Week of January 23
Faith and Love
"Whom having not seen, you love; into whom though not seeing Him at present, yet believing, you exult with joy that is unspeakable and full of glory." (1 Pet. 1:8)
"Looking away unto Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith…" (Heb. 12:2)
"For in Christ Jesus… faith avails, operating through love." (Gal. 5:6)
Faith and love are two inseparable, excellent virtues of the believers in Christ. Faith is for appreciating, substantiating, and receiving the unlimited riches of the Triune God. Faith is given to us by God so that by it we may receive Christ, the embodiment of the Triune God, and thereby enter into the Triune God and be joined to Him as one, having Him as our life, life supply, and everything.
Love is for experiencing, enjoying, and living out the immeasurably rich Triune God. Love issues out of faith and enables us to live out all the riches of the Triune God in Christ with those who have believed into Christ with us in order that the Triune God may have a glorious corporate expression.
We need to develop and perfect our faith in the Lord and our love for Him—the One whom we have not seen. We love Him whom we have not seen because of believing, that is, because of the faith that has been infused into us through our hearing of the living word. (Meeting God's Need and Present Needs in the Lord's Recovery, msg. 3, II.A, B-B.1, C-C.1, I, A.1.b)
Church in Los Angeles
As we continue our transition toward in-person gatherings in our respective meeting places, let us look to the Lord for doing so safely without fear or anxiety. Let us continue to pray for one another and for more saints to be shepherded back to the enjoyment of in-person meetings and "face-to-face" fellowship (2 John 12). May the Lord gain our true worship and receive all the glory!
Atlanta – Meeting Hall
In June 2020, during a period of social unrest, the meeting hall of the church in Atlanta, Georgia was set on fire by arson; 95% of the building interior was damaged.
The church in Atlanta plays a strategic role in southeast region as many regional and extra-regional conferences are held at its meeting hall. Rather than merely restoring the hall, through fellowship it seems prudent to enlarge the footprint and perform certain upgrades to meet the Lord's present and future needs; such as expanding the conference capacity to 1,500 and adding a 10,000 sq. foot second floor for children's meetings and classrooms. The total project cost is $9 million; $5.5 million are still needed.
Please pray for the timely progress of this building project and for the financial need to be met. As the Lord leads, saints may give through the church in LA with designation for 'Atlanta Meeting Hall' or directly at http://meetinghall.churchinatlanta.org.
Baltic-Nordic Conference
The upcoming Online Baltic-Nordic Conference from January 28 to 30 will be hosted by the churches in the Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania). Five selected messages from the recent semiannual training on 1 and 2 Samuel will be ministered. It is a wonderful opportunity not only to be constituted with the truth, but also for the Russian- and English-speaking saints to be blended for the building up of the Body of Christ.
Please pray for the Lord's rich blessing on this time of fellowship, and pray that many saints will be able to participate in this online conference.
Cairo, Egypt
Living Stream Ministry and the Arabic publication work in Cairo will be presenting all our Arabic ministry books and booklets (over 80 titles) at the upcoming 2022 Cairo International Book Fair, to be held January 27 through February 7. This year we have been given a corner booth, which means more foot traffic and more opportunity for contacting seekers. Thank the Lord for this provision.
Please pray for this book fair, asking the Lord to bring His chosen ones to the booth, to open their hearts to His Word in the ministry, and to give the serving ones a door of utterance to speak forth all the words of this life. A report from last year's Cairo Book Fair is here.
Announcements
- Morning Revival: Week 3 of Meeting God's Need and Present Needs in the Lord's Recovery.
- All-LA Prayer Meeting: A recording of the fellowship on young people and college students from the all-LA prayer meeting on 1/11 may be viewed in English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean.
- Living Stream Ministry: The January digital newsletter includes a consideration of pray-reading the Word of God and an introduction to a new print series, Historical Evaluations of Christian Thought.
- Free e-Booklets: Living Stream Ministry has made a series of free e-booklets available to read and share with others at http://www.lsm.org/booklets.
- Ways to Give: Information about the church's online giving platform, Subsplash, and where to mail checks, are at http://www.churchinlosangeles.org/members/offerings.
Prayer, Week of January 9
Cooperating and Working with God for His Will and Purpose
"Set your mind on the things which are above, not on the things which are on the earth." (Col. 3:2)
"Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is." (Eph. 5:17)
"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." (1 Cor. 15:58)
God can carry out on earth what He has planned in heaven only when He has people who will cooperate with Him. God needs to gain people on earth who will cooperate with Him and work with Him according to His mind. As long as there are those who are of the same mind as God and are willing to work with Him, God's work will be carried out on earth.
As members of Christ's organic, mystical Body, we are either expressing Him or limiting Him. The Lord needs to bring us to the point where we have nothing to hinder Him from doing whatever He wills. Once the Lord has brought us to a place of total responsiveness to Him, He will have a free and unhindered way to accomplish His will. Then there will be nothing that God cannot do to carry out His purpose on earth. (Meeting God's Need and Present Needs in the Lord's Recovery, msg. 1, I.A.1-2, B.3.a-b)
College Students in Los Angeles
Although UCLA and USC have postponed the start of in-person classes until at least the end of January, a good number of students are already in Los Angeles and able to gather for fellowship. CSUN starts towards the end of January as well. Please pray that:
- The students would not be discouraged but would enjoy the Lord from the very start of their semester/quarter.
- We would have solid follow-up with many new students from last quarter/semester, quickly re-establishing regular fellowship with them.
- Students could be further connected with community saints in small groups and brought into the church life.
- We have the proper balance of safe yet engaging activities for the students in light of the pandemic.
Young People in Los Angeles
Let us stand with our young people in prayer as they continue to navigate the effects of the pandemic on their lives, education, and mental health. Please pray for the following matters:
- On Tuesday, January 11, LAUSD begins its spring semester. Other schools in the Los Angeles area have already begun or will be starting shortly as well. Pray that the Lord would be peace to the young people from all anxiety, cover their health and safety, and shine brightly from them to their classmates.
- From February 11 to 13 there will be a hybrid YP Blending Conference for the young people across Southern California. Pray for the preparation of this conference, and that it would be an encouragement for all of our young people to go on in the Lord together.
