This Week's Prayer Guide


April 19 - This week, pray for the needs of churches in Xiangtan. Pray for churches in Xiangtan to be transformed by the gospel of Christ.

April 20 - Many house church leaders in Xiangtan shared that two rounds of persecution in recent years have driven their churches to gather in smaller groups, or even meet in private homes. The uncertainty of what the future may look like makes it difficult to plan ahead. Pray that God will give church leaders clarity and flexibility in times of uncertainty, and give the brothers and sisters patience and understanding as they endure changes.

April 21 - Due to the division into small groups, many brothers and sisters have left the church, which led to some financial challenges for these congregations. The old model of ministering to a full congregation does not work in this new environment, and churches lack sufficient preachers to build up the body of Christ. Pray that God will provide sufficient resources to Xiangtan churches to continue their ministry, give brothers and sisters unity in their mission, and prepare new preachers to carry the work onward.

April 22 - Persecution has forced some churches to fall into the government’s regulations. One pastor shared, "One very regrettable thing is that most of the larger churches in Xiangtan have been brought under state control and have registered with the Three-Self church…They were not even clear about what the Three-Self church was. Even some of our house church pastors were not very clear about why we should not join it, nor did they really understand the root issues involved." Please pray that church leaders in Xiangtan can persevere in the truth and remain faithful to the Lordship of Christ, and that this conviction will grow as Christians deepen their understanding in the gospel.

April 23 - Breaking into smaller gatherings has its upsides. One pastor shared, "The number of people serving has increased. Under the home church structure, many people have been called out by God to serve in their own small household settings. Scripture says that the saints are to be equipped and each is to do his part. That is God’s will. Also, because the scale is smaller, family relationships have improved and intimacy has increased. Sharing among brothers and sisters and among small groups has become much deeper." Praise God that he continues to grow his church, even as the sizes of the gatherings become smaller. Pray that this deepening of faith will one day be the foundation of new revivals in the city.

April 24 - Church leaders generally agree that Xiangtan is a hard soil for the gospel, "On the one hand, the church has not been built on the right foundation. At the same time, Xiangtan people tend to be stubborn and blunt by temperament, and it is hard to manifest the life of the Lord. Added to that, there are conflicts inside the church, and outside the church there is only limited room to live out the faith." Pray that the Spirit of Christ will bear fruits of love and gentleness among the churches in Xiangtan, that the world would know that they are followers of Jesus by their love for each other.

April 25 - Historically, Xiangtan churches have operated independently from each other, "scattered like loose sand." But under persecution, "Relationships among the house churches have begun to ease. Because we are so weak, some older preachers have begun to unite, gathering everyone to build relationships and pray together. There has begun to be some softening, some mutual acceptance, and some progress in that direction." Pray that this unity among churches will give church leaders new courage and synergy. May the Spirit of Christ stir the hearts of these church leaders to collaborate more effectively for the sake of his Kingdom.

4月19日——本周，请为湘潭各教会的需要祷告。求主让湘潭的教会因基督的福音而得到更新。

4月20日——湘潭许多家庭教会领袖分享说，近年来经历的两轮逼迫迫使他们的教会改以更小的群体聚会，甚至在私人住宅中聚会。未来的不确定性让他们难以制定长远计划。 求神在这充满不确定性的时期，赐给教会领袖清晰的洞见和灵活的应对能力，并赐给弟兄姊妹在经历变迁时的耐心与体谅。

4月21日——由于分组聚会，许多弟兄姊妹离开了教会，这给这些教会带来了经济上的挑战。 传统的教会事工模式在新环境下已行不通，且教会缺乏足够的传道人来建造基督的身体。 求神为湘潭的教会提供充足的资源以延续事工，赐给弟兄姊妹在使命中合一，并预备新的传道人来承接这项工作。

4月22日 - 迫害迫使一些教会屈从于政府的管制。一位牧师分享道："非常遗憾的是，湘潭大多数较大的教会已被纳入国家控制之下，并在三自教会注册……他们甚至不清楚三自教会是什么。我们的一些家庭教会牧师也不太清楚为什么不该加入三自，也不真正理解其中涉及的根本问题。"请祷告，愿湘潭的教会领袖能持守真理，忠于基督的主权。随着基督徒对福音理解的加深，他们的忠信也能日益增长。

