Prayer Meetings

Last week’s Illustrated Message was entitled, “Dumb and Prayer-less Spirit That Scorns God’s Mercy”, which is from the Series, The Holy War,  and in it emphasized the necessity for prayer, but not just any prayer but specifically praying in tongues which is the evidence of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. If you haven’t read the message, go the Illustrated Message tab on this website and you’ll be able to read the overview of it.  

We read from Ephesians 6:18 where it says the following in the Amplified Bible; “18 With all prayer and petition pray [with specific requests] at all times [on every occasion and in every season] in the Spirit, and with this in view, stay alert with all perseverance and petition [interceding in prayer] for all [a]God’s people.”

On a side note, when it says, ‘pray in the Spirit’, various Greek scholars and Bible commentators point out that the Greek present imperative tense is used in this verse. Which means that it is a continuous replenishment, and an ongoing state of being filled.  That’s awesome. So it’s not a one time event, but continuous. That’s why it’s imperative to always be praying in tongues.

We studied that praying in the Spirit is like the buckle of the armour of God, it’s part of the armour. We also studied that praying in the Spirit is praying in tongues, which you receive and is the evidence of the baptism in the Holy Spirit.

To follow up on that then, we’d like to reintroduce the baptism in the Holy Spirit again to many who may not have ever heard about it, read about it, have vaguely heard something but have not received proper teaching on it and finally to those who have heard and not received it.

Praying in tongues is something the devil wants to stop at all cost because it is so powerful, it is a gift from God for all Christians, and satan wants Christians to be dumb and prayer-less in it. We’re going to use as a study guide, a small booklet that was written by Gordon Lindsay called, “How To Receive The Baptism In the Holy Spirit.” There is a link at the bottom of the message where you can download a copy for free to have it in your library.

Chapter 1 (this is an overview, not verbatim of the book itself)

We start by reading Acts 1:4-5 Amplified Bible where Jesus says the following; “4 And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; 5 for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

They didn’t know how long they were to wait and tarry, they didn’t know that they’d be speaking in tongues,  they only knew that they would know when the Holy Spirit had empowered them. It turned out it was 10 days of prayer and worship when this happened, they all received, all 120 received.

1. If Christ and the Apostles Needed The Baptism in the Holy Spirit, Then We Need It Also.

The excuse that you don’t need it today or that you’re exempt from it, is erroneous. Hebrews 5:7-9 says; “7 who, in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear, 8 though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. 9 And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him,”

Jesus emptied himself of His glory and became a man, and as a man, He needed the baptism by the Holy Spirit which He received when John baptized Him. Matthew 3:16 says; “16 When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and [a]He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him.”

It doesn’t say that He spoke in tongues, but it doesn’t say that He didn’t. We don’t know. But we do know that Jesus himself commanded his disciples to wait for it because they needed it as we’ll study today.

The 11apostles plus Matthias who was chosen to replace Judas, the women who followed Jesus, Jesus’ mother and siblings, plus the rest of the disciples totaling 120, all were baptized in the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:1-4 says; “When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all [a]with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them [b]divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”

On that same day when they were baptized and the people from Jerusalem came running to see and hear what had happened, 3000 were also saved and baptized in the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues, Acts 2:37-39; “37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” 38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the [a]remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”

So we see that this started and was birthed in prayer, Jesus commanded them to stay in prayer until they received. Waiting and tarrying until you receive is key.

2. The Holy Spirit Gives Power To Witness

Acts 1:8 says; “8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be [a]witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”  

The purpose of the baptism in the Holy Spirit is to give power to Christians to witness.

3. The Holy Spirit Gives Power To Live a Holy Life

Romans 8:1-2,13 says; “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who[a] do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.” Verse 13; “For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.”

Without the Holy Spirit, we cannot live an overcoming life. Now we read in Romans 8:9 the following; “But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.” This declares the born again experience, you have the Spirit of Christ to some degree otherwise you’re not a Christian. However, what was given at Pentecost represents the fuller measure of the Holy Spirit to empower them.

4. The Holy Spirit Is A Comforter Who Will Abide Forever

John 14:16 says; “And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another [a]Helper, that He may abide with you forever”

Anything of material significance that you have today or want to get, pales greatly to having the Holy Spirit as your Comforter who will abide forever. If you look at your prayer list, what you’re praying for and what you want in life, it doesn’t compare to what the Holy Spirit wants to give you. If you’re not satisfied today or don’t have comfort, it may be good examine your heart to see if you’ve received the baptism in the Holy Spirit.

Luke 11:24-26 says; “When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ 25 And when he comes, he finds it swept and put in order. 26 Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first.”  

Gordon Lindsay says this; “The glorious infilling of the Holy Spirit is the only thing that can fully satisfy the human spirit. Man is not designed to be complete within himself. In his soul, there is a spiritual vacuum. If it is not occupied with God, it will eventually be filled with that which is evil.”

When your spiritual house has been swept, cleaned out, put in order by being born again, if it’s not filled to overflowing with the baptism in the Holy Spirit, you can soon see Christians backslide or become lukewarm, compromising in living a holy life and don’t have power or authority in their lives to overcome the temptations of the devil....and the last state of that man is worse than the first.  That is sobering!

5. The Holy Spirit Will Quicken Our Mortal Bodies

Romans 8:11 says; “But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He

who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.”

Everyone will be raised from the dead, either at the resurrection of the dead, those who are Christians when Jesus raptures His church when we’re all caught up together with Jesus in the clouds, or at the resurrection of the dead to stand before God the Great White Throne Judgment.  You don’t want to be at this final judgment.

6. The Holy Spirit Will Guide Us Into All Truth

John 16:12-13 says; “12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.”

Gordon Lindsay says this; “Some denominations, who deny the experience of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, have been drifting into rationalism and unbelief. They also deny the virgin

birth, signs of the miraculous, and the born-again experience”

Any Holy Spirit baptized Christian intuitively knows that the Bible is the inerrant Word of God. That’s not saying that a spirit filled Christian will not make mistakes or sin, because they still have a free will, but when continually yielded to the Holy Spirit, they’ll be kept from serious error and will be quick to repent. The following two Bible references

show that people can backslide. It’s possible that’s why see so many Christians falling away today because they’re following false doctrines, ie; that the baptism in the Holy Spirit is not for today, that’s false teaching. So they search for the supernatural in the world and they end up receiving from the demonic realm.

1 Timothy 1:19-20 says; “19 having faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck, 20 of whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I delivered to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.”

2 Timothy 2:17-18 says; “17 And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort, 18 who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some.”

7. The Holy Spirit Will Help Us To Pray Supernaturally

Romans 8:26; “ Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession [a]for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.”

Now, Christians can still pray and God in His mercy and graciousness will hear the heartfelt prayer because of His love for them. As we said before, the Christian has a measure of the Spirit to receive answers to prayer. But as we read in Romans 8:26, there is something much deeper with the full baptism where Holy Spirit will make intercession for us. That’s powerful! The Apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 14:14-15; “For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. 15 What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.”

This shows that we can both pray in our natural language, natural understanding but with the baptism of the Holy Spirit we can pray in the Spirit, tongues.

8. Does The Baptism In The Holy Spirit Take Place At Conversion?

This is an excellent question. If we use the example of Jesus and his disciples, it says they were in prayer and worship for 10 days in the Upper Room and then received. If there is passion and hunger for the baptism, it can take place immediately although usually there is a short interval of time. Cornelius in Acts 10:44-48 had been fasting, praying and was God fearing and when the angel appeared to him to send for Peter, he did it immediately and as we read, that while Peter was preaching the gospel, the Holy Spirit fell on them (because he and his household were believers), and they received and spoke in tongues.

Jesus taught in Luke 11:13 that a believer is to ask for the Holy Spirit; “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”  

After Jesus’ resurrection John 20:22 says; “And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” The disciples received the Holy Spirit in part, because Jesus still commanded them to wait in Jerusalem until they were ‘endued’ with the power, the baptism in the Holy Spirit.

John 7:37-39 says this about the baptism; “37 On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. 38 He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” 39 But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those [a]believing in Him would receive; for the [b]Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.”

