Countryside Prayer Blog

Draw Near - He is Enough!

2007-05-25T17:57:00.000-07:00

"Therefore, brothers since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. " Hebrews 10:19

Drawing near to God! What a thought! We, who trip and stumble over our own sin, who are sadly prone to do the things that keep us distant from an "awesome" God, are actually able to draw near Him - without the hint of a thing in the way. In fact, not even a curtain!

Although we know we are too inadequate for this privilege on our own, our hope can be rightly placed in Jesus and His blood as our only "new and living way" to God. We can stand before Him - without shame, embarrassment, or guilt . . . what freedom! He sprinkles our hearts and washes our bodies with pure water. As we come to Him with a sincere heart, we can have full assurance in His faithfullness and that He is enough. Sounds good, huh?

He makes us ready for a life with Him!

Countryside Prayer Requests

2007-05-25T17:36:00.000-07:00

Please be praying for . . .

Teachers & servants to be raised up by the Lord to minister to the children at Countryside.

A woman who has been having back trouble and having difficulty taking care of her family.

A man who would like prayer for his mother who has pneumonia and is very ill.

Another man who would like prayer for his son and his son's wife as they develop their relationship with the Lord again. He would like prayer that God would guide them to find a Church Body to support them.

Earl, Lindsey, & Family who will be moving soon.

A guy who is undergoing medical treatments and needs prayer for the financial needs that are being accrued.

For refreshment, rest, and strength for those in the Body who have much "on their plate" at this time.

Cameron who is ministering in Africa . . . and will be coming home soon!

Countryside Prayer Requests

2007-05-06T08:18:00.000-07:00

Please be praying for the Body at Countryside. Here are several things to remember when doing so:

A couple in the Fellowship will be having their baby soon. Prayer is needed that the delivery and adjustments that come with having a new baby would go smoothly.

Kenny has been sick and has recently arrived in Iraq. Continue to pray for encouragement, strength, safety, and that he keeps his faith strong.

Cameron is ministering to the kids in Africa.

Continue to pray for our older saints, their families, and caregivers: Agnes, Belle, Verna Dell, and Wilma.

Full of Compassion

2007-03-25T08:15:00.000-07:00

Our Lord has compassion on us just as we are:

"[Jesus] comes into sinful lives as a bright, clear stream enters a stagnant pool. The stream is not afraid of contamination but its sweet enercy clenses the pool . . . He is always being "touched with compassion." The multitude without a shepherd, the sorrowing widow of Nain, the little dead child of the ruler, the demoniac of Gadara, the hungry five thousand - what ever suffers touches Jesus. His very wrath against the scribes and Pharisees is but the excess of His sypathy for those who suffer under their hard self-righteousness.

Did you ever find Jesus looking for "deserving poor"? He "healed all their sick." And what grace in His sympathy! Why did He touch that poor leper? He could have healed him with a word as He did the nobleman's son. why, for years the wretch had been an oucast, cut off from kin, dehumanized. He lost the sense of being a man. It was defilement to approach him. Well, the touch of Jesus made him human again."

The Scofield Reference Bible; Dr. Scofield

Countryside Prayer Requests

2006-11-22T12:29:00.000-08:00

Here are several ways to be praying for the Body at Countryside:

A Sister in the Fellowship would like prayer for a friend whose:
...mother has cancer (a brain tumor) and
...son has a tumor on his optic nerve
Please pray for her friend's strength in the Lord and that she will be dependent on Him, trusting in His will. Also for the doctors who will be treating them.

A Woman who would like prayer that the Lord will soften her husband's heart and that he will allow the Lord to take charge of his life, attitude, and the way he leads their family spiritually.

For the family of the young man that was killed in the accident that LaVerne was recently in

For the Thanksgiving week services as they approach

Also for those who have recently lost a loved one as the holidays will be a difficult time for them

For Ross and Inez as they are hoping to buy as house, and for Ross specifically as he looks for work

For Dale as he begins a new job

Continue to pray for our older saints, their families, caregivers: Agnes, Belle, Verna Dell, Virginia

Not Forgotten

2006-11-08T13:32:00.000-08:00

Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!

See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me. Isaiah 49 15-16

It is good to know our God loves us and has not forgotten us. He is completely sufficient and satisfies our needs even to their depths. How good it is to find full and true comfort in His compassion toward us.

May the Lord bless your communion with Him today!

Countryside Prayer Requests

2006-11-08T13:00:00.000-08:00

Here are several ways to be praying for the Body at Countryside:

Please be praying for the friends and family of LaVerne as they experience her loss while on this earth. Pray that they would be drawn to the Lord by His Spirit and be encouraged because of her love for Him.

A Family in the Fellowship would like prayer for their young daughter's skin condition and wisdom in the steps they should take to help her.

Wilma recently has had knee surgery and could use prayer as she is healing.