SoCal Spanish-speaking Conference
The Southern California Spanish-speaking conference is this weekend, January 14 and 15. Conference meetings are 7:30 pm Friday, and 4:00 and 7:00 pm Saturday, spoken in Spanish with translation to English. Conference outlines and the Zoom link will be available Wednesday at http://www.socalspanish.org. There is also a meeting for children and parents from 11:00 to 11:45 am Saturday at the same Zoom link, in English with translation to Spanish; the subject is "God Cares for Us." Unlike other years, the YP blending conference will not be held simultaneously, but will be February 11 to 13.
Pray that the Lord bless this time with His presence and with His fresh speaking full of life and light.
Announcements
- Morning Revival: Week 1 of Meeting God's Need and Present Needs in the Lord's Recovery.
- Free e-Booklets: Living Stream Ministry has made their rainbow booklets available as free e-booklets to read and to share with others. They are at http://www.lsm.org/lifes-principle where there is a menu with links to six more e-booklets.
- Living Stream Ministry: The December digital newsletter explains the significance of crystallization-studies, a report on the Recovery Version translation in India, and helpful videos on getting the most out of the Recovery Version App.
- Lord's Move to Europe: Please visit http://amanatrust.org.uk/page/reports for video and written updates on Europe prepared for the recent December Semiannual Training.
- Ways to Give: Information about the church's online giving platform, Subsplash, and where to mail checks, are at http://www.churchinlosangeles.org/members/offerings.
Prayer, Week of December 26
Prevailing and Consecrating Prayers for God's Goal
"Your kingdom come; Your will be done, as in heaven, so also on earth." (Matt. 6:10)
"For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." (Rom. 14:17)
In 1 and 2 Samuel we can see that the Triune God with His embodiment and redemption was fully involved with bringing forth Samuel and David so that the kingdom of God might be brought in. It is crucial for us to see that the Triune God is involved with us today, operating in us to accomplish His will, fulfill His purpose, and satisfy the desire of His heart.
In 1 and 2 Samuel the good land enjoyed by those who cooperated with God became the kingdom of God. In our cooperation with God we need to enjoy Christ to such an extent that our enjoyment of Christ becomes the kingdom of God, in which we reign in life with Christ.
There is no other way to reach the high peak of God's eternal economy, the reality of the Body of Christ, except by praying. Our becoming the overcomers as the reality of the Body of Christ to be the bride of Christ will close this age, the age of the church, and will bring Christ as the King of glory back to take, possess, and rule over this earth with His overcomers in the kingdom age.
There is an urgent need for some to pray prevailing prayers for God's goal, as Hannah did, and for qualified ones to be like Samuel—a Nazarite, a priest, a prophet, and the last judge— who was used by God to terminate the confused situation among God's people and bring in the king and the kingdom. (Crystallization-study of 1 and 2 Samuel, key statements 1-2; msg. 1, I.D.2.a-b, III.A)
Pray for many saints to be motivated by God sovereignly and secretly to pray desperate, consecrated, and consecrating prayers, and to pray prevailing prayers to bring in the kingdom.
The First Place in All Things
"He is the Head of the Body, the church; He is the beginning, the Firstborn from the dead, that He Himself might have the first place in all things." (Col. 1:18)
There is much information on the internet, some good, some false, about the pandemic. And it is easier on our natural being to stay home and meet by Zoom. But, let us pray that every saint make a decision about returning to in-person meetings by giving the Lord the headship, the first place.
Hall 1 and Hall 2 Retreats
This weekend, from December 31 to January 2, the Korean-speaking saints from Hall 1, District 1 will have a retreat at Oak Glen. The fellowship for the meetings will be on receiving the burden, seeing the vision, and taking action for the increase and propagation of the church. The first session will cover the significance of being a Hebrew to cross the river. The second session will unveil the vision of God's economy and the normal way of fruit-bearing and shepherding to build up the church. The third session will be a call to action as a branch in the vine, slave, witness, priest, and God's offering.
Please pray for the spirit of each saint to be stirred up and for all to receive the same burden for God's move among the Korean-speaking people in 2022.
At the same time, also at Oak Glen, Hall 2 will have a retreat for all languages. The burden is for all the saints to know that the gospel is a corporate matter in which we can all participate with our companions and in our small groups. We are expecting 81 saints (including college and YP) and 21 children to attend.
Please pray for the blending of all the saints so that way may enter into the burden of the gospel together in one accord. Pray for the boldness of all to enter into the basic truths so that we would have the cargo to unload as we participate in the gospel corporately.
The Church in Downey – First Lord's Table Meeting
We rejoice in the Lord to announce the establishment of the church in Downey. The church will hold its first Lord's Table meeting on January 2, 2022 from 10:00 am to noon.
The Lord's move in Downey began in 2019 with prayer, gospel outreach in parks and by door-knocking, and home meetings. A couple and a family moved to Downey that year and another couple in 2020. Today, over 25 saints meet in Downey as a district of the church in East Los Angeles. The saints have in-person meetings, some hybrid, as well as fully virtual meetings to meet the needs of the new ones.
May the Lord bless this beginning of the church in Downey, a local expression of the one Body of Christ, through the churches blending together in one accord on January 2. If you would like to participate in this meeting virtually, click here or use Zoom Meeting ID 752 567 1205.
Bibles for America
As 2021 draws to a close, our hearts are full of thanks to the Lord for all He's done through BfA. Despite the challenges related to the ongoing pandemic, we believe God has been working behind the scenes to stir up a hunger for His Word in people.
We invite you to read our "2021 Year in Review" report at bfa.org/2021 to get an overview of what the Lord has accomplished through BfA, including reaching many people in the US with free Bibles and people all over the world with Christian e-books.
In addition, a recording of the webinar from December 19, "Preaching the Gospel and Teaching the Truth with BfA Materials," is now available to view at http://bfa.org/videos/webinar-recording-dec2021 with password gospelandtruth.
May God's Word continue to spread throughout this country and bring true peace and satisfaction to people everywhere. May He gain our cooperation to preach the gospel and teach the truth.
European Winter School of Truth
This year's European Winter School of Truth is taking place this week from December 26 to 31, with most of the dozen or so regions offering either in-person or online options. The subject is "God's Full Salvation." One burden is to emphasize small groups in the homes, and we believe that the Lord can do much in our households to gain what He is after.
