FREEDOM 21 DAY 4

DAY 4 – Fatherlessness

 

Today we will focus our prayer and repentance on the issue of fatherlessness.

The fatherless child is snatched from the breast; the infant of the poor is seized for a debt (and sold). –Job 24:9

Federal statistics show alarming long-term growth in the proportion of children living in fatherless households. The proportion of children under 18 years living with only their mothers as a result of divorce or lack of marriage has risen continuously since 1970.(1) Some 40% of the nation’s children and 60% of African-American children live in homes without their fathers.(2)

And that’s not all. 90% of all homeless and runaway children are from fatherless homes.(3) This is of enormous significance to the topic of human trafficking, as 1 in 3 children will be forced into prostitution within only 48 hours of being on the street. This factors heavily into the sad reality that the average age children enter prostitution in the US is 13 years old.(4)

ANOTHER ANGLE

On the surface, family life in Mexico looks more stable. The divorce rate is relatively low – 11.3% as of 2004. The percentage of households without a father is 23.1% – nearly half that of the US.(5)

However, close to half of the births that take place happen out of wedlock. And there are at least 2 million orphans in the entire country. Above all, the statistics do not reflect the large number of families whose fathers are not present, even if temporarily, to seek work out of the country, leaving their children to grow up without their guidance.

FATHERLESSNESS IN TRAFFICKING

Fatherlessness in the United States and Mexico feeds the trafficking pipeline of supply by creating vulnerable and available children. It creates at-risk children looking to fill a void, and conversely, odds are high that someone who sexually exploits in anger was fatherless as well.

In addition to this, a primary way for pimps to lure their victims and keep them is to present some kind of “family” unit and structure. It is not uncommon for female victims to call their pimps “daddy” and refer to other victims who work for their pimp as “family.”

To read the full USRPN article on this issue, please click here.

PERSONAL REPENTANCE

Father God, I ask forgiveness for any way that I have neglected children by putting other pursuits and interests before them and by failing to disciple and protect them. I ask forgiveness for turning a blind eye to those fatherless children in my neighborhood and church who You have called me to come alongside.

CORPORATE REPENTANCE

We stand in the gap for fathers in our two nations and ask forgiveness for those who have been emotionally or physically absent from their children. O Lord, teach us to do what is right, to seek justice, relieve the oppressed, and correct and reprove the ruthless. Forgive us for not defending the fatherless, and fighting for the rights of the widow (Isaiah 1:17).

INTERCESSION

• Lord, we recognize that those without the love of an earthly father are more vulnerable to being snatched up into sex trafficking. We ask You to “Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; do justice for the poor and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked (Psalm 82:3, 4)."
   
• Today we ask You to prompt and to equip the men in Your Church to step in and become father figures and mentors to those with absentee or disengaged fathers.
   
• We pray also for the healing of strained and broken relationships between children and their fathers, that old wounds affecting current healthy relationships would be healed.
   
• Lord, we recognize that those without fathers often have no blueprint for becoming a good parent themselves. We pray for healing and restoration of those without fathers, so the cycle of fatherlessness is broken, and the children in our two nations would be protected and loved rather than be exploited through evils such as sex trafficking.

TAKE ACTION

1. One of the greatest ways to combat fatherlessness is to become a legal parent to a child whose mother and father are out of the picture. If you are interested in adopting a child, contact a local adoption agency.

2. Become a mentor to a fatherless child or youth who is in need of godly guidance, wisdom, and relationship.

FREEDOM 21 in South Dakota

This is addressing the human trafficking issue in our state of South Dakota as we pray together in Freedom 21. Thank you for the ministries of Be Free and Tapestry Int. in Sioux Falls, SD for sharing this video with us. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTtAPYxIjJU

Hidden in Plain Sight

www.youtube.com

"Hidden in plain sight.. exposing sex trafficking in South Dakota."

FREEDOM 21 Day 3

DAY 3 – SEXUAL ABUSE IN THE HOME

 

Today we will focus our prayer and repentance on the sexual abuse of children in our nations.

Instead of your shame there shall be a double portion; instead of dishonor they shall rejoice in their lot; therefore in their land they shall possess a double portion; they shall have everlasting joy. –Isaiah 61:7

Domestic sexual abuse greatly contributes to human trafficking. Through desensitizing its victims to the lowest sexual expression, these emotionally damaged individuals are more prone to being lured into the sex industry by coercion, manipulation, or traffickers posing as prospective “boyfriends” who fulfill the desperate desire to be loved and accepted.

