1. The Power of Prayer!

“Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me.” (Rom 15:30)

2. The Purpose of Prayer!

3. The Peace in Prayer!

Introduction: This devotion will attempt to pull back the drapes and let us SEE JESUS! That is the great need today – for us to SEE JESUS. One of the main themes integrated within the pages of the book of Hebrews is the SUPERIORITY of Jesus Christ. Let’s see Jesus in His 3-fold role:

1. We would SEE JESUS as a SUPERIOR PROPHET!

“1God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 2Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds.” (Heb 1:1,2)

Jesus Christ came to reveal the Father. He came to live without sin and therefore be able to take away our sins through His redeeming blood. He predicted that He would be crucified but also that He would be resurrected from the dead. That has been fulfilled. That means the only thing left is for Him to return, which He will in due time.

2. We would SEE JESUS as a SUPERIOR PRIEST!

“Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; 3Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.” (Heb 1:2,3)

While at the right hand, Jesus is interceding for us at this moment as our great high PRIEST! Hallelujah!!

3. We would SEE JESUS as a SUPERIOR KING!

3Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.” (Heb 1:3)

Jesus was God in the flesh. He died for our sins that we might be forgiven and have eternal life. Then, He conquered the grave and ascended on high only to sit down at the right hand of the Father. He will return as the “King of Kings” and the “Lord of Lords” at His second coming.

1. Start by Building on the Right Foundation!

“10According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. 11For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (1Cor 3:10-11)

2. Next, Build with the Right materials!

“12Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.” (1Cor 3:12,13)

3. Get ready for the FIRE TEST!

“If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 15If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.” (1Cor 3:14,15)

Notice. Either we will be rewarded or suffer loss, although we will still go to heaven.

1. Levi’s Birth Curse!

Levi had a “bitter birth because of a mad mama”!

“34And she conceived again, and bare a son; and said, Now this time will my husband be joined unto me, because I have born him three sons: therefore was his name called Levi.” (Gen 29:34)

2. Levi’s Awful Anger!

“1And Dinah the daughter of Leah, which she bare unto Jacob, went out to see the daughters of the land. 2And when Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, prince of the country, saw her, he took her, and lay with her, and defiled her… …25And it came to pass on the third day, when they were sore, that two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah’s brethren, took each man his sword, and came upon the city boldly, and slew all the males.” (Gen 34:1-31)

3. Levi’s Daddy disgraced!

“And Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, Ye have troubled me to make me to stink among the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites: and I being few in number, they shall gather themselves together against me, and slay me; and I shall be destroyed, I and my house.” (Gen 34:30)

4. Levi’s Legacy!

“26Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, Who is on the LORD’S side? let him come unto me. And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together unto him.” (Exo 32:26)

1. When possible, do all the GOOD you can!

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” (Eph 2:10)

We are not saved by “Good Works” but if you are saved there will be some “Good Works”! Good works are the result of the Holy Spirit’s fruit (Gal 5:22,23).

The word “workmanship” is ποίημ,(poy’-ay-mah), which means a thing made, a work, workmanship.

I love what Jesus said. “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain.” (John 15:16)

2. With all the FAITH you can!

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:” (Eph 2:8)

Hebrews 11:6 reminds us that without faith we cannot please God. God gives each believer a measure of faith.

“For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” (Rom 12:3)

3. Because God has all the GRACE you need!

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” (Eph 2:8)

Notice the two CHOICES:

1. FAITHFUL Servants …Well done”!

“After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. 20And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. 21His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. 22He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. 23His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” (Matt 25:19- 23)

WELL DONE! These servants knew their Master would return and they would give an ACCOUNT to Him based on what they did with the “TALENTS.”

2. UNFAITHFUL Servant – not WELL done!

“Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: 25And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. 26His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: 27Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. 28Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. 29For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. 30And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Matt 25: 24 -28)

Introduction: How much do you LOVE your children? You might say, “Which ONE”?! But seriously, as a CHRISTian parent we are wanting to be a blessing to our children. Yet, how much more does our Heavenly Father want to give His children “GOOD THINGS”!

Jesus Christ made that clear.

I love to read this Scripture:

1. Jesus knows us and our shortcomings!

“If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?” (Matthew 7:11)

In the context of prayer, Jesus reminds His disciples, as well as us today, that our Father in heaven has SOOOO much more to offer His children. So why not ask Him? If it’s in His will for us, He will provide the answer. 

Will you ask Him today?

2. Jesus compares our generosity to our Heavenly Father’s!

“If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?” (Matthew 7:11)

The word “good” is ἀγαθός, (ag-ath-os’), which means intrinsically good, good in nature, good whether it be seen to be so or not. The word “gift” is δόμα, (dom’-ah), which means a gift, present.

