Grow up In Christ
Eph 4:15:
15 Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.
How can we grow more and more like Christ? The Answer is that Christ forms us into a body- into a group of individuals who are united in their purpose and in their love for one another and for the Lord.
If an individual stumbles, the rest of the group is there to pick that person up and help him or her walk with God again.
If a person sins, he or she can find restoration through the church even as the rest of the body continues to witness to God’s truth. As part of Christ’s body, do you reflect part of God’s character and carry out your special role in His work?
1. Grow Up Concerning Possessions
Luke 12:15
15 Then he said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.”
Jesus says that the Good life has nothing to do with being wealthy , so to guard against greed(desire for what we don’t have).
This is the exact opposite of what society usually says.
Advertisers spend millions of dollars to entice us to think that if we buy more and more of their products , we will be happier, more fulfilled, more comfortable.
How do you respond to the constant pressure to buy? We need to learn to tune out expensive enticements and concentrate instead on the truly fulfilled life- living in a relationship with God and doing his work.
A. Many Christians place too much value on money and possessions.
B It isn’t wrong to have money, but we must heed the scriptural warning.
1 Tim 6:10:
For the love of money is the root of all evil.
If we have enough… let us be content. But when is enough enough? How can we truly be content ? There is a difference between what we need and what we want. We may have all that we need to live (that is, we have enough), but we merely want.
We must choose to be content without having all that we want.
C. We grow up concerning possessions when we give God first place.
Matt 6:33
33 But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
If we put God first he will give you everything you need.
2. Grow Up Concerning Pleasure
2 Tim 3:4
In the last days,
4 They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God.
Why is it so tempting to love pleasure rather than God?
Pleasure is something we can control: God cannot be controlled.
Most pleasures can be obtained easily: love for God requires effort and sometimes sacrifice.
Pleasures benefits us now: the benefit of loving God are often in the future.
Pleasures has a narcotic effect: it takes our minds off ourselves and our problems.
Love for God reminds us of our need and responsibilities.
Pleasure cooperated with pride. It makes us feel good when we look good in the eyes of others.
To love God we must lay aside our pride and our accomplishments.
Have you chosen to love pleasures, or to love God?
A. We live in a pleasure- seeking, pleasure- loving society.
Billions of dollars are spent on pleasure yearly. People are searching for fun more than for God.
B. the greatest pleasure possible is knowing Christ. He offers real and lasting enjoyment and satisfies the longing soul.
Psalms 107:9
9 For he satisfies the thirsty
and fills the hungry with good things.
Lost , hungry, thirsty, and exhausted
Anyone who recognizes his or her own lostness can receive the offer of Jesus to satisfy.
Jesus is the way, the bread from heaven, the living water, and the giver of rest. Have you received his life giving offer?
C. Grow up concerning pleasures. Be faithful in prayer and the ministry of God’s Word, and enjoy the fellowship of other Christians.
3. Grow Up Concerning Popularity
John 5:44
No wonder you can’t believe! For you gladly honor each other, but you don’t care about the honor that comes from the one who alone is God.
Whose praise do you seek?
A. It is natural to desire appreciation and the good will of others, but we should not seek exaltation and glory from them.
B. Popularity is usually short-lived. It can be here today and gone tomorrow.
C. Growing up concerning popularity means seeking to please and glorify God. His approval endures as long as we trust him.
Isa. 26:4
Trust in the LORD forever,
For in GOD the LORD, we have an everlasting Rock.
4. Grow Up Concerning Position
John 6:27
27 But don’t be so concerned about perishable things like food. Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that the Son of Man can give you. For God the Father has given me the seal of his approval.”
Jesus criticized the people who followed him for the physical and temporal benefits and not for the satisfying of their spiritual hunger.
Many people use religion to gain prestige, comfort, or even political votes.
But those are self-centered motives.
True believers follow Jesus simply because they know he had the truth and his way is the way to live.
A. Some Christians put too much importance on their position. They live, eat, and sleep for their jobs.
B. Work is necessary, but we must give God first place. Take time to do God’s work, attend his house, and encourage others.
C. A glorious promotion awaits those who grow up in Christ. They will be promoted to a land that is fairer than day, eternal in the heavens.
If we grow up in Christ we will spend eternality with Him in Heaven.
Story:
Once upon a time there was a bunch of tiny frogs who arranged a running competition. The goal was to reach the top of a very high tower.
A big crowd had gathered around the tower to see the race and cheer on the contestants.
The race began.Honestly, no one in the crowd really believed that the tiny frogs would reach the top of the tower.
You heard statements such as:
“Oh, WAY too difficult!” “They will NEVER make it to the top.” “There’s not a chance that they will succeed. The tower is too high!”
The tiny frogs began collapsing, one by one, except for those, who in a fresh tempo, were climbing higher and higher.
The crowd continued to yell, “It is too difficult! No one will make it!” More tiny frogs got tired and gave up.
But one continued higher and higher and higher. This one wouldn’t give up!
At the end everyone else had given up climbing the tower except for the one tiny frog who, after a big effort, was the only one who reached the top! Then all of the other tiny frogs naturally wanted to know how this one frog managed to do it.
A contestant asked the tiny frog how he had found the strength to succeed and reach the goal? It turned out that the winner was deaf!
Sometimes in order to grow up in Christ we have to turn a deaf ear to what this world is screaming at us such as “you need possessions , pleasures , popularity and position.”
All we ever will need is Jesus and we will succeed in this life and the one to come.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Avoiding Satan Snares
Do you ever find yourself having a wonderful day when something suddenly comes from out of nowhere to ruin it?
Have you ever been betrayed by someone close to you? Have you ever been tempted to do something you knew you shouldn't? Have you ever been made angry by someone for no good reason?
Have you ever had your faith in Christ mocked? Have you ever been victimized, either mentally or physically, by someone?
Have you ever reasoned that it would be okay to disobey God just once then proceeded to do something you knew you shouldn't with disastrous consequences coming to you as a result?
If you answered yes to any of the questions above, you have been the victim of a Satanic attack!
Ephesians 6:10-12: Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Avoiding Satan’s Snares
1 Peter 5:8:
8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.
Lions attack sick, young, or straggling animals: they choose victims who are alone or not alert.
Peter warns us here to watch out for Satan when we are suffering or being persecuted.
If you are feeling weak, helpless, and cut off from other believers, or if you are so focused on your troubles that you forget to watch for danger, Those are the times when you are especially vulnerable to Satan’s attacks.