Here are some shocking statistics regarding sexual abuse in the home:

• 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys in the United States have been sexually abused. Over 90% of these children are abused by someone they know and trust. (1)
   
• Almost all of these victims will suffer some psychological or emotional problems (depression, nightmares, insomnia, shame, self-esteem issues, etc.).
   
• Recent studies have shown that as many as 80% of homosexual men were sexually abused. (2)

Unfortunately, the problem is much more difficult to diagnose in Mexico. As is the case in many poorer countries, virtually no studies or concrete information on child sexual abuse exist. The increasing rates of homeless and/or runaway children and of teenage pregnancies at younger and younger ages is a strong indicator that the problem is more widespread than anyone realizes.(3)

PREVENTING ABUSE

To end trafficking, the widespread problem of sexual abuse must be challenged. Prevention can be obtained by understanding the risks to which children are prone. Be careful whom you allow your children to spend time with, even if that person is a family member or friend. Also, monitor your children’s involvement with the internet, as well as content and web sites that are viewed. 13 An estimated one in five children are sexually solicited via the internet.(4)

It’s also important to look for signs of sexual abuse that children may display. This includes extremely emotional behavior (anger, depression, etc.), inappropriate touching of other children, physical marks such as bruises and cuts, and other signs.

To read the full USRPN article on this issue, please click here.

PERSONAL REPENTANCE

Father, forgive me if I have not paid attention to the needs of the children in my society, particularly those who have been abused in any form. I ask that You would open my eyes to see the signs of abuse that may be taking place around me.

CORPORATE REPENTANCE

Father God, we stand in the gap on behalf of our nation and repent for the abuse, mistreatment, neglect, and dehumanization of our children. By understanding that sexual abuse aids trafficking, we repent for allowing it to occur.

INTERCESSION

• Father God, rebuild the family unit in America and Mexico. Return the family to its original purpose and destiny as it was designed by God. Restore in families reverence and awesome respect for God.
   
• Restore innocence and sexual identity to those children who have been abused by friends and family members, those they trusted the most and looked to for protection and safety. Heal their deep wounds of betrayal and abuse.
   
• Expose sexual abuse in homes – alerting a caring family member, school teacher, doctor, friend, or church leader. Rescue these young vulnerable ones who are being abused; deliver these powerless ones from the hands of their perpetrators and a life of fear and torment.
   
• We cry out also for the sexual abusers, especially ones who may have been abused as children themselves. Bring conviction to these perpetrators. Give them courage to step forward in truth, to seek help and to find salvation, healing, and restoration in their lives. Where appropriate, we pray for relationships to be restored.
   
• In agreement today, we decree in Jesus’ name that the cycle of sexual abuse in the home is broken, not only in our generation, but in the generation to come.

TAKE ACTION

1. If you know of children who may be suffering sexual abuse, do all you can to get them help. If enough evidence is obtained, involve your local law enforcement.

2. Please click here to see a list of signs to look for in children who are involved with the sex trade.

3. If you are passionate about the physical, emotional, and mental restoration of children who have been abused and/or trafficked, learn how you can become involved in the restoration process by visiting the web site of Unlikely Heroes

FREEDOM 21 Day 2

DAY 2 – CHILDREN:
A THROWAWAY GENERATION

 

 

Today we will focus our prayer and repentance towards the mistreatment of children in our society.

Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from Him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. –Psalm 127:3-5a

We have allowed children to be the victims of traffickers. They should be treasured members of our society, but increasingly they are viewed as merely inconvenient. The evidence of this attitude is revealed in several areas:

ABORTION

In the United States, nearly 1.2 million women have an abortion every year.(1) In Mexico, studies estimate 880 thousand abortions are carried out every year.

FOSTER KIDS & ORPHANS

On any given day, there are 400 thousand children displaced from their homes. A significant number will age out of the system without ever being placed with a family, increasing their odds for poor health, homelessness, unemployment, incarceration, and other negative outcomes.(2)

In Mexico, where there is no foster care system, 2 million orphans are available prey for traffickers and cartels.(3)

ON THE STREETS

Although the numbers are harder to pinpoint, the National Runaway Switchboard estimates there are between 1.3 and 2.8 million runaways and homeless youth in the US. Over 70% of these young people are at significant risk of physical and sexual abuse. Most of them will be approached by a trafficker within 48 hours of being on the street.(4)

In Mexico City alone, there are approximately 1.9 million children and teenagers are underprivileged or living on the streets as a result of abuse, violence and abandonment. Because of their precarious living standards, many will try on their own to find new opportunities, usually attempting to get to the United States, making them very vulnerable to “coyotes,” or smugglers and traffickers. Unfortunately, an average of 8 children are killed daily in Mexico.(5)

To read the full USRPN article on this issue, please click here.

