The Works

From the time I came into the Church, I have heard people pray for the Jesus ministry. I came to understand that they were praying to do and/or see the works Jesus did, performed in the Church today. I am sure that most of us want to be able to manifest Christ in this way when the need arises without controversy.

Well, in order for such to manifest, we must have a righteous mindset that is approved of the Father; for it is the Father who will perform the work through Jesus Christ who lives within us. We must be confident that the scriptures will be faithful to guide us to that place of approval.

‘Without prayer, there is no power’ is not a cliché. IT IS A TRUTH. I remember how my heart was so troubled regarding someone’s spiritual disposition. Then the Lord said to me, “How often have you prayed for him?” I knew that it was only occasionally that I would mention this person in my prayers. The disciples wanted the Lord to continue to work through them as well. Therefore, they prayed.

Acts 4:23-24

23 An being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them.

24 And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is: ONE ACCORD.

It is a necessity that the leadership in a ministry be in agreement with the message and direction of the ministry. If not, they will never come to the place where they can pray together effectively. One area that has personally plagued me when it comes to praying with leaders in my own ministry is that I saw so many areas where we did not agree with God; myself included.

I am bold to say that because, had we been in complete agreement with God concerning the things He has ministered to us regarding pure holiness, we all would have changed immediately; instead of it taking 10, 15, 20, or 25 years or more to do so.

Even now, there are still some who are judgmental and unforgiving; in that they will condemn others for their transgressions, but give themselves a pass for the things they do which are not pleasing to God. They view fornication, adultery and homosexuality as great sins that affect the Body terribly, but act as if meanness, gossip and unforgiveness have absolutely no effect on the people in their sphere of influence. Therefore, they walk in self-righteousness.

THE SPIRIT OF APATHY AND SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS

The spirit of apathy (a lack of interest or concern) has overtaken many leaders in the Body of Christ. There are those who will hear of the fault of another leader and become offended with the minister. Sometimes, the sin is so great that it brings slander on the ministry and victimizes others. The Holy Ghost is pointing to this spirit because many feel justified to act as they do when they discover another has sinned. However, the Word of God speaks to such a scenario on this wise; Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted (Galatians 6:1).

Nevertheless, there is a total disregard for this scripture in the hearts of some, while there is a total regard for it in the hearts of others. Therefore, how is it possible for these two factions to truly pray together on one accord? To walk in apathy is to totally disregard the fact that you have been given access to a fallen saint; but do nothing more than criticize, complain and walk in offense.

Trust me; there is no way for you to intercede for such a one while you walk in this disposition. There is also no way for you to be in agreement with the Prayer of Agreement for such a one. Why is this so? The reason is, you have not allowed yourself to feel the infirmity of the one who has fallen into the hands of Satan. Therefore, many of our fallen have no intercessors who are able to come on one accord for their lives. This is a tragedy.

I remember when I was very young in the church. My emotions and the desires of my heart deceived me; and I fell into sin. I lived every day in fear and condemnation, knowing that God was being dishonored and put to shame. Of all the people who knew me, and who at that time knew that I was involved in this unlawful relationship, never came to counsel me or to offer any sort of spiritual help that might have lent itself to my deliverance.

Instead, they just got in their circles and talked about me, condemning me to hell. Those who I thought were my friends were only coming to signify and gain more knowledge about my affair. I never saw any genuine concern for my soul. God knew my heart. He knew I was like Eve, caught up in the transgression; and had gotten too weak to fight enough to win. Somehow, He put it in my heart to fast and pray for myself. After shutting away for 14 days and nights, I was delivered. My heart was free.

My dear friends, this is not the Christian way. It is not the way of our Lord. He instructed us to love one another. Love does not turn itself off in bad times; neither does it seek the demise of another. When we cannot walk in the spirit of love and forgiveness, we ourselves are not spiritual; nor are we in a righteous place with God.

Many have deceived themselves in this way, continuing on to serve and praise and pray. But all is vain and unfruitful in the eyes of God. Therefore, He deals with such a one according to His sovereignty instead of your fellowship with Him; for there can be no true fellowship as long as our hearts are different from His. We are not one with Him.

Think of all the people God has caused you to interact with. Think of all the negative situations some of them may be facing. Think of the sin in the lives of your brothers and sisters in and without the Body of Christ. Think on your complacency and your apathetic or self-righteous responses.

Who is it you pray for; your spouse, your children, your situations, your pastor? What about those who have become an embarrassment to themselves and the Body? What about your enemies? This is the time to be completely honest with yourself. Repent of any unrighteous mindset and lay hold of the altar for the souls of those God has placed in your path.

It is time to pray as a true intercessor, with a pure heart and a righteous mind. We can perform the works of Christ as a ministry, if we all would come on one accord. But the fact that we are not on such an accord, is evidenced by the fact that God is not moved to work through us to pour out the great grace He did in the days of old. But we can change that. Let us truly examine ourselves and correct those things that do not please the Father. He is waiting for us to do so.