Day 10 - 21 Days of Fasting & Prayer
If your family was asked to describe your character what would they say? If they were asked about your strengths and weaknesses would there be any surprises? Most of us have a public life and a private life and our families see us in our private lives when our guard is down. Who we are in public matters. But what our families and those who know us best see matters even more.
Day 10 – Through the eyes of those closest to you
I want to welcome you to Day Ten. As we’re fasting and praying together, we’re so thankful for this massive army that is joining us, all over the world, people fasting and praying. And today the focus is on, “Open my eyes, Lord, and let me see through the eyes of those who know me best.” You know, it’s our family that matters the most. And sometimes we’re impressing others, but we’re not really having impact on our own families. I pray that what we are in public is seen in private by our families. I also want to really encourage you to spend time with others who are fasting. You can do that in person or online. Another way to stay connected is to go to our website and blog with other people fasting just like you. Go to jentezenfranklin.org for fasting friends, recipes and other resources designed to help you finish this fast.
Seeing yourself through the eyes of those that know you best.
If your family was asked to describe your character what would they say? If they were asked about your strengths and weaknesses would there be any surprises? Most of us have a public life and a private life and our families see us in our private lives when our guard is down. Who we are in public matters. But what our families and those who know us best see matters even more.
If I’ve led thousands to the Lord but lost the respect and admiration of my family then something is not right. To see yourself through your immediate and extended family’s eyes and those who know you best is an exercise worth trying. I don’t ever want to be what’s standing between Jesus and those I love the most. And neither do you.
Prayer:
Father, today, on this 10th day, do a work in our families and in our own life, through the eyes of those who know us best. Let us be transparent and pure and real. Let us be kind. Let us be forgiving. Let us be compassionate one to another, tender-hearted, as the scripture said, with brothers, with sisters, with parents, with children, with any areas of reconciliation needed. I pray today for that kind of power to be released on our families and in our own lives, In Jesus’ name.
Prayer Points
Scriptures: Luke 11:33-36, Luke 12:2, Matthew 7:3-5, Galatians 6:1-10, 2 Corinthians 7:9-11, Hebrews 12:7-17
Luke 11:33, 36 - Lord, help me to be a bright light that shines outwardly for Jesus in the darkness of this world. Fill my entire life with the light of presence.
Luke 11:34 – Lord, fill my life with the light of your Presence. Let there be no hidden dark places or corners.
Luke 12:2 – Lord, help me to live in the fear of the Lord, that one day everything covered up will be revealed, all that is secret will be made known to all. I thank you that everything that I bring to the light of your presence and openly confess is covered by the blood of Jesus.
Matthew 7:3-5 – Lord, let me examine my life before I look at judging others.
1 Corinthians 7:9-10 – Lord, help to experience godly sorrow that leads to repentance (turning way from sin).
1 Corinthians 7 :11 – Lord, show me everything I need to do to make things right in my relationship with others.
Hebrew 12:7-9 – Lord, let submit to your discipline, as my heavenly Father, as it proves that I am truly your child, that you love.
Hebrews 12:10-11 – Lord, let your discipline lead us to a peaceful harvest of right living.
Hebrews 12:14 – Lord, help to work at living in peace with everyone and living a holy life.
Hebrews 12:15 – Lord, help me to look after others and let no poisonous root of bitterness grow in my life, because it will trouble and corrupt me.
Galatians 6:1 – Lord, if I see a fellow believer being overcome by sin, let me reach out gently and humbly to help them get back onto the right path with You.
Galatians 6:3 – Lord, help me to share other people’ burdens by bringing their requests to your throne of grace, with them in prayer.
Galatians 6:4 – Lord, may I pay attention to my own work as I am responsible for my own conduct.
Galatians 6:7-9 – Lord, may I walk in the truth I can never mock your justice … I will always reap what I sow, so help me to sow to my spirit and not my sinful nature (flesh).
Galatians 6:9-10 – Lord, strength me daily, so I don’t grow tired of doing good to everyone and especially those in the family of God.
Pastor's Chat at 8:00 pm tonight.
YouTube
ppt.church/live
OR
Conference Call
Dial: 647-977-2648 (Canada) / 202-602-1295 (USA)
Code: 827-220-552#
Day 9 - 21 Days of Fasting & Prayer
Welcome to Day Nine of our 21-day Fast. I have been to the mountain where the Bible said, “Jesus, for 40 days and 40 nights, fasted and prayed in the wilderness, being led by the Spirit.” I cannot imagine why He chose that place for such a historical event. It’s so barren out there with none of the comforts of our life. To be out in those extreme places and to know what Christ went through there was almost overwhelming.
Day 9 – Seeing Your Potential
Welcome to Day Nine of our 21-day Fast. I have been to the mountain where the Bible said, “Jesus, for 40 days and 40 nights, fasted and prayed in the wilderness, being led by the Spirit.” I cannot imagine why He chose that place for such a historical event. It’s so barren out there with none of the comforts of our life. To be out in those extreme places and to know what Christ went through there was almost overwhelming. Today, as we are fasting and we’re praying, I want to focus on those of you who are in a wilderness place right now. I want you to focus on being led of the Spirit, wherever the Spirit leads you. If He’s allowing you to be in the middle of a wilderness situation in your life, it’s because He’s going to bring something out of it. The Bible said, “Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit.” And that’s what I believe is going to happen to you on this fast. As you come out of it, you’re going to return in the power of the Holy Spirit – the very same spirit Jesus was talking about. If you haven’t been able to focus on anything other than your hunger pangs, you are about to experience a sweetness in your daily walk and prayer time. It’s a natural response from a supernatural God.
God has an Amazing Purpose for Your Life
Did you know you were created for a purpose that is bigger than you could imagine? In fact, if I could do anything differently in my thirty-plus years of ministry I would have dreamed bigger! Not only can I never out-give God – I can’t out-dream Him. And neither can you. If there is one thing I can tell you for certain it’s that God has a plan and a purpose for your life that He thought of long before you were even born. Scripture confirms this over and over. What an exciting time to be alive and what an amazing gift to know He has a plan and a purpose for the one life you’ve been given to live.
I want to challenge you to see what’s possible – and then see it bigger. It’s easy to imagine something for a moment and say, “That would be nice.” But I’m talking about actually getting a picture in your head and seeing it, today, tomorrow, and every day. And here’s the good news – none of what you can imagine is dependent solely on you. You plus the Lord is an army and anything is possible.
Prayer:
Allow me to pray for you today. Father, the Bible teaches that You, Jesus, were led of the Spirit, after being baptized in the Jordan River, to the wilderness to fast and pray. And God, I pray for those that are encountering their wilderness. I thank You today, that Your grace is sufficient. I thank You today that the Comforter is with us. And I thank You, Lord, that You’re going to bring people out of this fast, with the power of the Holy Spirit, resting heavily on them.
Prayer Points
Scriptures: John 10:12-14, Eph. 2:10, Joel 2:24-29, Habakkuk 2:2-3, Jer. 29:11-14, Prov. 16:1-4, Matt. 6:25-34
Confess any known and unknown sins.
John 10:12-14 – God wants us to truly see our potential – to care about what God calls us to do! Pray that that we will not run away when the going gets tough – but pray that we will be filled with courage – just like our good shepherd.
PPT we are in a wilderness situation right now with this Corona Virus! (Some of us may be in personal wilderness situations) However, we will come out better, stronger, and more in tune with the Lord as we persevere – Continue to press in – Don’t give up!
Eph. 2:10 – We are God’s masterpiece! He has prepared good things for us to do! Pray that we would dream big – see beyond our natural eyes!
Joel 2:24-29 – Pray that we would submit to the Holy Spirit in such a way that as we fast and pray that God would restore what the enemy has stolen. (e.g. peace, joy, finances, wayward children etc. list here ________________ and believe God to restore)
Pray that there would be a great outpouring of the Holy Spirit in our lives – that we would not be the same – that we would see ourselves the way God sees us – full of potential for His glory!
Habakkuk 2:2-3 – Pray that we would trust what the word of God has said about us (So many promises!) Pray that we would patiently wait for it to come to pass.
Pray that we will see what is possible for our lives. Sometimes we are so shortsighted – God wants us to dream (pray this seriously)
Jer. 29:11-14 – Father help each person, each family, and our church to know that you have tremendous plans for us. Our minds, our world and the devil may burden us with negative thoughts – However, Lord help us to shake off these thoughts and know that your thoughts for us is for good not evil. Your plans for us is for peace, hope and a bright future.
Prov. 16:1-4 – Pray that we would commit or actions to the Lord. He will cause our plans to be realized!
Pray for PPT Pastors, and Leaders that they would continue to encourage each congregational person to fulfill the potential that God has purposed for their lives. We have not begun to see all that God has in store for us.
God bless you as you fast and pray.
Group prayer at 8:00 pm tonight.
Conference Call
Dial: 647-977-2648 (Canada) / 202-602-1295 (USA)
Code: 827-220-552#
Day 8 - 21 Days of Fasting & Prayer
This is Day Eight of our 21-Day Fast, and we’re so glad that you’re joining us on this fast. One of the interesting things about fasting is that even though your world has been turned upside down for a season – the rest of the world goes along as if nothing is happening. But let me be the first to remind you – something is happening and all of heaven is sitting up and taking notice. Don’t look back now. Press on and press in!
Day 8 – Seeing Your Current Situation
This is Day Eight of our 21-Day Fast, and we’re so glad that you’re joining us on this fast. One of the interesting things about fasting is that even though your world has been turned upside down for a season – the rest of the world goes along as if nothing is happening. But let me be the first to remind you – something is happening and all of heaven is sitting up and taking notice. Don’t look back now. Press on and press in!
Seeing God in the Storms of Life
Many times, the greatest obstacle to moving forward with the Lord isn’t in the past; it’s some paralyzing event or set of circumstances happening right now. Criticism, betrayal, conflict or even things like a bad medical report or a child who is far away from God can stop you where you stand and things like purpose, calling, and legacy seem like a distant, fading ship in the fog. I bring you good news – Jesus hasn’t gone anywhere, and just like He was with Peter when Peter walked on water – He is right there to save you. Your hope is not gone. Your future is secure and that set of circumstances you find yourself in is but a season, not a sentence. When your world appears as though it’s all falling apart in the physical, it’s actually falling into place in the spiritual. God’s got you!
Recently, Cherise and I were at the Dead Sea, which is literally the lowest place on the earth. Maybe you’re there, spiritually. Maybe you’re there emotionally. The reason that it’s called the “Dead Sea” is because there’s nothing living in it. It’s so salty because it has no outlets. It only takes in, it doesn’t give out. Here is the lesson of the Dead Sea: When you get discouraged, go and help somebody else. Encourage somebody else. Love somebody else. Don’t become a Dead Sea, only taking in and never giving out. Sometimes when you’re fasting and praying, it will bring up a lot of negative emotions. Elijah, when he fasted, went under a juniper tree and became depressed. Fasting cleanses us spiritually, yes, but it cleanses and stirs us emotionally as well. But what brought Elijah out of his cave of depression was when God told him to go anoint somebody else. When he went and anointed three people, his depression lifted. Trust Him and draw near. He is your protector, defender and your strong tower. He goes before you and prepares the way. In times like these you have to trust God and lean not in your own understanding. Keep walking with Him; especially when your emotions are taking you down a darker path. Stop where you are, look up and call out His name. He will answer you and direct your path back to the light. Trust in the Lord and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths (Proverbs 3:5-6). This is a promise you can count on when your emotions cause you to fear and see only the negative.