PERSONAL REPENTANCE

Lord, forgive if I have seen children as a bother or a hindrance to my own plans and desires. I repent if I have been too focused on my own world to notice the hurting kids around me.

CORPORATE REPENTANCE

The Church has been slow to engage this issue in a practical way, often finding it easier to send money to feed and rescue the rest of the world’s children rather than making the necessary sacrifices to rescue our own. The growing movement for adoption has often focused on babies, resulting in many older children growing up without families.

Lord, forgive us for not protecting the most vulnerable among us, our own children, to whatever degree. We repent for not revealing the Father’s heart to them.

INTERCESSION

• God, we ask You to uproot the selfishness in our hearts that causes us to not see the enormous value of the next generation.
   
• We pray You would help us to not miss out on the opportunity just because it is inconvenient to be Your hands and feet to children who desperately need to know You.
   
• Help Your body to actively make a place for those who need a family. Open our eyes to see that children truly are a blessing from You.
   
• We pray that You would expose the mistreatment and abandonment of children in our nations. Raise up men and women willing to be counselors and adoptive parents, who see the importance of healing this wound.

TAKE ACTION

1. Prayerfully consider adoption or foster parenting; if you’re not in a position to do this, contribute financially to someone who is in the adoption process.

2. Put your local school district in contact with Traffick911 and encourage them to have the prevention training, called “Traps of a Trafficker,” presented to students.

FREEDOM 21 Day 1

DAY 1 - OUR APATHY

 

Today we will focus our prayer and repentance on our own apathy regarding human trafficking.

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. –Proverbs 31:8

FACING THE FACTS

Human trafficking is defined as the illegal trade of human beings, for the purposes of commercial sexual exploitation or forced labor.

Here are some facts:

• An estimated 27 million people are trafficked and enslaved around the world, the most slaves in recorded history.
• 1 million children will be exploited this year in the global commercial sex trade.
• The industry takes in at least $32 billion of revenue annually and is growing, expanding, and spreading at a terrifying pace. In the United States, the industry generates an estimated $9.5 billion. In Mexico, it is a $15-20 billion endeavor.(1)
• In the United States, there is an average of 300,000 children at risk of being forced into sexual exploitation.(2) In Mexico, at least half of the nation’s homeless children are trapped in sexual exploitation.(3)
• The US State Department estimates as many as 20,000 young women and children are trafficked across the US Southern border and into Mexico every year.(4)
• Along the US and Mexico border towns, there is an estimated 16,000 children involved in forced prostitution.(5)

FACING OUR HEARTS

Sadly, we as the Body of Christ have remained largely apathetic to this despicable injustice that transpires right here in the United States and Mexico. We have either not been aware enough to confront the evils of trafficking or have not cared enough to fight for the rights of those who are trapped in this form of modern day slavery.

However, the Lord is calling the Church now to repent for our apathy and to rise up with a justice anointing to contend for those whom He loves, those being exploited for pleasure and labor in our two great nations and around the world.

To read the full USRPN article on this issue, please click here.

PERSONAL REPENTANCE

Lord, I repent if my heart has been apathetic or if I have been too concerned with my own comfort and convenience to truly see the urgency of this issue. I ask forgiveness if I have been indifferent and inactive while lives are being tormented and ended.

CORPORATE REPENTANCE

God, as Your body and Your children, we repent for seeing this as someone else’s problem to solve instead of engaging in it ourselves. We repent for selfishness, indifference, and apathy. Anoint and empower us to confront and stop human trafficking in the United States and Mexico!

INTERCESSION

• Father, over these next 21 days, I ask You to give me Your heart for the victims of human trafficking all around the world. Stir me to pray like never before.
• Please open the eyes of Your Church to fully see this issue for the tragedy it is, to own it, and to take action to stop it.
• Lord, awaken Your bride to fight for what matters to Your heart. Give us the passion to fight injustice and the wisdom to create strategies that will bring breakthrough and healing to those who have been victimized by human trafficking.

