1 00:00:14,119 --> 00:00:17,339 Welcome to the Lansdale Life Church podcast. 2 00:00:18,399 --> 00:00:24,100 If you're seeking a closer relationship with Jesus Christ, this podcast is for you. 3 00:00:24,980 --> 00:00:26,980 Thank you for joining us today. 4 00:00:35,700 --> 00:00:43,299 The subject of prayer is not new to any one of us because you're here this morning, I know 5 00:00:43,299 --> 00:00:43,899 you pray. 6 00:00:45,260 --> 00:00:53,539 But at the bottom of the screen is the crux of what we like to talk about this morning. 7 00:00:53,539 --> 00:01:04,159 It is a supernatural strategy, but nothing reveals what we really trust in like how quickly 8 00:01:05,019 --> 00:01:05,620 we pray. 9 00:01:06,879 --> 00:01:17,260 Now some of us may get into situations whereby we ruminate, we have questions, we have unbelief 10 00:01:17,260 --> 00:01:19,379 perhaps that God can change things. 11 00:01:20,179 --> 00:01:25,359 So there's a period of time between when you're confronted with the issues of life and when 12 00:01:25,359 --> 00:01:27,560 you begin to turn to the Lord. 13 00:01:29,439 --> 00:01:35,379 And there are those of us that when we see obstacles immediately we pray. 14 00:01:36,260 --> 00:01:44,159 So today we're going to talk about that reduction of time between when we face the obstacle 15 00:01:44,819 --> 00:01:45,840 and when we pray. 16 00:01:46,400 --> 00:01:48,099 So that's what we're about today. 17 00:01:48,700 --> 00:01:55,340 So if you pray quickly, when obstacles come up, you're dismissed this morning, God bless 18 00:01:55,340 --> 00:01:57,060 you, we'll see you at the door, okay? 19 00:01:58,060 --> 00:02:07,159 Lord we do thank you for your goodness, your love in our hearts, the desire that you put 20 00:02:07,159 --> 00:02:09,520 there for communion with you. 21 00:02:10,259 --> 00:02:13,800 And Lord we know that we have to seek you to find you. 22 00:02:14,879 --> 00:02:17,219 And part of that seeking is prayer. 23 00:02:18,099 --> 00:02:27,020 So we ask Lord as we unpack this, we ask Lord for your Holy Spirit to help us understand 24 00:02:27,740 --> 00:02:31,199 and to bring clarity to what we're talking about. 25 00:02:32,439 --> 00:02:38,340 And Lord we give this to you, all honor and glory are due to you Lord. 26 00:02:38,340 --> 00:02:46,860 So let's do an outline in verse 18 through the 25th verse. 27 00:02:47,580 --> 00:02:50,400 And we'll go through this, I'm not going to read it. 28 00:02:51,060 --> 00:02:55,639 In verse 18 and 19 Paul, the writer talks about pray for us. 29 00:02:56,219 --> 00:03:00,699 And that's a declarative, us meaning the ministry group that he was with. 30 00:03:01,520 --> 00:03:07,780 And it's the specific thing that he was asking them to pray for that they could come once 31 00:03:07,780 --> 00:03:15,199 again to him or to the people that he was ministering to. 32 00:03:16,039 --> 00:03:24,659 And so the writer amongst other things affirms his consciousness of who he is and the life 33 00:03:24,659 --> 00:03:25,479 that he leads. 34 00:03:26,020 --> 00:03:28,199 So that takes care of the first two verses. 35 00:03:28,939 --> 00:03:35,460 And then God's power is at work in us, declares the fact that God of the impossible raised 36 00:03:35,460 --> 00:03:37,599 Jesus from the dead and we all know that. 37 00:03:38,539 --> 00:03:43,060 And he is the great shepherd and his blood made it all possible. 38 00:03:43,979 --> 00:03:49,419 And then God after that equips us, you and me, for the work of service and all things 39 00:03:49,419 --> 00:03:51,379 that we do, the diversity of the body. 40 00:03:52,740 --> 00:04:00,259 And verse 22 through 24 talks about the final encouragement as if he was not going to come 41 00:04:00,259 --> 00:04:02,699 back again but yet he wanted to. 42 00:04:02,699 --> 00:04:07,340 It is true that a shepherd's appeal now comes to the people. 43 00:04:08,039 --> 00:04:15,280 And he appeals to them that they should live in a state of love, holding fast to Christ 44 00:04:15,820 --> 00:04:19,600 and their confession of faith and confidence in him. 45 00:04:20,079 --> 00:04:23,180 And then he talks about personal notes and greetings. 