Prayer:
Father, encourage people today. Turn them from a Dead Sea to a flowing mighty river. Today when they are tempted to take their eyes off of You and onto the storm, remind them of the hope of glory You’ve called them to. Shift their perspective and focus to find You in every storm. Remind them that You are near to the broken-hearted and close to the crushed in spirit. In Jesus’ Name.
Prayer Points
Scriptures: Matthew 14:27-32, Proverbs 3:5-6, 2 Corinthians 4
Lord please restore the joy of thy salvation. Restore everything that has been lost or taken from me. (Psalm 51:12)
Lord according to your Word you have not changed. I will remember this today (Hebrews 13:8)
In obedience to your Word I will look beyond me and encourage someone (Hebrews 13:13)
Lord, I choose not to lean not to my own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Father help me to see you in the storm, knowing you are there with me as you were with the disciples (Matthew 14:27-32)
Group prayer at 8:00 pm tonight.
Conference Call
Dial: 647-977-2648 (Canada) / 202-602-1295 (USA)
Code: 827-220-552#
Day 7 - 21 Days of Fasting & Prayer
Today I want to challenge you to a time of self-reflection and honest inquiry with the Lord. It seems like everyone calls themselves a Christian these days, but we know that simply isn’t true. To be born again means just that – there has been a death to the old you and you have become a new creation. I am always a bit taken back to read where people can live together out of wedlock, steal on their taxes, rage at their spouse, or fill in the blank…and still come to church, lift their hands to Jesus and worship as if there was nothing wrong. For some it is sheer rebellion and disobedience. They know better and they choose to live in it. But I have also encountered people who sincerely and genuinely do not know that what they are doing is wrong in God’s eyes.
Day 7 - Seeing Your Sin
Welcome to Day Seven of fasting and prayer. One full week at the end of today. Drink your water and fight for time with the Lord. He is much nearer than you might have imagined and your breakthrough is closer than you think. Press in. There are literally hundreds of thousands of people who are joining us on this fast, and we’re so thankful that you’re doing it today. I was recently in a very special place, the Garden of Gethsemane. As I stood there, I had you on my mind. And I prayed, “God, open their eyes to the price that Jesus paid and the value He placed on each of them when His sweat became as drops of blood; where He, in great anguish, took the cup and took into His body their sins, diseases, pain, and heartache.” Many of you are feeling the weakness of your flesh, and your spirit is willing saying, “Don’t quit. Don’t give up. You can do it. Seek God. Seek God.” But your flesh is saying, “Just quit. What difference is it making?” You know what? I would almost guarantee, if you’re truly fasting, you’ve entered into such warfare that the enemy has hit you with things out of nowhere and you want to give up. I’m praying for you that you will not quit, that you will not give up, but you will seek God and finish this first week with great victory. You know what? The devil’s a liar because he said you wouldn’t make it seven days, and you’ve made it seven days, and now you’re going to make it another seven days, and another seven days, because your heart is set to seek the Lord.
Open My Eyes to My Sin – If there be any wicked way in me, show me, Lord.
Today I want to challenge you to a time of self-reflection and honest inquiry with the Lord. It seems like everyone calls themselves a Christian these days, but we know that simply isn’t true. To be born again means just that – there has been a death to the old you and you have become a new creation. I am always a bit taken back to read where people can live together out of wedlock, steal on their taxes, rage at their spouse, or fill in the blank…and still come to church, lift their hands to Jesus and worship as if there was nothing wrong. For some it is sheer rebellion and disobedience. They know better and they choose to live in it. But I have also encountered people who sincerely and genuinely do not know that what they are doing is wrong in God’s eyes.
It isn’t always some overt in your face sin. For some it’s things they do in private, or in relationships, or even things they were brought up believing are normal. For others, it’s living in unforgiveness or bitterness. Ask the Lord to open your eyes to anything He wants to rid you of – take from you – or set you free from. Sometimes we can’t see sin with our natural eyes. But if you will ask if there is something there, He will show you. There is no time like during a fast when you are washing out all the toxins and impurities to have those areas of darkness and sin washed out as well.
Prayer:
Father, I pray today that our spirit man would become so strong that, as we fast, the flesh would be reduced and the spirit be made more and more like the image of Jesus Christ. We submit everything to You in prayer. Lord, I hold up the people who are fasting and praying these 21 days. I hold up their families. I hold up all the prayer requests that have been coming in. I hold them up, Lord, and I ask You to move mightily. Release angels the way an angel came and ministered to You in the Garden of Gethsemane, Lord. I pray angels will be released on this fast, angels that fight, angels that direct, angels that stand by us through life’s greatest storms. In Jesus’ mighty name, Hallelujah.
Prayer Points
Scriptures: Psalms 139:21-24, Isaiah 44:22, Psalms 51, Romans 6:1-14, Romans 8:1-11, 1 John 1:5-10
Psalm 139:21-24 – Lord, please search my heart and point out anything in me that offends you.
Psalm 51:1 – Lord have mercy on me because of your unfailing love.
Psalm 51:3-5 – Lord, recognize and admit that my sin is a rebellion against you first and foremost. That you O Lord are proven right in what you say in your word about sin and your judgments.
Psalm 51:2,7 – Lord, as I confess my sin, thank you that you are washing me clean from my guilt, and purifying me from my sin.
Psalm 51:8 – Lord, create in me a clean heart, renew a right spirit within me, don’t banish me from your presence, don’t take your Holy Spirit from me and restore unto me the joy of your salvation.
Isaiah 44:22 – Lord, thank you that You have swept away my sins like a cloud, you have scattered my offences like the morning mist.
1 John 1:5-10 – Lord, thank you for your promise that when we confess our sins to you. You are faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse of all unrighteousness.
Romans 8:2,10 – Lord, thank you that the power of your life-giving Spirit has freed me from the power of sin by Christ’s death on the cross.
Romans 6:6 – Lord, thank you that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ, so that sin might lose its power in our lives.
Romans 6:7 – Lord, let me consider myself dead to the power of sin and alive to you, through Jesus Christ.
Romans 6:12 – Lord, let me to not let sin control the way I live. Holy Spirit help me not give into sinful desires.
Romans 8:6 – Holy Spirit, may my mind be controlled by You, which leads to life and peace.
Romans 6:14 – Lord, thank you for helping me live under the freedom of Your grace.
Pastor's Chat at 8:00 pm tonight.
YouTube
ppt.church/live
OR
Conference Call
Dial: 647-977-2648 (Canada) / 202-602-1295 (USA)
Code: 827-220-552#
Day 6 - 21 Days of Fasting & Prayer
Stay the course! Your first full work week is coming to an end and you can spend more time with the Lord as you fast. By now you have probably experienced it all: headaches, nausea, the brown tongue and the bad breath it produces, and the low energy spells. I promise you, if you will stay the course, there is a sweetness coming when you hit your stride in week two.
Day 6 – Perfect vision is not enough – eyes on one side only.
Stay the course! Your first full work week is coming to an end and you can spend more time with the Lord as you fast. By now you have probably experienced it all: headaches, nausea, the brown tongue and the bad breath it produces, and the low energy spells. I promise you, if you will stay the course, there is a sweetness coming when you hit your stride in week two. Today, we’re fasting and praying, and we’re going to really center in on one word: focus. Ask God to give you the focus that you need this new year. Ask Him to show you what you need to focus on. Some people have 20/20 vision of their past, and they only focus on what’s behind them. They’re completely blind to the amazing future that God has for them. Whether you are wildly successful, or you’re enduring some of the greatest trials of your life, you don’t need to focus on your past. You need to focus on the future. God stands ready to hand you the next chapter of your life, but if all you can see is what’s behind you, you’ll never know what’s before you. Leave the past behind, and turn around, and see all that God has for you. He said in the scripture, “Not that I have already attained, or that I have perfected, but I press on and I fix my eyes on what lies ahead. I lay hold of that which the Lord Jesus has for me, and I do not count myself to have apprehended, but one thing I do, I forget those things which are behind and I reach forward into those things which are ahead.” That’s what God wants you to do. Focus on what’s ahead, not on what’s behind. I believe you’re going to find that upward call of Jesus Christ.
Focus is Everything
You can’t grab hold of your future if you’re focused on your past. Allow me to paint a word picture. If your body is turned in one direction you can’t see what’s behind you because it’s physically impossible. You have to turn around to see the other direction. The same is true spiritually. Some people have 20/20 vision of their past – but they are completely blind to the amazing future God has for them.
Whether you were wildly successful or endured some of life’s greatest hardships in your past, at some point you have to turn your back on all that, turn around and adjust your focus on your future. God stands ready to hand you the next chapter of your life, but if all He can see is your back, you’ll never even know He’s there. Leave the past behind; turn around and see all the Lord has for you.
Prayer:
Father, we pray today for the right focus. Open our eyes to focus in on what matters, focus on our family, focus on our marriages, focus on people that love us, and that we love. Help us to have a focus, most importantly, on You, Jesus. We’re not fasting to be fasting. We’re fasting to see You, to focus on You, to make You supreme Lord of our lives.
Prayer Points
Scriptures: Philippians 3:12-14; Genesis 19:12-29; Hebrews 12:1-2; Isaiah 43:18-19; 2 Corinthians 5:16-21
Let us pray against the belief or feeling that we have arrived or that we have made it and content to just stay where we are…. Philippians 3:12
Lord helps us to move forward; stop looking at what’s behind us, leaving the past behind, leaving our past successes and failures….. Philippians 3:13
Lord help us to forget what lies behind and press on, reaching forward to the amazing future that lies ahead for us in Christ…...Philippians 3:14
Lord open our eyes to the right focus, to what is important: laying hold on Jesus……Philippians 3:14
Lord help us to heed your call to get up, get out of this place and escape for your life, don’t stay in the valley and don’t look behind at what you are leaving- step into the next chapter of your life- God has a better future for you. Genesis 19:14-17
Lord help us to run the race with endurance, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith……Hebrews 12:1-2
Let's pray against remembering or pondering the past things but move into the New things God is doing…… Isaiah 18-19
Let us pray and remember our status and privilege: we are New creature in Christ and New things have come….. 2 Corinthians 5:16-17
Group prayer at 8:00 pm tonight.
Conference Call
Dial: 647-977-2648 (Canada) / 202-602-1295 (USA)
Code: 827-220-552#
Day 5 - 21 Days of Fasting & Prayer
After you have fasted for 5 days your energy level may decrease because you are lacking the two things that normally keep you wound up: caffeine and sugar. Thankfully, the low energy blues don’t last too long if you will stick to your plan. As you fast today, remember this: gratitude determines your attitude.
