All that we were, all we are and all that we hope to be, is encapsulated in the unique Person of Jesus Christ. All that God has done, all that He is doing, and all He will continue to do in us, and for us is rooted and grounded in Christ – humanity’s great Champion. He alone can testify, Behold, I was dead, but now I am alive forevermore. He alone is worthy to bear the titles of ‘The faithful Witness’, ‘The Firstborn from the dead’ and ‘The Ruler of the kings of the earth’. Jesus holds these three positions from eternity past, even to its everlasting end.

During His sojourn on earth, Jesus was the faithful Witness, Who was sent by the Father to reveal Himself to us, in the Person and Work of Christ. He is ‘The Faithful Witness’, Who carried out His Father’s will, unswervingly. And He is faithful to complete the good work He has started in each of our lives. We can trust His word and His actions through time, and into the eternal ages to come.

He set aside His glory and put on human flesh, so that He could become the Firstborn from the dead. He is the first Man to rise from the grave, because He fulfilled all the righteous requirements of God’s perfect Law, on behalf of ALL who would believe on His name. Jesus became The Federal Head of God’s new and perfected creation, when He emerged from the grave as ‘The Firstborn from the Dead’.

Today, He acts as our great High Priest. He is the heavenly Mediator to all who trust His Word and place their faith in His Person and Work. He sits on His Father’s throne as the coming Prince of Peace, the returning Messiah of Israel and future King of kings and Lord of lords. He is the Heir Apparent of the promised Kingdom of God. HIS is the kingdom; HIS is the power, and HIS is the glory, forever and ever – Amen.

No other person is entirely worthy and no-one else so enduringly reliable as the LORD JESUS CHRIST. He alone bears faithful witness as God’s Prophet, Priest, and King. He alone is the appointed King of kings; Lord of lords; judge of the earth and Saviour of the world. Only through His blood do streams of saving grace wash the sinner clean.

He alone is the faithful and true witness Who loved us so much that He offered up His sinless life, so that His perfect peace could flood into the heart of all who trust in Him for salvation. By His sacrificial work and glorious resurrection, He has broken the power of sin and Satan, death and hell. in the lives of all who believe on Him. He is coming back in power and great glory, to judge the world in righteousness and truth.

The black heavens were rent, and the empty tomb stood witness, on that resurrection morn, accompanied by the climax of God’s majestic proclamation in Psalms: THIS DAY… this (resurrection) day have I begotten Thee. God’s Firstborn from the dead, smashed forever the chains that were enslaving humanity to sin and death and hell. Jesus Christ is that faithful witness, Who loved us as He hung on the cross – and He loves us still as He sits on the right hand of the Majesty of High.

Jesus Christ was, and is, and always will be this Faithful Witness, Who alone is the rightful King over the rulers of the earth, the appointed Prince over all heavenly authorities, the anointed Messiah of Israel and the perfect Man Who laid down His sinless life, so that whosoever believes on Him would not perish but have everlasting life.

Jesus Christ is the One Who took the punishment for us and washed us clean in the blood of the Lamb. He loosed the fetters that enchained us. As the Alpha and Omega He is the eternal Son, Who became is the Firstborn of the dead. He broke, forever, sins enslavement and set the captives free once and for all, and Jesus Christ is coming in the clouds as the rightful Judge of the earth – and at the name of JESUS every knee will one day bow.

Praise God that we can trust Him today and forever, for He alone is worthy.

Heavenly Father, I stand amazed and kneel in awe, as I consider Jesus, Your only begotten Son and the Firstborn from the dead. Thank You that His name is Faithful and True, and that He washed me clean in His cleansing blood and loves me with an everlasting love. Thank You that HE is ‘The Faithful Witness’ and ‘the Firstborn from the dead’. Thank You that JESUS is the Ruler of the kings of the earth, and turns them whichever way He chooses. Praise Your name for all You are, and all You have done in my life. Give me, I pray, a deeper understanding of this amazing love you have for all Your children. Use me today, and in the days ahead in Your service, and for Your praise and glory, until Jesus returns in the clouds for His Church. It is in HIS name I pray, AMEN.

God’s people are to be a praying people, united in Spirit and love, for we are one body, with one hope; one faith; one gospel; one Lord – one God and Father of us all. As the disciples of Christ waited for the promise from the Father, “they were all together, with one mind. They were continually devoting themselves to prayer, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus – and His brothers.” What a beautiful picture of the redeemed of Christ obeying His instructions and following His prayerful example.