46 00:04:23,439 --> 00:04:27,000 And the last verse he closes with a blessing of grace. 47 00:04:27,560 --> 00:04:32,139 And may the wonderful kindness of God be extended to all of his people. 48 00:04:33,060 --> 00:04:38,980 Okay, so what we're going to be talking about this morning is the first three words. 49 00:04:39,579 --> 00:04:41,040 Pray for us. 50 00:04:42,120 --> 00:04:48,060 Many of us have situations in life when we are faced with that. 51 00:04:48,740 --> 00:04:55,100 We immediately call our friends, connect together and 52 00:04:55,100 --> 00:05:00,000 have a prayer meeting over that situation and it is resolved and 53 00:05:00,000 --> 00:05:01,959 sometimes it's not easily resolved. 54 00:05:03,019 --> 00:05:07,980 Some of us pray independently, some of us don't pray. 55 00:05:08,420 --> 00:05:10,720 We ruminate and we'll talk about that. 56 00:05:11,300 --> 00:05:14,519 But here, prayer is where we're going to see 57 00:05:15,959 --> 00:05:20,120 the curtain being pulled back on what prayer is. 58 00:05:21,359 --> 00:05:25,439 Because he is essentially saying, yes, he is a leader. 59 00:05:26,120 --> 00:05:31,100 There is Christian leadership, but he's pulling in the Christian community to pray 60 00:05:31,100 --> 00:05:33,360 with him on this particular situation. 61 00:05:34,600 --> 00:05:36,240 And then when he says pray for us, 62 00:05:36,240 --> 00:05:43,139 that simply means that he is inviting them to join in this need before God. 63 00:05:43,879 --> 00:05:47,279 And he believed that God would then use these prayers, 64 00:05:47,279 --> 00:05:54,259 as we do, to bring about change and rectify the situation. 65 00:05:54,839 --> 00:05:57,240 We don't know what that was, but he wanted to come again. 66 00:05:58,000 --> 00:06:00,959 So let's make some declaratives about prayer this morning. 67 00:06:01,779 --> 00:06:05,339 God has basically established prayer as a means 68 00:06:06,120 --> 00:06:09,220 by which we receive his supernatural help. 69 00:06:11,520 --> 00:06:15,139 He can sovereignly do things and he's done that at salvation, but 70 00:06:15,139 --> 00:06:20,839 without prayer and without seeking him, it becomes a very much more of a difficult life. 71 00:06:21,420 --> 00:06:25,420 Without his help then, we cannot live a life worthy of his calling. 72 00:06:26,120 --> 00:06:27,019 Flip that around. 73 00:06:27,480 --> 00:06:31,339 He wants us to pray, he wants us to come in, he wants us to have a relationship. 74 00:06:32,360 --> 00:06:36,740 And in doing so, we understand how he works and what he does. 75 00:06:37,480 --> 00:06:41,079 And then everything that distinguishes Christians, you and I, 76 00:06:41,519 --> 00:06:43,740 from the world is a work of God's favor. 77 00:06:44,460 --> 00:06:48,060 How many realize that without God's favor, we're not going very far? 78 00:06:48,600 --> 00:06:54,959 I mean, it's just a common sense to understand that without him, we are helpless. 79 00:06:55,939 --> 00:06:59,600 You know, I used to think that was very much of a dichotomy when I was younger, 80 00:06:59,600 --> 00:07:03,379 but the older I get, I understand that I am helpless without him. 81 00:07:04,520 --> 00:07:13,339 And then another element, God has ordained that this favor flows to us through prayer. 82 00:07:13,879 --> 00:07:18,019 We seek him, we endeavor to follow him, we yield to him. 83 00:07:18,920 --> 00:07:22,019 So our faith is being built and our strength is being built. 84 00:07:22,620 --> 00:07:28,519 And now I have to tell you this, that this is why prayer must be central to our life. 85 00:07:29,519 --> 00:07:31,879 It must not be casual. 86 00:07:32,480 --> 00:07:35,439 Oh, by the way, I have to pray. 87 00:07:37,059 --> 00:07:45,860 Hopefully, in opposition or issues of life that we quickly learn how to come to him, 88 00:07:46,459 --> 00:07:49,639 why we're coming to him and what we can expect of him. 89 00:07:50,120 --> 00:07:53,399 It's central in our lives, it's central in our families. 