The Power of Prayer: Recent Episodes
Patricia J Williams
Seekers of God, whose main focus in life is spiritual growth, also pray regularly to God not only in difficult situations but even in day-to-day situatio
While firstfruit was a Jewish feast held in the early spring at the beginning of the grain harvest. It was observed on the third day after Passover and the second day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Tithes are similar to the tax levied on Israelite people and are mandated and not an option.
“The first of the firstfruits of your land you shall bring to the house of the Lord your God.”
Most of us are familiar with this passage of Scripture from Exodus 34:26, but what does it really mean?
I’m sure you have read Matthew 6:33; “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Firstfruits is exactly that…putting God first in time, order and importance.
Do you want to climb the stairway to success, to personal prosperity? And no, I’m not just talking about financial prosperity, though that can certainly be part of God’s plan for you. 3 John 1:2 tells us that God wants you to prosper in all things, even as your soul prospers. He wants you to prosper in your health, your finances, your relationships, even your happiness. Our God wants you to prosper and succeed in anything you put your hand to. God’s blessings will overtake you when you put Him first in all things.
Conversely, if you ignore the law of firstfruits, you may experience lack in the areas of your life that concern you the most. This intentional decision to put other things in your life before your relationship with the Lord is affecting your family, your business, your personal relationships – and corporately as Christians, our unwillingness to put God first as a nation is effecting our future as a whole.
Rosh Hasanah commemorates the creation of the world and marks the beginning of the Days of Awe, a 10-day period of introspection and repentance that culminates in the Yom Kippur holiday, also known as the Day of Atonement. Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are the two “High Holy Days” in the Jewish religion
Sadly, too many people either ignore or fail to learn about the principles of God’s Word. And the lack of knowledge of God’s Word brings death to things that should be abundant in your life. It causes you to lean on the arm of the flesh and make decisions from that position more than trusting in God. Wherever there is lack in an area of our lives, we should search our hearts—and His Word—and find out what is missing, or perhaps what we don’t know.
When Jesus was being tempted in the desert to turn the stones into bread, He answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God’” (Matthew 4:4, NIV). God’s Word cannot fail to operate in our lives when applied appropriately. Yet with all the teaching, prophecy, books, tapes and different versions and colors of the Bible that are available today—people are still perishing for a lack of knowledge of God’s Word, and not doing what God has revealed through His Word (see James 1:22). It takes application with understanding to see the provisions and promises of God flourish in your life. This does not mean we will obtain every fleeting desire and whimsical want in our life. It does not mean we will never have any challenges, obstacles or even disappointments on our journey. What it does mean is that the Word of God will guide, equip and transform you by His truth for the intention of God.
We must question if we are bored with the Truth. Are we so well fed on God’s Word that we have become numb to its principles and precepts? We must heed the word of the prophets of long ago, and set our hearts to knowledge and understanding.
God took me to Jeremiah 33 and showed me a “Promise of Restoration” for you because of your obedience and faith. He specifically revealed to me that He is about to restore the dreams He has given you, maybe things you have fought and believed for in the past that you thought we’re even gone… but I am here to give you a NOW Word: that is NOT the case. He is restoring dreams, hopes, and opportunities now… I speak LIFE to your dreams and desires!
Believe in yourself; it is in you! You are capable of much more than just getting by. You have it in you to flourish and achieve!
We’re all searching for something in life. Whether you want to call it significance, purpose, meaning or something else, there is an innate desire in each of us for our life to matter — to have significance and purpose.
We want to explore that desire with you from a biblical perspective and dive into God’s view of your worth. That’s why we created a seven-day devotional, “Searching for Significance.” Each day we’ll explore a different part of God’s perfect plan for your life, and how he ultimately wants you to find purpose and significance through bringing him glory.
Read Jeremiah 29:11
It is our mission in the earth to see the Word of God, His transforming power, the Gospel of Jesus Christ go to the nations. Our lives has been a testimony of overcoming trials, abuse, hurt, pain, tragedy… you name it- through faith in God, understanding Him, and being obedient to His principles. This is what God will do in all our lives! He causes you to triumph through Christ.
