SacramentoPRAYS
Uniting people to pray in the Greater Sacramento Region.
Overcoming Darkness
Overcoming Darkness by Judy Trent-Whitnack
The Lord showed me something about myself this morning: When I am aware of a strong conflict, my human nature tries to send me as far from the confrontation as possible. Yet, the conflict I am sensing is not physical, it is spiritual darkness with the intent of driving me in the opposite direction. Why? Because light dispels darkness – and I have within me the Light that “shines in the darkness” (John 1:5).
Let’s take this thought to a regional level. In Sacramento, we have sex trafficking, drugs, domestic violence, suicide, theft, threats of terrorism… darkness of an intensity that we can no longer deny. Yet, efforts against sex trafficking barely provide a dent in the overall problem. The war on drugs has only resulted in an astronomical inmate population. Domestic violence continues to rend the heart of families and the shatter the hope of young lives.
Perhaps the problem is that we have attempted to wage a spiritual battle using physical strategies. Ephesians 6:12 clearly states, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Is it possible that we have run from the battle or suppressed the light rather than taking charge of the battle by standing firm and letting our light shine?
In Ephesians 6:10-20 we are instructed to “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.” But what does this look like in our day-to-day life? I spent the month of September wrestling with this very question and seeking the Lord’s answer. His answer? Essentially, it means what it says: get rooted in the total and complete awesomeness of God (fear of the Lord) and our identity in Christ (Ephesians), and stand firm. No more running from problems. No more avoiding the tough places. No more enabling darkness to reign unopposed in our families, churches, communities and region. Enabling sin is sin. This is a call to repent from running and to then stand firm in the authority of Jesus Christ over the darkness, and in God’s overwhelming love for each and every person. It is also a call for us to ask the Lord to lead each of us step by step in continuing to stand firm moment by moment.
On October 25 of this year, many intercessors in our region began a 90-day intercession campaign to stand firm together against the cancer-like darkness that has invaded the Body of Christ. Overcoming the darkness in our region begins by overcoming the darkness in the Body of Christ. If you are interested in hearing more, please contact me at info@sacprays.com.
World Relief Prayer Requests
People: The numbers of refugees resettling into the Sacramento area DOUBLED last year to over 1,600. Most are coming from Afghanistan (they had to flee because they worked with the US military or government and therefore became targets of the Taliban and other extremists). Please pray for them and the many hopes and fears they face as they restart their lives in America.
o One urgent prayer request: One refugee, a single mom of 4, attempted to take her life yesterday. She has experienced much trauma and trials and she needs a spiritual breakthrough with Christ, of which she has shown openness to. Many others experience depression (particularly Afghani women who don’t know English and feel isolated).
Provision: Housing (affordable apartments) is at a critical shortage. Pray for more apartment complexes to be willing to rent to refugees. Also, employment opportunities are essential as they seek to become self-sufficient. Praise: Apple in Elk Grove has been hiring up many Afghani men. Pray for other opportunities.
Gospel: Pray for the Church in Sacramento (embodied in many local churches) that they not MISS this amazing opportunity to welcome the stranger and share the hope of Christ with others coming from nations where it is very difficult to ministry the gospel openly in.
Here is a great smore Serve Sacramento put out awhile back that helps people understand more about immigrants and refugees in particular.
Kirt Lewis
Director, Sacramento Field Office
Sacramento: www.worldreliefsacramento.org,www.facebook.com/worldreliefsacramento,www.twitter.com/wrsacramento
World Relief: www.worldrelief.org, www.facebook.com/worldrelief,www.twitter.com/worldrelief
ABIDING AND ABOUNDING: FINDING THE FLOW OF GOD FOR YOUR LIFE
ORGANIZER
Intercessor’s WorkshopWebsite:intercessorsworkshop.com
Saturday, Nov 8, 2014, 10:00 AM
The Rock of Roseville 725 Vernon St, Roseville, CA United States
MONDAY MORNING PRAYER AND WORSHIP
God is working on the Jessup campus and we are all recipients of the many prayer experiences already occurring.
We celebrate the multiplying of prayer and worship across our community.
Prayer and worship in the Prayer Chapel of William Jessup on Mondays from 11am-12pm
A group of prayer warriors has been praying for the past year at Jessup and would love to have you join us if you are able to do so.
Monday, Nov 10, 2014, 11:00 AM
William Jessup University, 333 Sunset Boulevard, Rocklin, CA, United States
Thank You!
THANK YOU for your love of Jesus Christ! THANK YOU for your devotion to prayer. THANK YOU for your desire and hunger to see the fullness of God manifested in our region! Hallelujah and Amen!