Good morning my friends and thank you for joining J and L Ministries for part 3 and the conclusion of Does God hear our prayers. I pray that this series has been a blessing and that everyone’s prayer life has raised to a much a higher level. In the past 2 weeks we have looked at several things that can and do hinder God from hearing our prayers. Let’s take a quick look at some of them. Sin and unforgiveness. Faith: Mark 11:22-24 ESV And Jesus answered them, "Have faith in God. (23) Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be taken up and thrown into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. (24) Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. Hebrews 4:16 ESV Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Selfishness, pride and turning away from the Bible. Proverbs 28:9 KJV He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination. If you remember last week, we found that NOT giving to the poor can hurt our prayer life. Proverbs 21:13 KJV Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard. We also read from 1 Peter 3:7 KJV (Dealing with husbands and their spouses) Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered. Prayer. This week we will look at some more things that will hinder our prayer life. Let’s start with praying with vain repetition. Please turn to Ecclesiastes 5:2, then we will go to the New Testament to Matthew 6:5-8 Ecclesiastes 5:2 KJV Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few. What do we see in this verse? When we pray we should use all reverence toward God. God doesn’t hear us because we might use many words or repetitions, but considers our faith and servant's mind. Now let’s look at Matthew 6:5-8. We read these verses last week, but we didn’t discuss them. Matthew 6:5-8 KJV And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. (6) But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. (7) But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. (8) Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. Friends, we need to be praying with the right heart. Many people pray for many reasons and unfortunately with wrong motives, but those who belong to the kingdom need to watch their motives. Brother Jim, how can you make such a claim? Listen up and think about what we just read. When you do acts of righteousness, or during worship, make sure that you’re doing it for God and not just to put on a show for the people around you. In our day, just like in Jesus’ day, there are people who do good religious activities just because they want to look good in front of other people. How can I impress my neighbors or friends? Go to church, give to the poor, say my prayers? Jesus says that if you’re involved in a lot of religious activity just to impress people, then it doesn’t mean anything to God. That’s not what it’s about. If you start reading from verse 1 of Matthew 6 you will see that. If your motive for going to church, or doing some good deed, or helping the poor, tithing, or praying to God or performing some religious duty, if you’re doing those things to gain the admiration of the people around you, then it doesn’t mean anything to God. That is how the religious leaders prayed that Jesus was referring to in these scriptures we just read. It goes on today. I am going to say something that may offend someone, or many at a later time, but we do need to be very careful of what our motives are when we pray. I have heard those who pray with such grace. Now don’t hear me or read this the wrong way. God knows your heart as He knows mine. There are those who love to pray with such elegance. They love to have men (and women) hear the beautiful words they use in prayer. Are they really praying to God, or do they want people to think, Wow!!! Can this person pray! Do you understand where I am going with this? I am not trying to judge, but we have scripture here that says what we should be doing and what not to be praying. I want all who hear and read this to have God hear and answer their prayers. DO NOT PRAY TO IDOLS. Okay, here is a tough one and before you tune me out or click that red X in the top right hand corner of this page, I want you to hear this all the way through because it's that important. One Must Pray to the True God. Many people do not really know who God is. They do not know God and have never had contact with Him. Attempts to pray under these circumstances are generally futile. Many idols have been placed ahead of the true God. An idol is not necessarily an image; it is anything that takes the place of God. Perhaps the most prevalent idol of all is the self. Anytime one places his or her own desires and interests ahead of God, an idol has been created. Oh brother Jim, you are stepping over the line now!! Please hear me out. Who is the god many people worship today? The answer: Satan the devil. Oh boy, here comes the hate e-mail, listen to what the Bible says. Revelation 12:9 KJV And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. The Bible plainly states that Satan is the present god of this world. 2 Corinthians 4:1-5 KJV Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; (2) But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. (3) but if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: (4) In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. (5) For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. We are to give glory and honor to the true God, not to Satan. Revelation 14:6-7 KJV And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, (7) Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. Many professing Christians have been deceived into worshipping Satan by Satan’s ministers. 2 Corinthians 11:14-15 KJV And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. (15) Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. Satan is the prince of the power of the air, the god many people follow today. Paul wrote to the Ephesian church this: Ephesians 2:2 KJV 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. We need to pray without ceasing. You mean to tell me Brother Jim, God forgets and has to be reminded? Hmmm, let us see. Job 28:24 For he looks to the ends of the earth and sees everything under the heavens. 