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Times of Prayer and Power – part 4 of 15

August 25th, 2010

Once again we see a glimpse of the prayer life of Jesus. The ministry time continues in its intensity and challenges, and once again Jesus goes to pray. This time to the mountain and continued all night in prayer.

Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.

Luke 6:12 (NKJV) 

The outcome of Jesus’ prayer time is the same as what we need for daily life and ministry. Jesus obtained direction, the next day He chose from His disciples the “Twelve”. On that same next day, Jesus healed all. On that next day Jesus taught the crowds. And His direction, healing, and teaching came with power.

And the whole multitude sought to touch Him, for power went out from Him and healed them all.

Luke 6:19 (NKJV)

How often have we needed direction, healing, or teaching, or any of the other many things that we need for living and ministry, but we have not spent the time of prayer and so we have done them in our own power.

Time in prayer for times of power

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Work and the Wilderness – part 3 of 15

August 23rd, 2010

The life of Jesus is one of great activity and challenges. Every day people crushed in around Him and made demands on His time and energy. There were people to heal and deliver, there were challenges from the religious leaders, and there was the ongoing training of the disciples, especially the Twelve. If every there was a man who faced the pressures of work, it was Jesus. And this was not just any work, but literally life changing work. It had to be done and no one else could do it. Jesus knew the pressure of work.

This is common for men and women today; there is more and more pressure of work. This is true in every type of work; in business, struggling economies demand more done, faster, and using fewer resources. In families, the work is greater than ever, but now most families do not have a stay at home person like an aunt or grandmother to help with the work. Everywhere we face the pressure of work.

But He Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray.

Luke 5:16 (NASB) 

Notice what Jesus did when He faced this great pressure. He prayed! Jesus made it a point to get away from the crowds and the pressure of the work. He went to the wilderness to pray. This is where He spent time with the Father, renewed His strength, received plans for the next day, and was empowered with the anointing of the Holy Spirit for service. If He needed wilderness time, how much more do we?

For successful work go to the wilderness and pray!

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Busy Days – part 2 of 15

August 18th, 2010

Early Morning Prayer – Prayer time after a busy day of ministry

Jesus had a very busy day of ministry, teaching, restoration, healing, and deliverance. The next morning He goes out early to prayer.

Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed. And Simon and those who were with Him searched for Him. When they found Him, they said to Him, “Everyone is looking for You.” But He said to them, “Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because for this purpose I have come forth.” And He was preaching in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and casting out demons.

Mark 1:35-39 (NKJV) 

The busier our life and the greater our challenges the more we need the vision clearing, nerve steadying, duty defining, purpose stiffening, spirit sweetening and strengthening of prayer. The morning appointment of prayer is the key to success in the day. The tougher the days just lived and the more challenging the day to come, the more we need that early morning time with God in prayer.

Tougher the day, earlier the prayers!

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And the Lord Prayed – part 1 -15

August 15th, 2010

The first recorded mention of the Lord praying is found in the third chapter of Luke:

When all the people were baptized, it came to pass that Jesus also was baptized; and while He prayed, the heaven was opened. And the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form like a dove upon Him, and a voice came from heaven which said, “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.” 

Luke 3:21-22 (NKJV)

From the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry He was anointed with power. And please note, His anointing came while Jesus was praying. Luke records this fact “… and while He prayed.” Prayer brings power. Prayer is tightening the connection with the source of our power that is with God. With prayer, power flows from God through us, to meet needs, correct wrongs, empower ministry, and deliver from bondage. As we seek to do anything with and for God, we need to begin with prayer. Prayer is our source of guidance and empowerment for service. Today, as you seek God and His anointing, pray.

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How is Your week?

August 10th, 2010

How is your week going, if you are on vacation it should be a great week. If you are at work it could be tougher. If everything is going wrong it is a tough week. If you have to go back to school or even if you are just preparing to go back to school, it could be a tough week No matter what kind of week you are having, it is a good week to give thanks.

Thanksgiving is a key to success in a Christian life. If we understand where we have come from (sin and destruction) and what Jesus Christ has done for us (redeemed us from death and the doom of eventual Hell), thanksgiving will pour from us and well it should. The salvation Christ purchased for us on the cross; is free to all who will receive it. It is a full and complete salvation; it is the Kingdom of Heaven with us. Jesus tells us of a man who sold all that he had for this treasure. He also tells of the merchant who found a pearl of great price and sold all so he could buy it. It is a great treasure and we should be thankful for this gift.

