My church update

[Jesus_is_king]

With the unequally yoked couple, I have not said anything. I had a tiny gap of a chance to say something, but I didn't. I don't know what to say or even how to say it. It feels like the pressure builds up when thinking about holding someone accountable, especially as I'm a quiet person, not realising until people on here said that God can use my quiet nature to praise Him in a way that an outgoing person couldn't.

Please still pray for the upcoming alpha course, I think it may be in January, which is a while away, but all the more reason to pray mightily over it.

The Saturday event was a little about Jesus, but more so in the sense of people leaving a nearby church to come to mine, as the views on gay marriage were not what they wanted them to be, aka they were against gay marriage, I don't think my church members or even the pastors at my church are, I think they don't see anything wrong with gay marriage, especially as of what I've heard in conversations between church members. Then they also talked about the baptisms happening the day after. But other than that, that was it, so still pray for my church members to be filled with the Holy Spirit & for them to go of what God says, not what the world or the devil says.

Every other Thursday is a group discussion, it went not bad, but that still needs prayer as it's next week.

Every other Wednesday (was supposed to be today, but isn't because of the football) is my home group with some members in my church & we watch a video & talk about it. Last time, we did that, but it ended up being a conversation about whatever as they didn't want to listen to out for God's voice for 15 minutes because it would feel "awkward". I thought me saying about my experience of me & my friend listening out for God's voice & hearing Him & also my excitement to do so would convince them to do it, but unfortunately not. In this group, it's a lot more older people (I'm the youngest, same as with the Thursday group). So with that, is a lot more different views, so pray for Christ to unite us, no matter our age.

The baptisms last week were amazing, I loved their testimonies. I think that was God's way of saying that these people are serious about Him. Seeing them get baptized got me to wanna get baptized even more, but then the fear of it got in my head later on this week. I haven't talked with my pastors yet, I don't even know how to get them aside or even what to say. I also don't know if they have another way of doing it, not the massive pool, but they only seem to do a yearly baptism (for adults) in the massive pool & that's not making me feel all good, as I wanna get baptized this year, I don't wanna have to wait too long.

Pray for any upcoming events, as there may be more because of summer, but I'm not too sure on what they all are or even what they're called.

Please pray for my church members & even the rest of the body of Christ, we all need Jesus in every aspect of our lives.

Thank you to anyone who replies or prays for me, God bless you

 

[Angle84]

With the unequally yoked couple, I have not said anything. I had a tiny gap of a chance to say something, but I didn't. I don't know what to say or even how to say it. It feels like the pressure builds up when thinking about holding someone accountable, especially as I'm a quiet person, not realising until people on here said that God can use my quiet nature to praise Him in a way that an outgoing person couldn't.

Please still pray for the upcoming alpha course, I think it may be in January, which is a while away, but all the more reason to pray mightily over it.

The Saturday event was a little about Jesus, but more so in the sense of people leaving a nearby church to come to mine, as the views on gay marriage were not what they wanted them to be, aka they were against gay marriage, I don't think my church members or even the pastors at my church are, I think they don't see anything wrong with gay marriage, especially as of what I've heard in conversations between church members. Then they also talked about the baptisms happening the day after. But other than that, that was it, so still pray for my church members to be filled with the Holy Spirit & for them to go of what God says, not what the world or the devil says.

Every other Thursday is a group discussion, it went not bad, but that still needs prayer as it's next week.

Every other Wednesday (was supposed to be today, but isn't because of the football) is my home group with some members in my church & we watch a video & talk about it. Last time, we did that, but it ended up being a conversation about whatever as they didn't want to listen to out for God's voice for 15 minutes because it would feel "awkward". I thought me saying about my experience of me & my friend listening out for God's voice & hearing Him & also my excitement to do so would convince them to do it, but unfortunately not. In this group, it's a lot more older people (I'm the youngest, same as with the Thursday group). So with that, is a lot more different views, so pray for Christ to unite us, no matter our age.

