September 1 - The Power of Praise

Adoration and praise are powerful spiritual warfare weapons. Satan hates it when we praise God. Why? Because he wants to be worshiped instead! When we worship God, Satan runs. Psalm 8:2 tells us, “From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.” When we praise God, the enemy is silenced! Psalm 149:6-9 indicates that praise in our mouths works to “inflict vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples, to bind their kings with fetters, their nobles with shackles of iron. . . This is the glory of all his saints.”

Second Chronicles 20 contains an amazing story of the power of praise. When faced with a powerful enemy—too powerful for his armies—King Jehoshaphat called for a time of fasting and prayer during which God revealed He would bring victory. Somehow Jehoshaphat got the crazy idea (it had to come from God) to march against these armies with singers in the front of his army. The singers lifted beautiful praises to God: “Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever” (20:21). The result? The opposing armies began attacking each other. The army of Judah didn’t even have to fight! That’s the power of praise! Make it a regular part of your prayer life.

Worthy Father, thank You that when we give You all the praise and glory, the Devil MUST flee! You have given us an amazing gift that has the power to bring victory into every situation we face. Help me to worship when I am faced with opposition, danger, or seemingly impossible circumstances.

--Adapted from The Power of Personal Prayer (Learning to Pray with Faith and Purpose) by Jonathan Graf. This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.

“Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this scripture preached Jesus to him.”  
August 2024

Dear Friends,

A few weeks back our outreach team was at the Moore Square Bus station, which is one of our regular locations.  As usual we had our sign which reads, “Free Bibles.  If you need prayer just ask.” A young man came up to me and asked for prayer and upon asking about his request, he stated, “I need to be saved!” After spending time with him going over the gospel he began to cry as he began to see how he had let sin ruin his life and it was now time to turn to the Lord.  He called out to the Lord right then and there to be saved.  I have seen him a few times since then and he is remaining true to his new found faith. PTL.  We sow much gospel seed at the bus station through preaching, conversations, literature distribution and free Bibles being picked up by those who need them.  There are many lives being changed by our team who share Christ faithfully at this needy area in Raleigh.

One of our prayers is for the Lord to add workers to our outreach team.  Recently, we have had the help of students from Southeast Seminary at many of our outreach events.  We have been out at the Galaxy Con Convention, the Packapalooza Street Festival and Friday Night on White Street events. With their assistance, we are reaching many more people with the gospel.  Nate is the point man for these teams and is always seeking to recruit a team.  This has been a great partnership and provides them opportunities to share their faith and develop a love for the lost.  Also, it allows us to mentor the next generation in keeping their eyes on the mission, which is for the church to be a rescue station for the lost.  These young men are full of zeal and boldness,which can be seen in their willingness to engage people in gospel conversations.  They are a great asset to our work in Raleigh.

In late July into August, I was blessed help Mark Johnson train a group of five young men in Ocean City, MD.   It was awesome to see two fourteen-year-old young men grow in their faith. In the beginning of the week they were timid and as the week progressed you could see them boldly pass out tracts and engage people in conversation.  It is always awesome to see such young men preach.  One man in the crowd approached Luke and asked,  “How old are you son?”  And when Luke replied, "Fourteen," the man shook his head in astonishment and then encouraged him to keep on. One college student on our team has been with us for seven summers.  The depth of his preaching and his devotion to Christ are amazing.  What a blessing to see his spiritual growth over the years.

These guys were a blast to work with and many folks heard the gospel at the board walk in Ocean City, MD over the summer.  It is a great place to make Jesus known.

We have already been on the campuses of UNC and NC State this semester.  We have given out hundreds of gospel tracts and have had numerous conversations already.  It has been also cool to see some of our Christian friends again and get caught up.  Stephen Brock was sharing the gospel with one young lady, who professed faith in Christ right there and then.  She stated, “I believe that you are the answer to my mother’s prayers.”

One of our good friends, Michael, who is a grad student boldly shared his testimony on the campus of UNC as we were there.  The Lord is doing many amazing things in the lives of the students on these campuses.

Abortion ministry is always a tough go, but we are glad to support those dedicated to this work.  Recently, as we were at Jones Franklin abortion mill,  Peter had been offering help to the women. A young woman approached Peter and she confided that she wanted to keep her baby and was feeling pressured into abortion.  She stated, “I have been praying to Jesus to give me a sign to help me and here you are.” This is one of those spiritual "Wow" moments.  After talking to her Mom on the phone she was headed for home.

Thanks so much for your prayers and support in spreading the gospel.   God Bless!       

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