During times of suffering, seek other Christians for support. Keep your eyes on Christ and resist the devil. Then he will flee from you.
1. Don’t Stray
Psalm 119:67:
67 I used to wander off until you disciplined me;
but now I closely follow your word.
A. Christians sometimes neglect their prayer life, and they fail to study God’s Word as they should. When we do this, we begin to stray.
B. Some lack the courage to say no to non- Christians friends. They yield to the old life and become victims of Satan’s snares.
C. We must guard our devotional life diligently, drawing near to God daily. We must take our stand boldly for God, staying away from Satan’s territory.
James 4:7-8:
7 So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.
Although God and the devil are at war, we don’t have to wait until the end to see who will win. God has already defeated Satan and when Christ returns, the devil and all he stands for will be eliminated forever.
Satan is here now, however, and he is trying to win us over to his evil cause. With the Holy Spirit power, we can resist the devil, and he will flee from us.
Come close to God , don’t stray.
2. Don’t Strut
Proverbs 16:18:
18 Pride goes before destruction,
and haughtiness before a fall.
Proud people take little account of their weaknesses and do not anticipate stumbling blocks. They think they are above the frailties of common people. In this state of mind they are easily tripped up.
Ironically, proud people seldom realize that pride is their problems, although everyone around them is well aware of it.
A. Some Christians lack humility. They desire the praise and honor of people, rather than the approval of God.
John 12:42-43:
42 Many people did believe in him, however, including some of the Jewish leaders. But they wouldn’t admit it for fear that the Pharisees would expel them from the synagogue. 43 For they loved human praise more than the praise of God.
The praise of others is fickle and short lived. We should be much more concerned about God’s eternal acceptance than about the temporary approval of other people.
B. Jesus, our example, was humble. He declared that He could do nothing by Himself., but He depended on the Father. He pleased His Father.
John 8:28-29:
28 So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man on the cross, then you will understand that I Am he. I do nothing on my own but say only what the Father taught me. 29 And the one who sent me is with me—he has not deserted me. For I always do what pleases him.”
C. We must be humble too. We avoid Satan’s snares by doing those things that are pleasing to God and by giving Him first place in our lives.
James 4:10:
10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.
Bowing in humility before the Lord means recognizing that our worth comes from God alone. To be humble involves leaning on His power and His guidance, and not going our own independent way.
Although we do not deserve God’s favor, He wants to lift us up and give us worth and dignity, despite our human shortcomings.
3. Don’t Stoop
Romans 12:21:
21 Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.
When someone hurts you deeply, instead of giving them what they deserve, we should befriend them.
Repaying evil for evil hurts you just as much as it hurts your enemy. Even if your enemy never repents, forgiving him or her will free you of a heavy load of bitterness.
It may make your enemy feel ashamed and change his or her ways even.
A. The morals of our world are at an all -time low. Violence, illicit sex, alcohol and drug abuse, dishonesty and corruption in government bear this out.
B. Millions have relaxed their moral standards because they are spiritually slack. Christ will lift and restore those who repent and forsake their sins.
C. Christians must not condone evil, but overcome evil with good. Assisting the less fortunate and sharing Christ with the lost will help us avoid Satan’s snares.
4. Don’t Stop
Matthew 10:22:
22 … But everyone who endures to the end will be saved.
Enduring to the end is not a way to be saved but the evidence that a person is really committed to Jesus. Persistence is not a means to earn salvation: it is the by- product of a truly devoted life.
A. Some have made a good start but have come to a bad stop in the Christian life. Satan attacks, distracts, and attacks through his ways that are difficult to detect or grasp by the mind .
B. No problem is too difficult, no trail is too severe, no burden is too heavy for the Christian, because God’s help and grace are sufficient.
C. God is more than a match for Satan, and we are more than conquerors through Him.
Romans 8:37-39:
37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Tell story about spider and toad
If you need victory this morning now is the time to claim it what ever you have been struggling with not is the time to surrender it to the Lord and walk in victory.
Have you ever been betrayed by someone close to you? Have you ever been tempted to do something you knew you shouldn't? Have you ever been made angry by someone for no good reason?
Have you ever had your faith in Christ mocked? Have you ever been victimized, either mentally or physically, by someone?
Have you ever reasoned that it would be okay to disobey God just once then proceeded to do something you knew you shouldn't with disastrous consequences coming to you as a result?
If you answered yes to any of the questions above, you have been the victim of a Satanic attack!
Ephesians 6:10-12: Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Avoiding Satan’s Snares
1 Peter 5:8:
8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.
Lions attack sick, young, or straggling animals: they choose victims who are alone or not alert.
Peter warns us here to watch out for Satan when we are suffering or being persecuted.
If you are feeling weak, helpless, and cut off from other believers, or if you are so focused on your troubles that you forget to watch for danger, Those are the times when you are especially vulnerable to Satan’s attacks.
During times of suffering, seek other Christians for support. Keep your eyes on Christ and resist the devil. Then he will flee from you.
1. Don’t Stray
Psalm 119:67:
67 I used to wander off until you disciplined me;
but now I closely follow your word.
A. Christians sometimes neglect their prayer life, and they fail to study God’s Word as they should. When we do this, we begin to stray.
B. Some lack the courage to say no to non- Christians friends. They yield to the old life and become victims of Satan’s snares.
C. We must guard our devotional life diligently, drawing near to God daily. We must take our stand boldly for God, staying away from Satan’s territory.
James 4:7-8:
7 So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.
Although God and the devil are at war, we don’t have to wait until the end to see who will win. God has already defeated Satan and when Christ returns, the devil and all he stands for will be eliminated forever.
Satan is here now, however, and he is trying to win us over to his evil cause. With the Holy Spirit power, we can resist the devil, and he will flee from us.
Come close to God , don’t stray.
2. Don’t Strut
Proverbs 16:18:
18 Pride goes before destruction,
and haughtiness before a fall.
Proud people take little account of their weaknesses and do not anticipate stumbling blocks. They think they are above the frailties of common people. In this state of mind they are easily tripped up.
Ironically, proud people seldom realize that pride is their problems, although everyone around them is well aware of it.
A. Some Christians lack humility. They desire the praise and honor of people, rather than the approval of God.
John 12:42-43:
42 Many people did believe in him, however, including some of the Jewish leaders. But they wouldn’t admit it for fear that the Pharisees would expel them from the synagogue. 43 For they loved human praise more than the praise of God.
