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