Let heaven and nature sing in 2012

“Shout for joy, O heavens; rejoice, O earth; burst into song, O mountains! For the LORD comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.” Isaiah 49:13 (NIV).

Our God is a mighty God. In His holy word we read over and over again how awesome he was and we see daily how awesome he is.

Heading into a new year I ask you to keep the fire of the LORD within you stirred. The light of the Spirit of God has been lit in you and you must fan the flame of the holy fire. Let the light of the Lord shine from you into darkness and may it shine ever so brightly.

Release the presence of God to all the earth being his hands and feet, comforting his people, and having compassion on the afflicted ones.

Let heaven and nature sing in 2012.

Rick Hawbaker
Praying 4 U Ministries †

Celebrate Jesus Everyday...

"Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did." 1 John 2:6 (NIV).

Celebrate Jesus every day not just on Christmas Day. Put God first in your life and on display through you. Wear Jesus on your sleeve. Nobody should wonder if you are a Christian or not. Your Christ-like life should dash out any question in any one's mind.

Usher in the Holy Spirit and share it with others. The very power of God that Jesus used healing the sick and driving out demons and resisting the Devil is in you. The same power that Jesus used to walk through the dead. Jesus left you that power and said you would do greater things than He.

Get about doing the Lord's work right here and right now. Jesus came to undo what Satan had done. Satan flees at the very sound of the name of Jesus. Bring a bit of heaven to earth each and every day you are here.

Praying for you today!

Rick Hawbaker
Praying 4 U Ministries

Thank You Jesus and Happy Birthday!

Let’s all rejoice in the fact that the word became flesh over two thousand years ago and it dwells with us still. Is not that what we are actually celebrating at Christmas?

God became flesh at Jesus birth and Jesus gave us authority over everything just before he ascended to heaven. You have to know the author to use the authority. We have been given divine power and if you are a believer there is nothing you do not have power over.

Thank You Jesus and Happy Birthday!

Rick Hawbaker
Praying 4 U Ministries †

Been leaning on Jesus...

"Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things;" Psalm 98:1 (NIV).

Hearing and seeing our great God move in and around us is becoming the norm around the friends I hang with. God is faithful. He still hears our prayers and He still answers prayers.

The Kingdom of Heaven is right here among us. Just reach out and grab a piece of it. Bring Heaven to earth praying for others, watching God do amazing things, and tell others what you have seen.

We prayed with a man last week that his wife had been without work for three months. Two days later his wife’s previous employer called and offered her old job back and with a raise. Praise Jesus!

My wife laid in a surgical center in need of a blood transfusion. She was prayed over before being transported to an emergency room at a hospital. Once she arrived at the hospital it was determined there was no need of a blood transfusion. More answered prayer.

What a friend we have in Jesus and what a privilege it is to carry everything to God in prayer! I have leaned on Jesus this past week and he delivered.

“…and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me." ~ Psalm 50:15 (NIV).

All honor, glory and praise to the almighty!

Rick Hawbaker
Praying 4 U Ministries †

Woohoo...Go God Go...

“Sing to the LORD, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world.” Isaiah 12:5 (NIV).

God’s glory is raining upon us. It is great being surrounded by the things God is doing today. The children of the LORD are calling upon their Father in heaven and the loving Father is answering prayers.

I talked with a man that said his dad was once told that he would die in 24 hours. His father lived through the next 24 hours and lived another 17 years. A friend said his grandmother was told to take the family trip you have always wanted to take because the cancer she had was taking over her body. That was in 1988 and the woman is still alive 23 years later.

A young woman injured over two years ago suffered from back spasms. After prayer in the past three months, she has ditched the spasms and is almost completely off the addictive pain killers.

Hearing and seeing our great God move in and around us is becoming the norm. What a friend we have in Jesus and what a privilege it is to carry everything to God in prayer!

Praise be to his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and Amen.” Psalm 71:19 (NIV).

Glory Be To God,

Rick Hawbaker
Praying 4 U Ministries †

Sing to the LORD a new song...

Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things; Psalm 98:1 (NIV).

Really BIG things happen when you ask God to show up. Is not that the truth? It makes sense. Supernatural things are bound to happen around you when you hang out with the creator of the universe.

I prayed with a man several months ago that was at his wits end. He was about to lose his family, his home, and he was already without work. He was more than a bit perplexed. He was deep in pain as his next move on earth ran through his mind.

Knee to knee on the floor with him and other Godly men, he surrender his life to Christ. We got together and prayed several more times in the next couple weeks and then he disappeared.

Six weeks later he walked into a room of men who had previously passionately prayed over him. Joy now filled the man’s body from head to toe. He was full of excitement as he shared how God had shown up BIG time in his life.

This man was in the process of packing up things to move several states away when we first met for prayer. Not now! Now he was knocking down a pay check, had not lost his home to the bank, and his family was all under one roof with food on the table.

This man was going through a dry season in his life. He put God back in the driver’s seat and poured out his heart to Him. That’s right. Just as the Psalm 62:8 says, “Trust in Him always, pour your heart out to Him. For God is our refuge.”

Thank You Jesus!,


Rick Hawbaker
Praying 4 U Ministries †

Mighty Acts of the Holy Spirit Continue...

Not so many years ago on the way to visit born-again friends, I told my wife, “They start flipping that religious crap on us I am going to let them have it.”

The LORD God almighty has since changed my heart. Now I would guess these people we visited that night are getting tired of hearing me constantly talking about our great God.

The mighty ACTS of the Holy Spirit that we read about in the word of God are definately continuing to happen two thousand years after Jesus walked through death. And they are happening through a coming and risen Jesus.

I break out in glory bumps just thinking about how our great God came forth and healed a baby given slim to none chance of surviving. Many lost hope, but NOT the hundreds of prayer warriors around the world praying to the almighty for a healing.

The God who heals, Jehovah Rapha, showed up like it says in Psalm 103:1-2, “Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases.” He came that day and by his wounds the baby was healed.

“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5 (NIV).

Dear God in heaven…I thank Jesus for carry my sins and my sorrows to the tree years ago. I also thank the LORD for the presence of the Holy Spirit in my life. Thank You God! In the name of Jesus. Amen and Amen.

Shalom,

Rick Hawbaker
Praying 4 U Ministries †

Where are you planted...

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

Where are you planted? Has it ever crossed your mind? I was born into a family that played church once a week and we provided that same kind of upbringing for our children. I thanked God in the high heavens for uprooting me out of the mainline church and planting me among a group of friends that have a real passion for the LORD.

I will not cover up the light of the HOLY SPIRIT that has been lit in me. God has planted me by a continual source of water from Him and the roots are going deep down making me strong and stable.

I have been born again, baptized in the HOLY SPIRIT, and have seen the glory of God in my midst. I can not turn my head from the LORD and act like I have not seen his mighty works. I must tell others and in doing so, release the kingdom of God.

I have been healed and have seen people being healed. I prayed with a man that his marriage was thought to be so close to the end of the road that a turn could not be made. Jesus put that marriage back together almost before the young father of three could get home that night.

