Romans 8:28 NIV And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Prayer is not getting man’s will done in heaven.
Prayer is getting God’s will done on Earth.
Prayer says I need you God.
I’m inviting you into my life
Principles of Confidence
He who has a clear conscience comes to God with confidence
Confidence of faith ensures the answer of his prayer.
Childlike confidence makes us pray as none else can.
Nothing is too big or too small for our Heavenly Father
We should know that what is very great to a child may be very little to his parent, and yet the parent measures the thing from the child’s point of view.
Remember:
John 3:21 NIV Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God
The Message
First the “Therefore”
Hebrews 4:12-13 NIV For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
Hebrews 4:14-16 NIV 14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.
Hebrews 11:6 NIV And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.
Empathize: understand and share the feelings of another.
16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Confidence – full trust; belief in the powers, trustworthiness, or reliability of a person or thing.
Romans 8:28 NIV And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Prayer is not getting man’s will done in heaven.
Prayer is getting God’s will done on Earth.
Prayer says I need you God.
I’m inviting you into my life
Parents desire their children
They do not reward discord
They withhold and at time discipline until conflict is resolved
Likewise, our Heavenly Father desires His children to Love one another
Remember:
1 John 3:23 NIV And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us.
The Message
1 John 4:13-16, 19-21 NIV 13 This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world.
2 Timothy 1:6-7 NIV For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
15 If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. 16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.
1 John 1:6-7 NIV If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.
19 We love because he first loved us.
John 3:16 NIV For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
20 Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.
Romans 12:9-13 NIVLove must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
Be devoted to one another in love.
Honor one another above yourselves.
Never be lacking in zeal,
but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
21 And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.
Romans 8:28 NIV And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Prayer is not getting man’s will done in heaven come.
Prayer is getting God’s will done on Earth.
Prayer says I need you God.
I’m inviting you into my life
1 John 3:21-23 NIV Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive from him anything we ask, because we keep his commands and do what pleases him. And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us.
Note: The text suggests the necessity of childlike trust
The Message
James 1:5-7 NIV 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
We ask for wisdom from those we trust
Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.
Note: We must trust that the Father can provide. Too often we are like the prodigal son
Luke 15:12 NIV The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.
Note: We must believe that God is and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him.
Matthew 9:27-29 NIV As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!” When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” “Yes, Lord,” they replied. Then he touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith let it be done to you”;
7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.
Hebrews 11:6 NIV And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
The text speaks of:
Faith in the name of Jesus Christ
Faith in His declared character
Faith in His gospel
Faith in the truth concerning His substitution and salvation
Romans 8:28 NIV And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Prayer is not getting man’s will done in heaven come.
Prayer is getting God’s will done on Earth.
Prayer says I need you God.
I’m inviting you into my life
1 John 3:21-24 NIV Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God 22 and receive from him anything we ask,because we keep his commands and do what pleases him.
We do not allow children to question the propriety or wisdom of their father’s command; obedience ends where questioning begins.
Romans 1:17 NIV For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”
Reflection (Review the Event)
In Numbers 11 remember how He heard the prayer of Israel for meat, and when the meat was in their mouths, it became a curse to them (see Num. 11). Many persons are chastened by obtaining their own desires. We must have a childlike reverence of God so that we feel, “Lord, if what I ask for does not please You, neither would it please me. My desires are put into Your hands to be corrected.
God was providing what they needed
They thought they knew better
They started complaining about God’s provisions
Even Moses thought the request was impossible for God…
Numbers 11:23 NIV The Lord answered Moses, “Is the Lord’s arm too short? Now you will see whether or not what I say will come true for you.”
The Message
Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,present your requests to God.
When Jesus was anxious he ran to his Heavenly Father
Matthew 26:36-39 NIV Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”
7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Note: Peace comes from trusting the Father knows best
1 Peter 1:14-16 NIV As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”
Romans 8:28 NIV And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Prayer is not getting man’s will done in heaven come.
Prayer is getting God’s will done on Earth.
Prayer says I need you God.
I’m inviting you into my life
1 Samuel 15:22 NIV But Samuel replied: “Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.
Reflection
While not the only, one of the reasons we see disobedience so prevalent is because of the mishandling or representation of the Word. We also tend to put legalism on the backs of each other when in reality we are no better than the pharisees in the days of Christ.
Matthew 23:27-28 NIV “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.
The Message
1 John 3:21-24 NIV Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God 22 and receive from him anything we ask, because we keep his commands and do what pleases him.
The problem:
We know our Heavenly Father’s standards but we choose not to keep them.. However, when we in trouble we rush to do what we know we should have already been doing and expecting Him to deliver us.
Isaiah 1:14-17 NIV Your New Moon feasts and your appointed festivals I hate with all my being. They have become a burden to me; I am weary of bearing them. When you spread out your hands in prayer, I hide my eyes from you; even when you offer many prayers, I am not listening. Your hands are full of blood! Wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight; stop doing wrong. Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.
The matter is not about being saved again but more a matter of receiving all of the blessings of benefits associated with being part of the household family.
Ephesians 1:13-14 NIV And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.
23 And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us.
James 1:5-8 NIV If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.
