor girl quivered and could barely whisper, “happy holidays.” I’m sure it was corporate policy to do so. Even though many of us are insulted by the craziness of politically correct speaking, let’s remember, we represent Christ. Chastising people and being mean when they say , “happy holidays”, is probably not the best message we want to send. It undermines the very meaning of giving and showing the love of Jesus. Fine. We don’t like it. But instead of wagging our finger at people, let’s just put a smile on our face and wish them a “very Merry Christmas.” That would be the right thing to do.
RICK THORP, Publisher
PRAYER MATTERS MAGAZINE, is a premier online publication that educates, empowers and engages Christians around the world. It challenges readers to take responsibility to advance the Kingdom of God. The mission of PMM is to equip individuals to become more effective in prayer, fasting and spiritual warfare. To submit an article to be considered for publication; if you have comments or questions; or for advertising opportunites, email: contact@prayermattersmagazine.org. Copyright Notice: The written and visual contents of this magazine are protected by copyright. Excepting translations, you may not reproduce our articles online or in print without first obtaining written permission. Once you receive permission, inform us where and when the article will be reprinted. Prayer Matters Magazine articles cannot be reprinted without obtaining permission and notifying the magazine. Prayer Matters Magazine is a ministry of The Joshua Group; www.thejoshuagrouponline.com Copyright © 2009 Prayer Matters Magazine. All Rights Reserved. December 2009 4 Prayer Matters Magazine
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Answered If you abide in Me and My Word abides in you, you will ask what you desire, and it will be done for you. - Jesus
During the months of April through July, I was very sick with pneumonia. As soon as I was recovering from pneumonia, I got H1N1. Then, as soon as I started recovering from that, I had a relapse of pneumonia. During this time, I was not receiving a paycheck which was an incredible hardship for me. I couldn’t pay all of the bills, and ultimately, fell behind on my mortgage. As a single mom living paycheck to paycheck, and no savings to speak of, I was struggling to keep my head above water and get caught up. To add insult to injury, when I was well enough to go back to work in August, I found out that the company that I was working for was cutting back, and my paycheck was going to be reduced by $600.00 per month. Additionally, we would not be allowed to work overtime. This was another blow since overtime was something that I had been dependant upon for years. One day, as I was praying, I felt like the Lord was telling me to financially give a certain amount of money to my church every two weeks. Being obedient, I did as He had told me even though I didn’t have any money. The very next month, I started to see some breakthrough. My mortgage company helped me by making my home affordable through a plan that cut the payments by $400 per month. Then, not long after that, I received a pay raise of $200 per month due to a union contract that was voted on three years prior. The contract gave us pay increases for each year of experience that we had. I hadn’t received all of my increase for the last year, but it came to pass right after the mortgage adjustment -at the very time I needed it most. So, the $600 per month that was taken away from me was made up by the reduction of my mortgage payments and the increase in wages via the union contract. Additionally, the next month I received yet another $100 per month raise, and to top it all off, God has given me a great roommate to share in expenses. One of the biggest blessings from the Lord through all of this is the testimony to other people for God’s provision. In the beginning, my supervisors talked with me and told me how terrible they felt about having to reduce my salary. They knew that I was already struggling financially and living day to day, and that I had actually taken a pay reduction by moving from another city to take this job. But at the time, I told them that, “it was OK because I knew that God would take care of me and help me with my finances.” And He has! Now they can see the evidence of God’s provision! His timing is not always what we want it to be, but it is always in time! What I thought was going to be a tragedy for me and my children, ended up being a blessing and a learning experience. God is good and I’m reaping the harvest that He has promised me! v 7
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Prayer
DECEMBER.09 | testimony
I want to start by giving God all the praise, because no matter what circumstance we are in, He is faithful in supplying all of our needs. This has been a tough year financially for my family due to myself and my husband losing our jobs. Consequently, we had to go on assistance to be able to continue to provide for our family. In October, there were some particular weeks when we didn't even have two pennies to rub together and were in need of some essential things for our home. Also, our lights were subject to disconnection by the coming Monday. Well, on that Thursday I prayed a very simple prayer: "Lord, you know what we need and I know you are going to provide it. It's on you." So, I went about the next few days waiting in expectation of the manifestation of the blessing that I already knew in my spirit was coming. On the next Sunday, I was scheduled to volunteer in the nursery for our church during the second service, also, scheduled to sing in the choir for both services. So after we sang at the second service, I went to start my time in the nursery. One of our members came to the door of the nursery and asked me how to spell my name. I looked at him oddly, spelled it for him and continued with my business. A few seconds later, he walked into the room and handed me a check. I was shocked and asked what it was for. He replied, "for being obedient." I just started laughing and I gave him a big hug and I thanked him for being obedient to God's direction and his willingness and ability to be able to assist my family. I am still amazed and humbled by that act of love and care from my God, even as we are currently still in the “fire.” Then, not even two weeks later, a different member of our church was inquiring as to how my family and I were doing, and I said, “we’re okay, but we'll be better soon.” I asked her to just keep praying for us. She gave me a hug, then the church service started. During praise and worship, she came over to where I was standing and I thought she was going to give me a hug, but instead, she leaned over and said, "I'm trying to give you something", and she put some money in my hand. I didn't know the amount because it didn't matter, but I hugged her and thanked her, and thanked God for His provision. After the service, come to find out, it was enough to get us through another week! The members of our church are obedient, Spirit-led people who are blessing others in ways that do not always get reported. They are a group of caring, loving people who follow the example set by our headship. Praise God! v
Have a testimony? Email: contact@prayermattersmagazine.com to find out how you can share your miracle in an upcoming publication.