Again we see that the disciples had a measure of the Holy Spirit, but not the full baptism as that was given on the Day of Pentecost. This baptism is something subsequent to salvation.

When Philip the evangelist went to Samaria, he preached salvation and when Peter and John were sent there, they prayed that they’d receive the Holy Spirit as we read in Acts 8:14-17; “14 Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, 15 who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. 16 For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.”

These were Christians, they’d been baptized in the name of Jesus and they received the Holy Spirit when hands were laid on them. What was the evidence? Speaking in tongues.

The Apostle Paul received the baptism in the Holy Spirit after his conversion when Ananias laid hands on him to be filled with the Holy Spirit, Acts 9:17-18.

Finally, Paul taught that the baptism of the Holy Spirit followed conversion when he spoke to the brothers in Ephesus when he asked them if they had received the Holy Spirit after they believed. They said no and subsequently Paul laid his hands on them, they were baptized in the Holy Spirit and they spoke in tongues. That was close to 30 years after the Day of Pentecost, and this was again for the Gentile Christians as well as for the Jewish converts.

All of this comes back to prayer. Jesus’ commandment to pray for and seek earnestly for this baptism. This baptism is the key that every Christian needs and during today’s prayer meeting, this is what we prayed for.  

You can download the free book by clicking on the link, How To Receive The Baptism In The Holy Spirit by Gordon Lindsay.

We’d like to start today with a few scriptures that the Bible says regarding persistent, unceasing, and continual prayer.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 Amplified Bible “be unceasing and persistent in prayer,”

We know that the history of the Israelites was that of prayer and seeking God. Even so, they often fell into times of being backslidden, engaged in idolatry and all things that went against the Ten Commandments. So it’s not unusual that Isaiah would rebuke them sternly in Isaiah 56:10; “Israel’s watchmen are blind, They are all without knowledge. They are all mute dogs, they cannot bark; Panting, lying down, they love to slumber.”

What does that mean? Israel’s watchmen, the prophets and leaders had been so lulled to sleep, become so spiritually blind and mute, that they weren’t warning their people of the danger they were in. Isaiah called them mute (dumb) dogs, they didn’t bark (speak) to send an alarm and loved just sleeping away their time. They were in a terrible state.

We can learn lessons from that as we want to be sharp, unceasing in prayer, warning those that God’s judgment is coming, or that the thief is coming to rob, kill and destroy either their home, church or their nation. We can’t be dumb or mute dogs, that don’t warn the people that something is wrong as they’re being invaded. Dumb here in this context does not mean stupid, rather unable to speak, mute. That’s how the devil wants us to be; dumb and mute towards God. The devil does not want Christians to be persistent and consistent with God in prayer. 

A good example would be the parable that Jesus told of the widow and ungodly judge in Luke 18:1-8 where it says; “Now Jesus was telling the disciples a parable to make the point that at all times they ought to pray and not give up and lose heart, 2 saying, “In a certain city there was a judge who did not fear God and had no respect for man. 3 There was a [desperate] widow in that city and she kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me justice and legal protection from my adversary.’ 4 For a time he would not; but later he said to himself, ‘Even though I do not fear God nor respect man, 5 yet because this widow continues to bother me, I will give her justice and legal protection; otherwise [a]by continually coming she [will be an intolerable annoyance and she] will wear me out.’” 6 Then the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says! 7 And will not [our just] God defend and avenge His elect [His chosen ones] who cry out to Him day and night? Will He delay [in providing justice] on their behalf? 8 I tell you that He will defend and avenge them quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find [this kind of persistent] faith on the earth?”  

We see how this ungodly judge took care and answered the request of the widow, likewise, God our Father will hear us when we pray and will avenge us. The catch though is that we be unceasing in prayer, persistent, not stopping or letting go. The widow didn’t take no for an answer. She persisted until she got an answer.

Ephesians 6:18 says; “With all prayer and petition pray [with specific requests] at all times [on every occasion and in every season] in the Spirit, and with this in view, stay alert with all perseverance and petition[interceding in prayer] for all [a]God’s people.”

Again, the same word appears, persistence, in Colossians 4:2; “Be persistent and devoted to prayer, being alert and focused in your prayer life with an attitude of thanksgiving.”

In Matthew 26:41, Jesus says; “ Keep actively watching and praying that you may not come into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the [a]body is weak.”  

In other words, we don’t ‘dummy down’ in our fellowship with God, especially in our prayer life. We don’t want to be like the saying, ‘has the cat got your tongue?’ We don’t want to be mute and dumb towards God.

The devil wants Christians to ‘dummy down’ in their prayer life, to not talk to God about their needs, regardless of how long they have been praying about a situation or for a need. Don’t believe that lie, keep praying with clarity, faith, being articulate and not vague or dumb, mute or silent. Whether you’ve seen the answer or not, be persistent. Remember we just read from Luke 18 where it said; “However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find [this kind of persistent] faith on the earth?”

Philippians 4:6-7 says; “Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God. 7 And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours].”

If you want peace today, pray with specific requests. Do we pray only when we see answered prayer, no. Pray until you see answers. It may not be the answer you want, but pray. The devil would want you to have the attitude of the world and scorn God’s mercy, to become scornful that God isn’t answering your prayers. But that’s not true. God will answer your prayers whenever He wants to answer them in the way He wants. Our job is just to be persistent in prayer. When He does answer, be grateful and thankful.

Habukkuk 2:3 says; “For the vision is yet for the appointed [future] time, It hurries toward the goal [of fulfillment]; it will not fail. Even though it delays, wait [patiently] for it, Because it will certainly come; it will not delay.”

Even though your answer to prayer looks delayed in your own mind, wait for the answer with patience. The devil wants us, as pastors, prophets, watchmen, teachers etc., to not speak to God’s people, he wants us to be as dumb dogs that don’t bark to warn fellow Christians of the danger ahead. Any Christian can slip into this and it all starts by being dumb towards God, not talking, praying and fellowshipping with Him, by becoming complacent and lazy and mute. As Christians we live by faith, walk by faith and pray by faith.

Daniel is a good example from the Old Testament of being persistent in prayer as Daniel 10:12-21 says; “Then he said to me, “Do not be afraid, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart on understanding this and on humbling yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to your words. 13 But the [e]prince of the kingdom of Persia was standing in opposition to me for twenty-one days. Then, behold, Michael, one of the chief [of the celestial] princes, came to help me, for I had been left there with the kings of Persia....”

Daniel persisted in prayer, he didn’t know there was a great angelic spiritual battle taking place in the heavenly’s that was delaying the answer – angels engaging in warfare! Likewise we don’t know exactly what may be delaying the answer, but we pray without ceasing. Jesus says in Matthew 7:7; “Ask and keep on asking and it will be given to you; seek and keep on seeking and you will find; knock and keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you.”

So as we spent time in prayer during the day and at church, we prayed for those Christians who disobeyed the Lord by not being in church, who have hardened their hearts to church fellowship and are not praying. We prayed for spirit-filled Christians who once prayed in tongues but no longer do, that they would not be silent, dumb or mute but would open their mouths once again to pray in their heavenly prayer language. We prayed for those who scorn the baptism in the Holy Spirit and praying in tongues, that they would be convicted and humble themselves and receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit and pray in tongues, that their tongues would be filled with new tongues of fire. We prayed for those who have become angry to God as a result of their unanswered prayer, and that they would repent and humble themselves again before the Lord.

We prayed for the watchmen across Canada, those who God has called to preach, teach and speak to warn the body of Christ, yet have become like dumb dogs as Isaiah 56:10 says and are not speaking the word of the Lord to warn the church and that the dumb spirit that has caused them to compromise in any way would be repented of, that their tongues would be loosed to speak the word of the Lord. We prayed specifically for Christians who used to prophecy years ago but have been silent, they’ve become discouraged and they’ve fallen into the snares of the devil to not speak and prophecy, we prayed their tongues would be loosed, that the dumb spirit that has silenced them would be broken and that they’d prophecy again and not only to prophecy but to interpret tongues.

Choose to be bolder, louder, more persistent in prayer today brothers and sisters in the Lord.

