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WEEK TWENTY—SIX: Friday, May 19—Thursday, May 25, 2006

I. REPENTANCE FOR SIN IN THE CHURCH: THE CONTROLLING SPIRIT

The primary diversion that the enemy will use in order to sidetrack every new move of God will be the control spirit … As lawlessness increases, many church leaders will be prone to overreact to it in trying to bring order. These overreactions that use human strength, control and methods will ultimately result in even more disorder and confusion. The control spirit seeks to get Christian leaders to overstep their authority and try to do the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of others.

It is dangerous for those who are possessed with this jezebel spirit, to speak against the righteous and those who hear from the Lord. This spirit can come across very bold, abrasive or brash, but can also come across very sweet and friendly. Beware, watch their body language and fruit and always be cautious. Keep watch and pray for discernment at all times.

They speak against or chase out watchmen and prophets whom the Lord sends to their church to reveal and warn of things occurring that are not of God or things to come. They stifle and choke out the word from the Lord and are not teachable. They also don’t allow the Holy Spirit to move in their services.

“Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous.” (Psalm 31:18)

(Source: Riding with the King in Unity, by Giles F. Mack, P.O. Box 1761, Branson, MO 65615, pp. 90,92.)

“Father God, we repent that we have allowed Jezebel to take root among us, and have bowed the knee to the controlling spirit in man. Forgive us for fearing man above You; and help us to walk in Your ways. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.”

II. REPENTANCE FOR THE SINS OF THE NATION: NATIVE AMERICAN ISSUES

On May 26, 1830, the Indian Removal Act of 1830 was passed by the Twenty-First Congress of the United states of America. After four months of strong debate, Andrew Jackson signed the bill into law. Land greed was a big reason for the federal government's position on Indian removal. This desire for Indian lands was also abetted by the Indian hating mentality that was peculiar to some American frontiersman.

To ensure peace the government forced these five tribes called the Five Civilized Tribes to move out of their lands that they had lived on for generations and to move to land given to them in parts of Oklahoma. These tribes were: Cherokee, Chickisaw, Choctaw, Creek, and Seminole. Andrew Jackson was quoted as saying that this was a way of protecting them and allowing them time to adjust to the white culture. This land in Oklahoma was thinly settled and was thought to have little value. Within 10 years of the Indian Removal Act more than 70,000 Indians had moved across the Mississippi. Many Indians died on this journey.

“The Trails of Tears”

The term “Trails of Tears” was given to the period of ten years in which over 70,000 Indians had to give up their homes and move to certain areas assigned to tribes in Oklahoma. The tribes were given a right to all of Oklahoma except the Panhandle. The government promised this land to them “as long as grass shall grow and rivers run.” Unfortunately, the land that they were given only lasted till about 1906 and then they were forced to move to other reservations.

The Trails of Tears were several trails that the Five civilized Tribes traveled on their way to their new lands. Many Indians died because of famine or disease. Sometimes a person would die because of the harsh living conditions. The tribes had to walk all day long and get very little rest. All this was in order to free more land for white settlers.

This report does not begin to address the true misery and danger that the Indian Tribes faced on the Trail of Tears, nor the humiliation they endured under the hand of the U.S. Government in the many promises that were made—and broken—over land issues. As Scripture exhorts us to “weep with those who weep,” we still weep for our Native American brothers and sisters who were forced to endure these despicable conditions during this part of our national history.

Once again, we turn to our loving Father in Heaven, Who alone can forgive our sin and heal our land:

“Father God, our Merciful Father, we come before you today as United States citizens and as Your children, and we ask you to forgive us for our sins against the Native American peoples. We ask You to forgive us for forcing them to endure such hardships, and to cleanse our sin through Your precious Shed Blood. We thank You that, when our government fails, Your government reigns supreme. Help us now to be “salt and light” to the Native Americans who live among us, and help us to love them as You do. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

“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.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)

III. THE BLESSING OF ISRAEL: LEADERSHIP

We prayed out of Ezekiel 34 which deals with bad and good leadership and its consequences for the land. As it is too long to quote here we urge you to read the chapter and see what are the consequences of bad leadership, and what are the results of good leadership. Ultimately the Lord's own leadership is the best. We see in this chapter that: Good leadership brings: security, prosperity, and fulfillment of destiny—Israel becoming blessing in the midst of the earth.

We prayed:

• For our leaders to become leaders who care about their people.
• For our leaders to rise above mere politics, power struggles, ambition and greed and become compassionate and serving.
• For our leaders to judge righteously.
• For the care of the weak and poor and needy in this Land.
• For all of the above as it pertains to leaders in the Body of Messiah.
• For pastors to feed their flock with the pure word of God.

(Source: Intercessors for Israel)

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