90 00:07:53,399 --> 00:07:58,560 We cannot raise, I believe, a Christian family today without prayer, 91 00:07:58,839 --> 00:08:06,079 without an altar being presented to where our children can begin to see what it's like to live. 92 00:08:06,819 --> 00:08:09,379 When we used to pray, I had one son, the middle one, 93 00:08:09,420 --> 00:08:12,680 he always used to want to get off of my hand when we'd hold. 94 00:08:13,220 --> 00:08:16,860 He didn't want to hold hands and make the circle, but he soon learned 95 00:08:16,860 --> 00:08:18,540 and now he's doing it with his kid. 96 00:08:19,260 --> 00:08:22,800 You know, it's interesting to see how things begin to develop. 97 00:08:23,660 --> 00:08:30,740 And then in our giftings, we need prayer to fulfill the giftings that God has given every one of us giftings, 98 00:08:30,879 --> 00:08:32,259 whatever they may be. 99 00:08:33,179 --> 00:08:39,840 And wonderfully, that we walk in those, but it takes prayer to walk successfully in those giftings. 100 00:08:40,399 --> 00:08:43,059 Okay, let's take a look at some things. 101 00:08:43,700 --> 00:08:49,620 Prayer influences the atmosphere around us. 102 00:08:50,179 --> 00:08:53,899 We've said it many times, and you know yourself. 103 00:08:54,220 --> 00:08:56,919 People come to you and say, well, what's so different about you? 104 00:08:57,539 --> 00:08:59,279 And why are you doing this? 105 00:08:59,480 --> 00:09:03,480 And they're questioning, they're not criticizing, they're just wondering. 106 00:09:03,940 --> 00:09:08,720 That's the atmosphere that we create by virtue of the aura of God in our life. 107 00:09:09,019 --> 00:09:11,440 It shifts the focus from us to God. 108 00:09:13,199 --> 00:09:14,740 Here's an interesting story. 109 00:09:16,059 --> 00:09:17,279 We speak of his power. 110 00:09:17,580 --> 00:09:19,759 Think about this in Second Chronicles. 111 00:09:20,580 --> 00:09:21,980 Jehoshaphat was afraid. 112 00:09:22,580 --> 00:09:24,200 Now, he was king, but he was still afraid. 113 00:09:24,799 --> 00:09:27,120 So he asked the Lord what to do. 114 00:09:28,100 --> 00:09:29,519 Aren't you going to punish them? 115 00:09:30,320 --> 00:09:32,960 Aren't you going to stand a chance when this army attacks? 116 00:09:33,720 --> 00:09:36,120 We just don't know what to do. 117 00:09:37,440 --> 00:09:39,240 How many can identify with that? 118 00:09:39,379 --> 00:09:41,559 We just don't know what to do. 119 00:09:42,500 --> 00:09:44,419 So there is the dilemma. 120 00:09:45,500 --> 00:09:49,980 We ruminate, we think about, we wait, we don't know, and oh, yeah, we ought to pray. 121 00:09:50,799 --> 00:09:55,759 And then suddenly we begin to have that relationship in the situation. 122 00:09:56,720 --> 00:10:03,120 So then Jehazael, the priest, and one of the commentaries said this, 123 00:10:03,860 --> 00:10:09,519 that he interrupted the meeting and he told the king, your majesty and others, 124 00:10:09,519 --> 00:10:15,480 that the Lord has told me that you do not need to be afraid or 125 00:10:15,480 --> 00:10:21,879 let this powerful army discourage you because the battle is not your battle. 126 00:10:21,879 --> 00:10:23,840 It is God's battle. 127 00:10:24,399 --> 00:10:26,960 And so here we are and all of a sudden we pray and 128 00:10:26,960 --> 00:10:29,759 then we begin to realize through a prayer that what? 129 00:10:29,980 --> 00:10:30,860 It's not a battle. 130 00:10:31,299 --> 00:10:32,299 It's his battle. 131 00:10:33,740 --> 00:10:36,639 He is the one that makes things successful. 132 00:10:37,639 --> 00:10:39,639 And then God's going to fight on your side. 133 00:10:39,860 --> 00:10:44,299 He said, praise the Lord for his holy power by singing. 134 00:10:44,960 --> 00:10:48,100 And that's one of the attributes of coming before the Lord. 135 00:10:48,759 --> 00:10:50,940 Worship, singing, praise, meditation. 