Pastors Richard and Marjorie ~ Bondslaves of Jesus Christ

James 5:16 says; “Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”

If you are blood bought and blood washed by the blood of Jesus Christ, you’ve been made righteous to our Heavenly Father. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says; “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that might become the righteousness of God in Him.”

Therefore, because we are righteous, and we wear the breastplate of righteousness, our prayers avail much. The devil continually lies to Christians that the Lord doesn’t hear them, but He does if we walk humbly before Him.

These are a few scriptures that we read during our time of prayer;

Hebrews 4:16 says this; “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” 

2 Chronicles 7:14 says; “if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

2 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says; “16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

The Bible says that we “walk by faith and not by sight” in 2 Corinthians 5:7, which also applies to praying. There are times when maybe your emotions or feelings are not into prayer, but we don’t allow that to dictate our prayers.  

We spent a good bit of time praying for our political leaders, both provincially and federally.  There is a lot of talk in Alberta, our province, about separation from Canada and becoming an independent country or state, so we prayed for the Lord’s will to be done regarding that. We’ve also seen for a few years now, especially after the lock-downs due to the ‘virus’, that men who have a call of God on them for either the five-fold ministry or otherwise, are being lured into politics and becoming double-minded, trying to do both, thinking that their political influence will be greater than the call on their lives. We believe that God desires and will raise up the right men and women to lead righteously in our nation but there are those who God specifically calls to ministry, who have a call and election to fulfill. The temptation for such is media attention, rubbing shoulders with famous politicians and people, and maybe even financial benefits. When God calls a man, it’s to either one or the other, be a preacher or be a politician, not both.

The false teaching of the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) has been sweeping Charismatic/Pentecostal churches for a number of decades now, which believes that Christians have to take over seven mountains of influence on earth to be able to usher in the Kingdom of God. Those areas of influence include religion, family, education, government, media, business and the arts. We will not expound on all of this as you can search it out on your own time, but what it’s done is diverted many Christians away from ministry that God has called them to, into the secular. It’s very deceptive and many Christians are mixing Christianity with politics. There is a distinction. James 1:8 says; “he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” Many who follow this path, end up being double-minded and start wavering as the world throws so many diversions across their path, and they forget the call on their lives.

We prayed again for the trade/tariff dispute between the USA and Canada. This has been going on for months now, but we continue to pray for the Lord’s will to be done. We have leaders who are full of pride and arrogance, looking to push their own agenda’s, who are full of selfish ambition and are at loggerheads with each other. We know the demonic agenda is to rob, kill and destroy and we see this at work as prices go up at the food store, people loosing their jobs etc. We prayed for God’s mercy over Canada as we see leaders pushing their godless agenda’s on the nation. Even as Daniel prayed and repented for the sins of his nation in Daniel 9:1-19, so we prayed and repented of the sins of our nation, that God would forgive and heal from following after the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, which according to 1 John 2:16, is not of the Father but of the world. Ultimately, our dependency is not from one nation or another, but on Jesus alone.

Proverbs 21:1-2 says; “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes. Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the hearts.” We prayed this scripture over the Prime Minister of Canada and the President of the USA.

Psalm 91:7-8 says; “A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand and your right hand; but it shall not come near you. Only with your eyes shall you look, and see the reward of the wicked.” 

Regardless of the political decisions that are made, this is the word we stand on.  

Daniel 2:21 says; “And He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings...” 

We sense that there will be a removal of key political leaders in Canada that God will do, and place in their positions men who are called to rule with the fear of God.

Galatians 6:7 says; “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” God sees all things, that which is not only done in public but in private and even the motive and intent of the heart and He will judge accordingly to leaders in Canada who have led corruptly and perversely. Those who have mocked and scorned God’s authority and will, will be held accountable to Him for what they’ve done.

We also prayed for two people in Canada who have become household names and were part of the truckers freedom convoy during the lock-downs in 2022; Chris Barber and Tamara Lich. They’ve each been placed on house arrest for one year, so we prayed for God’s will to be done and that somehow or someway there would be a change to the judges ruling on this.

We ended praying Psalm 27 over us and it’s a good scripture to pray over yourselves;  

"1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life;
Of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When the wicked came against me To eat[a] up my flesh, My enemies and foes, They stumbled and fell.
3 Though an army may encamp against me, My heart shall not fear; Though war may rise against me, In this I will be confident.

4 One thing I have desired of the Lord, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord
All the days of my life, To behold the [b]beauty of the Lord, And to inquire in His temple.
5 For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; In the secret place of His tabernacle
He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock.

6 And now my head shall be [c]lifted up above my enemies all around me; Therefore I will offer sacrifices of [d]joy in His tabernacle; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.

7 Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice! Have mercy also upon me, and answer me.
8 When You said, “Seek My face,” My heart said to You, “Your face, Lord, I will seek.”
9 Do not hide Your face from me; Do not turn Your servant away in anger; You have been my help;
Do not leave me nor forsake me, O God of my salvation.
10 When my father and my mother forsake me, Then the Lord will take care of me.

11 Teach me Your way, O Lord, And lead me in a smooth path, because of my enemies.
12 Do not deliver me to the will of my adversaries; For false witnesses have risen against me,
And such as breathe out violence.
13 I would have lost heart, unless I had believed That I would see the goodness of the Lord
In the land of the living.

14 Wait[e] on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!”

We ended our prayer service with communion as we do in every service.  Don’t loose heart saints of God. He is with you and will never leave you nor forsake you!

Pastors Richard and Marjorie~ Bondslaves of Jesus Christ

You may ask yourselves, why do you spend so much time praying and have so many services dedicated to prayer? Well, maybe it’s because God is looking for His servants to stand in the gap for the hearts and souls of men, and maybe there aren’t really as many churches doing that as one would suppose.

Ezekiel 22:30 says; “So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one.” It would seem like many pastors and churches are locked into ‘the program’, ‘the way it’s always done’ that they can’t just say, church...we’re going to pray today. It’s not that difficult to do. It’s better to obey what the Lord is saying than being disobedient.  

Romans 8:26-27 says; “26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession [g]for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.”

This scripture is a powerful gift that has been given to the church to pray properly, according to God’s will because as one prays in the Spirit, in tongues, He gives you understanding in the natural to pray God’s word and His perfect will. 

The church needs to intercede for the saints – fellow Christians – like never before. Way too many are abandoning the faith, becoming lukewarm and are being led astray with false doctrines. Many who are lukewarm are deceived into thinking that they’re in right standings with God, but they’re not, they’re neither hot nor cold as Revelation 3:15-16 says. If lukewarmness is not repented of, the end result will not be good. So we prayed for those in our community who are in that state that the power of the Holy Spirit would bring conviction upon them, that they’d repent of their lukewarmness, get back into church and get baptized in the Holy Spirit and in doing so, would have power to overcome the temptations and snares that the devil has set for them.

We also have Provincial Municipal Elections coming up on October 20thwhere Mayor’s, Councillors, Reeves and Aldermen will be elected across the Province of Alberta. We prayed and continue to pray that the people who the Lord wants will be put in those positions. Daniel 2:21 says; “It is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings; He gives wisdom to wise men and knowledge to men of understanding.”

We prayed that there would be new people placed in positions who are born again and Spirit-filled who will lead righteously. We took authority over the plans of the demonic of coercion and monetary manipulations to be broken.

We prayed for the ‘peace plan’ that’s being proposed between Israel and Hamas. We prayed for the Lord’s perfect will to be done. The Bible tells us the end of the story regarding Israel, so praying in the Spirit ensures God’s perfect will to be done at this time in history.

The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 10:4; “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 6 and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.”

So we do not wage a physical war, but a spiritual war as the demonic forces influence men and women to accomplish the devils plans. Jesus gave us His authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions and over all the powers of the devil, (Luke 10:19), over what’s happening in Israel and around the globe as nefarious men and women in high political and influential places want to establish satan’s agenda.  

The Bible says in 2 Thessalonians 2:6-7; “And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way.”

