The morning that Canada became a nation, Sir Samuel Leonard Tilley read in his morning devotion Psalm 72.  It was Tilley’s custom to start everyday with prayer and scripture reading, and that morning was no exception.  He felt that before he attended to the business of his country, he must first attend to the business of his soul.  In his devotion that morning, he read King David’s prayer for his son, Solomon. “Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto the king’s son.  He shall judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with judgment.” (Psalm 72:8-11)

Greetings Canada’s Kneeling Army,

This First Friday, the nation finds itself hosting the Queen of England and, because with God there is no coincidence, I ask us to ponder in our hearts the following observation; the Canadian Coat of Arms which, in itself, is fascinating to me as a proud CBC’er (Canadian by Choice not by birth), has the following motto on it:  “A Mari usque ad Mare” meaning from “Sea to Sea” (see Wikipedia).  Friends, I find it profound and prophetic that we have on the Arms of Canada a lion upon a royal helmet under a crown wearing a crown holding a red maple leaf in his paw resting on the lesser quoted motto: The ribbon of the Order of Canada (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_Canada) inscribed Desiderantes Meliorem Patriam, Latin for "They desire a better country." Wow, isn’t that what we’ve been crying out for with fervent prayer with fasting since 1997?  I encourage you to get reacquainted with this prophetic national gem before you intercede for our beloved nation this First Friday; it is a packed treasure chest with incredible spiritual heritage!

Intercessors, I was also reminded that Canada Day is often referred to as "Canada's birthday," particularly in the popular press, however, this could be misleading, as our country has a unique evolutionary history.   Some of the “constituents” out of which the Canadian confederation was formed called themselves "Canada" prior to 1867, and most of the present provinces of Canada did not join the federation until well after that year.  However, the road to independence did not end there, as the country did not become a sovereign kingdom until the proclamation of the Constitution Act by Queen Elizabeth II in 1982.   Therefore, Canada Day is an anniversary of the granting of Royal Assent to the British North America Act, as opposed to a national birthday or a day marking Canada's independence.  Friends, this concept of our beginnings as a nation and the granting of a Royal Assent must not be lost on us during this First Friday in July and, like Sir Samuel Leonard Tilley – a giant in Canadian history, let us meditate on Psalm 72:8-11, “Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto the king’s son.  He shall judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with judgment”, remembering that many over the years have taken their position to preserve our nation’s true heritage, and we will continue to do the good work, by God’s grace, that they started.

Royal Assent,

Brian Warren

Founder & Executive Director, CIP

The morning that Canada became a nation, Sir Samuel Leonard Tilley read in his morning devotion Psalm 72.  It was Tilley’s custom to start everyday with prayer and scripture reading, and that morning was no exception.  He felt that before he attended to the business of his country, he must first attend to the business of his soul.  In his devotion that morning, he read King David’s prayer for his son, Solomon. “Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto the king’s son.  He shall judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with judgment.” (Psalm 72:8-11)

Greetings Canada’s Kneeling Army,

This First Friday, the nation finds itself hosting the Queen of England and, because with God there is no coincidence, I ask us to ponder in our hearts the following observation; the Canadian Coat of Arms which, in itself, is fascinating to me as a proud CBC’er (Canadian by Choice not by birth), has the following motto on it:  “A Mari usque ad Mare” meaning from “Sea to Sea” (see Wikipedia).  Friends, I find it profound and prophetic that we have on the Arms of Canada a lion upon a royal helmet under a crown wearing a crown holding a red maple leaf in his paw resting on the lesser quoted motto: The ribbon of the Order of Canada (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_Canada) inscribed Desiderantes Meliorem Patriam, Latin for "They desire a better country." Wow, isn’t that what we’ve been crying out for with fervent prayer with fasting since 1997?  I encourage you to get reacquainted with this prophetic national gem before you intercede for our beloved nation this First Friday; it is a packed treasure chest with incredible spiritual heritage!