24 The one who keeps God’s commands lives in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us.
2 Timothy 1:7 NIV For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
Romans 8:28 NIV And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Prayer is not getting man’s will done in heaven come.
Prayer is getting God’s will done on Earth.
Prayer says I need you God.
I’m inviting you into my life
The word Prayed is found 68 times in the Bible. Most notable:
Luke 5:16 NIV But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
Jesus provides an excellent model:
Matthew 6:9-13 NIV “This, then, is how you should pray: “ ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one. ’
The Message
Matthew 7:7-12 NIV
7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
9 “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake?
11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!
James 1:17 NIV Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
1 Peter 4:9-11 NIV Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Principles
The idea that power is inherent in prayer is a very popular one. According to the Bible,
The power of prayer is, quite simply, the power of God, who hears and answers prayer. Consider the following:
1) The Lord God Almighty can do all things; there is nothing impossible for Him (Luke 1:37).
2) The Lord God Almighty invites His people to pray to Him. Prayer to God should be:
made persistently (Luke 18:1), to Pray and not give up!
with thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6), Do not be anxious!
in faith (James 1:5), If you lake Wisdom, just ask God!
within the will of God (Matthew 6:10), His Kingdom come, His Will be done!
for the glory of God (John 14:13-14), God gets all the Glory!
from a heart right with God (James 5:16).The prayers of the righteous are effective!
3) The Lord God Almighty hears the prayers of His children.
(Psalm 18:6) “In my distress I called to the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears”
4) The Lord God Almighty answers prayer.
“I call on you, O God, for you will answer me” (Psalm 17:6).
“The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles” (Psalm 34:17).
Another popular idea is that the amount of faith we have determines whether or not God will answer our prayers.
However, sometimes the Lord answers our prayers in spite of our own lack of faith.
Acts 12, the church prays for Peter’s release from prison (v. 5), and God answers their prayer (vv. 7-11). Peter goes to the door of the prayer meeting and knocks, but those who are praying refuse at first to believe that it is really Peter. They prayed he would be released, but they failed to expect an answer to their prayers.
Closing Thoughts
The power of prayer does not flow from us; it is not special words we say or the special way we say them or even how often we say them.
The power of prayer is not based on a certain direction we face or a certain position of our bodies.
The power of prayer does not come from the use of artifacts or icons or candles or beads.
The power of prayer comes from the omnipotent One who hears our prayers and answers them.
Prayer places us in contact with Almighty God, and we should expect almighty results, whether or not He chooses to grant our petitions or deny our requests.
Whatever the answer to our prayers, the God to whom we pray is the source of the power of prayer
He can and will answer us, according to His perfect will and timing.
James 1:23-25 NIV Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.
The Message
Hebrews 4:12-16 NIV
12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight.Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
God knows your strengths
God knows your weaknesses
Micah 6:8 NIV He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
Remember the Source of Battles
Ephesians 6:12 NIV For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
So what are we to do?
1 Peter 5:6-9 NIV 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
The hope before you (1–12). These people were going to heaven! They had heard the Word and trusted the Savior, and they had given evidence of their faith by their love for God and God’s people. God qualified them (v. 12); they did not save themselves.
Background:
Colossians 1:3-8 NIV
3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people— the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel that has come to you. In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace. You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, and who also told us of your love in the Spirit.
Reflection
Satan can’t rob you of your blessings, but temp you to toss them aside… Genesis 3
Remember:
John 10:10 NIV The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
The influence of others can rob us of God’s best for lives…
We are tempted by others to reject our families
We are tempted by others to reject our identity
We are tempted by others to reject our goals
Ultimately, we are tempted by others to doubt our Faith
The Message
Colossians 1:9-12 NIV
9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,
Ephesians 3:16-18 NIV I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,
10 so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,
Galatians 5:22-23 NIV But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience,
Ephesians 1:18-20 NIV I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,
12 and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.
Therefore:
Romans 12:12 NIV Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
His friends (1–11). Paul loved the saints in Philippi; he thought about them, prayed for them, and longed to see them. Christ made this fellowship possible.
Philippians 1:3-6 NIV
3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
V3 pray often for others
V4 pray for their good
V5 we are in this life together
V6 God will complete His good work in us
Philippians 1:9-11 NIV
9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,
Romans 12:9-12 NIV Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,
Romans 12:2 NIV Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.
God equips us. Joshua was not in an easy situation, facing a difficult assignment and replacing a great leader like Moses. But God had equipped him and prepared him for this very work. Joshua had faithfully served with Moses and was now qualified to lead. The task that you faithfully do today gets you ready for what God is preparing for you (Matt. 25:21).
Matthew 25:21 NIV “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’
Joshua 1:1-9 NIV
1 After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide: 2“Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites. 3 I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. 4 Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates—all the Hittite country—to the Mediterranean Sea in the west. 5 No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.
6 Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them. 7 “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.
8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid;do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Reflections of The Father’s Heard
Luke 15:11 was his darkest day.
Luke 15:13-19 Life happened
Luke 15:20 The Father never gave up waiting and watching…
Luke 15:21-24 Grace in action
Luke 15: 28-31 He loved all if his children equally and unconditionally