The praise of others is fickle and short lived. We should be much more concerned about God’s eternal acceptance than about the temporary approval of other people.
B. Jesus, our example, was humble. He declared that He could do nothing by Himself., but He depended on the Father. He pleased His Father.
John 8:28-29:
28 So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man on the cross, then you will understand that I Am he. I do nothing on my own but say only what the Father taught me. 29 And the one who sent me is with me—he has not deserted me. For I always do what pleases him.”
C. We must be humble too. We avoid Satan’s snares by doing those things that are pleasing to God and by giving Him first place in our lives.
James 4:10:
10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.
Bowing in humility before the Lord means recognizing that our worth comes from God alone. To be humble involves leaning on His power and His guidance, and not going our own independent way.
Although we do not deserve God’s favor, He wants to lift us up and give us worth and dignity, despite our human shortcomings.
3. Don’t Stoop
Romans 12:21:
21 Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.
When someone hurts you deeply, instead of giving them what they deserve, we should befriend them.
Repaying evil for evil hurts you just as much as it hurts your enemy. Even if your enemy never repents, forgiving him or her will free you of a heavy load of bitterness.
It may make your enemy feel ashamed and change his or her ways even.
A. The morals of our world are at an all -time low. Violence, illicit sex, alcohol and drug abuse, dishonesty and corruption in government bear this out.
B. Millions have relaxed their moral standards because they are spiritually slack. Christ will lift and restore those who repent and forsake their sins.
C. Christians must not condone evil, but overcome evil with good. Assisting the less fortunate and sharing Christ with the lost will help us avoid Satan’s snares.
4. Don’t Stop
Matthew 10:22:
22 … But everyone who endures to the end will be saved.
Enduring to the end is not a way to be saved but the evidence that a person is really committed to Jesus. Persistence is not a means to earn salvation: it is the by- product of a truly devoted life.
A. Some have made a good start but have come to a bad stop in the Christian life. Satan attacks, distracts, and attacks through his ways that are difficult to detect or grasp by the mind .
B. No problem is too difficult, no trail is too severe, no burden is too heavy for the Christian, because God’s help and grace are sufficient.
C. God is more than a match for Satan, and we are more than conquerors through Him.
Romans 8:37-39:
37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Tell story about spider and toad
If you need victory this morning now is the time to claim it what ever you have been struggling with not is the time to surrender it to the Lord and walk in victory.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
The ABC, plus of faith
The A-B-C’s, Plus of Faith
Hebrews 11:1:
1 Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.
One night a house caught fire and a young boy was forced to flee to the roof. The father stood on the ground below with outstretched arms, calling to his son, "Jump! I'll catch you." He knew the boy had to jump to save his life. All the boy could see, however, was flame, smoke, and blackness. As can be imagined, he was afraid to leave the roof. His father kept yelling: "Jump! I will catch you." But the boy protested, "Daddy, I can't see you." The father replied, "But I can see you and that's all that matters."
"But I can see you. Jump!" The boy jumped, because he trusted his father. The Christian faith enables us to face life or meet death, not because we can see, but with the certainty that we are seen; not that we know all the answers, but that we are known.
The beginning point of faith is believing in God’s character: He is who he says. The end point is believing in God’s promises: He will do what he says.
When we believe that God will fulfill his promises even though we don’t see those promises materializing yet, we demonstrate true faith.
1.A-sking of Faith
James 1:6:
6 But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver,
We must believe in not only in the existence of God but also in his loving care. This includes relying on God and expecting that he will hear and answer when we pray.
We must put away our critical attitude when we come to him. God does not grant every thoughtless or selfish request. We must have confidence that God will align our desires with his purposes.
If your faith is new, weak, or struggling, remember that you can trust God!
A. Many fail to receive from God simply because they do not ask.
Matthew 7:7:
7 “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.
Jesus tells us to persist in pursuing God. People often give up after a few halfhearted efforts and conclude that God cannot be found.
B. We are to ask in childlike faith. Just as earthly parents want to give good gifts to their children, so our Heavenly father desires to do the same for his children.
Matthew 7:11:
11 So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.
Christ is showing us the heart of God the Father. God is not selfish, begrudging, or stingy. He is a loving Father, who understands, cares, and comforts. If humans can be kind, imagine kind God, the creator of kindness can be.
C. Children are persistent. With a child’s persistence we must keep on asking our heavenly Father.
Matthew 7:8:
8 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.
Continue to ask him for more faith. He will give it to you.
2. B-elieving of Fath
Mark 11:24:
24 I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours.
A. Some have difficulty believing. Their doubts cause them to live a defeated life.
B. Everyone is tempted to doubt at times, but we must keep on believing in spite of doubts. We defeat Satan by believing that we believe.
C. Everything is possible for those who believe.
Matthew 9:28-29:
28 They went right into the house where he was staying, and Jesus asked them, “Do you believe I can make you see?”
“Yes, Lord,” they told him, “we do.”
29 Then he touched their eyes and said, “Because of your faith, it will happen.”
These blind men were persistent. They went right into the house where Jesus was staying. They knew Jesus could heal them, and they would let nothing stop them from finding him.
That’s real faith in action. If you believe Jesus is the answer to your every need, don’t let anything or anyone stop you from reaching out to him.
Faith pleases God and brings His blessings.
Hebrews 11:6:
6 And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.
Believing that God exists is only the beginning: even the demons believe that much.
God will not settle for mere acknowledgment of his existence. He wants your faith that leads to a PERSONAL, DYNAMIC RELATIONSHIP.
But does faith make sense, really? Do you believe because faith makes sense, or because faith doesn’t need to make sense?
Some Christians think people cannot understand God and should not try. Others believe that nothing true is irrational, including true faith. The truth is, we should use our minds to think things through but leave room for the unexplainable works of God.
3. C-confessing of Faith
Romans 10:10:
10 For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved.
A. Some people are ashamed to be called Christians. They are fearful of scorn and persecution.
B. We must be courageous about confessing our faith in Jesus Christ. If we are ashamed of Him, he will be ashamed of us also.
Mark 8:38:
38 If anyone is ashamed of me and my message in these adulterous and sinful days, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”
Rejecting Christ may help us escape shame for the time being, but it will guarantee an eternity of shame later.
C. Salvation depends upon the confession of our faith. We must be willing to share Christ with others.
Romans 1:16:
16 For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—
Paul was not ashamed because his message was the Good News about Christ. It was a message of salvation, it had life- changing power, and it was for everyone.