The Youth Group & College Agers could use prayer...

As the Youth Group is growing there is a growing need for more people to assist with leading
That those in these groups would grow in their relationship with the Lord and learn to minister and encourage each other
That the group would have a desire to minister to the new youth that come to the Fellowship
That, if the Lord is leading, He would raise up people to minister to the college agers

Called to Mexico!

2006-08-29T06:36:00.000-07:00

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

It is true that the Lord is with the Mexico Outreach Team as they minister to the kids and staff who are at the Mission at Carmen Serdan this week. In His power, they are enabled to be strong and courageous as he works in them and through them to accomplish His plans and purposes.

Please be praying for this group and Mike Masonic as he leads them:

Amy H.

Amy T.

Brian

Brian Jr.

Casey

Ethan

Hannah

Jacob

Jenna

Jimmy

Joan

John-Mark

Karen

Mike

Travis

Prayer for those in the Mid-East!

2006-07-22T11:14:00.000-07:00

Recently the Fellowship received an email to request and remind us to pray for the troops in Iraq . . .

The weather report is HOT and sunny for our troops! Apparently it is 122 degrees in Iraq now -- the low will be 111 degrees. Our prayers for strength, endurance, and safety are needed for them in a great way.

By the way, with the increasing action taking place in Middle East, it is a right thing to bring our prayers and requests before the Lord on the behalf of those in the midst of it all.

Please pray for these as the Lord brings them to your mind.

Thankful Hearts Before Him

2006-07-01T11:59:00.000-07:00

Know that the Lord is God.

It is he who made us, and we are his;

we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise;

give thanks to him and praise his name.

For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;

his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Psalm 100: 3-5

Praying for the Body

2006-06-07T20:52:00.000-07:00

Please be praying for the Body at Countryside . . .

A Woman recently went into surgery for a tumor in her brain recently. Continue to pray for her and her recovery as well as wisdome for the doctors as they continue to treat her.

A Sister who was recently in a car accident. She and all involved are okay and only have minor cuts and bruises. Please pray that she would continue to heal.

Pray for our older saints and those who have been faithfully ministering to them:
Vernadel, Wilma, Virginia, Belle, Agnes

Jared who will soon be leaving to minister in Mexico; and Cameron who is already ministering in the Mission at Carmen Serdan.

We're Family!

2006-06-07T20:18:00.000-07:00

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Romans 12:10

As brothers and sisters in Christ it is a privilege to come together and worship our God.

From the first step into the "building" at Countryside it is a joy to be greeted by the "Body" at Countryside. True brotherly (. . . and sisterly) love can be caught in action by those greeting in the First Contact ministry.

They hold the great opportunity to be a reminder of the joy and family we share in Christ!

Please pray for those the Lord has and is raising up to share in this ministry. Mike Gonzales oversees this ministry and has given several ideas to start:

Pray for committed people to become part of this ministry.
Pray for that the Fellowship will grow and desire to know one another
Pray that the Holy Spirit will lead them in His direction and provide guidance
Pray that they will be vessel's of honor to be used by God
Pray that all involved in this ministry would be humble to the leading of the Holy Spirit since He is our Helper and Counselor (John 16:12)

Praying for the Body

2006-05-18T06:14:00.000-07:00

Several things to keep in mind while praying for the Body of Christ at Countryside . . .

Greg who has just had open heart surgery and will be recovering. Praise for his quick recovery so far - by the way!
Debbie would like prayer for her health problems and wisdom for her and her doctors regarding them.
Belle needs prayer regarding health issues and will be using a trial pain pump to make her more comfortable. Also we can be praying for her family as they care for her.
A man in the Fellowship who has re-committed himself to Jesus and would like prayer that God will act in his life to turn all his pain and defeat into something beautiful.
A woman who is recovering from surgery
A lady in the Fellowship would like prayer for her mother-in-law who is not eating enough and suffering from health problems. She would also like prayer for another close relative who is 89 years old and is recovering from gallbladder surgery.
A woman would like prayer for her brother who is recovering from 1st, 2nd, & 3rd degree burns on his arm, hands & stomach. He was cooking and had a seizure.
Cameron who would like prayer that the Lord would keep on giving her the strength to do her work at the Mission in Carmen Serdan.

"At Home"

2006-05-02T20:57:00.000-07:00

You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Psalm 32:7

I think distractions in prayer are often because we have let ourselves wander too far from the things that matter most. And so we slip into an easily interrupted, easily distracted frame of mind.

We need to live more at home.
"In him we live and move and have our being" (Acts 17:28). This means, simply, God is our home.

Home of my heart, lest I forget

My redemption's cost to Thee,

Let my earliest thought be set

Upon Thy Calvary.

Do you see what I mean? These words, which center my attention on what matters most, speak of something that I cannot drop out of my day without great loss to me.

