Kathy White
Divisional Field Director
We long to find God’s will for our lives! In I Thess. 5:18, Paul instructs us in how to find it! “No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus” (NIV).
Mary comes to mind at Christmas as we see the will of God intersecting with history through the birth of Jesus—in the life of a young girl.
Just think about Mary and her experience—conversations with an angel, a cosmic pregnancy, being the controversial focal point of her small community, a new marriage, and then having a baby who was the most extraordinary Child ever born—the fully human, fully divine Savior of the world. I think the key to Mary and her ability to navigate this amazing journey in God’s will is found in Luke 2:19: which tells us that after the shepherds left “Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”
The original Greek word for ponder in this verse is symbollo: meaning to dispute with, to confer with, meet with, to ponder.
Mary didn’t just react to all that was happening, she took time to ponder the amazing events unfolding before her eyes. To process them with God, conferring with Him, thinking about His plans and trustworthiness. She was then able to respond with amazing confidence in God’s will for her life. Her wonderful response is found in Luke 1:46-55.
Take time to read this wonderful song and as you praise God with Mary, think of your circumstances in light of who He is. Thanking God puts all of life’s circumstances into perspective; under His sovereignty, His power, and His plans. Mary praised God for what He was doing through her and it enabled her to raise the Son of God and endure all the pain and joys that would follow.
During this Christmas season, and beyond, let’s not just react in a flurry to life and all its demands, but may we find God’s will as we ponder and respond to God as Mary did—with thanksgiving!
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Military Hour of Prayer
During 2012 God has used Stonecroft’s military ministry in amazing ways. Please join us in a prayer of thanksgiving.
“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” —Psalm 100:1-2, 4, NIV
Father in Heaven, these words from Psalm 100 are so appropriate as we consider all that has happened this past year in the Military Ministry arm of Stonecroft. We give you thanks and praise for many wonderful military events, such as the Military Appreciation event on September 11 in Bartlesville, OK—attended by 500 people—and the “Monumental Hour of Prayer” held at Mt. Rushmore on July 8, where more than 360 came to hear Tom Greco share his story, and fourteen decisions were made for Christ.
We overflow with gratitude as we think about the many successful Stonecroft Military Heart Events this year:
And now, Abba Father, we look toward the open doors and opportunities before us. We remember the words of the Apostle Paul: “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience” (Colossians 3:12, NIV).
Again, heeding the words of Paul, help us to bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances we may have against one another. Help us forgive as You have forgiven us. And over all these virtues may we put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. (Col. 3:13-14)
Father, our hearts’ desire is to glorify You and honor Your Name. We pray that the seeds sown during these military events will bear fruit for Your glory.
We pray for those who received special military Bibles from Biblica. Please help them to read and understand Your living Word. We ask that those who signed up for Pray & Play and Stonecroft Bible Studies will grow in Your Word and in fellowship with one another.
Father, we pray for our National Military Ministry leaders:
• Pauletta Staley, Director
• Robin Harnist, Speaker/Trainer Consultant
• Kathy Torrence, Liaison Consultant
• Teasia Levin, Liaison Consultant
• Anne Rice, Prayer Consultant
In the Name of Jesus, we unite in prayer against the work of the enemy, and we put on humility. We see humility not as a dark, wet cloak, but as a beautiful adorning silk scarf. Join our hearts together as one body so that Your light, Your love, and Your glory will overcome all darkness and confusion.
We pray for the other ministries that serve alongside Stonecroft:
• Child Evangelism Fellowship, which reaches out to children during military events
• Biblica, which provides special military Bibles for us to give free-of-charge
• National Day of Prayer, which ministers with us on and around military bases
Thank You for providing special opportunities to share the ministry in ever widening circles. We ask Your blessing and direction for upcoming events in 2013.
“Blessed is the Nation whose God is the Lord.” –Psalm 33:12a
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
As you join us in prayer with and for Stonecroft’s military family and friends, maybe you are led to join us in serving individuals and families in the military. If so, please contact Pauletta Staley, national director of Military Ministry, at pstaley@stonecroft.org.
If you have family and friends serving in the military, please add your prayers for them in the comment section below. [Please use first names only, unless the individual or family has specifically requested that their names be posted here, and avoid mentioning their location unless you know their mission is unclassified.] You can also share other prayers you have for the military and military ministry.
“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” —Psalm 100:1-2, 4, NIV
Father in Heaven, these words from Psalm 100 are so appropriate as we consider all that has happened this past year in the Military Ministry arm of Stonecroft. We give you thanks and praise for many wonderful military events, such as the Military Appreciation event on September 11 in Bartlesville, OK—attended by 500 people—and the “Monumental Hour of Prayer” held at Mt. Rushmore on July 8, where more than 360 came to hear Tom Greco share his story, and fourteen decisions were made for Christ.