Baby Wyatt was given three hours to live by man when he was born and is now six days old. A friend out of work for 21 months is now working. A felon that did not have a job or a car found both last month. The list of the things our amazing God is doing goes on and on.

Trust in the LORD and do not fear. You will have no worries and you will bear fruit. The word of God says in Jeremiah 17:7-8, “like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream…it does not fear when the heat comes…it has no worries in a year of drought.”

You want no worries in your future? Get yourself planted by a stream of water and get strong in the LORD and be stable. Our God is a mighty fortress.

Shalom,

Rick Hawbaker
Praying 4 U Ministries †

My faith in God continues to leap...

My faith in God continues to leap as I make myself available to Him. I feel very strongly that the most I can do for someone is to pray for them. Doing a lot of praying is exactly what I have been doing.

Wyatt Kinman is a name that won’t soon be forgotten. Wyatt is a two day old fighting baby born to his parents Aaron and Ashley Kinman. Wyatt came into this world via c-section this week as his head was two months too big because of a blockage in his brain.

The blockage is called aquaductal stenosis. The doctors told the Kinmans that Wyatt’s chance of living was slim to none. He also has a very rare chromosome disorder called mosaic trisomy 12.

We have prayed over Ashley anointing her with oil and laying hands on her in the name of Jesus. We have prayed many times with Aaron and his father, Mark. People all over the world have been praying for this young family.

Wyatt was delivered on Monday at 10:50 a.m. and was not expected by man to still be on earth at 1 p.m. that day. Wyatt’s heart rate dipped to 40 beats per minute from a normal rate of 140-160 and his body temperature dropped to 92 degrees. This was in the first five hours that he was alive.

God tucked this little guy under his loving and healing arms and Wyatt battled back. When I visited him with some prayer warrior friends on Tuesday evening, Wyatt was doing very well. His heart rate was 144 to 158, his oxygen level and kidney functions were normal, and his temperature was 98 degrees.

Wyatt was not quite 60 hours old when he successfully had surgery to put in a shunt to relieve some of the pressure on his brain. He had been out of surgery for about two hours at this writing. The doctors say he is awesome.

His dad has text me “Wyatt is doing great. Everything is normal still. He does not seem to be in any pain. He is awake. His eyes are wide open and moving around. PRAISE OUR SOVEREIGN GOD OF MIRACLES!”

I thank the LORD God Almighty for this tiny baby that has again proven God is bigger than all things. Wyatt has been on earth only 60 hours and is already changing lives in a great way.

Thank You Jesus,

Rick Hawbaker
Praying 4 U Ministries †

‘Increase my desire to know you more.’

"…make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love." 2 Peter 1:5-7 (NIV).

I sat in the back of a mega church on December 27th, 2007 and heard a pastor encouraging the flock. His message for the coming year encouraged everyone to make their calling and election sure.

He encouraged those that felt they were stuck to take one step in the right direction and he continued ‘the cost of staying stuck is always greater than the cost of taking the next step.’

He is a story teller and to us stuck in our deep ruts, he had a message. The thing that I benefited most from that day was how he ended. He asked everyone to pray to God, ‘Increase my desire to know you more.’

I have prayed that prayer many times since, not just that one day or just in the coming weeks of that new year. I have continued to pray for an increased desire to know Him and God has answered my prayer.

You can stay stuck surrounded by darkness like I was or come to the light like I have since. Wherever you are in your walk with the LORD, pray that he will indeed increase your desire to know him more.

"Therefore, my brothers and sisters,make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble,and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 1:10-11 (NIV).

Shalom,

Rick Hawbaker
Praying 4 U Ministries †

Defeat evil with the word...

“Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” Joshua 1:8 (NIV).

I plead with you dear children of God to get into His word and memorize it. For it is the word of God that is your best weapon against Satan when he comes tempting you.

An example of fighting off Satan was Jesus defeating the Devil after being led by the Spirit into the barren wilderness of Judea. After a forty day fast, the tempter came to Him with three questions…turn the stones to become bread, throw yourself down from the highest point in the temple, and He was offered all the kingdoms of the world that he could see.

On all three counts Jesus countered the Devil’s tempting offers with scripture…‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ Deut. 8:3; ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’ Deut. 6:16; and ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’ Deut. 6:13.

Jesus could have easily used His supernatural power to overcome the evil one in the wilderness, but He handled the situation as if he were a man. He chose scripture to battle the hissing snake instead of using his own glory and supernatural power.

That is what we can do too when Satan comes hissing into our lives. Shine the light of God’s truth on the seductive lies of Satan. That is how you defeat the evil one. But if you are ignorant of God’s truth, you are poorly armed for spiritual warfare.

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” Ephesians 6:10-11 (NIV).

Get into God's Holy word!

Shalom,

Rick Hawbaker
Praying 4 U Ministries †

Shine brightly into darkness...

'You are the light of the world — like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.' Matthew 5:14 (NIV).

I am truly grateful to the LORD Jesus Christ for lighting the lamp within me for His light can shine through me into darkness. O what a great honor it is to co-labor with the King of Kings to further the coming kingdom of God.

Jesus told us in Matthew 5 that we are the light of the world and that is the very same title He claimed for Himself in John 8 saying, “I am the light of the world.”

Jesus was indeed the light of the world walking as God in the flesh on earth in a body similar to ours, except for His was without sin. He did not give in to darkness not for a second.

This fallen world is full of darkness and the great tempter is at work with his cronies 24/7. They are painting a pretty picture in front of us, lying about the things that separate us from God.

Our light is a direct reflection from Him and we need to let it shine ever so brightly. Spurgeon said, “If ye burn dimly, dim is the world’s light, and dense its darkness.”

We need to get about our Father’s business and that is the business of bringing heaven to earth. That is the will of God, “on earth as it is in heaven.”

May your light shine even brighter into darkness in the days ahead. It is a tough go at times for all of us, but know that we share in His suffering and will share in His glory.

Come, King Jesus, Come!

Rick Hawbaker
Praying 4 U Ministries †

On assignment in a divine appointment...

Kris Vallotton, Senior Associate Pastor at Bethel Church in Redding, California, was in town. A friend and I were able to take in two sessions of his ‘Supernatural Ways of Royalty’ conference. It turned out that we were on assignment from God on a divine appointment.

The concrete floor in the church swayed as God’s children worshipped and praised our mighty God in song. My friend leaned over and asked if I ever had a strong sense about something when I was in a group of people. He sensed that there were a lot of women at that service that were lonely and were filled with anxiety.

In the next five minutes we saw a women drop to her knees to the King in the aisle right beside where we were standing. A minute or two passed and then a young lady sitting in front of us leaned forward in deep prayer in her chair.

We raised our hands toward them and prayed in the name of Jesus over both of these women. Both were trembling and crying out to the LORD for help. We touched the back of the chair of the girl in front of us and prayed that she would surrender it all to God and release all the things that were binding her.

