Dear Readers:

During this special time of year as in years past, we will dedicate the month of September to prayer as we seek the Lord personally and corporately for our needs and desires. Our LTC classes have been focused on patience, and through the lessons that have been taught, we have learned how to wait and do battle against our enemies as we rightfully claim what the Lord has given to us. Waiting can be disheartening, but waiting with persistent prayer heightens our expectations, knowing that in His perfect timing, God will answer.

As we draw closer to the Lord during this season, and really get serious about what He can do when we pray, we will find that His promises are true and are always right on time. I challenge you to unite as one body during this month

by attending prayer meetings every Wednesday night by setting aside a convenient time during each day to get into the presence of the Lord for prayer and

meditation, using this year’s Meditation Booklet as your guide by committing to adhere to the actions and behaviors we will follow to focus on what really matters:

prayer!

I submit that you will be blessed and the church body will be blessed when the Lord sees our sincere commitment and consistency during this Holy Harvest month. Experience the transformational power of God as you wait with confidence and expectancy for Him to answer your prayers.

Stay on Top!!!

Greetings to Holman Street Baptist Church Family, Friends and Neighbors around the world!

Holy Harvest time is here!!!! As you know, Holy Harvest is a time for refocused dedication to our individual and corporate prayer life. As your new prayer ministry leaders, we are excited about this year's Holy Harvest season and what God is and will do in our church, families, communities and nation.

Gathering in prayer every Wednesday night from 7 PM to 8 PM in September, we will come with great expectation that God will saturate the sanctuary and its inhabitants with the Holy Spirit. Our confidence is based on God's word: “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” II Chronicles 7:14 (NKJV)

Our writing, team through their individual and collective prayer times, have been guided by God to prepare this year's Holy Harvest Prayer and Meditation Booklet. We ask that you diligently use it to usher you into your daily quiet time with God. Also, as is our Holy Harvest custom, we ask for you to prayerfully observe the traditions we continue to observe for the month of September.

Complete as many prayer cards as you need and share cards with others. Bring completed cards with you and place them in the prayer boxes. Cards will be available on tables in the Narthex. Ushers and Prayer Ministry members will also have them.

Plant mustard seed in the planters available around the church and watch them sprout! For if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can speak to the mountains in your life and they will move.

Abstain from watching TV, movies, or video streaming on your electronic devices. Review your designated time to pray on the prayer clock and pray before bedtime.

Attend prayer meetings each  Wednesday night during the month of September and invite others.

Be bold and leave your comfort zone and come to the alter to pray. You may inspire someone else to come forward to pray.

Be present on Sunday September 24, 2017, at  10:30 AM for the “Table of a Blessings” service. (There will only be one service that Sunday.)

Be blessed and walk in HIS favor,

Fred and Linda Ponder

September 1

I’m Going to Stay Under the Blood

Scripture Reference: Exodus 12:7&12 (KJV)7 And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it. 12 For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD.

For Your Consideration:I’m a very graphic and visual person. If I can see an actual picture of something or a demonstration or even hear a great description of a thing, I usually have no problem understanding or imaging what is trying to be conveyed. As a child, I loved the “Blood” songs in the hymnal. Two of my favorite phrases were: They pierced Him in the side and the blood came streaming down from I Know It Was the Blood; and the blood that gives me strength from day to day will never lose its power from the hymn, The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power. The word picture of Jesus being poked in the side by the evil Roman soldier as he hung on the cross and then His blood flowing freely and unrestrained from His side happen for me! Add to that the fact that the blood of Jesus has the power to cover, heal, cleanse and protect all who put their trust in Him. It was true then and is just as true now.

As I have matured as a Christian through personal Bible study, sound biblically based bible teaching and preaching, years of Sunday School and Life Training Classes, my appreciation for the Power of the Blood of Jesus has been multiplied and strengthen many times over. A March 2016 article by Christian Blogger, Kevin Halloran, cites 6 benefits Christians enjoy because of the shed Blood of Jesus:

1. We have bold access to God in worship and Prayer – Col. 1:22 Heb. 10:19 Eph. 2:132. We have our sins forgiven! Hallelujah! – Eph. 1:7 Matt. 26:28 3. We receive cleansing of our consciences – Heb. 9:14 1Tim. 4:24. We are continually being cleansed from more and more sin – Heb. 13:12,145. We are able to conquer the accuser of the brethren – Isaiah 64:6 Revelation 12:116. We have been rescued out of a sinful way of life – 1 Peter 1:18-19

Compared to the precious blood of Jesus Christ, the most valuable thigs of the earth are reduced to meaningless, perishable things. That is because the blood of Jesus gives us salvation of our souls, forgiveness from sins, access to GOD, victory over the enemy, and the power to live with a clear conscience, something silver and gold items in the Old Testament temple could never do. What can wash away my sins, nothing but the Blood of Jesus! What can make me whole again, nothing but the Blood of Jesus! O, precious is the flow that makes me white as snow. I’m going to say under the Blood!

Prayer Focus: Father God, I thank You for the shed blood of Your Son, Jesus. Thank You for the power, cleansing and forgiveness that is available to your children who have been washed in the Blood of the Lamb. Amen.

September 2

It Is WellScripture Focus: Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV)“But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.”

For Your Consideration:This is a very familiar text often quoted by Christians to encourage others and themselves when they are going through something and waiting for God to answer prayer and secure the victory. Key words and phrases in the scripture are “wait upon the Lord,” “renew their strength,” “mount up with wings as eagles,” “run,” “not be weary,” “walk and not faint.” I know you would agree with me that all these characteristics are essential for overcoming life's sometimes challenging situations. In the book of Genesis, Joseph waited many years to realize the dream he had as a young boy. Joseph's waiting encompassed false accusations leveled against him and being forgotten about by people he helped. The children of Israel had a forty-year desert experience of waiting before they stepped into the promisedland. (Hint: Their extended wait had something to do with their disobedience!)

Abraham waited 100 years to father a God ordained heir.  So yes, Christians will experience waiting but after the WAITING is over we will mount up with wings as eagles. I have experienced the joy, peace and fulfillment that comes after waiting on the Lord; but only recently understood the analogy of the "wings as eagles”.

Deacon Roy Phillips’ recent mission lesson explained it vividly. Let me share some of his teachings.Eagles are magnificent, beautiful, powerful birds. They see untold sites of God's creation; however, they too must wait to be all God has designed them to be.

The eagle has the longest lifespans of its species. Eagles can live up to 70 years but in their 40's they must make a hard decision or die.

Their flexible talons can no longer grab prey which serves as food. Its long and sharp beak becomes bent.  Old age renders heavy wings.  Those heavy wings become stuck to its chest and make it difficult to fly.

The eagle has two options dies or go through a painful process of change (waiting) that last 150 days.

The process requires of eagles to fly to the mountaintop and sit on its nest (they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength) There the eagle knocks its beak against the rock until it plucks it out. After plucking it out, the eagle will wait for a new beak to grow back and then plucks out his talons. When it's new talons grows, the eagle starts plucking out his aged feathers. After five months, the eagle takes his famous flight of rebirth and live for 30 more years.

Like the eagle, if we in times of trouble, indecision and confusion would wait on the Lord we could renew our strength.

Prayer Focus:God forgive me for rushing ahead of Your will, Your way, Your plan for my life! I've vowed to exercise faith rest like Your creation the eagle. I know You made me in Your image and as I

wait, you will withhold no good thing from me. I shall run and not be weary, walk, and not faint. Amen.

