“That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; 11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.”

This does not mean just to know “about” Him, but instead to really have a relationship with Him. Do you? First, we have to be born into His family.

“Being conformable unto his death..Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

Jesus lived obediently to His Father’s Will, even to the point of death. Are we willing?

“Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

If Paul had not arrived, then none of us have arrived. Do you agree?

“Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

The past, present or future can weigh you down. The key to focusing correctly is forgetting the water already under the bridge and looking forward to what is in front of the boat…. to what lies ahead… as the Lord wills.

Are you doing that?

Conclusion: Make it your life’s goal. To Know Jesus & let Him be known!!

Introduction: There is power when we unite. The importance of unity is seen throughout the Bible. Here are some examples of unity:

“Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”

While it is true this passage is in the context of Christian discipline, it is also consistent with other biblical teaching concerning unity in prayer.

“And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.”

When the Church comes together to pray there is power. Spiritual boldness is the result. Are you a bold witness?

“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man  much.”

This does not mean that we need a preacher or a pope or another person (Christian) to confess our sins to. Instead, it reveals the importance of Christian accountability.

Are you accountable to anyone?

“And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: 23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.”

Such oneness existed between the Father and the Son that should carry over to every child of God who has been redeemed by the blood of the lamb. Can you relate to the oneness between the Father and the Son?

Do people see Jesus in us?

Conclusion: While Unity is emphasized in the Scripture, there needs to be discernment exercised when it comes to the ecumenical movement. As Bible believers, we can agree to stand against the moral ills of our land but when it comes to compromising the Word of God we must be strong in our faith.

Introduction: Tucked underneath the mighty prophetic work of Elisha is a provision our Lord made for him. Who did He use? How were they used to serve the Lord? Let’s see.

1. A Great Woman from Shunem! (2Kings 4:8)

“And it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where was a great woman; and she constrained him to eat bread. And so it was, that as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread.”

2. A Provision out of a Prayerful and Careful Vision! (2Kings 4:9,10)

“And she said unto her husband, Behold now, I perceive that this is an holy man of God, which passeth by us continually. 10 Let us make a little chamber, I pray thee, on the wall; and let us set for him there a bed, and a table, and a stool, and a candlestick: and it shall be, when he cometh to us, that he shall turn in thither.”

What a Blessing! This met a major need in the prophet Elisha’s life. Rest…  Refreshment…. Renewal … Do you stand in need of these? Do you know someone else that is in need of this? Remember. We reap what we sow.

3. Speaking of Reaping Benefits! (2Kings 4:11-16)

“And it fell on a day, that he came thither, and he turned into the chamber, and lay there. 12 And he said to Gehazi his servant, Call this Shunammite. And when he had called her, she stood before him. 13 And he said unto him, Say now unto her, Behold, thou hast been careful for us with all this care; what is to be done for thee? wouldest thou be spoken for to the king, or to the captain of the host? And she answered, I dwell among mine own people. 14 And he said, What then is to be done for her? And Gehazi answered, Verily she hath no child, and her husband is old. 15 And he said, Call her. And when he had called her, she stood in the door. 16 And he said, About this season, according to the time of life, thou shalt embrace a son. And she said, Nay, my lord, thou man of God, do not lie unto thine handmaid. And the woman conceived, and bare a son at that season that Elisha had said unto her, according to the time of life.”

God rewarded the Shunammite woman of great faith with a child. Keep in mind, Jesus honors sacrificial service.

Conclusion: Do you have God’s Vision? Has He given you Provisions to be a Blessing? Isn’t it interesting that while we reach out to meet others needs, our Faithful Lord uses others to reach out to us!

So let’s pray to be a Blessing to others.

Introduction: Is Jesus’ kingdom coming? When? And how? What has to happen before His Kingdom is inaugurated? Should believers pray for His kingdom to come?

By the way, four of them have already come and gone {Babylon, Medo Persian, Grecian, and Roman}. The fifth prior to Jesus’ kingdom is yet to come. Here is his description:

“And as the toes of the feet were part of iron, and part of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong, and partly broken. 43 And whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay.”

“And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever. 45 Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure.”

Whereas Jesus Christ was the “Stone that the builders rejected,” He will also be the Stone cut out of the mountain that will crush the Antichrist.

His kingdom shall overthrow all kingdoms. So that His glory and power will sovereignly reign over all the earth.

Conclusion: Get ready. His kingdom is coming. No one can stop Him! So let’s pray…”Thy Kingdom come.”

Introduction: Pride. Are you boastful? At times we can be braggadocio and not even realize it. All through life our ego can get the best of us. While some see nothing wrong with it, God’s Word speaks against it. In fact, James writes, “6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble” (James 4:6).

Our Lord Jesus Christ gives a comparison between a proud person and a humble person. Notice the difference:

“9 And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: 10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. 12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. 13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” (Luke 18:9-14)

1. Did you see how the Pharisee prayed to himself and about himself? His problem was that while he was telling God all the “good things” he did, he forgot to mention any wrongdoings! Don’t we do the same sometimes? Next, he had a critical spirit with a self-righteous attitude. What did Jesus think about his prayers?

2. Did you pick up on the Publican’s heart-felt prayer? (Luke 18:13)

“And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast,
saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.”