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DECEMBER .09 | knowledge
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1. How many books are in the Bible? The Bible contains 66 books, divided among the Old and New Testaments.
2. How many books are in the Old Testament? There are 39 books in the Old Testament. 3. How many books are in the New Testament? There are 27 books in the New Testament. 4. What does “testament” mean? Testament means “covenant” or “contract.” 5. Who wrote the Bible? The Bible was written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit by over 40 different authors from all walks of life: shepherds, farmers, tentmakers, physicians, fishermen, priests, philosophers and kings. Despite these differences in occupation and the span of years it took to write it, the Bible is an extremely cohesive and unified book. 6. Which single author contributed the most books to the Old Testament? Moses. He wrote the first five books of the Bible, referred to as the Pentateuch; the foundation of the Bible. 7. Which single author contributed the most books to the New Testament? The Apostle Paul, who wrote 14 books (over half) of the New Testament. 8. When was the Bible written? It was written over a period of some 1,500 years, from approximately 1450 B.C. (during the time of Moses) to about 100 A.D. (following the death
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and resurrection of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ).
9. What is the oldest book in the Old Testament? Many scholars agree that Job is the oldest book in the Bible, written by an unknown Israelite about 1500 B.C. Others hold that the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Bible) are the oldest books in the Bible, written between 1446 and 1406 B.C. 10. What is the youngest book in the Old Testament? The book of Malachi, written about 400 B.C. 11. What is the oldest book of the New Testament? Probably the book of James, written as early as A.D. 45. 12. What is the youngest book in the New Testament? The Book of Revelation is the youngest book of the New Testament, written about 95 A.D. 13. What languages were the Bible written in? The Bible was written in three languages: Hebrew, Aramaic, and Koine Greek. 14. When was the Bible canonized? The entire New Testament as we know it today, was canonized before the year 375 A.D. The Old Testament had previously been canonized long before the advent of Christ. 15. What does “canon” mean? “Canon” is derived from the Greek word “Kanon,” signifying a measuring rod. Thus, to have the
DECEMBER.09 | knowledge
BLE FACTS Bible “canonized” meant that it had been measured by the standard or test of divine inspiration and authority. It became the collection of writings accepted by the apostles and leadership of the early Christian church. 16. When was the first translation of the Bible made into English? 1382 A.D. by John Wycliffe. 17. When was the Bible printed? The Bible was printed in 1454 A.D. by Johannes Gutenberg who invented the “type mold” for the printing press. It was the first book ever printed. 18. What is the oldest almost-complete manuscript of the Bible now in existence? The Codex Vaticanus, which dates from the first half of the fourth Century. There are older fragments of the Bible that are still preserved however-- the oldest being a tiny scrap of the Gospel of John was found in Egypt, dating back to the beginning of the second century. 19. What is the longest book in the Bible? The book of Psalms. 20. What is the shortest book in the Bible? 2 John. 21. What is the longest chapter in the Bible? Psalm 119. 22. What is the shortest chapter in the Bible? Psalm 117. 23. What is the longest verse in the Bible? Esther 8:9.
24. What is the shortest verse in the Bible? John 11:35. 25. Which book in the Bible does not mention the word “God?” The book of Esther. 26. Who was the oldest man that ever lived? Methuselah who lived to be 969 years old (Genesis 5:27). 27. Who were the two men in the Bible who never died but were caught up to heaven? Enoch, who walked with God and was no more (Genesis 5:22-24). Elijah, who was caught up by a whirlwind into heaven (II Kings 2:11). 28. Who does the Bible say was the meekest man in the Bible (not including Jesus)? Moses (Numbers 12:3). 29. How many languages has the Bible been translated into? The Holy Bible has been translated into 2,018 languages, with countless more partial translations, and audio translations (for unwritten languages). (This is an enormous amount of translations. In comparison, Shakespeare, considered by many to be the master writer of the English language, has only been translated into 50 languages). 30. Is the Bible still the best-selling book in the world? Yes.
Information gathered from: http://bibleresoures.bible.com
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DECEMBER | revival anyone? (pt. 2)
Revival Anyon The Importance of Prayer By Pastor Rick Thorp
Last month, we offered this series to three kinds of people: Ones that desire a powerful manifestation of the Holy Spirit in their region; ones that desire a powerful manifestation of the Holy Spirit in their own lives; and ones that don’t know exactly what revival is, but want to find out. We outlined the fact that God strategically plants us in certain areas of the earth so that we can occupy and spiritually dominate that land for the advancement of His agenda. Taking ownership of the area in which we live is a vital step in igniting a revival. After all, if we don’t care about (continued on page 13)
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DECEMBER | revival anyone? (pt. 2)
(part 2)
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DECEMBER | revival anyone? (pt. 2) the spiritual well-being of our regions, then why would we expend the necessary energy to see them change? If we want to see a powerful outpouring of God in our communities and cities, we must learn what it takes to make it a reality.
accord in prayer and supplication.” The word “supplication” is the Greek word de’esis. This word is used sparingly and is a yearning of great proportion. It is a plea; a genuine entreaty; it implies a realization of need and a petition; it is a seeking. De’esis paints the picture that the apostles and disciples had an extremely deep yearning for God, with a great expectation of what He was going to do. The need was intense, even to the point of poverty in their spirits.