September 3

Some Things Come by Prayer and Fasting

Scripture Focus: Acts 14:23 (NIV)“Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust. “

For Your Consideration:Have you been in a hard spot and had no one to call or tell about your troubles? You cannot believe that what is taking place in your life is happening to you. Mark 9:29 lets us know that some things come by nothing but prayer and fasting. Have you prayed, “Lord, I’m so confused, I don’t even know what to say? Please help me!” This is the time you may have to fast and pray and rely on the Holy Spirit (your divine intercessor) to speak to you as you wait for God to move on your behalf. The Holy Spirit is standing by, ready at any moment to come to your rescue! Deny the flesh! (Fast)

While fasting and praying, commit your situation to the Lord. If a fast is needed for you to see clearly, fast from your favorite food that you just cannot live without. Fast from the TV for 30 days. Seek God and know that you will hear from Him. He will allow you to see clearly, perform without fear, or pass the test you so dread. He will allow you to be victorious in your situation.

Prayer Focus:Lord you are an awesome God and you perform miracles. Lord, I need Your help! I thank you that the Holy Spirit is interceding for me. I thank you for strength to refrain from TV for the next 30 days as I seek to draw near to You. Thank You for revelation knowledge. In Christ’s name, I pray. Amen.

September 4Being on One Accord

Scripture Focus: Acts 2:1-4 (KJV) “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing might wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit

gave them utterance.”

As the day of celebration known as “Table of Blessings Sunday” to our Holman Street Family swiftly approaches, two passages of scripture give us reason to have great expectations of the LORD showing Himself faithful to us on that high holy day for this body of believers. One passage from both the Old and New Testament tells of instances when God’s people were on one accord in prayer and praise of Him and He manifested Himself in miraculous ways.

In 2 Chronicles 5, we read about Solomon completing the work on the temple of the LORD and then having all the things placed inside that his father David had dedicated for that purpose. Verse 11 states that the priests who were there had consecrated themselves. Verse 13 & 14 read, “The trumpeters and the singers joined in unison, as with one voice, to give praise and thanks to the LORD. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, they raised their voices in praise to the LORD and sang: “He is good; his love endures forever.” Then the temple of the lord was filled with a cloud, and the priest could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled the temple of God.” (NIV)

God manifested His glory when there was common (unified) prayer in a united heart, and there was common (unified) praise among His people.

Acts 2:1-4 “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing might wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” (KJV)

Again, we find God’s people on one accord and in common (unified) prayer and they were blessed in a spectacular way with God’s divine presence and they received the fulfillment of the promise Jesus made them in John 16:7-14. When the Holy Spirit showed up on that day, it was not just a select few who were blessed, but every believer that was present was blessed.

Brothers and sisters, as we individually consecrate ourselves through personal time in our individual prayer closets and as we collectively chose to fast from television and other forms of visual entertainment during this 30-day period, be in expectation for God to meet us on “Table of Blessing Sunday”. If you are doing well with abstaining from TV, God bless you to continue. If you are struggling, may God visit you with conviction and determination to trust Him to help you when the flesh gets weak. If you have never attempted to voluntarily turn the TV off, you just may be pleasantly surprised at how much you can accomplish without the distraction and noise of TV. Give that time and your undivided attention to HIM and His Word. When you do, expect a miracle on “Table of Blessing Sunday”.

Prayer Focus: Father, Your Word says that that if Your people who are called by Your name, would humble themselves and pray and seek Your face and turn from their wicked ways, then You will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Your eyes will be open and Your ears attentive to the prayers that will be offered when we gather in Your house. You have chosen and consecrated this temple here at Holman Street so that Your Name may be here forever. God, we trust You to never leave us and never to forsake us. Amen.

September 5

Bless Me

Scripture Focus: Isa. 40:31a (KJV)31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.

For Consideration:One of my favorite hobbies is reading religious books and magazines after studying my daily Bible reading or working on my Sunday School lesson. Today’s meditation comes from a Bible study by Pastor Colin Smith of Orchard Evangelical Free Church. His topic was “Ten Things to do While Waiting for Your Breakthrough.” I thought these were worth sharing.

1. Believe that the God, who saved you, hears your cries. (Micah 7:7)2. Watch with expectancy, but be prepared for unexpected answers. (Psa. 5:3)3. Put your hope in His Word and wait with confidence.4. Trust in the Lord, not in your own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5-6)5. Resist fretting, refrain from anger, be still, and choose patience.

(Psa. 37:7-8)6. Be strong and take courage. (Psa. 27: 13-14; 31:24)7. See it as an opportunity to experience God’s goodness. (Psa. 27:13; Lamen. 3:25)

8. Don’t go your own way instead of waiting for God’s promise. (Acts 1:4)9. Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful with thanksgiving. (Col. 4:2)10.Remember the blessings yet to come. (Isaiah 30:18)

Donald Lawrence has a beautiful song that is a request for God’s blessing. While we are waiting for our blessing we can sing the “Bless Me - Prayer of Jabez.”

Prayer Focus:Our Father in Heaven, we praise Your Holy Name. Please keep Your hand upon us so that evil cannot harm us. Through sunshine and rain, through sickness and pain, oh Lord bless us indeed. We pray for increase. In the name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.

September 6

Preparing for Your Harvest

Scripture Focus: Jeremiah 7:23; Matthew 9:37-38 (KJV)Jeremiah 7:23 “But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well with you.” Matthew 9:37-38 “Thus saith He unto His disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He will send forth labourers unto his harvest.”

For Your Consideration:In agricultural terms, harvesting is the process of gathering a ripe crop from the fields. It

marks the end of the growing season or growing cycle for a crop. It is usually the focus of seasonal celebrations and considered to be socially important. It is recognized as merriment with bountiful food, dancing, and romance which marks the freedom from laboring in the fields at different times around the world. Some fishing and logging communities may also celebrate their harvests in similar manner.

As disciples, we are commanded to go forth and seek others to bring them unto the Lord’s harvest by spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are to let men know of His miraculous birth, His

miraculous powers, and His death, burial and resurrection. There is so much to tell and so many to bring into the fold.

Matthew 11:10 For this is HE, of whom it is written: Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.

Jesus used analogies while teaching His disciples. He conveyed His messages to them by using everyday terminology to instruct them so that they would understand accordingly. As men, we ought to do likewise when spreading the gospel. After the Holy Ghost had come upon the disciples, they clearly understood all that He had taught them. Without the presence of the Holy Spirit in each of us we cannot witness effectively. Our hearts, our minds, and our bodies must be Christ-like without envy, strife, or recklessness.

Invite the Lord to prepare you as a labourer in the field. Invite Him to allow you to participate in the harvest (bringing baptized believers unto Him). Acknowledge the fullness of His divine power, grace and mercy.

Prayer Focus:We pray to you, O Lord, to guide us as we labor in Your earthly kingdom. Give us courage and power to overcome our doubts and weaknesses as we toil without ceasing. Increase our strength and endurance to withstand the storms that may rise. May our praises to You be received with gladness and thanksgiving. May the seeds of salvation bring other willing souls who will serve and exalt Thee throughout the earth. Amen.

September 7

Waiting for The LORD’S Return

Scripture Reference: Acts 1:10-11 (CEV) Matthew 24:36, 40, 42 (KJV)10 “And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.12 Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey.” 36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. 40 Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.