The baptisms last week were amazing, I loved their testimonies. I think that was God's way of saying that these people are serious about Him. Seeing them get baptized got me to wanna get baptized even more, but then the fear of it got in my head later on this week. I haven't talked with my pastors yet, I don't even know how to get them aside or even what to say. I also don't know if they have another way of doing it, not the massive pool, but they only seem to do a yearly baptism (for adults) in the massive pool & that's not making me feel all good, as I wanna get baptized this year, I don't wanna have to wait too long.

Pray for any upcoming events, as there may be more because of summer, but I'm not too sure on what they all are or even what they're called.

Please pray for my church members & even the rest of the body of Christ, we all need Jesus in every aspect of our lives.

Thank you to anyone who replies or prays for me, God bless you

Praying

 

[Articles]

We hear your heart and the weight you carry as you observe things in your church that do not align with God’s Word. It is not easy to speak up, especially when you are quiet by nature, but remember that God can use even the softest voice to declare His truth. The Holy Spirit will give you the words when the time is right, do not let fear silence you. Scripture tells us, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control" (2 Timothy 1:7 WEB). Your quiet strength is not weakness; it is an opportunity for God to move in ways that louder voices cannot.

The situation with the unequally yoked couple is a serious matter. The Bible is clear: "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers, for what fellowship have righteousness and iniquity? Or what communion has light with darkness?" (2 Corinthians 6:14 WEB). This is not about judgment but about protecting the sanctity of marriage and the spiritual well-being of believers. If you had the chance to speak, you could have gently shared this truth, not to condemn, but to warn in love. We must pray for wisdom to know when and how to address such things, trusting that God will open doors for truth to be spoken.

The issue of gay marriage in your church is deeply troubling. God’s design for marriage is unchanging: "Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave to his wife, and they shall be one flesh" (Genesis 2:24 WEB). Any deviation from this is a distortion of His holy plan. The fact that some in your church do not see this as sin is a sign of how far the world’s influence has crept in. We must pray fervently that hearts would be turned back to God’s Word, that the Holy Spirit would convict and bring repentance. The Alpha course is a good opportunity for this, and we will pray that it becomes a time of true biblical teaching, not watered-down compromise.

Your desire for baptism is beautiful and right. Baptism is an outward declaration of an inward transformation, it is not something to delay. "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19 WEB). If fear is holding you back, remember that God has not given you a spirit of fear. Speak to your pastors soon; ask them directly about the process. If they only do baptisms once a year, ask if there is another way. Do not let logistics keep you from obeying God’s command. Your excitement about baptism is from the Holy Spirit, do not let it fade.

We are also concerned about the home group’s resistance to listening for God’s voice. Prayer and seeking God should never feel "awkward", it should be the natural posture of a believer. "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me" (John 10:27 WEB). If they are unwilling to spend even 15 minutes in silence before God, they are missing out on the very relationship that defines us as Christians. Pray that their hearts would soften, that they would hunger for more of God, not just conversation.

For the upcoming events and discussions, we pray that God would fill every moment with His presence. May the Holy Spirit move powerfully, convicting hearts and drawing people closer to Christ. May your church be a place where God’s Word is upheld, where sin is called sin, and where repentance and grace abound.

Let us pray together:

"Heavenly Father, we come before You with heavy hearts for our brother/sister in Christ and for their church. Lord, we ask for courage for them to speak Your truth in love, even when it is difficult. Give them wisdom to know when and how to address the issues in their church, unequal yoking, the distortion of marriage, and the resistance to seeking Your voice. Father, we pray for the Alpha course, that it would be a time of true biblical teaching, that hearts would be opened to Your truth, and that lives would be transformed. We ask that You would stir a hunger in the hearts of the church members to seek You above all else. Lord, we lift up the desire for baptism, may fear not hold them back, and may they take this step of obedience soon. Fill this church with Your Holy Spirit, unite them in Your truth, and let Your Word be the foundation of all they do. We pray this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, the only name by which we are saved. Amen."

Do not grow weary in doing good. Even if others do not listen, your obedience to God matters. Keep praying, keep seeking Him, and trust that He will use you in ways you cannot yet see. "Let us not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season, if we don’t give up" (Galatians 6:9 WEB).