Revival is bringing back something that has been diminished or lost. It is a restoration, awakening or renewal of something that once was. If we go back to the beginning and examine the roots of when the Holy Spirit was poured out onto mankind, we will be able to position ourselves to ex- It was after this time of seeking and yearning perience the same kind of things that took place that the Holy Spirit was sent. Do you think that at that time. the Holy Spirit would have been sent at that time if the people were scattered, not in unity, lackadaisical and disobedient to what Jesus asked them to do? Do you think that the Holy Spirit would have been sent at that time if the people were too busy to pray, too tired to come together or too wrapped up in the affairs of the world? The Holy Spirit was sent to earth, according to God’s perfect timing, because of a group of people who were extremely desperate for Him. The deep yearning and appetite for the things of God were indescribable. They were CONSUMED with Painting by Harry Anderson seeing God’s anointing. They were obedient, they were unified and they were in a state of constant The Jewish Day of Pentecost was the day that the prayer and supplication. God had a plan to deHoly Spirit was sent to the earth. After Jesus’ liver the Holy Spirit and they positioned themresurrection, He ascended to heaven, but before selves to receive. He did, He reminded the Apostles that John baptized with water, but shortly, the Father would If we can adopt the mentality of the early church, baptize them with the Holy Spirit and that they we can experience an outpouring of the Holy would receive power. Spirit that will create lasting revival in the cities and regions where God has planted us. If we As mentioned last month, these followers of Je- can capture the state of mind of the apostles and sus must have been emotionally exhausted after disciples, then we can be that much closer to a the ups and downs they experienced. After first manifestation of God that parallels the original watching their Lord be murdered, they were then event. To relive this type of experience with elated at seeing Him after the resurrection, only God and see people saved, healed and restored in to have to say goodbye to Him again at His as- mass, we must follow what the scripture plainly cension. After the ascension, as they gathered in reveals: it begins with prayer. a room in Jerusalem, they most likely were not having a party or celebration. I see them as curi- The Importance of Prayer ous and waiting in expectation of the promised One of the most important passages in the Bible Holy Spirit. They were probably wondering how in regard to prayer is the account of Jesus drivHe would come, when He would come, and what ing the buyers and sellers out of the temple. It was going to happen after He came. The Bible paints a telling picture of the heart of Jesus when says in Acts 1:14 that “they all continued with one it comes down to the business of His Father. The 13
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DECEMBER | revival anyone? (pt. 2) chase these sacrifices was by obtaining the proper coin of the temple. Therefore, those coming from long distances were required to exchange their foreign currency. They were at the mercy of the money changers who set up their enterprises in the outer courts of the temple and charged huge fees for their services. Additionally, profiteers would sell, at exorbitant prices, the required animals and birds needed for the people to make the appropriate sacrifices. Some say that Jesus’ anger arose because of the money changers who charged up to 300% to exchange the foreign currency; others say his anger stemmed from taking advantage of those who wanted to worship, by selling them sacrifices at very expensive prices; others say it was because the temple was turned into a commercial enterprise; -it was probably all of those things combined and other reasons as well. But the bottom line of His anger was that people were turning His Father’s house into something that it wasn’t. The Father’s house was supposed to be a house of prayer. Painting by Nicolus Colombel
act itself has many facets, but the words that Jesus spoke describe the importance of prayer. The account is recorded in Matthew 21:12-13: “Then Jesus went into the temple of God and drove out all those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. And He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer’ (Isaiah 56:7), but you have made it a den of thieves.” The same account as recorded in John 2:13-17 adds that Jesus “made a whip out of cords” prior to going into the temple. This tells us that Christ’s actions were deliberate. It obviously wasn’t a fleshly outburst of rage. To get a better grasp of why Jesus was so angry, we must first understand some of the history behind the story. During Jewish celebrations such as Passover and other religious feasts, people came from all over the Roman Empire to the temple in Jerusalem to sacrifice animals to God and give offerings required by the Law of Moses. The only way to pur-
Why would God put so much emphasis on His house being one of prayer? He knows that He is God. Why wouldn’t He want His house be called a house of WORSHIP? After all, aren’t we supposed to worship God at all times and with our whole heart? Why didn’t Jesus cry out, “it is written, my house shall be called a house of TEACHING?” Wasn’t the temple a place of learning? Isn’t that the place that God’s people go to for the reading and studying of the Word? How about, “my house shall be called a house of SACRIFICE.” Wasn’t that the place where people presented offerings and sacrifices? We could go on and on…house of PREACHING…house of FORGIVENESS…house of LOVE! God didn’t say any of those things. He chose His house to be one of prayer. This tells us that God’s ultimate priority, other than salvation, is communication with His people. Jesus taught his disciples to pray that the Father’s will be done on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:9-13). That means that God wants to use us to help His will get here. Our prayers are key in bringing the will of the Father to the earth. If we don’t pray with that understanding, December 2009 4 Prayer Matters Magazine