There is no better example of God’s own, blood-bought children, continuing in devoted, persevering prayer and sustained supplication than this beautiful picture of the little flock of God on the days leading up to the great day of Pentecost, when the Church was born, the Spirit was given, the dispensation of Israel was placed on ‘hold’ for a season and the dispensation of the grace of God began.

They had been separated in the physical realm from the good Shepherd yet were waiting together in obedience, for the promised Comforter. He was to come in the Person of the gentle Spirit of holiness. He is with you and He will be IN you, were their Saviour’s comforting words to His confused disciples, the night before He was betrayed.

Their praying was no random thing, but had become their consistent occupation and constant employment. Their prayerfulness was rooted in their trust in Christ,  and their persistent praying exhibited the eternal hope they had in Him. They waited expectantly for the coming of the Holy Spirit.

You will be baptised with the Holy Spirit not many days from now, were the final words that were still ringing in their ears as, with one accord, they devoted themselves to prayer, together with Mary the mother of Jesus and the many faithful women who had devoted their heart to their Saviour. Day after day their faith did not waver as they continually devoted themselves to prayer, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.

Their interceding was no solitary, isolated existence for they were all united together in one place. They were pleading as from one heart. There was no conflicting attitude; discordant purpose; or divided interests for they were praying with one accord. They were praying in faith for Christ’s word to be fulfilled.

This little group of believers were calling out to God in concert harmony, and perfect union, with their heart-focused on Christ and His throne of grace. This was a chorus of people who had experienced the excruciating grief and intense pain of witnessing the deep agony and cruel death of their crucified Lord and Saviour – yet they were waiting in joyful anticipation.

This was the separated people, whose night of bitter weeping had been exchanged for a morning of joy. And together they experienced an inner thrill and expectant hope that their risen; ascended and glorified Lord would send the Holy Spirit not many days from that amazing moment, when they watched Jesus ascend up into heaven – only a few days earlier.

And so, in obedience to His command, this little band of disciples, were waiting in Jerusalem for the promise of the Father. They were all together in one place and with one mind. They were continually devoting themselves to prayer, along with the women – and even Mary the mother of Jesus, and His own brothers, who had ridiculed him throughout His ministry, were part of that praying company, as, with one mind, they hammered on heaven’s door.

God’s people are still to be a praying people, united in Spirit and love. We are still to be an expectant people as we watch and wait in unity of heart, for the any day return of Christ in the clouds for His Church. And although the enemy will continue to interfere with the unity of the spirit and disrupt our bond of peace… with divisive doctrines and critical attitudes, the Lord’s High Priestly prayer that they may be One, still remains true today.

Let us, in our various circumstances, whether we are physically isolated from other believers or not, revive in our hearts that spirit of undivided-unity, persistent-prayer. Let us stand firm on the promises of God and wait in earnest expectation for the imminent return of the Lord Jesus for his Church and let us foster that true heart-focus on Christ, which should permeate the lives of all believers until it is not I that live, but Christ that lives in me.

Loving Father, help me to turn the eyes of my heart towards You in an attitude of persistent-prayer as did those first disciples of Christ, on the days leading up to Pentecost. Thank You that I already have the indwelling Spirit of God with me and living within me… to lead and guide in all the difficulties that I am facing. Look down on Your people and instil in the hearts of all of us, that dear desire to be united in spirit and devoted to prayer, until Jesus comes. Lord, I pray that in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, I will hand all my cares to You, in Jesus’ name I pray, AMEN.

In Psalm 143, David laments his circumstances and feels that every step he takes is under attack from his enemies, who are persecuting his soul. He feels that his life is being pounded and pulverised into the ground. He complains that he is being forced to be entombed in dark places, like those that are already in the grave, and he cries out for the Lord to hear his supplication and to answer him, because God is faithful and righteous.

David pleads his own wretchedness and implores God’s goodness to direct and govern his ways. “My spirit is overwhelmed within me,” he cries “My heart is appalled within me. But I remember the days of old. I meditate on all Your doings. I muse on the work of Your hands. I stretch out my hands to You – my soul longs for You, as a parched land longs for water”.

