Is there a promise from the Lord that you've been waiting on? How long has the wait been? A year? Three? Five? Ten years?
God works in mysterious ways; one such mystery is that He makes His people wait for things. Abraham waited for the birth of his son Isaac. David waited - while fleeing from his murderous predecessor - to become king. Hannah waited - and was taunted as barren - before giving birth to Samuel. Even Jesus had to wait 30 years to mature physically before He started his earthly ministry.
Many will testify that the waiting period can be very emotional. One moment a person is filled with faith and committed to be patient for the long haul. The next, they are overcome with disappointment and sadness. Alas, both are arguably two sides of the same waiting-on-God coin.
When disappointment and sadness are the prevalent emotions, however, it is easy to give up and erroneously choose to walk away from the promise. In that moment a person might believe that since it has taken so long, the promise will never come to pass.
There is another flawed choice a person can make. It might even seem pious at first but it is a dangerous way of thinking that stems from the very pit of hell. A person could be inclined to think, "I've waited a long time and had my heart hurt. Maybe I should just focus on serving God and not think about the things he said he wants to give me."
This attitude appears sensible. We think if we just focus on God we won't feel the sting of disappointment that comes each season or year that passes without the promise in hand.
However, that's not the attitude God wants us to have. He tells us His plans and promises so we keep our attention on Him. Knowing God's plans empowers us to hold onto our faith and war for what is to come (1 Timothy 1:18-19). When a person opts to ignore or forget the promises, they are at risk of losing their fervor and zeal for the Lord. They can become a person who goes through the motions but doesn't, at the very heart of things, believe in or belong to God anymore. They are also at risk of missing the day of prosperity when it arrives (Jeremiah 17:6). All because such a person is easy prey for the devil's lie that the promise will never come.
And so as the years go by, that promise will seem further and further away. The person will then stop pursuing the issue in prayer. and no longer pine for it. And as satan convinces them one promise isn't forthcoming, they will become convinced that others will never be fulfilled. They will stop looking to God to make things happen in their life. They will start relying more on human beings, themselves included, to achieve their self-motivated desires and dreams. The result is a curse per Jeremiah 17:5 - This is what the LORD says: “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the LORD.
None of us should fall for the lie that God's promise won't happen or that if it were to happen, it would have already. We need to pray and praise the Lord for what He has coming for us. It could be a personal promise that He's given or a blessing contained in the Bible. Whatever it is and however we lay our hands on it, we must not let go. We are told in 2 Peter 1:19 - We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. We each have to keep holding on to the promise, remembering that He who committed is able. We serve the God of Covenant (Deuteronomy 7:9). He will keep His word because He is faithful and cannot deny Himself (2 Timothy 2:13). All we need to do is meet His conditions, obey His instructions, and wait. His promise will surely come at the right time.
Come on back at Noon EST to worship and intercede with prayer for others. God bless you!
If you are waiting on the promises of the Lord, please read the following and be encouraged:
From M22 - Happy Weekend Folks! I pray that we continue to rest in God's comfort! Amen
CLOSING PRAYER
Lord, thank You for another chance to worship You. Thank You for another chance to gather and pray for others. You are greatly to praised.
Father, I pray for all who participated in today's fellowship. May Your grace abide with them. May Your favor rest upon them. May Your splendor surround them.
May others look at them and know that their God is the one, true God of the Universe.
May You be glorified through them everywhere they go and in all they do.
IJMN, Amen.
From M22 - Father I pray that you will continue to renew our strength, I pray that we will never grow weary in this heavenly race. Help us Lord or pray, praise and worship you while wait. May we never grow weary of praising you while we wait. Thank you for your transformation within us IjMN amen.
From M22 - Father I thank you for your healing power over everyone seeking your healing. Thank you for healing every part of their bodies. Thank you for touching the hearts and minds of medical staff to nurse them back to life. We glorify you Abba. Amen!
Abba Father I pray for medical staff working around the clock to take care of others and improve their health even despite their own commitments. I pray that you will take care of them and their needs. IjMN. Amen.