Intercessors, I was also reminded that Canada Day is often referred to as "Canada's birthday," particularly in the popular press, however, this could be misleading, as our country has a unique evolutionary history.   Some of the “constituents” out of which the Canadian confederation was formed called themselves "Canada" prior to 1867, and most of the present provinces of Canada did not join the federation until well after that year.  However, the road to independence did not end there, as the country did not become a sovereign kingdom until the proclamation of the Constitution Act by Queen Elizabeth II in 1982.   Therefore, Canada Day is an anniversary of the granting of Royal Assent to the British North America Act, as opposed to a national birthday or a day marking Canada's independence.  Friends, this concept of our beginnings as a nation and the granting of a Royal Assent must not be lost on us during this First Friday in July and, like Sir Samuel Leonard Tilley – a giant in Canadian history, let us meditate on Psalm 72:8-11, “Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto the king’s son.  He shall judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with judgment”, remembering that many over the years have taken their position to preserve our nation’s true heritage, and we will continue to do the good work, by God’s grace, that they started.

FROM THE TRENCH

Coming soon.......

PRAISE REPORTS:

-  Give God the glory for the over 9,000 men that attended Promise Keeper conferences across Canada.  Praise Him and believe that men will rise up in integrity and men of faith.

-  Praise God for the Love Winnipeg event that took place from May 30^th – June 12^th that reached the community with the Love of Christ extended in practical ways.  Praise Him for the over 50 churches that participated with free services of lawn care, car washing, and barbecues among some of the outreaches.

- Give God praise for outreach ministries in Winnipeg called “Walls of Freedom” for children without fathers and a Muffin Ministry in the inner city.

-  Praise Jesus that His name was lifted high in collective praise with numerous nationalities represented as they participated in the March for Jesus in Calgary.

Reports have come in that many were encouraged and excited to be together with their brothers and sisters in Christ marching freely through the streets proclaiming the name of Jesus! Praise God for answered prayer that nothing hindered the day.

- Praise God that the fire of God’s glory continues to be ignited in Waterloo, ON as believers gathered together for “It’s Time” Regional transformational Prayer Summit on June 25^th – 27^th.  Give God praise and thanks for the teaching tools that have encouraged the body of Christ to continue to pray effectively for their city and to persevere to see breakthrough come.

-  Give God all the glory for His divine protection for protecting a Christian Retreat Centre in Collingwood, ON from an approaching tornado as believers cried out to Him proclaiming Psalm 91 that “no harm will befall them, no disaster come near their tent” (Psalm 91:10)

-  Praise God for the unity in the body of Christ in Haliburton, Ontario.  Churches are gathering together in prayer and believing together for God to draw people to the love of Jesus.  One church reported that in a few years their attendance has doubled and over 100 of them are children.

-  Praise Him for the answered prayer in Whistler, BC.  Intercessors have been crying out for the town and God has revealed that they are not alone.  Rejoice in the unity of the brothers and sisters and pray that God will encourage them in their prayer closets and bring divine opportunities to witness their faith. 
-  Praise God for His divine protection over the G8 and G20 summits.

-  Give God all the glory for the National Forgiven Summit that took place in Ottawa on June 11 – 13.  Praise Jesus for the forgiveness that continues to flow across Canada.   Many First Nation people have been released to forgive and set free to be all that God has called them to be!  Give God thanks for Kenny Blacksmith and the volunteers of the Forgiveness Tour for going across Canada.

Prayer Driven Evangelism

-  Pray for all the churches that are gearing up for summer outreach programs.  Cry out that God will anoint the leaders and volunteers and fill them with His Holy Spirit to be His witnesses.  Pray that all believers will work together in unity to see many people com to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.  Pray that believers will work together in perfect love and unity, honoring one another and serving the Lord in all diligence through taking care of the needs of the saints.  (Romans 12:9-13)

Prayer Requests

Prince Edward Island

-  Lift up the island that new springs of living water will spring forth and refresh the body of Christ and revive hearts to passionately seek to accomplish through Christ the plans of God.  Pray that God will raise up intercessors to cry out for their province that every person will give their live to Christ.  Pray for a harvest of souls to come into the kingdom of God.

New Brunswick

-  Lift in prayer a corporate prayer group called PRAYER MONCTON who are gathering together to believe for God to pour out His spirit in a mighty way in their city.  Agree in prayer with them that they will see God work in such unmistakable ways that it will cause the unchurched community to recognize God’s presence! Cry out for God’s spirit to move in exceedingly and abundant ways as they align their lives together in prayer and lift up the name of Jesus. (Ephesians 3:20)

Nova Scotia

-  Agree in prayer for the vacation bible schools and Christian camps organized throughout the province that the word of God will be rooted and grounded in the hearts of every child.  Pray for the volunteers and staff who will be organizing the events that the joy of the Lord will be their strength.