The church is the restraining force while still on this earth. As we pray then, we restrain the powers of hell that are wanting to circumvent God’s plan and purpose. Whatever those plans are then, from local municipal levels to global movers and shakers, when we intercede, God steps in and moves. Just like the many times we read in the Old Testament how the enemies of Israel were thrown into confusion, turning on themselves as Israel prayed, we too can see the same victories as we pray and we see the enemy go into confusion and his plans fail and turn on himself. That’s powerful.

Be encouraged today saints, look up, for our redemption draws near.  

Click here to read the prophecy from the service.

Pastors Richard & Marjorie ~ Bondslaves of Jesus Christ

When we have prayer services at church, we not only spend the service time itself in prayer, but we spend the day in prayer, intercession and the Word of God. Sunday’s are set apart for the Lord, whether it’s in prayer or the preaching of the gospel with a message, and this Sunday, like every service, we started with a time of worship, prayer and ended with communion.

The opening scripture was read from 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; “16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies. 21 Test all things; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil. 23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify[g] you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.”

We certainly know that our adversary the devil does not want us to rejoice, pray or give thanks, right. He does want us to quench the moving of the Holy Spirit, he does want Christians to despise prophecy and he certainly doesn’t want us to test all things nor hold on to what is good. Yet that is precisely what must be done at all times. We really see an unprecedented spiritual, demonic attack on everything the Apostle Paul tells us to do in these days.

This prayer meeting primarily focused on the news of the death of Founder and President  of Turning Point USA, Charlie Kirk this past week. Everyone in the western world and around the globe have been commenting on TV, radio and social media about it. It’s probably safe to say that the Christian world has been rocked, and yet should it be? Do not each of us pick up the cross every day and follow Jesus? There was much that we prayed about, but feel it’s necessary to continually point people back to Jesus. Countless thousands are grieving and looking for answers, yet the only true peace and comfort comes through knowing Jesus Christ personally as Lord and Saviour. Things like this happen because we live in a fallen and sinful world and Jesus is the only one who paid the penalty of sin by dying on the cross, rising from the dead, to give us eternal life in heaven with Him.

The Apostle Paul gives Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:1-5 a sober warning; “But know this, that in the last days [a]perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, [b]unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!” He continues in verses 12-13saying; “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.”

We are in the last of the last days and we need to hold fast to the Word of God like never before and not be shaken or moved spiritually when we see perilous things like this transpiring. The Word of God is our anchor that keeps us stable even though storms are blowing all around us.

Paul also tells the Roman believers in Romans 12:17-21; “17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have[a] regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

James 1:19-20 also says; “19 [c]So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; 20 for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”

Our hope and strength is not in the arm of the flesh, as a matter of fact, Jeremiah the Prophet says this in Jeremiah 17:5 Amplified Bible; “Thus says the Lord, “Cursed is the man who trusts in and relies on mankind, Making [weak, faulty human] flesh his strength, And whose mind and heart turn away from the Lord. .”  

Those are very strong warning words from the prophet. We are not to put our hope and trust in man, as a matter of fact even Jesus says in John 2:24; “But Jesus, for His part, did not entrust Himself to them, because He knew all people [and understood the superficiality and fickleness of human nature],”

Be watchful and mindful who you listen to as there are hundreds of voices out there, Christian and non-Christian, saying many things. Meditate and listen to the Word of God and test all things as we read in 1 Thessalonians 5:21. Put on the full armour of God every day as we read in Ephesians 6:10-17 Amplified Bible; “10 In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [draw your strength from Him and be empowered through your union with Him] and in the power of His [boundless] might. 11 Put on the full armor of God [for His precepts are like the splendid armor of a heavily-armed soldier], so that you may be able to [successfully] stand up against all the schemes and the strategies and the deceits of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this [present] darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) places. 13 Therefore, put on the complete armor of God, so that you will be able to [successfully] resist and stand your ground in the evil day [of danger], and having done everything [that the crisis demands], to stand firm [in your place, fully prepared, immovable, victorious]. 14 So stand firm and hold your ground, having [a]tightened the wide band of truth (personal integrity, moral courage) around your waist and having put on the breastplate of righteousness (an upright heart), 15 and having [b]strapped on your feet the gospel of peace in preparation [to face the enemy with firm-footed stability and the readiness produced by the good news]. 16 Above all, lift up the [protective] [c]shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.”

Jesus said in the Great Commission the following to His disciples in Mark 16:15-18; “15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. 16 He who has believed [in Me] and has been baptized will be saved [from the penalty of God’s wrath and judgment]; but he who has not believed will be condemned. 17 These signs will accompany those who have believed: in My name they will cast out demons, they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up serpents, and if they drink anything deadly, it will not hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will get well.”  

Jesus has given you authority in His name, use it to bind the works of the devil who comes to kill, steal and destroy.

Click here to read the prophecy from the church service.

Pastor Richard and Marjorie ~ Bondslaves of Jesus Christ

Matthew 18:19 says the following; “Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.”

Matthew 6:10 says; “Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

Prayer is such an honour that the Lord has given us to have communion with Him, to see mountains and obstacles in our lives be removed and so much more. It’s also a point of contention with our adversary the devil, as he wants to keep us away from that communion and power. So we contend to pray not just for a few minutes each day but to live in a lifestyle of prayer, and as a church, that’s what we endeavor to do.

The Lord led us to pray for Spirit-filled Christians in our community who are not in church fellowship anywhere. We prayed for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon them as some have maybe lost hope, become discouraged or have just been distracted by the things of this world or have lost their first love of Christ. As we’ve said previously, there are tremendous demonic attacks against Spirit-filled believers, lying to them about the power of speaking in tongues, about the authority that they’re able to walk in and the devil will use anyone or anything to get them off track. We believe, according to what the Bible says, that all Christians are to be baptized in the Holy Spirit and speak in tongues. We’ve preached and taught on it and you can go to the Holy Spirit Power Series on our website to read informative Biblical teaching on it. All of that to say that it doesn’t stop the enemies attacks on our lives.  

BUT, we have power to overcome all the fiery darts of the devil and Ephesians 6:14-18 shows us the armour of God that is available to us to overcome. It says; “14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.”

Verse 18 encourages us how to pray for the saints, the Christians, and one powerful way is to pray in tongues, or in the Spirit for them because you’re praying the perfect will of God when you do. 1 John 4:4 says; “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”

Church, we must stand strong as we just read in Ephesians 6. We cannot become weary in well-doing. 2 Peter 1:2-4 says we’ve been given everything that we have need of to stand strong in Jesus; “2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, 3 as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, 4 by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the [c]corruption that is in the world through lust.”  

We encourage you to have a lifestyle of prayer, pray in tongues (in the Spirit), and pray in the understanding. 1 Corinthians 14:15 says; “What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.”

If you ever have need of prayer, don’t hesitate to contact us and we’ll be sure to include you in our dedicated Sunday prayer services as well as our Thursday night prayer meetings.

Pastors Richard and Marjorie ~ Bondslaves of Jesus Christ

We continually see and hear about slander, gossip, accusations specifically against the spirit-filled Christians, ministers or ministries on social media. Today in our prayer meeting, as we started with a time of praise and worship, we sensed we were to pray specifically regarding this. The devils agenda is always to kill, steal and destroy, to get Christians in contention and strife with each other, and if they fall for this trap, it shows the lack of maturity in them. We are to continue to grow into maturity in Christ Jesus. We know Jesus is purifying His church and that we need to walk in discernment, yet there still needs to be discretion on what is said and the spirit in which it is said.

Both these scriptures remind us that we’re not to be quick to slander one another or speak ill of each other; James 1:19-20 Amplified Bible; “Understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Let everyone be quick to hear [be a careful, thoughtful listener], slow to speak [a speaker of carefully chosen words and],slow to anger[patient, reflective, forgiving]; 20 For man’s anger does not promote the righteousness God [wishes and requires].”and Matthew 7:3-5 Amplified Bible; “3 Why do you [a]stare from without at the [b]very small particle that is in your brother’s eye but do not become aware of and consider the beam [c]of timber that is in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, Let me get the tiny particle out of your eye, when there is the beam [d]of timber in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first get the beam of timber out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the tiny particle out of your brother’s eye.”

