Hello James, I will pray for you and your wife today.
Dear Heavenly Father, James and his wife need support as they are aging. We ask that You will connect them with local believers and services where they can get the help they need and also the fellowship and friendship they need. Father, we ask that You fulfill their need quickly and keep them safe and healthy. We ask this of You, Father, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Dear Heavenly Father, Bonnie and her family need Your help in blending together this family in a way that is healthy. Please keep this granddaughter well so that grandpa does not get sick from her. Protect this family from illness. Bring a cure to the cancer in Bonnie's daughter, allowing her to fully recover from bowel cancer. Have all of the treatments be successful for her and give her a long life with her daughter. We ask these things in the name of Jesus, Amen.
Dear Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus, we ask that Olivia's dad will have all of the cancer removed from his body in this next operation. We ask that You will cause the cancer cells to die off and restore him to health once again. Amen.
Dear Heavenly Father, Charlene would like to be able to use her legs again. We ask You today, in the name of Jesus, to bring ability back to her legs. Amen.
Texsis, thank you for the reminder. I will continue to pray for these requests. There is so much going on that is against God in all spheres of our families, communities, country, and world. May God restrain evil and especially protect the young ones in every way. Amen.
Dear Marco, I will pray for you to be re-united with your daughter.
Dear Heavenly Father, this father is suffering grief from concern about his daughter. We ask that You will place this child in the best environment for her to grow strong and healthy. Allow Marco to regain custody of this young one. Bring healing from abuse to this daughter and lead her to faith in You through Jesus, Your Son, our Savior. Amen.
Heavenly Father, we ask You to deepen Althea's commitment to You through Jesus our Lord. Mature her in Your Word and give her true knowledge of You and Your will. Teach her to interpret Scripture properly and be filled with Your truth daily. Grant Althea sincere desire to draw near to You and to commune with You in prayer and meditating on Your goodness and holiness. Give her a true view of Who You are. Bless her today and every day.
Father, we lift up Althea's daughter to You today and ask that You will deliver her from drug and alcohol use and whatever else that has control over her. We ask that You soon bring her to salvation. Do not tarry Lord since these abuses endanger her so. Cause this daughter to see that she is in dire need of You and turn her heart to You in faith.
We ask these things of You, Father, in the name of Your Son, Jesus. Amen.
A beautiful article from C H Spurgeons brother Spencer, thanks for sharing.
I think the problem of lukerwarmness is the major problem in true Christianity nowadays. Christians often compromise themselves with the sinful world. This is satan's victory over us. Lukerwarmness is just a step before a sinful life. If he manages to drive us there then the next stage is not far away. Satan doesn't care especially with the main stream denominations. Those are dead churches anyway, they don't produce work, they don't preach salvation, they give the impression to their followers that if they attend their litturgies and join in the celebrations and their churche's customs and try to be good people then they are saved, which is wrong. There are genuine believers in those churches that love God but they are not many and they are confused about God's things. So the attention of devil is on true/reborn christians. Since he knows that he can not drive true christians to sinning easily, he tries to make them looser and looser bit by bit, bit by bit and then if he manages that he drives them to sinning and eventually to destruction, salvation can be lost if one stays in their sins and dies in them (my opinion).
If we want to be used by God in His work on earth we must devote ourselves in Him, there must be no compromise. Light can not be compromized with darkness, if so then the light becomes less bright and eventually goes off, like in the 5 unwise virgins.
I suppose this could be a sixth fact or point. Recognition of when a prayer is being answered needs to be addressed. My earlier comment on God answering things NOT according to our request is probably more common than we sometimes like to admit.
One personal example is my dad who was very much against believing that Jesus is Lord; or sin; the Rapture and basic concepts whose mind has gone to the point that he is asking questions about basic facts about Jesus. In this case His not remembering has allowed him to disengage from all his defenses and perhaps that can allow at least a less biased reaction to information he is given. His salvation BTW is something others can be praying about.