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DECEMBER | revival anyone? (pt. 2) how can we impact the world as God desires? If God’s will was going to take place whether we pray or not, then why would Jesus put effort into saying that we must pray that God’s Kingdom come forth? If we are serious about the things of God, we cannot ignore the importance of prayer. You are a River Another way of describing the importance of prayer is comparing our Christian lives to a river. When I was a kid growing up around the Cascade Mountains, I would often fish and swim in a river close to our house. We have pictures of me and my family down at the old swimming hole having a great time jumping and diving and enjoying picnics. Us kids would explore the banks of the river and have a lot of fun just hanging out. As we got a little older, my brother and I would do a lot of fishing in that river. We knew the good fishing holes and where all of the rainbow trout were hiding. The water was so clear in some of those holes that you could watch the fish approach, and unfortunately, most of the time evade the hook. This river wasn’t like the Mississippi. It wasn’t big and wide and lazy. This was a roaring river that had big rocks sticking up out of it. You could hear the sound of the rushing water swirling around those rocks and creating churning pools and mini waterfalls. It was great fishing in those areas. Of course, there were many other 15
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things to do at the river such as taking inner tubes and rafts and riding them down the rapids. Think of yourself, your Christian life, as if it contains a roaring river like the one described above. You are a container of a river. There are many facets of our Christian walk. Let’s call them the “rocks in the river.” For example, within the river of our Christian life, there is a huge rock called, “the Bible.” The Bible is a very important ingredient in our lives. We, as Christians, cannot have a healthy relationship with God without His Word. Another
painting by Shante Younge
rock in the river of our Christian lives is church. Going to church and being part of a group of believers is extremely vital. Other aspects or “rocks” in the river of our Christian life may be: witnessing and evangelism; education from books, CD’s, seminars and conferences; music and worshipping God; fellowship outside of the corporate church setting such as special events or retreats. There are many areas of our Christian lives that could be classified as “rocks in the river.” These rocks are what identify us as Christians and become the foundation of our faith.
DECEMBER | revival anyone? (pt. 2) The key to understanding where prayer should rate in our Christian walk is to identify that prayer should not be a rock in the river. It’s important to see that prayer is not a rock in the river, because PRAYER IS THE RIVER! In other words, prayer is the flow of our relationship with God that ties it all together and makes it all meaningful. Many people believe that prayer should be an activity much like the other rocks in the river; a piece of the Christian walk; something that you “do” like reading the Bible or going to church. However, prayer is something bigger than a rock. It is the actual river of our Christian lives. It is the purpose behind the life we live.
“shelves in a ‘house of clocks’ are not lined with cookies.” When you walk into your own home, do you find a house of prayer? When you examine your own life, do you find a house of prayer?
How bad do you want revival? How bad do you want to see people in your area transformed by the power of God? How bad do you want to see You can read your Bible and not have a close rela- your children and grandchildren and other famtionship with God. You can go to church and not ily members walking in victory as a Christian? be a healthy Christian. You can stand on a street Forgive me for being blunt, but: corner with signs of hell and damnation and not have a clue. The only way to be close to God is Your desire for revival will determine your by having a relationship with Him, and the only commitment to prayer. way to have a relationship with Him is by talking and listening to Him. Communication with God If we really want revival, we have to understand must be at the top of the priority list. It is the that it begins with prayer. We can’t expect a anchor of a relationship with Him that defines mighty outpouring of God if we don’t line up why we do all of the things we do as Christians. with His desires. The Bible is clear in that after It is what keeps our efforts from being empty ac- we become a Christian, prayer is the single most tivities, busyness, or superficial exercises. It is important ingredient to our relationship with God. He wants us to be one with Him. He wants our spiritual lifeline. us to make communication with Him a priority. Without prayer, there will be no revival. Without He wants us to seek Him with all of our hearts. prayer, you will not see an incredible outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Without prayer, we will not Are you ready to do the things necessary to see be able to see the hand of God transform cities an unconstrained manifestation of His power? Are you ready to take on the responsibility to see and regions. it happen? Will you do it for your own house? Will you do it for your own church? Will you do Back to the temple -Jesus said in his zeal, “it is written, My house shall be called a house it for the Kingdom of God? of prayer!” Have you ever gone into a house of clocks? My wife and I travel frequently and like Next month, we will continue our quest for unto shop and explore towns and cities. When you derstanding how revival can become a reality in go into a store that says “house of clocks”, the our own hearts, homes and cities. v shelves are not lined with cookies. When you go into “a house of fudge”, you won’t find electronic supplies. When you walk into a place that says “house of pancakes”, you won’t find sushi. Questions? Comments? Email: May I ask a simple question? When you walk into your church, do you find a house of prayer?
contact@prayermattersmagazine.org
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MINISTRY | spotlight
Introducin Helen Alexander
Rapture Ready is a powerful thought-provoking book that will cause people who know God to seek a deeper relationship with Him. The people who don’t know God will be inspired to seriously consider their present state and the importance of making Jesus Christ Lord of their lives. The book is filled with anointed words from the Lord. It will provide the reader with an in-depth insight of the Book of Revelation.