We’d like you to re-read Message 1 from the Illustrated Message Series entitled; “21 Reasons Why Christians Should Speak in Tongues”. What it highlights is what happens, according to the prophecy from Isaiah 28 and 1 Corinthians 14:21,to those who scoff at and scorn the baptism in the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues.  It’s a relevant word for today and the message speaks for itself.

Click here to read it.   

We’d also encourage you to meditate on 100 Bible verses about forgiveness from OpenBible.  Is forgiveness easy? No. But Jesus commands that we forgive as He has forgiven us. Jesus tells His disciples that forgiveness is limitless as He says in Matthew 18:21-35..." 21 Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven."

Pastors Richard and Marjorie ~ Bondslaves of Jesus Christ

As we normally do, we started with a time of praise and worship, building up ourselves in the Spirit and ministering to our heavenly Father. We read from the following Bible verses; Ephesians 6:10-18 says; “10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the [b]wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of [c]the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints"

We prayed specifically for the saints (Christians) in our community of Didsbury, throughout Alberta and Canada and that those that are hungering and thirsting for the baptism in the Holy Spirit would be filled with the evidence of speaking in tongues. We prayed they would be strengthened spirit, soul and body and that they would not be weary in well-doing. We prayed that they would know the length, breadth, height and depth of the love of Christ and that those who are being persecuted would see the Lord’s intervention, delivering them from the schemes of the devil. We prayed for a fresh anointing of the Holy Spirit across Canada. The Bible says that those who hunger and thirst after righteousness shall be satisfied, so we prayed that over the Christians in our nation. Revelation 22:17says; “And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirst come...” Let this be the prayer of Christians as we know we are strangers and pilgrims on earth according to Hebrews 11:13. Jesus said in Luke 18:8; “...Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”  

We prayed for a brother in the Lord who we’ve recently reconnected with who lives in the USA doing missions work.  We prayed for a powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit on him with signs, wonders and miracles following the preaching of the gospel. We’re grateful we can pray to see God work on his behalf and those he’s ministering to and with.

We ended our time of prayer and worship with communion reading from Luke 22:14-20.

Here are some encouraging scriptures on prayer from Bible Study Tools.

Philippians 4:6 - Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Mark 11:24 - Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

Romans 8:26 - Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.

Matthew 6:6 - But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

James 5:16 - Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

Matthew 26:41 - Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Colossians 4:2 - Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 -Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you

To read the prophecies from this prayer meeting, click here.

Pastors Richard & Marjorie ~ Bondslaves of Jesus Christ

Here at Salvation Studio House, we dedicate at least one service per month for a prayer meeting. As we always do, we start with a time of worship and end with taking the Lord’s Supper. We always remember in prayer that Jesus has given us authority in His name, that we can take and possess the promises that He has given us, and to also take authority over the plans and attacks of the devil, according to Luke 10:19; “Behold! I have given you authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and [physical and mental strength and ability] over all the power that the enemy [possesses]; and nothing shall in any way harm you.” and Mark 16:17-18; “17 And these attesting signs will accompany those who believe: in My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new languages; 18 They will pick up serpents; and [even] if they drink anything deadly, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will get well.”

We always talk about praying in tongues, our heavenly spiritual language, and how important it is according to Romans 8:26; “ So too the [Holy] Spirit comes to our aid and bears us up in our weakness; for we do not know what prayer to offer nor how to offer it worthily as we ought, but the Spirit Himself goes to meet our supplication and pleads in our behalf with unspeakable yearnings and groanings too deep for utterance.”. Holy Spirit knows all and when we pray in tongues, He intercedes on our behalf praying the perfect will of God. As we pray in tongues, the Holy Spirit instructs us who and what to pray for.

We prayed over the G7 meeting in Kananaskis, Alberta, that was happening from June 15-17, 2025. This place is about 2.5 hours from where we live. These global leaders of the 7 richest countries really think they have the wisdom and knowledge to know how to ‘lead’ the world, yet they’re not surrendered to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Psalm 2:1-6 says that the Lord sits in the heaven’s and laughs at them, “1 Why do the nations assemble with commotion [uproar and confusion of voices], and why do the people imagine (meditate upon and devise) an empty scheme? 2 The kings of the earth take their places; the rulers take counsel together against the Lord and His Anointed One (the Messiah, the Christ). They say, 3 Let us break Their bands [of restraint] asunder and cast Their cords [of control] from us. 4 He Who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord has them in derision [and in supreme contempt He mocks them]. 5 He speaks to them in His deep anger and troubles (terrifies and confounds) them in His displeasure and fury, saying, 6 Yet have I anointed (installed and placed) My King [firmly] on My holy hill of Zion.”

The only true wisdom and knowledge comes from the Most High God, who is Lord God over all. We interceded that they would come to be born again of the Spirit of God and that their scheming and plotting against the Lord would be revealed. The Lord’s will will be done regardless of the schemes of man and the global agendas that they are trying to move forward.

The Bible says that we’re to forgive those who are at enmity with us according to Ephesians 4:32; “And become useful and helpful and kind to one another, tenderhearted (compassionate, understanding, loving-hearted), forgiving one another [readily and freely], as God in Christ forgave you.” and Mark 11:25; “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him and [a]let it drop (leave it, let it go), in order that your Father Who is in heaven may also forgive you your [own] failings and shortcomings and let them drop.”  So we forgive our leaders who do not have our best interest in mind. We also prayed against the riots that have been happening in the USA over the past weeks. The Bible says that lawlessness will abound in the last days, but Jesus says we’re still to pray and take authority over the devils schemes that are driving lawlessness.

We read Psalm 7 where David is praying for deliverance from his enemies which says the following;

“O Lord my God, in You I put my trust; Save me from all those who persecute me; And deliver me,
2 Lest they tear me like a lion, Rending me in pieces, while there is none to deliver.

3 O Lord my God, if I have doe this: If there is iniquity in my hands,
4 If I have repaid evil to him who was at peace with me, Or have plundered my enemy without cause,
5 Let the enemy pursue me and overtake me; Yes, let him trample my life to the earth, And lay my honor in the dust. Selah

6 Arise, O Lord, in Your anger; Lift Yourself up because of the rage of my enemies; Rise up [b]for me to the judgment You have commanded!
7 So the congregation of the peoples shall surround You; For their sakes, therefore, return on high.
8 The Lord shall judge the peoples; Judge me, O Lord, according to my righteousness, And according to my integrity within me.

9 Oh, let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end, But establish the just; For the righteous God tests the hearts and [c]minds.
10 [d]My defense is of God, Who saves the upright in heart.

11 God is a just judge, And God is angry with the wicked every day.
12 If he does not turn back,  He will sharpen His sword; He bends His bow and makes it ready.
13 He also prepares for Himself instruments of death; He makes His arrows into fiery shafts.

14 Behold, the wicked brings forth iniquity; Yes, he conceives trouble and brings forth falsehood.
15 He made a pit and dug it out, And has fallen into the ditch which he made.
16 His trouble shall return upon his own head, And his violent dealing shall come down on [e]his own crown.

17 I will praise the Lord according to His righteousness, And will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High.

What a powerful scripture to pray!

We read this scripture verse from Matthew 26:26-30 when we took communion. It says; “26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, [a]blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” 27 Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 For this is My blood of the [b]new covenant, which is shed for many for the [c]remission of sins. 29 But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.” 30 And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.”

Pastors Richard and Marjorie ~ Bondslaves of Christ

Prayer meetings are very important in church gatherings. We designate at least one Sunday Service per month to prayer only. We open with a time of praise and worship, the word and prayer and close in celebrating the Lord’s Supper, communion.

Today was focused primarily on prayer for the major Christian television networks in North America. There is a sifting, shaking, exposure, purging and purifying of these Christian places which, in the past, were really the only place to be able to view and hear Christian ministries. But with the accessibility of social media at our fingertips, these sources of media are loosing their influence, and what has been going on behind the scenes is coming to light. What is coming to light should not shake the church but encourage us. Nothing is new and history repeats itself. We see throughout the New Testament the exposure of sin and the admonition for the church to flee all corruption, evil and sexual deviance. The same is happening today. To us it may seem shocking and cause our hearts to be grieved, but if we see that the early church experienced such things, should we expect less?  The desire for power and money in the church unfortunately has not changed and people will go to great lengths to attain it. We prayed that true repentance would come to these organizations and leaders.