TAKE ACTION

1. Educate yourself by learning the hard facts of human trafficking. You can do this obtaining information gathered by organizations such as Traffick911, Exodus Cry, and the Polaris Project.

2. Share this prayer guide with others and commit together to pray for the ending of human trafficking.

3. If you are interested in volunteering with local organizations, please click here.

FREEDOM 21

HUMAN TRAFFICKING to be EXPOSED and DISMANTLED:

"FREEDOM 21" national prayer focus led by Reformation Prayer Network, Dr. Cindy Jacobs will launch this Tuesday, September 10th and continue 21 days through Monday, September 30th. Please join us as many intercessors will be fasting and praying to see the industry of Human Trafficking exposed and dismantled. Comment below to let me know that you are on board.
http://www.usrpn.org/freedom21

ALL OF THE 66 COUNTIES IN SD NOW HAVE A TREE PLANTED IS ISRAEL!!! AND EVERY COUNTY IN ALL 50 STATES!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS SOUTH DAKOTA!  WE NOW HAVE ALL OF THE 66 COUNTIES IN SD SPONSORING A TREE IN ISRAEL.  THIS IS A MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENT FOR OUR STATE.  I AM SURE OUR HEAVENLY FATHER OF ABRAHAM, ISAAC, AND JACOB IS SMILING ON OUR STATE IN COMPLETING THIS STRATEGIC ASSIGNMENT OF ALIGNING WITH ISRAEL.

 MOST OF THE OTHER STATES HAVE ALSO COMPLETELY FINISHED.  PRAY THE REST OF THE STATES LEFT WILL ALSO BE ABLE TO ACCOMPLISH THIS TASK. Here is the link:  http://www.myolivetree.com/destiny?utm_source=HAPN&utm_medium=Eblast&utm_campaign=DestinyAugust2013  to the states that are yet to finish.
UPDATE TO THIS POST ON SEPTEMBER OF 2013 - EVERY COUNTY IN ALL 50 STATES NOW HAVE A TREE PLANTED IN ISRAEL!

IT HAS BEEN A GREAT HONOR AND JOY TO RUN WITH YOU SOUTH DAKOTA IN PRAYING TOGETHER FOR OUR 66 COUNTIES AND RELEASING A BOOK OF THE BIBLE TO EACH COUNTY.  NOW WITH EACH COUNTY SPONSORING  A TREE IN ISRAEL, THIS IS A MAJOR THRUST FOR OUR STATE FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD.

I WOULD LIKE TO THANK EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU THAT HAD A PART IN SPONSORING A TREE IN ISRAEL AND ALSO FOR THE INTERCESSIONS FOR OUR STATE.  IF ANY OF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE ANY OF YOUR EXPERIENCES WITH THIS PRAYER INITIATIVE, WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Be Blessed in the promises of  Genesis 12:3, in blessing Israel.

Co-laboring Together in Prayer,

Betsy Moeller

FROM GENESIS TO REVELATION - AURORA COUNTY TO ZIEBACH COUTY

THE FINALE OF THE 66 BOOKS OF THE BIBLE RELEASE TO THE 66 COUNTIES IN SOUTH DAKOTA

Dear SD intercessors,

Again we would like to thank you for joining the prayer initiative with SDAPN in the 66 Books of the Bible Release to the 66 Counties in South Dakota.  Once again it seemed fitting to share this video and song "HE IS" with the culmination of this prayer initiative as we shared with you as we first began. 

Here is the "HE IS" song link:     http://youtu.be/ttS7FH8X4n4

From Genesis to Revelation, from Aurora County to Ziebach County we declare "HE IS!"

REVELATION completes the story that GENESIS began:

1.  Genesis tells how the earth was subject to the curse because of sin.  Revelation shows the new earth where there is no ore curse.

2.  In Genesis we see light coming from the sun.  In Revelation the Lord God is the light of the holy city.

3.  In Genesis dominion is given to man - only to pass into the hands of Satan.  In Revelation dominion is restored to the saints who    inherit the earth. 

4.  In Genesis God plants the tree of life for man to eat and live.  In Revelation the tree of life is seen growing again, and the leaves are for the healing of the nations.

5.  In Genesis Satan appears and is victorious.  In Revelation Satan appears again, but this time he is defeated by the Blood of the Lamb!