4月23日——分组进行小型聚会也有其好处。一位牧师分享道："服侍的人数增加了。在家庭教会模式下，许多人被神呼召，在自己的小家庭中服侍。圣经说，圣徒要被装备，各人都要尽自己的本分。这就是神的旨意。此外，由于规模缩小，家庭关系得到了改善，彼此间的亲密感也增强了。弟兄姐妹之间以及小组内的分享变得更加深入。" 赞美神，即使聚会规模变小，祂仍在持续扩展祂的教会。祈求这种日益加深的信心终将成为这座城市新一轮复兴的根基。

4月24日——教会领袖普遍认为湘潭是福音的硬土："一方面，教会并未建立在正确的根基上。同时，湘潭人天性倔强直率，难以彰显主的生命。加之教会内部存在冲突，而教会外部践行信仰的空间也十分有限。" 求主让基督的灵在湘潭各教会中结出仁爱与温柔的果子，使世人因他们彼此相爱，知道他们是耶稣的门徒。

4月25日——历史上，湘潭各教会一直各自为政，"如散沙般分散"。但在逼迫之下，家庭教会之间的关系开始缓和。"正因我们如此软弱，一些年长的传道人开始联合起来，召集众人建立关系并一同祷告。彼此间已开始出现一些缓和、相互接纳，并朝着这个方向有所进展。" 求主让教会间的这种合一赋予教会领袖新的勇气与协同力量。愿基督的灵感动这些教会领袖的心，为祂的国度更有效地同工。

All Twelve Steps
Romans 7:13-18 Has then what is good become death to me? Certainly not! But sin, that it might appear sin, was producing death in me through what is good, so that sin through the commandment might become exceedingly sinful.
For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin.
For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do.
If, then I do,what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good.
But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.
For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find.
Philippians 2:12-18 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but know much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;
for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
Do all things without complaining and disputing,
that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,
holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.
Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.
For this same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me.
Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Lamentations 3:37-45 Who is he who speaks and it comes to pass, when the Lord has not commanded it?
Is it not from the mouth of the Most High That woe and well-being proceed?
Why should a living man complain, a man for the punishment of his sins?
Let us search out and examine our ways, And turn back to the LORD;
Let us lift our hearts and hands To God in heaven.
We have transgressed and rebelled; You have not pardoned.
You have covered Yourself with anger And pursued us; You have slain and not pitied.
You have covered Yourself with a cloud, That prayer should not pass through
You have made us an offering and refuse In the midst of the peoples.
Lamentations 3:55-57 I called on Your name, O LORD, From the lowest pit.
You have heard my voice; "Do not hide Your ear From my sighing, from my cry for help."
You drew near on the day I called on You, And said, "Do not fear!"
Matthew 5:37 “But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes’, and your ‘No,’ ‘No’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.
James 5:12-16 But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath, But let your “Yes” be “Yes,” and your “No,” “No.” lest you fall into judgement.
Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms.
Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.
And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.
Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
James 4:5-10 Or do you think that the Scriptures says in vain, "The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously"?
But He gives more grace. Therefore He says; "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble."
Therefore submit to God, Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom.
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.
1 John 1:5-10 This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.
If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.
But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.
Luke 6:27-31 "But I say to you who hear; Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,
"bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you.
"To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either.
"Give to everyone who asks of you. and from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back.
"And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.
Matthew 5:21-26 "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgement.'
"But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgement. And whoever says to his brother, 'Raca!' shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, 'You fool!' shall be in danger of hell fire.
"Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you,
"leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.
"Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison,
"Assuredly, I say to you, you will by no means get out of there till you have paid the last penny.
1 Corinthians 10:6-12 Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted.
And do not become idolaters as were some of them. as it is written, "The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play."
Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell;
nor let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents;
nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer.
Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.
Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.
Colossians 3:12-17 Therefore, as the elect of God holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering,
bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another, even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.
But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body, and be thankful.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
Galatians 6:1-5 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.
Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.
For each one shall bear his own load.
Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches.