Both girls prayed through their problems and released them unto the LORD. Both were standing and had their hands lifted high as they worshipped God later in that service and in the night service.

The girl sitting in front of us approached us the next night and ask if we were the two guys standing behind her the previous day. She said she felt a tremendous power of people praying for her and wanted to thank us.

Then she asked just what it was that we were praying for. My friend explained the strong sense he had that there was a lot of women lonely and full of anxiety. We prayed that she would be released from it.

Guess what? She said that was exactly what she was praying for and that is exactly what happened to her. She was now FREE!

There goes God,

Rick Hawbaker
Praying 4 U Ministries †

Walking with the King...

‘For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.’ Psalm 84:11 (NIV)

It has been a busy week. God things are happening all around. I guess I should expect that. You just can’t pursue God with a burning desire for more, more and more of Him without seeing supernatural things.

I was thinking this morning about how for 25 years I vacationed in Colorado for two to three weeks a year. I stayed on the highways and hit all of the big tourist areas. I did not see Colorado or know what it was all about.It was not until I got off the main roads and hiked back into the wilderness areas and on top of the 14,000 foot mountains that I got to know Colorado.

I would have to say my walk with Jesus has been very similar to my experience of knowing Colorado. I played church for years and never knew the LORD until I got off the main roads and searched for Him.

I have been in hot pursuit of God, King Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. My love for them grows every day. I am awed daily at what I see God doing in me and around me.

'The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him.' Exodus (15:2 NIV).

Seeking Him,

Rick Hawbaker
Praying 4 U Ministries †

We are so loved ~ Thank you JESUS †

Father God ~

We are so loved by a God that so answers prayers. All honor, glory and praise goes to you, King Jesus. For you alone are King of the Universe.

I ask you to free all the captives stuck in the mud in the raging river. The water is high for many and Satan is dashing hopes with his lies.

LORD, with you we can overcome it all and be mighty warriors advancing your mighty Kingdom at every junction. You walked right through death and set us free.

May the sounds of the binding chains around us be heard as they hit the ground. Save us from ourselves and forgive us of all of our sins.

Thank you for the HOLY SPIRIT that you have left to guide us. May we not only be open to the HOLY SPIRIT, but may we pursue Him and advance your Kingdom.

You are mighty to save and you alone rule throughout the sea, air and land. Thank you Jesus. Have I mention yet that you are AWESOME. You are!!!

In the good and great name of Jesus Christ! Amen and Amen!

Rick Hawbaker
Praying 4 U Ministries †

Evil is ugly ~ God is good

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10 (NIV).

Evil is ugly. I hate what Satan and his band of losers is doing right before my own eyes. I see him wrestling in marriages, messing up young families, taking over the workplace, and affecting the health of way too many people both young and old.

But, God is Good. Oh, boy! God is so good. As we go arms locked, shoulder to shoulder, and shields held high, we can and are defeating evil. I have seen marriages and families put back together, problems resolved in the workplace and people are being healed in the name of Jesus. All of this right before my eyes.

We must be strong in the LORD at all times and not just when God is showing His power and we can see victory. We must have a faith that is strong even when it appears our enemies are winning.

Things might be shaking where you are standing right now, but know that we have access to a kingdom that is shaken by nothing. Surrender to the LORD and enjoy the strength, comfort and great peace of mind, that you can get only from Him.

“The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights.” Habakkuk 3:19 (NIV).

Rick Hawbaker
Praying 4 U Ministries †

Keep on speaking, do not be silent...

“One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.” ~ Acts 18:9-10 (NIV).

Father God ~ Give us the strength to not be afraid and courage to continue to boldly tell others about you and your great deeds. You have commanded us to tell the world. May we never be silent and always be ready to share your unending love.

You are awesome beyond all known and unknown things. You have said, “for I am with you.” Yes, that is right. You are with us constantly in the Holy Spirit and cover us with your love and compassion.

Thank you, O LORD, for there is nobody we would rather be walking beside 24/7 than you. You are our all in all and to you goes the highest praise. In the good and great name of Jesus. Amen and Amen!

“The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” 2 Timothy 4:18 (NIV).

Thank You Jesus,

Rick Hawbaker
Praying 4 U Ministries †

Monday Prayer...

Father God ~ We come to you this day giving you thanks for you are awesome and your love endures forever. We have cried out to you and you have been there for us, strengthening and comforting us. Thank you Jesus!

All the glory goes to you alone for you are worthy. You continue to go beyond our expectations. With you we will gain the victory over whatever comes against us and we will trample down our foes.

Thank you Jesus! Thank you, Christ the Lord! You are the King of our hearts. In the good and great name of Jesus. Amen and Amen!

Praying 4 U Ministries/rh

I am on the run toward Him...

“How awesome is the LORD Most High, the great King over all the earth!” ~ Psalm 47:2 (NIV).

I am on fire for the LORD and I want more. I think you want more, too. I know he has so much more for us and I am praying he will prepare us so we can receive all he has for us.

The first thought going through my head this morning as my feet hit the floor was “If a person really loves Jesus, they can’t get enough of Him.” At this point in my life, that is exactly where I am at.

What made me move off the dime? I had a back ground of playing church in two different mainline denominations and even was Elder of one. But I had not let the LORD God Almighty wrap both arms around me.

God had followed me with His arms spread out and reaching down and lived in me as the Holy Spirit. But until I turned around and pursued Him I was not on fire for the King.

The very power that raised our LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ, from the dead, came over me and guided me as I tippy-toed toward God. Now I am on the run toward Him.

One would think the fire would burn out, but no, not this one. It is a raging wild fire. Stoked by the Holy Spirit. All honor, glory and praise goes to King Jesus.

Born to Love,

Rick Hawbaker
Praying 4 U Ministries †

The fire still burns among us...

Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates” Deuteronomy 11:20 (NIV).

Imagine walking down a sidewalk with scripture written all over. Yes, Walking through the word of God. Walking through His commandments and His promises en route to a building to worship the Almighty. That is exactly what I did a month ago at God’s Advance.

With the help of Godly men, I put the graffiti on the sidewalk. But this graffiti was not the evidence of a neighborhood’s decline, but the evidence of a group of men advancing the kingdom of God.

In advance of God’s Advance we gathered together and prayed throughout the mountain ranch where we stayed for a week-end. We prayed and anointed with oil every bunk, every door post and every building. Every hill, every path and every road into the place was prayed over.

We came to the LORD as little children. A friend brought sidewalk chalk for us children of the LORD to have fun in sharing our favorite verses of scripture with the men that were yet to come to the Advance.

As the rain and snow came to wash away our words and drawings sketched on a sidewalk, no fear that the word of God is gone or that our efforts were washed away. For the flame of the LORD that was fanned in us, we took home and the fire is still burning. The Holy Spirit has fallen upon us!

Thank You Jesus!

“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates.” Deuteronomy 6:4-8 (NIV.

Rick Hawbaker
Praying 4 U Ministries †

Our hearts belong to Jesus

“Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.” Isaiah 45:22 (NIV).