We overflow with gratitude as we think about the many successful Stonecroft Military Heart Events this year:
- Dobbins Air Force Base, Cape Cod NH, June 12, and Cape May, NJ.
- McConnell AFB, Wichita, KS, September 20. We praise you for the wonderful attendance and the many who signed up for Stonecroft Bible Studies.
- MacDill AFB, Tampa Bay, FL, September 21. Thank You for this first women’s Military Heart Event with many receiving Christ and signing up for Stonecroft Bible studies.
- Camp Pendleton, CA, October 6. We praise and thank You for the large group that came to this third annual event and welcomed their new lead Chaplain. We rejoice in knowing that many women signed up for Pray & Play and mentoring.
- Mt. Home AFB, ID. We praise You for this event, also a third annual event, our first Family Heart Event. We thank you for this great time of joy as men, women, and their children celebrated together—an event made sweeter because many of the military personnel had just returned from deployment.
- Vandenberg AFB, CA, October 24. We thank You for the great turnout, especially for the many who prayed to receive Christ and signed up for Bible studies. We also thank you for the successful one-day Bible study held the next morning. We praise you that this Bible Study event will be a model for others.
- Virginia Beach, VA, October 27. Thank you for this awesome third annual event which was so well attended—in spite of hurricane Sandy. You are Sovereign! Our God reigns!
And now, Abba Father, we look toward the open doors and opportunities before us. We remember the words of the Apostle Paul: “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience” (Colossians 3:12, NIV).
Again, heeding the words of Paul, help us to bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances we may have against one another. Help us forgive as You have forgiven us. And over all these virtues may we put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. (Col. 3:13-14)
Father, our hearts’ desire is to glorify You and honor Your Name. We pray that the seeds sown during these military events will bear fruit for Your glory.
We pray for those who received special military Bibles from Biblica. Please help them to read and understand Your living Word. We ask that those who signed up for Pray & Play and Stonecroft Bible Studies will grow in Your Word and in fellowship with one another.
Father, we pray for our National Military Ministry leaders:
• Pauletta Staley, Director
• Robin Harnist, Speaker/Trainer Consultant
• Kathy Torrence, Liaison Consultant
• Teasia Levin, Liaison Consultant
• Anne Rice, Prayer Consultant
In the Name of Jesus, we unite in prayer against the work of the enemy, and we put on humility. We see humility not as a dark, wet cloak, but as a beautiful adorning silk scarf. Join our hearts together as one body so that Your light, Your love, and Your glory will overcome all darkness and confusion.
We pray for the other ministries that serve alongside Stonecroft:
• Child Evangelism Fellowship, which reaches out to children during military events
• Biblica, which provides special military Bibles for us to give free-of-charge
• National Day of Prayer, which ministers with us on and around military bases
Thank You for providing special opportunities to share the ministry in ever widening circles. We ask Your blessing and direction for upcoming events in 2013.
“Blessed is the Nation whose God is the Lord.” –Psalm 33:12a
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
As you join us in prayer with and for Stonecroft’s military family and friends, maybe you are led to join us in serving individuals and families in the military. If so, please contact Pauletta Staley, national director of Military Ministry, at pstaley@stonecroft.org.
If you have family and friends serving in the military, please add your prayers for them in the comment section below. [Please use first names only, unless the individual or family has specifically requested that their names be posted here, and avoid mentioning their location unless you know their mission is unclassified.] You can also share other prayers you have for the military and military ministry.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Political Action and Prayer Action
By Nancy Sprowls
Stonecroft assistant to the Sr. Vice President of Field Ministry
“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to knowledge of the truth.” —I Timothy 2:1-3, NIV
Divisiveness, half-truths, and partisanship have been the words of note leading to last week’s elections. I wonder what Jesus thinks of this. He experienced all of those things as He ministered on Earth and suffered the stings of such words. Now that the bickering and rhetoric has paused until the next election cycle, maybe it’s time to reflect for a moment on Christian priorities in the political arena.
Scripture clearly shows that our first political action is to pray for our kings, presidents, and leaders—we are to make requests for them, intercede for them, and offer prayers of thanksgiving. Then, we are to pray that their decisions would be such that we would be able to live quiet and peaceful lives.
Somehow, offering those prayers is good and pleasing to God. Somehow, it appears that when we pray for those things it is a testimony to others who don’t yet know Christ, or those not growing in Christ—it causes them to see and hear truth and gain knowledge in the truth.
My Mom exemplified a Christian heart of political prayer. She always had a photo of the President of the United States hanging in her home. She prayed for him, no matter what political persuasion he professed. I never asked her, but my hunch is that she prayed for their families, their decisions, gave thanks for them, and asked that the decisions each President made would allow her family to live peaceful and quiet lives.