It is imperative to be SPIRITUALLY CONNECTED to the RIGHT PEOPLE - A COVENANT CONNECTION! These are the connections that are “God Ordained” to release His Glory.
Deuteronomy 30:19, “I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both you and your seed may live.” The choice is yours… life is yours for the choosing.
We must reflect the totality of all that God has said to his people and live our life accordingly. We must be and instructed people to be a fruitful people. That’s why Proverbs 4:7 says, “Wisdom is the principal thing (firstfruits/ beginning / chief) therefore get wisdom and with all thy getting (substance, acquisitions, goods) get understanding.”
At the heart, accountability is one Christian submitting to the Christ-centered admonition of another Christian in one or more areas of life. Hand in hand with accountability is an attitude of grace and forgiveness, and the taking on of one another's burdens (Romans 12:16, Colossians 3:13, Galatians 6:2)
What is the difference between Religion and Relationship with Jesus Christ ? Religion can be very different than having a Relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Religions are man made and are based on trying to get to God through rules and regulations and good works. All man made religions are based on people’s efforts at reaching God and being made right with Him through their own efforts.
But God’s plan for man’s salvation and for having a restored personal relationship with Him is told throughout the Bible. In the Old Testament and the New Testament alike. God’s plan is not based on people’s efforts and good works. His plan is based on His amazing Love and amazing Grace for us. God’s plan involved His precious Son Jesus paying the price and cost for our sins on the cross.
Most people get stuck in life because our concept of God and the depth of our trust in Him is limited. Our God is a God of possibilities. Join us as we discuss ways in which we can be more open to allowing God to use us to redefine the possible.
Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. Romans 3:27
When faced with a challenge or an unanswered prayer, it’s unlikely that we all would respond with joy. In this segment we will examine what causes our trust in God to waver and also the Lord encourages us to address our own moments of fluctuating faith.
2 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.
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.
6 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.
8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. James 1: 2-8 KJV
Revelation 3:1: And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. During this series we are going to discuss the seven spirits of God, which are the spirit of the Lord, wisdom, of understanding, of counsel, of might, of knowledge and of fear of the Lord.
Revelation 3:1: And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. During this series we are going to discuss the seven spirits of God, which are the spirit of the Lord, wisdom, of understanding, of counsel, of might, of knowledge and of fear of the Lord.
The presence of God radically changes our lives and the lives of others. He gives power to both our words and our actions. He makes possible signs and miracles. This is what characterised the early church. This is what should characterise our churches today.
As Paul begins to bring his great letter to the Romans to a conclusion, he talks about his own personal calling: ‘This highly focused assignment God gave me, this priestly and gospel work of serving the spiritual needs of the non-Jewish outsiders so they can be presented as an acceptable offering to God, made whole and holy by God’s Holy Spirit’ (v.16, MSG). Romans 15:14-33
From the stress-reducing effects of prayer to the depression-busting power of fellowship, spiritual health does wonders for a person's physical wellness. ... Being a spiritually awake individual has the ability to prevent spiritual illness as well as physical illness.