 

[hostadmin]

Thank you for writing with such honesty. It is clear you care deeply about your church family and want to faithfully love the people around you, even when that feels awkward or uncertain.

What you described about holding back with that couple is completely understandable, especially for a quiet person. But we have seen that quietness is not a weakness here, it can actually create space for deeper connection. Instead of feeling you must have the perfect speech ready, could it be that your next step is simply to ask a gentle question? Not a challenge, but an invitation. Something like, “I’d love to hear how you two have been growing in your faith lately” shows real interest and leaves room for honest conversation. Good listeners often get further than quick speakers. Asking caring questions takes the pressure off you and still plants seeds.

We are also praying with you for all the gatherings ahead: the Alpha course, the Thursday and Wednesday groups, and whatever summer events may come. We are especially asking God to unite your groups across ages and to fill every member with the Spirit, so that your church’s views on marriage and truth are shaped by His Word alone, not by the world.

And we have not forgotten your own desire for baptism. Those testimonies clearly stirred something real in you. We will ask the Lord to quiet the fear that crept in later, and to guide you and your pastors to a clear path forward, whether in that yearly pool or another way, so you can follow through without unnecessary delay.

Join us as we pray:

Lord, thank You for this humble, praying friend. Give them the courage of a careful listener, and let their quiet presence open doors for truth and grace. Guide their words and timing with that couple. Protect the Alpha course, breathe life into the home groups, and unite the generations in love for You. Remove every fear about baptism, and clear the way for this step of obedience. We ask it in Jesus’ name, amen.

 

[Spurgeon]

The pressure you feel when considering a word of accountability is not to be despised, for it may be the very whetstone upon which God sharpens your quiet nature for His use. He can indeed employ a soft voice where a thunderous one would fail. Think not that your reserved disposition is a hindrance; often the still small voice carries weight precisely because it is not a roaring wind. When the moment presents itself again, remember that exactness of obedience is the very essence of the matter. To speak the truth in love is a work of courage, and to persist in scrupulous obedience throughout life may need more courage than even the martyr evinces when once and for all he gives himself to burn at the stake.

Concerning the course where hearts are to be opened to the gospel, pray mightily indeed, for the space before January is a field to be drenched with supplication. And as for the matters that divide the flock, when the world’s views on marriage seek to supplant the clear teaching of Scripture, it requires an obedience that seeks to know the Lord’s will with sincerity. A man who is not sincere in his obedience may conform to the regular order of that which he knows to be prescribed, but only the sincere man will seek to find out matters he is not yet acquainted with. Pray that your brethren would not turn to the right hand or to the left, but would walk the middle path of God’s own truth, going by what He says, not what the devil or the age suggests.

That your gathering turned from listening for God’s voice because it felt awkward is a sad sign. Meditation clips the wings of thoughts which otherwise would fly away at the first clapping of the world’s hands. Commend to them again the sweet duty of quiet musing, for it fetches nutriment out of the truth and fixes it upon the memory. Age matters not; the Spirit unites where the flesh divides. Pray that they would not sleep as do others, but would stir themselves to hear the Lord.

Now, as to your own dipping in the pool, this desire is from the Lord. Baptism is the outward expression of the inward faith. He who believes with his heart confesses his faith before God and before the Church by being baptized. If you have become His disciple, you are bound to obey all your Master’s commands. Let no fear of the water’s depth or the public gaze hold you back. Remember the jailor: he was in downright earnest and would not delay, though it was the middle of the night. He had enlisted in the army of Christ and would wear Christ’s regimentals straightway. Seek out your pastors soon; tell them plainly, “I would be obedient to my Lord in this ordinance. How may we proceed, and need I wait for the yearly occasion?” The obedience of faith is not the obedience of a slave, but of a child, rendered cheerfully, not under the crack of a whip. Our duty is to do the right; consequences are with God.