Day 5 – Gratitude Determines Attitude
After you have fasted for 5 days your energy level may decrease because you are lacking the two things that normally keep you wound up: caffeine and sugar. Thankfully, the low energy blues don’t last too long if you will stick to your plan. As you fast today, remember this: gratitude determines your attitude. We need a spirit of gratitude, and what we’re praying for is that we will be thankful. One thing fasting does is it clears your mind. It removes all of the distractions of normal life, and you begin to develop a gratitude of your salvation and the fact that your name is written in heaven. Fasting reminds you of the fact that you have a covenant with God. When I fast, all of the problems of life that were so big before I started fasting begin to shrink. They become small when I get in the presence of God. I hope you’ll do that today as you worship. Put on some worship, and create an attitude of gratitude. Begin to thank God. Bless Him, out loud. Say praise words and praise phrases to God, and tell Him thank You for everything, for the small things and the great things. He’s worthy of the praise. People with great faith approach situations differently because they know the battle is won before they ever enter the room. They take the high road of just praising God, giving Him the glory. Just say, “Lord, I want You to give me on this fast a fresh attitude of gratitude.” If you’ll do that, you’ll see the goodness of the Lord in your life. “These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me, you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation,” Jesus said, “But be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” Listen to that. “Be of good cheer.” (John 16:33) Get an attitude of gratitude, smile, and thank God for His goodness in your life today. Give us that spirit that says, “God, I’m grateful.”
Your Gratitude Determines Your Attitude
In every situation you encounter there is always one thing you have complete control over: your attitude. Your attitude determines your approach and your approach to a situation or another person can escalate or de-escalate, bring tension or calm, trust or turmoil. If you truly believe that the Lord works all things together for your good, then start there. Start knowing that God is going to bring something good into every situation – that He has your best interest in mind.
I have learned through experience that a person’s attitude can tell me a lot about their level of faith. People with great faith approach situations differently because they know the battle is won before they ever enter the room. They take the high road because they know it’s not all about them. If you want to go higher with the Lord – then be humble – if you want to soar with eagles then learn patience and perseverance in the valley, knowing you are in God’s hands.
Prayer:
Father, bless and keep us today, and give us the spirit that says, “God, I’m grateful. If You never did anything else for me other than sending Your Son to die for me, it would be more than enough. Forgive me for the times I lose sight of that and develop an attitude of complaining and griping. Develop in me an attitude of gratitude that cannot be shaken. Today I will give thanks for You are good and Your love endures forever.”
Prayer Points
Scriptures: John 16:33; Isaiah 43:1-2; Psalms 138; 145; Hebrews 12:28-29; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Thank God that you are alive to partake in this year’s fasting program.
1 John 1:9 - Confess any known and unknown sins.
Bring sincere repentance unto the Lord regarding any hidden sin that may hinder the move of God during and after this 21-day prayer and fasting
Decree that no plan of the enemy shall hinder you in this 21-day fasting program.
Psalm 145:1-2 – I will extol You my God oh King, I will praise and bless You everyday. (praise Him fervently)
Psalm 145:3 – Great are You Lord; Your greatness is unsearchable and unmeasurable. (praise Him fervently)
Hebrews 12:29 – Lord, I declare that I will not serve any other god(s) than You Jehovah.
Hebrews 12:29 - Lord, burn every chaff in my life in Jesus’ name.
John 16:33 – Jehovah Shalom, I thank You for the assurance of peace and victory in our difficult times especially this pandemic times.
John 16:33 – Lord, I pray for this assured peace and victory for myself, household and PPT in Jesus’ name.
Isaiah 43:1-2 – Father, I claim the promise(s) of assured victory in the following situations … for myself, household and PPT. (mention them as outline in the verses)
Psalm 138:2 – The I AM God, I thank You for the fact that Your promises are backed by the honour of Your name. (praise Him fervently)
Psalm 138:7 - My Saviour, by Your right hand deliver and protect me and my household from all our troubles. (mention them)
Psalm 138:7 - My Saviour, by Your right hand deliver and protect PPT and the global church from all the covid-19 troubles. (mention them)
Psalm 138:7 - My Saviour, by Your right hand deliver and protect our city, country and the nations of the world from all the covid-19 troubles.
1 Thess 5:16-18 – Lord, I will be thankful, joyful and never stop praying in Jesus’ name.
Pray for the persecuted church globally
Group prayer at 8:00 pm tonight.
Conference Call
Dial: 647-977-2648 (Canada) / 202-602-1295 (USA)
Code: 827-220-552#
Day 4 - 21 Days of Fasting & Prayer
Welcome to Day Four of The Twenty-One Day Fast. By now, you have endured the headaches of those first couple of days as your body began to shed itself of the toxins and poisons we have learned to live with the last twelve months. By today, your stomach has begun to shrink, and for many of you, your hunger has subsided provided you have been drinking enough water – your best friend.
Day 4 – When we only see what we look for
Welcome to Day Four of The Twenty-One Day Fast. By now, you have endured the headaches of those first couple of days as your body began to shed itself of the toxins and poisons we have learned to live with the last twelve months. By today, your stomach has begun to shrink, and for many of you, your hunger has subsided provided you have been drinking enough water – your best friend. But what will begin to sneak up on you at this stage are those pesky cravings. Remember, for most people, your body runs on an internal clock and when you wake up the stomach says to the brain, “It’s breakfast time. Time to eat!” The same thing happens at lunch and dinner time. We’re believing God to open your eyes in every situation. You can choose to see the negative or you can choose to see the positive, and that’s what happens when you begin to fast. God opens your eyes to wonderful things that are happening all around you. Both of us have more to praise God for than to gripe about. There is a unique discipline to the approach that we take when we begin to say, “God, open my eyes to life. Open my eyes to joy. Open my eyes on this fast to hope and victory. Open my eyes, Lord, so that I can see not with a critical eye, but with an encouraging eye that is filled with vision and expectation, approaching every situation knowing that God is up to something amazing.” He can even take the bad situations and make them great. He can make a good situation out of what has seemingly been a disaster in your life. That’s why the scripture said: “All things work together for good to those that love God, and that are called according to His purpose.” Push through these moments of weakness by replacing them with prayer, praise or even a walk sometimes helps. Remember, you are not alone!
Your Approach is Everything
I have learned that in every situation, people choose what they will focus on. Some are going to find everything that is wrong in every room they enter, while another group sees all the amazing and wonderful things that are happening. We see what we look for. The same applies to the way we see each other. There is a unique discipline to the approach we take to people, places, and situations. I have learned that your approach can speak life or death into every situation including your own. When that critical eye is turned on yourself it not only can be discouraging, it can be disastrous. But by the same token – approaching every situation knowing God is up to something amazing can take a bad situation and make it great – and a great situation and make it historic.
I have learned that in nearly every situation, especially in tense or difficult seasons or moments, there are two kinds of people. Most are what I call “thermometers” while a much smaller number are “thermostats.” Thermometers can tell you all about the room. They can describe every difficulty and flaw in great detail and can even define the problem – often times when no one else in the room even knew there was a problem. Far too often, these well-meaning folks can carry a spirit of negativity that can stop a move of God in its tracks. They have an eye for detail which can be a good thing, but if that eye is only looking for what’s wrong in the room, it can miss everything good that is happening. They see what they look for and what they look for are all the flaws – all the imperfections and they miss a move of the Spirit taking place in the very same room. “Thermostats” on the other hand see the same room, even the same problems and, rather than just announce the issues, they adjust the thermostat – and the temperature in the room changes without anyone even noticing the subtle change. They see the value in what is happening and look for ways to call attention to the good and minimize the bad. They don’t just explain what they see – they take action.
Prayer:
God, take the negativity out of me, and put in me the spirit of hope, faith, and love. Lord, we agree for it. Touch our eyes, open our eyes to see the positive. Help us to think positive thoughts. Teach us to believe for good things. Remind us that we will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
Prayer Points
Scriptures: Romans 8:28; Numbers 13; Ephesians 1; Philippians 4:4-9
Thank God that you are alive to partake in this year’s fasting program.
1 John 1:9 - Confess any known and unknown sins.
Bring sincere repentance unto the Lord regarding any hidden sin that may hinder the move of God during and after this 21-day prayer and fasting
Decree that no plan of the enemy shall hinder you in this 21-day fasting program.
Rom 8:28 – Lord, in 2021 help me to see what You see in my situations (my life, household, the world around me) and not what I Iook for in Jesus’ name. (pray this seriously)
Rom 8:28 – Jehovah the miracle worker, turn things around for me in 2021 from the past in Jesus’ name. (mention them)
Numbers 13:27-29 – God give me the right perspective(s) of the situations concerning me, my household and church in 2021.
Numbers 13:27-29 – Father give our leaders in 2021, (spiritual, social, political) the right perspectives of our towns, cities, churches and countries.
Number 13:30 – Lord, release the spirit that was upon Caleb upon me, my household, and PPT in 2021.
Numbers 13:31-33 – Lord, increase my faith this year.
Ephesians 1:9-10 – Jesus help me to see Your plan for myself, household, church and the nations this year.
Ephesians 1:9 – In Jesus’ name, Lord bring everything happening in our world today under the authority of Christ. (pray this seriously)
Phil 4:6 – Lord, help me to pray through all things this year in Jesus’ name.
Phil 1:6 – Father, help the church to pray through all things this year in Jesus’ name.
Phil 1:7 – May the peace of God guard my heart and mind in 2021.
Phil 1:7 – May the peace of God guard the hearts and minds of the church in 2021.
Pray for the persecuted church globally.
Group prayer at 8:00 pm tonight.
Conference Call
Dial: 647-977-2648 (Canada) / 202-602-1295 (USA)
Code: 827-220-552#
Day 3 - 21 Days of Fasting & Prayer
Welcome to Day Three of the Twenty-One Day Fast. By now you have fully entered something called “ketosis” which is your body’s way of saying that something is happening that is out of the ordinary. You will begin to notice a thick brown coat on your tongue and most will begin to lose weight, mostly water weight. Your body has also begun to adjust and some of the headaches and deep hunger pangs will begin to subside. But something else will begin to happen as well. As you work your way through the day noticing every restaurant and pizza commercial known to mankind – there will be moments of clarity. Don’t make it all about fighting through and just surviving each day. Even in the weak moments – especially in the weak moments – press in. I have learned that when I am at my weakest, if I will listen, He is the loudest. If you will see past your physical desires, you will see a whole new dimension of your Savior and you will hear His voice speak into your life and your future.
Day 3 – God's Power
Welcome to Day Three of the Twenty-One Day Fast. By now you have fully entered something called “ketosis” which is your body’s way of saying that something is happening that is out of the ordinary. You will begin to notice a thick brown coat on your tongue and most will begin to lose weight, mostly water weight. Your body has also begun to adjust and some of the headaches and deep hunger pangs will begin to subside. But something else will begin to happen as well. As you work your way through the day noticing every restaurant and pizza commercial known to mankind – there will be moments of clarity. Don’t make it all about fighting through and just surviving each day. Even in the weak moments – especially in the weak moments – press in. I have learned that when I am at my weakest, if I will listen, He is the loudest. If you will see past your physical desires, you will see a whole new dimension of your Savior and you will hear His voice speak into your life and your future.