When it comes to family members; God often uses others to reach them as it is always harder to "see the forest through the trees" or practically speaking avoid seeing the sins that those who are in the immediate family have that can be used against their testimony. We can be thankful that there are those out there who are coming forward among the youth today out of all sorts of sins and many great testimonies can be seen on You Tube. I think that there needs to be a better way to incorporate these testimonies in videos shown at other churches; as well as facilitating to get these people involved with ministry travelling to other churches. That should really be the focus of Christian musicians as well (I won't get into the whole "Christian music industry" here other than that comment). In prayer specifically we need to seek those as we seek that one lost sheep. When preaching the Gospel we should be ready to offer prayer and we should never just be content with scheduled prayer. Life simply doesn't work that way. Needs come up and should be met; a proactive approach should occur more often in church; and that involves at times those trained in discipling. Men need to equip men; and women other women. The more we know God the better we pray.
The following are the fundamental rules of Bible study that the Bible lays down:
> Christ is the author of the whole Bible. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we behold his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 1:1,14
> the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit 2 Peter 1:21
> Christ spoke in parables (earthly stories with a spiritual meaning). But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples. Mark 4:34
> We compare spiritual with spiritual. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 1 Corinthians 2:13
The historical-grammatical method of interpretation employed by the churches seeks to discover the writer's intended meaning, customs of the times, and the writer's intended audience and thus fails to recognize that God is the author and that the Bible is written for us today.
Moreover, the method of Bible interpretation employed by the churches fails to recognize that as we approach the end of the world, and the coming of the bridegroom, God is unsealing truths that have been kept sealed until the time of the end ( Daniel 12:9-10). This is spoken of in the Bible as a vision that will speak at the end and not lie ( Habakkuk 2:2-3).
God ultimately must lead us into truth as we apply these principles and pray for understanding with a view to being obedient to His Word.
Perseverance in prayer. In light of the previous discourses; the proper attitude toward God is paramount. This is why certain charismatics or anyone else "declaring" blessings is on thin ice. God blesses who He chooses and curses as well; we can see this principle in Romans 9:18. Genesis 49:25 states how God blesses universally for those who FEAR the Lord. Clearly fear of the Lord is necessary for the beginning of understanding ( Prov. 9:10 and many other texts).
The basic thought here is that if a motivation is wrong clearly one can spend all day pounding the table whether alone or with a whole crowd and not expect results. Once we can establish that we aren't aware of wrong motives; then we still stand the chance that God is going to say "no" to the request. What is fairly certain is that He will reveal either a different answer to the prayer; or He will after some length of time answer it. One fairly clear indicator of which prayer we are asking for is whether if He delayed it 20 years if we would even want to see it happen; case in point someone who we want to marry; how will they look like or act a couple decades later? If God answered it at that time we'd better not pin our hopes on superficial things alone that pass by; but on eternal character issues. Oftentimes I have found after years of time an answer just seems to occur when we have forgotton about certain issues. We should certainly be encouraged from examples of individuals praying for family members to be saved for decades where it finally happens. We should rejoice when a dictatorship is finally overthrown after a great amount of time such as Communism in Russia; or a breakthrough such as in with abortion when it can finally see a downturn after countless millions in the US have been slaughtered.
Fact Five: We should focus prayer on our enemies at least as much as our friends. It is hard to find fault for those praying for their enemies to be saved.
Fact Two (continued). The emphasis of prayer related to the edification of the Body should be fairly obvious with the overwhelming emphasis on such in the Epistles. Other than the Book of James we should note that there is not ANY instruction about right vs. wrong types of prayer in scripture. When we consider the nature of Paul's sufferings often associated with imprisonment; we see that his concern was for the state of the churches; with only a passing request for his own needs. It should go without saying that we should put the needs of others above our own (Phillippians 2:3-4). We are asked to remember those with "like temptations" ( 1 Peter 5:9). Although this doesn't directly address prayer; it does discuss the Devil prowling about; certainly in spritual warfare prayer is tied in (see Ephesians 6:18-20). The preceding verses in this chapter explain about the full armor of God which probably is a separate fact for praying with authority.
Fact Three: Personal application. When we have a proper perspective on lifting His name up in praise and considering the saints above ourselves; we then get to our personal devotions and prayers. I think it should be said that we should do as much work as we can with the opportunities available to be the "hands and feet" of Christ in service. For our own needs; we pursue possibilities; and seek "in and out of season" ( 2 Tim. 4:2) to perform our jobs and live our personal lives working "heartily unto the Lord." ( Colossians 3:23-24). This is not to puff ourselves up; but to ensure that our own laziness; or any other vices may not interfere with God answering prayers; or unnecessarily turn people off when opportunities arise. To trust God for blessings based on His promises rather than seeking self gain may only be something God Himself can judge in each individual case. Gaining access to "more of the Holy Spirit" certainly is a win/win situation ( Luke 11:13).