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.
Matthew 13:44-46 (NKJV) 
 

The world spins through each day, people face problems and concerns. These are real problems and the concerns cannot be minimized. However, we do not have to worry about today or even tomorrow. The peace of God that comes through Christ Jesus is more than enough to meet every need and brings answers for every question, to those who receive His grace.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philip. 4:6-7 (NKJV) 
 

As we pray, let us enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise.

 

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations.
Psalm 100:4-5 (NKJV)

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Walking in the Power of Prayer

August 3rd, 2010

Prayer is very powerful. God does powerful things when we pray. He unleashes power that overwhelms needs, hindrances, and problems. He is the most powerful force of the universe. When His power is focused, there is nothing that can stand in His way. Like focusing the light of the sun with a magnifying glass, prayer focuses God’s power.

“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James 5:16 (KJV)

 

“The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” (NKJV)

 

“The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results.” (NLV)
 

The prayer of a righteous person has power and results. This person is empowered to pray. The empowerment is from God, He makes His child righteous.
 

For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
2 Corinthians 5:21 (NKJV) 
 

and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith;
Philippians 3:9 (NKJV) 
 

If you are in Christ, you are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus, and His righteousness empowers you to pray. He has chosen to give the trigger to His power to men and women who will pray. However, this is not enough; God also provides the strength to pray. God makes you able. God enables us to pray. He has placed with each of His children the empowerment to pray. This power is not ours alone, but is ours with and in Him. As we walk with Him, we can pray and see His power and results.

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Lessons for the Student

July 26th, 2010

Students come in levels of ability and skill. For some, today’s lesson is learning their letters, for others it is learning proper grammar, still others it is learning to form paragraphs is their current assignment. All are learning a language, but each is at a different place in their development. The daily lessons are geared for the needs of the student, but the goal is mastery of that language. In prayer this is true as well.

Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.
Luke 11:1 (NKJV)
 

Is this our cry today, Lord teach us to pray? It is easy to see ourselves as modern and sophisticated, knowing what we need to do. We know how to preach and teach, we know missions, we have seminars for everything, and we think we know it all. However, we still need Jesus to teach us and this is especially true in prayer. There is much we need to learn and the truth of the Bible is still the truth today. Those who want to pray will come to Jesus and say, Lord teach us to pray.
 

As students of prayer we are at different places in our lessons. Sometimes we may think we are further along than we are, but the Holy Spirit examines us and knows us and presents to Jesus the true needs that we have as students. He is the great teacher and gears our lessons to our needs for growth as students. His goal is mastery in prayer, just as He had with the Father. Are you a student of prayer? What are the lessons Jesus is teaching you today?
 

Teach us what we should say to Him, for we can prepare nothing because of the darkness.
Job 37:19 (NKJV)
 

For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.”
Luke 12:12 (NKJV)
 

Who is the man that fears the Lord? Him shall He teach in the way He chooses.
Psalm 25:12 (NKJV)
Good and upright is the Lord; therefore He teaches sinners in the way. The humble He guides in justice, and the humble He teaches His way.
Psalm 25:8-9 (NKJV)

Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.
Proverbs 9:9 (NKJV)

Today we need to respond to the call to come to the classroom of prayer. When we come and listen to the teacher, His lesson perfectly tailored just for you, will take us to new places in effective fervent prayer.

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Zeal for Prayer

July 20th, 2010

Without zeal we will fail to complete the work set before us. Zeal moves men and mountains. It is the difference between the greeting in heaven of “Well?” and “Well done.” Every page of the Church’s history is lined with zeal. The zealot has written history, filling its pages with exploits.  The zealot has changed the course of nations and turned the hearts of men. The zealot has righted wrongs and ended evils. But the non-zealot has filled the graveyards with empty lives. What about you, is there enough evidence to convict you of being a zealot? In the things you do, are you along for the ride or are you filled with fervor, passion, ardor, spirit, and drive.