- Lift in prayer a Messianic Jewish gathering on July 30^th in Halifax that God will draw His people together in love and unity.  Pray that the veil will be lifted from the eyes of the Jewish people across Canada that they will come to know the true Messiah.

Newfoundland & Labrador

-  Intercede in prayer for the summer children ministry outreaches, Vacation Bible Schools and Kids Camps organized throughout the province.  Pray for ears to be opened to hear the word of God and follow after righteousness, faith, love, and peace.  (2 Timothy 2:22)  Cry out for a generation of children that will hunger and thirst for more of God.

-  Pray that many will hear the gospel message and turn to God in repentance at a ministry event on July 16^th in St. John’s.

Quebec

-  Stand in the gap for a ministry team heading to Waskaganish to minister on the reserve on July 25^th – 31^st.  Pray for open doors, opened hearts and favour from God to minister to the people.   Pray that God’s Spirit will fill and change the people for eternity and that many will receive the bread of life. (John 6)  Lift in prayer the children and teen programs and the tent meetings in the evenings that many will be saved and be set free from bondages.  Pray for protection for the team as they travel and that God’s Spirit will flow through them.

-  Pray for God’s grace to fall upon the people of Quebec that they will know the breadth and length, and height and depth of Christ’s love.  (Ephesians 3:17)  Pray that oppression will be broken off the people and that their hearts will be softened to the gospel of Christ.

-  Lift in prayer the many church plantings that are in preparation across the province.  Intercede for the favour of God for the funds to be provided for pastors Pray that the mission field of Quebec will be ripe for harvest and that repentant hearts will cry out for God.

Ontario

-  Intercede for a prayer gathering in London on July 9^th that God will give them prayer stradegies as they cry out for their city.  Agree in prayer with them as they declare Revelations 19:6-7, “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns.  Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready”.  Pray that God will prepare His bride in London and bring the churches together in corporate unity.

-  Pray for a national conference in Toronto called CANADA AWAKENING on July 22-24 that God will release a fresh anointing and propel the body of Christ to advance the kingdom of God.  Pray that the Lord will impart wisdom and revelation to the leaders as they believe for the ancient wells of revival to burst forth with the Spirit of the Lord in over the city.

-  Cry out for a youth conference in Toronto on July 24^th called “A new rising” that the generation of youth will be impacted to live sold out for God committed to walking in integrity and righteousness.  Pray that they will be imitators of good.  (3 John 1:3)

-  Pray for a Burlington high school Christians in Action Group that God will prepare them for summer vacation and protect them and keep them safe.  Pray for a renewal of God’s Spirit in the school and that the students will be filled with joy and reach others with the love of Christ.

-  Agree in prayer with a church in Northumberland County that God will bring children into the church.  Pray for the children’s ministry leader that she will allow the Holy Spirit to flow through her and use her to reach the community with the love of Christ.  Cry out for God’s people to thirst after God and their bodies will long for more of the Lord.  (Psalm 63:1)  Intercede for the pastor that God will draw him to a deeper walk with Jesus and pray for his heart to be revived with a passion for the things of God.

Manitoba

-  Cry out for the city of Winnipeg that the Love Jesus event will continue to bear fruit and lives will come to salvation in Jesus.  Pray that God’s love will not be snatched from hearts and people will be drawn to come to church.

-  Stand in the gap for the city that violence will be minimized and pray the love of Jesus will permeate the city bring life and hope to those in darkness.

Saskatchewan

- Cry out for Mission 6:10 in Regina on July 24^th - 30^th that the zeal of the Lord will stir the hearts to reach out in love and compassion as they minister in the inner city.

-  Intercede for a great harvest in Saskatchewan of souls for the kingdom of God.

Alberta

- Lift in prayer a youth missionary team as they leave for Northern Thailand on July 7^th.  Pray that they will arrive safely and that they will yield to the direction of the Holy Spirit and the Lord will use them effectively in ministry.