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MINISTRY | spotlight
ng... Helen Virginia Alexander has experienced first-hand the power of God’s Grace. Born and raised in a Christian home in Matewan, West Virginia, she learned early on about miracles and has been visited by the Lord many times in visions, dreams, and divine inspirations. Helen recognizes God’s might and shares her experiences with Him in her new book Rapture Ready. Helen’s desire is that she will reach many souls through her writings and that many people will be born into the Kingdom of God. She was granted a miracle in 1971 when, before the birth of her son, the doctors diagnosed her with a disease that was potentially fatal to both her and the child. But, ‘To God be the Glory, through prayer, both of them survived!’ Then in 1980, God exposed to Alexander the mysteries of the Biblical book of Revelations. As a result, she was inspired to write a musical play entitled, Raptured/Left Behind, which was performed for twelve years straight. Helen is also the author of a most inspirational book ‘A Daily Word From God.’ If you would like to contact Helen, send an email to : hvalexander@yahoo.com . Click the links below to order her books.
A Daily Word From God is a devotional book that is filled with powerful, Spiritfilled, and anointed words from the Lord. It will “lift up” the bowed down head, make the sad to rejoice, and the glad heart will be encouraged to continue to fight the good fight of faith.
tl i g h t?
Click Below to Order RAPTURE READY A DAILY WORD FROM GOD
click here to nominate people & ministries of prayer.
December 2009 4 Prayer Matters Magazine
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DECEMBER 09 | preparing for the harvest
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reparing for the Harvest By Roxanne Miles
As Christians, we always celebrate the concept The parable of the sower lets us know that the
of harvest. We’ve been told that we need to sow condition of the soil is crucial for the seed to take wisely, and prepare to reap richly. Ecclesiastes root (Matt 13:18-23). If the seed does not take tells us there is a season to both plant, and to root, it cannot ever produce fruit. What are we pluck up what has been planted (3:2), but what doing to till the soil in the local church so a seed are we to do in the waiting? What comes between of revival can be planted? Is the concept of revival planting and reaping? What are we meant to do a familiar one that can easily be received and emwhile the crops grow? What is our job once seed braced? Do Christians want what God wants? has been planted and we have a field to tend to? How do we nurture the field to bring forth fruit Once the seed is rooted, the environment makes all the difference in whether the seed grows into in its maturity? maturity. There is significant change that hapAs the Body of Christ pushes for revival, we must pens to the seed during this time. It has to go ponder what it takes to bring the harvest. Farm- from a seed full of potential to something that ers manage three main phases of the harvest is recognizable and valuable. The crop is subject process: planting, tending, and harvesting. For to rain, wind, pestilence and temperatures. During this amazing transformation, the crop needs revival, we must do the same. 19 
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DECEMBER 09 | preparing for the harvest to be tended in order to protect the seed from the elements, and to give the seed the nourishment it needs to grow. Don’t be surprised that when the seed of revival is planted, opportunities for growth, change and maturity arise. Everything in your life may need to shift in recognition and honor of this growing seed. We tend the environment that will produce something new, healthy, and powerful.
of past or circumstance. 2 Chronicles 7:14 states, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” Repentance comes before revival as reliably as pride precedes a fall. It is the condition of the soil, with humility, prayer, seeking, and transformation as the environment which ushers in the harvest. The requirement for reIn Jeremiah 5:24, we are given good vival is simply God’s mercy; however advice in this area, “…Let us now fear we hold the responsibility to nurture the Lord our God, that giveth rain, both it into existence. the former and the latter, in His season: He reserveth unto us the appointed Quite often, this scripture has been weeks of the harvest.” God has already used to call Christians to evangelize; I determined each stage of his prom- charge you to view it with new eyes toised revival. He knows what needs to day. “The harvest truly is plenteous, but occur for seeds to take root, prosper the laborers are few. Pray ye therefore and then mature into something that the Lord of the harvest that he will send can be seen and enjoyed. Jeremiah further states that Israel suffered and was robbed the benefit of a healthy harvest (v.25). Why? Because their “iniquities have turned away these things. They withheld the good from coming forth.” Israel failed to tend to the crops. Basically, the seed was ignored and weeds were allowed to come forth – resulting in the good of God not being able to mature and explode. The potential was never released. We don’t want to withhold the good God has for our generation and our world by failing to tend to the fields He’s given us. So what do we do? We need to be humble and submitted to God who appoints all harvest. Throughout the Old Testament, God determined many times to revive his relationship with His people. Revive (Chayah) means to keep or make alive; to give promised life to; to recover, repair, preserve and nourish up or back to the intended level regardless
“Let us now fear the Lord our God, that giveth rain, both the former and the latter, in His season: He reserveth unto us the appointed weeks of the harvest.”
forth laborers into his harvest.”(Matt 9:37-38). Consider that the laborers are not needed to harvest; they are needed to tend to the harvest to bring it to maturity. The angelic hosts are December 2009 4 Prayer Matters Magazine
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DECEMBER 09 | preparing for the harvest
charged to reap when the harvest is ripe; man, as laborers are needed to get the harvest to maturity. Eventually, harvest will come. Revelations 14:15, says “for the time has come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe.” This proclamation of harvest was to the angels. Man was given the job back in Genesis to tend to the soil and crop; we are to labor to bring the spiritual things of God to maturity so they can be reaped when ripe. If the fields don’t ripen, what type of harvest is there? We cannot rush into harvest something prematurely; we need to labor to create the opportunity for a mature supernatural harvest to come. Charge yourself today to be a good steward of the field you’ve been given – be it a ministry, your home, your job, your hobby or your passion. Consider that seeds of opportunity have already been planted. Tend to your Christian purpose and call with a diligence and care that expects a harvest that God will appoint angels to collect. Now, envision the harvest a multitude of committed, humble, praying laborers can prepare for our Lord to reap in season. If you can imagine that, you’ve pictured revival! v Questions? Comments? Email: contact@prayermattersmagazine.org
If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.