Father God ~ You go unmatched in all of the universe. Not just in the stories of our family in the bible, but yet today. There is nothing greater than you. Not one thing!

You have defeated darkness time after time and continue to do that. Deliver us, O LORD, from the torment of the evil one. Keep the bad one and his cronies away from us and our love ones.

Satan, go back to the pits of hell where you belong. Give up on us for we are children of the LORD, and our God reigns now and forever. You were defeated at the foot of the cross. Be Gone!

Our hearts belong to Jesus and He is our great protector, great provider and great healer. Thank you, Jesus, for restoring families and healing the sick right before our eyes.

In the good and great name of Jesus. Amen and Amen!

Rick Hawbaker
Praying 4 U Ministries †

Drenched with the Holy Spirit...

"And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven." Luke 24:49 (NLT).

The Holy Spirit was poured out upon us at God’s Advance recently and the spirit of God has remained with us. I feel the Glory of the LORD and have drawn from God each day since.

Just like the early church, we are seeing the spirits presence. Many are being healed both physically and mentally, marriages and homes are being put back together, jobs are becoming tolerable, and jobs are surfacing for those who thought they had reached a road block in getting hired.

My faith continues to grow as I witness God using me as His hands and feet. Oh, how great it is that He has given us the strength and courage and all the gifts and abilities we need to further His kingdom.

The LORD has given you victory, too. Receive the presence of God. Welcome the Holy Spirit into your life and feel His Glory. Be clothed in the power from above and release it to others.

"I am the LORD, the God of all the peoples of the world. Is anything too hard for me?” Jeremiah 32:27 (NLT).

Shalom,

Rick Hawbaker
Praying 4 U Ministries †

He is everywhere...

I am heading into the week-end in prayer. I am in hopes that you will join me. May Saturday and Sunday be a time of reconnection for you with our great God in heaven.

I can’t imagine a day without him and know that is something I would not want to experience. Take a few minutes right now and talk to God. More importantly…listen to Him.

Our God in heaven is far more loving and compassionate than we can ever comprehend. That’s what I have grown to know. I have found great joy in His presence and can’t get enough of Him.

A friend told me her five year-old girl has moved from Sunday Preschool to Sunday School at church this Fall. She is so excited. She told her BIG eight year-old brother, “I get to go to Sunday School now. I am going to see God.” Her brother told her, “you don’t see God. You feel him. He is everywhere…”

Jesus told us in Luke 18:17 (NIV), “I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."

Let’s all get as excited as these two children of the LORD. They are not worried about the things of the world. They are enjoying God and seeking His presence. They feel Him. He is everywhere…

My prayer for you is that you too will seek him and feel him. He is everywhere...

Shalom,

Rick Hawbaker
Praying 4 U Ministries

Keep in step with the Spirit...

“Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul.” 1 Peter 2:11 (NIV).

We are not of this world and we are destined to live differently than John Doe and Joe Crow down the street.

Jesus told us in Matthew 6:24, "No one can serve two masters.” Yet people two thousand years later are still trying to seek God and Money as they seek things of this world.

Many of us live the same lives as the non-Christians that live right next to us. We enjoy the same things in life as they do and work day and night to pursue the exact things they seek.

You have to understand that we are not from here. We are citizens of the Kingdom of God. We can not fix our thoughts on this present world, but must fix our eyes on the LORD.

Holy Nation! God has called us out of darkness. Live in his wonderful light. You are the King's kid! Release your Father’s presence.

“Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” Galatians 5:25 (NIV).

Serving a Living God,

Rick Hawbaker
Praying 4 U Ministries

“How awesome is the LORD Most High, the great King over all the earth! ~ Psalm 47:2 (NIV).

There goes God…We prayed for a brother in Christ’s daughter last week. Her dad was at God’s Advance with us at a ranch in the Rocky Mountains in northern Colorado. Her body temperature had rocketed to 107.

Her father later wrote, “Many, many blessings to you for standing in the gap for my daughter, Evelyn, during the Advance—within an HOUR of your prayers, her temp went down from an uncontrolled 107 to a manageable low 100’s.”

He continued, “ Her heart stopped racing, she was SAVED, PRAISE THE LORD! He is MIGHTY, a HEALER, He is FAITHFUL, He restores HOPE, He bestows GRACE, He is FULL OF GLORY, He IS the LOVE of the FATHER...

That’s Right. Our God is an awesome God. He is the mighty healer and our deliver in our hours of darkness. To you goes all the praise and glory. Thank you Jesus!

Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Psalm 62:8 (NIV).

Shalom,

Rick Hawbaker
Praying 4 U Ministries †

6:10 Warriors Begins...

“Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.” Psalm 33:3 (NIV).

I am singing a new song to our LORD this week after attending a great men’s advance last week-end. We are revamping our men’s ministry program at church to be “6:10 Warriors”.

The 6:10 is for Ephesians 6:10, which says, “Finally, be strong in the LORD and in his mighty power.”

We are fired up, armored up, shoulder to shoulder with shields held high. A great team of men prayed for several months for the men’s advance. Results were 120 men at the advance. God exceeded all our expectations and worked in the lives of those in attendance.

God told us in Jeremiah 29:14 (NIV), “I will be found by you.” That is exactly what happened for some of the men last week-end. They finally got hooked up with Jesus after years of battling through life by themselves. Some men had been bound up in chains for over 40 years and are now free.

God’s specialty is bringing a person to the next level and the only way to get to the Father is through His Son, Jesus. He saves us from ourselves and His Holy Spirit guides us to become what God intended us to be.

Looking back on the advance we can see that God did “immeasurably more” than we ever “asked or imagined!” We can see that God used us to score a huge victory in the lives of many.

Walk with the LORD and be pleasing to Him. Hold your head and hands high. Release the presence of the LORD to all that you come in contact with. “I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the LORD.” Micah 3:8 (NIV).

“The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,” Isaiah 61:1 (NIV).

Hearts were healed, chains were broken and prisoners were set free. Thank you King Jesus!

Shalom,

Rick Hawbaker †
Praying 4 U Ministries

It is your invitation...

“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; Isaiah 55:1 (NIV)

Children of the LORD ~ Do not miss this! This is your invitation from God.

Just like the scripture says, if you are thirsty, come to the waters and drink. Satisfy your desire to become closer to your LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Broken lives are populating earth, all because people do not come to His waters and drink. If you are NOT thirsty for what the LORD can do for you, you will keep wandering through this life and never be changed.

“For He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.” Psalm 107:9 (NIV). The book of John tells us in chapter 7, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink.” (NIV).


Don’t be left behind. Seek the LORD. I get glory bumps just thinking about how much my Father in heaven loves us. Because He sees us as what we will be and not what we are now. Let Him change you to be what you were meant to be.

"I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. John 6:35 (NIV).

“I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.” Proverbs 8:17 (NIV)

That's Right...You Can Count On It...Thank You Jesus!

Rick Hawbaker
Praying 4 U Ministries

Hungry for the LORD...

