A Call to Repentance: WEEK THIRTY-ONE

2008-08-12T00:39:00.000-07:00

August 10, 2008

"In returning and rest will you be saved;
In quietness and confidence
will be your strength." (Is 30:15)

	INTRODUCTION TO WEEK THIRTY-ONE

INTRODUCTION TO WEEK THIRTY-ONE

This week, we continue to press in during WEEK THIRTY-ONE of our 40 Weeks of Prayer and Fasting, to offer prayers of repentance for the sin in the church, the sin in the nation, and the blessing of Israel.

We now address these areas:

1. SIN IN THE CHURCH: ADULTERY

2. SIN IN THE NATION: ADULTERY

3. PRAYERS FOR ISRAEL: 9th of AV

	SIN IN THE CHURCH: ADULTERY

REPENTANCE FOR SIN IN THE CHURCH:

ADULTERY

INTRODUCTION:

Scripture is clear: adultery IS sin. It is written:

"Thou shalt not commit adultery." (Exodus 20:14)

Scripture is also clear on the damage that adultery does to one's own soul, because it is written:

"But he who sins against me injures himself;
All those who hate me love death." (Proverbs 8:36)

Today, we offer prayers of repentance for the sin of adultery that has crept into the church, and which lies hidden, destroying men's souls. Although no one man should be pointed out to have fallen prey to this device of Satan, nevertheless, there was one episode that came to light two years ago over which we still grieve: the fall of Pastor Ted Haggard of New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado. And the lessons learned in this example can and should be applied "generically" to many, many others -- for many, many others (including other "names" in ministry) have been entrapped by the sin of adultery, as well.

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23)

We share below the some of the insights that can be gleaned from Ted Haggard's tragedy in an article, written by Rev. Jesse Lee Peterson and published by WorldNetDaily earlier this year: "What Ted Haggard's fall could teach Christians." (The following is an excerpt of the article. To read it in its entirety, go here.)

We continue to offer prayers for Rev. Haggard, and for his family, as he seeks healing from that which has "injured his soul." And let us pray for each other, that those "dark places" which may lurk hidden, in each of our hearts, will come to light in a safe environment, so that we, too, can find healing for our souls.

"There, but for the Grace of God, go I . . ."

Sara Ballenger, President
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners

What Ted Haggard's fall could teach Christians

By Rev. Jesse Lee Peterson

"There is a part of my life that is so repulsive and dark that I've been warring against it all my adult life." - Rev. Ted Haggard

By now most people have heard about the story of the Rev. Ted Haggard, the conservative evangelical minister who admitted to having a sexual relationship with a gay male prostitute and to buying methamphetamine. After admitting to some of the allegations, Haggard agreed to temporarily step aside as the head of New Life Church. But he and his wife were later informed that the church board had recommended he be permanently removed.

Haggard has since been in seclusion and is being counseled by several prominent ministers. Upon his departure, he wrote a moving, from-the-heart apology, which was read to an emotional congregation. He wrote in part:

"For extended periods of time, I would enjoy victory and rejoice in freedom. Then, from time to time, the dirt that I thought was gone would resurface, and I would find myself thinking thoughts and experiencing desires that were contrary to everything I believe and teach. . . Through the years I have sought assistance in a variety of ways, with none of them proving to be effective in me. . . When I stopped communicating about my problems, the darkness increased and finally dominated me. . ."

I can't help but wonder, what if instead of removing Rev. Haggard, the church had allowed him to stay on and share his testimony about this "darkness"? Wouldn't his testimony equip Christians with a deeper understanding of the spiritual battle we all face? This is the core issue that needs to be addressed openly with all church members, not hidden away in secrecy.

Haggard's judgment and anger opened the door to allow evil to enter into him at a time when he didn't realize what had made a home in him. This evil spirit drives Haggard and drives most people, until they repent and are born of the spirit of God.

Jesus Christ said we must be born again. When you're born of the spirit of God, you can do the things that are good and righteous and turn away from evil. In contrast, most Christians today believe that one can be "born again" and still sin. . .

In reality, overcoming sin is not only possible, it is commanded: "No one who is a child of God sins because God's seed remains in him. Nor can he sin, because he is a child of God. This is what distinguishes the children of God from the children of the devil." (1 John 3: 9-10)

I pray that Rev. Haggard would surrender himself totally to God and ask God to give him insight and understanding to overcome this spirit that has made a home in him, causing him to do the things he doesn't want to do.

In Ephesians (chapter 6, verse 10), Paul describes "The Spiritual War" this way: "For it is not against human enemies that we have to struggle, but against the principalities and the ruling forces who are masters of the darkness in this world. That is why you must take up all God's armor, or you will not be able to put up any resistance on the evil day."