Seeing God’s Power
Today’s topic is the power of God. You need to know that the very same power that raised Jesus from the dead is alive in you right this minute! So many times we say, “All things are possible with God!” quoting the famous passage from Luke 1:37. But do we really believe that? Is anything possible? What about for you personally? When Jesus gave the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, He gave us power to do what most would consider impossible. As I stood in the city of Jerusalem recently, I was reminded of the Upper Room where God sent the Holy Spirit. On that day we were all given power – power over the enemy, power to move mountains, power that heals, power that produces the anointing which breaks the yoke. I want to challenge you to look at a few places in your own life that perhaps you have given up on such as dreams, salvation for friends or relatives that seem unreachable, and even for miracles you need right now – a bad medical report, finances, a wayward child, a broken marriage. God is still in the miracle-working business and through the Holy Spirit we have the power living in us to change lives and circumstances in a moment.
Prayer:
Father, I ask You for supernatural power and anointing and resurrection power in dead dreams, dead marriages, and dead situations that feel like they are over. Lord, I know Your anointing can come. Send that power to our nation and to the world. Send Your power, Holy Spirit and open our eyes. Give us the vision that You have for such a time as this. In Jesus’ name.
Prayer Points
Scriptures: Luke 1:37, Romans 8:11, 1 Thessalonians 1:5, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Ephesians 3:14-21, Isaiah 40:25-31
Lord, as we begin this new year, I fully acknowledge that the Spirit of God lives in my heart and I ask that Jesus be Lord of my life … Ephesians 3:17; Romans 8:11
Lord, please resurrect your plans for my life … Romans 8:11
Lord, please build my confidence in the Word of God and the promises you have made in it, for nothing is impossible with God … Luke 1:37 (NLT)
Lord, let faith rise in my heart to believe that all things are possible with God this year … Luke 1:37 (NKJV)
Lord, let faith arise in my heart to continue to believe for the salvation of family, friends, and relatives … Luke 1:37
Lord, resurrect my faith in your power to work miracles in my life, relationships, health, finances … Luke 1:37
Lord, help me to comprehend to some dimension your scope of love for us and the power of God living in us … Ephesians 3:18.19
Lord, let there be a demonstration of God’s Power in my life … Ephesians 3:16
Lord, let there be a demonstration of Your Power in Your kingdom for Your purposes … to move mountains this year … lay hands on the sick and see them recover … overcome the enemy … to break every yoke that binds us and others … Ephesians 3:20
Lord, release the power of your Spirit this year to transform us and change our lives and circumstances … Ephesians 3:20
Lord, we pray you would receive all the glory this year … Ephesians 3:21
Pastor's Chat at 8:00 pm tonight.
YouTube
ppt.church/live
OR
Conference Call
Dial: 647-977-2648 (Canada) / 202-602-1295 (USA)
Code: 827-220-552#
Day 2 - 21 Days of Fasting & Prayer
Day Two of the Fast is here and you have made it through one of the toughest days – the first one. By now, you are feeling the initial phase of any fast. For many people, today is the hardest, especially if your body is used to receiving a daily dose of caffeine from soda or coffee and the cry of the flesh for its greatest enemy – sugar! Press through today by drinking lots of water and clinging to Jesus. He is nearer than you ever imagined. Press in and ask your questions – spend time in worship and gratitude and allow Him to begin to unpack and heal the broken places and go before you in the stressful situations.
Day 2 – God's Ways
Day Two of the Fast is here and you have made it through one of the toughest days – the first one. By now, you are feeling the initial phase of any fast. For many people, today is the hardest, especially if your body is used to receiving a daily dose of caffeine from soda or coffee and the cry of the flesh for its greatest enemy – sugar! Press through today by drinking lots of water and clinging to Jesus. He is nearer than you ever imagined. Press in and ask your questions – spend time in worship and gratitude and allow Him to begin to unpack and heal the broken places and go before you in the stressful situations.
Today, we’re emphasizing that God’s ways are not our ways. When you think about the situations that you’re facing, it’s so important to know God’s will in every situation. He enlightens us and He opens our eyes to His wisdom, knowledge, and direction for our life. One thing God promises when you fast is that He’ll open your eyes to divine direction.
His Ways Are Higher Than Our Ways
To know what God thinks about any situation you first have to understand that His ways and His thoughts are very different than our own. To know God’s will in every situation means you have to know Him personally and that can only happen through growing in His Word, through prayer, and by coming under Godly preaching and wise teachers. God will grow you up into maturity if you will make these a priority. You can settle for seeing what you can see in each of your children or you can see them through God’s eyes. You can try to work your way out of a sticky situation or you can inquire of the Lord and allow Him to show you a better way. His ways are knowable but you have to commit to the process of growing up in the Lord.
I want to encourage you today. You can try to work things out your way, and do it yourself, or you can say, “Lord, Your ways are better than my ways, and I’m going to commit the process to You. I give it to You on this fast.” Do not be conformed to this world, the Bible says, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the good and acceptable will of God. When you fast, you’re presenting your body as a living sacrifice. Fasting will help you find the perfect will of God in 2020 for your life. One of the most powerful truths of the Christian faith is that you don’t have to have all the answers. Your heavenly Father is the answer for every question and dilemma you will ever face. We waste so much time and energy worrying or trying to plan for every eventuality when the answer is so simple. Seek Him. Seek Him first. Matthew chapter six holds so many truths for how to live and how to approach every situation. It even contains the Lord’s prayer to teach us how to pray the model prayer. But if you read on to the end of the chapter you eventually come to this:
“Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Matthew 6:25-34
Prayer:
Lord, I thank You for everything You’ve done for me. I ask You to remind me that Your thoughts and Your ways are higher. Your purpose for my life is so much better than anything I could ever imagine or ask for. Help me remember when I don’t believe it sometimes. I know that You are greater than anything I could ever need and even when it is hard, I still need You, Lord. Help me as I fast and pray during this season. In the name of Jesus, today, I pray that our eyes will be opened, not to our way, but to Your way. Not to our will, but to Your will. And so, as we fast, and as we pray, open our eyes, give us solutions, give us answers, give us direction, God, for this new year. We seek You early, we seek You earnestly and with our whole heart.
Prayer Points
Scriptures: Romans 12:2; Ephesians 4:14-15; Isaiah 55; Psalms 19:7-10
Second day of fast – ask the Lord for supernatural strength to persevere
Rom 12:2 – pray that as we fast that our minds would be transformed from conformity to the world to being renewed – so that we would know the will and ways of God.
Eph. 4:14 – Pray that as we get to know God’s ways, that we will not be tossed back and forth by any false doctrines.
Eph. 4:14 – Pray that we (myself, my household, PPT) would not be tricked by any deceitful plotting coming from anyone – that we would know and walk in the mind of Christ.
Eph. 4:15 – Pray that we could speak the truth in love (It will hurt at times but necessary in these last days) – that we would grow up/mature in the things of God.
Isaiah 55:1 – Pray that we would be thirsty for the ways of God not the ways of the world – that we would listen to Him carefully
Isaiah 55: 1-3 – Pray that we would not try to work things out in our own way or wisdom – that we would commit to His way and see the fruit.
Isaiah 55: 6,7 – Seek the Lord, call upon Him, forsake our wicked ways, return to Him and He WILL abundantly pardon – Oh how He loves us!
Isaiah 55: 8-11 – God’s ways are higher than our ways – Pray that we would trust Him and His word to accomplish great things in our lives, in our church, and in the world.
Ps. 19:7-10 – The ways of the lord are: perfect, right, pure, clean, true and righteous. Pray that we would desire His ways more than gold or the sweetest things in this world – there is such great reward in following His ways.
Matt: 6:33 – Let us seek Him above everything else and He promises to take care of us – PPT let our Faith arise! – knowing that our God will take care of us in the midst of whatever we are facing. His ways will keep our minds strong during and through this Covid crisis.
Group prayer at 8:00 pm tonight.
Conference Call
Dial: 647-977-2648 (Canada) / 202-602-1295 (USA)
Code: 827-220-552#
Day 1 - 21 Days of Fasting & Prayer
Hello and welcome to Day One of the 21-Day Fast. When you fast to start off the year, you are telling God that your relationship with Him is your top priority for the year. Today is day one and as you walk through your 21-day journey this devotion is designed to walk every step of the way with you. Whether you are doing water only right now or the Daniel Fast, the first day is the most important day.
Day 1 – God's Eyes
Hello and welcome to Day One of the 21-Day Fast. When you fast to start off the year, you are telling God that your relationship with Him is your top priority for the year. Today is day one and as you walk through your 21-day journey this devotion is designed to walk every step of the way with you. Whether you are doing water only right now or the Daniel Fast, the first day is the most important day.
At some point today, you will probably experience hunger pangs. Your body has a clock and when your normal meal times come around, your body signals that it’s time to eat. Allow those pangs to be reminders that it’s time to pray. So settle in, allow the Lord to do a work like you have never known, and let’s get started together.
Seeing Your Life Through God’s Eyes
Seeing your life only through your own eyes can present a very narrow, critical, and limiting view of yourself. Where you see failure, God sees a ministry. Where you see all you don’t have, God reminds you of all you do have. When you can’t see a way out or a path forward, God sees through to the other side. Where you see defeat, God sees a victory in the making. You must learn to see yourself and your situation through God’s eyes if you intend to see what’s true, what’s possible, and what God has planned. That’s what this fast is all about. Over this next 21 days, allow the Lord to open your eyes into every part of your life to see all He has for you and all He is doing in you.
And so, as you’re joining us on the first day of the fast, I really want to encourage you to begin to expect God to fill you with vision. Vision for your life, vision for your family, vision for your business. Day one will be the most important day because half the battle is simply getting out of the boat and starting to walk. Our theme for the twenty-one days is “Open My Eyes.” Each day contains prayer designed to take you deeper into all God has for you in this new year and new season.
Prayer:
We’re beginning this year saying, “God, open our eyes.” Open our eyes to wonderful things. Open our eyes to revelation. Open our eyes to Your plan, Your direction, and Your purpose. Show us who You are. Show us Your glory. Open our eyes. Give us the eyes that Ephesians 1 talks about, the eyes of understanding. Lord, I ask that You give me eyes to see. I know that many things in my life will have distraction but I ask You to give me Your vision in whichever direction I look. Give me the perspective of Your sight, Your thoughts, and Your desires. For the things I should not be focusing on, turn my head and shift my eyes back to You.