Some scripture verses that bring light to this are; 1 Corinthians 5, Galatians 5:19-21, Ephesians 5:3-5.

Read the prophecy by Pastor Richard which is posted below or you can click on this link. 

There is also this short video on Queen Athaliah, which also shows the length to which she went to gain power in Judah by having her own grandchildren murdered so she could gain power and control. This queen was the daughter of none other than King Ahab and Queen Jezebel! Self-preservation through selfish ambition, never exemplifies the fruits of the Holy Spirit and the end result is always destructive.

Queen Athaliah – The first and only woman to rule Judah. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Qrs6yrVxmc

Overview of Prayer Meeting April 6th, 2025

This service was wonderful as we started with a time of worship, then prayer and ended in taking communion as we always do. The church world is going through a shaking and purging period, but we’ve noticed that there is of late, more persecution against Christians who are spirit-filled, meaning those who have been baptized in the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues and who believe that signs, wonders and miracles are still in operation today. This persecution is not only coming from those who are in the, ‘cessationism’ camp, meaning all ceased with the Apostles, but also from those who have been baptized in the Holy Spirit and for whatever reason, who may or may not still be in the church due to offences or other reasons.  

We prayed specifically for the spirit-filled Christians, that they would stand strong and firm in the power of the Holy Spirit and to not bow in the face of these persecutions. The following scriptures encourage us that just as the Apostles and early church Christians stood strong, so we also are to stand strong.

The New Testament references the supernatural display of the Holy Spirit with miracles, signs and wonders which confirm the gospel of Jesus Christ which He says in Mark 16:14-18 in the great commission; “14 Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen. 15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will follow those who [d]believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18 they[e] will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”  

Acts 2:43 also says; “Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.”

The gifts of the Holy Spirit are not to be despised or rejected;  

1 Thessalonians 5:19-20 says; “19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies.” 

1 Corinthians 14:39-40 says; “39 Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues. 40 Let all things be done decently and in order.”

Ephesians 4:11-12 says that these gifts are for the edification of the church; “11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the [a]edifying of the body of Christ,”

In 1 Timothy 4:14, we see the Apostle Paul admonishing Timothy to not neglect or lay aside the gifts that had been imparted to him as we read; “Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership.”

Hebrews 2:3-4 also says; “3 how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, 4 God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will?”

Are there fraudulent “Christians” or as they say those who sell ‘snake oil’? Yes. There were and there still are. That’s why we need the gift of discernment to know those who are truly born again and spirit-filled.  

We read about Simon who was a sorcerer who came to believe in Jesus and was baptized in Acts 8:9-13; “9 But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced [a]sorcery in the city and astonished the [b]people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great, 10 to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the great power of God.” 11 And they heeded him because he had astonished them with his [c]sorceries for a long time. 12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. 13 Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done.”

However, Simon’s heart was truly not right as exemplified by his desire to purchase the power and gifts of the Holy Spirit, which is sin. Acts 8:18-19 says; “And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, saying, “Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.’” Simon was rebuked by Peter and Simon was told to repent of the wickedness in his heart.

Jesus said in Matthew 7:21-23 that even those who would perform miracles, signs and wonders in His name – may not be of Him. “21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’”

We see by Jesus’ words alone that yes, there may be some (or many) who perform signs, wonders and miracles in His name whom Jesus himself knows are not His – that is sobering, but shouldn’t shock us because Jesus forewarned us already. These may also be those who Jesus refers to as ‘tares’ in the church in Matthew 13:24-30. If they are tares, according to the Bible, they will be judged as such.

Do the manifestations of the Holy Spirit sometimes seem to be ‘out there’? Maybe. But are we God, to ask Him or tell Him what He can and cannot do as He chooses? Absolutely not.

A few scriptures from the New Testament and what happened to the Apostles should be witness enough.

Didn’t the death of Ananias and Sapphira seem over the top? I guess not as God saw their hearts. Peter probably didn’t expect what was about to happen...but it did. Acts 5:5; “Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things.”

How about the shadow of Peter passing over people and they were healed – didn’t that seem over the top? Apparently not! Acts 5:15-16; “15 so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them. 16 Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed.”

The Lord wasn’t too pleased with Elymas because he was a false prophet and was trying to hinder the work of Barnabas and Saul. What happened to him may have seemed over the top, but it wasn’t as Acts 5:6-12 says; “6 Now when they had gone through [a]the island to Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew whose name was Bar-Jesus, 7 who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man. This man called for Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God. 8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for so his name is translated) [b]withstood them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. 9 Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him 10 and said, “O full of all deceit and all fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord? 11 And now, indeed, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you shall be blind, not seeing the sun for a time.”

And immediately a dark mist fell on him, and he went around seeking someone to lead him by the hand. 12 Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had been done, being astonished at the teaching of the Lord.”

We read about a slave girl who followed Paul and Silas around saying that they were servants of the Most High God, and while what she was saying was true, it was from a wrong spirit – a demon speaking through her. That all may to appear over the top, but it was true and that demon was cast out as we read in Acts 16:17-19; “17 This girl followed Paul and us, and cried out, saying, “These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation.” 18 And this she did for many days. But Paul, greatly [d]annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And he came out that very hour. 19 But when her masters saw that their hope of profit was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to the authorities.”

Or how about Peter falling into a trance in Acts 10. Wouldn’t that seem over the top? It wasn’t as the Holy Spirit used that to reach and convert the soul of Cornelius and his family and household, who were the first Gentiles to be born again and filled with the Holy Spirit. Just reading through the Book of Acts and the New Testament we see the Holy Spirit’s supernatural power being manifest through those who believed. Now is not the time to be silent, indifferent or fearful. Don’t worry about making a reputation for yourselves. Expect more supernatural signs, wonders and miracles to happen in these last days as everything that can be shaken, will be shaken!

To read more on the power of the Holy Spirit and the gift of tongues, click on the links to go to the Illustrated Message Series that we have preached on.

Holy Spirit Power

21 Reasons Why Christians Should Speak in Tongues.

To read the prophecy from this Sunday, please click here to read it. It coincides with the prayer meeting.

Pastors Richard and Marjorie - Bondslaves of Jesus Christ

March 30th, 2025

In 2 Timothy 3:1-9, the Apostle Paul is telling Timothy that at the end of the age, end-times, there would be perilous times and perilous men. Today’s prayer meeting was very sobering as the Lord spoke prophetically to us about this and what we ought to do and how to stand. We see an amplification of demonic attacks and opposition to the Truth – the gospel of Jesus Christ – towards those who are standing for truth, so the church must stand strong in holiness and purity.

The Holy Spirit led us to pray regarding a couple of scriptures that are mentioned below.  

The first one is where Jesus is talking to His disciples in Matthew 7:6 where He says; “Do not give that which is holy (the sacred thing) to the dogs, and do not throw your pearls before hogs, lest they trample upon them with their feet and turn and tear you in pieces.”

To expound on this, let’s read what Matthew Henry’s Commentary of Matthew 7:6 says;

“2. It is not every one that is fit to be reproved; Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, v. 6. This may be considered, either,  

(1.) As a rule to the disciples in preaching the gospel; not that they must not preach it to any one who were wicked and profane (Christ himself preached to publicans and sinners), but the reference is to such as they found obstinate after the gospel was preached to them, such as blasphemed it, and persecuted the preachers of it; let them not spend much time among such, for it would be lost labour, but let them turn to others, Acts 13 41. So Dr. Whitby. Or,

(2.) As a rule to all in giving reproof. Our zeal against sin must be guided by discretion, and we must not go about to give instructions, counsels, and rebukes, much less comforts, to hardened scorners, to whom it will certainly do no good, but who will be exasperated and enraged at us. Throw a pearl to a swine, and he will resent it, as if you threw a stone at him; reproofs will be called reproaches, as they were (Luke 11 45; Jer 6 10), therefore give not to dogs and swine (unclean creatures) holy things. Note, [1.] Good counsel and reproof are a holy thing, and a pearl: they are ordinances of God, they are precious; as an ear-ring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is the wise reprover (Prov 25 12), and a wise reproof is like an excellent oil (Ps 141 5); it is a tree of life (Prov 3 18).”