1 John 3:19-20 By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him; for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything. Hebrews 4:13 And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Isaiah 46:9 I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done. Matthew 10:30 But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Psalm 139:4 Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, you know it altogether. Let’s see what the Bible does say about praying often. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 KJV (16) Rejoice evermore. (17) Pray without ceasing. (18) In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Apostle Paul is not saying that we are to be in a head bowed, eyes closed posture all day long. In fact as I type this, not once can I remember reading where we need to close our eyes and bow our head during prayer. Just a thought to ponder on. I believe what Paul is saying here is that every waking moment is to be lived in an awareness that God is with us and that He is actively involved and engaged in our thoughts and actions. Amen? Philippians 4:6 KJV Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. Colossians 4:2 KJV Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; Ephesians 6:18 KJV Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; I want to close this morning saying: We love you and hope this series has blessed you and has helped you with your prayer life. There are many other scriptures that we didn't have time to look at and I encourage you to research for yourselves. Praise God!!! We also want to encourage you if it seems like God is not hearing your prayers to give us a shout and we will try to help you. It may be He is hearing you and it's not time for what you are asking. I also want to show you a chapter to have you ponder on. Daniel 10:1-21 KJV In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing was true, but the time appointed was long: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision. (2) In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks. (3) I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled. (4) And in the four and twentieth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which is Hiddekel; (5) Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz: (6) His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude. (7) And I Daniel alone saw the vision: for the men that were with me saw not the vision; but a great quaking fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves. (8) Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength. (9) Yet heard I the voice of his words: and when I heard the voice of his words, then was I in a deep sleep on my face, and my face toward the ground. (10) And, behold, an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands. (11) And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright: for unto thee am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling. (12) Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words. (13) But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia. (14) Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days. (15) And when he had spoken such words unto me, I set my face toward the ground, and I became dumb. (16) And, behold, one like the similitude of the sons of men touched my lips: then I opened my mouth, and spake, and said unto him that stood before me, O my lord, by the vision my sorrows are turned upon me, and I have retained no strength. (17) For how can the servant of this my lord talk with this my lord? for as for me, straightway there remained no strength in me, neither is there breath left in me. (18) Then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me, (19) And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me. (20) Then said he, Knowest thou wherefore I come unto thee? and now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I am gone forth, lo, the prince of Grecia shall come. (21) But I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth: and there is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince. Here we are looking at spiritual warfare. I would love to go into this much deeper and will at some point. Friends, pray often, pray with the right heart. Pray with right motives and I believe you will see your prayer life begin to change. God bless you. Prayer. Communion.
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This morning we will continue our study on prayers. When we finish with this series, I am in hopes that everyone that listens to these sermons or those who may read these notes will increase the time they spend in prayer, how they pray, what they pray for and how they prepare their hearts before they pray. Amen? Last week we looked at some things that hinder our prayer life. Can anyone remind us of those things that we looked at? Sin: Proverbs 15:29 GW The LORD is far from wicked people, but He hears the prayers of righteous people. John 9:31 GW We know that God doesn't listen to sinners. Instead, He listens to people who are devout and who do what He wants. Unforgivness: Mark 11:25-26 KJV And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. (26) But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses. Faith: Mark 11:22-24 ESV And Jesus answered them, "Have faith in God. (23) Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be taken up and thrown into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. (24) Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. Hebrews 4:16 ESV Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. We ended with selfishness hindering our prayers. This, my friends should be each one of our heart cries. To want to spend our time praying for the kingdom of Christ and for people other than ourselves. We should especially want to labor for souls. I want to pray for the lost more than anything else. I know that God's heart is for the lost. 2 Peter 3:9 KJV The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. I know that Jesus commanded us to make disciples and I know that His passion then is for me to pray for the advancement of His gospel more than anything else. Matthew 28:19-20 KJV Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: (20) Teaching 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. I don't want to labor for my own selfish needs in prayer above praying for the lost to hear the gospel and believe. I want to pray in faith and believe God for souls to come into His kingdom for the purpose of His glory. 