He is The Prince of Peace, The Son of Man, The Lamb of God, The Great I Am!

He's the Alpha and Omega, Our God and our Savior, He is Jesus Christ the Lord!

       

And when time is no more, HE IS! 

ZIEBACH COUNTY - REVELATION

THE FINALE OF THE 66 BOOKS OF THE BIBLE RELEASE TO THE 66 COUNTIES IN SD 

 66 Books of the Bible Release to 66 Counties of South Dakota

Our 66th and final county to pray for in South Dakota is Ziebach County, with the city of Dupree being the county seat.  We release the book of Revelation to Ziebach County.  The Cheyenne River Indian Reservation covers all of Ziebach county along with Dewey County.  The Lakota Sioux , division of the Teton, Bands - Minnecujoy, Two Kettle (Oohenupa), Sans Arc (Itazipcoo) and Blackfoot (Si Sapa) reside here.  The tribal headquarters is in the city of Eagle Butte.  Ziebach County is one of the poorest counties in the nation with 62% of the residents in poverty.  We declare the words of the Gospel of Jesus that "the first shall be last, and the last shall be first."

The book of Revelation presents a panoramic view of history from the time of its author John, to eternity future.  Revelation is partly historical and partly prophetical.  Revelation differs from the other books in the Bible in the way it was revealed.  It was revealed directly to John through a vision, and he was told exactly what to write and what not to write.  There are various types and symbols used in this book along with the meaning of many of the symbols.  The book opens with a vision of the Glorified Christ and follows with messages to the seven churches. 

Revelation is the last chapter of a love story.  The Bible is a great love story between God and man.  Revelation means "an unveiling," and we see Jesus unveiled in this book.  The central message of the Revelation is that "the Lord God Omnipotent reigns!" (19:6).  This theme has been validated in history by the victory of the Lamb who is "Lord of lords and King of kings" (17:14).  Revelation has much to say about all three persons of the Godhead, but is especially clear in its presentation of the resurrected Christ who has received all authority to judge the earth.  Some of the many ways Jesus is revealed in this book are the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, the ruler over the kings of the earth (1:5), the First and the Last (1:17), He who lives (1:18), the Son of God (2:18), holy and true (3:7), the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God (3:14), the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David (5:5). a Lamb (5:6), Faithful and True (19:11), the Word of God (19:13), King of Kings, and Lord of Lords (19:16), Alpha and Omega (22:13). the Bright and Morning Star (22:16), and the Lord Jesus Christ (22:21).  This book is indeed "The Revelation of Jesus Christ" (1:1) since it comes from Him and centers on Him.   Also, the description of the Holy Spirit as "the seven Spirits of God" (1:4; 3:1; 4:5; 5:6) shows His illuminating, purifying and energizing ministry.

Father in the name of Jesus, we Bless Ziebach County!  We declare that the Lion of the tribe of Judah would be known  across this land as You Roar for Your Lakota people.  And that the injustices and poverty that have caused suffering, may now be brought to an end.   That Your people will open the door for Jesus to come in causing them to be Overcomers in You!  And that they can drink freely from Your River of Life. 
"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.  "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" (3:21-22).
"And the Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" And let him who thirsts come, and whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely" (22:17).

The overall picture here is one of the VICTORIOUS JESUS!  We declare Victory in Jesus Christ over the people and the land of Ziebach County.   We thank you Lord, that even as John the Revelator experienced the Risen Christ, so too shall Your Lakota people experience You.

"I AM the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End," says the Lord, "Who is and Who was and Who is to come, the Almighty" (Revelation 1:8). 

" . . . The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!" (Revelation 11:15).

Let Your Kingdom Come, Let Your will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven in Your Lakota people and the land of Ziebach County! 

THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS AND INTERCESSIONS FOR OUR STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA AS WE HAVE RELEASED IN FAITH A BOOK OF THE BIBLE TO EACH COUNTY.  WE WILL CONTINUE TO STAND ON THE WORD OF GOD FOR OUR STATE IN PRAYER!

YANKTON COUNTY - JUDE

66 Books of the Bible Release to 66 Counties of South Dakota

  Our 65th county to pray for in South Dakota is Yankton County, with the city of Yankton being the county seat.  We release the book of Jude to Yankton County.  In this epistle Jude is writing a timely word of rebuke and warning.  First to condemn the apostate teachings and practices of the ungodly that had crept in  and second to counsel the readers to stand firm, growing in their faith and contend for the truth.   Jude's greatest desire was to keep people from falling spiritually; he was contending for the faith that was delivered to the saints (Jude 3).  Jude emphasizes mercy, peace, and love.  Mercy looks upward, peace looks inward, and love looks outward. 

