City: Patong, Thailand
Destination: Bangla Road
Mission: Go out in joy and be led forth in peace as the Lord directs our steps to meet some of his most precious daughters who are lost in this dark place. We hope and pray that we will form friendships with them and that they can tell that we see them for who they truly are. They are daughters of the King of Kings who are worth more than what the men of this world say they are. They do not have to live this way and we inform them of some other opportunities that are out there for them, but they have to quit their job completely.
From here on out this blog is going to be verses the Lord has laid on my heart about this city. His word never ceases to amaze me at how much it can really speak to you.
I encourage you to read 2nd Chronicles 20, but I wanted to highlight a few verses.
Verse 3: "Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the LORD, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah." Our teams have decided to fast from using our computers on the days we go out so that we may spend that time preparing our hearts for the night and seeking out the Lord for guidance.
Verse 12 (a little bit into it): "For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”
Verse 15 ( a little bit into it): "This is what the LORD says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s."
Verse 17: ""You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.’”
After God spoke this they worshipped and praised the Lord in a loud voice. While they were worshipping the Lord defeated the armies that were coming against them. Before any team goes out we all come together for a time of worship and prayer. We do not have to fight this battle because the Lord does it for us. We simply must turn to him and give him all the glory.
Isaiah 55: 10-13
As the rain and the snow
come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
You will go out in joy
and be led forth in peace;
the mountains and hills
will burst into song before you,
and all the trees of the field
will clap their hands.
Instead of the thornbush will grow the juniper,
and instead of briers the myrtle will grow.
This will be for the LORD’s renown,
for an everlasting sign,
that will endure forever.”
Jeremiah 33 5-9
I will hide my face from this city because of all its wickedness.
“‘Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security. I will bring Judah and Israel back from captivity and will rebuild them as they were before. I will cleanse them from all the sin they have committed against me and will forgive all their sins of rebellion against me. Then this city will bring me renown, joy, praise and honor before all nations on earth that hear of all the good things I do for it; and they will be in awe and will tremble at the abundant prosperity and peace I provide for it.’
Jeremiah 23:1-4
1 “Woe to the shepherds who are destroying and scattering the sheep of my pasture!” declares the LORD. 2 Therefore this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says to the shepherds who tend my people: “Because you have scattered my flock and driven them away and have not bestowed care on them, I will bestow punishment on you for the evil you have done,” declares the LORD. 3 “I myself will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the countries where I have driven them and will bring them back to their pasture, where they will be fruitful and increase in number. 4 I will place shepherds over them who will tend them, and they will no longer be afraid or terrified, nor will any be missing,” declares the LORD.
Verses 1 and 2 I feel they speak to those who run/work in human trafficking. Verses 3 and 4 I feel speak to the woman caught in and I hope it provides them hope to know that they won't be lost forever.
Father God
I pray for this city to be restored and I thank you for the work you have already done in it. Thank you for calling us to this place. Thank you for speaking to our hearts. We sing praises because we know we have nothing to fear for this battle is not ours, but yours. We merely speak life and you accomplish all that needs to be. Father God I thank you for bringing us and giving joy and leading us forth in peace. Help us to stand firm. Thank you for never giving up on this place. Thank you for leaving the flock to find the one that is missing. I ask that these lost sheep be found and given joy and peace. May they come to know your abundant love and their true worth. Tonight as we go out, Father guide us. Take my hand and show me the way to the one you want me to speak to. Thank you for giving me the words to speak and the love to share. Let our hearts sing praises while we walk and speak. Holy Spirit intercede for us as we go out in faith tonight. I ask all of this in your holy name. AMEN