“Praise the LORD. Praise the name of the LORD; praise him, you servants of the LORD,” Psalm 135:1 (NIV).

I ventured up to the mountains over the week-end with one hundred and twenty hungry men. Men hungry for the LORD. God’s kingdom grew and Satan trembled. Heaven’s gates were opened and we were drenched with His Holy Spirit.

Many men passed up going to the Advance letting Satan talk them out of it. Some said,“Oh, I am not going. I have been to Advances before. I don’t need to get filled up.” That’s where they have missed hearing God calling…You don’t go to an Advance or Retreat to get full. You go to get hungry. Hungry for the LORD.

Men’s lives were changed as they were set free from the chains they had been carrying. Hallelujah! The LORD was MIGHTY indeed as He restored marriages, put families back together, released guilt, healed all kinds of pain and more.

It was great getting a glimpse of heaven even if it was only for a week-end. Praising, worshipping and praying knee to knee with others. Men becoming men in the presence other men. Thank you Jesus!

“Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” Psalm 103:1-5 (NIV).


Shalom,

Rick Hawbaker
Praying 4 U Ministries

Only God knows the end of this story...

“O LORD my God, I called to you for help and you healed me.” Psalm 30:2 (NIV).

Bud Hexum, a friend and co-worker, is in need of being lifted up to God, our great healer. Bud just found out he has esophagus cancer and he is scheduled to begin chemo soon.

Further testing has shown that the cancer has spread to his back and to some organs. A Christ-like mutual friend sent him to me to seek prayer.

Hard to believe a man of 74 that performs physical tasks at work like a 35 year-old is on his way home to be with his LORD and Savior. Bud has been told that he has a good chance of seeing his 75th birthday. That is six months away, but the chances of being alive in a year from now are not good for him.

Knowing that our Almighty God is still in the healing business, I opened an “Event” of my Facebook page, “Prayer Sanctuary”, and shared it on my other pages “Praying 4 U” and “Jesus Heals Today”. I asked 571 Facebook friends from around the world to pray for Bud and 70 have made a commitment to do just that.

It is our job to pray and God’s job to heal. I also asked for prayers for Bud last night at a men’s prayer meeting. Most of the twenty-eight men there, laid their hands on me, as they prayed for him. We prayed that Bud’s body will be restored to the good health he once had and that he will be able to perform all the things on earth that God has planned for him.

Bud is a believer and has reached out for the corner of Jesus garment as he has asked for prayer. He knows “And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well” (James 5:15 NIV).

No one knows the end of this story except for God almighty. Humans have set the date of Bud’s expiration, but that is not what God has said. Our words and our prayers have tremendous power and can destroy the works of darkness.

Brothers and sisters ~ You can experience victory through prayer!

Shalom,

Rick Hawbaker
Praying 4 U Ministries

Armor up to battle evil when it appears

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:10-12 (NIV).

End Times Warriors, heed the call. Armor up and defeat darkness when it rises. The flesh is weak, but the LORD is strong. He is the boundless resource you need to overcome evil. We must stand shoulder to shoulder and team up with God to overcome the unseen power that controls this dark world.

If you do not know that there is a spiritual battle going on for your soul, then you are most likely losing the battle. We are walking through the valley of darkness and need the LORD to be with us to keep us from the evil that lurks everywhere.

“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” Ephesians 6:13-15 (NIV).

Be Christ-like in your walk for the LORD. Jesus did not walk the earth searching for demons to destroy, but dealt with and removed evil opposition as it appeared around Him.

We must put on our boots for the battle and squash the head of the snake when evil makes a play for us. Put yourself and all those you love at the feet of Jesus and pray for all of God’s children.

JESUS is KING †

Rick Hawbaker
Praying 4 U Ministries

Reaching for the cloak of Jesus garment...

“Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, Philippians 2:9 (NIV). There is power in the name of Jesus!

I have been united in prayer with some close brothers. Together we are armoring up to fight evil. We are not going out of our way to pick on Satan, the snake, but as we put together the final plans of a Men’s Advance, he has been coming after us.

Satan would love to slow us down as we hope to have over 200 men to encounter God at an Advance. God has always shown up in a BIG way at the Advances. He will this year too. We have already witness God making His move.

The snake tried to knock us down on Thursday, but he was flat out destroyed! One of my friends temporarily struggled with a back problem and another had work stress levels hit unhealthy highs. I was slowed down at work with a circulation problem in my legs. Together we called upon each other and lifted one another up to our amazing God.

I had a foot ulcer for over two weeks and it was getting worse. Each day the sore would get chewed up as I am on my feet all day performing my job. Wednesday night I was reaching my maximum pain level. God encouraged me to get to the doctor and get some antibiotics, so the wound would not seriously get infected.

I turned it over to God on Thursday. I called to get an appointment and then text my prayer warrior friends. Within 20 minutes of texting the prayer warriors, my support socks loosened up and fell down around my ankles on the affected leg. That was the beginning of the healing process. The swelling had left my leg.

I knew right away that my friends had been praying for me and that God was on it. I had reached for the cloak of Jesus garment. I went to the appointment and got some advice and three prescriptions. I am here to tell you that our almighty God healed me. The one and a half inch wide sore that was four inches long now looked like a three inch line drawn by a sharpie. Thank you Jesus!

“But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:16-18 (NIV)

Praise and worship our King...

“Your love, LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your justice like the great deep. You, LORD, preserve both people and animals.” Psalm 36:5-6 (NIV).

David began Psalm 36 talking about wicked and evil things, but turned his thoughts on praising our LORD. David is just like us. David knew that corruption and depravity prevail in the world, but he puts his hope in the LORD and praises Him.

That’s exactly what we should do. We need to expose evil, and do away with it. We need to turn away from all the evil that surrounds us. And, of course, we need to always praise our LORD and worship Him.

Bring heaven to earth by praising and worshiping our King. Praise Him in prayer and song for our God is great and mighty to save. Shout out to Him for Holy is the LORD.

“How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.” Psalm 36:7 (NIV).

Shalom,

Rick Hawbaker †
Praying 4 U Ministries

Let our enemies be scattered...

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 (NIV).

Ten years have passed since terrorists hijacked planes and crashed them into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and into a field in Pennsylvania. Nearly 3,000 were killed that day as the security of the United States was violated and we were all put at risk.

Let’s all remember the countless innocent people killed on the planes and in the buildings. Also, remember the many heros and good Samaritans that emerged to help during this disaster. And we can’t forget all the young men and women who have fought in wars since to protect our freedom.

Please remember all of these people and the many more not mentioned. Our God, is a mighty fortress. He has a plan and is in control. Cling to him or you will be lost.

Hear our prayers, O LORD! May your Spirit arise. Where your Spirit is, there is freedom. God bless America. Let our enemies be scattered in the name of Jesus. Amen and Amen!

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” The LORD Almighty is with us;” Psalm 46:10-11 (NIV)

Shalom,

Rick Hawbaker †

Praying 4 U Ministries

Put God in the driver's seat...