I know without question that an earnest "look" at Calvary does more to help our life of prayer than we imagine:

So shall the sayings of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be pleasing continually before Thee, O Lord my helper and my Redeemer. (Psalm 19:14, Septuagint)

Edges of His Ways; by Amy Carmichael

Praying for the Body

2006-04-27T06:05:00.000-07:00

Please be praying for. . .

Cameron who is at the Mission at Carman Serdan; the mission is very short of staff will have 12 hour shifts if no relief comes soon
Belle who is in the hospital again; pray for her family as they care for her needs
Jessica who is ministering on a mission trip to Mississippi
Ross & Inez as they are adjuting to a larger family with the twins now home
A woman who would like prayer for her sister and sister's husband who are about to lose their home and business
A Couple who have a young boy with severe asthma
A Guy who is having cardiac problems

The Generation to Come

2006-04-03T19:12:00.000-07:00

We will not hide them from their children, telling to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, and His strength and His wonderful works that He has done. Psalm 78:4

What a thrill it is when God allows us to catch a glimpse of his strength being poured into our lives . . . or maybe even when His "wonderful works" amazingly pop out at us while reading his Word! As God reveals to our understanding what He has done, we then have the great opportunity to share with others. Even the generation to come!

Those who minister to the children of Countryside have this awesome privilege. Please pray for them as they follow Christ's leading and point the kids to Him.

Some ways to begin. . .

That the Lord would raise up people to minister in nursery . . . lots of help needed!!!
A real love for Jesus would be created in the hearts of the kids
The teachers would have the ability to speak God's Word so the kids will understand

Trusting Him

2006-04-03T06:35:00.000-07:00

Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. Psalm 37 3-7

The Lord is Near

2006-03-04T11:49:00.000-08:00

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Phillippians 4:5-7

These verses above were laid on our hearts at the Believer's Prayer Service last Friday night. May they be an encouragment to you today! --By the way, come join us sometime as we fellowship in the Believer's Prayer Service every Friday night at 7:00 p.m. . . . come prepared to bless and be blessed by the Lord.

Prayer for the Body

2006-03-04T11:29:00.000-08:00

Wilma - In recovery from pneumonia.
Ross & Inez - For the delivery of their twins as the Lord's timing approaches
A Guy in the Fellowship who needs the Lord's leading in finding a job
Those who have been sick in the Body. . . we've been hit hard!
A Couple whose daughter will be going on a mission trip to Mississippi
A lady who is recovering from neck surgery
Ann - Her father has liver cancer, lung cancer, & recently has had a heart attack
A woman who is having trouble taking her medication
Another woman and her family as she is struggling with the affects of Alzheimer's

Countryside Youth

2006-03-04T10:21:00.000-08:00

Remember your Creator in the days of your youth. . . Ecclesiastes 12:1

Opportunity awaits as the Lord unfolds his will for the youth at Countryside!

Our Creator has the youth in mind, individually and as a whole, for His plans and purposes. While the Youth Group takes the time to remember Him, He will faithfully continue to grow them up and complete the good work we have seen Him begin.

Our ministry of prayer on behalf of this group is more instrumental than we will know on this side of Heaven. Here are several awaiting opportunities the Lord has revealed to the Youth Ministry leadership that can be surrounded in prayer:

Hospitality - That the Youth Group would grow in sincere hospitality and love of youth visiting the Fellowship
Worship - For the youth led worship team as they continue to grow and seek the Lord's heart in worship
Salt & Light - That the Lord would open doors for further ministry to this Youth Group and to the community

. . . being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6

Before the Sun Gets Up . . .

2006-02-24T06:32:00.000-08:00

The Sovereign Lord has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary.

He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught.

Isaiah 50:4

In light of Thursday's message by Pastor Terry, this verse seemed too appropriate to miss.

Jesus is spoken of in Isaiah 50:4 and it was Samuel who was awakened as seen in the teaching from 1 Samuel 3, but we are reminded to be ready to listen to and be taught by the Lord. . . even if it is, in fact, before the sun gets up!

Mexico Outreach Team

2006-02-14T06:27:00.000-08:00

DESTINATION: Mexico!

Headed to The Mission at Carmen Serdan, the Mexico Outreach Team will be serving those at The Mission for the remainder of the week. Please be praying for the group as they make themselves available to be Jesus' hands and feet and to show His love at this time.

Mexico Outreach Team:
Mai Benson, Barbara Gonzales, Cherylee Dawson, John-Mark Dawson, Jacob Dawson, Jared Dawson, JoAnna Lockhart, Mike Masonic, Hannah Morton, Ethan Pannier, Dale Pannier, Kenny Rick, James Stephens, Cameron Sweeney

Prayer for the Body. . .