The Disciples’ Fast (Matthew 17:21) – For deliverance from sin, addiction, bondage. If we fast, we can break the power of sins and addictions that limit our freedom in Christ. 2. The Ezra Fast (Ezra 8:21-23) – For God’s help in solving problems and for protection from Satan. Ezra said that they prayed and fasted and God answered their request. 3. The Samuel Fast (1 Samuel 7:6) - For revival. The people were bound by idol worship and needed deliverance. Samuel called them to seek God and to bring the Ark back to Jerusalem. If we fast and pray for revival, God will pour Himself out on His people. 4. The Elijah Fast (1 Kings 19:4-8) - Mental freedom from emotional problems or habits. Through fasting, God will show us how to overcome emotional problems and destructive habits. 5. The Widow’s Fast (1 Kings 17:9-16) – Fasting to provide for the needy. The widow went without food to meet the physical needs of someone else. Because she sacrificed her food, God made sure that she had more than enough food. 6. Paul Fast (Acts 9:9) - For physical healing and to get direction from God. If we fast and submit our will to God, He will reveal His will to us. 7. The John the Baptist Fast (Luke 1:15) - To enhance our walk with God and witness. If we fast for the influence of our testimonies to reach others for Christ, God will use us. 8. The Esther Fast (Esther 4:16, 5:2) – For protection from the evil one. If we fast for protection, God will deliver us from evil. 9. The Jesus Fast (Matthew 4:1-2) - For spiritual power and victory over temptation, the flesh and the devil. 10. The Daniel Fast (Daniel 1: 5-21; 10:3) – Fasting for health and to seek God’s favor, purpose and vision for life
The Disciples’ Fast (Matthew 17:21) – For deliverance from sin, addiction, bondage. If we fast, we can break the power of sins and addictions that limit our freedom in Christ. 2. The Ezra Fast (Ezra 8:21-23) – For God’s help in solving problems and for protection from Satan. Ezra said that they prayed and fasted and God answered their request. 3. The Samuel Fast (1 Samuel 7:6) - For revival. The people were bound by idol worship and needed deliverance. Samuel called them to seek God and to bring the Ark back to Jerusalem. If we fast and pray for revival, God will pour Himself out on His people. 4. The Elijah Fast (1 Kings 19:4-8) - Mental freedom from emotional problems or habits. Through fasting, God will show us how to overcome emotional problems and destructive habits. 5. The Widow’s Fast (1 Kings 17:9-16) – Fasting to provide for the needy. The widow went without food to meet the physical needs of someone else. Because she sacrificed her food, God made sure that she had more than enough food. 6. Paul Fast (Acts 9:9) - For physical healing and to get direction from God. If we fast and submit our will to God, He will reveal His will to us. 7. The John the Baptist Fast (Luke 1:15) - To enhance our walk with God and witness. If we fast for the influence of our testimonies to reach others for Christ, God will use us. 8. The Esther Fast (Esther 4:16, 5:2) – For protection from the evil one. If we fast for protection, God will deliver us from evil. 9. The Jesus Fast (Matthew 4:1-2) - For spiritual power and victory over temptation, the flesh and the devil. 10. The Daniel Fast (Daniel 1: 5-21; 10:3) – Fasting for health and to seek God’s favor, purpose and vision for life
When an individual is fasting attacks happens. Demonic attacks attaks when you are fasting to make an individual.
Fasting and prayer are a necessity for Christians, to enable them to seek the face of God wholly. We deny our carnal nature in order to fulfill the desires of God. What He wills for our lives can be found through fasting and prayers. Our spirit and soul experience joy because of fasting
For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief. Proverbs 24:16 KJV
The scripture says, “A good person falls seven times but gets back up again.” You have come back power. God wouldn’t have allowed the adversity if it was going to finish you off. It’s just another step on the way to your destinyThe scripture says, “A good person falls seven times but gets back up again.” You have come back power. God wouldn’t have allowed the adversity if it was going to finish you off. It’s just another step on the way to your Destiny
Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. Psalm 46:10 KJV Be still. This is a call for those involved in the war to stop fighting, to be still. The word still is a translation of the Hebrew word rapa, meaning “to slacken, let down, or cease.” In some instances, the word carries the idea of “to drop, be weak, or faint.” It connotes two people fighting until someone separates them and makes them drop their weapons. It is only after the fighting has stopped that the warriors can acknowledge their trust in God. Christians often interpret the command to “be still” as “to be quiet in God’s presence.” While quietness is certainly helpful, the phrase means to stop frantic activity, to let down, and to be still. For God’s people being “still” would involve looking to the Lord for their help (cf. Exodus 14:13); for God’s enemies, being “still” would mean ceasing to fight a battle they cannot win.
Believers often find themselves isolated from others. Being a spiritually developed being, they find it hard to associate with those who aren't on the same spiritual plane. While others are chasing after materialistic goals, your spiritual awakening prevents you from joining the herd and so you get rejected.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your father which is in heaven.