For Your Consideration:August 23, 2017 found the citizens of the United States united in excitement as thousands waited in expectation of seeing a once in a life time event. Thousands gathered in athletic stadiums, open fields and even outdoor bars. Others traveled from as far away as Australia and England to get a glimpse of the Solar Eclipse that would be seen from Oregon to Carolina either partially or completely. In areas where there was a complete blocking of the sun, you could hear gasp of awe

and cheers of wonderment as the moon traveled across the sun causing pre-dawn like darkness for almost two minutes. This phenome of nature also caused the atmospheric temperature to drop several degrees. All major TV broadcast channels preempted their regular programing to cover this wonder of nature. For days, the public was warned not to

look at the sun with their naked eye. Special viewing glasses needed to be worn. Irreparable damage could be done to not only the human eye but to ill prepared camera lens as well. Even with these consistent and stern warnings, news coverage caught several persons ignoring the warnings and looking up without the proper eye covering, even the President of the United States was caught looking up without his proper eyewear!

For the family of God throughout the entire world, we too await a great once in a lifetime occurrence, the return of Christ for His children. The God and Creator of the universe has left us reliable proof that can only be found in our blueprint for living, the Bible. Astronomers and scientist can predict when ellipse will occur with some degree of accuracy. Jesus told His disciples, “ 27 For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” Matthew 4:27 No purchase will be necessary for us as believers to participate in this great event. According to what Jesus told the disciples, this will be a “suddenly” event. 38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 40 Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.41 Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.” Only those who have properly prepared by accepting Him as their Lord and Savior will be ready to go with Him when He returns.

Prayer Focus:Thank You Lord, for Your precious promises found in our training manual, the Bible. As we wait for Your return may we be found faithful to Your will and instructions for our lives. Amen.

September 8

Faithful Is Our God

Scripture Focus: Micah 7:7 (KJV)7 Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me.

For Your Consideration:Waiting is a hard task for most people. It seems that we’re always in line waiting for something, (At HEB, Wal-Mart, Starbucks, Pappadeaux’s, Chevron, etc.). On the way home, we may get stuck in traffic due to some drivers who couldn’t reach their destinations fast enough thereby causing a horrific

accident. Here again our ability to wait is tested.

We go to work, school, sports events, and even to church, but we can’t wait until it’s time to leave. It’s the same way when we think about the harvest that we want God to give us. We

want our breakthrough, our blessing, our answered prayer, and we want it now!

God ‘s timing is not always in sync with our timing. An old song that we used to sing is very true: “You can’t hurry God. You just have to wait. You have to trust Him and give Him time, no matter how long it takes. He’s a God you can’t hurry, but He’ll be there, don’t worry. He may not come when you call but He’ll be on time.”

While we are waiting we can put on a garment of praise. We can begin to sing when we feel like it and even when we don’t feel like it. God is not looking for a melodious voice, but a sincere and grateful heart. One of my favorite praise songs is Hezekiah Walker’s “Ev’ry Praise is to Our God.” God is my Savior, my Healer, and my Deliverer. Yes, He is! Giving God praise let’s Him know that we are grateful for what He’s already done, so He’ll give us more blessings.

Our assignment is to learn how to wait patiently on the Lord. We will receive our blessing if we trust, obey, and believe that He will answer our prayer.

Prayer Focus:Dear Lord, thank You for being an awesome Father. We give You all the glory, all the honor, and all the praise for what You’re doing in our lives. Teach us to be more patient while we wait for our breakthrough. In Jesus’ Name. Amen

September 9

What Shall I Render

Scripture Focus: Psalm 116:12 (KJV)12”What shall I render unto the Lord for all His benefits toward me?”

For Your Consideration:Our 91-year-old guest speaker for Senior Saints Sunday, Dr. Curry, challenged us to render our all to God for all that He has done for us. Dr. Curry is a living example of what God can do for those who trust and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. He still travels all over the country, hopping on planes, renting and then driving rental cars to his various destinations. His eyesight is remarkable, his memory of Bible scripture is excellent, his delivery is clear, and his voice is strong. The most amazing thing to me is that he walks and stands erect without the use of a cane or walker! God is truly blessing him because he is rendering to God all that he has to offer.

Whenever I hear a sermon or read a religious book or pamphlet, I am immediately reminded of a song that a gifted composer has written inspired by a Bible scripture. Dr. Curry’s sermon reminded me of a song that we used to sing as Young Adults: “What Shall I Render” to God for all His blessings? The song goes on to say that everything we have belongs to God; so what can we render? James Cleveland also reminded us that, “It All Belongs to Our Father.” Our answer then is to render our all to Him. Thank Him for what He’s done. Serve the Lord with gladness because “Serving the Lord Will Pay off After while.”

Our wonderful Authentikos Choir and musicians gave us some beautiful songs of praise that we can render unto God. I was blessed by all the selections. Thank you, song leaders, musicians, and all singers. Thanks also to the Authentikos Triplets, as Pastor Johnson has dubbed them: Sis. Johnson, Sis. Foster and Sis. Hampton for an outstanding Women’s Day.

As you pray today, reflect on these lyrics from the song led by Sis. Dixon:

Prayer Focus:Thank You for all that You’ve done thus far. Thank You for being the God that You are. Thank You for food on my table, I know that You’re able. I want to say thank You. In Jesus’ Name, I pray. Amen

September 10

Bringing in The Sheaves

Scripture Focus: Psalm 126:5-6 (KJV)5”They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. 6He that goeth forth and weepeth bearing precious seed shall doubtless come again rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.“

For Your Consideration:When I was a child, Sunday School began with a general assembly of all teachers and students. We would open with a rousing hymn of praise. One of my favorites was “Bringing in the Sheaves.” Most of us didn’t really know what sheaves were but we liked the part about rejoicing as we brought in those sheaves. We later learned from our parents and our Sunday School teachers that this hymn referred to Christians bringing converts to Christ. Just as farmers rejoice when they bring in the crops that they receive from seeds that they have sown, Christians should be happy for the people that they have introduced to Christ. We should come rejoicing as more souls are added to the kingdom.

In a broader sense, this hymn could refer to Christians getting rewards and blessings from the Lord because of seeds that they have sown. “God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” (Gal. 6-7KJV) Since we reap what we sow, we should be sowing seeds of kindness friendship, love, and generosity to others. Only then will we reap the bountiful harvest that we expect.John P. Kee has a song in an old quartet style that tells us how to wait for our blessing, “Harvest.” He says he has that Hebrews 11:1 faith to know his blessing is on the way.” I’m patiently waiting. My blessing shall come. It’s mine, all mine, it’s harvest time.”

As we wait patiently on the Lord to give us the blessing that we are praying for, let’s be faithful to God and be of service to others, especially to those of the Household of Faith.

Prayer Focus:Father in Heaven, thank You for the blessings that we’ve already received. We are patiently waiting for the new harvest that we know is on the way. We believe, so we know we’ll receive. In Jesus’ Name. Amen

September 11

Seasons

Scripture Focus: Gal 6:9 (KJV)6 “and let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”

For Your Consideration:Donald Lawrence, said he was up late one night and he heard GOD say “season” and he wrote the song “Seasons”. The words to this song are powerful, awesome and so motivating. The last verse of his song says “the wait is over, “IT’S YOUR TIME. Walk into your season. The sun is about to shine. We can walk by faith and not by sight. Walk on in because you’re in covenant relationship. Whatever God promised He will never, never forget. We’re the seed of Abraham, you can go on in and possess the land.