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 exhort us to pray continually. We should note that giving thanksgiving and rejoicing in Christ are other factors. Meditating on the Word day and night ( Joshua 1:8) certainly would be the other principal act associated with answered prayers. This verse in greater detail gives the exhortation to DO the things in the Word; and gives the added benefit of prosperity and success. This causes us to look at Solomon's prayer for wisdom when God also gave Him what He DIDN'T ask for in terms of exceedingly great riches. 1 Kings 3:5-15 shows this coming to pass; but of course the later sins that Solomon committed despite being warned of God to avoid basically caused the downfall of Israel.
There are obvious guidelines of what to avoid in seeing answered prayer in the Book of James chapter 4. We should note that this passage can be broadly taken for ANY type of lust (sexual; power; material gain) that comes from the world; flesh or the Devil. This would be something that hopefully would be limited to new; immature believers or the prosperity preaching crowd.
There are a number of basic concepts that need to be covered here providing that we are at least attempting caution as to the warnings in James; including our character not being "double minded" for example; where a person is warned that they should expect nothing from God. (see James 4:8).
Fact One: The primary purpose of prayer should be for the sake of God's Kingdom. The most obvious conclusion should of course be in accordance with the Lord's Prayer that HIS will is done and His Kingdom comes; and that He gets all the power and glory. ( Matthew 6; Luke 11 version somewhat abbreviated). That prayer is written as a general concept of prayer; only asking for "daily bread" as a request for human needs. It is not to be rehearsed as a mantra.
Fact Two: Prayers need to be secondarily for the edification of the Body. (more in next section)
How was Church everyone (if you went). Mine talked about Revelation 19 & 20 featuring the defeat of Satan and the mocking trinity. They will one day be thrown into the lake of fire, and all evil will be finished! Amen! God has promised us a victory over all sin! Judgement will be completed and evil will be vanquished. I just can't stop thanking God for all that he has done and will do for me and all believers. Thank you God for everything, for this wonderful promise and victory.
For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? 1 Peter 4:17
I believe the Bible teaches that 1 Peter 4:17 applies particularly to the day in which we are living. And that God has commanded all true believers to leave the local churches and congregations. If you go into virtually any church today and drill down to what they believe, the Bible is NOT the ultimate authority. And that they are teaching a works / grace gospel which is not the gospel of the Bible. The Bible teaches, I believe, that we are in the period of The Great Tribulation, Read Matt 24, where Christ has abandoned the local churches and congregations, God the Holy Spirit is no longer saving there, and Satan is actually rulling there.
Wonderfully though God, in His incomprehensible Mercy, is still saving OUTSIDE of the churches "a great multitude which no man can number" Rev 7:9 during this period of the Latter Rain.
I'm sure many will take issue with this. But I would encourage anyone to check out searchinghisword for messages and literature that are faithfully declaring what the Bible is teaching about our day.
May God lead us into truth as we search out His Word, the Bible.
Ever since the Bible was completed, God is no longer speaking to mankind through dreams or visions or tongues. Pay no attention to your dream as it is likely merely a reflection of your subconcious mind. God only speaks to us through His Word, the Bible. Your question is a very serious one. Read... Rev 22 and Matt 24.
Rev 22:18,19
For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
Matt 24:24
For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
Please , all you need to do is ask God for His forgiveness with an honest heart and you can be sure you will be forgiven . Once you know that you are forgiven you can move on , on to a better life in Christ and forget about your sinful past . Trust in God's love and mercy towards you .
This passage speaks to the very Nature of Salvation. By nature all of mankind in our unsaved condition are DEAD in trespasses and sins. As a result we are all under the judgement of God and the penalty of the wrath of God required by the Law of God. We CAN'T & WON'T love God with ALL our heart, with ALL our soul, with ALL our mind. So what are we to do? The answer is...we can do nothing. GOD MUST DO ALL THE WORK TO SAVE US, TO GIVE US A NEW HEART, A RESURRECTED SOUL.