Matthew 5: 16 KJV People express their beliefs through their actions. How do we express what we believe? Jesus teaches us that we are to do good for others and follow God's Law.
"They limited the Holy One of Israel,"- Psa 78:41
MAN IS ALWAYS ALTERING what God has ordained. Although God's order is ever the best, yet man will never agree therewith. When God gave forth the law it was engraved upon two stones. The first table contained the commandments concerning man and God, the second dealt with man and man. Sins against God are sins against the first table: sins against man are offenses against the second table. Man, to prove constantly his perversity, will put the second table before the first, nay, upon the first, so as to cover and conceal it. There are few men who will not allow the enormity of adultery, fewer still who will dispute the wickedness of murder. Men are willing enough to acknowledge that there is sin in an offense against man. That which endanger the human commonwealth, that which would disturb the order of earthly governments-all this is wrong enough
Emotional blackmail is a tactic the people closest to us can use to hurt and manipulate us, whether intentionally or unintentionally. Emotional blackmail is when someone uses our weaknesses, secrets, and vulnerabilities against us to get exactly what they want from us.
Numbers 16:1 One day Korah son of Izhar, a descendant of Kohath son of Levi, conspired with Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On son of Peleth, from the tribe of Reuben. 2They incited a rebellion against Moses, involving 250 other prominent leaders, all members of the assembly. 3They went to Moses and Aaron and said, "You have gone too far! Everyone in Israel has been set apart by the Lord, and he is with all of us. What right do you have to act as though you are greater than anyone else among all these people of the Lord?"
The first way the people rebelled against Moses was to challenge his authority to lord over them or tell them what to do. We can also have a similar reaction in our church. The members challenge the leader's decision on a topic.
Does that mean that we should never disagree with our leaders? As no two human beings will think alike, we would in all likelihood have differing opinions from our leaders. Yet this passage will teach that it is wise to submit to our leaders.
Neglect of the Means of Grace: Even as we feed our bodies, we must feed our souls. We must attend to corporate, private, and family worship. We need to sit under the Word of God preached each week. Our affections need to be stirred in prayer and we need to feed our souls at the Lord's Table. Have we allowed ourselves to avoid the fellowship of the saints? If any of these are the case, then we are forsaking the oasis in the midst of the desert.
Trials and Suffering: Trials and suffering can lead to real spiritual melancholy. Maybe we have lost a job, a friend, our home, a spouse, or even a child. Persecution or betrayal has descended upon us and we are suffering the effects. At times we suffer spiritual melancholy because we do not have a healthy expectation of trials and suffering coming into our lives (Philip. 1:27-30). If that is the case, we need to remind ourselves to expect them (Matt. 10:38) and to persevere through them. This trial will end and we are not alone. Though we may feel abandoned, nothing could be farther from the truth. He is with us.
Losing your idenity just to please someone is very dangerous and unhealthy, But our insecurity is an invitation from God to escape the danger of false beliefs about who we are and find true peace.
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils.
(1 Tim. 4:1)
God displays anger (as well as other emotions), but always in controlled measured response, unlike the out-of-control childish rage of humans. Using God's Spirit, the spirit of a sound mind, we can grow into emotional (not emotionless) spiritual maturity, exercising our senses through God's Law, searching the deep things of God, controlling feelings and passions with the mind of Christ.
Many people live in a state of loneliness. People who are by themselves, out of the mainstream of society with no social activity or friendships outside themselves. There are a great many others who live right in the middle of life’s hustle & bustle that find them alone, dislocated & misunderstood. Both physically & psychologically people are and will be alone! From the orphan to the mega-star surrounded by thousands; from the homeless to the struggling single mother, people are alone and forgotten!
Psalm 6:10 “Let all my enemies be ashamed and greatly troubled; Let them turn back and be ashamed SUDDENLY” Enemies are those that are opposed to the good that God has for you. Don't be fooled! As a child of God you have enemies spiritually and naturally. But your obedience will defeat them.
Things happens in our past that causes a root of Bitterness causing us to live a defeated life
Stealing another persons prophecy or saying what someone else said. Prophetic plagarism is very dangerous.
