Devotions for the

2013 Indiana United Methodist

Annual Conference

Day 1 – May 30 – The Holy Spirit will prepare the hearts and minds for the 2013 Indiana

United Methodist Annual Conference to accept the challenge to be "World Changers."

Psalm 51:11-13

“Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me,

Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, so sustain me.

Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you.”

Ephesians 4:29-30

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths,

but only helpful for building others up according to their needs,

that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you

were sealed for the day of redemption.”

As people make preparations to leave their jobs, families, and communities to attend the Annual

Conference, some challenges may arise which may prevent people from attending. We expect

miracles of opportunities and financial blessings to enable people to overcome every obstacle.

During this time, some people like to vent their negative problems and challenges, not realizing

this disgraces the image of Christ-likeness to others. We want this conference to exemplify a

time of praising God in all situations, no matter how big or small. It is our desire that people

grow in their maturity in the likeness of Jesus.

Prayer: Oh Lord, as we attend the 2013 Indiana United Methodist Annual Conference, bring

your Holy Spirit into every heart as we prepare to take your Spirit into the world so that the

changes you need and intend will be spread into our communities. Please help people to control

their tongues so the Holy Spirit is not grieved. Show us how to edify, honor, and worship you in

extra-ordinary ways. Bring a repentant spirit upon the hearts of people so they are receptive to

the calling of God on their lives. Please take our ordinary lives as an offering to honor you.

Enlighten us with activities which will embrace and exalt you. We ask you to bring out the best

in each person as you bring us to maturity in the image of Jesus Christ. Prepare us to be “World

Changers” one day at a time. We ask this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Day 2 – May 31 – People will have safe travel from across Indiana to Indianapolis and

return home inspired to be “World Changers.”

Psalm 91:1, 2, 9-12, 14-16 (NKJV)

“91

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High

Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2

I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress;

My God, in Him I will trust.” 9

Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge,

Even the Most High, your dwelling place, 10

No evil shall befall you,

Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; 11

For He shall give His angels charge over you,

To keep you in all your ways. 12

In their hands they shall bear you up,

Lest you dash your foot against a stone. 14 “Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him;

I will set him on high, because he has known My name. 15

He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him;

I will be with him in trouble;

I will deliver him and honor him. 16

With long life I will satisfy him,

And show him My salvation.”

Psalm 55:14 KJV “We took sweet counsel together and walked unto the house of God in

company.”

In preparation for the journey, some challenges may block your joy and spiritual focus. Plan to

lay each obstacle on the cross and watch as God turns it around, for God’s glory and honor.

Allow your mind and soul to be renewed, refreshed, and anointed at the 2013 Indiana United

Methodist Annual Conference. Declare that all of the plans of the enemy are null and void in

your life. What has been taken from you will be returned. Arrive at the conference expecting

God to meet with you and to open doors that no one can shut toward your godly purpose in life.

Prayer: Lord, we are reminded of the times people have left their homes, not knowing what the

day may bring. May we always pray every time we travel, no matter the distance, that God will

keep us safe and return us safely to our homes. With so many people travelling to the 2013

United Methodist Annual Conference, we ask that God grant protective journeys to everyone.

May we be blessed with good weather, a good traffic flow, and stress-free travels. May everyone

arrive with energy and a clear mind to do God's work for your church. May everyone be spirit-

filled with the desire to help your church progress and bring others to Christ. May we not stray

from your plans for this conference. We ask this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, so we can be

“World Changers” and give you honor and praise. Amen.

Day 3 – June 1 – The Speakers discern the message from the Throne of God, and prepare

the concepts to challenge participants to be “World Changers”.

Psalm 119:169-176 The Message

“Let my cry come right into your presence, God; provide me with the insight that comes only

from your Word. Give my request your personal attention, rescue me on the terms of your

promise. Let praise cascade off my lips; after all, you’ve taught me the truth about life! And let

your promises ring from my tongue; every order you’ve given is right. Put your hand out and

steady me since I’ve chosen to live by your counsel. I’m homesick, God, for your salvation; I love

it when you show yourself! Invigorate my soul so I can praise you well, use your decrees to put

iron in my soul. And should I wander off like a lost sheep—seek me! I’ll recognize the sound of

your voice.”