Eze 36:24-31For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land.Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God.I will also save you from all your uncleannesses: and I will call for the corn, and will increase it, and lay no famine upon you.And I will multiply the fruit of the tree, and the increase of the field, that ye shall receive no more reproach of famine among the heathen.Then shall ye remember your own evil ways, and your doings that were not good, and shall lothe yourselves in your own sight for your iniquities and for your abominations.
The action here is ALL of God. WE CAN DO NOTHING TO ACCOMPLISH OR CONTRIBUTE TO OUR SALVATION IN ANY WAY.
Gal 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith OF Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith OF Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. Read Jonah 3 & Matt 12:41
"You shall love the LORD your God with all of your heart, with all of your soul, with all of your mind."
This verse has come to me repeatedly over the past week or so. It is so lovely. I so want to live it out.
I would like to hear from others what they think loving God with all of one's heart means.
or
What loving God with all of one's soul means
or
What loving God with all of one's mind means.
Being the greatest commandments, as Jesus said, I would like to understand it better and learn to live it out better. I appreciate anyone responding. Thanks
That do mean to give all you are away to God. Every second you have any consciousness of life, and since you have given it all away, you will not demand rulers rights over what is experienced. This makes it possible for God to terminate all anger from your expression, and all anger present will alert you that you are keeping something for yourself you now can give to God. This process happens within you and begins to purify all your acts.
Therefore Christ tolerated and drank His passion with love, for everything He had given in the hands of His allmighty Father.
You cannot approach God in your natural birth! You are still in Adam and all ethnic groups have to come to God by the blood of the cross. John 14:6.
Salvation didn't come by genealogy religion or ethnic group Salvation didn't come by anything Adam had to offer. Salvation came by the seed of the woman that's Christ.
There's your new birth.
If you belong to any ethnic group, religion, church or political party, without Christ you will be told I never knew you.
Matthew 7:21-23.
Abraham was asked to leave his father's pagan land and was promise a land flowing with milk and honey. In Hebrews it says this is the new Jerusalem. Hebrews 11:8-10.
God said he will make a nation out of Abraham. (There is no value in the pagan land in which he came and there was no value in him when he came) He had to come to God by instrument of faith to receive grace, "as do we".
We are the seed of Abraham and sons of God through faith.
Salvation didn't come by the nation of Israel. The nation of Israel demonstrated there is no good thing in the flesh.
God will put his spirit in Israel and Israel as a nation will be saved as we. Acts 15:8-11.
There will be a new fold and One shepherd. John 10:16.
And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;
19) I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.
20) Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.
21) And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.
22) Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.
23) And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.
24) But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.
25) But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.
26) And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:
27) And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.
28) And I will give him the morning star.
29) He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Again, we have the commendation in verse 19.
Verse 20 we have the condemnation for suffering or allowing that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.
Verses 24-29 we see he is not accusing all of them for committing fornication.
Dear Heavenly Father, James and his wife need support as they are aging. We ask that You will connect them with local believers and services where they can get the help they need and also the fellowship and friendship they need. Father, we ask that You fulfill their need quickly and keep them safe and healthy. We ask this of You, Father, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Dear Heavenly Father, Bonnie and her family need Your help in blending together this family in a way that is healthy. Please keep this granddaughter well so that grandpa does not get sick from her. Protect this family from illness. Bring a cure to the cancer in Bonnie's daughter, allowing her to fully recover from bowel cancer. Have all of the treatments be successful for her and give her a long life with her daughter. We ask these things in the name of Jesus, Amen.
Dear Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus, we ask that Olivia's dad will have all of the cancer removed from his body in this next operation. We ask that You will cause the cancer cells to die off and restore him to health once again. Amen.
Dear Heavenly Father, Charlene would like to be able to use her legs again. We ask You today, in the name of Jesus, to bring ability back to her legs. Amen.
Dear Heavenly Father, Maurice's daughter is in need of a good report from her doctor. We ask for this in the name of Your Son, Jesus. Amen.
Dear Heavenly Father, this father is suffering grief from concern about his daughter. We ask that You will place this child in the best environment for her to grow strong and healthy. Allow Marco to regain custody of this young one. Bring healing from abuse to this daughter and lead her to faith in You through Jesus, Your Son, our Savior. Amen.
I pray that your daughter today.