2006-02-09T06:31:00.000-08:00

Inez - Will be in the hospital for about 3-4 more weeks as she is pregnant with the twins and awaiting their growth and healthy delivery.
Debi - is in recovery from Thyroid & Lymph node cancer surgery. She has been re-submitted to the hospital for a collapsed lung.
A Lady in the Fellowship who is struggling with health related issues
A woman in the Body who still has cancer. She has moved out of the area and needs prayer to find a church to help support her through this time. She is struggling with depression and ill from the Chemo therapy.
Jeff and Anne - Prayer for the health of their son, Cole.
Vernadel - Is struggling with health issues. Also for strength and wisdom of her family who is caring for her.

Mexico -- Just Around the Corner

2006-02-01T20:44:00.000-08:00

Once again God has been faithfully preparing a group of His servants from Countryside to minister at the Mission in Carmen Serdan, Mexico. These servants will be traveling to the mission from February 12th to the 19th.

Although not all in the Body have been called to make the journey, those staying home can minister in prayer for both the Mexico Mission Team and those already living at the mission. Enjoy the blessing of being part of this ministry by remembering these in prayer. Mike Masonic has made several suggestions of how to pray for the group:

For a safe trip down to and back from the mission
That the Lord would develop a servants heart in the people that will be going
That the needs of the team and the needs for the journey will be provided
For the Lord to be praised as this group is "salt" and "light"

You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:13-16

Transforming Prayer

2006-01-20T07:28:00.000-08:00

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints . Ephesians 6:18

Our views of each other are dramatically transformed as we lift one another up in prayer before the Lord.

Anger is turned into compassion; hurt into forgiveness; impatience into sincere love; confusion into peace. The Lord's perspective of those we rub elbows with is formed in us-- we begin to see His fingerprints imprinted in their lives.

Please be praying for the Prayer Ministry at the Fellowship as it encourages the Body to be praying "for all the saints." Here are several requests to remember when praying for this ministry:

That the Lord would develop a deeper love among the Body as well as a desire to be praying for each other often.
That the Lord would be leading and followed as this ministry grows
That the Lord would reveal and raise up more Believers to take part in praying for the Body.

Shepherds of God's Flock

2006-01-11T21:02:00.000-08:00

Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers--not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. 1 Peter 5:2-4

Clearly chosen by the Lord, our Pastors and Elders are shepherds that minister to the Body at Countryside. God is shepherding His people through these men and our intercession for them before the Father is hugely important.

As the Pastors and Elders fix their eyes on the "Chief Shepherd", here are several ways to be praying for them and Pastor Terry as he oversees them:

That they would hear from the Lord
That they would walk with Him faithfully
That they would minister to the Body with His strength

We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me. Colossians 2:28-29

Praise God for the shepherds he has given to proclaim Him!

Pour out your Heart

2006-01-09T21:28:00.000-08:00

Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him; for God is our refuge.

Psalm 62:8

Prayer For the Body. . .

2006-01-04T20:37:00.000-08:00

Inez - for safety and health in her pregnancy
A family - who has relative that has recently died
Vernadel - continued recovery in her health . . . praise that she is doing much better!
A lady - who is still struggling with mid-affects of Alzheimer's
Several members - with health issues that are being examined
A family - who would like prayer for wisdom and strength with their children

diaconos (Greek) = servant, minister, deacon

2006-01-04T19:41:00.000-08:00

As God's grace is poured out through the Deacons at the Fellowship, they very much will be blessed to know that prayers from the Body being are poured out for them. Mike Masonic oversees this ministry team and has suggested several ways to remember them in prayer.

Here are some prayer needs to remember:

For the Lord's strength and wisdom as they lead the various ministries
That they would be refreshed and renewed by the Lord and what He is doing after this holiday season
That their eyes and ears would be open for the Lord's will

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. . .

If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:10-11

Pray for Marty

2005-12-29T05:54:00.000-08:00

Please be praying for Marty - This man did a one-man play, "John, The Apostle" for the Countryside congregation about 4 years ago.

He recently went into surgery because he was having trouble with his pacemaker. The doctors found that an atrium in his heart wasn't doing anything. It wasn't reacting to the electrical impulse of the pacemaker and just wasn't beating. The other ventricle is doing all the work. Marty now has been taken to the Intensive Care Unit at a local hospital. The doctors are determining what action they will now take.

Pray that the doctors have the wisdom and boldness to do the things that need to be done
Pray for healing in the atrium that is not working
Pray that they would know the Lord's presence in this time

Tuning in to Things Above

2005-12-28T20:36:00.000-08:00

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:1-2

Watch out. . . Good things are happening in the Body at Countryside as the Lord guides us to set our hearts and minds on things above.