When you are tempted to be ashamed, remember what the Good News is all about.
If you focus on God and on what God is doing in the world rather than on your own inadequacy, you wont be ashamed or embarrassed.
4. D-oing of Faith
James 2:20:
20 How foolish! Can’t you see that faith without good deeds is useless?
A. Doing is the “plus” of faith. Many falter in the Christian life because they fail to act upon or work their faith.
B. We must let the Holy Spirit work through us. We are His channel, the instrument through which He works.
C. We must believe that the Holy Spirit is directing and guiding our steps. He speaks through us as we witness to the unsaved.
John 15:5:
5 “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.
Remaining in Christ means
1. Believing that he is God’s Son
2. Receiving Him as Savior and Lord
3.Doing what God says
4.Continue to believe the Good News
5.Relating in love to the community of believers, Christ body
Many people try to be good, honest people who do what is right. But Jesus says that the only way to live a truly good life is to stay close to Him, like a branched attached to a vine.
Apart from Christ our efforts are unfruitful. Are you receiving the nourishment and life offered by Christ, the vine? If not, you are missing a special gift he has for you.
Tell Jesus, “I put my hope in you. I believe in you.” Trust him to guide you through the perils of life. He won’t let you down. He won’t let you fall into the raging waters below. He has already made it across—long ago at Calvary—so he knows the way. All we have to do is embrace what he has done for us, and our faith will flourish.
Hebrews 11:1:
1 Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.
One night a house caught fire and a young boy was forced to flee to the roof. The father stood on the ground below with outstretched arms, calling to his son, "Jump! I'll catch you." He knew the boy had to jump to save his life. All the boy could see, however, was flame, smoke, and blackness. As can be imagined, he was afraid to leave the roof. His father kept yelling: "Jump! I will catch you." But the boy protested, "Daddy, I can't see you." The father replied, "But I can see you and that's all that matters."
"But I can see you. Jump!" The boy jumped, because he trusted his father. The Christian faith enables us to face life or meet death, not because we can see, but with the certainty that we are seen; not that we know all the answers, but that we are known.
The beginning point of faith is believing in God’s character: He is who he says. The end point is believing in God’s promises: He will do what he says.
When we believe that God will fulfill his promises even though we don’t see those promises materializing yet, we demonstrate true faith.
1.A-sking of Faith
James 1:6:
6 But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver,
We must believe in not only in the existence of God but also in his loving care. This includes relying on God and expecting that he will hear and answer when we pray.
We must put away our critical attitude when we come to him. God does not grant every thoughtless or selfish request. We must have confidence that God will align our desires with his purposes.
If your faith is new, weak, or struggling, remember that you can trust God!
A. Many fail to receive from God simply because they do not ask.
Matthew 7:7:
7 “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.
Jesus tells us to persist in pursuing God. People often give up after a few halfhearted efforts and conclude that God cannot be found.
B. We are to ask in childlike faith. Just as earthly parents want to give good gifts to their children, so our Heavenly father desires to do the same for his children.
Matthew 7:11:
11 So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.
Christ is showing us the heart of God the Father. God is not selfish, begrudging, or stingy. He is a loving Father, who understands, cares, and comforts. If humans can be kind, imagine kind God, the creator of kindness can be.
C. Children are persistent. With a child’s persistence we must keep on asking our heavenly Father.
Matthew 7:8:
8 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.
Continue to ask him for more faith. He will give it to you.
2. B-elieving of Fath
Mark 11:24:
24 I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours.
A. Some have difficulty believing. Their doubts cause them to live a defeated life.
B. Everyone is tempted to doubt at times, but we must keep on believing in spite of doubts. We defeat Satan by believing that we believe.
C. Everything is possible for those who believe.
Matthew 9:28-29:
28 They went right into the house where he was staying, and Jesus asked them, “Do you believe I can make you see?”
“Yes, Lord,” they told him, “we do.”
29 Then he touched their eyes and said, “Because of your faith, it will happen.”
These blind men were persistent. They went right into the house where Jesus was staying. They knew Jesus could heal them, and they would let nothing stop them from finding him.
That’s real faith in action. If you believe Jesus is the answer to your every need, don’t let anything or anyone stop you from reaching out to him.
Faith pleases God and brings His blessings.
Hebrews 11:6:
6 And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.
Believing that God exists is only the beginning: even the demons believe that much.
God will not settle for mere acknowledgment of his existence. He wants your faith that leads to a PERSONAL, DYNAMIC RELATIONSHIP.
But does faith make sense, really? Do you believe because faith makes sense, or because faith doesn’t need to make sense?
Some Christians think people cannot understand God and should not try. Others believe that nothing true is irrational, including true faith. The truth is, we should use our minds to think things through but leave room for the unexplainable works of God.
3. C-confessing of Faith
Romans 10:10:
10 For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved.
A. Some people are ashamed to be called Christians. They are fearful of scorn and persecution.
B. We must be courageous about confessing our faith in Jesus Christ. If we are ashamed of Him, he will be ashamed of us also.
Mark 8:38:
38 If anyone is ashamed of me and my message in these adulterous and sinful days, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”
Rejecting Christ may help us escape shame for the time being, but it will guarantee an eternity of shame later.
C. Salvation depends upon the confession of our faith. We must be willing to share Christ with others.
Romans 1:16:
16 For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—
Paul was not ashamed because his message was the Good News about Christ. It was a message of salvation, it had life- changing power, and it was for everyone.
When you are tempted to be ashamed, remember what the Good News is all about.
If you focus on God and on what God is doing in the world rather than on your own inadequacy, you wont be ashamed or embarrassed.
4. D-oing of Faith
James 2:20:
20 How foolish! Can’t you see that faith without good deeds is useless?
A. Doing is the “plus” of faith. Many falter in the Christian life because they fail to act upon or work their faith.
B. We must let the Holy Spirit work through us. We are His channel, the instrument through which He works.
C. We must believe that the Holy Spirit is directing and guiding our steps. He speaks through us as we witness to the unsaved.
John 15:5:
5 “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.
Remaining in Christ means
1. Believing that he is God’s Son
2. Receiving Him as Savior and Lord
3.Doing what God says
4.Continue to believe the Good News
5.Relating in love to the community of believers, Christ body
Many people try to be good, honest people who do what is right. But Jesus says that the only way to live a truly good life is to stay close to Him, like a branched attached to a vine.