1 Timothy 2:1-4 KJV I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; (2) For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. (3) For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; (4) Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. Prayer. I am excited to continue this series on praying. I am also excited for each one of you who hears or reads this word, because I believe there is going to be a change in you and your prayer life. Praise the Lord!! I believe there are going to be those who have been praying without anything happening to start having their prayers answered. Halleluiah. I am believing that there are going to be those who have been praying for lost family members who will see those prayers come to pass. Glory to God!!! These things will all happen when we learn how to pray and how to avoid having things hinder God from hearing our prayers. This week, let’s start with pride. There are many verses discussing pride in the Bible. Pride is the most serious, and the most subtle, sin. It often is not even recognized as existing. Pride is the root of all sin. It causes us to turn away from God instead of turning to Him. All disobedience has pride as its root. All rebellion has pride behind it. All mistreatment of other people is caused by pride: someone putting themselves and their feelings above the other person and their feelings. Proverbs 8:13 KJV The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate. Mark 7:20-23 KJV And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. (21) For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, (22) Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: (23) All these evil things come from within, and defile the man. Psalms 10:4 KJV The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts. James 4:6-8 GW But God shows us even more kindness. Scripture says, "God opposes arrogant people, but he is kind to humble people." (7) So place yourselves under God's authority. Resist the devil, and he will run away from you. (8) Come close to God, and he will come close to you. Clean up your lives, you sinners, and clear your minds, you doubters. I want you to stay in the book of James, as I want to point out a particular verse. I was going to use this verse last week, but when you study the whole verse, it doesn’t really fit. The verse I am referring to is James 4:3. I hear so many people, including pastors, going around saying, “You have not, because you ask not” Now, let us take a look at what that scripture really says. James 4:3 KJV Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. James 4:3 ISV You ask for something but do not get it because you ask for it for the wrong reason-for your own pleasure. James 4:3 [Or] you do ask [God for them] and yet fail to receive, because you ask with wrong purpose and evil, selfish motives. Your intention is [when you get what you desire] to spend it in sensual pleasures. Friends, what I want you to understand through this verse is, don’t always trust the words that people say. In the past few months, I have found many scriptures that people from all walks of life have taken out of context. We need to be careful. Turning away from the Bible: Here is a verse that many have probably never heard. Proverbs 28:9 KJV He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination. These are not my words, but from the Bible. Let’s look at another translation. Proverbs 28:9 GNB If you do not obey the law, God will find your prayers too hateful to hear. Proverbs 28:9 MKJV He who turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is a hateful thing. Here is a verse that again, I think many miss. Proverbs 21:13 KJV Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard. I used to be cheap. I very seldom would give a dime to organizations or for fund raisers. I worked on dairy farms and it was very long hours for not a lot of pay. I felt I worked for it, it was mine and why should I share with others. I was being stingy toward the poor. If there was a donation bucket outside a store, I would drop change in it, not because I was a cheerful giver, but there was someone guarding the table and I felt convicted to give. Am I talking to someone right now? Please turn to Luke 6:38. This is the measuring tool we should use in giving to others. It is the measure God uses in giving to us. Luke 6:38 KJV Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. The Amplified reads 38 Give, and [gifts] will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will they pour [a]into [the pouch formed by] the bosom [of your robe and used as a bag]. For with the measure you deal out [with the measure you use when you confer benefits on others], it will be measured back to you. In this parable Jesus is saying that giving to others is like sowing a crop. If a person sows nothing, they will reap nothing (nothing grows). If they sow much, they will reap a bountiful harvest. As we read, stinginess on our part towards the poor makes our prayers unheard by God. Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor will also cry himself and not be heard. We, a lot of times want God to help us when we are in need, but God sees our work that we do down here and if we are not helping our brothers that are in need, do you really think that God should help us when we are in need? But if we refuse to have compassion towards brothers or sisters who may need our help, God will do the same to you. If you want God to bless your life, you have to help or bless others first. Do you want to be mighty in your prayer life? Only a generous person will be mighty in prayer. The stingy person is a powerless person of prayer. Not bragging, but trying to get a point across. Leanna and I started to get the tithing and giving message shortly after we were saved. When you start tithing faithfully and with a cheerful heart, then when you start giving generously you will see prayers coming to pass and look forward to giving some more. I bet you never thought there were so many things that can hinder your prayers, did you? We are not quite done yet. There's a few more we need to take a look at. How many of you want true victory in your prayer life? Here are two important things to remember when we pray. 