Not ONLY here . . ., but His leading in this way continues to overflow to others in the Body of Christ through the Things Above Audio Ministry. Stretching to those who may never step foot inside the Countryside church building, this ministry allows listeners to hear teachings of the Word by tuning in, ordering tapes, and/or listening online from all over the world. As we know, the reminder is clear: to have minds that are set on Things Above.

Pray that Pastor Terry Dawson would hear clearly from the Lord as he teaches from the Word
Pray for Pastor Graham Carmichael and the audio staff as they prepare the teachings for the listeners to hear
Pray that the Lord would bless those listening with a deeper understanding of His great love for them (Ephesians 3:14-19)

Compelled by Christ's Love. . .to Africa!

2005-12-17T21:29:00.000-08:00

For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. 2 Corintians 5:14-15

A calling to Africa:
Anxious to live their lives for the one who died and was raised for them, Maxel and Amanda Colonia have responded to the Lord's call to minister in Africa. It is evident that Christ's love has compelled these two as they have testified to the way He has guided them to be a part of a short term mission trip to Abuja, Nigeria from January 10th - 20th.

What they will do:

Maxel and Amanda will be partnering with a team from Word of Restoration Ministries and will be serving the people of Nigeria in a variety of ways. Their ministry to share the Lord's love will include leading a college-age conference with two Nigerian colleges, building a church, teaching at some local village schools, and working at a medical clinic there.

How you can pray for Maxel and Amanda:

Pray that they would be empty vessels who are prepared for God's leading
Pray for increased faith
Pray that preparations (including VISA's, financial support, and supplies) would go smoothly
Pray for the health of their team as the dates approach
Pray for those in Nigeria who they will share Christ's love with
Pray that the grace and love of God would be shown to the Muslims they come in contact with
Pray that after they leave, the seeds of the Word that are planted in the people of Nigeria would grow
Pray that they would keep their eyes on Jesus and not be distracted by the enemy

The Cost was High - Watch and Pray

2005-12-16T06:03:00.000-08:00

"Prayer is easy to us because of what it cost God to enable us to pray. It is the redemption of God, the agony of our Lord, that has made our salvation so easy and prayer so simple. When we emphasize the cost of prayer to us, we are wrong. The cost to us is nothing; it is a supreme and superb privilege marked by supernatural ease because of what it cost God."
-Oswald Chambers

What great a cost Jesus paid for us to have access to the Father!

As our Thursday nights, Thru the Bible Study recently brought us to Mark 14:32-42, Pastor Terry highlighted the agony Jesus experienced and yet His obedience to the Father's will. He was fully obedient to lay down His life. With this price paid, we now have the privilege to take part, as the disciples were instructed in this passage, to "watch and pray"(Colossians 4:2).

Remember this week, by His power, to be watchful of God working, prayful about His work, and then full of praise because of it. Unlike the disciples were found in Mark 14, don't be caught asleep! Instead watch and pray.

Coming to Worship

2005-12-07T20:59:00.000-08:00

Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods. Psalm 95:1-3

Remember to pray for the Worship Team and Pastor Graham Carmichael, who oversees this ministry, as they lead the Body in worship with music . . .

Pray that the Body would praise the Lord with not only their mouths, but in spirit and truth
Pray that the Worship Team would be aware of the Lord's direction as they lead in worship
Pray that God would be glorified in our worship of Him

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Psalm 150:6

Thoroughly Equipped

2005-11-29T16:34:00.000-08:00

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

The Lord has GREAT plans and GOOD works in store for the "men of God" at Countryside. By His power and through His Spirit He is faithfully preparing them. We can be certain that as they dig deep to know and love the Word, they will be taught, rebuked, corrected, and trained in righteousness. They will be thoroughly equipped!

Continue to pray for the men at Countryside, the Men's Bible Study, and Pastor Graham Carmichael as he oversees the Men's Ministry. Here are some ways to be praying.

That. . .

The truths the Lord has for them would be clearly revealed to and through those teaching
The men would be equipped and changed by their study of the Word for the work God has called them to do
They would be those who know and love the Word

Please pray for. . .

2005-11-15T06:19:00.000-08:00

VernaDell - still in recovery from ongoing health problems
The Cheesmans - in the process of moving
A Lady who will be going in for knee surgery this week
A Guy who wants prayer for his mother, sister, and brother-in-law
Another Lady in the Fellowship who has requested prayer for her friend to come to know the Lord
A Mother who wants prayer for her relationship with her daughter and in the Lord's provision to make ends-meet
Several families going through struggles due to health related issues

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

Serving & Praising

2005-11-14T21:11:00.000-08:00

Praise the name of the Lord; praise him, you servants of the Lord, you who minister in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of God. Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good; sing praise to his name, for that is pleasant. Psalm 135:1-3

Serving and Praising. . . these two go hand and hand as the Body is served by those with worshipful and grateful hearts. This worship and service naturally rise in response to knowing the God who made the heaven and earth as well as His love that runs deeper than we understand. Those serving in the Cleaning Ministry can testify to the opportunities of worship while accomplishing the tasks before them.