Like most Christians, Rev. Haggard did not know how to fight this spiritual battle. The demons plaguing Haggard plague us all. We all do things we'd never want exposed as Haggard's darkness has been exposed. We must recognize this, and come to "know thyself."

To isolate Rev. Ted Haggard is in essence to condemn him - and it robs Christians of the opportunity to find freedom from their own sins.

	SIN IN THE NATION: ADULTERY

REPENTANCE FOR THE SINS OF THE NATION:

ADULTERY

The Ten Commandments were given to Moses, not just for the church, but for all men:

"Thou shalt not commit adultery." (Exodus 20:14)

Ironically, about a week ago, we had already determined to address the issue of ADULTERY in the church for today's Call to Repentance. Then, just this past week, it was revealed that another major political figure has fallen prey to this sin . . . a man whose name we all know in the headlines.

But he is not alone, for there have been many, many others in the course of our nation's history who have also succumbed to the seducing spirit of adultery . . . even within the White House itself. The Father's heart is grieved over this situation, because He knows the pain it causes both the adulterer and his family . . .

In addition, it is a well-known but little-discussed fact that here in Washington, D.C., certain "women" are actually sent in to "take down" a political figure through adultery. Indeed, they have been trained to do so!

Could this be one reason why our LORD commands us in I Timothy 2: 1,2 to "first of all" pray for KINGS and for ALL IN AUTHORITY?? Do they not require a greater measure of prayer protection than even the very citizens of a nation?

We close this Call to Repentance for the sin of adultery in the nation by sharing an email we received recently from a pastor in Idaho. Here are her words:

"Yesterday during our prayer meeting I had an interesting picture and note from the Lord: over the years we have had . . . Presidents who have committed physical adultery while in office. In our generation, the "tone" of America has literally changed dramatically, through court decisions etc . The Lord reminded me that the White House itself has memory - and the spirit of adultery has been left in that place. (As well as Congress). Not just sexual adultery, but adultery against God and His Word, against Israel, against what our Founding Fathers had hoped for us. The Lord constantly referred to idol worship as adultery. Failure to love God He called harlotry."

"We prayed the Blood of Jesus to cleanse permanently every evil memory that was put into the walls of the White House and halls of our Congress. We prayed that every spirit of adulterous behavior against the Lord would be removed from our government and its leadership."

Please join us now in prayer:

"Father, we come before You now in humility, in prayer and in fasting, and we ask You to forgive all in our nation who are caught in the vicious web of adultery. We stand in the gap for our nation, and we ask that You would use even this week's political shaking to cause men (and women) to WAKE UP to their need for cleansing, for forgiveness, and for NEW LIFE in YOU, Father God, our Savior . . . through the work of the Cross of Calvary and through the Shed Blood of the Lamb.

We are quick to remember Your words, Holy One, for it is written that when you confronted the Pharisees, who were accusing the woman caught in adultery, you said: "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." (John 8:7) May we, too, be quick to examine ourselves, slow to accuse, and quick to forgive and to pray for the sinner,.

And we thank You that, when You walked among men, You also spoke to the prostitute, saying: "Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more." (John 8:11)

Father God, we ask that hidden things come to light in the realm of adulterous behavior . . . not so that we can throw stones, but so that we can draw men to You, for forgiveness and for salvation.

We ask this in Jesus' most precious and holy name, Amen.

	PRAYERS FOR ISRAEL: 9th of AV

PRAYERS FOR ISRAEL:

9th of AV

Tisha b'Av, the 9th of the Hebrew month of Av, starts Saturday evening and goes to Sunday evening (today, August 10th.) It is a complete fast day in Judaism.

On this day numerous disasters have befallen the Jewish people - from the destruction of the 1st and 2nd Temples in Jerusalem, to the expulsion of all Jews from Spain in 1492, and the expulsion from Gaza just three years ago. Many other disastrous events have also occurred. [Google "Tisha b'Av" for further info.]

On this night, Jews read through the book of Lamentations.

- Abba, protect Your nation and people from another disaster this year.
- As Your people read Lamentations, pour out Your Spirit and use Your word to accomplish a deep work in their hearts. (Isaiah 55:11).

- "For thus says LORD; Sing with gladness for Jacob, shout among the chief of the nations: publish, praise, and say, 'O LORD, save Your people, the remnant of Israel'." (Jeremiah 31:7)

- "Turn us unto You, O LORD, and we shall be turned; renew our days as of old." (Lamentations 5:21)

- During this day, comfort especially Holocaust survivors and Gaza refugees.
- Give the younger generation an increased hunger to read and know Your Word. [Please see hymn, below -- the editor.]