We lift the names of the speakers and worship leaders to the Throne of God in Heaven as they

prepare the message for the 2013 Indiana United Methodist Annual Conference: Bishop Mike

Coyner; Tendekai Kuture, director of music and choir director of the Africa University in

Mutare, Zimbabwe; James Salley the Associate Vice-Chancellor for Institutional Advancement

for Africa University; the choir from the Africa University, Rob & Susan Fuquay, Senior

Pastor and spouse of St. Luke’s UMC in Indianapolis; Mark Beeson, founding pastor of Granger

Community UMC; and Cindy Reynolds incoming Executive Assistant to Bishop Coyner. May

they humble their hearts, fine-tune their ears, and obey the leading of the Holy Spirit as they are

inspired to boldly proclaim the message from God. Allow the participants to present their hearts

to be humble before the Throne of God, bring the glory of God into the Convention Center,

purify their minds, and receive the message to rapidly engage in “World Changing” actions.

Empower the Holy Spirit to anoint and inspire. Let their bodies remain healthy and protected

from danger. Encourage peace, favor, and respect within their families and at work.

Prayer: God of Divine Wisdom, we ask to come into your glory to absorb wisdom, discernment,

and love from your glory. We pray for the speakers and worship leaders to be hearers and

proclaimers of your voice. Please speak boldly through the leaders to declare your direction for

the Indiana United Methodist Church and to anoint people to be “World Changers” throughout

the state. We ask that the ripple effect of the glory of God will cover and permeate Indiana so

revival breaks out in the North, South, East, and West. We are calling the people in the Indiana

United Methodist Church to a higher standard of accountability.

We ask for the fire of the Holy Spirit to burn out demonic and religious spirits which prevent the

spread of the message of Jesus Christ. Confuse and destroy any plans of the “enemy” to disrupt

the functioning of the 2013 Indiana United Methodist Annual Conference and cause them to

stray from the Gospel teachings. No longer will people be content to sit idly in pews, use excuses

to do nothing, or prevent growth in their churches. Jesus, we ask you to massage the hearts of

participants to prepare them for greater service. May the worship music reach the souls to heal,

restore, and inspire people to ascend to a higher level of worship and service. Holy Spirit, please

orchestrate the events to be in order to achieve the godly purpose of this event which is to fix our

attention on God to change people from the inside out. We ask this prayer in the name of Jesus

Christ, our Savior and Friend. Amen.

Day 4 – June 2 – Volunteers will help in a variety of ways during Community Outreach

Day and throughout the 2013 Indiana United Methodist Annual Conference, to be the

hands, feet, voice, and heart of Jesus. Allow the organizations to communicate their visions

of being “world changers” and inspire volunteers to quickly implement the changes.

Matthew 25:34-36 The Message 34-36

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Enter, you who are blessed by my Father!

Take what’s coming to you in this kingdom. It’s been ready for you since the world’s foundation.

And here’s why:

I was hungry and you fed me,

I was thirsty and you gave me a drink,

I was homeless and you gave me a room,

I was shivering and you gave me clothes,

I was sick and you stopped to visit,

I was in prison and you came to me.’ 37-40

“Then those ‘sheep’ are going to say, ‘Master, what are you talking about? When did we

ever see you hungry and feed you, thirsty and give you a drink? And when did we ever see you

sick or in prison and come to you?’ Then the King will say, ‘I’m telling the solemn truth:

Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me – you did it

to me.’”

A few organizations are the focus for the Community Outreach Day at the 2013 Indiana United

Methodist Annual Conference: Fletcher Place Community Center, Brightwood neighborhood

with Habitat for Humanity and Neighbor-to-Neighbor house repairs, painting at the Brightwood

Community Center, packing or serving lunches for the homeless at Roberts Park UMC, and

knitting baby blankets for Riley Hospital for Children. Look into the faces of the individuals who

frequent these community centers. When the people feel confident to connect with your eyes,

you may witness sadness, depression, hopelessness, or rejection, BUT GOD loves them and

searches to find people who will bring them hope, joy, and acceptance. Others know the love of

God and bring you joyful blessings in the midst of serving them. Is your heart being tugged to

volunteer in Indianapolis to receive training to take back to your community to solve problems?