“If you never have sleepless hours, if you never have weeping eyes, if your hearts never swell as if they would burst, you need not anticipate that you will be called zealous. You do not know the beginning of true zeal, for the foundation of Christian zeal lies in the heart. The heart must be heavy with grief and yet must beat high with holy ardor. The heart must be vehement in desire, panting continually for God’s glory, or else we shall never attain to anything like the zeal which God would have us know.”                                                                          Charles Haddon Spurgeon

It matters not if you are called for nations or the nursery; the question is your zeal. A call to missions or management; the question is your zeal. A call to pray or preach; the question is your zeal. A call to give or guide; the question is your zeal.

Christ was consumed with zeal.

Then His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for Your house has eaten Me up.”

John 2:17 (NKJV)

The Apostles were filled with zeal

For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil; for laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God.

1 Thessalonians 2:9 (NKJV)

Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.  

Acts 20:31 (NKJV)

The early church had great zeal

For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter.     2 Corinthians 7:11 (NKJV)

Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. For I bear him witness that he has a great zeal for you, and those who are in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis.     Colossians 4:12-13 (NKJV)

Seek God to refresh and renew your zeal for Him and zeal in every area of your Christian life. Be zealous in your Christian life and ministry. 

For Zion‘s sake I will not hold My peace, And for Jerusalem‘s sake I will not rest, Until her righteousness goes forth as brightness, And her salvation as a lamp that burns.

Isaiah 62:1 (NKJV)

Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 

 2 Timothy 1:6 (NKJV)

Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you,

2 Peter 1:13 (NKJV)

Yet now be strong, Zerubbabel,’ says the Lord; ‘and be strong, Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest; and be strong, all you people of the land,’ says the Lord, ‘and work; for I am with you,’ says the Lord of hosts.

 Haggai 2:4 (NKJV)

And how about you, do you have zeal?

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Craftsman of Prayer ( part four)

July 15th, 2010

Who is the best? We love to think about men and women and compare them. Part of the comparison process is to argue about who is the best. Who is the fastest man? Who is the most popular? Who is the best singer? We should not compare ourselves with a motivation of envy or to judge others, but this kind of argument can help teach us to pray better.

According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it.

1 Corinthians 3:10 (NKJV)

One of the key ingredients in the argument as to who is the best; is the way the candidates for the best, work at what they do. Most are craftsman; they work hard to be the best they can be. They are not satisfied with being like everyone else, they strive for perfection.

My dad was a craftsman. He could build cabinets and furniture that were family heirlooms from the day he delivered the piece. When I worked with him I learned to build things, but dad did not build, he crafted. He worked to make every aspect of the piece perfect. He would joke, “We strive for absolute, but perfect is good enough!”

Today there are few craftsmen around in any field. People want things quick and cheap. Even in much of Europe the old tradition of great craftsmanship is yielding to the new wave of quick and cheap. People just will not pay the price for craftsmanship.

Prayer has succumbed to this same malady. People want prayer to be quick and cheap. If prayer is going to cost, then people are not interested. They want prayer, but once people see that effective prayer isn’t quick and cheap, they look for something else and leave this key part of the Christian life on the shelf. Only when faced with dire emergency will they even consider prayer. In far too many places, the church is in a sad state and one key cause of this condition is a lack of prayer. Very simply put, we have drawn away from prayer, effective prayer, and the church has suffered for it.

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The Craftsman of Prayer (part two)

July 9th, 2010

How much do you want to be effective in prayer? Those who desire to do great exploits for family, friends, and nations, will learn to pray. They will learn to pray like Jesus. They will seek to be like Jesus, the Great Craftsman of prayer.

Those who do wickedly against the covenant he shall corrupt with flattery; but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits.

Daniel 11:32 (NKJV)

Another key to growth in prayer, a hidden secret of the successful craftsman of prayer, is our asking for the searching of the Holy Spirit. The craftsman asks for the Holy Spirit to reveal areas that need work. These may be in prayer and its practices, but also in our daily walk with the Lord. The Holy Spirit will show us areas that are not in alignment with the Word of God, and areas where hindrances are limiting our prayers and their effectiveness. The craftsman seeks to know anything limiting his or her success and deal, with the help of the Holy Spirit, with these revealed areas.

However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.

John 16:13 (NKJV)

But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.

1 Corinthians 2:9-10 (NKJV)

I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called,

Ephesians 4:1 (NKJV)

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

Hebrews 12:1 (NKJV)

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