136 00:10:51,860 --> 00:10:55,659 And what they did, they sang, praise the Lord, his love never ends. 137 00:10:55,960 --> 00:10:58,139 That's always a good opening. 138 00:10:58,960 --> 00:11:03,200 And as soon as they began singing, the Lord confused the enemy. 139 00:11:04,440 --> 00:11:07,740 And guess what, victory was won for the Israelites. 140 00:11:08,200 --> 00:11:09,600 So what did we learn about that? 141 00:11:10,460 --> 00:11:14,539 Well, we learned that there was confusion in the heart of the king. 142 00:11:15,340 --> 00:11:16,720 He didn't know what to do. 143 00:11:16,799 --> 00:11:22,080 He asked the Lord, the Levite priest came and he ministered life. 144 00:11:22,820 --> 00:11:24,440 And all of a sudden things turned. 145 00:11:25,639 --> 00:11:30,419 Victory then is decided by our dependence on God. 146 00:11:31,099 --> 00:11:32,340 It's not the military. 147 00:11:33,139 --> 00:11:34,639 It's not our might. 148 00:11:35,419 --> 00:11:38,720 It's not our intellect, but it's by prayer. 149 00:11:39,899 --> 00:11:44,679 So we should begin to understand that distance between the need and 150 00:11:44,679 --> 00:11:48,200 prayer should be extremely short and small. 151 00:11:49,639 --> 00:11:51,179 Now, here's the rub. 152 00:11:52,480 --> 00:11:56,200 This is the dilemma, I think, where we go in our society today. 153 00:11:56,920 --> 00:12:02,340 There are two things that inhibit us from praying. 154 00:12:03,240 --> 00:12:06,419 That's worry and that's busyness. 155 00:12:07,639 --> 00:12:10,879 And this may not affect you, but you can see it in the world. 156 00:12:11,019 --> 00:12:12,320 Everybody is rushing around. 157 00:12:13,720 --> 00:12:19,220 And my retirement ages won't go out of the community that we live in after 3 o'clock. 158 00:12:19,659 --> 00:12:23,899 Because after 3 o'clock, all the moms are rushing around from their work to get 159 00:12:23,899 --> 00:12:25,519 food to go home to make the meal. 160 00:12:25,519 --> 00:12:31,139 And all the fathers are coming home to pick up the kids from the babysitter and 161 00:12:31,139 --> 00:12:32,480 from the nursery school. 162 00:12:33,200 --> 00:12:35,019 And you know, there's traffic all over the place. 163 00:12:35,200 --> 00:12:36,419 They're rushing, rushing, rushing. 164 00:12:37,200 --> 00:12:41,200 And kind of some of the conversations that I hear when I go shopping 165 00:12:41,819 --> 00:12:44,759 are that people are explaining how busy they are. 166 00:12:45,200 --> 00:12:48,480 It's almost like old bragging about what they're involved in. 167 00:12:48,480 --> 00:12:51,399 And I'm not impugning them for that, but I'm just saying, 168 00:12:51,639 --> 00:12:52,799 that's one of the issues. 169 00:12:53,800 --> 00:12:58,639 So these things, worry and busyness get in the way of prayer. 170 00:12:59,919 --> 00:13:05,960 So let's break down these two sister encumbrances to pray for 171 00:13:05,960 --> 00:13:08,440 prayer by looking at their characteristics. 172 00:13:09,840 --> 00:13:12,360 Now, some of these things may fit you, some may not. 173 00:13:12,980 --> 00:13:14,879 First of all, let's look at worry. 174 00:13:15,000 --> 00:13:18,100 Defined is, it is a distracted, 175 00:13:18,100 --> 00:13:25,679 anxious preoccupation of the mind that shifts trust away from God's care for 176 00:13:25,679 --> 00:13:30,419 us and toward fear of uncertain outcomes. 177 00:13:31,740 --> 00:13:33,240 Now, what are some of the characteristics? 178 00:13:34,059 --> 00:13:34,720 Our problems. 179 00:13:35,320 --> 00:13:37,299 Oh my gosh, do I have problems? 180 00:13:38,100 --> 00:13:39,919 I have this and this and this and this. 181 00:13:40,659 --> 00:13:45,259 We anticipate the problem before it arrives. 182 00:13:45,879 --> 00:13:47,419 Any identifiers with that? 183 00:13:47,940 --> 00:13:48,940 Yeah, it's going to happen. 184 00:13:50,500 --> 00:13:52,799 And if you believe in your heart, it is going to happen. 185 00:13:53,860 --> 00:13:57,639 These compete with the trust that we should have in God. 186 00:13:59,080 --> 00:14:02,740 And now another one, unknown circumstances and outcomes. 