Apart from Christ our efforts are unfruitful. Are you receiving the nourishment and life offered by Christ, the vine? If not, you are missing a special gift he has for you.
Tell Jesus, “I put my hope in you. I believe in you.” Trust him to guide you through the perils of life. He won’t let you down. He won’t let you fall into the raging waters below. He has already made it across—long ago at Calvary—so he knows the way. All we have to do is embrace what he has done for us, and our faith will flourish.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Fasting
Fasting
Now John's disciples and the Pharisees were fasting. Some people came and asked Jesus, 'How is it that John's disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees are fasting, but yours are not?'
Jesus answered, 'How can the guests of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? They cannot, so long as they have him with them. But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them, and on that day they will fast.' (Mark 2:18–20)
Not all Christians are familiar with fasting, so we'll begin with a definition:
Fasting involves the voluntary abstinence from all or certain foods (and on rare occasions liquids as well), for a period of time, for spiritual purposes. It can also include voluntary abstinence from marital relationships for the same purposes (1 Corinthians 7:3–5).
Fasting may sound daunting to some Christians, but it's possible for every Christian to fast in some way, even if it only means forgoing certain (perhaps choice) foods for a short time. That is known as partial fasting but, as with all other forms of fasting, if it is done unto the Lord, it will be accepted by him.
Is fasting obligatory?
Fasting has featured prominently in the history of Israel and the Church and details of fasts are recorded in both the Old and New Testaments. But is fasting obligatory for Christians today?
In the passage we are studying some people asked Jesus why his disciples did not fast, and in answer to their question he described himself as a bridegroom. The New Testament uses the analogy of Jesus as a bridegroom and his Church as the bride; one day both bride and bridegroom will be united together at the wedding supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:6–9). However, in this instance, Jesus described himself as the bridegroom and his disciples as the guests of the bridegroom.
In Jewish culture it was regarded as an insult for guests to fast (a sign of mourning) at a wedding feast (a time of celebration). The people who questioned Jesus would have known that fact. Jesus said that the time was coming when he would be taken from his guests (referring to either his crucifixion or his ascension), and on that day they would fast. I'm sure they did.
Luke also records him as saying that he would be taken from his disciples, and in those days they would fast (Luke 5:33–35). 'Those days' (plural) refer to the present day—the time when our Lord is no longer with us. Furthermore, when speaking to his disciples in Matthew 6:16, Jesus didn't say 'if you fast', but 'when you fast'—an assumption that they would fast after he had left them.
So, even though it cannot be argued from Scripture that fasting is necessary for Christians, I certainly believe our Lord expects us to fast.
Reasons for fasting
1. Fasting emphasizes repentance
Fasting is an outward sign of mourning and often accompanies repentance. When Jonah delivered God's message to Nineveh: 'Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned (Jonah 3:4)', the Ninevites believed God, put on sackcloth and fasted (Jonah 3:5). The king issued a proclamation saying:
'Do not let any man or beast, herd or flock, taste anything; do not let them eat or drink. But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth. Let everyone call urgently on God. Let them give up their evil ways and their violence. Who knows? God may yet relent and with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will not perish.' (Jonah 3:7–9)
When God saw how the Ninevites reacted to his warning and how they turned from their evil ways and sought his face with fasting, he had compassion on them and did not bring upon them the destruction he had threatened (Jonah 3:10).
Similarly, after his conversion on the Damascus road in Acts 9:9, Saul neither ate nor drank for three days. There was no need for him to undertake such a fast except, like the Ninevites, to demonstrate to God the depth of his repentance.
2. Fasting brings directions from God
In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. While they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.' So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off. (Acts 13:1–3)
The Bible tells us that while these prophets and teachers were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit gave instructions for Barnabas and Saul to begin the next phase of their ministry.
But is it necessary to fast before God will give instructions to his Church? Isn't it in our Lord's own interests that his Church is built according to his plan and purpose? If that is the case then why do we need to fast before we receive direction from the Lord?
(Please read Daniel 10:1–14, which gives valuable insight into what can happen in the heavenly realms.)
Daniel, an Old Testament prophet, had received a revelation from God about the future but couldn't understand its meaning.
So he went without choice food for three weeks (a partial fast) while he sought the Lord in prayer.
Eventually, an angel appeared to him in a vision and told him that since the first day he had started to fast and pray, his words had been heard and the answer had been sent to him.
However, a satanic power had resisted the angel for twenty-one days until victory was won and the message was delivered.
This passage of Scripture illustrates the spiritual battles that are being fought daily in the heavenly realms for God's will to be done on earth.
Daniel had fasted and prayed for three weeks—the exact length of time that the angel had been wrestling with the satanic power.
What would have happened if Daniel had stopped fasting? Perhaps he would never have received the answer he was seeking. Fasting aids victory in spiritual warfare.
In the same way, Satan would have opposed any attempt by Paul and Barnabas to take the gospel to the Gentiles. But as the leaders in Acts 13 sought God with fasting, satanic opposition was overcome and God's timing for this ministry was revealed to the Church. Please note, also, that these same men fasted and prayed before sending Paul and Barnabas on their way (Acts 13:3).
Fasting is a God-given way to add power and urgency to our prayers and enables us to receive understanding of spiritual things. It also helps us to receive directions from the Lord, both for our own lives and for the life of the Church. Many Christians, when faced with important decisions to make in their lives, have given themselves to prayer and fasting and have received wisdom and instruction from the Lord.
3. Fasting delivers from evil
To go without liquids, even for a short period of time, is an extreme form of fasting and is usually only practiced in times of emergency. When the evil Haman plotted to destroy the Jews in the kingdom of Xerxes (Esther chapters 1–10), Queen Esther asked the Jews to fast from food and drink for three days and three nights before she petitioned the king. The result of that fast was that Haman was hanged and the Jews were saved from their threatened annihilation.
That fasting brings deliverance from evil was also taught by Jesus. On his return from the Mount of Transfiguration he was met by a man who complained that his disciples couldn't drive out the demon that was tormenting his son. Jesus rebuked the evil spirit and it came out of the boy. Afterwards his disciples asked him why they couldn't drive it out and Jesus told them that that kind comes out only by prayer and fasting (Mark 9:14–29).
4. Fasting aids personal sanctity
Another reason for fasting and, in my opinion, the most beautiful reason of all, is to show our love and devotion to God. When we deliberately withhold food from our bodies for spiritual reasons we are saying, 'Lord, you mean more to me than the food I need to live on.' This is a visible demonstration that our spiritual lives mean more to us than our physical lives. Jesus said that such fasting, even though it may be done for no other reason, will receive its reward.