Jude uses five word pictures for apostasy.  The wonderful contrasts are that instead of dangerous rocks, we can be living stones; instead of waterless clouds, we can be sources of living water; instead of dead trees, we can be trees of righteousness; instead of raging waves, we can be like peaceful rivers; and instead of wandering stars, we can shine as the stars forever and ever (Jude 1:12-13).

In Jude we see Jesus as our spiritual anchor.  We can keep ourselves in the love of God; we can build ourselves up on our most holy faith by praying in the Spirit; we can let the Word of grace build us up; and we can keep looking for Christ's return.  Jesus has given us the anchors that keep us anchored to Him.

We thank you Father, that Your people in Yankton County have been called, sanctified, and preserved in Jesus Christ and that Your mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to them (Jude verse 1-2).

We thank you Father, in the name of Jesus that Your people in Yankton County will earnestly continue to contend for their faith in Jesus Christ as Jude verse 3 exhorts.  We declare that Your people of Yankton County will be kept from stumbling and be found faultless in Your sight.  "Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, To God our Saviour, who alone is wise . . .  (Jude verse 24).   We declare Your people are continually being built up by Your Word, praying in the Holy Spirit, and being anchored in Christ Jesus. 

We declare that Your people and land of Yankton County are lively stones, sources of living water, trees of righteousness, peaceful rivers, and stars that shine brightly in the Glory of the Lord!

WALWORTH COUNTY - III JOHN

66 Books of the Bible Release to 66 Counties of South Dakota 

Our 64th county to pray for in South Dakota is Walworth County, with the city of Selby being the county seat.  We release the book of III John to Walworth County.  Third John is the shortest book in the Bible, but it is very personal and vivid.  This letter portrays the church as a family united by bonds of love, with its members extending gracious hospitality toward one another.  However, selfish ambition and jealousy imperil the church's fellowship and its members must guard against such attitudes to maintain a loving relationship with each other.  This is contrasted between the truth and servant-hood of a faithful Gaius and the error and selfishness of a man named Diotrepehes.
John III verse 11 clearly states, "Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good.  He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God."

The apostle presents Jesus as the Truth in whom we should walk.  In this book, the lives of Gaius and Demetrius harmonized with the teachings of Christ and gave strong witness to the power of His love.  On the other hand, the attitude of Diotrephes shows a marked contrast to the true life in which Christ is to be first in everything.  The frequent references to truth point to Jesus Who is the Truth!

Father in the name of Jesus, we thank you for Your people in Walworth County and that the fruit of Holy Spirit is evident in their lives enabling them to "walk in the truth."  We thank you they are able to discern what is good and walk in it accordingly in Your Kingdom principles.

We declare and release this verse over Walworth County:  "Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, even as your soul prospers" (III John 2).
Thank you Father, as Your people continue to grow and walk in Your truth, they prosper in You.  For every area of their lives, the spiritual, physical, emotional and the material, we pray for prosperity in Walworth County for Your Kingdom.  

We release the light of Christ's truth, freedom, and prosperity over Walworth County!  

UNION COUNTY - II JOHN

66 Books of the Bible Release to 66 Counties of South Dakota

 Our 63rd county to pray for in South Dakota is Union County, with the city of Elk Point being the county seat.  We release the book of II John to Union County.  This brief letter has much in common with the book of I John, including a warning about danger of false teachers who deny the incarnation of Jesus Christ.  The epistle reminds us to receive Jesus as the Son of God, not just as a son of God or as a powerful God.  Throughout this book John stresses truth as the basis and test of fellowship.  He also encourages them to continue to walk in love but also exhorts them to be discerning in their expression of love.  John warns them not to deny or compromise the apostolic doctrine of the Person and work of Christ they have been taught, and not to accept new teachings that advance beyond the doctrine of Christ.   John emphasizes that those who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh (verse 7) are deceived.  You must abide in the "doctrine of Christ" (verse 9) to have a relationship with God.  He urges readers of this letter to keep close to Christ by abiding in the truth.

In a short letter of only 13 verses, John makes three direct references to Jesus.  He presents both the deity of Christ (v. 3) and His humanity (v.7).  Anyone who denies the fundamental truth concerning the divine-human Person of Christ does not have God (v.9).