Please pray for them as they continue to serve. . . and praise. Pray for Joan Panier as she oversees this ministry and that:

The Lord would bring more people from the Body to help serve in this ministry
That those who come and minister in this way would be blessed and serve with joyful and worshipful hearts
That the Body would realize the blessing of serving and praising the Lord in this ministry

Greetings . . .

2005-11-03T06:01:00.000-08:00

Hospitality - ". . . the act of friendship shown a visitor"

Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Romans 12:13

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 1 Peter 4:8-9

. . . since God so loved us we also ought to love one another. 1 John 4:11

As the Body meets, we often enter the church doors weary and dusty from the dirt and grime this world so anxiously kicks up at us. We are grateful for the love, hospitality, and welcome we exerience from each other while coming to be refreshed and renewed by the Word. Our First Contact greeters are the first with the opportunity to welcome and minister the Lord's love in this way to those entering the fellowship.

Please pray for those serving the Body in our First Contact ministry and Dale Schmidt who oversees it:

Pray that fruit would grow as they minister by greeting in a loving, personable, and friendly way.
Pray that the Body would be sincerely cared about by those greeting.
Pray that the greeters would have a true desire to reach out and get to know those coming to the fellowship.

The Mission at Carmen Serdan

2005-10-26T20:37:00.000-07:00

In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philipians 1:4-6

Although geography and a border may separate us at Countryside from our brothers and sisters in Christ who live in the Mission at Carmen Serdan, our prayers for them are heard by a God who knows no bounds of distance. We can "pray with joy" for them because we are assured that the Lord is actively completing his good work in each of them.

Please remember them in your prayers:

Pray that Carlos, the Mission director, would have the Lord's wisdom when dealing with the local Mexican government
Pray for the health of the Mission kids during this upcoming Winter season
Pray that the Lord would bless the Mission staff and give them the rest and refreshment that they need.

You can be praying for...

2005-10-25T06:45:00.000-07:00

· Wilma and VernaDell — both in the hospital
· Greg — whose cancer treatments have proved unsuccessful
· Laura — who is receiving treatment for cancer
· Belle — suffering ongoing health probelms
· A lady in the Fellowship dealing with Alzheimer's
· A family who is ministering to a child who is walking from the Lord
· A gal in the Fellowship dealing with a chronic illness
· Several families experiencing the mid-affects of spiritual warfare
· The Cheesemans expecting a new baby

The Lord has set apart the redeemed for Himself. Therefore he will listen to me and answer when I call to Him. — Psalm 4:3

Being Devoted & Being Blessed

2005-10-17T21:04:00.000-07:00

"They devoted themselves to the apostle's teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer(Acts 2:42)." Waiting on the Lord in this way caused something miraculous to happen in the early church!

The Lord's love happened! He brought about such a deep love and unity within the Body, that it says "They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people." Then, it continues, "the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." - There seems to be nothing more attractive to unbelievers than seeing Jesus' sincere love being lived out among Christians.

The fellowship and love that takes place in our FLOCKS, home Bible study groups, will very much be impacted as the Countryside Body seeks and devotes itself in these same ways. Please pray for these groups and Pastor Graham as he oversees them:

Pray that. . .

The Lord would add to their number and fellowship as they meet
Discipleship and communion with the Lord would deepen
As the above happens, the groups would grow in their love for each other

Pray for Each Other

2005-10-14T18:22:00.000-07:00

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. James 5:16

A Time for Rest

2005-10-05T20:58:00.000-07:00

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. Psalm 23:1-3
In a world where constant busyness easily surrounds, we may find ourselves putting aside the LORD's call for us to come away to experience rest and refreshment in Him. Our days can be filled with activities including family, work, friends, and responsibilities, but when do we allow Him to 'restore our souls'?

The women at Countryside have an opportunity for this rest and refreshment as they meet for the Women's Bible Study every week. As you pray for the women and their time together, Wilma Kimball, the Women's Ministry Coordinator, has brought up a few requests/praises to consider:

That more women, especially those busy with children, would take advantage of this opportunity to come away and be refreshed in the LORD
That women would make room for this time for worship and fellowship with other women during this busy Fall season
Praise the LORD for the way He is encouraging and blessing through the worship, sharing, and teaching in the group!

What Are You Afraid Of?

2005-09-30T06:18:00.000-07:00

What ARE you afraid of? Some are afraid of heights, some of small spaces, some even of spiders. Digging deeper still, some of us are afraid of not having enough money or food; and others of being left alone or losing a job. The list carries us as far as our worries will take us.