187 00:14:03,399 --> 00:14:08,500 Our lack of control of the situation produces fear and 188 00:14:08,500 --> 00:14:11,419 we become sometimes frozen that we can't even move. 189 00:14:12,559 --> 00:14:14,539 I see some good people going yes like this. 190 00:14:14,539 --> 00:14:17,539 Okay, we'll see you at prayer at the altar afterwards. 191 00:14:17,759 --> 00:14:18,419 No, I'm just kidding. 192 00:14:19,860 --> 00:14:22,419 Another one, what might go wrong? 193 00:14:23,500 --> 00:14:27,620 We ruminate, we have reoccurring negative thoughts. 194 00:14:28,220 --> 00:14:30,279 Oh my gosh, what if this is going to happen? 195 00:14:31,200 --> 00:14:32,379 What if that's going to happen? 196 00:14:33,120 --> 00:14:34,240 What about tomorrow? 197 00:14:34,460 --> 00:14:35,399 The sky's falling. 198 00:14:36,779 --> 00:14:40,500 It's another encumbrance to keep you away from prayer. 199 00:14:41,179 --> 00:14:44,460 Our anxiety, and as we think it, as we ruminate, 200 00:14:44,659 --> 00:14:48,220 as we have these things, our anxiety level builds. 201 00:14:50,820 --> 00:14:53,179 Drains are emotional and mental energy, 202 00:14:53,399 --> 00:14:57,980 choking spiritual faithfulness and even the desire to pray. 203 00:14:59,080 --> 00:15:01,299 There's one point in time in my life that 204 00:15:01,899 --> 00:15:03,679 I was in desperate circumstances, 205 00:15:04,019 --> 00:15:05,679 won't go into the history of it, 206 00:15:06,720 --> 00:15:09,000 but I was just, I just couldn't even pray. 207 00:15:09,919 --> 00:15:14,879 I just couldn't get myself into an attitude of prayer, 208 00:15:14,940 --> 00:15:16,139 so I know what that's about. 209 00:15:17,100 --> 00:15:20,179 And then Philippians 4-6, it says, this is a final. 210 00:15:21,620 --> 00:15:25,000 Don't worry about anything, 211 00:15:26,139 --> 00:15:29,679 but pray for everything or about everything. 212 00:15:30,059 --> 00:15:30,879 So that's the end. 213 00:15:31,500 --> 00:15:33,659 There's no contest here, yes but. 214 00:15:33,960 --> 00:15:35,460 No, there's no yes but. 215 00:15:36,259 --> 00:15:38,480 So, this is an interesting fact. 216 00:15:39,139 --> 00:15:41,879 For those of you who worry, don't raise your hand, 217 00:15:42,179 --> 00:15:45,080 you are now vindicated, because I found this online. 218 00:15:45,840 --> 00:15:47,379 Did you know that there's such a thing 219 00:15:47,379 --> 00:15:49,679 as a world uncertainty index? 220 00:15:51,220 --> 00:15:54,399 Which is a global measure of how much uncertainty 221 00:15:54,399 --> 00:15:56,440 is being talked about in the world 222 00:15:56,440 --> 00:15:58,360 at any one given point in time. 223 00:15:59,019 --> 00:16:03,179 So if you were a worrier, you look up WUI on your, 224 00:16:03,940 --> 00:16:06,340 Google it and you'll find out that there is a worry index. 225 00:16:06,720 --> 00:16:07,980 So now you're alleviated, 226 00:16:08,659 --> 00:16:10,159 but the guilt still should be there. 227 00:16:11,259 --> 00:16:11,659 Just kidding. 228 00:16:12,460 --> 00:16:13,620 All right, let's go to the next one. 229 00:16:13,960 --> 00:16:14,919 That's not gonna work. 230 00:16:15,919 --> 00:16:17,299 The next one is busyness. 231 00:16:17,980 --> 00:16:18,860 Let's define it. 232 00:16:19,519 --> 00:16:22,500 Outward motion, engagement or productivity 233 00:16:23,260 --> 00:16:27,919 that occupies unordered time and energy 234 00:16:27,919 --> 00:16:31,059 and does not seek or depend upon the Lord. 235 00:16:31,620 --> 00:16:33,440 Now everybody said, well, I'm organized. 236 00:16:33,700 --> 00:16:37,019 Well, by virtue of you running around crazy in a circle, 237 00:16:37,259 --> 00:16:41,059 there is disorganization on organized thoughts and patterns. 238 00:16:41,600 --> 00:16:43,100 Well, let's look at some of these things. 239 00:16:43,559 --> 00:16:44,820 A prayerless momentum. 240 00:16:45,779 --> 00:16:46,759 Oh my gosh. 241 00:16:47,379 --> 00:16:49,759 Our conscience dulls through constant motion 242 00:16:49,759 --> 00:16:51,179 in lieu of discernment. 