Recently my son applied for a job that he really, really wanted. Unfortunately, he didn’t get the job and he was very disappointed. He later transferred to another job. It wasn’t the job that he really wanted, but he felt that his chance for the job he really wanted (and I think he felt that he deserved) had passed him by. I believe that sometimes it can be your turn but not your time. After being on the new job for about 5 months; there was an opening for the job that he originally really wanted, only, this time, it was a MUCH better offer. Even though he needed to have been on his job for 6 months to be eligible for any internal hires, he applied for the job with the blessings of his manager. Within one week, he applied for the job, went on the interview and got the job. When it’s GOD’s time, you don’t have to worry, just walk on in. The wait was over, this time. It was his time, his due season.

In Galatians 6:9 “due season” means IT’s YOUR TIME! It doesn’t matter if everybody or nobody else around you is reaping their harvest or not. It’s your personal harvest time. The seeds that you have sown are ready to be harvested!! However, we cannot get weary in well doing. One reason we should not get weary is because the promise has been made. The promise is that in due season we will reap if we faint not. When we feel as though we are about to give up that we just can’t make another step, I just can’t do you anymore; that is when we need to depend on God’s strength to be our strength. The Scriptures asks, "Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting GOD, the LORD, the CREATOR, does not become weary or tired. HE gives strength to the weary. And to him who lacks might HE increases power. Those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; they will mount up like eagles..." (Excerpts from Isaiah 40:28-31). 

Prayer Focus:Thank You Father, that You energize those who get tired and weary. And for those who wait upon You, You renew our strength. HEAVENLY FATHER thank You for the seeds we have sown, and thank You for this season of growth and change. Thank You Father, for being faithful. Thank You for the Spring, Summer, Winter, Fall and my due season. Amen!

September 12Planting Seeds of Love

Scripture Focus: Gen 8:22; I Cor. 3:6-9 (KJV)Genesis 8:22 “While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.”I Corinthians 3: 6-9 “I have planted, Apollos, watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth anything, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. Now he that planteth and that watereth are one; and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. For we are labourers together with God; ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.”

For Your Consideration:We are labourers in God’s fields. We simply plant the seed of hope in others. We testify about the love that God has shown toward us through the life of His son, Jesus Christ. We are living witnesses of His almighty power and His abundant favor towards us. We have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus. We walk by faith, not by sight.

Our four-year-old granddaughter loves flowers. Whenever she can, she will pick them and replant them in small containers. Sometimes she shares them with me. Pink and purple ones are her favorite. Earlier this spring, my husband built her a small garden beside the garage. Each day after school, she wanted to observe, water, and count the buds and blooms before she entered the house. Watching her bond with her grandfather and nurturing her plants is something dear to my heart. Her older brother even asked for his own garden after he saw how well it grew. He also noticed that special connection that his sister and grandfather were developing. He, too, now has his own garden filled with green plants.

I can only imagine how pleased God is with us, when we do His Will. We bring Him delight when we share His love with those who know Him not. A little splash of color, the Word of God, in the presence of the lost; can brighten up the darkest night, soothe the downtrodden, and cause the angels in heaven to rejoice when even one heart accepts our Lord as Savior.

Prayer Focus:“Our Father, who art in heaven.” We bow before Thee, this day, to earnestly and fervently pray for your blessings upon our lives. We know that Jesus Christ came so that we might have life more abundantly. We seek thou grace and mercy upon our lives. We strive with a faithful purpose to do thy Holy Will as we plant seeds of hope. We declare your sovereign glory and proclaim Thy greatness. We rejoice with the angels when sinners come unto Thee. We acknowledge that the harvest is full, and the laborers are few. But thou, O Lord, the Creator of all, will be lifted high above all. Amen.

September 13

Reaping and Sowing

Scripture Focus: John 4:35-38; John 6:27 (KJV)John 4:35-38 “Say not ye, There are four months, and then cometh harvest? Behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields, for they are white already to harvest. And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathered fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another Reaping reapeth. I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men labored, and ye are entered into their labors.”John 6: 27 “Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the father sealed.”

For Your Consideration:Reaping means to cut the grain with a scythe, a sickle, or a reaper. It is the most labor intense activity of the growing season. The work may last from sun up until sundown. Landowners may hire many temporary workers to ensure that as much of the growth is harvested as possible. Yet, everyone that is involved works diligently and proudly to harvest the crops. A full harvest ensures an ample supply of food for the fall and the winter and plenty of seeds for the spring planting. The entire community is included in the celebration after the tedious reaping is finished.

As we observed the high school and college graduates receiving their diplomas in late May and early June, we recognized the collaborative efforts among their many supportive families, friends, and educators. The graduates were reaping what they have sown the last 12 or more years. There were no slackers or missing links to prevent them from successfully achieving their desired goals. Some received more accolades and awards than others; however, high school and college diplomas clearly indicate that an orchestrated journey has been completed despite any situations that may have

occurred. What joy! What hope!

Prayer Focus:We thank Thee, most gracious Lord, for your loving kindness toward us. You have certainly

granted us a bountiful harvest. We rejoice in the fruits of our labor. We know that our laboring never ceases. We honor and adore you and offer our sincere praises to you. Grant us the continual desires to spread the Gospel throughout the land. Enable us to testify and witness to others with love and compassion. Our hope lies in Thee. Our joy comes from Thee. In Jesus’ name, we do pray. Amen.

September 14

I Will Bless The Lord

Scripture Focus: Psalm 103:1-6 (KJV)“Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. 2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: 3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; 4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; 5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. 6 The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.”

For Your Consideration:(Following is an excerpt from a devotion that I completed earlier this year. It was as if the writer had spent the day with me and witnessed a few of my ‘not so proud moments’ and then wrote about them. May it bless and bring you to conviction as it did me.)

David was a common man with an uncommon heart.  He struggled with emotional outrage, just as you and I do.  He stood on the edge of the black pit of depression times too numerous to count and thus, he knew what it took to battle the blahs as well.  David chose to command his soul, which is the birthplace of our thoughts, emotions and personality, to bless the Lord.  This phrase is constructed in the imperative, which means that it is not an option but a definitive command.  David was, in effect saying, "Soul, no matter how crummy you feel, you will bless the Lord!  Personality, get over yourself and praise the Lord!  Now!  Emotions, shut your whining, complaining mouth, and open up to worshipthe Lord!"

Praise will reform the atmosphere of your life in a way that nothing else has the power to do.   There is one person and one person alone who keeps you from rejoicing.  You might try to blame it on the

devil but he does not have the power to inhibit your heart from breaking into song.   The devil has realized that he doesn't need to mute your ability to worship because this other person has done such a thorough job that the devil's devious ways are no longer needed.   Who is this powerful inhibitor that stands between you and the symphonic explosion of worship? 

You!  You do!  You choose not to rejoice when you are consumed with the not-so-benign blahs.

There is only one reason why a Christian who loves Jesus wholeheartedly would choose not to rejoice.  There is one reason that can be expressed in an infinite number of ways.  Selfishness.  Self-centered living.  Self-awareness.  Looking out for #1!  Self-preservation.  My way or the highway.  Life is all about me.  I don't feel like it.  I don't gotta if I don't wanna.

It is your choice.  You choose to magnify self today or to magnify God.  Choose today!(Day 23 of the @YouVersion Plan – Holy Emotions: a Biblical Response to Every Challenge)

Prayer Focus:Father GOD, I choose to Bless YOU today! No matter my circumstances, I choose to bless Your Holy Name. Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable to you O LORD, my Strength and my Redeemer. Amen.