Father we thank you in the name of Jesus, that Your people of Union County walk in Your love and follow Your commandments in loving one another. 
". . . That we love one another.  This is love, that we walk according to His commandments.  This is the commandment, that as you have heard from the beginning; you should walk in it (v 5-6).   

We thank you that Your Gatekeepers and Watchman in Union County stand in intercession for Your truth to be known of the deity of Christ Jesus.  And that they will know the truth, walk in the truth, and abide in the truth of Jesus Christ. 

We declare to Union County, that the truth of Christ has set you Free, and You are Free indeed!

SD Apostolic Prayer Network
Betsy Moeller

TURNER COUNTY - I JOHN

66 Books of the Bible Release to 66 Counties of South Dakota

 Our 62nd county to pray for in South Dakota is Turner County, with the city of Parker being the county seat.  We release the book of I John to Turner County.  The writer of the book is John, the apostle.  The theme is fellowship in the Father's kingdom, and John uses two beautiful expressions to describe God: love and light.  The book of I John encourages us to leave our old life and walk in our new life.  This book deals with worldliness.  Worldliness is not so much a matter of activity as it is an attitude.  Worldliness not only affects your response to the love of God but it also affects your response to the will of God (I John 2:17). 

John uses three themes throughout the five chapters: obedience, love, and truth.  A spirit-controlled mind knows and understands truth, a spirit-controlled heart feels love, and a spirit-controlled will inclines us to obedience; this book deals with spirit, soul, and body.  Our life begins with Sonship and continues in fellowship.  The secret of victory over sin is to walk in the light.  This book deals with obedience to God Who is love and Who is light.

Beholding Jesus:  Jesus is seen as the "Word of life: (I John 1:1), our "advocate" (I John 2:1), and "the Christ" (I John 2:22).  The Blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin ( I John 1:7).

Thank you Father that through the Blood and the light of Jesus Christ Your people in Turner County, know the greater one that lives in them.  Knowing that the very one Who died for them, now lives in them.
". . . He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world"(I John 4:4).

Father we thank you in Jesus name, that Your people in Turner County are walking in Your light and Your love.
" . . . God is love, and he who abides in love, abides in God, and God in him (I John 4:16).  "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear . . ." (I John 4:18).

We declare the people of Turner County are walking in victory as over-comers in this world through Jesus Christ.
"For whatever is born of God overcomes the world.  And this is the victory that has overcome the world - our faith.  Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?" (I John 5:4-5).

TRIPP COUNTY - II PETER

66 Books of the Bible Release to 66 Counties of South Dakota

Our 61st county to pray for in South Dakota is Tripp County, with the city of Winner being the county seat. We release the book of II Peter to Tripp County.  The book of II Peter deals with the problems from the inside as I Peter deals with problems from the outside.  This epistle was written by Peter to warn the believers about false teachers and exposing them.  It is also written to exhort the readers to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (3:18), because this growth into Christian maturity is the best defense against spiritual counterfeits.  "Knowledge" in II Peter is more than intellect, but an experience with God that results in moral transformation (1:2, 3; 2:20).  The last chapter emphasizes the Second Coming of Christ, which assures the fulfillment of the promise of the Lord's return and teaches that its expectation should motivate Christians to godly behavior. 

The "Lordship" of Jesus Christ is paramount in II Peter.  Through His power believers are granted all things pertaining to life and godliness; through His knowledge they receive glory and virtue, through His promises they were made partakers of His divine nature.  Peter tells us that the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is the pathway to Christian maturity.  Peter also looks forward to Christ's Second Coming (II Peter 3:10).

We thank you Father that the people of Tripp County are fruitful in the grace and the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (3:18), and are walking in a daily experience in Christ, therefore being transformed into the image of Your Son, King Jesus.

That Your people will know without wavering of their call and destiny You have for them in Your Kingdom, "Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly in the everlasting Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (II Peter 1:10-11).

We thank you Father that the people of Tripp County know and move in your great promises for them, ever being transformed into Your divine nature in Christ Jesus.
"Whereby given us exceeding great and precious promises: that through these you might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust" (II Peter 1:4).

Father, Let Your Kingdom Come, Your Will be done in Tripp County!