From M22 - Thank you Father for my siblings. I pray that you will continue to guide them every step of the way. Help us heal from trauma and past pain. Help us be reminded by your promise in Jeremiah 29:11 that you have plans to prosper us and not harm us. Father we trust you that you are holding us by your mighty right hand through the good and difficult times. Father I pray that the fruits of the spirit will continue to be deeply rooted in our hearts. Help us praise no matter the circumstances. Father please meet us at the point of our needs IjMN amen!!!
LAST 10 MINUTES
We've regularly spoken about how the Israelites missed the opportunity to step into the Promised Land when the 12 spies returned from Canaan. Hebrews 3:19 lets us know that this happened because of their unbelief. And that is what satan wants for us. It wants God's children to lose their faith. It wants God's children to forget that our faith is part of the equation for the fulfillment of His promises. To that end, the devil will try to plant a seed in our minds so we think we should no longer pine for God's promises. It wants to confuse us so we relinquish what is ours as children of the Most High King.
But that shall not be our portion. Let us pray and commit ourselves to keep reaching and seeking the promises of God for our lives.
Lord, I'm holding on to You and I'm not letting go of the picture of my future that You have drawn for me. I thank You for the open doors that You have said cannot be shut. I hold Your righteous right hand and step forward, Lord. Knowing that Your plan and purpose for my life will give You unreserved glory. Thank You for being my God. Thank You for winning it all for me. Thank You for victory over the accuser of my soul. The devil will never make me think Your word will not come to pass because Your word will never return to You void. It shall always fulfill the purpose for which You sent it forth. Hallelujah!!! IJMN I pray with joy and happiness, Amen!
Father, thank You for Your great grace and mercy upon people. The word lets us know You show kindness to both the righteous and the wicked.
Lord, I lift up Your word in Zechariah 9:8 - But I will encamp at my temple to guard it against marauding forces. Never again will an oppressor overrun my people, for now I am keeping watch.
Thank You, God, for Your people are the temple in which You dwell (1 Corinthians 3:16-17). As such, per Zechariah 9:8, You are He who will no longer watch His people be overrun by the devices of the devil against the temple.
Lord, I decree freedom for Your people. I bind every tool used by satan to keep them running from pillar to post when indeed their freedom was already purchased in full by the blood of the Lamb. I arrest every weapon of satan thrown against their faculties. I speak the peace of the Lord upon them. I decree that the Lord has already given them a spirit of power and self-discipline. They are strengthened in their inner man through the power of the Holy Spirit to stand firm and resist the devil. Lord, You are He who foils the devices of the crafty, depriving them of success and such is the portion of satan and every contender striving against Your children, IJMN, Amen.
From M22 - Father thank you for every single Pepper both online and offline. Thank you for your mercies over our lives. Thank you for supernaturally delivering and restoring us on all sides. Thank you for supernaturally increasing us beyond our expectations. Thank you for transforming, renewing and pruning us for your glory. Thank you for bringing us together to praise, pray and intercede. Thank you Father that no matter what we have to endure, we are learning everyday to prioritize you first. Thank you Father for your promises over our lives. May we have cause to rejoice IjMN. Amen.
From M22 - Abba Father we thank you for the boy that was found. Thank you Abba for reuniting him with his loved ones. I pray that you heal every inch of him and restore his to normalcy. Thank you Abba for keeping him safe. Amen.
From M22 - Abba Father I pray for children across that world. I pray that you will continue to protect and shield them from harm, violence, abuse, bullying and intimidation. I pray that you touch the hearts and minds of their parents, guardians and caregivers to bring them up on your ways. Father help them to fulfil your purposes for their lives. Father please increase them in supernatural wisdom, favour, knowledge understanding and much more IjMN amen !
From M22 - Abba Father I pray for people struggling financially. I pray that you will supply all of their needs to your glorious riches. I pray that your provision will know no bounds in their lives. I pray that like the widow in the book of Kings, they will have beyond their expectations. Father please connect them to people and opportunities that will improve them in every way IjMN amen.