Heavenly Father, we ask You to deepen Althea's commitment to You through Jesus our Lord. Mature her in Your Word and give her true knowledge of You and Your will. Teach her to interpret Scripture properly and be filled with Your truth daily. Grant Althea sincere desire to draw near to You and to commune with You in prayer and meditating on Your goodness and holiness. Give her a true view of Who You are. Bless her today and every day.
Father, we lift up Althea's daughter to You today and ask that You will deliver her from drug and alcohol use and whatever else that has control over her. We ask that You soon bring her to salvation. Do not tarry Lord since these abuses endanger her so. Cause this daughter to see that she is in dire need of You and turn her heart to You in faith.
We ask these things of You, Father, in the name of Your Son, Jesus. Amen.
I think the problem of lukerwarmness is the major problem in true Christianity nowadays. Christians often compromise themselves with the sinful world. This is satan's victory over us. Lukerwarmness is just a step before a sinful life. If he manages to drive us there then the next stage is not far away. Satan doesn't care especially with the main stream denominations. Those are dead churches anyway, they don't produce work, they don't preach salvation, they give the impression to their followers that if they attend their litturgies and join in the celebrations and their churche's customs and try to be good people then they are saved, which is wrong. There are genuine believers in those churches that love God but they are not many and they are confused about God's things. So the attention of devil is on true/reborn christians. Since he knows that he can not drive true christians to sinning easily, he tries to make them looser and looser bit by bit, bit by bit and then if he manages that he drives them to sinning and eventually to destruction, salvation can be lost if one stays in their sins and dies in them (my opinion).
If we want to be used by God in His work on earth we must devote ourselves in Him, there must be no compromise. Light can not be compromized with darkness, if so then the light becomes less bright and eventually goes off, like in the 5 unwise virgins.
Have a blessed week.
I suppose this could be a sixth fact or point. Recognition of when a prayer is being answered needs to be addressed. My earlier comment on God answering things NOT according to our request is probably more common than we sometimes like to admit.
One personal example is my dad who was very much against believing that Jesus is Lord; or sin; the Rapture and basic concepts whose mind has gone to the point that he is asking questions about basic facts about Jesus. In this case His not remembering has allowed him to disengage from all his defenses and perhaps that can allow at least a less biased reaction to information he is given. His salvation BTW is something others can be praying about.
When it comes to family members; God often uses others to reach them as it is always harder to "see the forest through the trees" or practically speaking avoid seeing the sins that those who are in the immediate family have that can be used against their testimony. We can be thankful that there are those out there who are coming forward among the youth today out of all sorts of sins and many great testimonies can be seen on You Tube. I think that there needs to be a better way to incorporate these testimonies in videos shown at other churches; as well as facilitating to get these people involved with ministry travelling to other churches. That should really be the focus of Christian musicians as well (I won't get into the whole "Christian music industry" here other than that comment). In prayer specifically we need to seek those as we seek that one lost sheep. When preaching the Gospel we should be ready to offer prayer and we should never just be content with scheduled prayer. Life simply doesn't work that way. Needs come up and should be met; a proactive approach should occur more often in church; and that involves at times those trained in discipling. Men need to equip men; and women other women. The more we know God the better we pray.
The following are the fundamental rules of Bible study that the Bible lays down:
> Christ is the author of the whole Bible. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we behold his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 1:1,14
> the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit 2 Peter 1:21
> Christ spoke in parables (earthly stories with a spiritual meaning). But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples. Mark 4:34
> We compare spiritual with spiritual. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 1 Corinthians 2:13
The historical-grammatical method of interpretation employed by the churches seeks to discover the writer's intended meaning, customs of the times, and the writer's intended audience and thus fails to recognize that God is the author and that the Bible is written for us today.
Moreover, the method of Bible interpretation employed by the churches fails to recognize that as we approach the end of the world, and the coming of the bridegroom, God is unsealing truths that have been kept sealed until the time of the end ( Daniel 12:9-10). This is spoken of in the Bible as a vision that will speak at the end and not lie ( Habakkuk 2:2-3).
God ultimately must lead us into truth as we apply these principles and pray for understanding with a view to being obedient to His Word.
