Introduction: Do you ever pray for the ministry? What about our Lord’s ministry for you? How should we pray?

1. Pray to Fulfill your calling? (1Cor 1:26-29)

“For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are.”

The world’s heroes are God’s zeros! But our Lord’s heroes are the world’s zeros!

Being faithful to the finish should be every believer’s PRAYER! Is this yours?

2. Pray that as the servants of Jesus Christ that we would not glory in the flesh! (1Cor 1:29)

“That no flesh should glory in his presence.”

Robbing our Lord from the glory He deserves can be detrimental to our spiritual growth. This can be very subtle, and even be mixed with our motives. Are you ever tempted to rob (take credit) God of His glory?

3. Pray for understanding for who we are in Christ Jesus and what we have! (1Cor 1:30-31)

“But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.”

Did you notice the list of what we have in our relationship with Jesus Christ? This should cause us to rejoice!

Introduction: Should a CHRISTIAN pray for his or herself? The answer is yes. Look at this example in the Bible.

1. David prayed for himself – His heart felt CONFESSION! (Psa 51:1-12)

“Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin….”

David had grossly sinned. But instead of confessing his sin, he could have excused it or worse blamed it on someone else. “It was Bathsheba’s fault for bathing.”! Have you ever done that?

2. David prayed for himself – Soul Sin CLEANSING! (Psa 51:7-10)

“Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 8 Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. 9 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniqui
ties. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”

Sin separates us from God. It causes guilt and shame, an unworthy feeling. We were created to be in fellowship with our God. Are you in communion with your Lord?

3. David prayed for himself- Life CHANGING CALLING! (Psa 51:12-13)

“Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. 13Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.”

Being set free because of the grace of God caused David to want to tell others. Can you say the same? Are you telling others? If not, why not start?

1. Pray for believers to have great Faith in Jesus Christ! (Eph 1:15,16)

“Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, 16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers.”

Faith comes by hearing the Word of God. Faith is taking God at His Word. Are you doing that?

2. Pray for believers to have meaningful Love for all the saints! (Eph 1:15,16)

“Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, 16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers.”

Can you say you love everyone? Love is the hallmark of Christianity. Unfortunately, far too often, this is lacking in many Churches. The opposite of love is hate; i.e. bitterness vs forgiveness.

3. Pray for illumination of the Holy Spirit! (Eph 1:17-18)

“That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: 18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints.”

These power packed verses include wisdom derived from Jesus Christ, and experiential knowledge of the God of the Bible…His calling.

4. Pray for inspiration from the Holy Spirit! (Eph 1:19,20)

“And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, 20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come.”

Our Lord’s resurrection power is limitless! That same power is available according to this verse. Who wouldn’t want this glorious power?

1. Pray with confidence! (1Tim 2:4,5)

2. Pray for conviction! (John 16:8)

“7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. 8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 Of sin, because they believe not on me; 10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; 11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.”

Please understand that we cannot save anyone. It takes the Holy Spirit to convince someone that they are in need of forgiveness of their sin and a relationship with Jesus Christ.

3. Pray for conversion! (Eph 2:3-6)

“And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ.”

Once the Holy Spirit brings conviction upon an individual, then by grace through faith they are saved as they receive Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior.

1. Don’t place too high, unrealistic expectations on people! (Luke 22:31-34)

“And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: 32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. 33 And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death. 34 And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.”

Jesus knew every man’s heart. Therefore, He was not disappointed per se; however, He also knew that Peter would come around, and forgiveness for us is an absolute when we’ve been hurt or disappointed. Are you willing to forgive?

2. Throw your care on the Lord! (1Pet 5:6,7)

“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7 Casting all you
r care upon him; for he careth for you.”

Humbling ourselves before our Lord is crucial, if we do not want to get bitten with bitterness.

3. Set some God – given goals! (Neh 2:4-5)

4 Then the king said unto me, For what dost thou make request? So I prayed to the God of heaven. 5 And I said unto the king, If it please the king, and if thy servant have found favour in thy sight, that thou wouldest send me unto Judah, unto the city of my fathers’ sepulchres, that I may build it.”

Please notice that God put it in his heart to do a work!

4. Reject the devil’s lies! (John 8:44)

“44Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.”

The devil is the arc enemy of every Christian. Jesus said that he is a liar. That should tell us that he will lie to us. Is he insinuating lies to you?

Introduction: What does it mean to be double minded? Do you find it difficult to make decisions? Why? Is it perfectionism? Is it fear of rejection? Or is it insecurity? How can we be decisive? The half brother of Jesus Christ named James gives us some truths that transform.

1. Lacking & needing wisdom! (James 1:5)

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”

Admittedly, we all need heavenly wisdom. Why? Because our Lord looks down the road and knows the results. We do not always have that ability. Therefore, our trust must be in Him.

2. Exercising Faith! (James 1:6,7)

“But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.”

A lady once told this Pastor that “Prayer is the key to heaven but Faith unlocks the door!”

3. Persevering when in a trial! (James 1:2-4)

“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”

Not giving up is a sign of perseverance. Are you a quitter? Quitters never Win and Winners never Quit!

4. Stability in our relationship with Jesus! (James 1:8)

“8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.”

To be double minded means two souls. The word is δίψυχος, which means of two minds, wavering, of two souls, of two selves, wavering.

At times, truthfully we all can be double minded.

Introduction: Are you distracted easily? Due to information overload, we can get distracted. Also having the wrong priorities in our schedule can create lack of spiritual focus. 