Please pray for the saints preparing for the WST, the willingness of all the YP and parents to participate, and for the Lord's specific shepherding of each one.
North Africa
North Africa continues to require much prayer. Cairo, Egypt remains the only lampstand in the region. We believe that the Lord desires to spread His testimony in North Africa. We ask all the saints to stand in oneness with the Lord and join us in prayer for raising up many more lampstands in this region.
The Arabic publication work in Cairo has produced several new ministry titles, including volumes of Life-study messages. Such ministry material has proven to be quite attractive to Arabic readers. The current priority of the publication work is the Arabic NT Recovery Version project. We praise the Lord that He is raising up new translators.
To read more about the church life in Cairo, see the December issue of the Lord's Move to Africa newsletter in English or Chinese at http://www.lmafrica.org.
Announcements
- Morning Revival: Week 1 of Material Offerings and the Lord's Move.
Monday, January 3: Week 2 of Material Offerings and the Lord's Move.
Monday, January 10: begin Meeting God's Need and Present Needs in the Lord's Recovery. - Lord's Move to Europe: Please visit http://amanatrust.org.uk/page/reports for video and written updates on Europe prepared for the recent December Semiannual Training.
- Living Stream Ministry: The December digital newsletter explains the significance of crystallization-studies, a report on the Recovery Version translation into seven languages in India, and a helpful videos on getting the most out of the Recovery Version App.
- Ways to Give: Information about the church's online giving platform, Subsplash, and where to mail checks, are at http://www.churchinlosangeles.org/members/offerings.
Prayer, Week of December 12
Let Us Exhibit Christ!
"Make a joyful noise to Jehovah, all the earth. Serve Jehovah with rejoicing; come before His presence with joyful singing." (Psa. 100:1-2)
Our meetings are not religious gatherings, in which one person is the pastor and the rest are "pew members." Instead, they are the gathering of the living members of Christ, who continually experience, enjoy, and live Christ as their everything. Whenever we come together, we come with our portion of Christ in a joyful and exulting way. Sometimes we can be joyful in a quiet yet living way. However, just as parents like to see their children being joyful and active, God often desires that His people make a joyful noise to Him, proclaiming, "Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!" (CWWL, 1968, vol. 2, p. 371)
Taking the Way of Life by Living by the Sense of Life
"For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the spirit is life and peace." (Rom. 8:6)
"Enter in through the narrow gate… Because narrow is the gate and constricted is the way that leads to life, and few are those who find it." (Matt. 7:13-14)
With Joshua, Caleb, and all the judges we see the move of God in power. In contrast, the book of Ruth is a book of life. In the Lord's recovery we should not take the way of the judges to be powerful and to do a great work. If we take the way of power instead of the way of life, whatever we accomplish will mean nothing. It is crucial for us to see that only life can bring forth Christ. This was accomplished by Ruth and Boaz, persons of life, who took the way of life.
The divine life is the highest life, with the richest, strongest, and keenest feeling. This feeling is the sense of life. The sense of life guides us, governs us, controls us, and directs us, causing us to know whether we are living in the divine life or in the natural life and whether we are living in the flesh or in the spirit. We need to live by the sense of life—the feeling, the consciousness, of the divine life within us. (Crystallization-Study of Joshua, Judges, and Ruth, msg. 12, I.A-D, D.2, VI.B, C, VI)
May all the saints learn to live by the sense of life to take the way of life and remain on this way!
December 2021 Semiannual Training
The Semiannual Video Training for Los Angeles will be held online beginning next Monday, December 20. The training will cover 1 and 2 Samuel.
Ask the Lord to prepare all who have registered to be good listeners and absorbers of the word, and to participate as much as possible in study times. Pray that through this training the Triune God will operate more in His people to accomplish His will, fulfill His purpose, and satisfy the desire of His heart.
FTTA Graduation
"Because out from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen" (Rom. 11:36). The virtual graduation for the FTTA Fall Class of 2021 is this Saturday, December 18 at 10:00 am, followed by a recognition of the FTTA-XB (Boston Extension) at 12:00 pm. The video links will be at http://www.ftta.org. Please pray for the Lord's leading of:
- all 50 FTTA and 6 XB graduating trainees to follow the Lamb wherever He may go;
- the brothers in planning for how the Spring term would be carried out; and
- many college graduates and young working saints to answer God's call to go to the FTTA next term.
BfA Webinar
This past year has been challenging on many fronts and has highlighted man's desperate need for God. In light of the present situation, Bibles for America will host a special webinar with a particular word spoken concerning the Lord's commission to the church to proclaim the gospel and teach the truth.
You are warmly invited to attend this Zoom webinar on Lord's Day, December 19 from 3:00 to 3:45 pm. As an aid to the saints to participate in the Lord's commission, we will go over how to acquire BfA materials such as gospel tracts, NTs, and books to give away. We will also review how the Lord has made a way for BfA to continue reaching people with God's Word in 2021.
To attend live or to be notified of the recording afterward, please register here.
Kentucky
A very large tornado went across Kentucky on Saturday. At least 70 people, perhaps more than 100, died and a large number of buildings were destroyed. None of the destruction was near Lexington or Louisville, where the two churches in the recovery are located. Please pray for the Lord to comfort all who were affected and to bring them to full salvation.
European Winter School of Truth
This year's Winter School of Truth for young people will be organized regionally and run locally, with most of the dozen or so regions offering an in-person or online option from December 26 to 31. The subject is "God's Full Salvation." Parents are encouraged to register and participate, because the different arrangement for the truth school this year has enabled us to emphasize small groups in the homes, and we believe that the Lord can do much in our households to gain what He is after.
Please pray for the saints preparing for the WST, the willingness of all the YP and parents to participate, and for the Lord's specific shepherding of each one.
Announcements
- Morning Revival: Week 12 of Crystallization-study of Joshua, Judges, and Ruth, vol. 2. Beginning December 27, we will use Material Offerings and the Lord's Move for two weeks, then proceed to Meeting God's Need and Present Needs in the Lord's Recovery.