Step Twelve
Galatians 6:1-5 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.
Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.
For each one shall bear his own load.
Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches.
Romans 12:1-3 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.
1 Corinthians 11:27-34 Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.
But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup.
For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.
For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep.
For if we would judge ourselves , we would not be judged.
But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not condemned with the world.
Therefore, my brethren, when you come together to eat, wait for one another.
But if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home, lest you come together for judgement. And the rest I will set in order when I come.
Romans 2:1-11 Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things.
But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things.
And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God?
Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?
But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God,
who will render to each one according to his deeds".
eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality;
but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness--indignation and wrath,
tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also the of the Greek;
but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
For there is no partiality with god.
Ephesians 4:23-32 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind,
and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.
Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another.
“Be angry, and do not sin do not let the sun go down on your wrath,
nor give place to the devil.
Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need.
Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace for the hearers.
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.
And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

Step Eleven
Colossians 3:12-17 Therefore, as the elect of God holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering,
bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another, even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.
But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body, and be thankful.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
1 Peter 1:1-12 PETER, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,
elect according to the fore-knowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ; Grace to you and peace be multiplied.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
To an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,
who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials,
that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,
whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,
Receiving the end of your faith–the salvation of your souls.
Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you,
searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow.
To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy spirit sent from heaven–things which angels desire to look into.
Mark 11:25-26 “And wherever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.
“But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.”
Ephesians 4:1-10 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called,
with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love,
endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling;
one Lord, one faith, one baptism;
one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, in you all.
But to each one of us was given according to the measure of Christ's gift.
Therefore He says; "When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, And gave gifts to men,"
(Now this, "He ascended"--what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth?
He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.)
1 Peter 4:7-11 But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.
And above all things have fervent love for one another, for "love will cover a multitude of sins."
Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.
As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God,
If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
1 Corinthians 7:10-16 Now to the married I command, yet not I but the Lord; A wife is not to depart from her husband.
But even if she does depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband. and a husband is not to divorce his wife.
But to the rest, I, not the Lord, say; if any brother has a wife who does not believe, and she is willing to live with him, let him not divorce her.
And a woman who has a husband who does not believe, if he is willing to live with her, let her not divorce him.
For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband; otherwise your children would be unclean, but now they are holy.
But if the unbeliever departs, let him depart; a brother or sister is not under bondage in such cases. But God has called us to peace.
For how do you know, O wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, O husband, whether you will save your wife?
Ephesians 5:15-21 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise,
redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit,
speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord,
giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
submitting to one another in the fear of god.

Step One- A Deeper look into NKJV
Romans 7:13-18 Has then what is good become death to me? Certainly not! But sin, that it might appear sin, was producing death in me through what is good, so that sin through the commandment might become exceedingly sinful.
For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin.
For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do.
If, then I do,what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good.
But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.
For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find.
Romans 6:12-18 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts.
And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.
For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.
What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law, but under grace? Certainly not!
Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one's slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?
But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered.
And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.
Galatians 5:16-26 I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.
For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.
But if you are lead by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness,
idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies,
envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
Genesis 6:5-8 Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
And the LORD was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart.
So the LORD said, "I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man and beast, creeping thing and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made them."
But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.
Genesis 8:20-22 Then Noah built an altar to the LORD, and took of every clean animal and of every clean bird, and offered burnt offerings on the altar.
And the LORD smelled a smoothing aroma. Then the LORD said in His heart, "I will never again curse the ground for man's sake, although the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; nor will I again destroy every living thing as I have done.
"While the earth remains, Seedtime and harvest, Cold and heat, Winter and summer, and day and night Shall not cease."
John 3:13-21 “No one has ascended to heaven But He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven.
“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up,
“that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
“For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn to world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
“He who believes in Him is not condemned, but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
“And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds are evil,
“For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.
“But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”
Romans 8:18-25 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God.
For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it to hope;
because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.
Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.
For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope, for why does still hope for what he sees?
But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.