'When you fast, do not look sombre as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.' (Matthew 6:16–18)
Jesus wants us to know that if we fast in the proper way we will be rewarded by our Father in heaven. We are not told how we'll be rewarded, or when we'll be rewarded, but only that we shall be rewarded—and God keeps his promises!
Practicalities of fasting
• It is scriptural to fast collectively, as when the prophets and teachers fasted together in Acts 13:1–3 or privately, as our Lord instructed in Matthew 6:16–18.
• Fasting can involve refraining from food altogether, or merely going without certain foods (or drinks) we particularly enjoy.
• A fast can mean missing one meal or two meals, or going without food for a day, two days, or longer. It is entirely up to us. It is a free will offering—a sacrifice we make to God—and should be done with a willing heart, 'not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7).'
• Fasting is a spiritual exercise and, as with all other things in our lives, it should be led by the Spirit (Romans 8:14).
If you think the Lord is speaking to you about fasting, pray about it and let him use you in this way. Remember that most things in life can be achieved through prayer alone, but some things can be achieved only through prayer and fasting (Mark 9:29).
Can we afford to ignore such a God-given way to empower our prayers?
Michael Graham
May 2002
Now John's disciples and the Pharisees were fasting. Some people came and asked Jesus, 'How is it that John's disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees are fasting, but yours are not?'
Jesus answered, 'How can the guests of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? They cannot, so long as they have him with them. But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them, and on that day they will fast.' (Mark 2:18–20)
Not all Christians are familiar with fasting, so we'll begin with a definition:
Fasting involves the voluntary abstinence from all or certain foods (and on rare occasions liquids as well), for a period of time, for spiritual purposes. It can also include voluntary abstinence from marital relationships for the same purposes (1 Corinthians 7:3–5).
Fasting may sound daunting to some Christians, but it's possible for every Christian to fast in some way, even if it only means forgoing certain (perhaps choice) foods for a short time. That is known as partial fasting but, as with all other forms of fasting, if it is done unto the Lord, it will be accepted by him.
Is fasting obligatory?
Fasting has featured prominently in the history of Israel and the Church and details of fasts are recorded in both the Old and New Testaments. But is fasting obligatory for Christians today?
In the passage we are studying some people asked Jesus why his disciples did not fast, and in answer to their question he described himself as a bridegroom. The New Testament uses the analogy of Jesus as a bridegroom and his Church as the bride; one day both bride and bridegroom will be united together at the wedding supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:6–9). However, in this instance, Jesus described himself as the bridegroom and his disciples as the guests of the bridegroom.
In Jewish culture it was regarded as an insult for guests to fast (a sign of mourning) at a wedding feast (a time of celebration). The people who questioned Jesus would have known that fact. Jesus said that the time was coming when he would be taken from his guests (referring to either his crucifixion or his ascension), and on that day they would fast. I'm sure they did.
Luke also records him as saying that he would be taken from his disciples, and in those days they would fast (Luke 5:33–35). 'Those days' (plural) refer to the present day—the time when our Lord is no longer with us. Furthermore, when speaking to his disciples in Matthew 6:16, Jesus didn't say 'if you fast', but 'when you fast'—an assumption that they would fast after he had left them.
So, even though it cannot be argued from Scripture that fasting is necessary for Christians, I certainly believe our Lord expects us to fast.
Reasons for fasting
1. Fasting emphasizes repentance
Fasting is an outward sign of mourning and often accompanies repentance. When Jonah delivered God's message to Nineveh: 'Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned (Jonah 3:4)', the Ninevites believed God, put on sackcloth and fasted (Jonah 3:5). The king issued a proclamation saying:
'Do not let any man or beast, herd or flock, taste anything; do not let them eat or drink. But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth. Let everyone call urgently on God. Let them give up their evil ways and their violence. Who knows? God may yet relent and with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will not perish.' (Jonah 3:7–9)
When God saw how the Ninevites reacted to his warning and how they turned from their evil ways and sought his face with fasting, he had compassion on them and did not bring upon them the destruction he had threatened (Jonah 3:10).
Similarly, after his conversion on the Damascus road in Acts 9:9, Saul neither ate nor drank for three days. There was no need for him to undertake such a fast except, like the Ninevites, to demonstrate to God the depth of his repentance.
2. Fasting brings directions from God
In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. While they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.' So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off. (Acts 13:1–3)
The Bible tells us that while these prophets and teachers were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit gave instructions for Barnabas and Saul to begin the next phase of their ministry.
But is it necessary to fast before God will give instructions to his Church? Isn't it in our Lord's own interests that his Church is built according to his plan and purpose? If that is the case then why do we need to fast before we receive direction from the Lord?
(Please read Daniel 10:1–14, which gives valuable insight into what can happen in the heavenly realms.)
Daniel, an Old Testament prophet, had received a revelation from God about the future but couldn't understand its meaning.
So he went without choice food for three weeks (a partial fast) while he sought the Lord in prayer.
Eventually, an angel appeared to him in a vision and told him that since the first day he had started to fast and pray, his words had been heard and the answer had been sent to him.
However, a satanic power had resisted the angel for twenty-one days until victory was won and the message was delivered.
This passage of Scripture illustrates the spiritual battles that are being fought daily in the heavenly realms for God's will to be done on earth.
Daniel had fasted and prayed for three weeks—the exact length of time that the angel had been wrestling with the satanic power.
What would have happened if Daniel had stopped fasting? Perhaps he would never have received the answer he was seeking. Fasting aids victory in spiritual warfare.
In the same way, Satan would have opposed any attempt by Paul and Barnabas to take the gospel to the Gentiles. But as the leaders in Acts 13 sought God with fasting, satanic opposition was overcome and God's timing for this ministry was revealed to the Church. Please note, also, that these same men fasted and prayed before sending Paul and Barnabas on their way (Acts 13:3).
Fasting is a God-given way to add power and urgency to our prayers and enables us to receive understanding of spiritual things. It also helps us to receive directions from the Lord, both for our own lives and for the life of the Church. Many Christians, when faced with important decisions to make in their lives, have given themselves to prayer and fasting and have received wisdom and instruction from the Lord.