Prayer Points
Scriptures: Ephesians 1:18, Philippians 4, Psalms 119:29-40, Ephesians 2:10, Hebrews 4:12-13
Pray that God would give us understanding so we can walk confidently in the hope, He has given us. (Ephesians 1:8)
Based on the Word of God, I am a masterpiece created to do good things which he has already planned in advance for me. (Ephesians 2:10)
Lord help me to truly know your Word is powerful and never needs sharpening to do its work. Your Word tells me You see everything nothing is hidden from you based on your Word (Hebrews 4:12-13)
According to Your Word in Psalm 119, Lord keep me from lying by holding on to and living by Your Word.
Help me to desire your Word and give me understanding. (Psalm 119:34-40)
Your eyes see everything, help me abandon my shame.
Lord, renew my life with your goodness.
Group prayer at 8:00 pm tonight.
Conference Call
Dial: 647-977-2648 (Canada) / 202-602-1295 (USA)
Code: 827-220-552#
Day of Fasting & Prayer - December 2, 2020
"… Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” —Luke 2:14
Join us for a day of fasting & prayer this Wednesday, December 2. Our carol devotional for that day is Angels We Have Heard On High and reflects on the glory of God as it was revealed on that first Christmas night.
Glory to God in the Highest
"… Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” —Luke 2:14
Join us for a day of fasting & prayer this Wednesday, December 2. Our carol devotional for that day is Angels We Have Heard On High and reflects on the glory of God as it was revealed on that first Christmas night.
Angels we have heard on high, Sweetly singing o'er the plains
And the mountains in reply, Echoing their joyous strainsAngels we have heard on high, Sweetly, sweetly through the night
And the mountains in reply, Echoing their brief delightGloria, in excelsis Deo, Gloria, in excelsis Deo
Shepherds, why this jubilee?, Why your joyous strains prolong?
What the gladsome tidings be, Which inspire your heavenly song?Gloria, in excelsis Deo. Gloria, in excelsis Deo
Come to Bethlehem and see, Him whose birth the angels sing,
Come, adore on bended knee, Christ the Lord, the newborn King.
Another powerful incident is recorded in Scriptures, where Peter, James and John were taken up on a mountain with Jesus and He was transfigured in their presence and His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became white as the light. (Matt. 17:1-9)
Christmas is all about the glory of God being manifested in human flesh—Jesus! Let’s pray that people will experience awe-inspiring moments with God this month and that these moments will bring transformation in their lives. Whether believers or non-believers, God desires to orchestrate divine moments that reveal His glory, His love for us and His desire to fill us with His presence. Only His presence can meet the deepest needs in our lives!
Every blessing,
Pastor Barry Risto
Lead Pastor
Wednesday, December 2, 2020
Pastor’s Chat with Pastor Barry at 8:00 pm
ppt.church/live
OR
Dial: 647-977-2648 (Canada) / 202-602-1295 (USA)
Code: 827-220-552#
Day of Fasting & Prayer - November 4, 2020
Around the world, over 260 million Christians face persecution because they bear the name of Christ. That’s 1 in 8 Christians worldwide. They share in His sufferings because they live in places where social and cultural pressure to follow other religions is significant, where government restrictions and bias against His followers exists, and where violence against the Christian faith is common. Christians remain the most persecuted group of people in the world today. In Canada, we enjoy religious liberty, albeit with growing signs of discrimination in some contexts. While advocating for religious freedom globally we are not surprised by discrimination, persecution or even martyrdom; Jesus told us to expect it.
Persecuted for being a Christian
"So don’t be surprised, dear brothers and sisters, if the world hates you." – 1 John 3:13 (NLT)
“Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world. If you are insulted because you bear the name of Christ, you will be blessed, for the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you.” – 1 Peter 4:12-14 (NLT)
Jesus' candid statements prepare us for the reality that as believers, we will face opposition. We should expect to share in Christ's suffering and be persecuted for the sake of His name.
Around the world, over 260 million Christians face persecution because they bear the name of Christ. That’s 1 in 8 Christians worldwide. They share in His sufferings because they live in places where social and cultural pressure to follow other religions is significant, where government restrictions and bias against His followers exists, and where violence against the Christian faith is common. Christians remain the most persecuted group of people in the world today. In Canada, we enjoy religious liberty, albeit with growing signs of discrimination in some contexts. While advocating for religious freedom globally we are not surprised by discrimination, persecution or even martyrdom; Jesus told us to expect it.
What is amazing is the incredible growth of the church in spite of oppression, and the willingness and courage of many believers who risk their lives to share the message of hope with their friends, families and neighbours. The kingdom is advancing!
This past Sunday, was the International Day of Prayer for The Persecuted Church. We lead our PPT congregation in corporate prayer and declared this month’s day of fasting and prayer would be dedicated to praying for our brothers and sisters in Christ who are being persecuted around the world for their faith in Jesus Christ. So we invite you to join us in setting this day apart for that purpose.
We have included links below for you to check out more resources that will further educate you concerning our friends and fellow believers who are suffering as Christ suffered. We are approaching Remembrance Day (Nov 11) once again. It’s a time when we pause in a moment of silence to honor and remember the men and women who have served, and continue to serve our country during times of war, conflict and peace. In the spirit of that day, let’s pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ who are spiritual warriors serving Jesus Christ and His kingdom purposes in very difficult circumstances. As we do, we truly embody Paul’s words, “If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honoured, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” – 1 Corinthians 12:26-2.
Visit these websites for more information:
https://paoc.org/family/annual-initiatives/the-persecuted-church
https://idop.ca
Every blessing,
Pastor Barry Risto
Lead Pastor
Wednesday, November 4, 2020
Pastor’s Chat with Pastor Barry at 8:00 pm
ppt.church/live
OR
Dial: 647-977-2648 (Canada) / 202-602-1295 (USA)
Code: 827-220-552#
Day of Fasting & Prayer - October 7, 2020
When is it easiest to be thankful? When things are going well, right? While it might be easier to praise God when you are most happy and comfortable, it is just as important, if not more important, to thank Him in the midst of trials. And this has certainly been a year of trials.
Giving thanks in all circumstances
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
When is it easiest to be thankful? When things are going well, right? While it might be easier to praise God when you are most happy and comfortable, it is just as important, if not more important, to thank Him in the midst of trials. And this has certainly been a year of trials.
In 1 Thessalonians, Paul tells the church at Thessalonica to rejoice always and give thanks in all circumstances. This can be hard to do, especially when things aren’t going well. So why do we have to give thanks? Why can’t we give in to cynicism and thanklessness? Because God calls us to a life of continual thankfulness. It is God’s will that we give thanks.
This is not to say we need to be always smiling. Sometimes things in life are bad and we should mourn or be upset, but it is in these moments that God asks us to thank Him anyway.
The trials in our lives are not pointless. God has a purpose for everything, even the bad. We might not be able to see the good, but God can see the whole picture and we can gain hope in knowing that our suffering is not in vain, but rather, part of God’s greater purpose. Romans 8:28 states, And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
Furthermore, in Colossians 3:17 it says, “And whatever you do whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
No matter how we feel at any given moment, we are still in control of what we say and do, and we should use this opportunity to point our lives back to God. A defining characteristic of a Christian is how he or she responds to trials. By finding the good in the bad and giving thanks despite the negative circumstances, Christians set themselves apart from the rest of the world while simultaneously lifting their own spirits by fixing their eyes on God instead of on the world.
So as we begin this month of October and move towards the Thanksgiving holiday, whether you see the blessing abounding in your life or you are struggling to find anything to be thankful for, turn to God, the one who blesses you with grace and salvation daily and who longs for you to praise Him in the midst of your suffering, trusting in Him and His perfect purpose for your life now and forevermore.
Every blessing,
Pastor Barry Risto
Lead Pastor
Prayer Points
Scriptures: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; Romans 8:28; Colossians 3:17
Confess any known and unknown sins.
Father, I thank You that I am able to participate in today’s fasting program.
Commit the month of September into the Lord’s hands. Pray that you will end the month well in Jesus’ name.
1 Thess 5:16 – Lord, release Your joy into my life.
1 Thess 5:16 – Jehovah, release Your joy upon PPT and the global church.
Father, release Your joy upon humanity during this pandemic. (pray this seriously)
1 Thess 5:17 - Father, release upon me and my household the spirit of prayer.
1 Thess 5:17 - El- Elyon, stir up the spirit of prayer in Your church. (PPT & global church)
Jehovah Nissi, break the shackles of prayer hindrances in my life. (mention them and pray seriously)
Lord, break every shackle of prayer hindrances from Your church.
1 Thess 5:18 – Lord, I thank you for my situations and believe, You will turn it around for me. (mention them)
1 Thess 5:18 – Jesus, despite the pandemic conditions around us, I will still praise and thank You for Your goodness. (mention them)
Romans 8:28 – Jehovah El-Roi, turn the adverse impact of COVID-19 in our favour. (pray this seriously)
Lord, turn these bad situations around for me in Jesus’ name. (mention them)
Psalm 126:4 – Restore our fortunes O Lord, in Jesus’ name. (pray this seriously)
Colossians 3:17 – Lord, I give You thanks for all that You have done for me and my household during this pandemic. (pray this seriously)
Pray for the sick among us for total and complete divine healing.
Unleash Your protection and providence upon the persecuted church globally in Jesus’ name.
Lord, drive out the COVID 19 virus and the plague from our midst. (pray this seriously)
Wednesday, October 7, 2020
Pastor’s Chat with Pastor Barry at 8:00 pm
ppt.church/live
OR
Dial: 647-977-2648 (Canada) / 202-602-1295 (USA)
Code: 827-220-552#
Day of Fasting & Prayer - September 9, 2020
Families have been navigating new normals for months in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, but this is the first time they will be heading "back-to-school" in unfamiliar and unprecedented ways. Starting a new school year often comes with uncertainty and anxiety for kids and parents but this year even more so. So let’s take this day to fast, pray and intercede for the following:
BACK TO SCHOOL
Families have been navigating new normals for months in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, but this is the first time they will be heading "back-to-school" in unfamiliar and unprecedented ways. Starting a new school year often comes with uncertainty and anxiety for kids and parents but this year even more so. So let’s take this day to fast, pray and intercede for the following:
STUDENTS, that God would ease their anxiety or their apathy about going back to school amidst the pandemic. We pray for safety for those returning to in-person classes, and for the needed technology, self-discipline, and adult oversight for those learning online. Lord would you ensure that every child has enough to eat, a supportive network of friends and family, and perseverance to face every challenge with Your strength?
PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS, that the Lord would grant them wisdom about which schooling option to choose. We pray for God’s provision physically, spiritually, emotionally, and financially. We pray for the Lord to provide a support system that they can turn to when the challenges of life are overwhelming. We pray for churches and believers to surround local families with more prayer and support this year than ever before.
TEACHERS AND SCHOOL STAFF, that God would grant them supernatural peace and discernment. Lets pray for wisdom for school district leaders, and for the safety of every staff person on every school campus. May our communities rally around our schools to provide the sanitization, supplies, and emotional support needed by our teachers and school staff as they educate our children.
No matter the circumstances surrounding your return back-to-school, we can find peace and encouragement in the truth of God's Word. Here are some Bible verses to pray together as a family, or to encourage your kids (or yourself) about the new school year!