Do not be afraid to accept the call to help the less fortunate. The Holy Spirit will provide people,

connections, opportunities to serve, and skills you will need. Become a “World Changer,” one

family, or neighborhood at a time.

Prayer: Dear Jesus, Lover of the lost and least, please use our hands, feet, words, gifts, and

talents to serve the people you place before us. Help us to see them through your eyes of grace

and mercy. Continually provide opportunities to bless people in need through these organizations

and others. Fine tune our ears to hear your voice calling us to serve the least of those crying in

the night seeking your help. Utilize the gifts and talents you have given me so we can serve you

through these activities. Please anoint all of the volunteers to exemplify godly love and divine

glory as people receive healing, hope, forgiveness, and love which will be life-changing for

them. Protect, guide, and bless the volunteers, in the precious name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Day 5 – June 3 – The World Changer Workshops will inspire people to accept the

challenge, gain knowledge, and be able to apply techniques to improve their church

communities.

John 17:14-16 ESV

“14 I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because

they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 15 I do not

pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should

keep them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, just as I

am not of the world.”

"Every time you spend money, you're casting a vote for the kind of

world you want." Anna Lappe, American writer and activist

What movies have you watched recently? What are your favorite TV shows? What books have

you read and discussed with friends? Would you be comfortable sharing your viewings with

church friends? Or are they the ones who bring up the subjects? The choices we make on a daily

basis determine how much we conform to the world. Just like most of us try to be conscious of

what calories we put into our bodies, we need to be aware of how much popular culture we

consume and how it affects our witness for Christ.

So the question for us is: "How can believers be in the world, but not of the world?"

When we read of the "world" in the New Testament, we are reading the Greek word cosmos.

Cosmos most often refers to the inhabited earth and the people who live on the earth, which

functions apart from God. Satan is the ruler of this "cosmos" (John 12:31; 16:11; 1 John 5:19).

By the simple definition that the word world refers to a world system ruled by Satan, we can

more readily appreciate Christ's claims that believers are no longer of the world – we are no

longer ruled by sin, nor are we bound by the principles of the world. In addition, we are being

changed into the image of Christ, causing our interest in the things of the world to become less

and less as we mature in Christ.

Prayer: Dear Jesus, as believers in you, please teach us how to be set apart from this world,

living holy and righteous lives. Show us how to live in this sin-corrupted world, but be able to

keep sinful temptation away from us. Focus our minds on the Biblical truths so we are the light

of the world. Help us to live in such a way that those outside the faith see our good deeds and our

manner and know that there is something “different” about us that they desire. Enable us to focus

on serving you to become “World Changers” in our daily lives. Thank you, Jesus for hearing our

prayer to be a vital part of this world as we view it through your eyes. Amen

Day 6 – June 4 – People in attendance will receive a deeper relationship with the Trinity

through teachings, encounters, prayer, and worship. An awakening of the gifts of the Holy

Spirit will be recognized along with miracles, signs, and wonders to proclaim throughout

the Annual Conference. The 5K Race will usher in the anointing of the Holy Spirit and

break chains of bondage over Indiana.

Psalm 105:1-6 The Message “Hallelujah! Thank God! Pray to him by name! Tell everyone you meet what he has done! Sing

him songs, belt out hymns, translate his wonders into music! Honor his holy name with

Hallelujahs, you who seek God. Live a happy life! Keep your eyes open for God, watch for his

works; be alert for signs of his presence. Remember the world of wonders he has made, his

miracles, and the verdicts he’s rendered— O seed of Abraham, his servant, O child of Jacob, his

chosen.”

1 Corinthians 12:4-11 The Message 4-11 “

God’s various gifts are handed out everywhere; but they all originate in God’s Spirit. God’s

various ministries are carried out everywhere; but they all originate in God’s Spirit. God’s

various expressions of power are in action everywhere; but God himself is behind it all. Each

person is given something to do that shows who God is: Everyone gets in on it, everyone

benefits. All kinds of things are handed out by the Spirit, and to all kinds of people! The variety is

wonderful:

wise counsel; clear understanding; simple trust; healing the sick; miraculous acts;

proclamation; distinguishing between spirits; tongues; and interpretation of tongues.