Whatever the fear, it can consume us and steal our joy. The Bible calls us not to fear, but rather to lay our needs in the hands of God (Luke12:22-34). Our LORD often reminds us not to fear; however fear is not always bad or wrong. Countless times the Bible DOES encourage us to fear one. . .God. Actually we are called to fear Him only! As we fear Him, we take to heart the attributes of who He is - i.e. His power, strength, love, holiness, and kingship. We recognize His power and greatness over us, His creation, and act according to them.

As we begin to comprehend the 'hugeness' of God, we can truly rejoice in how deep, wide, long, and high His love for us really is. The Psalms are overflowing with great promises that the LORD pours out to those who fear Him. He:

25:14 - CONFIDES in them
31:19 - has GOODNESS stored up for them
33:18 - has His EYES on them
34:7 - ENCAMPS around them
34:9 - causes them to LACK NOTHING
60:4 - raises up a BANNER OF PROTECTION over them
61:5 - gives them a HERITAGE
85:9 - brings SALVATION near them
103:11 - has LOVE for them higher than the heaven is above the earth
103:13 - has COMPASSION on them as a father has for his children
111:5 - PROVIDES them with food
111:10 - gives them WISDOM
115:13 - BLESSES them
128:1 - BLESSES their family
145:19 - FULFILLS their desires
147:11 - DELIGHTS in them

So bring before the LORD those fears that are not of Him and let Him transform those fears into the joy of fearing Him alone!

Planted by Streams

2005-09-26T21:54:00.000-07:00

He is like a tree planted by streams of water which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. Psalm 1:3

Refreshment and nourishment in the LORD are available in many ways around the Countryside Fellowship. The Encouraging Words Bookstore is one great place to find just this. As the Body finds itself increasingly in the spot of "craving spiritual milk," as 1 Peter exhorts, the bookstore offers a place to learn and dive deeper into God's Word.

Remember to pray for this ministry and LaVerne Wheeler as she oversees it. Several needs that LaVerne has suggested to lift in prayer are that:

People would take advantage of the great opportunity and blessing that the bookstore provides to be ministered to by the Word
Guidance would be given to those serving as they are attentive to the LORD in how to encourage and fellowship with those who enter the bookstore
God would raise up people in the Body to serve in this ministry

My Cup Overflows. . .

2005-09-20T06:34:00.000-07:00

Countryside's coffeehouse, Encouraging Words, and the Thursday night dinners, Cafe Koinonia, are a blessing to the Body. They minister in very practical ways and continue to allow a place for the Body to fellowship and encourage one another.

As you lift up these two ministries in prayer, please pray that:

The LORD's voice would be heard clearly regarding the things that He wants to do with and through this ministry
Cafe Koinonia would run smoothly both in preparation and delivery
True Koinonia [togetherness] and fellowship would be developed among those who are ministered to
Christ would be formed in those who are serving

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

1 Corinthians 10:31

Praying For Our Youth

2005-09-10T14:07:00.000-07:00

Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12
It's true! Throughout the Bible God chooses to use the youth to do great things in His name. Check out the ways He used Daniel, Miriam, Josiah, David, Esther, Mary (Jesus' mother), and, of course, how could we forget Jesus. He is still, today, using the youth to work out His mighty plans and purposes as they yield to Him.

In a world of distractions, our youth need our ongoing prayer as they seek to yield, with undivided devotion, to the LORD. Countryside's Jr. and Sr. High youth leader, Jesse Sallas, has provided several ideas for you to keep in mind as you pray for them:

As school has begun, pray that they would not be distracted by school and the activities that might pull them away from their intimacy with the LORD.
Pray that God would use them powerfully in their schools for his plans and purposes.
Pray that the truths the LORD has taught them this summer would be used and grown up in them.

Carmen Serdan Mission Team

2005-08-28T21:23:00.000-07:00

And they're off . . .

The Mission Team that will be ministering at The Mission at Carmen Serdan are making their way to and will be in Mexico this week. Those ministering are: Maia Benson, Tom Burns, Holly Burns, Kara Chikeles, Cherylee Dawson, Jacob Dawson, Jared Dawson, Jessica Dawson, John-Mark Dawson, Jeff Deleon, Nathan Fieguth, Laura Harley, Jo-Anna Lockhart, Mike Masonic, Hannah Morton, Ethan Pannier, Joan Pannier, Jesse Sallas, Kitty Sallas, James Stephens, Cameron Sweeney, Amy Telfer, Jenna Wood, and Travis Wood.

Please pray for the Mission Team this week:

Pray for the safety of both the group and individuals as they travel.
Pray that each member in the group would be filled with the Spirit and that His work would overflow to others as the team ministers the way the LORD would have them.
Pray that the leadership would know the LORD's strength, guidance, and leading throughout the trip.