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 MKJV (17) Pray without ceasing. (18) In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Let's finish up by reading what Jesus said in Matthew 6:5-8 KJV And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. (6) But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. (7) But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. (8) Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. And we finish today with this scripture. 1 Peter 3:7 KJV Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered. 1 Peter 3:7 ASV Ye husbands, in like manner, dwell with your wives according to knowledge, giving honor unto the woman, as unto the weaker vessel, as being also joint-heirs of the grace of life; to the end that your prayers be not hindered. Next week, we will conclude this series on prayer. Maybe!! I hope and pray that this series has been a blessing to all who have listened and all who may be reading this now. I pray that as you learn things that can hinder prayer and we learn to change those things, that there is a major change in your prayer life. Prayer and communion. Good morning my friends. Leanna and I would like to welcome you to J and L Ministries study on prayer. As I have mentioned in the past, I feel God is preparing us for something big. Large. Gigantic!! I think as we get into this study on prayer, we will see why the last couple years worth of sermons are very important. I believe you will also see why those who follow these teachings will be separated from many churches all over the world. It is not that I or we should be in any kind of a contest, but for me and my house, we shall serve the Lord. My friends, I’m not sure about you, but I hope your main hope in life is to stand before God and want to hear Him say, “Well done my good and faithful servant.” Amen? Let’s turn to Ephesians 5:25-30 KJV and for us married couples and especially the men, we will see what the Bible says. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; (26) That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, (27) That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. (28) So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. (29) For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: (30) For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. The amplified reads like this starting in verse 22 Wives, be subject (be submissive and adapt yourselves) to your own husbands as [a service] to the Lord. 23 For the husband is head of the wife as Christ is the Head of the church, Himself the Savior of [His] body. 24 As the church is subject to Christ, so let wives also be subject in everything to their husbands. 25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her, 26 So that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the Word, 27 That He might present the church to Himself in glorious splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such things [that she might be holy and faultless]. 28 Even so husbands should love their wives as [being in a sense] their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself. 29 For no man ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and carefully protects and cherishes it, as Christ does the church, 30 Because we are members (parts) of His body. Prayer. Friends, we have been studying the importance of heart issues for a reason. We want God to hear our prayers, yes? We most definitely want Him to see those prayers come to pass, yes? As we go through this study, we will find out why it is so important to have our hearts right if we want to have prayers answered. How many of you have asked God for something and know that you know that you know that He answered it? How many of you have been praying for years and haven’t seen it come to pass? Should we ask God for things we need, or for healing, direction or guidance? Some, and I have heard people say this, they don’t want to bother God with prayers for self. Well my friends, let’s look at this verse. There are many verses in His word that say that God wants us to pray and He does hear us. Let’s look at some. King David 2 Samuel 22:7 GW I called on the LORD in my distress. I called to my God for help. He heard my voice from His temple, and my cry for help reached His ears. 1 Kings 18:36-39 GW When it was time to offer the sacrifice, the prophet Elijah stepped forward. He said, "LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, make known today that you are God in Israel and that I'm your servant and have done all these things by your instructions. (37) Answer me, LORD! Answer me! Then these people will know that you, LORD, are God and that you are winning back their hearts." (38) So a fire from the LORD fell down and consumed the burnt offering, wood, stones, and dirt. The fire even dried up the water that was in the trench. (39) All the people saw it and immediately bowed down to the ground. "The LORD is God!" they said. "The LORD is God!" Matthew 5:43-48 MKJV You have heard that it was said, "You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy." (44) But I say to you, Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who despitefully use you and persecute you, (45) so that you may become sons of your Father in Heaven. For He makes His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. (46) For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax-collectors do the same? (47) And if you greet your brothers only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax-collectors do so? (48) Therefore be perfect, even as your Father in Heaven is perfect. Mark 11:24 GW That's why I tell you to have faith that you have already received whatever you pray for, and it will be yours. Isaiah 59:1-2 GW The LORD is not too weak to