- Wednesday Night Ministry Meeting: Live broadcast this Wednesday beginning at 7:25 pm at http://lsm.org/live in English, Spanish, Chinese, and Korean. Outlines will be posted on the same site.
- Living Stream Ministry: The November digital newsletter contains enlightening reports on the publication work in Africa, the impact of the pandemic on LSM feasts, and the purpose and usefulness of The Holy Word for Morning Revival series.
- Children's Work Conference: Recordings of the November 13 sessions are available for all parents and serving ones at http://scyp.com/children. Translations into Chinese, Korean, and Spanish are available.
- Ways to Give: Information about the church's online giving platform, Subsplash, and where to mail checks, are at http://www.churchinlosangeles.org/members/offerings.
Prayer, Week of November 28
Living in and with the Divine Trinity
"The water that I will give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into eternal life." (John 4:14b)
"I am the vine; you are the branches. He who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing." (John 15:5)
To live in the Divine Trinity is to abide in Him, to remain in Him, to dwell in Him as our home. To live with the Divine Trinity is for Him to abide in us so that we may have His presence, His person, with us for our enjoyment. To live with the Divine Trinity is to have the resurrected Christ living in us. Resurrection means that everything is of God and not of us, that God alone is able and we are not able, and that everything is done by God, not by ourselves.
We need to pray that the Spirit of reality would guide us into all the reality of the divine economy with the divine dispensing of the Divine Trinity in the divine move and in our experience. We need to be those who live in and with the Divine Trinity, having Him as the very substance and element of our living. (Thanksgiving Conference, Key Statements 1 and 2; msg. 1, III)
Please pray that the Lord's hand will follow His word spoken in this conference to gain a people in His recovery who have the full experience and enjoyment of living in and with the Divine Trinity.
Endeavoring in Fruit-bearing
"You did not choose Me, but I chose you, and I set you that you should go forth and bear fruit and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name, He may give you." (John 15:16)
Pray that all the saints would become endeavoring in fruit-bearing, redeeming their time by getting companions, praying for their relatives and acquaintances, writing to them, making appointments, and going to visit them. (Beseeching.org, Day 180)
SoCal Chinese-speaking Gospel Meeting
On Saturday, December 11, there will be a Chinese-speaking gospel meeting for all the churches in Southern California. Please pray for the saints' contacting of their relatives and acquaintances to invite them to this meeting. Pray according to the desire of our Savior God that all men would be saved and would come to the full knowledge of the truth.
Church in Los Angeles
"Though I have many things to write to you, I do not want to do so with paper and ink, but I am hoping to be with you and to speak face to face that our joy may be made full." (2 John 12)
As we continue our current transition toward in-person gatherings as the church in Los Angeles in our respective meeting places, let us look to the Lord for doing so safely without fear or anxiety. Let us continue to pray for one another and for more saints to be shepherded back to the enjoyment of in-person meetings and "face-to-face" fellowship. May the Lord gain our true worship and receive all the glory!
Semiannual Video Training Registration
For saints in Los Angeles and Santa Clarita, the upcoming Semiannual Video Training on the Crystallization-study of 1 & 2 Samuel will be from December 20 to 25 for English, Chinese, and Korean, and December 20 to 29 for Spanish. Registration must be completed by Tuesday, November 30. The cost is $125 per person. Registration and details are at http://tinyurl.com/wintertrainingla.
May we prepare ourselves and exercise to maintain a high training atmosphere to receive the Lord's timely speaking. Pray for the speaking brothers that the burden of this training may be fully released.
Iberian Peninsula Conference
This year's Iberian Peninsula Conference will be in-person from December 3 to 5 in Málaga, Spain. Please pray for the Lord to keep all the participants safe and healthy and for the receiving of God's word and His blessing at the conference.
Sri Lanka
Pray for proper persons to be raised up soon to coordinate with the Bible translation team for the typesetting, so that the Sinhala Recovery Version of the Gospel of Matthew can be released.
Announcements
- Morning Revival: REPEAT Week 10 of Crystallization-study of Joshua, Judges, and Ruth, vol. 2.
- Wednesday Night Ministry Meeting: Live broadcast this Wednesday beginning at 7:25 pm at http://lsm.org/live in English, Spanish, Chinese, and Korean. Outlines will be posted on the same site.
- Gospel to All the Nations: The next virtual conference session will be on December 11 at 1:00 pm PST. More information at http://www.gospeltoallthenations.com.
- Living Stream Ministry: The November digital newsletter contains enlightening reports on the publication work in Africa, the impact of the pandemic on LSM feasts, and the purpose and usefulness of The Holy Word for Morning Revival series.
- Bibles for America's latest blog post is entitled "A Simple Way to Pray." Enjoy and share it at http://blog.biblesforamerica.org/how-to-pray-talking-to-god.
- Children's Work Conference: Recordings of the November 13 sessions are available for all parents and serving ones at http://scyp.com/children. Translations into Chinese, Korean, and Spanish are available.
- Ways to Give: Information about the church's online giving platform, Subsplash, and where to mail checks, are at http://www.churchinlosangeles.org/members/offerings.
Prayer, Week of November 14
Living under Christ's Kingship and Allowing Him to Reign in Us
"In those days there was no king in Israel; each man did what was right in his own eyes." (Judg. 21:25)
"Now to the King of the ages, incorruptible, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen." (1 Tim. 1:17)
Because there was no king in Israel during the time of the judges, the children of Israel did what was right in their own eyes, and as a result they became rotten and corrupted. Doing what is right in our own eyes is lawlessness. Lawlessness is not recognizing and submitting to God's authority.
In the Lord's recovery we need to be delivered from the lawlessness portrayed in Judges and to live under the rule of God in the kingdom of God and do the will of God. The God in whom we believe and whom we serve and who is being dispensed into us is the King of the ages, the King of eternity. We need to realize that Christ is our King reigning in our hearts and recognize the kingship of Christ in the local churches, where we live under His kingship. If we allow Christ to reign in us, bringing in the kingdom with lovingkindness, truthfulness, faithfulness, justice, and righteousness, we will become the same as He is in these virtues. (Crystallization-Study of Joshua, Judges, and Ruth, msg. 9, II.C, IV.A, 1.d, II.E, III.A, B.2, 5.c)
Being Faithful in the Practice of Fruit-bearing
"I am the vine; you are the branches. He who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing." (John 15:5)
The Lord wants us to have a spiritual life in the church, to go to the meetings, to worship Him, and to live Him. But what is all this for? If all the saints in the church were like this, yet no one bore any fruit, the church would eventually die out. The most basic, crucial, and vital thing is for us to bring forth children.