In Galatians 6:7, His Word states, "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will alsoreap." Every farmer understands the meaning of this principle: We reap what we sow, What kind of seeds are you sowing
Prophetes they do not have self esteem. They wallow in self pity and want people to feel sorry for them. They are false prophets with smooth words. They also pout a lot.
They come to seduce rape & destroy those that are young & immature in the... Spirit. Taking their minds captive by false prophetic words that manipulates them.
They give smooth words to those that are unrighteous to draw money out of them. They operate with a Pharaoh spirit keeping the people in a place of bondage. They draw hypocrites sinners and those with issues to make them feel good in their mess to milk money out of them
They only become Prophets during the holidays pay days or tax season. They operate with a Saul spirit they only prophesy when they need to get the attention of the people to accept them. They usually attract those that are in lack or poverty because that's when they usually only have money.
They only have a word when it's time to take an offering to make people think they can be blessed no matter what. They operate in a Balaam spirit. Most people that are not givers or sowers attach to them because they assumed they can buy a blessing. ?
They think God is only using them and are always trying to discredit anyone else that prophesies. They always attack other persons character. They usually release a Python spirit over the lives of the people. Most insecure people following them because they tell them things that make them feel important.
They think that they are a god to the people. They are full of pride and think that everybody should bow to them. They operate with the spirit of Leviathan and Jezebel/Ahab combination. Most people dealing with rejection follow them because they are already beaten down and they make them think they the only one that care.
they have not matured spiritually in the Spirit or things of God. They may operate in witchcraft divination and evil. They are a loose cannon bringing destruction. They attract renegades because they both are out of control
Incomplete Prophets - they only prophesy they don't know that it's more to being a Prophet than just giving a word. They usually operate with a familiar spirit. They attract prophesy junkies
Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.” —1 Thessalonians 5:6 It is time for the saints of God to wake up and be about our Father's business.
There are tw
Paul finishes up his second letter to the Thessalonians by giving them some warnings about the present. He’s spent most of the letter warning about the future - the lawlessness that will usher in the Anti-Christ. But seeds of that evil were present in their midst as they are in ours.
The two warnings involve the reality of struggle against the enemy as you live your Christian life - and the struggle against the tendency towards lethargy.
1 Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. 2 And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not everyone has faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. 4 We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. 5 May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance
o main causes of paralysis in the Christian - attack of the enemy or lethargy of the spirit. Learn how to combat both.
Some sickness is cause by a demonic spirit and some are cause by negligence in care. Do you know what it is that has the person afflicted. One you cast out because it's a demonic spirit the other you pray for and then teach them how to care for their body. One needs a deliverance session the other needs a classroom setting.
Spiritual Corruption - Isaiah 5:21
The fifth woe condemned spiritual corruption. "Wise in their own eyes" is an expression for arrogant self-reliance. Revelation from God, who alone knows all things, is the only firm foundation for all true knowledge (see Prov 3:7; 26:5, 12; 28:11).
Sin is very clever; it always brings forward its reasons, its arguments. Sin knows us so well; it knows that we like to think of ourselves as highly intelligent people. So it does not just tell us, "Do this"; it gives us reasons for doing it, and they appear to be so wonderful. But the whole point is that in reality they are specious; they are empty and foolish. The reasoning is always false reasoning. The arguments are always wrong
Focusing on your problems instead of God;Expecting an instant solution or putting God on your timetable:Praying too hard and too much:Telling God to follow your will instead of his;Failure to take time every day to read God's word, the Bible;Failure to regularly attend church services and be encouraged by other believers;Unconfessed, unrepented sin in your life that you refuse to give up;Hurts or snubs you've received from other Christians;Excessive busyness with your career, family, or personal life;Physical exhaustion, depression, or emotional burnout.
This is a spirit that has gripped the body of Christ. Join us as we discuss more of this spirit.
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” ... Revelation 21:1-
The LORD is near to the brokenhearted And saves those who are crushed in spirit - Ps. 34:18
Joshua told the people, "Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do amazing things among you." Joshua 3:5 NIV