TODD COUNTY - I PETER

66 Books of the Bible Release to 66 Counties of South Dakota

  Our 60th county to pray for in South Dakota is Todd County, with the county lying entirely within the Rosebud Indian Reservation.  A branch of the Lakota people named Sicangu Oyate, meaning "Burnt Thigh Nation," reside here.  We release the book of I Peter to Todd County.  Todd County is one of two counties in SD that does not have its own county seat (Shannon County is the other).  The town of Winner in neighboring Tripp County serves as its administrative center.  This book written by Peter the apostle, offers genuine hope in a dark hour of suffering and persecution.  I Peter is a letter of encouragement of presenting Christ as the believer's example and hope during difficult times and thus leading them to glory.  Peter gives a marvelous equation:  Christian suffering + God's grace = glory.  Thus Peter is known as the apostle of hope. 

In I Peter we behold Jesus as the "chief corner stone", ". . . I lay in Zion a chief corner stone, elect, precious, and he that believes in him will by no means be put to shame" (2:6).  Jesus is seen in this book as our example:  ". . . Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps" (2:21).  Jesus is our Shepherd:  "For you were as sheep going astray, but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls" (2:25). 

Thank you Father that Your people of the Lakota nation on the Rosebud Reservation have found a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ in their lives (I Peter 1:3).   That they will not be put to shame as they cast all their cares upon You (5:7), and that their hope and true identity is found in the resurrected life of Jesus Christ. 

We call forth in the name of Jesus, the Lakota people’s true identity to be known, which is one of hope in a sure foundation of their Chief Cornerstone, Jesus Christ. And that the Shepherd and Bishop of their very souls be known to them in their Lord Christ Jesus, where they will find comfort, healing, and complete restoration and wholeness.  And that the trials the Lakota nation has faced in the past will not be compared to the Glory You will now reveal to them.  We pray that the trials and sufferings of the Lakota people have perfected, established, strengthened, and settled them in Your great Grace into Your Glory (5:10).

We declare that the Lakota people on the Rosebud Reservation in Todd County know that they are a chosen, precious, holy nation in Christ Jesus, and they are His spiritual house shining His Light into their land and people. "Coming to Him as to living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ" (I Peter 2:4-5).
"But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praise of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light" (I Peter 2:9).

Let your identity and destiny in Christ Jesus come into the fullness of the riches of His Glory!

SULLY COUNTY - JAMES

66 Books of the Bible Release to 66 Counties of South Dakota

 Our 59th county to pray for in South Dakota is Sully County, with the city of Onida being the county seat.  We release the book of James to Sully County.  The message of James is "Be a victor - not a victim," as tremendous emphasis is put on wisdom and maturity in God.  Utilizing wisdom similar to that found in Proverbs, James develops the theme of characteristics of true faith.  James deals with five basic problems faced by all Christians:  impatience in difficulties (1:1-14), talking but not living the truth (2:14), control of the tongue (3:1), fighting and coveting (4:1), and collecting material toys (5:1).  In chapter 5, James says that money talks and prayer talks. It deals with trouble and has many prayers in this chapter.  A mature Christian knows what to do in trouble - Pray!

Jesus is our wisdom for Christian maturity.  James refers to Him as the "Lord Jesus Christ" (James 1:1, 2:1) and anticipates His Second Coming (James 5:7, 8).  James is a wonderful book to lead Christians into spiritual maturity.  James wants you to look into the Word, see the truth, and not turn your back upon it.   Receive God's Word, and let it work in your life.  James is a powerful book, a book of wisdom for daily living. 

Thank you Father, that the people of Sully County are doers of your Word and not hearers only, moving in Your great wisdom and authority.  And that Your people in Sully County, are people of prayer. 
"But who looks into the perfect law of liberty, and continues in it, being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the Word, this man shall be blessed in his deed" (James 1:25).  "But be doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves" (James 1:22).

Father we pray in the name of Jesus, that the people of Sully County will continue to draw near and submit to You.  And in humility walk in Your ways and not the ways of the world. 
"Therefore submit to God.  Resist the devil and he will flee from you.  Dray near to God and He will draw near to you.  Cleanse your hand, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.  . . .  Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up" (James 4:7-8, 10).

Father we pray that the people in Sully County will move in the prayer of faith with healing and miracles in Your dynamic faith moving in dynamic works.  "Is anyone among you sick? . . . pray over him . . . And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up . . ." (James 5:13-15).

We declare over Sully County, Let the Life of Holy Spirit bring faith's works alive in you!