Perseverance in prayer. In light of the previous discourses; the proper attitude toward God is paramount. This is why certain charismatics or anyone else "declaring" blessings is on thin ice. God blesses who He chooses and curses as well; we can see this principle in Romans 9:18. Genesis 49:25 states how God blesses universally for those who FEAR the Lord. Clearly fear of the Lord is necessary for the beginning of understanding ( Prov. 9:10 and many other texts).
The basic thought here is that if a motivation is wrong clearly one can spend all day pounding the table whether alone or with a whole crowd and not expect results. Once we can establish that we aren't aware of wrong motives; then we still stand the chance that God is going to say "no" to the request. What is fairly certain is that He will reveal either a different answer to the prayer; or He will after some length of time answer it. One fairly clear indicator of which prayer we are asking for is whether if He delayed it 20 years if we would even want to see it happen; case in point someone who we want to marry; how will they look like or act a couple decades later? If God answered it at that time we'd better not pin our hopes on superficial things alone that pass by; but on eternal character issues. Oftentimes I have found after years of time an answer just seems to occur when we have forgotton about certain issues. We should certainly be encouraged from examples of individuals praying for family members to be saved for decades where it finally happens. We should rejoice when a dictatorship is finally overthrown after a great amount of time such as Communism in Russia; or a breakthrough such as in with abortion when it can finally see a downturn after countless millions in the US have been slaughtered.
Fact Five: We should focus prayer on our enemies at least as much as our friends. It is hard to find fault for those praying for their enemies to be saved.
Fact Two (continued). The emphasis of prayer related to the edification of the Body should be fairly obvious with the overwhelming emphasis on such in the Epistles. Other than the Book of James we should note that there is not ANY instruction about right vs. wrong types of prayer in scripture. When we consider the nature of Paul's sufferings often associated with imprisonment; we see that his concern was for the state of the churches; with only a passing request for his own needs. It should go without saying that we should put the needs of others above our own (Phillippians 2:3-4). We are asked to remember those with "like temptations" ( 1 Peter 5:9). Although this doesn't directly address prayer; it does discuss the Devil prowling about; certainly in spritual warfare prayer is tied in (see Ephesians 6:18-20). The preceding verses in this chapter explain about the full armor of God which probably is a separate fact for praying with authority.
Fact Three: Personal application. When we have a proper perspective on lifting His name up in praise and considering the saints above ourselves; we then get to our personal devotions and prayers. I think it should be said that we should do as much work as we can with the opportunities available to be the "hands and feet" of Christ in service. For our own needs; we pursue possibilities; and seek "in and out of season" ( 2 Tim. 4:2) to perform our jobs and live our personal lives working "heartily unto the Lord." ( Colossians 3:23-24). This is not to puff ourselves up; but to ensure that our own laziness; or any other vices may not interfere with God answering prayers; or unnecessarily turn people off when opportunities arise. To trust God for blessings based on His promises rather than seeking self gain may only be something God Himself can judge in each individual case. Gaining access to "more of the Holy Spirit" certainly is a win/win situation ( Luke 11:13).
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 exhort us to pray continually. We should note that giving thanksgiving and rejoicing in Christ are other factors. Meditating on the Word day and night ( Joshua 1:8) certainly would be the other principal act associated with answered prayers. This verse in greater detail gives the exhortation to DO the things in the Word; and gives the added benefit of prosperity and success. This causes us to look at Solomon's prayer for wisdom when God also gave Him what He DIDN'T ask for in terms of exceedingly great riches. 1 Kings 3:5-15 shows this coming to pass; but of course the later sins that Solomon committed despite being warned of God to avoid basically caused the downfall of Israel.
There are obvious guidelines of what to avoid in seeing answered prayer in the Book of James chapter 4. We should note that this passage can be broadly taken for ANY type of lust (sexual; power; material gain) that comes from the world; flesh or the Devil. This would be something that hopefully would be limited to new; immature believers or the prosperity preaching crowd.
There are a number of basic concepts that need to be covered here providing that we are at least attempting caution as to the warnings in James; including our character not being "double minded" for example; where a person is warned that they should expect nothing from God. (see James 4:8).
Fact One: The primary purpose of prayer should be for the sake of God's Kingdom. The most obvious conclusion should of course be in accordance with the Lord's Prayer that HIS will is done and His Kingdom comes; and that He gets all the power and glory. ( Matthew 6; Luke 11 version somewhat abbreviated). That prayer is written as a general concept of prayer; only asking for "daily bread" as a request for human needs. It is not to be rehearsed as a mantra.