All these gifts have a common origin, but are handed out one by one by the one Spirit of God. He

decides who gets what, and when.”

As the runners and walkers begin, they pass the torch of faith so future generations will run

stronger to prepare for the return of Jesus, spreading the glory of God throughout Indiana. God

has ordained for all of us to focus on Jesus in order to complete the race with exuberance.

When the saints of God are gathered under one roof, a mighty outpouring of the Holy Spirit

brews, and the fragrance is breath-taking to behold. Inhale the anointed messages of the

speakers, musicians, and teachers. Capture the prayers of the righteous proclaiming the

realization of miracles, signs, and wonders. We are pregnant with anticipation as your people

unite their gifts and talents to be “World Changers.” Religious curses are broken over Indiana.

Prayer: Oh God, Forgiving Jesus, and Empowering Holy Spirit, we come before you seeking

your divine intervention and inspiration to come upon the Indiana United Methodist Annual

Conference. We decree and declare your holy presence be felt throughout the Convention

Center, hotels, businesses, and wherever the anointed people travel. In the name of Jesus Christ,

we proclaim God’s purposes will be fulfilled at the Indiana United Methodist Annual

Conference. Protect the participants from injury and sickness as they figuratively run the race

God has ordained for them. Train with endurance through the power of the Trinity to complete

the contest. Thank you for hearing our prayers as we race to become “World Changers.” Amen.

Day 7 – June 5 – Allow Radical hospitality to radiate from the core of the 2013 Indiana

United Methodist Annual Conference into the hearts of the people to take back to their

communities.

Isaiah 60:1, 2 CEB

“Arise! Shine! Your light has come; the LORD’s glory has shone upon you. 2 Though darkness

covers the earth and gloom the nations, the LORD will shine upon you; God’s glory will appear

over you.”

Bishop Robert Schnase, in Cultivating Fruitfulness, reminds us that Christian hospitality is the

active desire to invite, welcome, receive, and care for those who are strangers so that they find a

spiritual home and discover for themselves the unending richness of life in Christ. But to offer

Radical hospitality, he describes that which is drastically different from ordinary practices,

outside the normal, that which exceeds expectations and goes the second mile.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, Abba, We pray that all of us may be enveloped by your Holy

Spirit to enable us to offer the very best of ourselves, our creativity, and our abilities to offer the

gracious invitation and welcome of Christ to others. Please be with us as we return home so that

we may pray, plan, and work to invite others, help them feel welcome and to support them in

their spiritual journeys. We ask this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ who taught us to love one

another with extravagant love and hospitality. Amen.

Day 8 – June 6 – Protect the people attending the Family Night at Monument Circle, the

Indianapolis Indians Baseball and the Fever Women’s Basketball Games and Praise Night.

Help them be the light of hope as they carry the glory of God into the community.

Romans 5:1-2 ESV

“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our

Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now

stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.”

As Christians, we must pray without ceasing that everyone who comes to Monument Circle on

Friday, Victory Field and Banker’s Life Stadium on Saturday will enjoy the festivities. They will

embrace our Conference attendees with peace, love, and a sense of hope. As the Star of

Bethlehem guided the Wise Men to the manger, please allow the people who attend Monument

Circle, Victory Field and Banker’s Life activities to represent a beacon of hope to all who visit

those events.

Use this time to develop positive family relationships through quality activities which promote

unity of purpose together. The Christian principles must be passed from generation to generation

in order to prepare your children to develop their faith, enabling them to share their love of Jesus

with their children and grandchildren.

Prayer: Our Father in heaven,

Please be with us as we turn Monument Circle, Victory Field and Banker’s Life into a

“Lighthouse of Hope” for those visitors who are lost, those who are seeking meaning in their

lives, and those who have strayed and need to find you again. Please allow the Holy Spirit to

bring the Glory of God into our daily lives so people can impact their surroundings wherever

they go. By carrying the Glory of God, they will be “World Changers”… one person at a time, or

even in small groups. Allow our families to eagerly pass our faith from generation to generation

with more enthusiasm with each member. In your Son’s name we pray, Amen

Day 9 – June 7 – Pray for a fresh anointing of the gifts and fruits from the Holy Spirit on

all pastors, staff members, and attendees as the new pastors are ordained and others retire

to new adventures.