And you know what? It was a testimony to all who entered her home. Her grandchildren, to this day, remember the pictures of the Presidents and know that Grandma prayed.
Applying this Scripture, as my Mom did, brings its nugget of truth to life; sinking deep into the soul of all who entered her home.
When our political action first becomes prayer action, God will be glorified and others will gain knowledge of the truth.
Stonecroft assistant to the Sr. Vice President of Field Ministry
“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to knowledge of the truth.” —I Timothy 2:1-3, NIV
Divisiveness, half-truths, and partisanship have been the words of note leading to last week’s elections. I wonder what Jesus thinks of this. He experienced all of those things as He ministered on Earth and suffered the stings of such words. Now that the bickering and rhetoric has paused until the next election cycle, maybe it’s time to reflect for a moment on Christian priorities in the political arena.
Scripture clearly shows that our first political action is to pray for our kings, presidents, and leaders—we are to make requests for them, intercede for them, and offer prayers of thanksgiving. Then, we are to pray that their decisions would be such that we would be able to live quiet and peaceful lives.
Somehow, offering those prayers is good and pleasing to God. Somehow, it appears that when we pray for those things it is a testimony to others who don’t yet know Christ, or those not growing in Christ—it causes them to see and hear truth and gain knowledge in the truth.
My Mom exemplified a Christian heart of political prayer. She always had a photo of the President of the United States hanging in her home. She prayed for him, no matter what political persuasion he professed. I never asked her, but my hunch is that she prayed for their families, their decisions, gave thanks for them, and asked that the decisions each President made would allow her family to live peaceful and quiet lives.
And you know what? It was a testimony to all who entered her home. Her grandchildren, to this day, remember the pictures of the Presidents and know that Grandma prayed.
Applying this Scripture, as my Mom did, brings its nugget of truth to life; sinking deep into the soul of all who entered her home.
When our political action first becomes prayer action, God will be glorified and others will gain knowledge of the truth.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Justice
By Trina Pockett
Stonecroft Divisional Field Director
“Instead, I want to see a mighty flood of justice, an endless river of righteous living.”—Amos 5:24
God loves justice. All throughout Scripture, we see God’s response to people who are being oppressed. He saves. He delivers. He heals.
God called Moses to action to lead the Israelites to freedom. He positioned Esther to speak up and a nation was preserved. He gave David strength and courage to defeat a giant. God sent His Son to rescue people.
Today, we read headlines about human trafficking, extreme poverty, suicide, sexual abuse, domestic abuse, depression, and child abandonment. These are injustices that break the heart of God.
God is calling out to His people. How will we respond?
Our first response should be prayer. We must acknowledge that these injustices are too big for us to carry alone. Only God’s power can rescue, heal, and transform this world. We get to engage in the process by first, turning our hearts to God, and pleading on behalf of other people. From there, He will direct us into action.
Let’s make this our prayer!
God, we pray for the leading of the Holy Spirit, healing for the oppressed, comfort for the brokenhearted, deliverance for those in bondage, courage for us to take action, and for a mighty flood of justice in our land. We give You all glory and honor. In your Son’s precious name, Amen.
Stonecroft Divisional Field Director
“Instead, I want to see a mighty flood of justice, an endless river of righteous living.”—Amos 5:24
God loves justice. All throughout Scripture, we see God’s response to people who are being oppressed. He saves. He delivers. He heals.
God called Moses to action to lead the Israelites to freedom. He positioned Esther to speak up and a nation was preserved. He gave David strength and courage to defeat a giant. God sent His Son to rescue people.
Today, we read headlines about human trafficking, extreme poverty, suicide, sexual abuse, domestic abuse, depression, and child abandonment. These are injustices that break the heart of God.
God is calling out to His people. How will we respond?
Our first response should be prayer. We must acknowledge that these injustices are too big for us to carry alone. Only God’s power can rescue, heal, and transform this world. We get to engage in the process by first, turning our hearts to God, and pleading on behalf of other people. From there, He will direct us into action.
Let’s make this our prayer!
God, we pray for the leading of the Holy Spirit, healing for the oppressed, comfort for the brokenhearted, deliverance for those in bondage, courage for us to take action, and for a mighty flood of justice in our land. We give You all glory and honor. In your Son’s precious name, Amen.
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Striding in the Sunshine or Soaking in His Grace?
By Laura Muckerman
Stonecroft Staff Writer
These days, I find myself praying more frequently than ever for the Stonecroft staff and our families, and I hope you will, too. So many of us are affected by serious illness in our families.
I have to confess that when I pray for God’s help, either for myself or for someone I love, I want deliverance from trouble, not spiritual growth through trouble. I want the medical test results to be good. I want the difficulty to end. I want the pain to go away—now!
But often God’s answer—and He always answers—seems to be either “no” or “wait.”
