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WEEK TWELVE: Friday, Feb. 10—Thursday, Feb. 16, 2006

I. REPENTANCE FOR SIN IN THE CHURCH: ANGER AND UNFORGIVENESS (Part Three)

Choosing NOT to forgive has very serious consequences!

"And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses." (Matt. 18:34,35)

"And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses." (Mark 11:25,26) and ask the FATHER to forgive them for you . . . He ALWAYS provides "the way of escape" for us . . . at the Cross!

"Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34)

"Be gentle and ready to forgive; never hold grudges. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Most of all, let love guide your life for then the whole church will stay together in perfect harmony. Let the peace of heart which comes from Christ be always present in your hearts and lives, for this is your responsibility and privilege as  members of His body. And always be thankful." (Col. 3:13-15 TLB)

(Source: Riding with the King in Unity, by Giles F. Mack, P.O. Box 1761, Branson, MO 65615, pp. 35-36, adapted)

2. REPENTANCE FOR THE SINS OF THE NATION: HOMOSEXUALITY (Part Two)

Focus: Impact on Family and Friends

[Editor's note: The topic of homosexuality is at once painful and difficult to address. Issues related to same-sex attraction are complex, convoluted and confounding. We offer praise to the Lord that He has raised up ministries, like Exodus International, to deal with this issue. This week we wish to offer prayers for the families and friends of those who are caught in the web of lies surrounding homosexuality. Let's also lift up the many fine ministries that are working to offer support to family members as they untangle this web for themselves.

The following thoughts are taken from the website of Exodus International at www.exodus-international.org. We encourage you to explore this topic in detail, both at their website and by way of the links they offer to other fine ministries who are reaching out to bring help and hope to those who are in need.]

Many people fight silently and alone with the painful questions surrounding homosexuality. Young men and women struggle with their sexuality, wondering why they're attracted to the same gender, wondering if that's the way it has to be, but too afraid to tell the people they love. Parents watch their children engage in self-destructive lifestyles but aren't sure how to help them without pushing them further away. Children with a gay parent wonder how to love them without condoning their lifestyle.

These are not easy questions—they're truly heart wrenching. But you're not alone in this—whether you're a struggling youth, a parent or family member, or a pastor, there's help here for you. To start, you might want to contact an Exodus ministry to get some immediate help.

Exodus Youth (a ministry of Exodus International) believes there are real answers to these questions found in the gospel of Jesus Christ. God wants to show us His plan for our lives. He loves us and wants to walk with us as we pursue healing and freedom in Him. For some, these answers are offensive. For some it is just plain hard. For others it is completely life changing.

"Father God, we ask You to forgive us for condoning a lifestyle that violates Your laws, and that brings destruction -- and even death -- as a result. We ask You to forgive our nation for wandering from Your laws, so lovingly set down to protect us all. We ask, Lord, for Your redemptive purpose to come forth in the lives of those who have been caught in this web of deception, and for hope and healing to be restored to its victims and to their families and friends. Help us, Lord, to know how to respond to those in need. In Jesus' Name, amen."

"And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them." (Isaiah 42:16)

"I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron . . ." (Isaiah 45:2)

3. THE BLESSING OF ISRAEL: PRAY FOR THE REMNANT OF THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL

(Source: Intercessors for Israel)

In this day of FIRE, when the fires of the anger of our enemies are raging throughout the world, let us join our hearts with the prayer warriors inside Israel -- His remnant -- that the FIRE OF GOD would fall!

We prayed for the Body of Messiah in the Land We prayed for Fire. For the Lord to make his Body and his ministers a flaming fire in the Land, mighty in the Word and in the power of the Lord. We prayed for Fire. That once again, in this land there will be heard a prophetic voice, proclaiming the Word of God in preaching teaching, by the mighty power and anointing of the Holy Spirit.

"But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap: And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness. Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the LORD, as in the days of old, and as in former years." (Mal 3:1 -4)

"Who maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire:" (Psa 104:4)

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