Wisdom for My Conversation.
Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. James 3:13

How many sins this consistent conduct would prevent! How many souls it would turn from crooked paths into paths of righteousness. By a well-ordered life and godly conversation God’s people are to demonstrate the power of the great truths which He has given them....

A contrast is drawn between those who think themselves to be wise and those whom God has gifted with wisdom because they will not use their powers to hurt or destroy. A man may speak fair words, but unless his life reveals good works, his wisdom is human. Genuine wisdom is full of gentleness, mercy, and love. The worldly policy which men call wisdom is by God called foolishness. Many in the church have become spiritual bankrupts because they have been satisfied with this wisdom. They have lost the opportunity to obtain knowledge and to use knowledge aright, because they have not realized that the efficiency of Christ is essential to make a successful merchant for God, one who can trade wisely on his entrusted goods. They have failed to supply themselves with heavenly merchandise, and the value of their stock in trade has continually decreased.

It is not enough to have knowledge. We must have the ability to use knowledge aright. God calls upon us to show a good conversation, free from all roughness and vanity. Speak no words of vanity, no words of harsh command; for they will gender strife. Speak instead words that will give light, knowledge, information, words that will restore and build up. A man shows that he has true wisdom by using the talent of speech to produce music in the souls of those who are trying to do their appointed work and who are in need of encouragement.

When the heart is pure, rich treasures of wisdom will flow forth. Telma Deus

"Joy is love exalted; peace is love in response; long-suffering is love enduring; gentleness is love in society; goodness is love in action; faith is love on the battlefield; meekness is love in tough situations; and temperance is love in training." ~ Dwight L. Moody

Ephesians 4:2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

In a world that valued self-exaltation, Paul called for humility and gentleness to define the church, something that was not the norm in that society. And this same humility and gentleness that Paul spoke of so long ago is just as important in today’s society, which we can argue would probably be just as out of place.

A few days ago in our word study, we learned that the Greek form tapeinophrosunēs was more than just a lowly attitude but also consisted of lowliness of the mind. This humility was a form of a deep-seated inner attitude and not just an outward act, one that demonstrated a lack of selfishness and a willingness to stoop to serve, rather than seeking position or praise.

And it is the same form that we find in today’s verse. In English we see the wording of completely humble. Completely. Not just partially. Wholly, fully, entirely humble. We set aside everything and we position ourselves in humility, setting aside our own pride and our own needs and instead focusing on others.

It is paired with gentleness and patience, signifying a "clothed" attitude of selflessness and grace (Colossian 3:12). These virtues are not natural for the majority of us and require us to seek out God’s help. Thinking about all that we have learned and what our response is supposed to be can be overwhelming and feel impossible. Completely? How? But we have hope because with God all things are possible, including things that don’t feel natural to us and require us to extend a lot of effort to accomplish.

Today let’s spend some time thinking not about how we can be humble and instead surrender and let God use us. Trust in Him to provide you with the opportunities and give you the “how” - and you simply obey.

#TEENS4JESUS #devotion #dailydevotional #christianteens #DailyBibleVerse

The Bond of Peace NKJV

Ephesians 4:1-10 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called,

with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing, with one another in love,

endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of Peace.

There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling;

one Lord, one faith, one baptism;

one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift.

Therefore He says; "When he ascended on High, He led captivity captive, And gave gifts to men."

(Now this, "He ascended"-- what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth?

He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.)

1 Thessalonians 2:8-20 So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.

For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil; for laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God.

You are witnesses, and God also, how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe;

as you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and changed every one of you, as a father does his own children,

that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.

For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of god, which also effectively works in you who believe.

For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus. for you also suffered the same things from your own countrymen, just as the did from the Judeans,

who killed both the Lord Jesus and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they do not please God and are contrary to all men,

forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they may be saved, so as always to fill up the measure of their sins; but wrath has come upon them to the uttermost.

But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoring more eagerly to see your face with great desire.

Therefore we wanted to come to you-- even I, Paul, time and again-- but Satan hindered us.

For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? I sit not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?

For you are our glory and joy.

Romans 12:3-8 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.

