June 24, 2010 AD

“The Lord Our Banner”

Dear FBCO Friend:

The Bible reveals names for God. Not one name suffices for the greatness of God. Most of these names came as God revealed Himself sufficient in the midst of great tests. Exodus 17:15 says, “And Moses built an altar, and named it ‘The Lord is My Banner’” Yahweh Nissi.

The Amalakites were fierce warriors who lived near the Dead Sea. They killed for pleasure. When they attacked the Hebrews, who were former slaves, it was certain Israel would be annihilated. Joshua commanded the sparse Hebrew forces into battle. Moses went up on the hill and held up the rod, praying over the battle. When he held his arms up, Israel prevailed. When he got weary, Aaron and Hur volunteered to hold his hands up as Moses prayed. Moses’ raised arms pointed to God as the source of strength and victory. As a result of Joshua and the troops battling, Moses’ praying and Aaron and Hur holding his weary arms, Israel was victorious!

Yahweh-Nissi, The Lord is my Banner. A banner is a military standard, a piece of cloth bearing an army insignia and raised on a pole. The commander-in-chief would tell the banner bearer where to move and the troops followed the banner. The banner helps troops keep their bearings. It inspires troops as they see the army insignia, they would remember who they are and they were encouraged in the midst of the battle.

God is our banner! When He is raised up, we get our bearings in this busy world. He gives direction. He gives strength for the battle. Yahweh Nissi gives courage and hope and when He is lifted up He will prevail over any challenge!

Sunday I will cast the vision for PASTOR’S PRAYER PARTNERS and it is drawn from the story in Exodus 17:8-15 where Moses prayed and Aaron and Hur held up his arms. Pastor’s Prayer Partners are a group of Christians volunteering to pray for me daily. By praying for me you are touching the staff, church leaders and every ministry of FBCO. What is required?

• Pray daily for Marla and me specifically according to a prayer guide I will provide.

• Be part of a prayer team to pray over me every month or two on your specific Sunday, depending on how many sign up. We will meet Sundays at 7:50am and I will ask you to pray in specific ways for God to move that day. After praying for me, the Prayer Partners are released to pray over the Worship Center and other places on campus as the Holy Spirit leads.

• Read “Partners in Prayer” by John Maxwell ($10.00 each, available Sunday). If you can’t afford one, I will pay.

• Open to all, age 16 and older. Training provided.

• I will email you answers to prayer and updates monthly to rejoice and intercede.

When Moses’ arms were up, the Hebrews prevailed. When he got weary, the Hebrews lost. Thanks to Aaron and Hur, Moses’ arms were continually up and Israel was spared, the troops prevailed, the people rejoiced and God got the glory.

Likewise, through your prayers, I, as your pastor, am effective and all the staff is helped, the leaders are blessed, victory is ours, and God is honored. You will be my Aaron and Hur. Please prayerfully ask God to allow you to be my intercessor. Sign up will be in the bulletin Sunday. I hope you will be my Prayer Partner! Email me at Roger@fbcowasso.org if I can help further.

PRAY FOR FALLS CREEK: Our high school group is at Falls Creek this week. I will be there with our kids starting Wednesday. Pray for every lost student to be saved and that everyone will draw closer to God and to one another.

LEADERSHIP SUMMIT COMING AUGUST 5-6: Speakers include Coach Tony Dungy, Andy Stanley, Bill Hybels, Jack Welch, (author of "Good to Great") and many others. Our pre-registration is the highest it has ever been! Go to http://www.fbcowasso.org/Summit and register online. Bring friends and work associates. This is the largest Christian leadership event on the planet! There are only two host locations in Oklahoma and we are one of them. I’d love to have you here to share the experience together with 50,000 others around the world!

The Lord is our Banner! We are lifting Him high this summer and God is working. I am eager to see you Sunday ready to experience God together!

The shepherd loves the sheep,

Pastor Roger