Powerful Time Learning and Praying with Jeff and Melva Beacham
February 10th, 2012
“I loved this message. It really encouraged me to have an attitude of gratitude. I identified with Jeff in feeling more grateful about life after going through losses. I just need to let go of all bitterness.“ - Michelle, current Mercy resident
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| Jeff and Melva Beacham with Nancy Alcorn |
This week, residents and staff at the Nashville home had the awesome opportunity to hear Jeff and Melva Beacham speak on the importance of cultivating a life filled with thankfulness and prayer. Jeff and Melva are the founders of Firepower Ministries (www.firepowerint.com) and Melva Lea Ministries (www.melvaleaministries.org) and travel the globe extensively speaking about the prophetic times in which we live.
On Wednesday, Jeff shared a timely message about ingratitude and its relationship to entitlement. He pointed out that at the root of so many of our offenses is a false sense of entitlement - which in turn engenders bitterness when our unrealistic expectations are not met. Fortunately, there is a sure cure for feeling entitled: an attitude of gratitude. Jeff reminded us that when we are not thankful, God may not trust us with more blessings. Why would He give us gifts we don’t appreciate? As a result, we miss God’s special purpose for each of our lives. Jeff then encouraged us to let go of unrealistic expectations and any bitterness we’ve attached to them.
Jeff began Thursday’s session with an exciting announcement about the upcoming movement “American for Jesus 2012,” to be held in Philadelphia on September 28th and 29th. More than 100,000 people are expected to gather in the “City of Brotherly Love” to begin forty days of prayer and fasting for God’s blessing and guidance on the nation’s future. Mercy Founder and President, Nancy Alcorn, was appointed as the state coordinator for Tennessee for this event and has also been named a member of the National Leadership Team. For more information about “America for Jesus,” click here.
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| Melva teaches the staff and residents about prayer |
Melva then spoke about the power, privilege and importance of prayer. Melva played a vital role in an international prayer movement based upon “The Lord’s Prayer” (Matthew 6:9-13), and she shared her message in a very memorable way. She taught that The Lord’s Prayer is an ideal outline for all prayer, and walked the staff and residents through applying it to daily life, verse by verse, while praying together. Melva finished by encouraging everyone to put on the full armor of God as found in Ephesians 6:10-18.
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| Jeff speaks a father’s blessing over each individual |
Finally, Jeff came forward to physically bless each and every woman (staff included) with a father’s blessing. On behalf of all earthly fathers, Jeff asked the girls for forgiveness. He then encouraged them to shift their identity from being the daughter of a flawed, imperfect human father to being the daughter of our perfect Heavenly Father – the only Father who never disappoints and delights in us always!
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| Jeff and Melva spending some time talking with the girls afterwards |
Everyone was so impacted by Jeff and Melva. Here’s a small sampling of what some of our residents had to say:
“The thing that impacted me the most was learning that I was designed for my destiny and no one else can fulfill it. This really helped me because I have always believed the lie that I am worthless and replaceable. I am NOT replaceable.” – Megan, current Mercy resident
“This teaching encouraged me to build a foundation in prayer that will last the rest of my life. I will use prayer to work through and overcome problems. The Blessing of the Father on my life from Mr. Beacham also really meant a lot to me.” - Patricia, current Mercy resident
Melva has authored a book: “Stop! Look! Listen! The Lord’s Prayer For Young People,” an 8 week curriculum on prayer, and everyone was excited to learn that she and Jeff were donating copies for all of our staff and residents! For more information about Melva Beacham and Melva Lea Ministries, go to www.melvaleaministries.org. For more information about Jeff and his ministry Firepower Ministries, go to www.firepowerint.com.