September 15

Search Me O Lord

Scripture Focus: Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24 (CEV)“You have looked deep into my heart, LORD, and you know all about me. 2 You know when I am resting or when I am working, and from heaven    you discover my thoughts.3 You notice everything I do    and everywhere I go.4 Before I even speak a word, you know what I will say,5 and with your powerful arm    you protect me    from every side.6 I can’t understand all of this!    Such wonderful knowledge    is far above me.7  Where could I go to escape from your Spirit or from your sight? 8 If I were to climb up to the highest heavens,    you would be there. If I were to dig down to the world of the dead you would also be there. 9 Suppose I had wings like the dawning day and flew across the ocean. 10 Even then your powerful arm     would guide and protect me. 11 Or suppose I said, “I’ll hide in the dark until night comes to cover me over. 12 “But you see in the dark because daylight and dark are all the same to you. 23 Look deep into my heart, God, and find out everything I am thinking. 24 Don’t let me follow evil ways, but lead me in the way that time has proven true.”

For Your Consideration:For the Holman Street family, the month of September brings with it a mixed bag of emotions. Anyone who has been blessed to participate and celebrate this time of personal consecration, no doubt, has his or her own unique experiences with the LORD. I have found it interesting to overhear random conversations about either the joy of no television distractions or the countdown to October 1 when they can finally catch their first NFL game of the season on TV. I have heard many parents express how grateful they are to have this period to help get the children refocused and settled in to the new school year routine. Persons who live alone comment that the TV is their only company and then there are those who just don’t or won’t even try to participate in the no TV initiative. Several years ago, when the activity of physically planting a mustard seed representing a request unto the LORD was introduced, there was excitement and expectation in the air as the planters that had been strategically placed around the building began showing signs of lush green sprouts pushing through the dark rich potting soil.

As the church gathers each Wednesday night for prayer and each Sunday for worship, a glance at the planters show continuous growth which translates into hope, because that seed in the soil represents a request unto a Mighty GOD! The abundance of printed prayer request that will eventually end up on the “Table” during the “Table of Blessings High Holy Day,” for

one final corporate prayer covering, is a “Holy” crescendo to the month’s activities of personal consecration.

Thomas Dorsey’s song, “Search Me Lord,” is an invitation to the LORD. No doubt, Psalm 139 was the inspiration for the song writer when he penned it. During this month of introspection, I challenge you too, like David, ask the Lord to search YOU! I will.

Prayer Focus:Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Amen.

September 16

It’s Working for My Good

Scripture Focus: Gen 8:22; Gal 6:7-8 (KJV) “While the earth remain, Seedtime and harvest, And cold and heat, And summer and winter, And day and night Shall not cease.” Genesis 8:22 “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh shall from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit shall from the Spirit reap eternal life”.

For Your Consideration: The scripture above (Genesis 8:22) is known as the Law of “Seedtime and Harvest”. GOD has set this law into motion, and for us to receive the results promised (Galatians 6:7-8) we must abide by the law.

How many times have we broken the law? Too many Christians are still trying to reap where they have not sown, or we are sowing every now and then and not understanding why we are only reaping every now and then. How many times have we cried out to GOD, “LORD where is my blessing, where is my breakthrough, where is my mate?” For some strange reason, many Christians expect to reap a great big generous harvest when we have sown sparingly. “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”2 CORINTHIANS 9:6

Many of us when we hear the saying “you reap what you sow,” or “what goes around, comes around” think of it in a negative sense but it can also be very positive. The truth of the matter is, that we harvest what we plant, and the more we plant, the larger our harvest will be, good or bad. When seed is planted, it grows up, and increases.

First you have the seed, which must be planted. The seed then grows. Growth takes time. Thus, the three phases of receiving what GOD has provided for us is seed, time (growth) and then

harvest. Plant the seed. Be patient and keep believing while the seed grows. You will reap a harvest of blessing.

Prayer Focus: Thank YOU JESUS for the sacrifice YOU made for us at Calvary so that we would not reap the harvest of death that we deserved. We thank YOU that you are the LORD of the Harvest. Thank YOU that you provide seed for the sower. Help us to trust YOU for seed to sow and to sow generously. In JESUS’ name, Amen.

September 17

HOLD TO YOUR FAITH, GOD WILL PROVIDE

Scripture Focus: Philippians 4:19 (ESV)“And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

For Your Consideration: A boy in a small town once had a dream of attending college. He knew that it would be very difficult from a financial point of view, but he didn’t give up on his dream because of his condition. Prior to completing High School he completed all test required for college entrance. He had also completed all paper work for the state college work study program.

His scores were favorable for college and he had received an acceptance letter from a very well-known college. All of this took place before his High School commencement, and even on commencement day there was still no funds available for college, and no letter from the work study board. In the mist of all his frustration he still HELD ON TO HIS FAITH that GOD WILL PROVIDE.

The lady who spoke at his High School commencement exercise was a lady from Austin, Texas who had ties to the educational establishment there in Austin. At the very end of her commencement address she made a statement to all the graduating seniors, she said that if there was anything

she could do to help us pursue our dream just let her know and she would do whatever she could. That statement stuck with him even more than her address. In the following days after graduation he spoke with his high school counselor and reminded her of the statement was made and that he wanted to write the commencement speaker a letter

and explain his desire for college, give her his test scores, let her know that he was seeking financial aid and let her know that he was willing to work. His counselor was very excited, helped him craft the letter with his concerns and aspirations, got the address of the speaker, and off went the letter. By then school was out for the summer, and he was again HOLDING TO HIS FAITH, that GOD WILL PROVIDE. He was also praying that she would get the letter.

The entire month of June had come and gone and still there was no answer. Somewhere about the second week in July a letter arrived, and it was from his commencement speaker. The answer was very short and directly to the point. She said that she had spoken with the director of the work study program at the university where he had been accepted, explained his desires, my financial situation, and his concerns, and the director immediately added his name to the work study program. The letter also went on to state the date that he should report, the building that he should find, and the name of the person he should report to. Four years later and after much hard work the young man graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Education & Technology, and debt free.

THAT BOY HELD ON TO HIS FAITH, AND GOD MADE THE NECESSARY PROVISIONS.

Prayer Focus: Thank You O Lord for teaching me how to wait on You and for showing me in Your own special way that the blessings You give are blessings for a lifetime. Amen.

September 18

The Power of Trusting the Lord with All Your Heart

Scripture Focus: Jer. 29:11 KJV Prov. 3:5-6 (NIV)“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

For Your Consideration: If the future feels uncertain right now, and worry keeps occupying too much room in your heart and in your mind, remember this: God is already in all our tomorrows. He knows our way, and He has a plan. We can be assured it's always the best one for us.

God never asks us to figure it all out on our own. He just asks us to trust Him, to recognize His leadership and Sovereignty in our lives. And He promises to make our pathways straight.

- "Trust (be confident in, be bold, be secure)- in the Lord with all your heart (seat of emotions, inclinations, mind, soul),- and do not lean (trust, support)- on your own understanding (discernment).- In all your ways acknowledge Him (know, recognize),- and He will make your paths straight (pleasing, right, smooth)." Proverbs 3:5-6

We may not always see what's ahead, but He does. There’s great power in trusting Him; for it clears the way for our security to be based solely on Him, not on our circumstances, or other people, not on

ourselves, or our own ways of thinking.

He is faithful to lead us and He sees the big picture. He brings clarity and light through foggy times. He knows what’s around the other side of the bend where we can’t fully see. His

timing is perfect even when we start to feel like we’ve been forgotten. No matter how we feel or what our current situation may be, we can be confident that God’s presence will go before us, paving out pathways, guiding and guarding our steps. Keep choosing trust. Let go of worry, hold on to Him.