From M22 - Abba Father I pray for couples waiting on you for the fruit of the womb. I pray that you will turn their waiting into fruitfulness. As you remembered Hannah, Rachel and Manoah's wife. I pray that you will hear their cries and bless them with healthy beautiful babies. I pray that you will put an end to their struggles, failed IVFs, miscarriages and difficult adoption processes IjMN amen.
Lord, praise be unto You, Jehovah Sabaoth. The God of the Heavenly Hosts.
Father, I come against witchcraft in the lives of the members of this fellowship and their families I speak against every attempt to control, destroy and ensnare with such arts, IJMN, Amen. I know satan's modus operandi is to steal, kill and destroy the glorious destinies of Your people by enticing them with slickly-packaged, deceptive messaging that blurs the lines between what is godly and what You have specifically forbidden Your people to get entangled with.
Nevertheless, I thank You, Father, for You are He who has all dominion (Daniel 4:34-35). You are the Sovereign Lord. And no matter what satan's desires are, no matter how much it flexes and roars, it is Your purpose and plan that shall be fulfilled to the last letter (Isaiah 14: 24 & 27). Hallelujah!
I therefore pronounce Your word upon these wicked practitioners of witchcraft, necromancy, and other dark arts. As they are used against your people, Ezekiel 11:21 applies. Repay them, Lord, as promised in Jeremiah 16:18. Let Your word in Isaiah 45:16 be thoroughly fulfilled for them. Hit them with the mighty blows of Your arm, oh Lord (Isaiah 30:32).
Thank You for Your word that satan itself is less than nothing and those who choose it are detestable and nothing just as the power source they rely upon (Isaiah 41: 24 & 29). Expose them, Father. Drag them out, pull them down and bring them to ruins, Lord.
For the Kingdom of God is of power not about talk (1 Corinthians 4:20). Oh my God. I look forward to seeing the fulfillment of this prayer pronounced to Your glory and by Your grace, IJMN, Amen. Let me see what will happen to who will stand against You, my Lord.
From MFC - Almighty God, thank You for bringing good out of the difficulties in my life. Your mercy has turned my darkest valleys into places of praise!
Father God thank You for a reasonable portion of health and strength. Thank You that my Mother continues to press on in her health journey. Thank You for blessing my Father with a clear report- No Parkinson's! Thank You Lord that my Husband is able to receive treatment for his pinched nerve.
We have been in a long season of illness, but throughout it all God remains faithful. I praise God that no valley is deeper than Your love!
From M22 - Thank you Father for your supernatural mercy over our lives. Thank you Lord for strengthening us even when we have strength to keep going. Thank you for your limitless love over us. Afterall your word in Romans 8:31 days when you are for us, who can be against us? No one can match your might and sovereignty and so for that we give you all the praise and glory IJMN amen. !
From JIR - Thank FFJ for your encouragement. I am going through a pattern that needs to be broken and I will get there by God’s grace. I am trying to listen to His voice but I have the faith that He will get me out of the storm and on to the right path. Jesus never left me and I know He‘s always there. I am currently going through trials and tribulations but this time I have the desire to endure to the end. Please pray for me during these times so that I may know Jesus and stay rooted in Him. Thank you.
God of the Promise. God of Covenant.
The God who keeps His word.
Thank You for giving us hope that things will improve in our lives and the lives of those we care for.
Thank You for being the only God whose grace speaks louder than His judgment.
Thank You for loving us.
Thank You, for Your word shall come to pass and You will help us stand firm so we see prosperity in all its forms when it comes.
Praise the Lord!!
PRAYER TIME
You have obeyed the instruction to enter His gates with thanksgiving and praises.
Now, use this opportunity to pray for somebody. Not yourself. Ask God to help them and bless them.
This is the time to pray for other people. The Lord will help and guide you.
From CX - Hi peppers!
This is such a timely message, sis @FFJ. These songs of praise have been carrying me as I walk through this valley and I pray it brings comfort to anyone battling the same. Peace be with you all.
From M22 - Thank you Abba Father!
Glory to God in the highest. To You be everlasting glory forever!!!
From DIMPZ - This was for me lol. Right now I got the faith of a mustard seed. It ain’t much but it’s there. I just don’t understand why God is making me wait…oh well. Trusting He will make everything beautiful in its time.