As with so many of David’s prayers and petitions, these verses feed the hungry soul, restore the fainting spirit, minister to those that feel overwhelmed by life’s circumstances, and encourage a believer’ heart. In his distress, David entreats the listening ear of his faithful Saviour, and we need to do the same. He cried out for mercy, as the enemy sought to crush his soul in death’s deep darkness – and we should similarly cry to the Lord in our distresses.

David’s spirit is faint, his heart dismayed. His soul is as dry as a thirsty desert where there is no water, and yet he starts to recall the days of old. He meditates on the past goodness of God and remembers the wonders of His handiwork, which encourages his fainting heart. David is a man of faith who knows that God is mindful of man and Who has promised to care for His people. However, like us, David often found himself crying out in desperation to the Lord, in times of deep distress and danger.

David always found that his dark nights of distress and discouragement were displaced by mornings of joyous praises, which enlivened his heart to seek God’s perfect will, and so David acknowledges his dependence upon God, and petitions the Lord for direction – entreating the Spirit of enlightenment to guide him onto level ground, where he may walk without fear or danger. “Teach me to do Your will,” he prays, “for You are my God. Let Your good Spirit lead me on level ground”.

The distress that David is going through often translates into the deep darkness that floods into our heart, as the Accuser of our soul seeks to destroy our testimony, shipwreck our lives, drown us in sorrow, and batter us with bitter whirlwinds that whip up the tides of discontent.

But those that confess knowledge of God’s will ,and are obedient to His Word, have the sufficient grace to weather the most raging storm and to water the most arid of dusty deserts. God’s grace is sufficient and He is faithful. He has promised that He will not allow us to be tested more than we are able, but in the power of His Holy Spirit, will always hear our prayer and give us a way to overcome in all things.

Like David, we all need guidance from the Lord and we all need His Spirit to teach us His ways and guide us into all truth. We also need to stand on His faithful promises and be comforted that He is the righteous Judge of all. Like David, we should foster a teachable spirit and be ready to call out to Him in times of trouble, as well as rejoice in times of blessing. And as we read in Psalm 143 we should confess our faith in Him and ask for the Holy Spirit to lead us – on a level land.

Like the Psalmist, we should call out to God for deliverance from our enemies, rely on His restoration when attacked, and depend on His sufficient grace to help in time of need. We should be ready and willing to admit our weaknesses and combine humility of heart with a soul that trusts in the Lord with our whole being, and does not rely on our own understanding. May we acknowledge Him in ALL things, knowing that He will teach us His will and lead us in His paths of perfect peace.

Loving Father, teach me to do Your will and always to remember Your former goodness, knowing that in all things You are a loving and faithful God, Who has promised to uphold me with Your righteous right hand. Lead me onto level ground I pray, so that I may pass safely through all the changing scenes of this life, knowing that joy always comes in the morning. Guide me aright that I may say and do all that is pleasing in Your sight and may my life glorify Your holy name, in Jesus’ name I pray, AMEN.

The returning exiles held a great celebration when the first section of the Temple was completed. They had worked hard and happily to construct the Temple foundations, and the whole congregation rejoiced together. The priests stood in their priestly apparel with trumpets raised, and the Levites joined in the triumphant chorusa, banging loud cymbals. Together the congregation praised the LORD just as David the king had directed.

“The Lord is good. His lovingkindness is upon Israel forever”, was the ecstatic song they sang. It must have been wonderful to see the people singing praises to God and offering thanksgiving for His faithfulness, in bringing them back to the Promised Land. The noise of their grateful thanks could be heard far away, and it alerted their neighbours to the success of the Israelite’s building programme.

Far from rejoicing, because of their success, Israel’s mean-spirited neighbours, who had settled in the land during their time of exile, were dismayed with the progress that had been made, in the rebuilding of the Temple. They sought to disrupt the next building phase, by offering to join in the rebuilding project, so that they could hamper any progress from within!

However, Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and the rest of the heads of fathers’ households refused to allow them to work alongside the Israelites, for to do so would have compromised their covenant with the Lord, Who charged His people to be a holy nation, and to separate themselves from all their pagan neighbours. “You have nothing in common with us in building a house to our God,” Zerubbabel told them, “but we ourselves will together build to the LORD God of Israel, as King Cyrus, the king of Persia has commanded us.”