Acts 1:8 NIRV 8”

But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be

witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.”

Now is the time to revitalize the anointed resurgence of energy from the New Testament book of

Acts where the disciples of Jesus became “World Changers.” The retiring saints of God will

encourage and challenge the new pastors to constantly seek the heart of Jesus through prayer and

Bible study. Help them grow their faith stronger through accountability mentors. Allow the Holy

Spirit to work through the ministers of the Gospel to produce delicious, abundant fruit, pleasing

to God. Provide opportunities to share their love of Jesus and win souls into the kingdom of God.

Prayer: We come before the Heavenly Throne of God and enter into your Glory. We bask in

your glory, seeking the answers to all that we need. We ask for your glory to come to the Indiana

United Methodist Annual Conference and permeate the Convention Center along with the

presence of the Holy Spirit. Please freshly anoint all pastors, paid staff, lay members, committee

chairpersons, and visitors in memorable ways to make life-changing impressions which will

compel and propel them to become “World Changers.”

Lord, please inspire people to be aware of the “fruit” in their lives that are either drawing people

to Jesus Christ or driving them away. Please prune the rotten fruit so there is room for the fresh

anointing to take root, blossom, and flourish into a bountiful harvest producing souls for the

Kingdom of Heaven.

Allow the wind of the Holy Spirit to travel through the Convention Center blowing away the

chaff that is preventing change which will stimulate growth and productivity in the churches

across Indiana. We pray for the fire of the Holy Spirit to ignite the hearts of people to kneel in

repentance of their sins, stand firm in their beliefs, and feel led to be “World Changers” wherever

the Lord leads them. Thank you Holy Spirit, we give You honor, praise, and devotion. Amen.

Day 10 – June 8 – Thank God for safe travel and protection for the people as they travel

home to begin their journey to be “World Changers.”

Psalm 91:14-16 TNIV

“Because they love me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue them; I will protect them, for they

acknowledge my name. 15

They will call on me, and I will answer them; I will be with them in

trouble, I will deliver them and honor them. 16

With long life I will satisfy them and show them

my salvation.”

Matthew 28:18-20 NIV1984 “18

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to

me. 19

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father

and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20

and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded

you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

The 2013 Indiana United Methodist Annual Conference is over for another year. Yippee!

Hallelujah! Now what? What were your new insights and revelations? Did the Holy Spirit meet

with you? Answer any probing questions? Inspire you to pursue your godly purpose in life? Did

you experience open doors of opportunities? Were you reunited with spiritual friends to renew

acquaintances or introduced to new contacts?

Hopefully, it was not boring, business as usual, or regrets from attending. If that is the case, then

you need to kneel before the Lord to seek God’s direction so you can be God’s instrument for

service.

Were you challenged to be a “World Changer”? Where do you begin? Make your plans with the

guidance of the Holy Spirit; plans that will succeed. God has called you and will equip you. God

is counting on you to complete the task. Gather the troops and train them to accept the

challenge…”World Changers” in your community. You are not alone. Do not fear.

Prayer: O Lord, please watch over and protect everyone traveling home after attending the 2013

Indiana United Methodist Annual Conference. Please keep the storms away until after people are

safely home from the festivities. Protect and guide them from all the distresses of weather,

traffic, and troubled drivers.

Please give the people wisdom, patience, and peace as they return home to implement the

divinely inspired ideas to become “World Changers”. Protect their visions from discouragement,

open doors of opportunities to implement the visions, and provide money, supplies, and people

to fulfill their godly purposes. Please keep people safe as they are performing mission outreaches

which will bring the light of Christ into their communities. We ask this prayer in your Son's

name, our precious Jesus. Amen.

Appreciation

Thank you to the following contributing authors for their devotions:

Bill Byers, Linda Hankins, Eileen Marschel, Jacquie Meisenhelder, and Ruth Esther Vawter.

They are members of Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, 963 N. Girls School Road,

Indianapolis, IN 46214 – 317-241-6163

Pastor Mike Biggs and Pastor Kathy Ottinger.