To bring forth spiritual children, you must make a serious decision to contact people. You can contact your relatives, friends, neighbors, colleagues, classmates, etc. You should pray, "Lord, I do not want to contact them in a natural way. I do not want to have natural talk when I meet with them. Lord, show me the vital way, the living way, to bring them to You."
If you pray such a prayer, the Lord will show you. Today there is the need of some faithful doers in the practice of fruit-bearing. (The God-ordained Way and the Eldership, ch. 1)
Thanksgiving Conference
Living Stream Ministry will once again host the upcoming 2021 International Thanksgiving Conference as an online global conference. The general subject is "Living in and with the Divine Trinity." For the church in Los Angeles, we will gather together by languages on Zoom and/or in-person. The schedule is as follows:
Meeting 1: Friday, November 26…………... 10:00 AM
Meeting 2: Friday, November 26…………..... 7:30 PM
Meeting 3: Saturday, November 27………. 10:00 AM
Meeting 4: Saturday, November 27………... 7:30 PM
Meeting 5: Lord's Day, November 28……. 10:00 AM
Meeting 6: Lord's Day, November 28……... 4:00 PM
Let us prepare ourselves for this upcoming time of ministry and sanctify these days for the hearing of faith among us. Please pray for the Lord's blessing upon this conference. Pray for the release of His Word through this ministry. Pray that many saints would prepare their hearts to receive and respond to the Lord's present speaking to His recovery to advance His move on earth.
Bibles for America
At Bibles for America (BfA), we're always considering how we can reach more people with the Word of God. Recently, Instagram unlocked some new features that allow us to more easily share our content, including BfA blog posts and the free offer for a NT Recovery Version. We are burdened that God's Word would be spread on this channel so that light would shine on all those sitting in darkness.
Please pray for the Lord to be wisdom to us as we continue to explore using social media, and Instagram in particular. Pray that He would lead and guide us to reach many more of His hungry seekers.
The Lord's Move in a Time of Pandemic
The pandemic is still active around the earth. The level of infection is stable or decreasing in some continents, but this month there has been an increase in Europe, and some nations are imposing restrictions. Please pray that 1) that the uncertainty and anxiety related to the pandemic will open people to the gospel, and 2) the church life and gospelizing will continue to flourish in Europe despite the restrictions.
European University Conference
The fall conference for European university students and recent graduates will take place in the UK from November 19 to 21. The subject is "Acts—the Continuation of Christ." Please pray:
- For the travel and health of all those who attend, before, during, and after the conference.
- That all the attendants will receive and have a renewed vision of God's eternal economy (Acts 9:4-5; 26:19) to be the Lord's witnesses (1:8) and the Lord's continuation on the campuses in Europe (1:14, 2:42, 28:31), and will take no way except the way of prayer, the Spirit, and the Word (4:31).
- That the Lord will gain this generation of college students in Europe for His move to end the present age.
Pakistan
The pandemic that began in 2020 disrupted the rhythm of our church life. From the outside, it may seem that we have been disturbed by the enemy. But in reality, we must thank the Lord for the special grace given to us in such a special environment. We sing praise to Him, for nothing can stop the move of the Lord on the earth. The damaging work of the enemy only proves that the grace of the Lord is sufficient in all kinds of circumstances!
For some encouraging reports from the churches in Lahore, Islamabad, Karachi, and Rawalpindi, see the October 2021 newsletter of the Lord's Move to Asia:
http://lmasia.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/E-2021-10.pdf (English)
http://lmasia.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/asia-2021-10.pdf (Chinese)
Announcements
- Morning Revival: Week 9 of Crystallization-study of Joshua, Judges, and Ruth, vol. 2.
- Wednesday Night Ministry Meeting: Live broadcast this Wednesday beginning at 7:25 pm at http://lsm.org/live in English, Spanish, Chinese, and Korean. Outlines will be posted on the same site.
- December Semiannual Training Registration: LA’s video training begins December 20. More information at http://tinyurl.com/wintertrainingla. Registration must be completed by Tuesday, November 30.
- Children's Work Conference: Recordings of the November 13 sessions will be available this week for all parents and serving ones at http://scyp.com/children.
- Living Stream Ministry: The October newsletter features an enlightening article called "A Short History of the English Recovery Version" alongside encouraging reports and helpful fellowship.
- Ways to Give: Information about the church's online giving platform, Subsplash, and where to mail checks, are at http://www.churchinlosangeles.org/members/offerings.
Prayer, Week of October 31
A Life of Submission Producing Channels of Blessing
"And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, becoming obedient even unto death, and that the death of a cross." (Phil. 2:8)
"In order that the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith." (Gal. 3:14)
To be submissive requires the supply of life, the enjoyment of grace, the working of the cross, and the denial of the self. Those who are filled with Christ are filled with submission. The Lord, who was submissive throughout His life, has given us His life of submission and obedience.
Because we are rebels, we need to repent and receive Christ as the son of David, that is, as our authority, as our Sovereign and King, so that He may rule in us and over us in God's kingdom. This will cause us to become channels of blessing for the saints' progress (their growth in life) and for their joy of the faith (their enjoyment of Christ). We have been called to bless others, so we, as a blessed people, should always bless others that we may inherit blessing. We should continually take, experience, and enjoy Christ as our King, our Lord, our Head, and our Husband so that He can be our blessing to make us a channel of blessing to the saints and all the churches. (Crystallization-Study of Joshua, Judges, and Ruth, msg. 7, II.I.1-2, I.B.1, 3, I.A)
Exercising to Be Revived Persons for the Church Life
"…For the same Lord is Lord of all and rich to all who call upon Him." (Rom. 10:12)
The success of the home meetings depends upon who we are. Can we enliven people? This depends upon what kind of persons we are with the Lord… Practicing the church life is not simply a matter of changing our way. It is a matter of changing our life. We must be persons who are really living in our spirit, walking in Christ, and living Him. Some may feel that this is too demanding. God can do so much for us, but He cannot eat, drink, or breathe for us. We have to exercise to eat, drink, and breathe. (Elders' Training, Book 9: The Eldership and the God-ordained Way (1), ch. 3)
Pray for all the saints to exercise to be brought into the enjoyment of the Lord by contacting Him and and calling on Him continually throughout the day. Pray for the saints to become revived persons so that our meetings are living, fresh, and new!