Source: Intercessors for israel
Friday Prayer Alert
8 August 2008

"It is of LORD's mercies that we are not consumed,
because His compassions fail not.
They are new every morning.
Great is Your faithfulness."
(Lamentations 3:22-23)

	Special Section: Prayer for Healing for Homosexuals

Special Section: Prayer for Healing for Homosexuals

We close this section of repentance for the sin of homosexuality with the GOOD NEWS that there is HOPE for "homosexual" men and women to find their full and whole identity-male and female-in Christ.

How Jesus Heals us Through His Church

We are a people of desire-desires that can drive us toward noble and true expressions of our humanity, and desires that can reduce us to the animal kingdom-the rat in the wheel.

The only way that transformation can occur is through Christ and His community. As we come broken into the church, His faithful love can transform our desires. This is with the help of the church, not in spite of her. Jesus' body on earth has the authority to convert the rat into a saint. I will use my own story of healing from homosexuality to demonstrate how Jesus, through His community, transforms our desires.

25 years ago, I began this process of transformation. My starting point was as a practicing homosexual. Today I can join with the Psalmist in proclaiming: "You, Father, have satisfied my desires with good things, so that my youth is renewed like the eagle's. The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed."(Ps 103:5,6) My oppression had to do with misplaced desire. God's justice involved the realignment of my desire through the power of His transforming love. That love elevated my sight as to who He was, and the higher purposes He intended for my humanity. . .

The church embraced me as a healing community. This occurred at first more in spite of myself than through my obedience. Once I backslid, and went out partying with some friends. Right away I could see that I was in the wrong place - these people were not my people anymore. I was a Christian, born of the Spirit. So I ran out of the party, and did not stop for a mile or so. I was in a strange city at midnight; I had no idea where I was going.

On the right side of the street, I saw a gathering of people, spilling out onto the pavement. I ran by them and recognized a few. These were people from my church, holding a revival meeting in that downtown area! I joined them, and immediately felt like I was at home. "These are my people," I thought. "This is where I belong, in fellowship with those who worship the same Father, who bear the same Spirit." Church became home-I knew that without the community of Christ, I would be lost, subject to the powerful and perverse "fathers" of my other community.

Gratefully, I found a church that gave people room to be converted-to discover over time who the Father really was so that we could be changed through our devotion to Him. There I grew as a worshipper of the One. That transformation occurred as I experienced the continuous witness of grace and truth through members of that body.

The body of Christ must take up that call of transformation. All of us are people of desire. And Jesus wants our desires-the good, bad, and ugly. When we gather in His name, He wants to meet us like He did the Samaritan woman-granting us freedom from shame and sin as we receive His love and give back love to Him. In the process, we enter into the reality of God's high and holy purposes for our lives.

Without the body of Christ, "living water" will remain merely a good idea. But when we seek to extend that water to one another, we will answer the cries of broken hearts. We will see revival break out, even as the Samaritan did. We will witness Jesus' transformation of our desires, and of many others. We will become the healing community of Christ - His very Presence in the world today, extending living water to those who hunger and thirst for truthful mercy.

[To read Andrew's entire testimony, go here.]

"Father God, we lift up the Church in America, and we ask that You would help us to reach out to those who are bound by the sin and the lies of the homosexual lifestyle. Help us to learn how to "love them to You." In Your Name we ask this, Amen."

	Studies in Repentance: Life of D.L Moody (2)

"WHY GOD USED D. L. MOODY"

A Semon by R. A. Torrey -- 1923

(2) A MAN OF PRAYER

The second secret of the great power exhibited in Mr. Moody's life was that Mr. Moody was in the deepest and most meaningful sense a man of prayer. People oftentimes say to me: "Well, I went many miles to see and to hear D. L. Moody and he certainly was a wonderful preacher." Yes, D. L. Moody certainly was a wonderful preacher; taking it all in all, the most wonderful preacher I have ever heard, and it was a great privilege to hear him preach as he alone could preach; but out of a very intimate acquaintance with him I wish to testify that he was a far greater prayer than he was preacher.

Time and time again, he was confronted by obstacles that seemed insurmountable, but he always knew the way to surmount and to overcome all difficulties. He knew the way to bring to pass anything that needed to be brought to pass. He knew and believed in the deepest depths of his soul that "nothing was too hard for the Lord" and that prayer could do anything that God could do.