Ephesians 3:20-21

2005-08-25T07:14:00.000-07:00

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Ephesians 3:20-21

Prayer for Israel

2005-08-18T22:32:00.000-07:00

PRAY FOR TRUE PEACE IN ISRAEL

"Peace be upon Israel." Psalm 128:5b
Israelis are being evacuated from their homes in Gaza, and our fervent prayer for them is needed in a very real way to show them the LORD's love. Israel is at a time of chaos, discouragement, unrest, and it seems anything but peace; however God still loves His people and has a hope and a future for them.

Remember them in your prayers especially today.

Pray for their safety
Pray that they would know Jesus as their Savior. . .their Prince of Peace

Countryside Ministies

2005-08-06T08:51:00.000-07:00

Always Praying for the Saints. . .

"All your sons shall be taught by the LORD, and great shall be your children's peace." Isaiah 54:13

How encouraging to know that the LORD is actively at work in the lives of our our children. They are HIS creation! He cares for them and wants them to grow up to know and love Him. Wouldn't you assume that He anxiously awaits to hear our prayers on their behalf?

To help us as we pray for our kids, Rebecca Carmichael, our Children's Ministry Coordinator, has provided specific requests for us to consider as we intercede for them:

That Christian homes would be provided for our foster children who are in the adoption processes

For people in the Body that would help in teaching Sunday School and serving in the nursery

For preparation of the kids that are getting ready for the next school year

Welcome

2005-08-01T07:31:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Countryside Christian Fellowship Prayer Blog!

Our hope is that you will be blessed by this site and encouraged to new heights and depths of walking with the Lord in prayer because of it. It is also our hope that you will experience the great joy that comes from ministering to others through prayer.

Of course, the previous postings shown below may give an idea of what you can expect to find on this site; however there is still more to come. Here is a brief overview of what you will see:

Announcements of upcoming prayer events or group prayer gaterings
Devotional readings
Prayer requests relating to the Body (i.e. mission trips, youth events,
Regularly featured ministries in the Body with current needs and/or praises to remember in prayer
Encouraging Scriptures
Highlighted opportunities of regular, ongoing prayer ministries (i.e. weekly prayer fellowship)

Don't forget the other ways to participate in and be blessed by prayer:

Enter your own prayer request(s) on the Countryside website (www.countrysideprayer.com)
Sign up for the prayer e-news letter for a weekly list of prayer requests or urgent prayer needs (www.countrysideprayer.com)
Involve yourself in the weekly Believer's Prayer Service, Friday nights at 7:00

Keeping in Mind

2005-07-24T16:41:00.000-07:00

"Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. And pray that we may be delivered from evil men, for not everyone has faith. But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance."

2 Thessalonians 3:1-5

Devote yourselves to prayer. . .

2005-07-18T06:19:00.000-07:00

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2

It is an exciting thing to be part of what God is doing in the Body at Countryside! Lifting up, in prayer, the ministries in the Body that are blessing Him and showing His love to others is a sure way to find yourself exactly in this spot.

With this in mind, please pray for our Mexico Outreach Team as they are preparing for their departure to the Mission at Carmen Serdan this August. Mike Masonic is the leader of this group and has brought up several requests to keep in mind when praying for the team this year.

Preparation of the hearts & minds, by the Lord, of those going on the trip
Provision of transportation for the drive down to Mexico
Unity in the group to enable them to best serve the Body of Christ

His Sight or Ours?

2005-07-05T20:52:00.000-07:00

How often do we forget that the wisdom and guidance of the God who made the heaven and earth is ours simply for the asking? Sadly enough, I find myself in this spot way too often. We evaluate the situations at hand with eyes that only see in part, as 1 Corinthians 13:2 reminds.

Recently, I've been studying two very different men in 1 & 2 Samuel. The two in the spotlight are Saul and David.

Saul, on one hand, is too often caught impulsively rushing into his own ideas and plans, leaving God's timing back in a cloud of dust. Take a look! He sacrifices to the Lord without waiting for Samuel (1 Samuel 13:8-9); doesn't kill the Amalekite king, when told (1 Samuel 15:9); launches spears at David to prevent the Lord's anointed from being king (1 Samuel 18:10-11 & 19:10); and pursues the help of a witch in Endor (1 Samuel 28:6-7). For Saul, God's wisdom wasn't given a second thought.

David, on the other hand, displays his trust in the Lord's wisdom above his own. Over seven times he faces an important decision by inquiring of the Lord, "Shall I . . .", then presents the decision he faces; he spares Saul's life several instances (1 Samuel 24:4 & 26:9), allowing God's will versus his own personal feelings; and he even encourages God to choose his own punishment when given the choice (2 Samuel 24:14). Time and time again David acknowledges the Lord in his choices.

So, who are you more like? Saul or David? Do you depend on your sight or seek the Lord's? The oportunity is yours. You too can remember, like David, to inquire after God's guidance instead of trusting your own. You can:

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5

--Lacy Masonic
Prayer Ministry