243 00:16:53,560 --> 00:16:55,460 When my oldest son got married, 244 00:16:55,539 --> 00:16:57,100 he married into a young lady, 245 00:16:57,500 --> 00:16:58,480 and she'll admit this, 246 00:16:58,480 --> 00:17:01,000 he was going around in a circle all the time, 247 00:17:01,220 --> 00:17:02,039 having to do something. 248 00:17:02,959 --> 00:17:05,980 It just made me tired to listen to her on the telephone. 249 00:17:06,660 --> 00:17:09,180 Yeah, it's one of those like, okay, yeah, right, I get it. 250 00:17:09,859 --> 00:17:12,940 But I mean, she's learned that there is peace in God, 251 00:17:13,039 --> 00:17:14,720 but it's just amazing because I just, 252 00:17:14,900 --> 00:17:16,819 I can't identify with that. 253 00:17:17,680 --> 00:17:18,640 Self-sufficiency. 254 00:17:19,920 --> 00:17:21,859 Our planning and achievement substitute 255 00:17:21,859 --> 00:17:23,359 for dependence upon God. 256 00:17:23,559 --> 00:17:25,059 I got this, I can do it. 257 00:17:26,200 --> 00:17:28,779 And some of us have been there for sure. 258 00:17:29,539 --> 00:17:30,500 Distracted devotion. 259 00:17:31,720 --> 00:17:34,839 Our business crowds out attentiveness to God, 260 00:17:34,880 --> 00:17:38,079 and our productivity defines our worth. 261 00:17:38,980 --> 00:17:40,559 Well, we did this and we did that. 262 00:17:41,380 --> 00:17:42,759 And most men, when they get together, 263 00:17:42,779 --> 00:17:43,880 they talk about their job. 264 00:17:44,039 --> 00:17:45,299 They don't talk about their family, 265 00:17:45,400 --> 00:17:46,519 they talk about their job. 266 00:17:47,339 --> 00:17:48,079 And that shouldn't be. 267 00:17:48,180 --> 00:17:51,019 The family should be the el primo of everything 268 00:17:51,019 --> 00:17:52,920 why we exist as our family. 269 00:17:55,059 --> 00:17:57,960 And excuse me, but I do call this functional idolatry. 270 00:17:59,019 --> 00:18:03,920 Our work, even our ministry or success 271 00:18:04,539 --> 00:18:07,579 becomes the controlling allegiance that we have 272 00:18:07,579 --> 00:18:09,599 that we've got to yield into that thing. 273 00:18:10,019 --> 00:18:11,740 Just sucked us in. 274 00:18:12,799 --> 00:18:16,400 And in Isaiah 5.12, it says this, 275 00:18:16,500 --> 00:18:19,640 "'They did not consider the work of the Lord.'" 276 00:18:20,179 --> 00:18:22,119 So here you are, you have that gap. 277 00:18:23,039 --> 00:18:24,599 Worry, business. 278 00:18:25,319 --> 00:18:27,339 Now let's contrast that to prayer. 279 00:18:28,599 --> 00:18:32,839 Prayer is an intentional turning of our heart and mind 280 00:18:32,839 --> 00:18:34,339 toward God. 281 00:18:35,079 --> 00:18:37,660 Expressing our dependence, seeking his will, 282 00:18:38,119 --> 00:18:41,079 and entrusting the outcomes to his care. 283 00:18:42,259 --> 00:18:43,380 Isn't that a mouthful? 284 00:18:43,940 --> 00:18:44,819 Can we trust? 285 00:18:45,460 --> 00:18:46,220 Do we trust? 286 00:18:47,400 --> 00:18:49,619 The Godly concern that we have certainly 287 00:18:49,619 --> 00:18:50,819 has been put there. 288 00:18:51,539 --> 00:18:56,200 But again, that turns responsibility into prayer 289 00:18:56,200 --> 00:18:58,440 and trusting God with the outcomes. 290 00:18:59,579 --> 00:19:00,380 We should not worry. 291 00:19:00,619 --> 00:19:01,500 We should give it to him. 292 00:19:02,180 --> 00:19:05,559 Prayer anchors us in his love and our calling. 293 00:19:05,720 --> 00:19:08,200 It always seeks him before we step forward. 294 00:19:08,720 --> 00:19:10,160 Lord, what would you do? 295 00:19:10,700 --> 00:19:13,200 And I've been in situation in my other life. 296 00:19:14,079 --> 00:19:17,039 There was one time that I took a business opportunity on 297 00:19:17,039 --> 00:19:20,700 and I didn't even consider asking the Lord about it. 298 00:19:20,700 --> 00:19:22,900 I thought, okay, well this, I can assimilate it 299 00:19:22,900 --> 00:19:25,319 and I can do this, and it caused me all kinds 300 00:19:25,319 --> 00:19:28,740 of consternation and regret that I ever did that. 301 00:19:29,460 --> 00:19:30,640 So I understand that. 302 00:19:31,279 --> 00:19:35,259 Seeking God's will allows rest and peace. 