For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function,

so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another;

having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them; if prophesy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith;

or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching;

he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

1 Corinthians 1:10-17 Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe's household, that there are contentions among you.

Now I say this, that each of you says, "I am of Paul," or "I am of Apollos," or "I am of Cephas," or "I am of Christ."

Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?

I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius,

lest anyone should say that had baptized in my own name.

Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas. Besides, I do not know whether I baptized any other.

For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.

Malachi 2:10-11 Have we not all one Father? Has not one God created us? Why do we deal treacherously with one another By profaning the covenant of the fathers?

Judah has dealt treacherously, And an abomination has been committed in Israel and in Jerusalem. For Judah has profaned The Lords holy institution which He loves; He has married the daughter of a foreign god.

1 Corinthians 12:7-11 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all;

for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit.

to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same spirit,

to another the working of miracles, to another prophesy, to another discerning of Spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues,

But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distribution to each one individually as He wills.

Proverbs 4:1-2 NKJV Part 2

Proverbs 4:1-2 Hear, my children, the instruction of a father, And give attention to know understanding;

For I give you good doctrine; Do not forsake my law.

Proverbs 4:10-19 Hear, my son, and receive my saying, And the years of your life will be many,

I have taught you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in right paths.

When you walk, your steps will not be hindered, And when you run, you will not stumble.

Take firm hold of instruction, do not let her go; Keep her, for she is your life.

Do not enter the path of the wicked, And do not walk in the way of evil.

Avoid it, do not travel on it; Turn away from it and pass on,

For they do not sleep unless they have done evil; And their sleep is taken away unless they make someone fall.

For they eat the bread of wickedness, And drink the wine of violence.

But the path of the just is like the shinning sun, That shines ever brighter unto the perfect day.

The way of the wicked is like darkness; They do not know what makes them stumble.

Proverbs 3:1-2 My son, do not forget my law, But let your heart keep my commands;

For length of days and long life And peace they will add to you.

Psalm 18:20-36 The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness; According to the cleanness of y hands He has recompensed me.

For I have kept the ways of the LORD, And have not wickedly departed from my God.

For all His judgments were before me, And I did not put away His statutes from me.

I was also blameless before Him, And I kept myself from my iniquity.

Therefore the LORD has recompensed me according to my righteousness, According to the cleanness of my hands in His sight.

With the merciful You will show Yourself merciful With a blameless man you will show Yourself blameless;

With the pure You will show Yourself pure; And with the devious You will show yourself shrewd.

For you will save the humble people, But will bring down haughty looks.

For you will light my lamp; The LORD my God will enlighten my darkness.

For by You I can run against a troop, By my God I can leap over a wall.

As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.

For who is God, except the LORD? And who is a rock, except our God?

Is is God who arms me with strength, And makes my way perfect.

He makes my feet like the feet of deer, And sets me on my high places.

He teaches my hands to make war, So that my arms can bend a bow of bronze,

You have also given me the shield of Your salvation; Your right hand has held me up, Your gentleness has made me great.

You enlarged my path under me, So my feet dd not slip.

Isaiah 26:7-15 The way of the just is uprightness; O most Upright, You weigh the path of the just,

Yes, in the way of Your judgments, O LORD, we have waited for you; The desire of our soul is of Your name And for the remembrance of you.

With my soul I have desired You in the night, Yes, by my spirit within me I seek you early; For when Your judgments are in the earth, The inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.

Let grace be shown to the wicked, yet he will not learn righteousness; In the land of uprightness he will deal unjustly, And will not behold the majesty of the LORD.

LORD, when Your hand is lifted up, they will not see. But they will see and be ashamed For their envy of people; Yes, the fire of Your enemies shall devour them.

LORD, You will establish peace for us, For you have also done all our works in us.

O LORD our God, masters besides You Have had dominion over us; But by You only we make mention of Your name.

They are dead, they will not live; They are deceased, they will not rise. Therefore You have punished and destroyed them, And make all their memory to perish.

You have increased the nation, O LORD, You have increased the nation; You are glorified; You have expanded all the borders of the land.