~ John 15:7
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SEEK THE KING
By Antoinnette Williams
Often times we are seeking the Hand of God because we are enduring something that we need His Hands to move upon. We need Him to bring about something that we request. We want Him to do something about our situation. We want something, so we pray, “Lord, I need you to move!” There is nothing wrong with that, and in fact, the Bible encourages us to bring our requests to Him (1 Timothy 2:1). However, rather than immediately starting to request, perhaps we should simply begin by seeking His face. Start by seeking His presence; by seeking to be with the King. There is so much that takes place in His presence that if we first endeavored to simply just be with Him, our needs could be met without even uttering a specific request. After all, if you never asked for anything before you were already in the presence of God, how different might your prayer life be? And perhaps, once you were in His presence, your need might become smaller and the presence of God itself may grow to remind you of His sufficiency.
of the Lord’s Prayer for “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done.” (Matthew 6:9-13). Remember, the Kingdom of God is where the King reigns. It is where the King resides. The more we spend time seeking the King and His Kingdom, the more we become influenced by the King. The more we come to look and think like the King, the more expectation we can have of daily provision of all of our needs without them being the center of our own attention. You will not be content to focus your prayer energy only on the things of this earth of which you can benefit, but will begin to fulfill your privilege and responsibility to influence the spiritual realm. By praying for His Kingdom to come onto the earth, you are orchestrating something supernatural with God, our King. And when you partner with Him like that, He declares that He’ll take good care of you -without you even asking. Hebrews 11:6 says, “but without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” The Greek meaning for “diligently seek” is, “to zealously seek for something with all of one’s heart, strength, and might.” While you zealously seek Him, and not just what you can receive from His hand, He will reward you well for your efforts.
Matthew 6:33 says, “seek first the Kingdom of God, and all these things will be added to you.” The “all these things” are those things we tend to pray for – money, peace, health, a job, a situation to end. However, this scripture doesn’t say, “seek me first to fulfill the requests that you need.” The Lord tells us to seek Him first. He also promised that, as His children, when we seek, we will find (Mathew 7:7). Notice that our responsibility is to seek, but it is not our responsibility to find or define the Seeking an answer to a request is perfectly fine, response of God. We ought to be careful about de- but seeking to be in the presence of the King may fining God’s response! be a more meaningful experience. Being in His presence produces tangible results. Time invested Remember, the childhood game we used to play in a relationship with Him transforms you as well called “Hide and Seek”? As we grow up we can still as your circumstances. Experiencing His holiness have fun seeking our King, but the good thing is brings forth the supernatural into your everyday that He doesn’t hide from us. He lets us find Him. life. Wherever He shows up, there is healing, viWhen we embark on the seeking, everything we sions, peace, comfort, forgiveness and so much need is made available to us to find. When you more. It all arrives when He does -so seek Him begin to seek Him -who He is, what He wants, and watch in awe at what you find. v what stirs His heart, you will find that you will be imparted with a deeper passion to see His will acQuestions? Comments? Email: complished. You will move toward being a pursuer contact@prayermattersmagazine.org December 2009 4 Prayer Matters Magazine
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DECEMBER | prayer secrets
(12) Twelve Powerful
Prayer Secrets
(part 2)
By Pastor Terry Harris
“I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; And I will not remember your sins. Put Me in remembrance; Let us contend together; State your case, that you may be acquitted.” Isaiah 43: 25-26
O
ne of the things that hinders prayer is a soulic man that is wounded with guilt and condemnation. If you are tied up in past mistakes; if you dwell in the “if’s”, “but’s” and “would-of-should-of-could-of’s”, then you are hindering your prayer life. All guilt that gets wrapped up in a person’s subconscious hinders the person in their prayer closet. When we look at scripture, God hammers hard that He will not remember your transgressions or mistakes. And if God forgets, you need to forget. Christians, it’s time to live a guilt free life -freedom; freedom; 23
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freedom! You are free from your past mistakes; including today, yesterday and even an hour ago! If you were a knucklehead on your way to church, acting unbecoming to a Christian, guess what? Once you ask for forgiveness, it’s gone! Big mistakes, small mistakes; God doesn’t remember, so you shouldn’t. This is a powerful prayer secret. You want to be able to go into your prayer closet free from all mistakes, shame and guilt; free from the thoughts of, “I’m not worthy.” You’re a child of God, part of
DECEMBER | prayer secrets
a royal priesthood. Condemnation goes against everything that the Bible says.