Fact Two: Prayers need to be secondarily for the edification of the Body. (more in next section)
Amen.
For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? 1 Peter 4:17
I believe the Bible teaches that 1 Peter 4:17 applies particularly to the day in which we are living. And that God has commanded all true believers to leave the local churches and congregations. If you go into virtually any church today and drill down to what they believe, the Bible is NOT the ultimate authority. And that they are teaching a works / grace gospel which is not the gospel of the Bible. The Bible teaches, I believe, that we are in the period of The Great Tribulation, Read Matt 24, where Christ has abandoned the local churches and congregations, God the Holy Spirit is no longer saving there, and Satan is actually rulling there.
Wonderfully though God, in His incomprehensible Mercy, is still saving OUTSIDE of the churches "a great multitude which no man can number" Rev 7:9 during this period of the Latter Rain.
I'm sure many will take issue with this. But I would encourage anyone to check out searchinghisword for messages and literature that are faithfully declaring what the Bible is teaching about our day.
May God lead us into truth as we search out His Word, the Bible.
Rev 22:18,19
For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
Matt 24:24
For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
Eze 36:24-31For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land.Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God.I will also save you from all your uncleannesses: and I will call for the corn, and will increase it, and lay no famine upon you.And I will multiply the fruit of the tree, and the increase of the field, that ye shall receive no more reproach of famine among the heathen.Then shall ye remember your own evil ways, and your doings that were not good, and shall lothe yourselves in your own sight for your iniquities and for your abominations.
The action here is ALL of God. WE CAN DO NOTHING TO ACCOMPLISH OR CONTRIBUTE TO OUR SALVATION IN ANY WAY.
Gal 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith OF Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith OF Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. Read Jonah 3 & Matt 12:41
Meditating on Matthew 22:37
"You shall love the LORD your God with all of your heart, with all of your soul, with all of your mind."
This verse has come to me repeatedly over the past week or so. It is so lovely. I so want to live it out.
I would like to hear from others what they think loving God with all of one's heart means.
or
What loving God with all of one's soul means
or
What loving God with all of one's mind means.
Being the greatest commandments, as Jesus said, I would like to understand it better and learn to live it out better. I appreciate anyone responding. Thanks
That do mean to give all you are away to God. Every second you have any consciousness of life, and since you have given it all away, you will not demand rulers rights over what is experienced. This makes it possible for God to terminate all anger from your expression, and all anger present will alert you that you are keeping something for yourself you now can give to God. This process happens within you and begins to purify all your acts.
Therefore Christ tolerated and drank His passion with love, for everything He had given in the hands of His allmighty Father.
You cannot approach God in your natural birth! You are still in Adam and all ethnic groups have to come to God by the blood of the cross. John 14:6.
Salvation didn't come by genealogy religion or ethnic group Salvation didn't come by anything Adam had to offer. Salvation came by the seed of the woman that's Christ.
There's your new birth.
If you belong to any ethnic group, religion, church or political party, without Christ you will be told I never knew you.
Matthew 7:21-23.
Abraham was asked to leave his father's pagan land and was promise a land flowing with milk and honey. In Hebrews it says this is the new Jerusalem. Hebrews 11:8-10.
God said he will make a nation out of Abraham. (There is no value in the pagan land in which he came and there was no value in him when he came) He had to come to God by instrument of faith to receive grace, "as do we".
We are the seed of Abraham and sons of God through faith.
Salvation didn't come by the nation of Israel. The nation of Israel demonstrated there is no good thing in the flesh.
God will put his spirit in Israel and Israel as a nation will be saved as we. Acts 15:8-11.
There will be a new fold and One shepherd. John 10:16.
God bless and good night.
God bless.
Part 3.
Letters to Pergamos and Thyatira.
And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;
19) I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.
20) Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.
21) And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.
22) Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.
23) And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.
24) But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.
25) But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.
26) And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:
27) And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.
28) And I will give him the morning star.
29) He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Again, we have the commendation in verse 19.
Verse 20 we have the condemnation for suffering or allowing that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.
Verses 24-29 we see he is not accusing all of them for committing fornication.
The rebuke is to those who suffer it.
GB