The leadership were correct in this decision, but their neighbours felt slighted. Their pride had been wounded, and so Israel’s enemies redoubled their efforts to hamstring the rebuilding project… and we read, “Then the people of the land discouraged the people of Judah, and frightened them from building. They hired counsellors against them to frustrate their counsel, all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia.” 

The onslaught of the enemy was continuous and relentless. Their first assault on Israel came through discouragement and fear… but from then on the enemy engaged in an ongoing, long-term and relentless attack, which caused the people of Israel to become greatly discouraged and fearful.

Discouragement and fear are two of the main weapons in the satanic armoury of our enemies. The first step is to dishearten God’s people – to crush their spirit, depress their soul, demoralise their confidence in God, and dash their hopes into the ground. Once someone has become downhearted, disappointed and despondent, the next weapon is fear.

Fear is the opposite of faith, for when fear increases it causes faith to decrease – and when faith stands firm on the promises of God, fear flees far away, just as Scripture teaches. ‘RESIST the enemy’. is the instruction from James, the apostle. “Submit to God. Resist the devil, and if you do, the enemy will flee from you.”

The Church today is the Body of Christ, which is being built into a spiritual Temple and the onslaught against believers, in this Church dispensation, has been continuous and relentless. But just as Israel discovered that praise and worship is a fundamental key, in fulfilling God’s work and discouragement and fear are tools the enemy uses to prevent spiritual effectiveness, we must also recognise this truth, and take steps to deal with it.

Just like the Israelites, in Zerubbabel’s day, we are to come out from among them and be separate. We are not to compromise our faith by joining in the world’s frivolities, nor are we to embrace worldly endeavours or fleshly standards, in our Christian work and witness – to do so gives the enemy a foothold, which will cause us to fall prey to the enemy’s attacks.

The biblical way to dispel fear is to rejoice in the Lord, no matter what difficulties or dangers we face. Paul tells us to “rejoice always, pray without ceasing and in everything give thanks, for this is God’s will for us”. He knows that the joy of the Lord is our strength and that depression and fear are an enemy of our soul, and tools the devil will use to shipwreck our faith.

May we resist the devil – whether he comes to us as an angel of light or a roaring lion, for his singular aim is to prevent us from finishing the good work that God has prepared for us to do. May we trust in the Lord with ALL our heart and not lean on our own understanding, for the Lord KNOWS the path we take, and has scheduled every day of our life for our eternal good and for His greater glory. May we run the race that is set before us looking to JESUS, the Author and Finisher of our faith.

As we read through the Old Testament, as well as the New, may we recognise the lessons God would have us to learn. May we foster a teachable spirit and develop a willingness to put the lessons we learn into practice, as we occupy until Jesus comes, so that we may finish the good work that God has prepared for us to do and hear Him say – well done good and faithful servant.

Heavenly Father, thank You that I am part of the Body of Christ and together, with other believers, are being built into a spiritual Temple for Your greater glory. Keep me from falling prey to discouragement and fear, for I realise that they are counter-productive to a fruitful Christian life. I pray that I may rejoice with all the saints and worship before Your throne, knowing that the joy of the Lord strengthens the inner man and helps us to grow in grace and in a knowledge of Jesus. I pray that I may submit my life to you and be ready to resist the devil, whether he comes as an angel of light or a roaring lion, and I pray that I may finish the good work that You have prepared for me to do, for my eternal benefit and Your greater glory – this I ask in Jesus’ name, AMEN.

Christ’s sermon on the mount covers every area of godly living and right thinking. Unlike the Mosaic Law, it is not a series of rules and regulations. It is not a list of instructions on ‘do’s’ and ‘don’ts’. His sermon was an authoritative teaching, that laid out general principles for life and living. These principles can be applied to every facet of life and are relevant in every situation we may encounter.

Jesus had come to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. He came as the Messiah of Israel and King of the Jews. He cme to set up the millennial kingdom on earth. The instructions He gave in his sermon, set out the standard, that would be required of all citizens under His rulership. “Whatever you want others to do for you, do also the same for them”, was the core of Christ’s golden rule for His subjects, which succinctly embraced the entire teachings of the Law and the Prophets.