“For nothing is impossible with God." Luke 1:37 (NIV).

Our God is awesome in power and there is nothing like him. There is no such word as impossible if you are walking with the King of Glory. He is the great provider and great healer.

Let the very power that raise Jesus from the dead run through your body from the top of your head to the bottom of your feet. Don’t let evil ruin your day and rob you of furthering the Kingdom of the man who walked on the Sea of Galilee.

Feel the tingle and let your body glow as you are a child of God. You were given the same orders that the disciples were given before God in the flesh rose into the sky. Your Father’s throne is the center of the universe.

Do away with the thorn in your side that is causing you not to be able to fix your eyes on the King of the Universe. If it is a co-worker, a relative, a former mate, a neighbor, or whoever, Do not let them ruin your day. Nothing is to separate you from the love of Christ, especially those who are a pain in the neck to you.

How do you remove the sharp pain from your flesh? You pray to the King of Kings. Jesus replied, "What is impossible with men is possible with God." Luke 18:27 (NIV). There is power in the name of Jesus. Seek God for the way to overcome this situation.

The Holy Spirit is waiting to lead you to the life you were born to live. The flesh is weak but He is strong. Walk with God. Let the spirit light up your life. Receive the power of the Holy Spirit. Put God in the driver's seat. You will never be the same.

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 (NIV).

Shalom,

Rick Hawbaker †
Praying 4 U Ministries

Pick ten to pray for...

“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.” Psalm 143:8 (NIV)

I took a personal day off from work and sought God for a day. It was great getting alone with our almighty God. Nobody likes me more than he does and I like nobody more than him.

I got God alone on a hiking trail in Rocky Mountain National Park or should I say He got me alone. Anyhoo, it was great spending a day in the presence of the King of Glory. His all-embracing silence increased my sensitivity and compassion for others.

I did not have questions prepared to ask Him, but you know, I did not run out of things to say or think about. The best part of our chat was when I listened to Him. I imagine that was His favorite part of the day too.

He would like me to pick ten key people in the kingdom that I personally know and to pray for each one of them three times a day. This will bring me closer with others that have the same goal of furthering the kingdom of God.

Together we will be stronger and make more progress for King Jesus. But I think more importantly, my faith will become stronger as I develop compassion and concern for others through prayer.

It is the first time I have heard of “Picking Ten”, but I have taken His advice and have added it to my prayer time. If we are going to be His sheep we must listen to Jesus, trust and obey, put aside earthly things and follow him. The sheep are safe and secure in the hand of the Good Shepherd.

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.” John 10:27-28 (NIV).

Shalom,

Rick Hawbaker †
Praying 4 U Ministries

Self-deliverance is an option for you...

‘Shake off your dust; rise up, sit enthroned, O Jerusalem. Free yourself from the chains on your neck’, Isaiah 52:2 (NIV).

Many people are trampled by persecutors and oppressors, many are weary and heavy laden under the burden of sin, and lots are lonely, lost, broken hearted and down trodden.

Don’t wait for someone else to take responsibility of your life. The lights are on and that is the time to arise. The forces of light are far more powerful than the forces of darkness. You can claim victory through the blood of the lamb and be delivered from all the evil that is surrounding you.

Yes, self-deliverance is a route for you. “Shake off your dust, rise up, sit enthroned…Free yourself from the chains on your neck.” You can shake yourself free from any hold that darkness has on you.

You can have victory through prayer. Pray strong prayers that uproot the enemy and command the afflictions stop right now. We can have victory using the name of Jesus as His name is above all names.

"Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. Isaiah 60:1 (NIV).
Shalom,

Rick Hawbaker †
Praying 4 U Ministries

Shine into darkness, child of God...

Shine into darkness, child of God. Release His holy presence in all the land. Come to Him singing praises of joy. He is your all in all and all that you need. Holy, holy is He.

As we head through this long, long weekend, I ask you to pray for the lonely, the lost, the broken hearted and down trodden. May their spirits be lifted up and may they find strength and peace in the LORD.

I encourage you to get out and visit with your friends, neighbors and relatives. Get with those you have never liked and with those who have never liked you. Get with those you have never known. Our Jesus can be found in everyone and you are to share Him with all.

Jesus commanded us, “And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.’ Mark 16:15 (NLT). That is a command, not merely a suggestion, yet many fail to heed the call.

Be Jesus to someone today. Share the Glory of the LORD and let His amazing light shine through you onto them. Take His light and love into this world of darkness. Hell will not prevail. We shall overcome!

John told us that ‘Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has become a child of God.’ 1 John 5:1 (NLT).

He also wrote, “For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God. 1 John 5:4-5 (NLT).

Please prayerfully consider heeding the call and obey the commands to further the kingdom of light.

Shalom,

Rick Hawbaker †
Praying 4 U Ministries

In pursuit of God...

‘God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.’ Psalm 46:1 (NIV).

I spent a day alone with God hiking in America’s outback. I could have taken my usual mile to three mile walk in the Open Space and talked to Him in the city. That is always a good time, but I showed Him I had a great desire to become even closer to Him. This time we hung out together backpacking in Rocky Mountain National Park.

It is often hard to listen to our King as we hop the hurdles in our daily routine. That is why it is great to get alone with Him. I certainly could feel His presence around me as I hiked in Wild Basin. Our talk together was good and a lot was revealed to me. I only wish the day did not end as it was a slice of heaven.

Four hours from shelter I became wetter than a ducks feet as an afternoon rain storm swept upon me. The heavy pouring rain and the wind combined to give me a chill. As I began to shake from the cold, I knew I was in trouble.

God led me to the cover of a big tree beside a beautiful mountain stream. There He wrapped His arms around me, warming me up and keeping me from getting any wetter.

‘The LORD of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress.’ Psalm 46:7 (NIV). God indeed is a mighty fortress!

God is so good and so God. Seek Him today. Bask in His presence. Become what you are to be. All glory and Praise to the King of Kings!

Shalom,

Rick Hawbaker †
Praying 4 U Ministries

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus..."

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. Hebrews 12:2 (NIV).

I was praying with a group of 22 men last night. It turned into a deep prayer meeting with fire falling down from heaven onto all those present. We laid hands on and prayed for one another for over an hour. The HOLY SPIRIT’s presence was throughout the room. We basked in the H0LY SPIRIT and loved it.

As we were praying for a friend, I heard a man say, “Father God, We thank you for Bob. Bob is a perfect example of someone who has his eyes fixed on Jesus, like you were talking about in Hebrews 12:2.

That scripture stuck in my mind and I text it to friends this morning. I had a man come to me before lunch and said, “I like the scripture you text me about “fix our eyes on Jesus,” but how do you do it. I can’t seem to keep my eyes on Him. I am all over the place.”

I told him not to feel bad and witnessed to him that I struggled with the same thing until about two years ago. That is when I began praying for God to give me a burning desire to pursue Him.