303 00:19:35,819 --> 00:19:38,619 And none of these other issues with worry and busyness 304 00:19:38,619 --> 00:19:39,759 gives you rest and peace. 305 00:19:40,380 --> 00:19:41,559 It gives you anxiety. 306 00:19:43,900 --> 00:19:46,900 To overcome our anxiety and fear, 307 00:19:46,900 --> 00:19:50,160 which is shaped by the trust that we have in him. 308 00:19:51,000 --> 00:19:52,619 I mean, this is a full package here. 309 00:19:53,819 --> 00:19:56,779 Prayer brings our desires into line with God's purposes. 310 00:19:57,900 --> 00:20:00,680 We don't wanna pray out of what God wants for us 311 00:20:00,680 --> 00:20:03,319 because that's the best thing that he created within us. 312 00:20:03,700 --> 00:20:05,660 Our DNA speaks of our giftings. 313 00:20:05,799 --> 00:20:08,160 Our giftings are those things that God has given us. 314 00:20:08,799 --> 00:20:10,779 And it purifies our trust of places, 315 00:20:11,099 --> 00:20:16,700 our panic in perspective and substitutes peace. 316 00:20:16,900 --> 00:20:19,200 In Psalm 127.1 it says, 317 00:20:19,519 --> 00:20:20,920 unless the Lord builds the house, 318 00:20:21,359 --> 00:20:23,880 those who build it labor in vain. 319 00:20:24,779 --> 00:20:26,859 He has to build the house. 320 00:20:27,299 --> 00:20:29,180 He has to build your house. 321 00:20:30,339 --> 00:20:30,579 All right. 322 00:20:31,839 --> 00:20:35,759 Sometimes we want God to fix our circumstances 323 00:20:36,540 --> 00:20:38,819 without wanting God to rule in our heart. 324 00:20:39,839 --> 00:20:40,819 That's the dilemma. 325 00:20:42,059 --> 00:20:43,019 Lord, help! 326 00:20:44,440 --> 00:20:48,359 And not Lord graciously, we come to you before, help! 327 00:20:50,079 --> 00:20:51,539 And we expect this, 328 00:20:52,099 --> 00:20:55,339 but do we understand that there is a desire 329 00:20:55,339 --> 00:20:57,240 for him to rule in our heart? 330 00:20:57,759 --> 00:21:01,140 Okay, let's look at some prayers of honest discouragement. 331 00:21:01,480 --> 00:21:03,819 And I know that a lot of you have discouragements. 332 00:21:03,920 --> 00:21:04,579 I do too. 333 00:21:05,420 --> 00:21:08,259 I live with a situation where my wife has disabled. 334 00:21:09,019 --> 00:21:11,740 I pray, I believe, I lay hands on her every night, 335 00:21:11,740 --> 00:21:14,380 haven't seen a change, I still pray. 336 00:21:15,319 --> 00:21:16,519 So there is discouragement. 337 00:21:17,039 --> 00:21:19,460 So Moses was one of those people that was discouraged. 338 00:21:20,099 --> 00:21:22,559 He was filled with prayer more than anyone else, 339 00:21:22,660 --> 00:21:25,279 including his complaints to the Lord. 340 00:21:26,359 --> 00:21:27,940 It says this in Numbers 11. 341 00:21:29,180 --> 00:21:31,539 He prayed, I'm your servant, Lord. 342 00:21:32,200 --> 00:21:34,140 So why are you doing this to me? 343 00:21:34,700 --> 00:21:36,539 What have I done to deserve this? 344 00:21:37,440 --> 00:21:38,579 You ever complained to the Lord? 345 00:21:39,380 --> 00:21:40,259 Yeah, okay. 346 00:21:40,259 --> 00:21:41,140 All right. 347 00:21:42,519 --> 00:21:47,339 You've made me responsible for all these people. 348 00:21:48,339 --> 00:21:51,460 You told me to nurse them to the land that you promised them. 349 00:21:52,500 --> 00:21:55,200 They keep whining for me. 350 00:21:56,200 --> 00:21:57,380 I don't know where to get me. 351 00:21:57,680 --> 00:21:59,380 This job's too much for me. 352 00:21:59,940 --> 00:22:00,559 I resign. 353 00:22:01,539 --> 00:22:04,400 Okay, I'll just take my free ticket to heaven, I resign. 354 00:22:05,259 --> 00:22:07,839 How can I take care of these people by myself? 