Much of Christ’s sermon on the mount was scathing towards the Scribes, Pharisees, and Rulers of the people. It contained many critical comments about the religious teacher and their legalistic attitude. He accused them of a “do as I say and not as I do”, attitude, which was the antithesis of Christ’s principles and practices for godly living and right-thinking.

Jesus was teaching the people that it is not what you DO that will get you into His kingdom but what you BELIEVE. It is not what you DO that earns you salvation, but in Whom you believe. Salvation cannot be earned. It can only be received as a free gift from God. Jesus was teaching that redemption from the slave-market of this world, into the freedom of Christ’s millennial kingdom, depends on what you believe and not what you do. Salvation is conditions on faith in Christ and not one’s personal merit or good works.

Jesus was  actually presenting TWO ways to be saved, but only ONE is possible for the fallen race of men. EITHER, live a sinless life by keeping the entire Law OR believe on the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation. The first way was shown to Israel through the Mosaic Law. Only perfection in everything, including actions, attitudes, words and motives, towards God and others is sufficient to gain salvation. But ALL have sinned. All fall short of God’s glory. All have broken God’s perfect Law. All are condemned and all need a Saviour.

No one in the entire human race can reach the standard of perfection that God requires, and the Mosaic Law was given to Israel to demonstrate this truth. The Law was given to show that righteousness is not something that can be earned through merit or gained through good works, because the perfect Law is impossible for imperfect man to achieve.

Christ’s sermon was designed to show that entrance into His kingdom did not only depend on good works but a pure heart and godly motives – none of which are attainable by fallen humanity. Jesus was showing that the only way to enter the kingdom of heaven and participate in Christ’s millennial rule on the earth is to be saved. We are saved by grace through faith in JESUS CHRIST, and this is non-negotiable.

The Lord Jesus is one and only righteous man, Who has ever walked this earth. There are many that attempt to make it into the kingdom through their own ability, education, good works, bank balance, and religiosity. There are many who think that a pious attitude and generous giving is sufficient to grant access into Christ’s kingdom. The Jews proudly considered that their Jewish heritage automatically granted them this favour – but Jesus corrected this thinking by teaching “the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.” 

Christ was showing that the outward righteousness and excessive religiosity of the Pharisees was a broad road that leads to hell. Those who attempt to get into heaven through their own merit are on a path to destruction, “for the gate is small and the way is narrow, that leads to life,” was Christ’s sober lesson, and there are few who find it.

The proud legalists of Christ day and the self-righteous religious-minded men, who commended themselves on keeping the letter of the Law, had missed the whole point of the Old Testament Law and Prophets. They refused to recognise their Messiah. They dismissed His teaching and would not heed the truth from One Who said, “I AM the way. I AM the truth; I AM the life – no man comes to the Father except through ME”.

Today there are still proud, legalistic self-righteous, religious-minded men and women who are blinded to the narrow WAY that leads to life. There are many that refuse to accept the TRUTH and do not find the path that leads to LIFE everlasting. It is not God’s will that any should perish but that all should come to faith in Christ. May we be ready and willing to speak the TRUTH in LOVE to those that are lost in their own, self-importance, and by God’s grace may some be snatch from the broad path that leads to destruction.

Heavenly Father, thank You that in Your grace, You brought me to an understanding that the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life Thank You, that by faith in Christ, I have found the Way to life and discovered Him to be the truth of the glorious gospel of grace. I pray that You would have pity on those that remain dead in their sin. Have mercy on those who through pride, and their own self-sufficiency, have not yet found the narrow way that leads to life. Use me, I pray, in whatever way You choose, to speak the truth in love, to those who are on the broad way to destruction, and bring many into Your kingdom this day, I pray – in Jesus’ name, AMEN.

It is not so much faith that is important but the One in Whom you place your trust. Some people trust in chariots and some in world leaders. Some trust in themselves, their finances, their family ties or their talents. Some trust in their education, their personality, their artistic abilities or performing lots of good works.. but what is important is trusting Jehovah-Nissi, (the Lord our banner) for He has promised to fight for us, when our enemies come in like a flood.

What is necessary for life and living, and for death and dying, is our hope in God. The strength that is needed for today and the blessed hope we have in the world to come is a heart that trusts in Christ, and relies on His sufficient grace and mighty strength. Every person we know and each security in which we place our trust, will one day let us down – including reliance on our own strength and abilities. What is needed is a willingness to admit our need and have a dependent trust on God, to supply all we need according to His riches in glory.