save or his ear too deaf to hear. (2) But your wrongs have separated you from your God, and your sins have made him hide his face so that he doesn't hear you. Now let’s look at things that may hinder our prayers. Psalms 66:17-19 GW With my mouth I cried out to him. High praise was on my tongue. (18) If I had thought about doing anything sinful, the Lord would not have listened to me. (19) But God has heard me. He has paid attention to my prayer. So we see that sin has to do with whether or not God hears our prayers. Let’s look at some more verses. Proverbs 15:29 GW The LORD is far from wicked people, but He hears the prayers of righteous people. John 9:31 GW We know that God doesn't listen to sinners. Instead, He listens to people who are devout and who do what He wants. Friends, we see from these verses that sin will stop God from hearing our prayers, but it also says: but if anyone is a worshiper of God He will hear them. We must realize how important it is to keep our lives right with God. Let’s look at what else might hinder our prayers. Please turn to Mark 11:25-26 KJV And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. (26) But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses. Matthew 5:43-48MKJV You have heard that it was said, "You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy."(44) But I say to you, Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who despitefully use you and persecute you, (45) so that you may become sons of your Father in Heaven. For He makes His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. (46) For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax-collectors do the same? (47) And if you greet your brothers only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax-collectors do so? (48) Therefore be perfect, even as your Father in Heaven is perfect. These verses alone show that we need to forgive those who might have come against us. There are times forgiving someone is not easy, but if we want to have that closer intimate relationship with our Lord, we have to. If we want God to hear our prayers, it is a must that we forgive. Here is something that I notice others doing, or should I say not doing. Praying in faith. Please turn to Matthew 21:21-22 ESV And Jesus answered them, "Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, 'Be taken up and thrown into the sea,' it will happen. (22) And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith." Faith is believing that you have received what you are praying for. If you doubt when you pray, you should not expect that you will receive anything from the Lord. Faith is more than believing God can answer or is able to answer your prayer. Faith is knowing that God has heard and the answer is on the way. I am going to have hate mail come to me from saying this, but we should not use the expression "If it by Thy will," for this is an expression of doubt. There is one place in the Bible where Jesus prayed saying that. No where does the Bible say we should pray IF it be Your will. We must pray with confidence that God has heard and the answer is on the way. Mark 11:22-24 ESV And Jesus answered them, "Have faith in God. (23) Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be taken up and thrown into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. (24) Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. Hebrews 4:16 ESV Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. James 1:5-8 ESV If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. (6) But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. (7) For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; (8) he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. So many times I hear brothers and sisters praying for someone or something, then minutes later in a conversation they say, "Well I hope this works out," or "I sure hope that this sister is healed from this or that." I even hear pastors doing this. Friends, stop doubting. You just prayed, now thank God for what He is doing. This brings us to the next thing that hinders our prayers and we will end for today and pick up next week, as I don’t want to rush through this. We all need to thoroughly understand these things. Let’s look at selfish prayers. So often it is easy to get on your face before God and begin to pour out your soul before Him and you find that you spend your time praying for your own needs instead of others. I’m not sure if many of you realize this, but did you know that we are supposed to pray for the lost? 1 Timothy 2:1-8 GW First of all, I encourage you to make petitions, prayers, intercessions, and prayers of thanks for all people, (2) for rulers, and for everyone who has authority over us. Pray for these people so that we can have a quiet and peaceful life always lived in a godly and reverent way. (3) This is good and pleases God our Savior. (4) He wants all people to be saved and to learn the truth. (5) There is one God. There is also one mediator between God and humans-a human, Christ Jesus. (6) He sacrificed himself for all people to free them from their sins. This message is valid for every era. (7) I was appointed to spread this Good News and to be an apostle to teach people who are not Jewish about faith and truth. I'm telling you the truth. I'm not lying. (8) I want men to offer prayers everywhere. They should raise their hands in prayer after putting aside their anger and any quarrels they have with anyone. Church, did we catch this? How often do we pray for our leaders? Most importantly, how often do we pray for the lost? I know that I have mentioned this before, but someone new may be hearing or reading this. Leanna and I led a Bible Study a couple of years ago. Maybe 5 or years ago called The Way Of The Master. It is a series done by Ray Comfort and Kirk Cameron. In this study, it shows different ways of approaching the lost and also things that we might ask them and then going to the Bible. It was an excellent presentation. When we were about to finish, one of the requirements was to go out and witness on the street and sadly, not one would do that. Most of them that attended have lost grown-up children. One final thing. I’m sure all