The Dake Annotated Reference Bible says; “Do not force truth upon rebels who reject it, or give holy things to faultfinders, speck hunters, or evil speakers.”

There is a time that the Lord says to just turn them (Christians),over because they choose not to listen to truth. No matter how much you care for and love the Christian, when they refuse to be obedient to the Bible, the commands of Jesus, and continue in sin and disobedience, you need to let them go. They have a free will and God will not force His will on them.  

In Matthew 10:11-15, Jesus had sent out the 12 apostles to preach in the surrounding towns and cities, He had given them full authority to cast out unclean spirits, to heal all kinds of sicknesses and diseases. IF the people did not listen to the good news of the gospel, Jesus was firm and said the following which to some may seem harsh and that was to shake the dust off your feet;  

“7 And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven [c]is at hand.’ 8 Heal the sick, [d]cleanse the lepers, [e]raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. 9 Provide neither gold nor silver nor copper in your money belts, 10 nor bag for your journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor staffs; for a worker is worthy of his food.

11 “Now whatever city or town you enter, inquire who in it is worthy, and stay there till you go out. 12 And when you go into a household, greet it. 13 If the household is worthy, let your peace come upon it. But if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14 And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet. 15 Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!”

It seems as though the Lord is getting quite fed up with the state of the lukewarmness of the church and He’s saying, enough is enough. The Laodicean church in Revelation is evident of what’s happening in the majority of the global church today.

Revelation 3:14-22 says; “14 “And to the [i]angel of the church [j]of the Laodiceans write,

‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: 15 “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither [k]cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. 17 Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— 18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten.[l] Therefore be [m]zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. 21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. 22 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ’ ”

Jesus desires and requires obedient disciples and children. He tells the man who wanted to follow him in Matthew 8:21-22; “21 Another of the disciples said to Him, Lord, let me first go and bury [care for till death] my father. 22 But Jesus said to him, Follow Me, and leave the dead [in sin] to bury their own dead.”

Jesus fully knows the heart of man, nothing is hidden from His eyes. He asks us to pray for Christians and He also knows when it’s time to turn people over. Paul says in 1 Timothy 1:19-20 that he handed over two men, Hymenaeus and Alexander; “whom I have delivered to Satan in order that they may be disciplined [by punishment and learn] not to blaspheme.”  

Also in 1 Corinthians 5:1-13, Paul tells the Corinthian church to “...hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the Day of the Lord.” This man was living in sexual sin and instead of the church being grieved about it, they were proud and arrogant! Paul knew that if they allowed him to continue in fellowship, it would act like leaven (yeast), and would contaminate the whole church. There are situations when you need to turn people over.  

After this exhortation, the church was obedient as we read in 2 Corinthians 2:1-9 where Paul asks the church to forgive and comfort and encourage this same man as he had repented of his sins. There is restoration where there is true repentance of sin.

Jesus is sifting and purifying His church. Humble yourself before Him today and repent, turn from your wicked and sinful ways. Acts 2:38 says; “38 And Peter answered them, Repent (change your views and purpose to accept the will of God in your inner selves instead of rejecting it) and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of and release from your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

To read the prophecy from this Sunday, please click here to read it. It coincides with the prayer meeting.

Pastors Richard and Marjorie - Bondslaves of Jesus Christ

March 9th, 2025

Today at church, we took time to intercede and pray the Word of God regarding healing for someone close to us who is terminally sick. Our adversary the devil is always wanting to rob the church of anything that Jesus bled and died for at Calvary.  When Jesus said it was finished, He literally meant that. He took the curse of sin and death, sickness and disease and separation from God when He was nailed to the cross. Sin, sickness and disease entered the world through sin with Adam and Eve, but Jesus, being the second Adam (1 Corinthians 15:45), redeemed us back to Father God by becoming a life-giving spirit. Since the curse of sin has been broken, so has the curse of sickness and disease. 1 John 3:8 says; “...For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.”

All throughout the gospels we read that Jesus went about doing good and healing all those afflicted of the devil; he drove out demons, healed the lame, blind, lepers, blood disorders, raised the dead...just to name a few. On top of that, Jesus gave us authority in His name to do the same things, Luke 10:19, Mark 16:17-18, John 14:13, Acts 10:38.

We read about a spirit of infirmity in Luke 13:11 where it says; “And behold, there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bent over and could in no way raise herself up.”  

When a spirit of infirmity has been allowed to rule your life, it not only affects you physically but also it affects your mind. Everything revolves around the infirmity, your thoughts and conversations, it becomes all-consuming. It’s meant to kill, steal and destroy (John 10:10). The battle for the Christian is in their mind as to whether or not they’re going to believe and receive what the Bible teaches about healing or to deny it. We have to daily wash our minds with the Word of God and to meditate on it day and night (Psalm 1:2). We must renew our thoughts with what the Bible says because if we don’t we’ll believe every other report that the doctor, family or friends will tell us.

James 5:14-15 says; “14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.”

We recognize that the devil will try to inflict us with sickness and diseases as we’re still in a fallen world. We also know that sin can open the door to sickness, and when it’s repented of, healing can be made manifest. So when you know what the Bible says and what Jesus died and bled for, we have the authority to claim all the promises that He gave us, not only salvation but also healing. Jesus was prophesied about throughout the Old Testament and in Isaiah 53:1-5 it talks about the sin-bearing Messiah;

“Who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?  

2 For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, And as a root out of dry ground. He has no form or comeliness; And when we see Him, There is no beauty that we should desire Him.

3 He is despised and rejected by men, A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.
And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.

4 Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken,
Smitten by God, and afflicted.
5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.
 

That is powerful!

If the doctor gives you a bad health report, does that change what God’s word says about Jesus giving you healing? No. Today we want to encourage you to believe what Jesus did for you at the cross regarding healing. We’re not talking about being in denial, because it’s very real what you may be living and experiencing, but the Word of God is greater than that.

Here is a link to many healing scriptures that you can read and speak over your life. There is also a video that you can put on and listen to that is loaded with healing verses.  

Open Bible healing scriptures.

SoakStream healing scriptures video.

Click here to read the prophecy from the church service.

Pastors Richard and Marjorie - Bondslaves of Jesus Christ

Overview of Prayer Meeting – March 2nd, 2025

This Sunday's prayer meeting primarily focused on the trade wars that Canada is engaged in with the USA. The Bible is clear that we're to continually pray for those in authority over us that it might go well with us - His church. It says in 1 Timothy 2:1-2 the following; “First of all, then, I urge that petitions(specific requests), prayers, intercessions(prayers for others) and thanksgivings be offered on behalf of all people, 2 For kings and all who are in positions of authority or high responsibility, that [outwardly] we may pass a quiet and undisturbed life [and inwardly] a peaceable one in all godliness and reverence and seriousness in every way. ”

Regardless of the rhetoric of leaders touting that they just have the 'good of their nation' in mind, we see the opposite as the tax wars will cause great suffering to the common citizen. We're grateful that though we are in this world, we are not of this world, John 17:14-16. 

Philippians 3:20 says that our citizenship is in heaven. Balancing this fact, our spiritual posture as Christians has to be different than that of the world. Hebrews 11:13-16reminds us also that we long for a heavenly country!; "13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off [e]were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14 For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. 15 And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them."

God's grace always abounds towards us and more so in the midst of difficult times as this and we can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens us, Philippians 4:13. So we do not loose heart. We remember that God sits in the heavens and laughs at the schemes of leaders who do not hold His plans in their hearts, Psalm 2. Psalm 46:1-3 encourages us with this; " God is our refuge and strength, A[a] very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the [b]midst of the sea; 3 Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah" .

The Lord will take care of His children, He will not abandon nor forsake them. He is the bread of life and the wellspring of living water. Don't be moved and disheartened when you see ungodly leaders vie for position and authority. Our citizenship is in heaven!