In Exodus, the Lord revealed Himself to Israel as Jehovah-Nissi, (the Lord our banner). The people of God had just escaped from Egypt. They were no fighting army. They had no experience of defeating a fierce enemy. But they had been brought out of slavery by God, Who provided food for their bodies and led them in the wilderness by pillars of fire and smoke. The menacing army they faced carried a victorious standard at the head of battalions of fierce, fighting men, which was meant to intimidate their opponents.

It was as they journeyed through the wilderness that the Amalekites came and fought against Israel at Rephidim, and Moses said to Joshua, “Choose men for us and go out, fight against Amalek, and tomorrow I will station myself on the top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand“. “Trust in God to deliver you, was Moses’ instruction.

While Moses held up the Staff of God, Israel prevailed, but whenever he put his hand down, Amalek prevailed, so Aaron and Hur held up the tired arms of Moses until the Amalak’s army was defeated. On that day, God revealed Himself as Jehovah-Nissi, (the Lord our banner), “and Moses built an altar and named it The LORD is My Banner“.

As Israel’s armies fought Amalek, on the field of conflict in the physical realm.. so Moses battled the adversary in a parallel sphere, through spiritual warfare. As the Israelites fought their physical enemy with sword and spear, so Moses battled a spiritual enemy in the heavenly realm – through prayer and intercession. Moses defied the satanic realm as he held the Standard of God in his hand. What faith was demonstrated by Moses, Aaron, Hur, Joshua and the entire army of God. They trusted Him to fight for them, and He did not disappoint.

As Israel raised weapons of war against their bitter foe, so Moses lifted high the Rod of the LORD against the principalities and powers in heavenly places. The earthly foe could only be overcome in the spiritual realm. Victory or defeat of Joshua’s army would be determined by the effective prayer of Israel’s faithful watchman.. for the effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much – the effective prayer of a REDEEMED man.

Just as soldiers raise their battle standards high, proclaiming allegiance to king and country, so Moses lifted up His Banner to the Lord. Moses raised up the Rod of God to proclaim Whose they were, Who was their true Champion and in Whom they trusted. The Lord God was their Defence and Defender, and so they fought under the authority, direction and power of God, Who from that day on, became to Israel, Jehovah-Nissi: The Lord Is My Banner.

The arms of Moses grew weary and the legs of this prayer-warrior weakened as he travailed in intercession for those in his care. Spiritual warfare is intense, and the arm of flesh fails when we face the enemy’s onslaught in our own strength. But Aaron and Hur joined forces with Moses as together they raised high the standard of God, and the armies of Israel continued to battle the Amalekites with swords and spears. The weary arms of Moses were held aloft until sunset, against spiritual wickedness in high places, for only as he interceded for Israel was Joshua’s victory secure.

It was as Moses prayed for the people of Israel that the enemy was overcome. Although he grew weary and rested his exhausted body on a Stone, Moses kept the rod of the Lord lifted up in prayer, so that we finally read: Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.

We too fight under the same standard, for Christ is our Banner. Jesus is our Jehovah-Nissi. His is the Standard under which we stand and the Commander Whom we obey. We too, lift high the name of Jesus, for He is our Rod and our Staff. We too rest our weary soul in Him for His is the Rock of our salvation – and He is our Strong Tower, to Whom we flee for safety. The Lord is our Banner – the Lord is MY Banner.

Like the armies of Israel under the leadership of Joshua, we are not to rely on our own strength, for Christ’s strength is sufficient for all the difficulties and dangers we may face. He is the One upon Whom we are to cast our heavy burdens and rest our weary souls for Jesus won every spiritual battle we will face, when He proclaimed from the cross – It is finished.

Thank You, Father, for the spiritual lessons I can learn from the faithful saints like Moses and Joshua, Aaron and Hur. May I recognise that in everything, Jesus is all I need, and that under Your banner I can face the future in full assurance and peace. I pray that my prayers and intercessions will be underpinned by Jesus, the Rock of my Salvation, the Hope of the whole earth and the Standard with Whom I am identified. With every passing day, I pray that I may trust in Him, stand against the enemy in prayer and intercession, and be upheld in truth, through Jesus Christ, my God and Saviour, in Whose name I pray, AMEN.