and shame. No more laying in bed at night wondering what’s wrong with you; no more talking to yourself negatively; no more thinking about Peter lied about Jesus. At a moment of conten- what you did five years ago. That thinking has to tion, where the spirit realm was in an uproar; go. You have to get freed up from every mistake, where demons and angels transgression and evepacked the theatre around “If you want to get great re- rything in your past. Jerusalem and were watchsults in your prayer closet, There were so many ing him on stage; at that precise moment, he denied it starts with 100% freedom people lined up in the Jesus three times. “Peter streets that were vexed from all guilt and shame.” do you know him?” “No!” with evil spirits, injured he said, three times. Talk and hurt -Peter didn’t about guilt and shame! Peter had to have incred- have time to stop and touch them all. Peter didn’t ible guilt. But when he showed up on the day of stop and say, “I can’t walk down this street, I lied Pentecost and opened the doors of the church; that I knew Jesus. I let Him down. I’m a wretch, when he stood up and said “Oh men of Galilee…”; I’m a bum. I’m not worthy.” Peter didn’t have there was no guilt and there was no shame. The guilt. He dropped it. He understood that he was denial that was made when Christ was on His way forgiven. He had repented and that incident was to the cross; the guilt, the shame, the failure and over. Because Peter was living in the present and defeat -it was remembered no more. He stood up not the past, and because he was living in the bold and He was preaching! He said, Holy Ghost, he walked down that street and his shadow made people jump up completely healed. “These men aren’t drunk with wine seeing that it is They were made whole by a man who was whole. only the third hour.” “What you are experiencing is the Holy Ghost that was prophesied.” How do we get to that place of freedom? First, (Acts 2:15-16) we have to remember that God does not remember. A lot of Christians say God remembers the The three denials were over. There was no guilt. way I was. No He doesn’t. If God remembered He was free. When Peter walked the gate Beautiful and the lame man was there, that lame man didn’t want to hear Peter say, “Do you know what I did? I denied Christ three times. I messed up. I lied. I told everybody I didn’t’ know Jesus. Lame man, I’m just a worthless rogue. I let God down.” That lame man didn’t want to hear that. Peter was free from guilt and said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” Why was Peter able to do this? Because he was totally free from his past. If you want to get great results in your prayer closet, it starts with 100% freedom from all guilt December 2009 4 Prayer Matters Magazine
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DECEMBER | prayer secrets (continued from page 24) what I used to do, I couldn’t be a pastor now. My drinking and “cool daddy days” would have kept that from happening. If God remembered, I would not have been given a church that has multiplied and accomplished so much. The reason why I was free to do this, and why God still sent me to do this, even with my past, was because He doesn’t remember. The blood of Jesus has washed away every sin. Hebrews 4:14-16 says, “Seeing then that we have a great high Priest that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the son of God let us hold fast our profession. For we have not a high Priest which cannot be touched with the feelings with our infirmities but was in all points tempted like as we are yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Because of this, I urge you to pray this: “Heavenly Father, I come to you in the name of Jesus. I come to you by the blood of Jesus. I acknowledge all of my sins and wrongs. Anything that I’ve done that didn’t please You, that I don’t even know. God I ask for your forgiveness and I thank you for the blood of Jesus washing me clean.” What you did twenty years ago is over. Comprehend the power of forgiveness. When you enter the throne room, don’t go with a conscious that is filled with evil and mistakes that you’ve made. The blood of Jesus washes away all of your sins so that you can go into the Throne Room boldly. There’s no guilt! The blood of Jesus has washed away all of your sins, mistakes and wrongs. v Pastor Terry Harris is the senior pastor at Tacoma Christian Center in Tacoma, Washington. For more information go to: www.tacomachristiancenter.org.
Questions? Comments? Email: contact@prayermattersmagazine.org
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Prayer Matters Magazine 3 December 2009
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Q DECEMBER.09 | q and a
What does “standing in the gap” mean?
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Prayer Matters Magazine 3 December 2009
A DECEMBER.09 | q and a
In the Old Testament, because Israel had transgressed God’s law and was not walking in God’s way, God poured out judgment upon them (Ezekiel 22:31). God said…
”And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.”
Here, God reveals that even though He was displeased with Israel, judgment could have been averted if an intercessor could have been found. Here an intercessor is described as making up the hedge by standing in the gap. God’s word to Ezekiel paints a mental picture of a nation being surrounded by a protective barrier, a hedge. When the enemy fires his flaming arrows at the nation, the hedge absorbs them and the nation is unharmed. Because of their ungodliness, Israel’s protection was not complete. The hedge had a gap in it, an opening that the enemy could exploit. He could simply fire his arrows through the opening in the hedge and destroy the nation.
God sought for a man who would “make up the hedge.” That is, a man who would make the hedge complete again by standing in the gap. God looked for someone who would step in and fill in the hole in the hedge so there would be no opening for the enemy to exploit. This is the job of the intercessor; this is the function and purpose of intercession. Intercessors are those who stand in the gap to make up the spiritual hedge of protection around the people of God, so that when the enemy looks for an opening that he may exploit, he can’t find one.