Joshua 1:9 (NLT)
“Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT)
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.1 Corinthians 16:14 (NLT)
And do everything with love.Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT)
“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. There is no law against these things!”Luke 6:31 (NLT)
Do to others as you would like them to do to you.Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and do depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do and he will show you which path to take.”Colossians 3:23 (NLT)
Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.
Pastor Barry Risto
Prayer Points
Scriptures: Joshua 1:9; Philippians 4:6-7; 1 Corinthians 16:14; Galatians 5:22-23; Luke 6:31; Proverbs 3:5-6; Colossians 3:23
Confess any known and unknown sins.
Father, I thank You that I am able to participate in today’s fasting program.
Commit the month of September into the Lord’s hands. Pray that you will end the month well in Jesus’ name.
Thank God, that PPT has been able to open the church successfully.
Psalm 91:4 – Lord, cover our children under Your wings as they go back to school.
Psalm 91:4 – Lord, cover our teachers and workers under Your wings as they go back to school.
Psalm 91:3 – Father, protect our children and schools from this deadly disease. (pray this seriously)
Psalm 91:3 – Father, protect our teachers and school workers from this deadly disease.
Joshua 1:9 – Jehovah, may Your presence give our students and school workers, victory over fear, discouragement and sickness.
Joshua 1:9 – Jehovah, may Your presence give me victory over fear, discouragement and sickness in Jesus’ name.
Proverbs 3:5-6 – Lord, my household and I choose to trust You during this pandemic in Jesus’ name.
Proverbs 3:5-6 - Lord, we declare that PPT chooses to trust You during these difficult days.
Phil 4:6-7 – I declare in Jesus’ name that worry will not have a place in my mind, my household and church. (pray this seriously)
Phil 4:6-7 – Lord, I thank you for the following in my life…(mention them and pray seriously)
Lord, make the effort of opening our schools successful in Jesus’ name.
Psalm 126:4 – Restore our fortunes O Lord, in Jesus’ name. (pray this seriously)
Pray for the sick among us for total and complete divine healing.
Unleash Your protection and providence upon the persecuted church globally in Jesus’ name.
Lord, drive out the COVID 19 virus and the plague from our midst. (pray this seriously)
Wednesday, September 9, 2020
Pastor’s Chat with Pastor Barry at 8:00 pm
ppt.church/live
OR
Dial: 647-977-2648 (Canada) / 202-602-1295 (USA)
Code: 827-220-552#
Day of Fasting & Prayer - August 5, 2020
We just preached a series about the various seasons that God allows in our life. Ecclesiastes states, “For everything there is a season” (3:1). Every season offers us the opportunity of how to respond and that will determine if we flounder or flourish spiritually. So identify the season you are in and pray into it, for this month’s day of fasting and prayer.
LIVING THROUGH YOUR SEASONS
We just preached a series about the various seasons that God allows in our life. Ecclesiastes states, “For everything there is a season” (3:1). Every season offers us the opportunity of how to respond and that will determine if we flounder or flourish spiritually. So identify the season you are in and pray into it, for this month’s day of fasting and prayer.
The dry season is a time when God seems to be quiet, you can’t hear His voice or sense His presence as you once did and He seems distant. David the psalmist expressed it this way, “O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water” (Psalm 63:1, NLT). We must press through it by drawing close to God despite how far away He feels. He promised never to leave nor forsake you.
The waiting season is time when we are waiting for a difficult circumstance to change, or for God to fulfill a promise He gave you from His Word. David cried out to God, “Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly.” (Psalm 5:3, NLT) Pour your heart out to God allowing Him to leverage this season for His glory and your good. He’s making you ready by chiseling away what’s not needed in your life, so let Him work however long it takes. Keep the faith and don’t doubt God’s plans and goodness but rather wait with anticipation and expectation.
The spiritual warfare season is a time to gird up. The enemy will wage war against you. It comes with being a Christian. But don’t be afraid. The wonderful thing about being God’s child – He fights for you. “For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12, NLT) Also, with this spiritual battle, we must put on our full spiritual armor.
The Busy Season is the “I don’t have enough time to get everything done!” time in life. The key to succeeding in this time is seeking God for direction the moment your feet hit the floor in the morning. Recognize and organize what needs to get done, then plow through those priorities. Also recognize the whole world does not rest in your hands – it rests in God’s hands. “He holds in his hands the depths of the earth and the mightiest mountains.” (Psalm 95:4, NLT) Press through with strength God gives you. Rely on Holy Spirit to lead and help you.
The Test and Trials Season we need to be reminded that God is with you and He’s totally at work and he knows the what and why of the situation. So don’t give up or get tired of doing good. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up,” (Galatians 6:9, NLT) Allow God to be God and to do the supernatural work that only He can do. Allow Him to strengthen and increase your faith in this season of hardship or affliction. Fix your eyes on Jesus, not your trial. “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal,” (2 Corinthians 4:17-19, NLT)
The Happy Season is those time that bring great joy to your life. “Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise,” James 5:13. This is the fun season – the happy season. But you still have a job to do in this season - Praise the Lord! Praising God is something Christians should do in every season because God is always worthy of it and our hearts need it.
Once you recognize which season you’re in then shift your thoughts to your heavenly Father. Ultimately, God is in control of all seasons. Whichever season you’re currently in, remember that God is making everything beautiful in its time. (Ecclesiastes 3:11)
Pastor Barry Risto
Prayer Points
Scriptures: 1 Chronicles 12:32; Psalm 1:1-3; Ecclesiastes 3:1-11
Confess any known and unknown sins.
Father, I thank You that I am able to participate in today’s fasting program.
Commit the month of August into the Lord’s hands. Pray that you will end the month well in Jesus’ name.
Thank God, that PPT has been able to open the church successfully.
1 Chron 12:32 – Lord, release upon the church the spirit that was upon the men of Issachar so that we may understand the seasons of our time. (pray this seriously)
1 Chron 12:32 – All-knowing God, help me and my household to understand the signs of the times (seasons) so that I will be able to live through the seasons in Jesus’ name.
Psalm 1:3 – Lord, let me and my household be fruitful in every season of our life in Jesus’ name. (pray this seriously)
Psalm 1:3 – Lord, let PPT and the global church to be fruitful in every season in Jesus’ name. (pray this seriously)
Eccl 3:2 – Jehovah, help me, my household, PPT and the church physically and spiritually to be fruitful in our planting and harvest seasons. (mention them by name)
Eccl 3:3 – Lord, help us (myself, my household, PPT & the church) physically and spiritually to be fruitful in our healing, building and tearing down seasons.
Eccl 3:4 – Father, in our crying, laughing, grieving and dancing seasons (spiritual & physical) help us (myself, my household, PPT & the church) to be fruitful in Jesus’ name.
Eccl 3:5 – Lord, make us (myself, my household, PPT & the church) fruitful (spiritual and physical) in our gathering and seclusion seasons. (mention them by name)
Eccl 3:6 – Elohim, make us (myself, my household, PPT & the church) fruitful (spiritual and physical) in our searching, non-searching, keeping and throwing away seasons. (mention them by name)
Eccl 3:7 – Jehovah, make us (myself, my household, PPT & the church) fruitful (spiritual and physical) in our seasons of mending, discarding, listening and speaking. (mention them by name)
Eccl 3:8 – Lord of hosts, make us (myself, my household, PPT & the church) fruitful (spiritual and physical) in our seasons of relationship building and battles of life. (mention them by name)
Psalm 126:4 – Restore our fortunes O Lord, in Jesus’ name. (pray this seriously)
Pray for the sick among us for total and complete divine healing.
Unleash Your protection and providence upon the persecuted church globally in Jesus’ name.
Lord, drive out the COVID 19 virus and the plague from our midst. (pray this seriously)
Wednesday, August 5, 2020
Pastor’s Chat with Pastor Barry at 8:00 pm
ppt.church/live
OR
Dial: 647-977-2648 (Canada) / 202-602-1295 (USA)
Code: 827-220-552#
Day of Fasting & Prayer - July 8, 2020
What did Jesus want for His Church? His desire is that the church, for which He gave His life, would reach her full potential in five dimensions. He prayed that we would sense the glory of God; that we would follow the Word of God; that we would be united in the love of God; and that we would go forth in the mission of God (John 17:9-24). So we have been praying into this each month over the past several months for our monthly day of fasting and prayer.
PRAYING THE CHURCH TO ITS POTENTIAL:
THAT WE WOULD EXPERIENCE THE JOY OF GOD
What did Jesus want for His Church? His desire is that the church, for which He gave His life, would reach her full potential in five dimensions. He prayed that we would sense the glory of God; that we would follow the Word of God; that we would be united in the love of God; and that we would go forth in the mission of God (John 17:9-24). So we have been praying into this each month over the past several months for our monthly day of fasting and prayer.
His final desire and prayer point as He was preparing to return to His Father was that we would experience the joy of God as stated in John 17:13 (NLT) … “Now I am coming to you. I told them many things while I was with them in this world so they would be filled with my joy.”
Joy? How in the world can you speak about joy at a time like this? We are still dealing with a pandemic and all its implications. The future seems so uncertain. How in the world can you talk about joy in this moment? We need to understand that they key to immeasurable joy is not about all our circumstances being perfect but rather it’s about living in intimate contact with Jesus, the source of joy.
Jesus said that He wants us to have His full measure of joy. What gives a body of believer’s joy? Obedience to God in the things Jesus talked about gives joy: giving God glory, following His Word, being united in love, and carrying out His mission. Joy is a common theme in Christ’s teaching—He wants us to be joyful.
Adoniram Judson, a nineteenth-century missionary, was known for his joy in the Lord. He went to Burma as a missionary in 1812, filled with God’s Spirit and a great desire to preach the gospel. It’s said that soon after he arrived, he approached a Burmese man, and not knowing the language, simply embrace him. The man went home and reported to his family that he had seen an angel. The joy of Christ was so radiant in Judson’s countenance that men called him “Mr. Glory-Face.” That’s the kind of joy God wants us to experience—and to exhibit to others.
So in the midst of the days we are living in, let’s find our joy that is in the Lord. For the joy of the Lord is the key to our strength. Join us this Wednesday at 8:00 pm for our Pastor’s Chat, “How can i find joy in the midst of trials?”
Lord make us joyful and joy-filled!
Pastor Barry Risto
Prayer Points
Scriptures:
James 1:2-4; 1 Peter 1:6-9; John 15:11; Acts 13:52; Hebrews 12:2
Confess any known and unknown sins.
Father, I thank You that I am able to participate in today’s fasting program.
Commit the month of July into the Lord’s hands. Pray that you will end the month well in Jesus’ name.
Thank God, that PPT was able to open the church building last Sunday.
Psalms 73:25 – Lord, we have no one in heaven but You. (extol the Lord)
James 1:2 – Lord, turn the adverse impact of COVID-19 into an opportunity of great joy and breakthrough for me and my household in Jesus’ name. (pray this seriously)
James 1:2 – Lord, turn the adverse impact of COVID-19 into an opportunity of great joy and breakthrough for PPT and the universal church globally in Jesus’ name.