3. Fasting delivers from evil
To go without liquids, even for a short period of time, is an extreme form of fasting and is usually only practiced in times of emergency. When the evil Haman plotted to destroy the Jews in the kingdom of Xerxes (Esther chapters 1–10), Queen Esther asked the Jews to fast from food and drink for three days and three nights before she petitioned the king. The result of that fast was that Haman was hanged and the Jews were saved from their threatened annihilation.
That fasting brings deliverance from evil was also taught by Jesus. On his return from the Mount of Transfiguration he was met by a man who complained that his disciples couldn't drive out the demon that was tormenting his son. Jesus rebuked the evil spirit and it came out of the boy. Afterwards his disciples asked him why they couldn't drive it out and Jesus told them that that kind comes out only by prayer and fasting (Mark 9:14–29).
4. Fasting aids personal sanctity
Another reason for fasting and, in my opinion, the most beautiful reason of all, is to show our love and devotion to God. When we deliberately withhold food from our bodies for spiritual reasons we are saying, 'Lord, you mean more to me than the food I need to live on.' This is a visible demonstration that our spiritual lives mean more to us than our physical lives. Jesus said that such fasting, even though it may be done for no other reason, will receive its reward.
'When you fast, do not look sombre as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.' (Matthew 6:16–18)
Jesus wants us to know that if we fast in the proper way we will be rewarded by our Father in heaven. We are not told how we'll be rewarded, or when we'll be rewarded, but only that we shall be rewarded—and God keeps his promises!
Practicalities of fasting
• It is scriptural to fast collectively, as when the prophets and teachers fasted together in Acts 13:1–3 or privately, as our Lord instructed in Matthew 6:16–18.
• Fasting can involve refraining from food altogether, or merely going without certain foods (or drinks) we particularly enjoy.
• A fast can mean missing one meal or two meals, or going without food for a day, two days, or longer. It is entirely up to us. It is a free will offering—a sacrifice we make to God—and should be done with a willing heart, 'not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7).'
• Fasting is a spiritual exercise and, as with all other things in our lives, it should be led by the Spirit (Romans 8:14).
If you think the Lord is speaking to you about fasting, pray about it and let him use you in this way. Remember that most things in life can be achieved through prayer alone, but some things can be achieved only through prayer and fasting (Mark 9:29).
Can we afford to ignore such a God-given way to empower our prayers?
Michael Graham
May 2002
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Unanswered Prayers
Unanswered prayer
Here are five scriptural reasons why a Christian's prayers may not be answered:
1. Praying outside of God's will
Our prayers may not be answered because we are praying for something which our Lord, in his wisdom, would not grant us even if we persisted in asking.
1 John 5:14:
14And this is the confidence (the assurance, the privilege of boldness) which we have in Him: [we are sure] that if we ask anything (make any request) according to His will (in agreement with His own plan), He listens to and hears us.
The emphasis here is on God’s will, not our will.
When we communicate with God, we don’t demand what we want: rather we discuss with him what He wants for us.
If we align our prayers to his will, he will listen: and we can be certain that he listens; he will give us a definite answer. Start praying with confidence.
2. Praying without faith
Our prayers may not be answered because we are praying without faith or we are praying with doubts in our mind.
Jesus' disciples asked him why they couldn't drive a demon out of a boy and he told them it was because they had so little faith. He said, 'If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, "Move from here to there" and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you (Matthew 17:19–21).'
There is great potential in even a little faith when we trust in Gods power to act.
If we feel weak or powerless as Christians, we should examine our faith, making sure we are trusting God’s power, not our own ability to produce results.
James tells us that the man who asks God for something, but doubts that he'll receive it, will not receive anything from the Lord. He is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does (James 1:5–8.
We must believe not only in the existence of God but also in his loving care. This includes relying on God and expecting that he will hear and answer when we pray.
We must put away our critical attitude when we come to him. God does not grant every thoughtless or selfish request. We must have confidence that God will align our desires with his purposes.
When we pray we should not doubt: we should pray with faith, believing that we'll receive what we're asking for.
3. Delayed answers
Our prayers may not be answered yet because God is testing our faith to develop our perseverance. If every prayer we prayed was answered immediately, how much faith would we need? The answer is very little. But if we have to pray for weeks, months, years or even decades before receiving the answer, then our faith in God will be truly tested.
Perseverance is continuing in a course of action despite difficulty, or with little or no sign of success. Put into spiritual terms, it means continuing in the faith when things don't go well for us , or continuing to pray for something when we have no indication that our prayers are being answered.
The Bible says that we cannot be mature and complete as Christians without perseverance (James 1:4).
That is why we're to count it pure joy whenever we face trials and difficulties in life, because it's an opportunity for us to grow in this area (James 1:2–3).
There was a time for Job to be healed, but not before his perseverance had been tested (James 5:11).
The Book of Ecclesiastes tells us that there is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven (Ecclesiastes 3:1), and that includes a time for our prayers to be answered.
Remember, God answers prayer not too soon, or too late: his timing is perfect. When God sees in us what he wants to see, the answer will come. God's delays are not his denials.
4. Sin in our lives
Our prayers may not be answered because there is sin in our lives. Referring to prayer, the psalmist wrote: 'If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened (Psalm 66:18).'
When we refuse to repent or when we harbor and cherish certain sins, we place a wall between us and God.
James tells us that the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective (James 5:16).
The Christian’s most powerful resource is communion with God through prayer.
The results are often greater than we thought were possible.
Some people see prayer as a last resort to be tried when all else fails. This approach is backwards. Prayer should come first.
If we want power in prayer we need to live righteous lives. What is righteousness? Righteousness is doing what is right in the sight of God.
5. Satanic opposition
Our prayers may not be answered yet because there is satanic opposition to overcome. This can be true with respect to personal prayer and I believe it's the main reason for unanswered prayer in matters pertaining to the Church. Satan does not want God's will to be done on earth and he will do everything he can to try to prevent it from being done.
Please read Daniel 10:1–14.
• Daniel was praying in God's will.
• There was no sin in his life.
• He was praying with faith.
• There was no need for God to delay the answer to his prayers, in fact the angel was sent to him as soon as he started to pray (v12).
• 12 Then he said, “Don’t be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer. 13 But for twenty-one days the spirit prince] of the kingdom of Persia blocked my way. Then Michael, one of the archangels, came to help me, and I left him there with the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia. 14 Now I am here to explain what will happen to your people in the future, for this vision concerns a time yet to come.”