What do you need to trust God with today? Ask Him to help you guard and protect your heart from worry or trying to figure out everything on your own. Pray for His Spirit to fill you afresh and give you wisdom to hold on to His Truth. (By Debbie McDaniel, Crosswalk.com Writer)

Prayer Focus:Father, because You alone are faithful and true, You alone know what is best for me. When I can’t trace Your hand, when I don’t see your plan, when I don’t understand, I’ll trust Your heart for me. Amen.

September 19Dwelling in the Secret Place

Scripture Focus: Psalms 91:1-3 (KJV)1” He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust. 3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.”

For Your ConsiderationHave there ever been times when you wished you could get away from all the trials and worries of the world? Life may be throwing so much at you that you may want to just give up. You keep praying for a break through, but there is none. It is in that time of waiting for things or circumstances to change that you must remember Psalm 46:1, “God is our refuge and strength a very present help in trouble.” There is a saying, “When it rains, it pours.” Troubles may come all at once, but God has safe refuge for His children. His grace covers us. In prayer, you will find relief from what burdens you. When you find your “secret place” where you speak with God, He will be there to listen to you. Deliverance happens in your secret place.

Trusting God’s Word will give you needed strength to face every challenge. While God is providing refuge for you, He is allowing you to gain a better understanding of His power. There is no need to fear anything when you know He can sustain you at times.

Romans 8: 37-39 states, 37 “Nay; in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come. 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (KJV)

Let nothing; no matter the circumstance separate you from the love of God. When you know that His love is always protecting you, you will be able to find that secret place and know that His presence is always there. Wait for the Lord, in your “secret place.”

Prayer Focus:Thank you Lord, for helping me find rest in Your shadow. I will be forever grateful for You being a refuge that allows me to find my secret place to commune with you. When I come from my secret place, I will look to you for your guidance and deliverance.

September 20

Prayer Still Works

Scripture Focus: Gen.32:26b (KJV)”And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me....”

For Your Consideration:Genesis 32:22-26 gives the account of Jacob’s wrestling with God. He was at another monumental junction in is life. After finally gaining freedom for him and his families from his father in law Laban, he now was about to come face to face with his brother who he had schemed and cheated out of his birthright. He did not know what to expect and feared the worst. Like Jacob, there are times that we find ourselves in difficult situations brought on by our own actions. Nevertheless, God can make all grace abound toward us. In this passage of scripture, Jacob obviously realized at some point that he was not wrestling with flesh and blood because he did not stop his pursuit until he obtained a blessing.

Symbolically, our “Table of Blessing” can become our wrestling ground, and like Jacob, we can choose to continue to wrestle in prayer in the spiritual realm until our petition is granted. If there is still a petition on the table that you feel lines up with the will of God, don’t stop believing and praying. “Prayer Still Works.” Keep in mind that our timing is not God’s timing, and His answers may not look like what we were expecting; but, you can take comfort in knowing that He hears your faintest cry, and your blessing are on the way. Don’t give up or become faint hearted. PRAYER STILL WORKS!

Table of Blessing – Holy Harvest 2001

Prayer Focus:Father God, I thank you for this season at Holman Street Baptist Church where we, the members, friends and visitors come together to pray as a corporate body. Incline thine ear O Lord and hear your prayers. Bless us with your presence today. I thank you that Prayer Still Works and you hear our

faintest cries. I thank you that you answer our moans and groans, in Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.

September 21

Confession is Good for the Soul

Scripture Focus: 2 Sam 24:10-25 (KJV)“But David’s heart smote him after he had numbered the people. David said to the Lord, I have sinned greatly in what I have done. I beseech You, O Lord, take away the iniquity of Your servant, for I have done 10 very foolishly. 11 When David arose in the morning, the word of the Lord came to the prophet Gad, David’s seer, saying, 12 Go and say to David, Thus says the Lord, I hold over you three choices; select one of them, so I may bring it upon you. 14 And David said to Gad, I am in great distress. Let us fall into the hands of the Lord, for His mercies are many and great; but let me not fall into the hands of man. 16 And when the angel stretched out his hand upon Jerusalem to destroy it, the Lord relented of the evil and reversed His judgment and said to the destroying angel, It is enough; now stay your hand. And the angel of the Lord was by the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite. 17 When David saw the angel who was smiting the people, he spoke to the Lord and said, Behold, I have sinned and I have done wickedly; but these sheep, what have they done? Let Your hand, I pray You, be [only] against me and against my father’s house. 25 David built there an altar to the Lord and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. So the Lord heeded the prayers for the land, and Israel’s plague was stayed.”

For Your Consideration:There are times we do things and make decisions that are not in God’s will. In fact, we don’t want to call it sin because of pride. This happens in the process of us thinking we have a better way, didn’t listen to God or become impatient in waiting on His answer. Our ways don’t always work out, and as a child of God, the Holy Spirit will let us know before we carry it out. In our scripture focus today David teaches us several lessons when we have sinned. First, we mush pray and acknowledge we have sinned and then ask for forgiveness.

1 John 1:9 tells us, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness”. Knowing that, we have the confidence that He will forgive us. However, as we read on in 2 Samuel 24:11-25, there were consequences for David’s sin; but God is just and merciful.

All too often, unconfessed sin is the reason why we must wait on what God has for us. Psalm 66:18 tells us, “If we regard iniquity in our heart, the Lord will not hear us.” David was quick to acknowledge his sin. We must do the same.

PRAYER FOCUS:Thank you, Father for hearing our prayers. Thank You, for Your Son Jesus Christ who died for our

sins. May we be quick to confess sins and seek Your forgiveness. Amen.

September 22

Cease from Anger

Scripture Focus: Psalm 37:8 (NLT)“Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper, it only leads to harm.”

For Your Consideration:Anger is a natural human emotion; but uncontrolled anger almost always leads to disaster. Ephesians 4:26 tells us, “Be angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:” There is much going on in our world today to cause us to be angry: unfair treatment by the justice system; inconsistent or irrational actions by elected officials; the mistreatment and abuse of those who are not able to take care of themselves; someone cuts us off on the freeway; a loved one deceives us; unfair treatment on our jobs. Any and all of these things can cause us to become angry. Many corporations require their employees to participate in anger management training classes. The court system often mandates anger management in cases of domestic discord.

There is a saying that, if anyone can anger you they can control you. The writer of Psalm 37 seems to have learned this. Over and over He tells us to not let the deeds of evil doers cloud our understanding of how great our God is and how He will take care of His own.

Deuteronomy 11:8 says that we should lay Gods words in our hearts, and Psalm 119 tells us to hide the word in our hearts so that we won’t sin. Try this today. Commit verse 8 to memory, and before the day is over, if you find something or someone causing you to become angry use this verse as your weapon.

Remember this formula: D + Anger = DANGER!

Prayer Focus:God, I thank You that the weapons of my warfare are not carnal, but are mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds, (2 Cor. 10:4). I choose this day to keep my eyes on you and my focus on what you have promised me in your word. I trust you to bring to pass all that you have said in Your Word. Thank you for teaching me to hide your Word in my heart so that I won’t sin against you. I submit my emotions to your control. I don’t want to let anger and resentment take root in my life. I

choose to trust you.

September 23

Waiting on God

Scripture Focus: Psalms 119:105; Psalms 130:5 (NKJV) “Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.” “I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, And in His word I do hope.”

For Your Consideration:Waiting is certainly a gift from God. It’s not just waiting; but it's your state of mind in waiting. It’s a surrendering of your will-knowing that God promised to order your footsteps and to be a light to your path! God can get real up close and personal if you allow Him too!