-  Pray for a group of 5 missionaries who will be heading from Turner Valley to Myanmar on July 7^th to teach the bible.  Pray that they will have discernment and wisdom as they teach in another culture.  Intercede for the harvest of souls for the kingdom of God.  Pray for ears to be opened to hear the word of God and that their hearts will receive the gospel.

-  Intercede for the graduating class of school of biblical studies that God will use them mightily to help bring transformation in people’s lives.  Pray they that will be in tune with the leading of the Holy Spirit and respond to His direction.

-  Stand in the gap in prayer for the City Wide Prayer Rally in Calgary on July 23^rd for God’s plans and purposes for the city.  Pray for an outpouring of the Spirit of God on churches, communities, and families.  Pray for the spirit of unity to bind together the church in peace.

-  Agree in prayer with two prayer gatherings meeting on July 7^th & July 14^th as they cry out for their city of Calgary.  Pray that they will continue to press through in prayer and expect breakthroughs.

British Columbia

-  Stand in the gap and cry out for the town of Whistler that the strongholds of distractions and indifference will be broken off the people.  Pray that God will reveal Himself to those who aren’t seeking and they will respond to His call.  (Isaiah 65:1)  Pray for the body of Christ that they will be encouraged to continue to press through in prayer to see those come to the Lord.  Cry out for hearts that will yield to the spirit of God and seek passionately for the things of God forsaking all love of the world.

Nunavut

-  Pray for the people to sow in righteousness and reap mercy.  Pray for God to break up the fallow ground of hearts that they will seek the Lord.  (Hosea 10:12) Cry out for the body of Christ that they will walk in righteousness and allow the light of the Lord to shine through them drawing men and women to desire the peace of God.  Pray for hearts to be opened to God’s love.

Northwest Territories

-  Pray that self reliance to be broken off the people and that they will surrender themselves to God and place their trust in Him.  Intercede that the Spirit of God will flow like a river across the land and people will seek Him and develop spiritual roots to reach out and receive the blessings of God.  Pray that God will draw His people into a season of intimacy.

Yukon Territories

-  Intercede for the body of Christ that they will be the salt and light of the earth, (Matthew 5:13-14), walking free with no condemnation.  (Romans 8:1-2)  Pray for the pastors and ministry leaders that God will pour a fresh anointing upon them and renew them for a new season.

Canada

- Lift in prayer the maternal health plan initiatives that were set in place during the G8-G20 Summit that they will be implemented. Pray that Canada will be used by God to bring healing to the nations.

-  Pray for God to raise up a "flock of men" that will be praying men and filled with the Holy Spirit.  Pray for this generation that we will endure hardness, and count their lives as nothing next to the knowledge of Jesus.  Pray that God will raise up a generation in Canada that will learn how to pray and persevere until the breakthrough. (Ezekiel 36:37-38)

FURNACE FAITH

Greetings Canada’s Kneeling Army,

I pray that you are prospering in your corner of the vineyard, even as your soul prospers!  Friends, I am so grateful to each of you who continue to be a huge encouragement to my family and myself and the entire team here at CIP.  As I traveled to the southern tip of India, the city of Chennai, I certainly appreciated your intercession on my behalf and the precious orphans and lepers I had the wonderful privilege of proclaiming the liberating love of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, to.  The leaf of the tree of Canada continues to be a healing to the nations and to the ends of the earth!

During my time in Chennai, the Lord laid the following scripture on my heart, and my prayer is that it will minister to you as it did to me during one of the 90-degree nights when sleep was a distant dream!

“Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered King Nebuchadnezzar, "Your threat means nothing to us. If you throw us in the fire, the God we serve can rescue us from your roaring furnace and anything else you might cook up, O king. But even if he doesn't, it wouldn't make a bit of difference, O king. We still wouldn't serve your gods or worship the gold statue you set up.” (Daniel 3:16-17 MSG)

As we continue on in our focus on the fire of God, I am reminded again of how the fire was released on Mt. Carmel in 30 seconds, but then it took an extended time to see the rain begin to fall.  Elijah was so sensitive that he knew the answer to his prayer, and he ran before the chariot of the king.  Little did we know that the fire that comes down is often the very tool that God uses to not only turn the heart of the people, but the heart of the king!