I suggested to this man that he should pray that he both be hungry and thirsty for the LORD and get into God’s holy word. For the will of God is in the word of God and all the answers to life’s questions reside in the bible.

I recommended that he go to a church and get involved and meet Christian friends. Hanging out with Christians changes your life. I told him that you got to get to a point in your life that when you are hugged by another person, you realize that it is not that person that is hugging you, but it is Jesus.

“Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near.” Isaiah 55:6 (NIV).

"Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.” Isaiah 45:22 (NIV)

Shalom,

Rick Hawbaker †
Praying 4 U Ministries

Let His light break through like the morning

End-Times Warriors

I encouraged you to get about our Father’s business and that is the business of bringing heaven to earth.

We are saved from ourselves and from the darkness of this world, not so we can go to heaven, but so we can bring heaven to earth.

Bind up and cast out the evil one in the name of Jesus. All believers have authority over evil. “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.” 2 Corinthians 10:4. (NIV).

Jesus sent out seventy-two disciples two by two and they came back saying, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name. He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:17-20 (NIV).

You have been given the authority to use Jesus name to cast out the forces of evil. Root up all things not planted by God. Let His light break forth like the morning.

Shalom,

Rick Hawbaker †
Praying 4 U Ministries

He makes the rough places smooth...

“I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.” Isaiah 42:16 NIV.

Oh, what a joy it is to pray for others. Seeing the great hope they have in our great God, propels me to keep ushering in the power of the Holy Spirit around me.

I had a 22 year-old come and ask me to pray with her this week. As I listened to her prayer concerns, I learned a lot about the young lady. She was filled with a heart of compassion for two dying relatives and has faith that God does “make the rough places smooth”.

She is in her first year of her walk with the LORD and she knows that being a Christian is not an easy life. But she knows as a Christian, you are never alone. He will not forsake us.

“Then Jesus said, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?" John 11:40 NIV. This young lady believes and will see the glory of God.

Father God ~ We praise you, O LORD, for you are Holy. You are the king of glory and you surround us like the mountains surround Jerusalem. Smother us with your perfect love that lasts forever. We love how you love us. In the good and great name of Jesus. Amen!

Rick Hawbaker †
Praying 4 U Ministries

Hurricane Irene

Father God ~ A very dangerous and costly storm has hit the East Coast of the United States and could affect 55 million people as it works its way North. It is a powerful storm, but you LORD are more powerful. Break down this storm like only you can do. Let not another life be lost to Hurricane Irene. Father protect our brothers and sisters. In Jesus name. Amen!

Shout to God with cries of joy....

Awesome LORD ~ You are the GREATEST. There is nothing that compares to you. Your unending love, mercy and grace goes unmatched.

Thank you for sending your Son, Jesus, to die for our sins, past, present and future. May we not forget that He also lived for us and lives today in us.

Help us not to be in such a hurry through life that we miss you. Our fellowship with you, O LORD, that is the way to overcome the evil one. Nothing is greater than a close walk with thee.

Thank you for the provisions you have given us and for those yet to come. All glory, honor and praise goes to you. We are grateful for all that you are. In the good and great name of Jesus. Amen!

Psalm 47:1-2 "Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy. How awesome is the LORD Most Hight, the great King over all the earth!" NIV

Rick Hawbaker †
Praying 4 U Ministries

Look for good in others...

“After David had finished talking with Saul, he met Jonathan, the king’s son. There was an immediate bond between them, for Jonathan loved David.” 1 Samuel 18:1 NLT.

Jonathan himself was a great warrior and destined to be king, but he recognized the seed of God planted in David. Jonathan watered that seed and watched David become what God called him to be.

We are called to “Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other”. Romans 12:10 NLT. We must honor people for who they are and look for a speck of gold in everyone we meet.

O how the glory of God would be released in our midst if we looked for the good in everyone instead of constantly looking for negative traits. It would change how we feel about others and how others feel about us.

“Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters.” Hebrews 13:1 NLT.

Look for the seed of God in others and water that seed building your relationship with that person, and furthering the kingdom of God. We are the body of Christ and are to be one spirit. Let’s help develop one another to serve the Lord.

Rick Hawbaker
Praying 4 U Ministries

A real hunger for God...

“Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness.” 1 Peter 2:2-3 NLT.

Do you have a real hunger for God? We need to have a great desire to grow closer to Him and to do that we need to dive into His holy word. No matter where you are on your walk with the LORD, you are still a baby and in need of pure milk to be a healthy Christian.

We love how the LORD loves us, but there is more for all of us to receive. Receive God’s word and you will grow in Him. Never tire of reading, hearing, or studying the simple truths of the bible.

“As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God.” Psalm 42:1 NLT.

As you experience the Holy Spirit working through you and around you, you will become on fire for the LORD and feel His presence. You will want to receive more milk to continue to grow.

Pray for the LORD to grant you a willing Spirit. Reflect your encounter with God to others. Show the Holy Spirit. Release the presence of God bringing a bit of heaven to earth.

‎“Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10 NLT.

Shalom,

Rick Hawbaker
Praying 4 U Ministries

Preparing to defeat darkness

“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Ephesians 6:11 KJV.

We are surrounded in a fallen world by people who have no desire to live for our king. Temptation is everywhere. The flesh is weak and we may fall to the enemy. It is so important that we armor up and stand shoulder to shoulder against the powers of the dark world. We are weak, but through God we are strong.

If you do not know that there is a spiritual battle going on, then you are probably losing the battle. The spiritual forces of evil are alive and very real. Standing alone is a dangerous spot to be in. Alone we can be picked off and swallowed by darkness.

I encourage you this day to take a stand against evil. Get into the word of God and there you will find His will for you. Keep company with Jesus and become more like Him as you are transformed into the person He intended you to be.

Christ is King of all creation. Jesus is not the opposite of Satan. Satan is a mighty power and force, but the power of Jesus is the almighty. We have victory through Jesus. He is the mighty conqueror and we can conqueror the powers of darkness through him.

“Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us."

Have a hunger for God and welcome His Holy Spirit to guide you. Develop a relationship with God through prayer and listen to Him.


Shalom,

Rick Hawbaker
Praying 4 U Ministries

Build up your strength in the LORD

May you come to realize that God is with you now and forever and He is for you! I am praying that God will show up in a HUGE way in your life. Once you know that He is the great provider and that He reigns over all of the earth, then you will know who your best friend is.

God’s holy word tells us in 1 Samuel 30:6 that even when David was greatly distressed and people talked of stoning him, “David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.”

We live in a fallen world. A world filled with darkness. We are called to make a stand against Satan. There is a battle to fight in the Christian life and God is our guiding light and lamp upon our feet.

We must prepare ourselves for the battle as we put on the armor of God. We must do as David did and strengthen ourselves in the LORD before putting on the armor.

If we do not build up our strength in the LORD, we will be defeated. When we stand up against Satan’s schemes with the power of God, we find his plots are nothing.

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might”- Ephesians 6:10 KJV.

Shalom,

Rick Hawbaker
Praying 4 U Ministries

Arise, Holy Spirit, Arise in me.