I remember my first experience with downsizing concerning employment. I heard we would be losing our jobs and I decided I would not let them have that kind of Control over me. So, I started looking for work. I had not consulted the Lord. I went from the “frying pan to the fire.” Did you all notice the [I’s] in those statements! My supervisor came to me and said she would tear up my resignation letter allowing me to stay until the company shut down. The new job was paying less than they first offered. But I had my mind made up! I quit! In hindsight I now know, I ignored God when he said, “wait and see with the end would bring”, which would have led me to a far better outcome than where I placed myself. I thank God because he was teaching me how and why I needed to wait on him. He saw the big picture; I could only guess what would happen on tomorrow. This experience taught me to wait until “God says move.”  I learned fast after that. God is so awesome! God used my fire experience to propel me into my business. Being self-employed was a great experience.

These are my lessons on how to wait on God. Seek him when the brook dries up and it's time to make life decisions. Pray consistently for directions while putting in applications and focusing on God Surrender my whole self to God as a deer pants for water Allow God to speak to me through prayer, other people and His Word. God usually answers me in threes.

Two doors opened at the same time which caused me to really lean on God waiting for him to order my steps. Right or left? Which one?

Well, as God would have it one offer closed; so, I knew which way to go!

Prayer Focus:Father, I thank you for the trials and tribulations because they have made me strong. I thank you for meeting me where I was and teaching me how to wait on You in Jesus name. Amen!

September 24

We Will Wait

Scripture Focus: Isaiah 40:31 (KJV)“But they that wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

For Your Consideration:Matthew Pooles’ Commentary explained Isaiah 40:31 this way:

They that wait upon the Lord; that rely upon him for strength to bear their burdens, and for deliverance from them in due time.

Shall renew their strength; shall grow stronger and stronger in faith, and patience, and fortitude, whereby they shall be more than conquerors over all their enemies and adversities. 

They shall mount up with wings as eagles; which fly most strongly, and swiftly, and high, out of the reach of all danger 

They shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint; they shall be enabled to run or walk in their way as they please, without any weariness.

I liked Matthew Poole’s exposition on Isaiah 40:31. It was easy for me to read and understand; however, it’s still so hard to wait, and I would contend that most people don’t like to wait. My little grand puppy doesn’t like to wait. When I take her to the Doggie Park and pull into a parking space, she is clawing at the door handle before I can put the car in park. She can’t wait to get in the park. Having to wait is not new. Many heroes of the Bible had to wait. Just to name a few, there was Abraham and Sarah, Joseph, Moses. Everyone has experienced waiting in some form or another.

Our prayer is usually for GOD to hurry up and bless us with our requests. “Yet, the LORD longs to be gracious to you; He rises to show you compassion; for the LORD is a GOD of justice. Blessed are all who wait for HIM!” Isaiah 30:18. There is a blessing in the waiting.

Prayer Focus:Dear HEAVENLY FATHER we come to YOU as David did in Psalm 5:3. Please hear our voice as we lay our requests before YOU. Help us to be patient FATHER, as we wait on YOU with great expectations. We pray this prayer in JESUS’ name. AMEN!

September 25

The Lord gives strength to those who wait on Him

Scripture Focus: Isaiah 40:31 (KJV)31But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

For Your Consideration: The Lord give strength to those who wait on Him. The synonym for waiting is: ‘coming up’; in the future, to come.” One writer stated that Biblical waiting means confident expectation, trusting that God will do what he has promised. God knows best both what needs to happen and when it needs to happen. God prepares us while we are waiting. Daryl Coley sings: (Lyric Excerpts)

“You can wait on the Lord and you'll see He always keeps his word. Just trust in Him Don't be dismayed. Patience in time of trouble, Trust and believe Him And everything God promised you will receive it If you wait, wait, wait on the Lord. And you'll see that He'll always keep His Word. We must, just trust in Him, Don't be dismayed, Trust in the Word of God For His Word is true.”

Waiting in the natural can be stressful, difficult and we become impatient when we are not trusting God. We want to put our human timeline on when the resolution should occur. While waiting on God we are told in Proverbs 3:5 to “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;” we must trust God and his timing. He knows best. We must not move before him regardless of how the situation looks or what the circumstances are; we are to trust God to take care of us according to his grace and not according to our fear. Remember when you were preparing to purchase a home. You had to wait on the builder, the inspection people, the city, the mortgage company and some had to wait until they had the down payment before you could enter your new home. (Good credit, shaky credit, no credit God made it possible while waiting.) You still had to trust God to bring it to pass. Maybe it was not a home, but a car, an apartment, a child, a student loan, you have waited.

Do you agree or disagree?

The Art of Waiting on Godby Mari-Anna Stålnacke

Waiting on God is a way of life.Waiting on God is knowing God is God and we are not God.Waiting on God is about surrendering our will to God day by day.Waiting on God is trusting God for pouring out grace also tomorrow.Waiting on God is seeking him with our whole hearts.

Waiting on God is being changed into his likeness.Waiting on God is becoming whom God created us to be.

Prayer Focus:To Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless. Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, Be glory and majesty, Dominion and power, Both now and forever. Amen (Jude 24-25).

September 26

I Will Lift Up My Eyes

Scripture Focus: Galatians 6:9; Psalm 121:1-2 (KJV)9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 1 A Song of degrees. I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. 2 My help   cometh   from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.

For Your Consideration:Sowing and reaping provides a perfect illustration of a spiritual truth because they represent the rhythm of harvest time. A regular and consistent pattern must be completed to yield good crops. As Christians, we must also have a strong, regular, and consistent pattern of living that is essential as we prepare for harvest.

That pattern is (a) preparation, (b) waiting, and (c) reaping.

Preparation involves getting the right seeds, readying the soil, and planting the seeds. We must receive the Word of God (right seeds) into our hearts (soil) and apply it to our lives (planting).

Waiting is the process closely related to faith, the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. We cannot allow circumstances nor people to cause us to doubt or fear when the harvest seems far off or appear to not be coming at all. When faced with tests, trials, dangers, and difficulties, Christians should not look down in self-pity. Instead, we should lift our eyes unto God in anticipation of Divine help. He promised He’d never leave us nor forsake us!

Reaping is seeing the salvation of the Lord as He supplies all of our needs. Not just because of our own doing, we reap because it’s the Lord’s doing, and, it’s marvelous in our eyes!

Prayer Focus:Lord, I stand, agree and proclaim with David who said in Psalm 121, “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth”! Every blood-bought Believer has this blessed assurance and ought to testify “I will lift up mine eyes.” Amen

September 27While You Wait

Scripture Focus: Hebrews 11:1 (KJV)Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.                                                                        

For Your Consideration:(Adapted)While we are preparing for our blessings in the waiting season, we must increase, stretch our faith. For some it is a big leap, for some it may not be as big. One writer said the bigger the blessings, the more faith we must have in God to accomplish them.

(1) Faith is the foundation of preparation.  Not only are we to exercise this faith by speaking things into existence as if they’re already here, but we’re called to walk in faith as if those blessings have already happened.  

(2) Align yourself with God’s will.  While God wants us to boldly declare our desires and requests and speak life and existence into them, we must make sure those desires are aligned with God’s will for our lives:

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.  Proverbs 3:5-6

3) Focus on the preparation and not the blessing.  You prayed about it, got confirmation that God would answer and deliver.  Now let it go and focus on the work and preparation. Do not ignore the journey that will get you to your blessings.

(4) Offer the sacrifice of joy and praise while you are waiting. 