of you who are hearing my voice or who are reading these notes have spent some time in a church. I have been part of many churches through my 55 years and none of them spend much time in prayer. Yes, there have been a few that may pray several times throughout the service and only 2 of those churches mention the lost in prayer on a weekly basis, yet let me remind you what Jesus said in Matthew 21:13 GW He told them, "Scripture says, 'My house will be called a house of prayer,' but you're turning it into a gathering place for thieves!" You can also find the same thing in Mark 11:17 and Luke 19:46 and the scripture Jesus was referring to is Isaiah 56:7 GW Then I will bring them to my holy mountain and make them happy in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be acceptable on my altar, because my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations. Maybe it is just here in Maine that the church seems to be basically prayerless, but I doubt it. It seems like the majority of churches around here are more into serving dinners, loud music, quilting and so on than spending time in prayer. Friends, praying is what we need to be doing. Praying with the right heart is so important and we will look at many more things next week that can hinder our prayers. Friends, time is short. The end of the world as we know it is coming to an end. We all need to know how to pray. We need to know what to pray for and we especially need to start praying every day for the lost souls. Prayer. Communion. Is Jesus the real deal? What about the Pastor or teacher you have been learning the Bible from?7/6/2014 Good morning friends. This week I am going to bring back a message I did a couple years ago. Leanna and I have had the privilege to meet many pastors and assistant pastors and heard great Godly messages in the past few years. Friends, we have witnessed great things happen, but I still feel as I have from March 4th 2012 that I am led to teach on How Christ wants us to live. I believe He wants me to teach on heart issues and not on healing, or the prosperity message. I do believe it is God's will for us to be healed and that He does want us to prosper, but I think for these things to happen, we need a heart that is after God's will. Amen?
I hope that most of you, all of you trust in the words I have been teaching. Many hours go into preparing these messages and I try to let the scriptures speak for themselves. I have also mentioned before that I urge each of you hearing this message and those who read this on the numerous sites that I share on to hold me accountable for the truth spoken. Amen? There are so many false teachers in the world now as we have been forewarned from what the Bible says. Let's look at some. Words from the messiah: Mat 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Mat_24:11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. Mat_24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Mar_13:22 For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect. We all agree that the Bible is the truth, yes? All of God’s Word was inspired from the Holy Ghost, yes? God is the same yesterday, today and forever? He is no respecter of persons? I ask this because I want to be sure we are all on the same page. Let's look to see what Apostle Paul said about false teachers and preachers. 2Co_11:13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. 2Co_11:26 In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils bymine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; Let's look at the last part of this verse. What Paul is saying is this: in perils among false brethren; People who pretended to be Christians, teaching the necessity of observing circumcision, and other ceremonies of the law, in order for salvation. These, as the apostle always warmly opposed, so they were sworn enemies to him, and ever sought to do him what mischief they could. Gal_2:4 And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: 2Pe_2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 1Jn_4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Let's look what the book of Revelation says: Rev_16:13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. Rev_19:20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. Rev_20:10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. Why am I bringing this up? Church, I bring these verses up because there are many false preachers and prophets out there right now. For this reason, I have asked you to be very careful of who you listen to. Who you watch on TV and online who claim to be teaching the Word of God. It is the very reason I have asked you to turn in your Bibles week after week to make sure I am not preaching a false teaching. When I ask you to be in your Bible daily it isn’t because I want you to read. It isn’t because I am trying to be bossy. It is because Leanna and I love you and we want everyone to be able to know when they are being taught falsely and you accomplish that by getting into the Bible every day. Amen? It is the very reason I use a lot of scripture. And many times those scriptures are broken down so that we all know without a reasonable doubt what they are saying. It is why I ask everyone to pray before getting into God’s Word for understanding. I also ask that you meditate on the verses you read. Most times, I do the meditating for you when I prepare these messages. How do we gain our faith in Jesus? How do we do that? Friends, when we came to repentance when we were saved, born again, it isn’t just for that day. We need to repent daily. It should be an everyday thing that each of us do. Colossians 3:5 KJV Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: Paul is talking about dying to self in this verse. Our bodies have many parts. Colossians 3:17 KJV And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. Romans 10:1-21 