February 2nd, 2025

Ephesians 6:12 says the following; “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of [a]the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

Many Christians try to deal with differences of political or church issues in the natural. They lean on the wisdom of this world which the book of James tells us is “earthly, sensual and demonic,” James 3:14-18; “ 14 But if you have bitter envy and [h]self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. 16 For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. 18 Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”
So where there is envy and self-seeking interests, we see confusion and every evil work and people operating in that, their wisdom is not of the Holy Spirit but of the world. It plays out every day around us. We need the power and gifts of the Holy Spirit in everything we do.We can’t over emphasize the need for churches and Christians in general to pray and intercede at this time for their leaders; those being political, national, spiritual, governmental, all who have any authority in any sphere of influence. The demonic forces that are at work around the world are ramping up and creating havoc through every form of leadership. We sensed by the Holy Spirit to pray for Canada and the USA as there are rumours of war, an economic trade war, which is to be implemented in a few days. This would really be devastating for Canada for sure but also for the Americans. The political leaders of these countries who are not under the Lordship of Jesus Christ are easily swayed by demonic assignments. The Bible says in 2 Chronicles 7:14; “if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
Christians need humility, prayer, seeking the face of Jesus, turning from their wicked ways for the Lord to hear from heaven, forgive them and heal their land. Church and church leaders, it’s time to get serious. There are eternal consequences; either heaven or hell. Many churches have gone woke, they’ve fallen prey to mammon, duplicity and sin. There needs to be repentance for the healing of the land.
Spiritual warfare was nothing new to Jesus, and that’s why He gave us His name and authority to bind and break the plans and schemes of the devil, Luke 10:19; “Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall be any means hurt you.”  
John 10:10 also says; “the thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” 

1 Peter 5:8; “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”

We prayed and took authority over these plans of economic warfare over these two nations, binding the assignments of the devil working through the World Economic Form behind the scenes that are wanting power and authority over both these nations, not caring if they pit each leader against each other through their pride, selfishness and ambition, only wanting to conquer and divide. We prayed for an end to the economic war that’s on the horizon. We prayed for exposure of all evil schemes of the devil to kill, steal and destroy Canada and the USA. We took authority over demonic blood covenants that leaders have made to gain authority and power and influence.

We prayed for the fire of the Holy Spirit to fall on churches who have compromised the truth of God’s word and have become lukewarm. 2 Peter 1:3-4 says; “3...as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, 4by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the [c]corruption that is in the world through lust.”

The Lord is calling the church to escape the corruption that is in this world through lust and to walk by His divine power. The power is the baptism in the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues and walking and operating in the nine gifts of the Holy Spirit. This baptism is the gift that Jesus promised the Father would give to those who love Him. Jesus said that we would receive power after the Holy Spirit comes upon us, Acts 1:8; “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” This power is still needed and is being poured out around the world today. Christian, you need this power to be able to stand and to be a witness.  

For those Christians that feel like they are a smoldering wick, Isaiah 42:3 says; ““A broken reed He will not break [off] and a dimly burning wick He will not extinguish [He will not harm those who are weak and suffering]; He will faithfully bring forth justice.” The Holy Spirit will ignite that smoldering wick! We prayed that the Lord would rekindle the fire in back-slidden Christians and spirit-filled Christians.

Jesus said that we’re to pick up our crosses daily and follow Him, Mark 10:21. Our true rights and freedoms are only found in Him, as we laydown our life to follow Him. Even today we read an article that in Canada they are contemplating on removing the tax exempt status from churches and if that would be done, who knows how many churches would crumble because of the decline of giving, but we prayed that Christians would give regardless of tax exemptions or not and that they would see the Lord provide according to His glory and riches in Christ Jesus. 

Psalm 37:25 says; “I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread.” That’s a promise to every Christian.

Continue to pray every day for your leaders at every level and don’t be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God!

To read the prophecy from Sunday’s service, click here.

Note: As we post this message on February 4th, the Prime Minister of Canada and President of the USA have come to an agreement to delay these tariffs and economic war for at least 30 days. Praise God. Continue to pray church.

1 Corinthians 6:9-111 Peter 5:8Psalm 2:1-62 Chronicles 7:14Matthew 10:28John 14:6Philippians 4:19, 4:6Colossians 3:2
Pastors Richard and Marjorie ~ Bondslaves of Jesus Christ  

Overview of Prayer Meeting January 12th, 2025 

Our nation, Canada, is going through major political upheaval right now. Our Prime Minister has handed in his resignation but will stay on in power until another leader is elected by his party to replace him. We regularly pray for our leaders, but this is a crucial time in our nation and the church must rise and intercede fervently for the right person to replace him and for the next person who will be voted in as Prime Minister. We must wage war in the spirit realm to break the assignments of the devil off of Canada. Ephesians 6:12 says; “For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.”

Our authority to pray like this was given by Jesus Himself in Luke 10:19; “Behold! I have given you authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and [physical and mental strength and ability] over all the power that the enemy [possesses]; and nothing shall in any way harm you.” 

We know the devil has an agenda for Canada, but we also know God’s plan is to bless this nation and to have a leader who blesses it. This is what we prayed for. Daniel 2:21 says; “It is He who changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and establishes kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and [greater] knowledge to those who have understanding!” This is not just for the head figure but also those who are supporting, endorsing and propping up the leaders.

Jesus has told us that we should pray for God’s will to be done, so that’s how we pray, by using His word to validate it and declare His plan and purpose. It’s also important in prayer to have a heart attitude of humility and forgiveness. Jesus says in Mark 11:25; “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him and [a]let it drop (leave it, let it go), in order that your Father Who is in heaven may also forgive you your [own] failings and shortcomings and let them drop.”

The Lord is calling Canada to repentance, and like what happened to Jonah in the Old Testament, people have been sent and are continually being sent to tell the leaders of the land to repent from their wickedness. Nineveh, as terribly sinful, wicked and evil that it was, believed that what Jonah prophesied would come to pass and their city would be destroyed if they didn’t repent. We’re in a season where people and nations are deciding whom they’ll serve. God spared Nineveh, and God will have mercy to those who repent from their sins. So we prayed that Canada would repent of its sins and turn to Jesus Christ who alone is able to save.
We personally believe that because of the lukewarm state of the majority of Christian churches in Canada and the wickedness of our Prime Minister, our country is not safe from enemy invasions. All the more reason for Christians to be praying like never before. Pray hard! “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet...” Romans 16:20

Here are some Scriptures on the church coming together to pray; 

Matthew 18:20; “For wherever two or three are gathered (drawn together as My followers) in (into) My name, there I Am in the midst of them.”

Acts 1:14; “All these with one mind and one purpose were continually devoting themselves to prayer, [waiting together] along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.”

Acts 2:42; “They were continually and faithfully devoting themselves to the instruction of the apostles, and to fellowship, to [a]eating meals together and to prayers.”

Acts 12:12; “When he realized what had happened, he went to the house of [a]Mary the mother of John, who was also called [b]Mark, where many [believers] were gathered together and were praying continually [and had been praying all night].”

Acts 13:2-3; “2 While they were serving the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul (Paul) for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then after fasting and praying, they laid their hands on them [in approval and dedication] and sent them away [on their first journey].”

Acts 12:5; ‘So Peter was kept in prison, but fervent and persistent prayer for him was being made to God by the church.”

Colossians 4:2; “Be persistent and devoted to prayer, being alert and focused in your prayer life with an attitude of thanksgiving.”

Ephesians 6:18; “With all prayer and petition pray [with specific requests] at all times [on every occasion and in every season] in the Spirit, and with this in view, stay alert with all perseverance and petition [interceding in prayer] for all God’s people.”

1 Timothy 2:1; “First of all, then, I urge that petitions(specific requests), prayers, intercessions (prayers for others) and thanksgivings be offered on behalf of all people, 2 For kings and all who are in positions of authority or high responsibility, that [outwardly] we may pass a quiet and undisturbed life [and inwardly] a peaceable one in all godliness and reverence and seriousness in every way. ”

2 Corinthians 1:11;“ while you join in helping us by your prayers. Then thanks will be given by many persons on our behalf for the gracious gift [of deliverance] granted to us through the prayers of many [believers].”

Click here to read the prophecy from church.

Pastors Richard and Marjorie - Bondslaves of Jesus Christ