Often times Mr. Moody would write me when he was about to undertake some new work, saying: "I am beginning work in such and such a place on such and such a day; I wish you would get the students together for a day of fasting and prayer" And often I have taken those letters and read them to the students in the lecture room and said: "Mr. Moody wants us to have a day of fasting and prayer, first for God's blessing on our own souls and work, and then for God's blessing on him and his work."

Often we were gathered in the lecture room far into the night -- sometimes till one, two, three, four or even five o'clock in the morning, crying to God, just because Mr. Moody urged us to wait upon God until we received His blessing. How many men and women I have known whose lives and characters have been transformed by those nights of prayer and who have wrought mighty things in many lands because of those nights of prayer!

One day Mr. Moody drove up to my house at Northfield and said: "Torrey, I want you to take a ride with me." I got into the carriage and we drove out toward Lover's Lane, talking about some great and unexpected difficulties that had arisen in regard to the work in Northfield and Chicago, and in connection with other work that was very dear to him.

As we drove along, some black storm clouds lay ahead of us, and then suddenly, as we were talking, it began to rain. He drove the horse into a shed near the entrance to Lover's Lane to shelter the horse, and then laid the reins upon the dashboard and said: "Torrey, pray"; and then, as best I could, I prayed, while he in his heart joined me in prayer. And when my voice was silent he began to pray. Oh, I wish you could have heard that prayer! I shall never forget it, so simple, so trustful, so definite and so direct and so mighty. When the storm was over and we drove back to town, the obstacles had been surmounted, and the work of the schools, and other work that was threatened, went on as it had never gone on before, and it has gone on until this day.

As we drove back, Mr. Moody said to me: "Torrey, we will let the other men do the talking and the criticizing, and we will stick to the work that God has given us to do, and let Him take care of the difficulties and answer the criticisms."

On one occasion Mr. Moody said to me in Chicago: "I have just found, to my surprise, that we are twenty thousand dollars behind in our finances for the work here and in Northfield, and we must have that twenty thousand dollars, and I am going to get it by prayer." He did not tell a soul who had the ability to give a penny of the twenty thousand dollars' deficit, but looked right to God and said: "I need twenty thousand dollars for my work; send me that money in such a way that I will know it comes straight from Thee." And God heard that prayer. The money came in such a way that it was clear that it came from God in direct answer to prayer.

Yes, D. L. Moody was a man who believed in the God who answers prayer, and not only believed in Him in a theoretical way but believed in Him in a practical way. He was a man who met every difficulty that stood in his way -- by prayer. Everything he undertook was backed up by prayer, and in everything, his ultimate dependence was upon God.

To obtain a copy of this booklet, write to:
Sword of the Lord Publishers
P.O. Box 1099
Murfreesboro, TN 37133

	A Closing Thought: THE CALLDC

THE CALL DC

AUGUST 16, 2008

A brief glance at the headlines of our daily newspapers exposes the frailty of the moral fabric of our nation as the corruption of sin digs its claws deeper and deeper into the hearts and minds of our young people.

Abortion continues to claim over 1.6 million unborn lives every year in the U.S., wiping out nearly one-third of an entire generation born since 1973.

The growing slave trade of pornography, homosexuality, human trafficking, and sexual perversion - not only accepted by the culture, but now shamelessly promoted by it - has claimed countless young men and women, pilfering the Kingdom of the Lord's inheritance.

In 2000, 400,000 people, both young and old, gathered on the National Mall in Washington, DC to fast and pray believing the dream that a nation can change. That gathering and many others have imprinted tens of thousands of young people, initiating a 24-hour prayer revolution and inspiring a dream in their hearts that they could be a voice and real agents for change. Our nation continues in crisis and we feel it is time for TheCall to go to a national scale in another historic gathering in our nation's capital.

TheCall isn't a conference or a festival; it is a solemn assembly - a gathering of all ages, races and denominations. The 12 hours of TheCall are spent primarily before the Lord in the place of repentance, prayer, and worship. The hour is late and the time is urgent. Our nation is in desperate need of revival. We are seeing some signs of God moving, but we do not have what we need. Full-scale revival is only ushered in through the collective body of Christ uniting in repentance and prevailing prayer.

When there seems to be no remedy, when there seems to be no hope for a nation, God still has a holy prescription . . . God has a dream.

"Blow the trumpet in Zion, gather the people, call a fast." (Joel 2:12-18)

See you from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the DC National Mall on Saturday, August 16th!

Contact information:

TheCall
10524B Grandview Road
Kansas City, MO 64137

Phone: 816.285.9351
Email: Response@TheCall.com

You can visit the website for TheCallDC by going here.

A Call to Repentance - 31

A Call to Repentance: WEEK THIRTY-ONE