Scripture has much to say about why God allows trials, but if He were to give us a simple, elementary-school-reading-level explanation, it might be something like this:
“In the sunshine, My children stride down the road of life.
“In evening shadows, My children raise a quick prayer, then cautiously step forward.
“But in torrential rain, My children pause beside the road and cry out to Me for help. And, though they may not know it, people who love them are calling out to Me on their behalf, too.
“As I hear these cries, I rush to gather My children in My arms. When they fix their eyes on Me, their fear gives way to trust, and their weakness becomes a showcase for My strength. If the storm lingers, their rain-soaked faces resemble the Savior’s a little more each day.”
Let’s pray for health and happiness, hoping the answer is “yes.” Let’s remember, though, that if God answers “no” or “wait,” it’s because He not only does amazing things for people, but in people and through people who learn to wait on Him.
How have you seen God answer “yes” to your prayers? Have you seen God working through difficulties or health struggles? How do you pray for those in crisis? Please share your thoughts by clicking on “comments” (below) to respond.
Stonecroft Staff Writer
These days, I find myself praying more frequently than ever for the Stonecroft staff and our families, and I hope you will, too. So many of us are affected by serious illness in our families.
I have to confess that when I pray for God’s help, either for myself or for someone I love, I want deliverance from trouble, not spiritual growth through trouble. I want the medical test results to be good. I want the difficulty to end. I want the pain to go away—now!
But often God’s answer—and He always answers—seems to be either “no” or “wait.”
Scripture has much to say about why God allows trials, but if He were to give us a simple, elementary-school-reading-level explanation, it might be something like this:
“In the sunshine, My children stride down the road of life.
“In evening shadows, My children raise a quick prayer, then cautiously step forward.
“But in torrential rain, My children pause beside the road and cry out to Me for help. And, though they may not know it, people who love them are calling out to Me on their behalf, too.
“As I hear these cries, I rush to gather My children in My arms. When they fix their eyes on Me, their fear gives way to trust, and their weakness becomes a showcase for My strength. If the storm lingers, their rain-soaked faces resemble the Savior’s a little more each day.”
Let’s pray for health and happiness, hoping the answer is “yes.” Let’s remember, though, that if God answers “no” or “wait,” it’s because He not only does amazing things for people, but in people and through people who learn to wait on Him.
How have you seen God answer “yes” to your prayers? Have you seen God working through difficulties or health struggles? How do you pray for those in crisis? Please share your thoughts by clicking on “comments” (below) to respond.
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Influential Women
by Tami Walker
Divisional Field Director
Stonecroft Ministries
We are called to pray and to ask for prayer. Together we can
become the change agents God has called us to be. This begins by being a
listening ear for those who need prayer and humbly sharing our needs by asking
for prayer, too.
I’ve heard it said that today, leadership is influence and
influence is leadership. We as women have the opportunity to shape our sphere
of influence. It starts with our families, our parents, siblings, and our kids.
Then it extends to neighbors, friends, co-workers.
If I asked each of you, “Who is your best friend, who is
your neighbor, and who do you work with?” I imagine the answer to those three
questions would be different for each one of us. That means we live in different
spheres. This has a profound impact on for the Kingdom of God.
He has set us in this time in history to bring the Kingdom
of God here and now. How does this begin? It begins by praying. Praying for our
influence to be felt and for those we know and lead; that they too might become
influencers for God and His purposes.
Zechariah 4:6
“‘Not by might
nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.”
We are called to be influencers, but we can’t do it alone.
We need each other. More than anything, we must understand it’s not in our own
strength but in His strength that we accomplish what He has sent us to do.
Ready to pray for influential women? Do you need prayer as an influential
woman? Let us hear from you in the comment section below.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Interceding on Behalf of Another
From Ready to Pray,
by Gail E. Dudley
There is truly an urgency to pray for individuals, marriages, families, churches, pastors, government, communities, the lost, and our cities. We find in the Bible this passage of Scripture, “One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: 'Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city (Acts 18:9-10).'"
We are called by God to intercede. Intercession is praying and standing in the gap on behalf of another. Believe it or not, everyone has been called to pray on behalf of another. However, God has called others specifically to the ministry of intercession. Intercession is not about your personal conversation with God about yourself, your needs, and your desires.
Intercession means standing in the gap, covering, warring, and sometimes weeping on behalf of someone else in prayer. Sometimes it is when the Lord puts the face of a person in front of you or maybe the Lord drops someone’s name in your spirit. There’s nothing you can do but pray. Intercession is having a connection with God, talking with Him, petitioning Him, crying out to Him, through prayer on behalf of another in need.
All across the world there are individuals whom God has chosen to stand in the gap for someone else or for a particular situation. Maybe God has placed your name on the heart of someone else to pray. Maybe God has placed someone’s name on your heart to pray.
How can we pray for one another for such a time as this? Join us in conversation and write your comment in the comment box.
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