"Follow"
The United Pentecostal Church International has embraced the theme “FOLLOW” as we endeavor to fulfill the resounding mandate of Jesus, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24). The Greek rendition and etymology of the word “follow” (AkoloutheĊ) translates to mean “to come after” and “to accompany, assist, and reach.” The invitation to follow Jesus is to obey this call, and to learn of Him, to love Him, and to be like Him. It is to know Him, adore Him, and emulate Him! To “Follow the Leader” (Jesus) comes with a purpose and a price, but this pursuit also comes with a promise! The world says, “Follow your heart,” but the Lord says, “Follow my feet.” Embark beyond the temporal and follow Jesus; for when we walk in His footsteps, we find the eternal. Join with us in prayer and fasting, and unreservedly say to yourself, “Where He leads, I will follow!”
PRAY:
• that the UPCI and constituency accomplish God’s divine purpose, receive His promises, and “follow…and inherit the land which the LORD…giveth” (Deuteronomy 16:20).
• that material provisions and finances be granted to leaders and followers. “This blessing…let it even be given unto…men that follow my lord” (I Samuel 25:27).
• that uncommitted souls make up their minds to follow Jesus. “How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him” (I Kings 18:21).
• that Global Missions and North American Missions be fruitful. Pray for a great awakening, revival, and harvest worldwide, and that “goodness and mercy shall follow” (Psalm 23:6).
• that those bound by addiction be set free and they cease to follow the same bondage. “Woe unto them that…follow strong drink” (Isaiah 5:11)!
• that pastors follow God and effectively fill their pastoral roles. Pray for all UPCI leadership and ministers. “I have not hastened from being a pastor to follow thee” (Jeremiah 17:16).
• that ministers follow not their own human carnality, but be led by the Spirit. “Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit” (Ezekiel 13:3)!
• that prodigals be restored back into God’s kingdom and follow Him. “…if we follow on to know the LORD…” (Hosea 6:3).
• that believers follow the Lord and become great soulwinners, resulting in unprecedented church growth. “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19).
• that people everywhere obey the plan of salvation and follow God. “Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest” (Matthew 8:19).
• that distractions hinder not potential souls from following Jesus. “Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead” (Matthew 8:22).
• that Christians obey God’s instructions on following Him. Pray God’s will. “There shall meet you a man…follow him” (Mark 14:13).
• that healings, signs, wonders, and miracles follow those that believe. “And these signs shall follow them that believe” (Mark 16:16-18).
• that those called into the ministry answer and follow. Jesus “saw…Levi…and he said unto him, Follow me” (Luke 5:27).
• that Christians be not deceived and follow not those on the wrong path. “Go not after them, nor follow them” (Luke 17:23).
• that worldly riches ensnare not the wealthy nor the materialistic, and they choose to follow Jesus. Pray also for the poor. "Sell all that thou hast…come, follow me” (Luke 18:22).
• that the church develop a deeper relationship and prayer life with Jesus, and hear and follow His voice. “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:4-5, 27):
• that God bless all UPCI Divisions and Ministries as they serve and wholly follow Him. “If any man serve me, let him follow me” (John 12:26).
• that Christians be not caught up in other folks’ affairs that are unendorsed by God, but that they focus on Him. “Jesus saith…what is that to thee? follow thou me” (John 21:22).
• that God dispatch His angels to minister to the heirs of salvation and to follow their directives. “And the angel said unto him…follow me” (Act 12:8).
• that the church demonstrate in the name, power, and authority of Jesus, and they “follow after the things which make for peace, and…edify another” (Romans 14:19).
• that we manifest the fruit of the Spirit; pray that God impart the gifts of the Spirit and display His shekinah glory, as we “Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts” (I Corinthians 14:1).
• that God’s people seek the fullness of Christ and allow the full operation of the five-fold ministry in the church. “I follow after, if that I may apprehend that…of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:12).
• that God mend broken relationships and heal dysfunctional families, and saints do not “render evil for evil…but ever follow that which is good” (I Thessalonians 5:15).
• that God send revival and harvest among the men, ladies, youth, and children and they “follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace…” (II Timothy 2:22).
• that God bring unity and purity and heal all hurts. Intercede that we “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14).
• that saints reverence the shepherd (pastor) and follow biblical church principles. “Remember them which have the rule over you…whose faith follow…” (Hebrews 13:7).
• that God help the suffering and they follow His footsteps. “Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps” (I Peter 2:21):
• that God bless Israel. Pray for souls in the 10/40 window, and that the church be permeated with a spirit of prayer and “follow…that which is good.” (III John 11).
• that good works follow God’s people and He be glorified through them in ultimate victory! “I heard a voice from heaven saying…their works do follow them” (Revelation 14:13).