California College Conference
We have about 50 students from LA (including UCLA, USC, CSUN, and local community colleges) registered to attend the in-person college conference at Oak Glen this weekend, November 5 to 7. The topic of the conference is "Choose God!" based on the book of Ruth. More than 20 of the students who are going to Oak Glen did not grow up in the church life and are newer among us. In addition, there will be some local watch gatherings in LA for students that cannot join the conference in-person at Oak Glen. We are hoping to have another 15 to 20 students join us for these times.
Please pray:
- For the Lord's covering of everyone's health and stamina to make it to this conference, touch the Lord in a genuine way, and choose God above all else.
- For the newer students to be very comfortable and catch a definite taste of the enjoyment of the Lord as well as have a spirit of wisdom and revelation to see God's economy.
- For the students who come to the local watch gatherings to be greatly supplied and encouraged with rich fellowship.
LA Gospel Meeting in Korean
The Korean-speaking saints in Hall 1 will hold an online gospel meeting this Friday, November 5 from 7:30 to 8:30 pm. The message will be about the human spirit. As Job 32:8 says, "But there is a spirit in man, and the breath of the Almighty gives them understanding." Please pray for all the preparation, invitation, and participation! The Zoom link is http://tinyurl.com/LAgospel.
Bibles for America
Bibles for America gave away free copies of The All-inclusive Christ from August 2019 to September 2021. In total, 33,210 copies were shipped out to people all over the United States. Please pray that each person who has received this book would read it and experience the all-inclusive Christ in a rich and meaningful way.
Germany
The national Farsi-speaking conference in Germany will be held online from November 5 to 7. Please pray for all the practical arrangements and the release of the spoken messages in the Farsi language.
Announcements
- Morning Revival: Week 7 of Crystallization-study of Joshua, Judges, and Ruth, vol. 2.
- SCYP Children's Work Conference will be over Zoom on November 13, 9:30 am to 12:30 pm.
- Wednesday Night Ministry Meeting: Live broadcast this Wednesday beginning at 7:25 pm at http://lsm.org/live in English, Spanish, Chinese, and Korean. Outlines will be posted on the same site.
- Semiannual Training: Registration for saints in LA will open next week. In preparation for this training (December 20 to 25), saints may want to read the text and the footnotes of 1 & 2 Samuel. The September issue of LSM's newsletter also highlights a number of helpful resources at http://newsletters.lsm.org/having-this-ministry.
- Ways to Give: Information about the church's online giving platform, Subsplash, and where to mail checks, are at http://www.churchinlosangeles.org/members/offerings.
Prayer, Week of October 17
Laboring on Christ as the Produce of the Good Land
"And you shall eat and be satisfied, and you shall bless Jehovah your God for the good land which He has given you." (Deut. 8:10)
"Not that I have already obtained or am already perfected, but… I pursue toward the goal for the prize to which God in Christ Jesus has called me upward." (Phil. 3:12a, 14)
Joshua 5:12 says, "And the manna ceased on that day, when they ate of the produce of the land; and there was no longer manna for the children of Israel, but they ate of the yield of the land of Canaan that year." In Egypt the people of Israel ate the passover lamb. In the wilderness the people of Israel ate manna. In Canaan the people of Israel ate the produce of the good land. These three stages typify the three stages of the believers' enjoyment of Christ by eating Him.
By their eating in the first two stages, the believers are energized to leave the world and are constituted with Christ as the heavenly element. To reach the goal of God's economy, we need to progress until we enter into the highest stage of eating Christ as the rich produce of the good land so that we may overcome the spiritual enemies, be built up to be God's dwelling place, and establish God's kingdom on earth. As we eat Christ as the produce of the good land, we are constituted with Him and are made the same as Christ in life, nature, and expression for the building up of the church as the Body of Christ. (Crystallization-Study of Joshua, Judges, and Ruth, msg. 5, I.D.1, 2, 3, 4.a-c)
May all the saints progress in their eating of Christ and learn to labor on Him to produce something of Him that will become their food and life supply to constitute them as God's inheritance and possession.
Church in Los Angeles
The church in Los Angeles has an aspiration to return to in-person meetings. Our desire is "to speak face to face that our joy may be made full" (2 John 12). We do not have a firm timeline but desire to continue our current transition toward in-person meetings. While doing this, we will abide by government directives. As we increase in-person meetings, we will maintain internet-based access for saints with situations not suitable for in-person attendance.
Lord, move us onward!
California-wide High School Conference
This weekend, October 22 to 24, will be the Fall 2021 High School Conference. The subject of this California-wide conference is "Patterns in the Books of Joshua, Judges, and Ruth."
Please pray for all our high school brothers and sisters to have great resolutions in heart (Judges 5:15) as they prepare for and attend this conference. Also, pray that our young people, as those who love Him, would be like the sun when it rises in its might (Judges 5:31).
North America Korean-speaking Conference
Despite the unprecedented pandemic in the human history, the great wheel of God's economy never stopped and is still advancing victoriously. Last May, we enjoyed a West Coast Korean-speaking Conference on Zoom. This weekend, we will have a North America Korean-speaking Conference. The subject is "Meeting God's Need and Present Needs in the Lord's Recovery."
The two conference sessions are Saturday, October 23 from 5:00 to 6:30 pm and Lord's Day, October 24 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm PST. The Zoom link is http://tinyurl.com/koreanconf2021.
Please pray for all the Korean-speaking saints in North America to join this conference and enjoy the reality of the Body through the blending in the up-to-date words of the ministry.
Bibles for America
People across the United States continue to order free Bibles from BfA. We regularly receive encouraging messages from recipients who are thoroughly enjoying their NT Recovery Version. Most orders are successfully placed; however, we have recently become aware of a technical problem in our system that has prevented some orders from being processed.