But what can we do to stay focused on God’s will?

1. Make good daily choices! (Prov 1:6,7)

“A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: 6 To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings. 7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

Wise choices results in good decisions. Whereas, unwise, unthought through – knee jerk reactions – will usually not end well. Which are descriptive of you? Do you take time to think thru/pray thru decisions?

If not, why not start right now?

2. Don’t let others get you off track! (Prov 27:6,7)

“Open rebuke is better than secret love. 6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.”

Remember Judas kissed Jesus. However, there was malice in his heart. Unfortunately, we live in a world of manipulation; i.e. dog eat dog, cut throat, whatever it takes to get ahead, even if it means it’s immoral or dishonoring to Jesus.

WARNING: Don’t be like the Pharisees who were RELIGIOUS but deceived. 

3. Eliminate fleshly activities! (Prov 28:26)

“He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.”

There’s nothing wrong with wholesome activities as a CHRISTian, but be aware of catering and feeding the FLESH. Why? Because we reap what we sow (Gal 6:7,8).

4. Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit! (Prov 3:5,6)

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

Paul describes a war going on inside of him between the “flesh and the Spirit.”

Daily decisions determine deliverances. What daily decisions do you need to make about your family? Testimony? etc. 

5. Recognize our enemies! (Prov 28:5)

“Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.”

The devil will use people. Clearly this is revealed in Scripture; i.e. Judas. Are you aware of Satan’s device? 

6. Protect your mind and heart with the Word of God! (Prov 4:23)

“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”

The word keep means guard. Do you guard your heart and mind?

7. Bring others around you that will pour into you! (Prov 27:9)

“Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel.”

Conclusion: These absolutes should be non-negotiable. Our Lord has made a way for His followers to stay strong in Him while staying connected to truth. So let’s follow Jesus as we obey His Word and yield to His Spirit.

Introduction: Here is the next Jewish Fall Feast after the Feast of Trumpets. This TIMEOUT is found in Leviticus 23 where the nation of Israel was instructed by the Lord to celebrate these seven Jewish feasts. This one we are studying is taking place today. But what is it? How does it relate to us as CHRISTians today?

1. Leviticus 16 – This special day of the year is called the “Day of Atonement.” Only the high priest could enter into the Holiest of Holies with the blood of a “slain goat.” He would sprinkle it upon the altar (mercy seat) to atone for the people’s sins once a year. But it must be repeated. Meanwhile, another goat – the scapegoat – would be led out into the wilderness after the priest would confess the sins of the people on his head. All of this illustrated the finished works of Jesus Christ.

2. Hebrews (Heb 10:11-14)

“But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; 12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. 13 For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: 14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?”

Jesus Christ is our sacrificial goat! However, He paid for our sins – redemption – once and for all when He tasted death for every man by being crucified, buried, but risen again. Therefore, we have eternal life as well as abundant life through His redeeming blood.

Introduction: How do you pray? When do you pray? To whom do you pray for? The first recorded prayer is found in Gen 4:26.

“26 And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enos: then began men to call upon the name of the LORD.”

Check out others who believed in the Power of Prayer.

1. Jonah prayed! (Jonah 2:1)

“Then Jonah prayed unto the LORD his God out of the fish’s belly.”

Jonah learned a hard lesson: let’s just say, it sounds “fishy”!

2. The early Church prayed! (Acts 12:5)

“Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.”

What a pattern to follow! Thank God for praying Churches!!

3. Daniel prayed! (Dan 6:10)

“Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.”

Daniel practiced a life long full of prayer, not just when he was in trouble like the lion’s den. Do you know anyone that only prays when in trouble?

4. Elijah prayed! (James 5:17,18)

“Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. 18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.”

I love this text. It encourages every believer to call upon the Lord. Will you?

5. David prayed! (Psa 51:1-13)

“Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions….”

This was David’s heart felt confession which resulted in his soul sin cleansing, and later to his life changing calling. Are you known as one who prays with confession?

6. The Tribulation Saints prayed! (Rev 8:3)

“And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.”

This is a beautiful picture of the prayers of the saints. Can you picture it?

7. Jesus Christ prayed! (John 17:1)

“These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:”

Please read the whole prayer. Take time. It will bless you to know our Great High Priest is interceding for believers.

Conclusion: Are you practicing the power of prayer? Remember, it must be according to the Will of God.

“14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: 15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.” (1John 5:14,15).

Introduction: Are you HAPPY? Truthfully? Do only favorable circumstances make you HAPPY? When the Bible uses the word HAPPY it is not always talking about our emotional mood swings. Instead, much like joy, happiness in the Lord is not dependent upon everything going our way. And at the same time, this does not mean that we are always expressing a fake smile.

1. The Old Testament word for “Happiness” is ʾashrê means “well-being,” “flourishing,” and “happiness.” The same word is translated into English as “blessed.”

“1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.” (Psa 1:1)

Being in a right relationship with Jesus Christ brings HAPPINESS! Having our sins forgiven by His previous blood brings a sense of peace of mind and purpose for living. Have you experienced this?

2. The New Testament word for “Blessed” is makarios is making an appeal to true happiness and flourishing because of obedience to our Lord and His Word.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the king
dom of heaven.
11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” (Matt 5:3-12)

These are called the beatitudes, which Jesus preached in His sermon on the mount. Needless to say, this is loaded with truth. Reread each one and see if it applies to you.