KJV Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. (2) For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. (3) For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. (4) For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. (5) For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them. (6) But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) (7) Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) (8) But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; (9) That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. (10) For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (11) For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. (12) For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. (13) For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (14) How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? (15) And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! (16) But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? (17) So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (18) But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world. (19) But I say, Did notIsrael know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you. (20) But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me. (21) But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people. Friends, who does God wish not to go to Heaven? Hosea 4:6 KJV My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. John 3:16-18 KJV For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life 18 KJV For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. (18) He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. Mat 18:11-14 For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. Who? Was that you and me? :12 How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? Have we not gone astray? 13 And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray. Listen church, Jesus is referring to you and I at one time in your life. Maybe it is you right now. 14 Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish. Friends these are the words of Jesus, not mine. (9) The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. (10) But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. (11) Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, (12) Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? (13) Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. (14) Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. Friends, that day of Jesus' return is right here. I am telling you, prophecy is being fulfilled like never before. If you have not made that commitment, I urge you to do it today. Today is the day of salvation, God’s Word says. Like I have said many, many times, we have never been promised tomorrow. Don’t think you are invisible. Some of you, like me, might have had near death experiences. If you hadn’t made that choice to follow Jesus and whatever caused you to almost die ended up happening, where would you have spent eternity? In hell, and the Bible is very clear. The Bible is very clear that we need to confess with our mouths that we are sinners and that we must confess Jesus as Lord and Savior. What if something happened this afternoon and you became brain dead, or couldn’t speak? That would be a tragedy. John 14:6 KJV Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. That verse tells me that there is only one way to Heaven. Good works cannot save you. Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Friends, I don’t know your hearts. I do know we serve an awesome God. Trust Jesus Christ today. You may be listening today and made a commitment sometime years ago to pick up your cross and follow Jesus, then fell into temptation. Don’t feel alone. Many of us have, me included. You may have fallen on this message and never have made that commitment. I don’t know your heart. If the Holy Spirit is convicting you heart, Here’s what you must do. Admit you are a sinner. We all have been there. Romans 3:23 KJV For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Romans 5:12 KJV Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: 1 John 1:8-10 KJV If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. (9) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (10) If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. Be willing to turn from sin (repent). Luke 13:5 KJV I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Acts 17:30 KJV And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: My friends, Jesus is ready, willing and able to do this for you and for me. You must believe that Jesus Christ died for you, was buried, and rose from the dead on the third day. John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners. Christ died for us. Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Through prayer, invite Jesus into your life to become your personal Savior. Romans 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. If anyone here today has never asked Jesus into their heart and wants to pray the prayer of salvation, I would love to lead you through, but remember it needs to come from your heart. Today is the day. If you might have prayed like this once before and know you have fallen away from God, please, let's pray. Salvation prayer. If you might be reading this online, here is a sample prayer. For those here at our home or listening live on the Audible part of Skype, please bow your head and repeat this sample prayer with me. Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving me so much that You sent Jesus here to earth more than 2000 years ago to die for me. Lord I believe this in faith, because Your Word says so. Jesus, I admit that I am a sinner and I ask You to forgive me of all my sins. Lord, I ask You to live in me and be the Lord and Savior of my life. I surrender all of my life to You and ask that You guide me into Your perfect plan for my life. Thank You Jesus and in Your name I pray. Amen. John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. If anyone made that choice today, congratulations, you are now a joint heir of Jesus. You are now a Kingdom child. I also would like to hear from anyone who made that decision, as I want to help you get started. Jesus loves each and every one of us, more than we will ever know. He died for you and me. I hope through this that we found out that Jesus is the real deal. His Word is true. The message in His Word is true. Amen? Prayer. Communion. |
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