Please pray that this issue would be promptly resolved so that everyone who wants a Bible would receive their copy in a timely way. Also pray that all those who have already received a NT would be nourished and enlightened by the interpreted Word of God.
Germany
For saints who are interested in up-to-date information concerning the Lord's move in different cities in the German-speaking world, the website http://germanyreports.info has updates, reports, and prayer burdens. These burdens are updated regularly to reflect the developing situation in Germany.
The primary purpose of this site is to aid the saints in their prayers and in their consideration before the Lord about possibly going to Germany to live, enjoy the church life, and experience Christ in His freshness as He continues to move there.
Lord, continue to bless Your move in Germany!
Announcements
- Morning Revival: Week 5 of Crystallization-study of Joshua, Judges, and Ruth, vol. 1.
- California College Conference: November 5 to 7; registration due October 24.
- Living Stream Ministry is offering a free e-booklet, The Bible—a Romance of a Universal Couple. Formats include PDF, Kindle, Audiobook, and more! Visit http://www.lsm.org/bible-romance.
- Semiannual Training: In preparation for the upcoming semiannual training (December 20 to 25), saints may want to read the text and the footnotes of 1 & 2 Samuel. The current issue of LSM's newsletter at also highlights a number of helpful resources at http://newsletters.lsm.org/having-this-ministry.
- Wednesday Night Ministry Meeting: Live broadcast this Wednesday beginning at 7:25 pm at http://lsm.org/live in English, Spanish, Chinese, and Korean. Outlines will be posted on the same site.
- Ways to Give: Information about the church's online giving platform, Subsplash, and where to mail checks, are at http://www.churchinlosangeles.org/members/offerings.
Prayer, Week of October 3
Crossing the Jordan River and Being Prepared for Battle
"For we who are alive are always being delivered unto death for Jesus' sake that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So then death operates in us, but life in you." (2 Cor. 4:11-12)
Israel's crossing of the river Jordan typifies… the believers' experience of the death of Christ, in which the old man is terminated and buried. We need to realize that our old man, our natural man, is not qualified to fight the spiritual warfare for the gaining of Christ. In Christ we are no longer the old man but a new man.
The priests carrying the Ark of the Testimony stood firmly on dry ground at the bottom of the river Jordan until all the nation had completely crossed over the Jordan. [They] were the first ones to go into the water and the last ones to come up out of the water. They waited at the bottom of the river for all of God's people to cross over. The Lord is seeking for a group of people who, like the priests in Joshua 3 and 4, step into the water, that is, walk into death first. In the Lord's recovery we need to die so that life may work in others; hence, our dying is our working. (Crystallization-Study of Joshua, Judges, and Ruth, msg. 3, I.C, 2.c, III, A, B.3, C.4)
May we pray for the death of Christ to operate in all the saints so that life could be ministered to others and that the church could find the way of life in order to possess and enjoy the all-inclusive Christ.
International Training for Elders and Responsible Ones
The International Training for Elders and Responsible Ones will take place by webcast this weekend, October 8 to 10, with brothers participating from around the globe. The general subject is "Meeting God's Need and Present Needs in the Lord's Recovery."
Please pray for the rich and timely supply of Christ to be ministered to all the brothers that they may grow in life and be equipped further in their function and service. May the Lord gain and perfect all the brothers as able ministers of the New Testament, effective building material for the universal building up of the Body of Christ, and good stewards and serving ones in their respective local churches.
Please pray that all the elders and responsible brothers throughout the Lord's recovery will receive and enter into the burden of this training and cooperate with the Lord in order for His will to be done on earth and for His eternal purpose to be fulfilled.
Church in Los Angeles Joint Meeting
The whole church in Los Angeles—all halls, districts, and languages—will meet together on Lord's Day, October 17. Saints are encouraged to attend their regular in-person or online gathering by hall at 10:00 am, then join a common Zoom link from 10:45 am to 12:00 pm. There will be translation to Chinese, Korean, and Spanish.
Please pray for a healthy attendance and blending, and for the timely speaking of the Lord as our Captain and Leader to bring all the saints in the church in Los Angeles more into a revived living.
UCLA
Thank you, saints, for all your prayers to defeat the stratagems of the devil and release our continued contact with many UCLA students! Last week we saw solid numbers of students at our Bible study and Friday college meeting, including many new ones. While we are thankful to the Lord for His bountiful blessing, we also have some critical prayer requests for this week (the second full week of classes) that we ask the saints to labor together in prayer on:
- A solid and sweet beginning for each student in their new small group Bible studies this week.
- Setting up specific appointments with students for cherishing and nourishing.
- Connecting with community saints and homes for mutual shepherding.
Bibles for America
Bibles for America hosted a special online event on Thursday, September 23 for the general public, including Bible recipients and BfA Blog subscribers. In total, 141 people joined the event live and the remaining 1,000 who registered will receive the recording, which may be shared with family, friends, and neighbors: http://webinar.biblesforamerica.org.
The focus of this time was on how the Recovery Version can unlock the meaning of God's Word and help us know Him in a deeper way. This was highlighted by a panel of brothers who shared their rich experiences of Christ in the Word.
Please pray that all those who participated in this event would be encouraged to read the Recovery Version and dive into its footnotes. Pray also that they would each have a personal touch with the Lord and learn to draw out the life from His Word.
Sri Lanka
Pray for the translation team to be preserved in their spirit, soul and body and for their families to be blessed and covered. Also pray for the saints there to bear the burden and responsibility to pray, share in, and offer for the translation work.
Announcements
- Morning Revival: Week 3 of Crystallization-study of Joshua, Judges, and Ruth, vol. 1.
- Wednesday Night Ministry Meeting: NO MEETING this Wednesday, October 6. The live broadcast will resume at 7:25 pm on October 13. Past messages may be found at http://www.lsmwebcast.com. Saints may also watch a video of Brother Lee speaking on the Crystallization-study of Song of Songs at http://www.lsm.org/timely-speaking.html; this week's message is "Pursuing Christ for Satisfaction."
- SCYP Fall Conferences: Registration is open for the California-wide young people's conferences for Junior High (October 15 to 17) and High School (October 22 to 24; register by October 10).