Daniel fasted and prayed for twenty-one days before he received the understanding of the vision. The satanic power that resisted God's angel didn't want Daniel to receive the revelation. There was opposition to his prayers in the heavenly realms.
Daniel faithfully continued praying and fasting, and Gods messenger eventually arrived.
Answers to our prayers may be hindered by unseen obstacles. Don’t expect Gods answers to come too easily or too quickly. Prayer may be challenged by evil forces, so pray fervently and pray earnestly. Then expect God to answer at the right time.
Paul tells us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12). What would have happened if Daniel had stopped fasting and praying? It is quite possible that he would not have received the understanding.
I believe this passage has been included in Scripture to teach us a lesson about spiritual warfare. If we could see what was going on in the spirit world, I'm sure we would pray more earnestly and more persistently.
It's not that God doesn't want his Church to grow, or that it's not time for it to grow. Satanic forces need to be overcome before it can grow, and that is accomplished by prayer and, if necessary, by fasting. Fasting intensifies prayer.
What are you praying and believing god for today? Have your prayers been answered already? If not we need to Matthew 6:33:
33 Seek(]aim at and strive after) the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
Only when we do this alone will 2 Chronicles 7:14:
14 if my people, who are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
Here are five scriptural reasons why a Christian's prayers may not be answered:
1. Praying outside of God's will
Our prayers may not be answered because we are praying for something which our Lord, in his wisdom, would not grant us even if we persisted in asking.
1 John 5:14:
14And this is the confidence (the assurance, the privilege of boldness) which we have in Him: [we are sure] that if we ask anything (make any request) according to His will (in agreement with His own plan), He listens to and hears us.
The emphasis here is on God’s will, not our will.
When we communicate with God, we don’t demand what we want: rather we discuss with him what He wants for us.
If we align our prayers to his will, he will listen: and we can be certain that he listens; he will give us a definite answer. Start praying with confidence.
2. Praying without faith
Our prayers may not be answered because we are praying without faith or we are praying with doubts in our mind.
Jesus' disciples asked him why they couldn't drive a demon out of a boy and he told them it was because they had so little faith. He said, 'If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, "Move from here to there" and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you (Matthew 17:19–21).'
There is great potential in even a little faith when we trust in Gods power to act.
If we feel weak or powerless as Christians, we should examine our faith, making sure we are trusting God’s power, not our own ability to produce results.
James tells us that the man who asks God for something, but doubts that he'll receive it, will not receive anything from the Lord. He is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does (James 1:5–8.
We must believe not only in the existence of God but also in his loving care. This includes relying on God and expecting that he will hear and answer when we pray.
We must put away our critical attitude when we come to him. God does not grant every thoughtless or selfish request. We must have confidence that God will align our desires with his purposes.
When we pray we should not doubt: we should pray with faith, believing that we'll receive what we're asking for.
3. Delayed answers
Our prayers may not be answered yet because God is testing our faith to develop our perseverance. If every prayer we prayed was answered immediately, how much faith would we need? The answer is very little. But if we have to pray for weeks, months, years or even decades before receiving the answer, then our faith in God will be truly tested.
Perseverance is continuing in a course of action despite difficulty, or with little or no sign of success. Put into spiritual terms, it means continuing in the faith when things don't go well for us , or continuing to pray for something when we have no indication that our prayers are being answered.
The Bible says that we cannot be mature and complete as Christians without perseverance (James 1:4).
That is why we're to count it pure joy whenever we face trials and difficulties in life, because it's an opportunity for us to grow in this area (James 1:2–3).
There was a time for Job to be healed, but not before his perseverance had been tested (James 5:11).
The Book of Ecclesiastes tells us that there is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven (Ecclesiastes 3:1), and that includes a time for our prayers to be answered.
Remember, God answers prayer not too soon, or too late: his timing is perfect. When God sees in us what he wants to see, the answer will come. God's delays are not his denials.
4. Sin in our lives
Our prayers may not be answered because there is sin in our lives. Referring to prayer, the psalmist wrote: 'If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened (Psalm 66:18).'
When we refuse to repent or when we harbor and cherish certain sins, we place a wall between us and God.
James tells us that the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective (James 5:16).
The Christian’s most powerful resource is communion with God through prayer.
The results are often greater than we thought were possible.
Some people see prayer as a last resort to be tried when all else fails. This approach is backwards. Prayer should come first.
If we want power in prayer we need to live righteous lives. What is righteousness? Righteousness is doing what is right in the sight of God.
5. Satanic opposition
Our prayers may not be answered yet because there is satanic opposition to overcome. This can be true with respect to personal prayer and I believe it's the main reason for unanswered prayer in matters pertaining to the Church. Satan does not want God's will to be done on earth and he will do everything he can to try to prevent it from being done.
Please read Daniel 10:1–14.
• Daniel was praying in God's will.
• There was no sin in his life.
• He was praying with faith.
• There was no need for God to delay the answer to his prayers, in fact the angel was sent to him as soon as he started to pray (v12).
• 12 Then he said, “Don’t be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer. 13 But for twenty-one days the spirit prince] of the kingdom of Persia blocked my way. Then Michael, one of the archangels, came to help me, and I left him there with the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia. 14 Now I am here to explain what will happen to your people in the future, for this vision concerns a time yet to come.”
Daniel fasted and prayed for twenty-one days before he received the understanding of the vision. The satanic power that resisted God's angel didn't want Daniel to receive the revelation. There was opposition to his prayers in the heavenly realms.
Daniel faithfully continued praying and fasting, and Gods messenger eventually arrived.
Answers to our prayers may be hindered by unseen obstacles. Don’t expect Gods answers to come too easily or too quickly. Prayer may be challenged by evil forces, so pray fervently and pray earnestly. Then expect God to answer at the right time.
Paul tells us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12). What would have happened if Daniel had stopped fasting and praying? It is quite possible that he would not have received the understanding.
I believe this passage has been included in Scripture to teach us a lesson about spiritual warfare. If we could see what was going on in the spirit world, I'm sure we would pray more earnestly and more persistently.
It's not that God doesn't want his Church to grow, or that it's not time for it to grow. Satanic forces need to be overcome before it can grow, and that is accomplished by prayer and, if necessary, by fasting. Fasting intensifies prayer.
What are you praying and believing god for today? Have your prayers been answered already? If not we need to Matthew 6:33:
33 Seek(]aim at and strive after) the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
Only when we do this alone will 2 Chronicles 7:14:
14 if my people, who are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