May the Holy Spirit of our God almighty drift down from heaven and settle upon you. Unlike anything else on earth, the Spirit of God will strengthen and comfort you.

Once you ask the spirit to take up residence in your body, you begin your walk with the LORD. There is no better feeling than knowing the King of the entire universe is at the controls and leading you.

The greatest gift on earth has already been given to us. That is the gift of God’s own son, Jesus, coming down from heaven to pay our debt. Jesus paid it all. He took our sins to the cross where He was hung on a tree.

Satan was defeated that day at the foot of the cross. He knows he was defeated, but yet he bothers us still. We are told in the Gospel,‘The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy’ John 10:10 KJV.

Satan is mighty, but nothing compared to God Almighty. The church of Jesus has been held together since Pentecost by the Spirit of God. Bind yourself with other believers of God and strengthen one another with prayer.

Earnestly seek the spiritual gifts from God. The gifts can be very helpful as you express and receive His love. Fan into flame the gift of God that is in you.

'Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.' Psalm 51:10 KJV.

Shalom,

Rick Hawbaker
Praying 4 U Ministries

Walking in the Spirit

This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.’ Galatians 5:16 KJV.

Walking in the Spirit is something you do or you don’t do. It is that simple. The Spirit and the flesh are opposites. Walking in the Spirit isn’t something you can do sometimes and then sometimes not do. It is a continued and progressive motion.

In the New Testament we see how the Holy Spirit lived in the Apostles and influenced them to be like Jesus. They patterned their lives after the Spirit’s leading. They are an excellent example of people walking in the Spirit.

Keeping away from the things that clash with the Spirit of God is 24/7 job for us. We are moved by the Spirit to be more like Jesus, but yet we are surrounded by things tempting us to fall to the desires and passions of the flesh.

Peter urged us in 1 Peter 2 to abstain from sinful desires, which war against our soul. We are just visitors here on earth on our way to our eternal home in heaven. Do not get caught up going after earthly things and neglect the salvation of your own soul.

Seek heaven as it is your home. Seek God for He is your destiny. If you are walking in the Spirit evidence of that is shown daily in you.

‘If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.’ Galatians 5:25 KJV.

Shalom,

Rick Hawbaker
Praying 4 U Ministries

Come to the Lord † He cares for you

If you are just going through the motions at work and you hope your car knows the way home when you get off, then you need to seek the Lord for help.

God’s holy word tells us, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”. Matthew 11:28 KJV.

We sometimes fall into a rut and before we realize it, the hole we are walking in has gotten so deep we can not see out. Pray to God to reach down and pull you out and to save you from yourself. We are here to be happy in glorify Him, and to share the good news of our risen and coming savior.

Plow straight forward through the current storm you are in. Your reward lays in front of you ready to be claimed. Keep your eyes and heart on the Lord.

“Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven:” Matthew 5:12 KJV.

Heaven may be just around the bend for you or maybe down the road many miles, but rest assured there are better days coming for all believers. Be comforted knowing that we are just visitors here and while Jesus is off preparing a place for us to be united with Him, He is busy preparing us for that place.

‘Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.’ 1 Peter 5:7 KJV.

Shalom,

Rick Hawbaker
Praying 4 U Ministries

He still leads us today…

'And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night:’ Exodus 13:21 KJV.

In Exodus our great God was with his people 24/7 as he led them across the desert. He provided cloud cover to comfort and shield them from the heat and sun and to lead them, and He gave them a column of fire to light their way at night.

God was on display 24 hours a day in front of the children of God. But even with this ever present miracle, the people turned their back on the Lord and did not see Him. This story shows great love and care from God to His people. We too are loved and cared for greatly by the LORD and yet today many don’t see Him.

The spirit of the Lord led the children of God by clouds and fire. Today we have the spirit-filled word of God given to us to show us the way and comfort us. He still leads us. His holy word is our comfort and light. Dig into His word and find Him and follow Him.

'Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD. Seek the LORD, and his strength: seek his face evermore.’ Psalm 105:3-4 KJV.

Shalom,

Rick Hawbaker
Praying 4 U Ministries

'Wait, I say, on the LORD’

‘Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD’ – Psalm 27:14 KJV.

As we pass over the meadows and through the woods we don’t have a clue what is waiting over the next rise in the road. But you know, that’s o.k. because we have a king of this universe that loves us dearly and He won’t forsake us.

We may face struggle after struggle and be poor and broken and be oppressed past our comfort level. We may never get the respect and may always have hardships. But we have a friend and savior in Jesus!

Walking through the valley of the shadows, look to the LORD God almighty for your strength to endure. Pray for strength, comfort and wisdom. You are not alone. Have you ever thought that God might be using you in a great way and you will be blessed greatly?

Pray to God to deliver you from the shadows and lift you up out of the valley. ‘for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me – Isaiah 49:23 KJV. Pray and then wait. He waited for you!

‘But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint’ – Isaiah 40:31 KJV.

Shalom,

Rick Hawbaker
Praying 4 U Ministries

'For each day he carries us in his arms'

“Praise the Lord; praise God our savior! For each day he carries us in his arms.” Psalm 68:19 (NLT).

Good times as we know them appear to be gone. At least that is the feeling of most everyone you run into. Not just in America, but other countries as well. If people don’t tell you of their troubles you can see the stress on their faces.

The rent, mortgage payments, car payments, cost of feeding and clothing your family, health care, child care and everything else, keeps on going. But the jobs have stopped and raises have ceased for some. Those reaching retirement have not put away money as they have used their money helping their children and helping their children's families survive.

God called Himself the Great “I Am”, not the Great “I was.” He is the Great provider. Nothing is impossible for Him. I urge you to not only get into the word of God to find Him and know what he wants, but to get on your knees in prayer and get to know the LORD.

God is mighty to save. He is a mighty fortress. Surrender to Him and let Him use you in a great way. Your redeemer lives. Seek Him and find Him. God still answers prayer.

"Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall." Psalm 55:22 (NLT).

Shalom,

Rick Hawbaker
Praying 4 U Ministries

Getting into the word of God...

“And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:” Deuteronomy 6:6 (KJV).

I am led to encourage you to get into the word of God. I can not see how we can be obedient to our Father in heaven, if we don’t know what it is we are to do.

I worshipped with an assembly of believers recently in a setting different from the one I am used to. Behind the person delivering the message of God was the Ten Commandments. There were five on each side of him and written large enough so everyone could read them.

These were the commandments and not merely suggestions. I think it would do us all good to jump into the Old Testament and know what God wants for his dear children.

I am not trying to beat you up or get you down because you are not in His word every day. You can’t see Jesus and the glory of LORD if you are looking down. What I am doing is encouraging you to get to know God through His word given to us.

Be lifted up by His holy word and share it with others. The word became flesh (Jesus) and if you fill your heart, soul and mind with the word, you too will become Jesus to others.

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105 (KJV)

Shalom,

Rick Hawbaker
Praying 4 U Ministries