- North America Korean-speaking Conference: On Zoom, October 23 (5:00 to 6:30 pm) and October 24 (9:00 am to 12:00 pm). Subject: "Meeting God's Need and Present Needs in the Lord's Recovery."
- Living Stream Ministry's newsletter presents a number of resources to help the saints who desire to attend the December 2021 Semiannual Training on the Crystallization-Study of 1 & 2 Samuel to prepare themselves. See the current issue at http://newsletters.lsm.org/having-this-ministry.
Prayer, Week of September 19
Pursuing Christ to Gain Christ for Christ
"But moreover I also count all things to be loss on account of the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, on account of whom I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as refuse that I may gain Christ." (Phil. 3:8)
Our need today is to gain more of Christ, to possess more of Christ, and to experience more of Christ. This is not only for our enjoyment but also for Christ to be what He should be. We gain Christ for Christ so that He may have His corporate expression. This is to make the good land the land of Immanuel (Isa. 8:8).
Paul was one who struggled to pursue Christ in order to gain Christ (Phil. 3:8, 12). Because so many Christians do not pursue Christ in order to gain Him, God needs the overcomers. At the time of Joshua, there were two or three million Israelites, but there were not many Joshuas and Calebs. There were not many endeavoring ones, genuine pursuers of God. Without such ones both the good land and the Giver of the land would have been idle. Both the land and the Giver of the land needed certain ones to take the land, possess the land, and enjoy the land. Those who possessed the land did a favor to the One who gave them the land. (Life-study of Joshua, msg. 6, pp. 32-35)
May we do Christ a favor by responding to God's call for overcomers!
Persevering in Prayer
"Rejoice in hope; endure in tribulation; persevere in prayer." (Rom. 12:12)
After September 26, Beseeching.org will discontinue the putting out of daily prayer burdens and email reminders. Please pray that the saints would continue or begin to have scheduled times of prayer and intercession, both personally and in small groups of twos and threes, and would endeavor to continue steadfastly in the weekly prayer meetings of the church.
May the Lord fully recover the prayer of the age and may He call many more saints in His recovery to engage in this spiritual warfare. May we all be empowered in the Lord and in the might of His strength to persevere in one accord to advance His interests on the earth until the day of His return!
UCLA Welcome Week
Thank you for your prayers last week concerning the students who moved into our corporate housing units. The Lord began a good work of blending the students together, and some newer students were also able to join. This week is welcome week for UCLA, and classes begin on Thursday, September 23. We have already been in contact with many new, incoming students over the summer. Please join us to pray desperately that:
- We would be able to immediately connect with and see many freshmen throughout the week, even multiple times;
- All of the students, saints, and full-timers laboring on the students would be in harmony and one accord;
- The Lord would continue to form many companionships among our own students as well as the newer ones;
- Our welcome events would be filled with a comfortable atmosphere and the pleasant fragrance of Christ.
Bibles for America Webinar
Thursday, September 23 at 1:00 pm PDT, BfA will host a special online event for the general public. It will focus on how the Recovery Version can help people know God and understand His Word.
By mid Monday, over 815 people have registered. Please pray that more people would sign up, and that all those who have registered would attend. Pray also that the attendees would be deeply impressed by the riches in the Recovery Version and would be motivated to read and feed upon God's Word.
Please feel free to invite anyone who would like to learn more about the Recovery Version. Details can be found at http://bfa.org/webinar.
SCYP Parents and Serving Ones Fellowship
This Saturday, September 25 from 9:30 to 11:45 am there will be an important time of fellowship for parents and young people's serving ones. Translation will be provided in Chinese, Korean, and Spanish.
As we prepare for the upcoming fall conference season we encourage all the saints—especially the parents, serving ones and college students—to pray that our young people will take possession of Christ as their promised land to become the proper persons to bring forth Christ into the human race.
Central European and Balkans Blending Conference
From September 24 to 26, the saints throughout the Central, Eastern and Balkan areas of Europe will have an online conference to blend with many saints throughout the churches in these areas and elsewhere. The subject will be "The All-inclusive, Extensive Christ Replacing Culture for the One New Man." All the fellowship and messages will be translated into Bulgarian, Chinese, Czech/Slovak, Greek, Hungarian, Polish, Romanian, Serbo-Croatian, and Turkish.
Please pray that the local saints would sign up and that the Lord use this conference for His purpose. In particular, since the messages will not be translated into Albanian, pray for the saints in Tirana who can manage English to participate.
German Election
"Let the name of God be blessed from eternity to eternity, for wisdom and might are His. And it is He who changes the times and seasons; He deposes kings and causes kings to ascend." (Dan. 2:20-21)
The election will be September 26. All members of the national legislature will be elected. The legislators will then select a chancellor, who is the head of the government, since the current chancellor will not seek re-election. Due to multiple political parties, formation of a majority in the legislature and selection of a new chancellor can be difficult.
Lord, have Your way in this election. Rule the nation for the spread and increase of Your recovery.
European University Training
The training for European university students continues this week from September 23 to 26 in Spain. The subject is "Rise Up and Build." Please pray that the health of all the participants will be fully covered and protected for the duration of the training and that nothing will happen to hinder the completion of the training. Pray that the students will be "wrecked" with a vision of the desire of God's heart and offer themselves willingly to Him for His building.
Announcements
- Morning Revival: Week 1 of Crystallization-study of Joshua, Judges, and Ruth, vol. 1.
- Living Stream Ministry is offering a free e-booklet, The Dispensing of the Triune God to Produce His Abode. Formats include PDF, Kindle, Audiobook, and more! Visit http://www.lsm.org/dispensing.
- SCYP Fall Conferences: Registration is open for the California-wide Junior High (October 15 to 17; register by October 3) and High School (October 22 to 24; register by October 10) conferences.
- Wednesday Night Ministry Meeting: Live broadcast this Wednesday beginning at 7:25 pm at http://lsm.org/live in English, Spanish, Chinese, and Korean. Outlines will be posted on the same site.
- Thanksgiving Conference will be November 25 to 28. Due to the pandemic, Living Stream Ministry will again host this conference completely online. More details will be provided in the coming weeks.
- Ways to Give: Information about the church's online giving platform, Subsplash, and where to mail checks, are at http://www.churchinlosangeles.org/members/offerings.