(excerpt from: STANDING IN THE GAP - The Ministry of Intercessory Prayer by Dr. Gregory Heathman)
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EDUCATION | bookshelf
read
BOO B book
learn Destined to Rule
Spiritual Strategies for Advancing the Kingdom of God Rebecca Greenwood
The book of Genesis describes the exquisite world God created and the man and woman He placed in charge of it. Believers have long assumed, however, that because of the Fall, this Godgiven mandate to rule the earth is now awaiting Christ’s return. But is it? A forerunner in the growing awareness of biblical dominion over the earth, Rebecca Greenwood explains that the Christian’s spiritual authority is for life today. With a solid scriptural foundation and timely examples, she helps believers establish righteousness in the land and draw the lost into God’s Kingdom. Discover your right as Christ’s ambassador to exert power over the enemy and usher forth spiritual and social transformation. You are destined to rule! Endorsement “Rebecca writes like a master strategist, explaining the original plan for humanity to rule and showing us how to overcome Satan’s intimidation. She skilfully establishes God’s call for us to rule as priests and kings on the earth, and she challenges us to rise up and step into our destinies.” ~Alice Smith - Executive Director, U.S. Prayer Center
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OKS BOOKS ks
EDUCATION | bookshelf
ENJOY
educate
GROW study
For these and other Spirit-led books, go to www.arsenalbooks.com
Possessing the Gates of the Enemy
How God Can Use Your Prayers to Move Heaven and Earth Cindy Jacobs
With more than 250,000 copies sold, this book is the in-demand, definitive guide to intercessory prayer. Join international prayer leader Cindy Jacobs as she equips you to be a victorious prayer warrior. Full of wisdom and strategic information, Cindy addresses these essential topics – and more: the call to prayer; the nature and purpose of intercession; spiritual accountability; prophetic intercession and praise; prayer watches and walks; spiritual warfare. Now fully revised and updated, and with an in-depth study guide, the third edition of this classic offers more vital insights into militant intercession than ever before. Whether you are a beginning “pray-er” or an expert intercessor, you can learn to pray about matters on the heart of God – and possess the gates of the enemy. About the Author: Cindy Jacobs has a worldwide intercession ministry. She and her husband, Mike, are the founders of Generals International, working to achieve social transformation through intercession and prophetic ministry. She is the author of several bestselling books, and her television program, God Knows, is seen in the United States on God TV, as well as around the world. Cindy and Mike have two grown children and live in Texas.
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December.09 | calendar
C
n e al
dec-jan DECEMBER 28-31 | Kansas City, MO ONE THING 2009 The International House of Prayer onething’09 is a gathering of young adults who have set their hearts to discern the times and live with abandonment and devotion to Jesus. Come this December and join thousands of others with like heart and like mind to pursue this call to one thing. www.ihop.org Bartle Hall 301 West 13th Street Kansas City, MO 64105 DECEMBER 29-31 | Fort Mill, SC New Years’s Conference Rick Joyner, Lance Wallnau, Lt. General W.G. Boykin Discerning the times, especially for the church, the nations, and individuals for the coming year. www.morningstarministries.com Heritage International Ministries, 375 Star Light Drive Fort Mill, SC, 29715
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JANUARY 7-9 | Albany, OR ELIJAHLIST CONFERENCE “What Is God Saying for 2010?” Dutch Sheets, Chuck Pierce, Kimberly Daniels, Denny Cline, Steve Shultz www.elijahlist.com/conference Vineyard Christian Fellowship 2110 Santiam Hwy SE Albany, OR 97322 JANUARY 7-9 | Phoenix, AZ WOMEN ON THE FRONTLINES Patricia King, Gwen Shaw, Iverna Tompkins, Heidi Baker, Stacey Campbell, Faytene Kryskow, Linda Valen, Sharon Stone, Beth Alves, James Goll www.extremeprophetic.com Church for the Nations Central Avenue Campus 6225 N Central Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85012 (602) 861-0000 JANUARY 8-10| Chesapeake, VA THE OUTPOURING Duncan Smith, Gordon Robertson and Jacob & Heather Martin For over a year and a half we have been experiencing a mighty OUTPOURING of the Holy Spirit in Chesapeake, VA at the Hope Center. The Demonstration of the Kingdom through Signs, Wonders, Miracles and the Freedom of the Holy Spirit have become the standard. www.comegethope.com The Hope Center 816 Kempsville Road Chesapeake, VA 23320 757-321-9811
December.09 | calendar
JANUARY 14-16 | Tampa, FL Righteousness & Praise Glory Conference Dr. Kaye Beyer, Joshua Mills, Mel Tari, Peggy Cole, Worship with JoAnn McFatter Our Purpose for this conference is to bring people into a deeper relationship with the Lord through awesome praise and worship and into a new realm of Glory in the secret place. That righteousness and our praise will change our nation as we declare His goodness. Come believing for new manifestations of the Holy Spirit in signs, wonders and miracles like never before as we together believe for the impossible. A Glory explosion in the supernatural as Righteousness and Praise spring forth! www.wcfym.com 820 E Busch Blvd. Tampa, Florida, 33612 813-933-4011 JANUARY 17-20 | Las Vegas, NV APOSTOLIC PROPHETIC ADVANCE Chuck Pierce / Cindy Jacobs www.iclv.com Westcliff Campus 8100 Westcliff Drive Las Vegas, NV 89145
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