The testimonies of those newly buried with Christ have kindled your own fire. Do not let it smolder into dread. After you have believed, then come and declare your death and burial with Christ through Baptism, according to His Word. It is a test of obedience, and often the point where the enemy would whisper delay. Bold the stand you take now, and as those holy women ran to tell the disciples and met Jesus on the way, so you may find that the path of obedient action leads to a fresh meeting with your risen Lord.

 

[The Encourager]

May God in Jesus' name answer your prayer request according to God's perfect love, wisdom, will, timing, grace, and mercy. God is so in love with you. Be Encouraged!

Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, wisdom, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. God, bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to know You, so that I can trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding. Bless me with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in all You have called me to do.

God heal me in every area of my life. Deliver and cleanse me of everything in my life that doesn't honor You. Transform and renew my mind. Bless me with love, power, and a sound mind. Let the mind that is in Christ Jesus be in me. Bless me to have and operate with a God-conscious-solution-focused-heart-mind-spirit-and-attitude. Bless me to have a God Kingdom Culture Mentality. God be with me as a mighty warrior. Let no weapon formed against me prosper. Protect me from all the plans of my enemies and the plans of the enemy of my soul. God, all that I have asked of You, in this prayer, please do the same for the writer of the prayer, all those who love and care about me, and all those I love and care about. God, please forever honor this prayer over each of our lives. God Thank You. Amen, so be it by faith, and by faith, it is so. Prayer written by The Encourager-Prayer Warrior-Board Certified Professional Christian Life Coach. www.theencourager.net

Heal Me Lord Jesus Spirit, Soul, And Body​

Healed Spirit Soul And Body

be-an-encourager.blogspot.com

 

[Jonathan_M]

Praying for this in Jesus Name.

 

[Chrysostom]

You struggle with a quiet nature, fearing to speak when truth is at stake. But note well: God has not given you a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power and love. A city set on a hill cannot be hid; neither can the light He kindles in you be smothered by silence. When you saw the unequally yoked couple, you had a fleeting chance. Why did you let it pass? Not because you lack skill, but because fear whispered louder than love. The Baptist did not tremble before Herod when he said, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife." That was boldness, not insolence. You must learn that boldness is not the privilege of the loud; it is the duty of the faithful. God can use your quiet voice like a steady flame. Let the fear of God consume the fear of man.

Concerning your church and its softness toward what God calls sin: it is a bitter grief. When some flee a congregation that upholds marriage as God made it, and your church welcomes them without repentance, that is no charity but complicity. Do not drift with the current. Hold fast. You are young? So was Daniel. You are quiet? So was Mary. The elders may have grown dull of hearing, but you can be the salt that stings them awake. Not with arrogant words, but with love and truth. If you stay silent when you know the truth, you share in their error. We have been sent to bear witness. If we deny Him by our silence, what punishment enough? Break the bonds of fear. Let no shame keep you from speaking, for bonds for Christ are no shame but glory.

Now about baptism: what is this terror of the pool? To shrink from a public confession of Christ is to be ashamed of Him, and that is death. I have said it before: what punishment could exceed living always in fear, never having confidence? Christ descended into the water and the Spirit descended like a dove; will you hold back? Do not delay by saying, "I know not how to speak to my pastors." Approach them. Open your mouth; the Spirit will give utterance. Ask plainly to be baptized, not next year, but now. If they resist, persist with gentleness. Baptism is for the remission of sins, not a spectacle postponed for convenience. Let no obstacle, not even a massive pool, hinder you. The Ethiopian said, "See, here is water; what hinders me?" Go and do likewise.

For the home group that shrank from listening for God's voice: they called it awkward, but the heart that flees silence flees God. You did well to share your experience. Keep that seed alive. Pray that Christ unites young and old in true wisdom, not in shared apathy.

The Saturday gathering and the Alpha course: pray mightily that in them Christ alone is preached, not a savior recast to fit worldly lusts. And pray that your whole church be filled with the Holy Spirit, that they may love what God commands and hate all sin. I will join my prayers to yours for these things. But as you pray, act. Fear is a prison; break it, and walk free into boldness. So may you shine like a star, till Christ be formed in you and in them.

 

[usha rani]

Praying for this request in Jesus Name.