James 1:3 – Jesus increase my faith during these difficult times.
1 Peter 1:6 – Father, despite the current challenges give me and my household joy.
1 Peter 1:6 – God Almighty, give Your people (PPT, the universal church) joy during this difficult time.
1 Peter 1:9 – Everlasting Father, help me and my household to trust in You and Your word during this difficult times in Jesus’ name.
1 Peter 1:9 – Father, I pray that You cause PPT and the church to trust in You and Your word during this trying times.
John 15:11 – God of Love, fill my life with divine and overflowing joy.
John 15:11 - In Jesus’ name fill the lives of my household with overflowing joy.
John 15:11 - Lord, fill our churches and our land with overflowing joy.
Hebrews 12:2 – Father, let my focus be on Jesus who is the author and finisher of my faith.
Hebrews 12:2 - Father, let the focus of PPT and the church be on Jesus.
1 Cor 14:33: - Lord, in Jesus’ we break the stronghold of anarchy, dissension and lawlessness in our land. (pray this seriously)
Pray for the sick among us for total and complete divine healing. (mention them by name)
Unleash Your protection and providence upon the persecuted church globally in Jesus’ name.
Pray for God’s protection against the Coronavirus.
Wednesday, July 8, 2020
Pastor’s Chat with Pastor Barry at 8:00 pm
ppt.church/live
OR
Dial: 647-977-2648 (Canada) / 202-602-1295 (USA)
Code: 827-220-552#
Day of Fasting & Prayer - June 3, 2020
This month, we are praying that we would be united in the Love of God as stated in John 17:20-21 (NLT), “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.”
PRAYING THE CHURCH TO ITS POTENTIAL:
THAT WE WOULD BE UNITED IN THE LOVE OF GOD
We have dedicated the first Wednesday of each month as a Day of Fasting and Prayer. This year we be have been focusing on praying the church to its full potential. In Jesus high priestly prayer recorded in John 17:9-24, we learn what Jesus wants and what He prayed for, regarding His church. We have previously prayed that people would sense the Glory of God (John 17:22) and that we would go forth in the Mission of God (John 17:17-18).
This month, we are praying that we would be united in the Love of God as stated in John 17:20-21 (NLT), “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.”
Jesus prayed for all believers to be unified through love. That’s because spirit-filled Christians, united in love and guided by a purpose they truly believe in, can do anything. They can shake the very gates of hell. But churches are nearly powerless when they aren’t unified. They can’t take care of their own people, and they can’t be an effective witness to people in the community. It is yet to be seen what our world could be like if only we were truly united through the love of God.
We are also watching our world convulse with pain, anger, and hatred.
We have been totally broken and heartsick about the what is unfolding before our eyes regarding the behaviour and obsessive use of force that caused the death of a fellow human being in Minnesota, last week. We extend our deepest condolences to the Floyd family. We stand against all the hatred and prejudice that has gone on far too long. As a pastor of an international church that has representation of people from 42+ nations, we stand against all forms of racism. The Bible is clear that God so loved the world (of all people) that He gave His one and only Son, Jesus Christ to die for as our Saviour (John 3:16). We believe that every human being is created in the image of God and worthy of dignity and respect (Genesis 1:27).
The Word of God is also clear that God has called us as a Body of believers, that seeks to understand, bears one another’s burdens, and weeps with those who weep. So we are inviting you to join us for a Day of Fasting and Prayer this Wednesday, June 3 and our Pastor’s Chat live at 8:00 pm, as we seek to unify us in the love of God and to pray for justice and racial reconciliation around the world.
The reality is that only Jesus can change a heart. We desperately need to pray for a powerful move of God in our nations and world.
Pray for PEACE, because “the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” (James 1:20).
Pray for PERSPECTIVE, because “the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” (James 3:17).
Pray for PATIENCE, because of God’s “kindness and forbearance and patience” toward us all (Romans 2:4).
Pray for an OUTPOURING of God’s wisdom and direction.
Pastor Barry Risto
Prayer Points
Scriptures: John 17:9-24; Romans 2:4; 12:21; Ephesians 4:26; James 1:20
Confess any known and unknown sins.
Father, I thank You that I am able to participate in today’s fasting program.
Commit the month of June into the Lord’s hands. Pray that you will end the month well in Jesus’ name.
Psalm 107:1 – Give thanks to Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.
John 17:11 - Father, protect me and my household in this world by the power of Your name.
John 17:11 – Lord, protect the church and all believers in this world by power of Your name.
John 17:11 – Lord, use the church at large to unite our world. (pray this seriously)
John 17:15 – Jesus, during these difficult times, keep me and my household from the evil one.
John 17:15 – Jehovah, keep the church from the evil one during these difficult times.
John 17:17 – Sanctify me, our world by Your word because Your word is truth. (pray this seriously)
John 17:21 – Father, use the church as a beacon of hope for unity in our cities, municipalities and our world. (pray this seriously)
Romans 2:4 – God Almighty, help me to be kind, tolerant and patient with people as You have been with me.
Romans 2:4 – Lord use the church to show kindness, tolerance and patience to our chaotic world.
Romans 12:21 – Father, help me and my household to conquer evil with good.
Romans 12:21 – Jesus use the church to conquer evil with good in our world.
Ephesians 4:26 – Father stamp out anger from our society in Jesus’ name.
James 1:20 – Father, through the Holy Spirit impute Your righteousness on our lives in Jesus’ name. (pray this seriously)
Pray for God’s protection against the coronavirus in our land and nations. (pray this seriously)
Unleash Your protection and providence upon the persecuted church globally in Jesus’ name.
Wednesday, June 3, 2020
Pastor’s Chat with Pastor Barry at 8:00 pm
ppt.church/live
OR
Dial: 647-977-2648 (Canada) / 202-602-1295 (USA)
Code: 827-220-552#
Day of Fasting & Prayer - May 20, 2020
In today`s world, we are keenly aware of the benefits associated with our employment. What sort of insurance we have; what is my retirement package, what are my sick/health benefits; what does my plan cover, etc.
How often do we think about or contemplate our divine benefits package from God?
THE DIVINE BENEFITS PACKAGE (PART 2)
Psalms 103
We will continue with our series from Psalms 103, the Divine Benefits Package. We asked the question last week: What do we need the most during this time of pandemic? While we may all agree we need an economist or a great leader, individually by themselves these things are not enough to solve our many needs. We concluded that we need a comprehensive plan that covers the whole person, our spiritual, physical, and mental health wellbeing.
In Psalms 103 David gives us this comprehensive plan. He starts out first with the Call of Praise and a call to remember.
The God of Benefits
In today`s world, we are keenly aware of the benefits associated with our employment. What sort of insurance we have; what is my retirement package, what are my sick/health benefits; what does my plan cover, etc.
How often do we think about or contemplate our divine benefits package from God?
In Psalms 103:3-5 we have six incredible divine benefits listed for us.
Look at the six verbs that direct what God has done:
He Forgives all your Iniquities
This benefit reflects what we need most, our deepest need—Forgiveness of sin. The Bible states, Roman 3:23: For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. We have violated God`s law. However, provision has been made in this plan to forgive all your sins.He Heals Diseases (health coverage)
This must be understood in proper context; in our physical state as Christians we cannot expect perpetual healing from every illness, so that we will never die.
What this text does suggest is this; the God who created our human body is able, consistent with His own purpose, to heal, mend His own creation. Due to the Fall, we are broken individuals, subject to sicknesses and infirmities. With diseases comes hurt, pain, suffering, wounds, scars, sorrows and crying; however, we look forward to Revelation 21: 4 when we have final and complete victory over diseases.Matthew 8:16: When evening came, they brought all those who were demon possessed and He droves out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. This fulfils what was spoken by Isaiah, He took up our infirmities and carried our diseases.
He Redeems your life from Destruction
The word Redeem means to buy back, to rescue. Here David was in danger of losing his life. He was on the brink of death and the Lord delivered him. In a spiritual sense, this phrase has a much greater application for us.
Jesus, the Kinsman redeemer, paid the price of redemption by shedding His blood; we are redeemed from the guilt and shame of our sins.
We look forward to our ultimate redemption of our body (see Romans 8:23).He Crowns you with Lovingkindness and Tender Mercies
The term becomes a metaphor for the qualities of God’s nature—lovingkindness and mercy—having been extended to sinful man. See the progression: we have been elevated from the pit/destruction and now crowned with lovingkindness and mercy. Paul states in Ephesians 2:6, And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.
The word implies Royalty; Kingship which comes with dignity and honor.He Satisfies your Mouth with Good Things
(The maturity of age; in old age; prime of life, as long as I live) Even in your advanced age, you will be satisfied, because of the good things God supplies you.
In Ecclesiastes 6:7, Solomon states: All man’s effort (labour) are for his mouth, yet his appetite is never satisfied.
No man is ever filled to satisfaction; this cannot be attained in this world by this world; we always want more and more.
David states in Psalm 34: Oh taste and see that the Lord is good.He Renews your youth like the Eagles
The eagle is a bird that enjoys an unusual vigorous longevity, they live from 30 to 50 years. The idea is that you will continue; your disposition will be that of a youth; continue to soar as the eagle.
It gives the idea of what Paul states in 2 Corinthians 4:16: Wherefore we faint not, but though our outward man is decaying, yet our inward man is renewed day by day.
The Psalmist’s sentiment would encourage us not to be grumpy old men/women as we ease beyond our prime years even though this time is fraught with difficulties. But rather with joy, we must realize that the best is yet to come.
As we go through this time together, remember to Praise the Lord, and Remember your divine benefits plan God has given you.
Pastor Charles Lawrence
Prayer Points
Scriptures: Psalms 103:1-22
Confess any known and unknown sins.
Father, I thank You that I am able to participate in today’s fasting program.
Commit the month of May into the Lord’s hands. Pray that you will end the month well in Jesus’ name.
Ps 103:1 – Father, I bless Your name, let my soul praise You.
Ps 103:2 – Jehovah, remind me of Your goodness, mercy, grace and favour.
Ps 103:2 – Jesus, may my household and I never forget the good things You do us. (mention them)
Ps 103:3 - Jehovah Rapha heal us (household & church) of our diseases (COVID-19 and others) (mention them)
Jehovah Rapha, heal the sick and comfort the bereaved among us in Jesus’ name.
Jeremiah 30:17a – Lord, in Jesus’ name, restore Pastor Barry’s health.
Jeremiah 30:17a - Lord, restore the health of the sick and vulnerable among us. (mention them)
Ps 103:5 – Despite the COVID-19 situations, fill my life with good things.
Ps 103:5 – Lord, fill the lives of those who have been adversely impacted by COVID-19 with good things.
Father deliver the world from this pandemic in Jesus’ name.
Ps 103:13 – Jehovah Nissi, cover our households and the church under Your wings in Jesus’ name.