His prayer reached heaven because instead of bragging he saw himself in the light of God’s holiness.

3. Did you hear what Jesus said about the Publican’s prayer? (Luke 18:14)

“I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”

The world operates opposite of the Christian life. Even Lucifer was full of pride. That cost him his position in heaven.
So the choice is ours.

Introduction: King David practiced both Prayer and Praise! They are joined together. Even though he was not permitted to build the temple due to much bloodshed, yet still our Lord allowed him to gather the materials for building it. Today we can learn much from this prayer offered by David.

1. Blessing the Lord! (1Chron 29:10)

“Wherefore David blessed the LORD before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed be thou, LORD God of Israel our father, for ever and ever.”

The word “bless” is בָרַךְ, (baw-rak’), which means to kneel, or to bless. So in a posture of brokenness, David humbles himself before his God. Do you ever kneel before Jesus?

2. Blessing the Lord leads to benefits! (1Chron 29:11,12)

“11 Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.
12 Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.”

In verses eleven and twelve, David praises the Lord for His Power, Possessions, and Purposes. The God of the Bible has all POWER! He owns everything!! And He enables His people with strength. What a mighty God we serve!!!

3. Blessing the Lord leads to benefits and thanksgiving! (1Chron 29:13)

“13 Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.”

1. Solomon prayed and asked God for wisdom and favor. (1Kings 3:6-9)

“And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. 7 And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in. 8 And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude. 9 Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?”

The word “understanding” is שָׁמַע, (shaw-mah’), which means to hear. One wise woman once told this Pastor that God gave us 2 ears and 1 mouth. So, we ought to listen TWICE as much as we TALK! That is wisdom!! Do you talk more than you listen?

2. Wisdom and favor was granted by the Lord! (1Kings 3:11,12)

“And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. 11 And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment; 12 Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee.”

So Solomon was given an understanding heart to lead the people of Israel. Will you stop and ask God for wisdom?

Introduction: Are you ever afraid? How should you pray? Sometimes we “SINK” in despair! Are you sinking in doubt? Peter did.

Look how he responded. But more importantly, take note on how Jesus reacted to his cry.

1. Peter was afraid! (Matt 14:25-30)

“And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. 26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. 27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. 28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. 30But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.”

When Peter got distracted, he became afraid. He took his eyes off Jesus. Then he sank like a rock! But in that moment of fear, he called upon his Lord. It was a short but to the point prayer. “Lord save me”!

We can pray the same way.

2. Jesus heard his heart cry and rescued him! (Matt 14:31)

“And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?”

Our Lord heard Peter’s cry and immediately saved him! 

By the way, the word “doubt” is διστάζω,(dis-tad’-zo), which means to waver or to hesitate.

In other words, evidently Peter was preoccupied by looking in two different directions. One minute, his eyes are on Jesus. The next minute he is overtaken with fear because of the size of the waves and the howling of the wind. Do you ever listen or watch the news and start to sink?

Do circumstances ever get you down? 

Conclusion: Praise our Lord because He can not only walk on the water but He can also calm the storm. If you are sinking today, cry out to Jesus! He will save you.

Introduction: It seems like when we get desperate in prayer, Jesus is quick to hear and answer according to His will. Are you desperate? In Mark’s gospel, an example of this can be seen. The disciples had been on the mountain of transfiguration with Jesus. Needless to say, it was a mountain top experience. Next, they begin to walk down the mountain only to discover a demon possessed boy; yet they were powerless to cast out the demon. But why? What was missing? How could they accomplish such a task?

The text reveals it – the remedy. 

Have you ever felt helpless? No doubt they wanted to see him set free. 

2. The daddy was desperate! (Mark 9:20-24)

“And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming. 21 And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child. 22And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us. 23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. 24 And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.”

Here is a case where a person gets desperate enough to not only seek out help but to get the help needed!

3. The demon was destroying! (Mark 9:17,18)

“And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit; 18And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away.”

The devil loves to destroy lives. Jesus has come to give life!

4. Jesus brought deliverance! (Mark 9:25-27)

“When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him. 26 And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead. 27 But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose.”

Demons cannot stand up to Jesus Christ. They must obey! He has all authority!!

Conclusion: Jesus has power over demons.

Finally, Jesus explains, “And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out? 29 And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.” (Mark 9:28,29)

While the disciples were defeated, and the daddy was desperate, thru it all, Jesus Christ delivered the demon-possessed boy. He can do the same today. 

Introduction: Do you need reviving? Does America need a heaven-sent, sin-killing, Christ-honoring Revival? So how should we pray? King Solomon uttered these words as he was instructed to build the temple.

“If my people, which 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.”

Three insights from this prayer can be extracted.

1. The Basis for Revival! (2Chron 7:14)

“If my people, which are called by my name….”

Revival is for God’s people. When the Church is revived then the lost will be saved! Are you praying for a revival?

2. The Burden for Revival! (2Chron 7:14)

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways…”

Here are the propositions for revival….brokenness, humility and a heart cry for Jesus!

3. The Blessing from Revival! (2Chron 7:14)

“If my people, which 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.”

If these conditions are met on our part (by the power of the Holy Spirit), then our Lord will keep His part – the BLESSING! Are you a candidate?