From JIR - God is worthy to be praised. He is a loving, merciful God and never gave up on me. His undying love for us all is pure and unconditional. I am nothing without Him. He is Supreme, Almighty and Alpha and Omega. I will praise Him to the high heavens everyday. All glory be to Him. IJMN. Amen.
Sharing this testimony from sis OD, she shared it with Peppers on another platform yesterday. Please remember she'd asked for prayers on April 12, 2024, for a friend's missing son.
"Testimony time! He has been FOUND! Thank you all for your prayers. My friend's son was found. He is currently in the hospital.
We continue to pray for healing for him, peace, and wisdom got his family."
Psalm 89:15 - Blessed are the people who know how to praise you. They walk in the light of your presence, O LORD. (GWT)
Father, thank You for teaching me to give You praise. Thank You for teaching me to worship You.
Thank You for being the God who receives my praise and worship.
I thank You because in accordance with Your word, I am blessed and I walk in the light of Your presence.
Hallelujah!
PRAISE TIME
Now is the time to shower the Lord with adoration. Tell Him the sweet things you know He wants to hear.
Praise Him for His greatness. Love up on Him for the kindness He's shown you. Thank Him for His mercy.
Give God the glory.
.@Mimzy22
I've been listening to this song continuously this week. I confess I don't understand Igbo so I don't know everything Ada Ehi is saying in this song. As much as I love Igbo worship music, I really need to learn the language but that's another story for another day...
Anyway, I think I should share this song in the event it blesses you as it has me.
From MFC - Good morning and Happy Friday Peppers. I pray that you all are blessed and highly favored. You are never far from my prayers.
Today's topic was so on time Sis @FFJ . Praise the Lord for His divine promises. Despite the challenges of this season, we pray Joshua 1:9.
My heart is saddened by the death of Mandisa. Her music ministry touched my heart and my deepest condolences go to her family, friends and fans. May her voice join the choir of angels as she rests in our Heavenly Father's arms. Amen!
From EC - Amen and good morning ladies!
From M22 - Thank you for today's word sis @FFJ . God bless you for your encouragement and prayers over me. It's not been easy waiting especially when I have to start from scratch again. I won't deny that starting over again has not been easy. There are days where I break down because I pray and still feel alone. I have no excuses but I would really appreciate prayers from the community over me and my mental health and for God's direction over my life. God bless you all! See you at NOON EST.
From M22 - Thank you Abba Father for another beautiful fellowship day. We thank you for life, mobility, good, shelter, utilities and so much more. Thank you for holding us by your mighty right hand through life. Thank you for transforming , renewing and pruning us for your glory. Thank you Lord for holding us through every day. Thank you Lord for assuring us of your presence in Deuteronomy 31:8. Thank you Lord for not letting ourselves go. We bless your name IjMN amen.
Thank you for today's word sis @FFJ . It's really emotional for me given how the last 2 years have been for me. I admit I have struggled spiritually and mentally waiting on God. I even let fear overwhelm me because of past rejections and failures. I have relied on my own strength and it hasn't gotten me anywhere. I am learning to radically trust God and lean on him because my understanding is nothing compared to his understanding, might and sovereignty.
You mentioned a part about focusing on God and not waiting for that promise again. I felt that way because I thought I was desperate or forcing God's hand so I just fought myself because I felt that way. Waiting is not easy especially when you have had to endure rejections after rejections. I am leaning on God everyday to move on from past experiences but I won't lie I don't become so overwhelmed most times (I can't even deny this) I let myself go
I just pray that we can lean on God's promise in Isaiah 40:31 that we will not wait in vain IjMN Amen!
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
Guys, I want to encourage us all to use today's P&P as an opportunity to give the Lord some good worship. Honor Him for who He is. Get up and dance your way into the promises God has for you. The battle for His blessings and fullness of life was won on the cross by Jesus Christ. Let us dance and worship our God in acknowledgment of the victory that was gained on our behalf!
I've been dancing and worshiping all week. Please join me and give God all the glory. This year shall surely end with us stepping into the Promised Land assigned to each of us.