In this month’s text in Daniel 3, we see that the King of Babylon had captured the nation of Israel, and had stationed troops to occupy his newly acquired territory. Among the captives were three brilliant young men who were best kept near to the king, if only to keep a close eye on them.  The king hoped they would have the training and ability needed to keep the disenchanted Hebrews cool during the transitional period, and to further expand his spreading empire. King Nebuchadnezzar was indeed a masterful politician who sought to purchase the loyalty of these three key captives by appointing them positions of leadership over certain provinces.  However, the Babylonian culture did not fit into their Hebrew faith.  They had the skill to perform certain duties, but the king could discern that they were not totally oriented to Babylonian society.

The king was apprehensive and suspicious.  He had AUTHORITY, but he sensed that these men had POWER.  Authority is always at the mercy of power. No one learned this lesson better than Peter on the night of Jesus' arrest in the garden of Gethsemane, when Jesus reminded him, saying, "I have the moral and spiritual fortitude to win this fight.  Your sword will reduce my victory to a midnight brawl, and I will die at the hands of an unknown mob." (Paraphrased)   King Nebuchadnezzar was disturbed by the conduct of these three men called Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and not because they were militant insurrectionists.  It was their calm, poised mood that upset him.  Their lack of enthusiasm with Babylonian wealth and privilege haunted the king.  The king had no idea how to persuade men whose value system did not match up with his own.  One of the men said, "King, we are quite clear on your command.  We are grateful to you for your assignments to our provinces, and we have fulfilled all of the requirements of our assignments in your empire.  But your recent command is out of the realm of local government.  Your orders have invaded the domains of an Empire to which we have divine allegiance.  We are aware of the fact that your military power overwhelmed our nation, but it was done with our God's permission.  There is no point in giving us a second chance to switch our loyalties and worship you.  Our minds are made up.

The answer here is not ours alone.  It is written indelibly in our Hebrew Canon:  'I am the Lord thy God, thou shalt have no other gods before me.' We had to switch our physical position for economic survival, but we cannot switch God’s, even in the most difficult crises." Then they spit out the ultimate challenge. "The God whom we serve is able to deliver us."

What a reckless statement for captives whose nation has been shattered by war!  How daring can faith become for people who are caught up in intolerable circumstances?  The whole Babylonian empire was tense as these three men defied the command of their baffled monarch. They knew the penalty for disobedience. They knew they would be cast into the fiery furnace. Listen to the spiritual logic of these three men with your spiritual ears. "We do not claim that He WILL deliver us, but we do contend that He is ABLE to deliver us.  We have explored the possibility that He may not choose to deliver us.  But we have a furnace kind of faith, and we are prepared to test the validity of our faith in your furnace.  Our faith has reached furnace proportions.  Our faith is not negotiable.  If your furnace is ready, so are we."

The FURNACE FAITH of these three men is extremely significant.  It revealed the character of their faith.  They did not doubt the Omnipotence of God, whatever position He might take in their situation. They were committed to God as the Creator and Sustainer of the universe.  Their will was lost in His divine purpose.  They were determined, "If our bodies must perish in flames in this heathen land, we shall walk through the leaping flames shouting that the God whom we serve is able to deliver us!"

Many gods had been paraded through Babylon.  It was time for the real God to act.  Jesus was dispatched to fan the heat out of the flames and air-condition the furnace!  Then He waited for the arrival of the Hebrew boys.  When the king arrived, a voice from heaven shouted, "Will the real God of Israel please stand up!" and by His Omnipotent presence, Jesus replied, "I am He."

You know the rest of the story. Jesus and those three boys walked around in that furnace until the king repented.  The unimpeachable authority of the Word of God should persuade you today that God's people do not have to bow to unholy systems in order to live.  We must be prepared to take a bold and even defiant stand during times of turbulent history.  The time may be now for a minority of saints to take firm stands and affirm our faith in the Eternal God – in our personal lives, in our homes, on our jobs, in our cities and, ultimately, in our beloved Canada.  We need a furnace kind of faith that can motivate us, challenge us, feed us, heal us, satisfy us, comfort us, and deliver us. Daniel 11:32, “And such as violate the covenant he shall pervert and seduce with flatteries, but the people who know their God shall prove themselves strong and shall stand firm and do exploits [for God].”

“Can you take the heat?” is what I was challenged in Chennai.

You can take the heat!