Since our Father is ready willing and able to GUIDE and PROVIDE for His children, then it is up to you and me to ask and trust. 

Conclusion: The key to this passage is that we have to “ASK”! Then we must TRUST, our Heavenly Father knows BEST.

We are His children. Aren’t you glad we have a Heavenly Father like that?

Introduction: What does ANXIETY have to do with AUTHORITY? A lot! Peter explains in his epistle. Are you dealing with ANXIETY? Why? What is bothering you? Is there a cure for care? Please follow these defining steps to freedom from ANXIETY:

1.  What does ANXIETY have to do with HUMILITY?

“Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.” (1Peter 5:5)

The word “humility” is ταπεινοφροσύνη, (tap-i-nof-ros-oo’-nay), which means lowliness of mind, modesty.

 The word “grace” is χάρις,(khar’-ece), which means as a gift or blessing brought to man by Jesus Christ, favor, gratitude, thanks. 

Praise the Lord for His “GRACE”! Remember: He gives “Grace” to the humble.”

Question: Do we exhibit humility? Are we proud of ourselves, our accomplishments, or do we give the glory to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ?

2. What does ANXIETY have to do with AUTHORITY?

“6Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.” (1Pet 5:6)

Notice the word “Under.”

We will never be “Over” until we learn to come “Under.” Even then, we remain “Under” God’s AUTHORITY.

The word “humble” is ταπεινόω: (tap-i-no’-o), which means to make or bring low, humble, humiliate; pass: I am humbled.

Are you willing to be humbled (brought low) before the mighty hand of God?

3. What does AUTHORITY have to do with VICTORY?

“7Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” (1Pet 5:7)

The word “care” is μέριμνα, (mer’-im-nah), which means care, anxiety. 

Here is where we get the word ANXIETY. In essence, Peter is encouraging believers to throw all our ANXIETIES on the Lord! Why? Because they are too heavy for us to carry. 

Conclusion: Please reread – “….for he careth for you.” Our Lord cares for us!

The second word “care” is μέλει,(mel’-o), which means it is a care, it is an object of anxiety, it concerns.

We are the object of God’s care. Therefore, with HUMILITY, and coming under His AUTHORITY, we can experience His grace and VICTORY!

Introduction: Because of you being a Bible-believing Christian, have you ever been called a fanatic? Or Mad? Out of touch? Paul was accused of being “MAD”! Insane! Why? Because he believed in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which had radically changed his life.

“24And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.” (Acts 26:24)

1. His Testimony of the Past!

“My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews; 5Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. 6And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers: 7Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope’s sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews. 8Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead? 9I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them. 11And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities. 12Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests, 13At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me. 14And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. 15And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. 16But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; 17Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, 18To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.” (Acts 26:1- 18)

Paul was a “BAD MAN”! Paul was changed by the power of God!

2. His Testimony of the Present!

“18 Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision: 20But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. 21For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me. 22Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: 23That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.”(Acts 26:18-23)

Jesus makes a difference. Paul became a GLAD MAN!

Conclusion: King Agrippa thought Paul was “MENTALLY ILL”!

Introduction: Are you a healthy CHRISTian? Have you been growing in your faith in Jesus Christ? Do you feel stuck?
Are you taking in but not giving out? How can we measure our spiritual growth? Do you have a plan in place for spiritual growth? Are you resting on your feelings instead of faith? Are you responding to circumstances based on the flesh or the Spirit?

1. In order to be Spiritually Healthy, we must TAKE IN! 

” 2As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: 3If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.” (1Pet 2:2)

“4But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” (Matt 4:4)

“7So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Rom 10:17)

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2Tim 2:15)

Be sure to “TAKE IN” the Word of God daily.

2. In order to be Spiritually Healthy we must GIVE OUT!

“For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: 5So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. 6Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 7Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; 8Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.” (Rom 12:4-12)

“GIVING OUT” by Serving Jesus through His Church is His plan.

3. In order to be Spiritually Healthy, we must be COME UNDER!

“7Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)

Unless we are willing to submit to God’s rule and reign in our life, we will never grow as a Christian.

4. In order to be Spiritually Healthy, we must be BE OVER!

“15Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.” (1John 2:15-17; 4:4)

“4Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”

Overcoming the world, the flesh and the devil by the power of the Holy Spirit is the key to growing spiritually.

5. In order to be Spiritually Healthy, we must WALK WITH!

“7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” (1John 1:7; Gal 5:16)

“16This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.”

Our walk must match our talk.

6. In order to be Spiritually Healthy, we must SPEAK OUT!

“8And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matt 28:18-20)

This is the GOOD NEWS! Tell it!!

7. In order to be Spiritually Healthy we must be LOOK UP!

“11For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” (Titus 2:11-14)

Remembering our accountability at the Judgement Seat of Christ will help keep us growing spiritually until we see Him face to face!