In all things, we must ensure what we desire is also what God desires for us.  We must first submit to His will and pursue His Kingdom to be guided towards asking for the blessings that would benefit us most.

So, when the enemy attacks, be still and let God fight for you.  Stay in the Word and beat the enemy with the best weapon on Earth- God’s Holy Word (Bible).  Fight Satan, the father of all lies, with God’s Truth.

Prayer Focus:Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. (Hebrews 13:20-21)

September 28

Only What You Do For Christ Will Last

Scripture Focus: 2 Corinthians 5:1 (AMP) 10 “For we must all appear and be revealed as we are before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive [his pay] according to what he has done in the body, whether good or evil [considering what his purpose and motive have been, and what he has achieved, been busy with, and given himself and his attention to accomplishing].”

For You Consideration:Have you ever heard the phrase, “Only what you do for Christ will last?” Many of us have probably even quoted it or inserted it into our conversations at some point in our lifetime. While the exact phrase is not in the Bible, I believe that today’s scripture is the possible inspiration for this saying so frequently used by the Christian community. Additionally, there is a beautiful song that has been written by Raymond Rasberry:Verse1: You may build great cathedrals large or small, you may build skyscrapers grand and tall, you may conquer all the failures of the past, but only what you do for Christ will last. Chorus: Remember only what You do for Christ will last. Remember only what you do for Christ will last, only what you do for Him will be counted at the end; only what you do for Christ will last. Verse 2: You may seek earthly power and fame,  the world might be impressed by your great name, soon the glories of this life will all be past, but only what you do for Christ will last. Only What You Do For Christ Will Last

By now you may be wondering what the above has to do with waiting on your harvest. Well, for this writer, it is the very essence of what this year’s efforts to have this booklet in your hands is all about. You see, last August, as the Meditation Booklet went to print, I rejoiced in the fact that I had done this for the LAST time. Funny thing, the very desire of my heart seemed to have been accomplished as evident by the positive feedback received; God’s people were being blessed by our efforts!

As I left the church parking lot one Sunday in November, I heard in my spirit, “I am preparing you.” I quickly dismissed this thought as a notion or reaction to what was playing on the radio, the Daryl Coley song, “He’s Preparing Me.” The following Sunday, one of the first-time writers cheerfully greeted me with the question, what are we going to write about next year? Not wanting to dampen her always positive outlook and encouraging enthusiasm, out of my mouth came, “I think He has given me a little something.” Have you ever tried to un-say what you just said? In that very instant, I wished I could have!

Not until August 8, 2017, while in teacher’s meeting, did it become apparently clear to me, like never before, “GOD IS IN CONTOL.” As our Shepherd Teacher was sharing with us how life changing it is when one learns to “listen” to God, and to let patience have its perfect work in us,” God was speaking to me! By the time Pastor had finished his dismissal prayer, the HOLY SPIRIT had opened my mouth

in bold confession of some of what I was hearing from the LORD. I just blurted out loud how the LORD had assigned the topic of “preparing for, patience in waiting, as well as the necessary obedience and discipline

needed” for a good harvest, to ensure in advance, so that like never before, our LTC lessons and Meditations would almost mirror each other. For certain, I had no idea where the LORD was leading our Shepherd Teacher in his teaching, and I had not shared with him what the writing team had been so diligently working on. And then, as further evidence that I was not in control of this “outburst,” I asked for PRAYER! You see, one of the contributor’s computers was attacked by a vicious virus as she worked on her assignment, others suffered everything from writer’s block to family emergencies, and that very day, I had seen the doctor because of the sever-radiating shoulder pain that has plagued me for the past several weeks! In his comforting, reassuring role as the one assigned to “watch over our souls” (Heb. 13:7) here at Holman Street, Pastor prayed words of comfort and encouragement. The LORD had waited until now to reveal HIS purpose, that in my weakness, He proves that HE is my strength!

Prayer Focus:Father, thank You for using Your often-reluctant children to do Your will. In all that we do, keep our hearts pure and humble in our obedience to Your will for our lives. In the years to come, we pray that what we have done in producing this work will be evidence of what You can do when we totally obey, trust and depend upon You. Thank You for teaching us how to wait on Your leading as well as Your timing. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen. September 29

Tithes and Offerings Scripture Focus: Malachi 3:10 (KJV)10”Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there might be meat in mine house, and prove me now saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven and pour you out a blessing that there shall not be room enough to receive it.”

For Your Consideration:After God has granted our request, answered our prayer and given us more than we expected, what should be our response? A song that I love provides the answer: “If the Lord’s been good to you, you ought to tell it! If the Lord has blessed your soul, you ought to tell it. Go tell it everywhere you go.” We need to let others know that God does answer the prayers of the faithful.

Let’s share the love of God by blessing others as we’ve been blessed. When we give to others, we give them hope for their future. Don’t give expecting that person to give back to you. Also, don’t tell everyone else what you did. If you do, you will have already received your reward. God will reward you if you keep your giving private-only between you and the recipient of your gift. As we wait on the Lord for our blessings, let us not forget to be a blessing.

Another way that God promised to bless us is by our commitment to our church. Shirley Caesar reminds us that according to Malachi 3:10, “If We Want to be Blessed,” we must pay our tithes and offerings. She says, “Give and it shall be given back to you.” God has promised to pour out blessings that we won’t have room enough to receive, if we give according to His plan.

We need to give God glory, honor and praise for all that He’s done, is doing, and will do in our lives. Everyday should be a day of thanksgiving, for God deserves all the praise for just being an awesome God

Prayer Focus:

Heavenly Father, we give You all the glory, all the honor, and all the praise for what You’re doing in our lives. We worship Your Holy Name. We realize that we’re blessed far more than we deserve. Our job is working for You and whatever we deserve as our reward, You’ll pay. Thank You! In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

September 30

Getting Back in the Routine

Scripture Focus: Isaiah 58:6 (KJV)"Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?

Getting back into our TV watching routine

For Your Consideration:It is always good to have a plan when returning to our usual routine after a period of abstinence. Prayerfully, you will develop another good habit while intentionally avoiding TV. Since you have not watched TV for 30 days:

1. Do Not spend all day October 1st, starting at 12:01 a.m. catching up on all your recorded programs.

2. Do Not spend the next 5 days playing catch up on your internet or recorded programs.

3. Introduce your programs slowly just as you would on a food fast. You enter back into your routine gradually.

4. Keep busy; incorporate those new habits into the rest of your life. You'll want to find ways to distract yourself from thinking about what you have missed on TV. Get some

exercise, hang out with a friend, learn a new skill, knit, sew, bake, golf, fish, crab, etc.

5. Thank God for your victory over the flesh, however great or small.

Prayer Focus:

Father God, I thank you that you have allowed me to see it through 30 days of not watching TV. I thank you for speaking and revealing to me the answers that I have sought during this time with you. Amen.

Acknowledgement

Andrea Bryant

Stephanie Edwards

Billie Grays

James Grays

Gwendolyn Harris

Zelda Miller

Ethel Moore

Fred Ponder

Linda Ponder

Kathleen Samuels

Carla Stewart-Smith

Willie Taylor

Rosalyn Thomas

Past Writer Submission

Cheryl MacheteSheryl Victorian

Bible VersionsAMP - Amplified

CEV – Common English ESV– English Standard

KJV – King James NKJV–New King James NIV– New International

NLT– New Living

“But they that Wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they

shall walk, and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31

“And therefore will the LORD Wait, that He may be gracious unto you, and therefore will He be exalted,

that He may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is God of judgment: blessed are all they that Wait for

Him.”

Isaiah 30:18