Ps 103:18 – Lord, save the unsaved members of our families in Jesus’ name. (pray this seriously)
Psalms 91:10 – Elohim, protect our front-line workers from the COVID-19 plague. (pray this seriously)
Wednesday, May 20, 2020
Note: There will be no Prayer Conference Call this morning.
Pastor’s Chat with Pastor Charles at 8:00 pm
ppt.church/live
OR
Dial: 647-977-2648 (Canada) / 202-602-1295 (USA)
Code: 827-220-552#
Day of Fasting & Prayer - May 13, 2020
The question is asked, what do we need most in this time? Some would say that we need an Economist to give great advice of how to get out of this mess; others would say we need a great Leader with vision and skills to direct and lead, and others would still say we need great Chemist who can develop a vaccine to counteract the virus. I would not disagree with the above suggestions but I also believe we need a Divine Benefits Package.
THE DIVINE BENEFITS PACKAGE
Psalms 103
Much has been said regarding the times we are living in; yes, in our lifetime we have never seen anything like this. It is truly historic and unprecedented.
As we are isolated in the confine of our homes, reading and watching the news, we are bombarded with reports around the world, in our country and in our communities of the devastation the Coronavirus has caused. The pandemic has shattered businesses, the economy and our lives, personally—we seen the health concerns, the illnesses, sickness and death.
The question is asked, what do we need most in this time? Some would say that we need an Economist to give great advice of how to get out of this mess; others would say we need a great Leader with vision and skills to direct and lead, and others would still say we need great Chemist who can develop a vaccine to counteract the virus. I would not disagree with the above suggestions but I also believe we need a Divine Benefits Package.
In this time when people are experiencing grimness and bleak outlook, what we need more than ever is a great divine benefits package. We need a plan, a comprehensive plan that covers our spiritual, physical, and mental health well-being.
In Psalms 103 David gives us this comprehensive plan. He starts out first with the foundation on which the benefit plan is built on or flows from, the Power of Praise.
The Call of Praise
David states:
Bless or Praise the Lord, O my soul;
And all that is within me Bless (Praise) His holy Name!
Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His Benefits
This a Call of Praise; Summons of Praise; an Eruption of Praise. David begins with an exclamation of praise from the depths of his soul—this reflects a burst of enthusiastic praise that we have been called to Praise God in whatever situation we find ourselves.
Praise is to bestow approval, to congratulate, to boast or to adore; we do this by kneeling (Barak), outstretched hands (Yadah), by music (Zamar) and by speaking (Shaback).
A Call to Remember
Praising and Remembering go hand in hand. Sometimes we hear the saying “Praise God for who He is and not what He has done,” but most times we cannot Praise God unless we remember what He has done. These two words are linked together.
As humans we are forgetful, and the Bible gives us many admonitions to remember, or in a reverse format, forget not. Somethings are worthy of forgetting. However, David cautions and warns that we should forget not all His benefits.
The God of Benefits
The Package (Divine Benefits)
In today`s world, we are keenly aware of the benefits associated with our employment. What sort of insurance we have; what is my retirement package, what are my sick/health benefits; what does my plan cover, etc.
How often do we think about or contemplate our divine benefits package from God?
In Psalms 103:3-5 we have six incredible, great, wonderful divine benefits listed for us; they are expressed with the following verbs: forgive, heal, redeem, crown, satisfy, and renew.
Look at our Six Divine Benefits:
He Forgives all your Iniquities
He Heals Diseases
He Redeems your life from Destruction
He Crowns you with Lovingkindness and Tender Mercies
He Satisfies your Mouth with Good Things
He Renews your youth like the Eagles
What God gives is based on who He is; His giving is rooted in His Nature: (see verse 8)
He is Merciful
He is Gracious
He is Patient
He is abounding in Lovingkindness
God`s Lovingkindness, His Mercy, His Patience and His Graciousness are measured in three distinct examples: (see verses 11-14)
As the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His Mercy toward His people.
As the east is from the west, so far has He removed our sins from us.
As a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear Him.
As we go through this time together, remember to Praise the Lord, and never forget your divine coverage plan God has given you. Our Benefits are rooted in who He is and His love for us. We find the fulfillment in what Jesus has done for us.
It is what we need the most now.
Pastor Charles Lawrence
Prayer Points
Scriptures: Psalms 103:1-22
Confess any known and unknown sins.
Father, I thank You that I am able to participate in today’s fasting program.
Commit the month of May into the Lord’s hands. Pray that you will end the month well in Jesus’ name.
Ps 103:1 – Father, I bless Your name, let my soul praise You.
Ps 103:2 – Jehovah, remind me of Your goodness, mercy, grace and favour.
Ps 103:2 – Jesus, may my household and I never forget the good things You do us. (mention them)
Ps 103:3 - Jehovah Rapha heal us (household & church) of our diseases (COVID-19 and others) (mention them)
Jehovah Rapha, heal the sick and comfort the bereaved among us in Jesus’ name.
Jeremiah 30:17a – Lord, in Jesus’ name, restore Pastor Barry’s health.
Jeremiah 30:17a - Lord, restore the health of the sick and vulnerable among us. (mention them)
Ps 103:5 – Despite the COVID-19 situations, fill my life with good things.
Ps 103:5 – Lord, fill the lives of those who have been adversely impacted by COVID-19 with good things.
Father deliver the world from this pandemic in Jesus’ name.
Ps 103:13 – Jehovah Nissi, cover our households and the church under Your wings in Jesus’ name.
Ps 103:18 – Lord, save the unsaved members of our families in Jesus’ name. (pray this seriously)
Psalms 91:10 – Elohim, protect our front-line workers from the COVID-19 plague. (pray this seriously)
Wednesday, May 13, 2020
Prayer Conference Call at 5:30 am
Dial: 647-977-2648 (Canada) / 202-602-1295 (USA)
Code: 827-220-552#
Pastor’s Chat with Pastor Charles at 8:00 pm
ppt.church/live
OR
Dial: 647-977-2648 (Canada) / 202-602-1295 (USA)
Code: 827-220-552#
Day of Fasting & Prayer - May 6, 2020
The Apostle Peter compares the devil to a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. If you’ve ever watched a nature documentary, then you know how lions hunt. If lions are hunting a herd of wildebeests, the wildebeests are safe if they stay in the herd. They’re faster than the lion, stronger when they fight together and there are simply more of them.
WINNING THE BATTLE IN THESE TIMES OF ISOLATION
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith.
1 Peter 5:8-9
The Apostle Peter compares the devil to a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. If you’ve ever watched a nature documentary, then you know how lions hunt. If lions are hunting a herd of wildebeests, the wildebeests are safe if they stay in the herd. They’re faster than the lion, stronger when they fight together and there are simply more of them.
A hunting lion will never charge directly into the middle of the herd. He doesn’t want to attack the herd. There’s too much strength in numbers. He’s looking for one. If he can find one wildebeest that strays from the group: the young, the old, the sick, or just one that isn’t paying attention; if he can isolate one wildebeest, then one-on-one the wildebeest doesn’t stand a chance.
That’s Satan’s strategy. When we view Christianity as an individual faith, that we’re supposed to live and fight on our own, we’re playing directly into his hands. Our enemy wants us on our own. If Satan can isolate us from community, he wins. If he can convince us to keep our addictions in the dark and a secret from those around us, he wins. He knows he’s not strong enough to take on the entire herd, to take on a church united. So he’ll try and pick us off one by one. That’s the first way Satan attacks us: he isolates us from the herd, from biblical community.
Lions have been hunting the same way for a thousand years. They don’t need to get creative. A lion will isolate one animal from the pack, sink its jaws around the animal’s throat, and hold on until the animal bleeds out. That’s it, every time.
Satan doesn’t have to get creative when he attacks you, because he knows what works. Satan is going to try and isolate you from community, get you on your own, find that one foothold, that one temptation, that one addiction, clamp his jaws around you and not let go until you spiritually bleed out. That’s the second way Satan attacks: he clamps his jaws around your throat with that one besetting sin and waits until you bleed out.
So when Christians walk away from church, when they refuse to live in community, when they can’t be bothered to join a small group and be transparent and actually do life together, they’re playing straight into the enemy’s hands. The reason that community is so vital to a church is because it fights against Satan’s main method of attack: isolation. If Satan can emotionally, mentally, spiritually isolate you from other believers and take you on one-on-one, he’ll win, every time.
So why do we need to do life together with other believers? Because on our own, we don’t stand a chance. But together, we will always be victorious.
Notice in Scripture that the Bible never says to flee the devil. The Bible says to flee temptation, but always commands the church to resist the devil. To fight back. Why? Because when we fight together, we are unstoppable. We are more than conquerors, and the enemy doesn’t stand a chance.
So how do you counter Satan’s main attacks against you?
Do life in community with other believers.
Cultivate transparency and get help from others.
Life is too short and you’re simply not strong enough to do life on your own. Do life together. Fight together. Be victorious together.
Pastor Barry Risto
Prayer Points
Scriptures: 1 Peter 5:8-9; Genesis 3:8-10; Mark 6:6-7; Ecclesiastes 4:12
Confess any known and unknown sins.
Father, I thank You that I am able to participate in today’s fasting program.
Commit the month of May into the Lord’s hands. Pray that you will end the month well in Jesus’ name.
Psalm 29:1-2 – Despite the coronavirus pandemic, “You are God”. Ascribe greatness to our God. (pray this seriously)
1 Pet 5:8 – In Jesus’ name, Lord I pray for a spirit of alertness during this time. (pray this seriously)
1 Pet 5:8 – Father, unleash the spirit of alertness upon my household and the church (including PPT).
1 Pet 5:9 – In Jesus’ name Jehovah Nissi help me to take a stand for You at all times.
1 Pet 5:9 – In Jesus’ name my household will take a stand for You at all times.
Gen 3:8 – Lord, remove from my life anything (mention them) that will adversely affect my relationship with You.
Gen 3:8 – In the lives of my household (mention them) and the church, Lord remove every weight and stain in Jesus’ name.
Mark 6:7 – With Your authority, Jesus’ help me to triumph over the devil and his agents. (pray this seriously)
Mark 6:7 – Like the disciples, my household and I, will triumph over the enemy in Jesus’ name.
Mark 6:7 – In Jesus’ name, let the church triumph over the enemy.
Eccl 4:12 – Father unite the church against our common enemy.
Eccl 4:12 – Lord, during this pandemic, unite the church to stand in the gap for the nations of the world.
Eccl 4:12 – As a local church help us to stand in the gap for the sick, vulnerable and the needy during these difficult times.
Jehovah Rapha heal the sick and comfort the bereaved among us in Jesus’ name.
Father deliver the world from this pandemic in Jesus’ name.
Psalms 91:10 – Elohim, protect our front-line workers from the COVID-19 plague. (pray this seriously)
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
Prayer Conference Call at 5:30 am
Dial: 647-977-2648 (Canada) / 202-602-1295 (USA)
Code: 827-220-552#
Teaching & Prayer Live at 8:00 pm
ppt.church/live
OR
Dial: 647-977-2648 (Canada) / 202-602-1295 (USA)
Code: 827-220-552#