355 00:22:08,519 --> 00:22:10,579 If there is any way that you're going to, 356 00:22:10,579 --> 00:22:12,500 is this any way that you're going to treat me? 357 00:22:13,579 --> 00:22:17,619 And listen to this, just kill me in my miserable life. 358 00:22:18,140 --> 00:22:19,960 I mean, that's how desperate this guy was. 359 00:22:20,700 --> 00:22:21,319 Imagine that. 360 00:22:22,259 --> 00:22:28,140 So again, Israelites repeatedly challenged God's provision. 361 00:22:28,940 --> 00:22:31,380 They murmured against Moses and their rebellion, 362 00:22:31,500 --> 00:22:34,680 I guess, wore him down, his strength and his spirit. 363 00:22:35,079 --> 00:22:36,900 And that's not the only one we have in scripture. 364 00:22:37,700 --> 00:22:38,299 Look at David. 365 00:22:38,839 --> 00:22:40,279 He was promised the kingship. 366 00:22:41,420 --> 00:22:43,519 And then he had to run around protecting his life 367 00:22:43,519 --> 00:22:45,319 for years before he became king. 368 00:22:45,880 --> 00:22:47,720 He poured out his feelings and desires, 369 00:22:48,200 --> 00:22:51,559 both sweet and bitter, troubled and peaceful. 370 00:22:51,900 --> 00:22:53,380 You can see that in the Psalms. 371 00:22:53,839 --> 00:22:57,980 He did not edit his emotions before coming to God. 372 00:22:58,319 --> 00:23:00,160 He just let it all out. 373 00:23:01,299 --> 00:23:04,140 Says this, how long Lord will you forget me? 374 00:23:04,140 --> 00:23:06,940 And the Lord didn't forget him, 375 00:23:06,960 --> 00:23:09,400 but that's what his cry was. 376 00:23:09,980 --> 00:23:11,559 How long will you hide your face? 377 00:23:12,980 --> 00:23:14,140 Anybody ever experienced that? 378 00:23:14,259 --> 00:23:15,400 The Lord hiding his face. 379 00:23:18,440 --> 00:23:21,599 Psalm 142, I pour out my complaint before him 380 00:23:21,599 --> 00:23:23,720 and I tell my troubles before him. 381 00:23:24,019 --> 00:23:24,940 You can do that. 382 00:23:26,559 --> 00:23:28,059 Job is another one. 383 00:23:29,359 --> 00:23:32,059 Prayers that he made were struggles 384 00:23:32,700 --> 00:23:34,259 in the darkness of a reply. 385 00:23:34,500 --> 00:23:37,059 Sometimes he even felt great doubt. 386 00:23:37,980 --> 00:23:41,339 In Job three, it says, why did I not die at my birth? 387 00:23:41,900 --> 00:23:44,759 I will complain in the bitterness of my soul. 388 00:23:45,559 --> 00:23:49,380 So you have people that you can identify with. 389 00:23:49,980 --> 00:23:53,940 And then Jeremiah, he said that even when I shouted 390 00:23:53,940 --> 00:23:57,680 and prayed for help, he refused to listen. 391 00:23:58,640 --> 00:24:00,599 So we have these issues 392 00:24:01,120 --> 00:24:04,259 and they may be identifiable to what we are going through 393 00:24:04,259 --> 00:24:05,900 with periods of times in our life. 394 00:24:06,680 --> 00:24:09,619 So we have these that are examples, but guess what? 395 00:24:10,440 --> 00:24:12,819 There are some observations that we wanna make 396 00:24:12,819 --> 00:24:13,759 about these fellows. 397 00:24:15,259 --> 00:24:17,579 They brought their pain to God. 398 00:24:19,019 --> 00:24:22,000 Well, I'm here if God wants me. 399 00:24:22,099 --> 00:24:24,119 No, bring your pain to God. 400 00:24:24,720 --> 00:24:26,359 And they didn't run from him. 401 00:24:27,619 --> 00:24:30,240 How many wanted to run from God at any point in time 402 00:24:30,240 --> 00:24:30,779 in their life? 403 00:24:30,980 --> 00:24:31,619 I did, yeah. 404 00:24:32,160 --> 00:24:33,099 Yeah, okay, had enough. 405 00:24:34,079 --> 00:24:37,859 All right, I was pastor for enough years, Lord, I retire. 406 00:24:38,759 --> 00:24:39,940 That's it, I'm done. 407 00:24:41,059 --> 00:24:42,900 And that was, I don't know how many years ago. 408 00:24:44,559 --> 00:24:45,599 And guess what? 409 00:24:46,980 --> 00:24:48,859 His callings are irrevocable. 410 00:24:49,700 --> 00:24:51,660 Their honesty shows relationship, 411 00:24:52,220 --> 00:24:53,900 not rebellion against God. 412 00:24:54,880 --> 00:24:56,880 They could have that type of relationship 413 00:24:56,880 --> 00:24:58,359 that they complained to him. 414 00:24:58,359 --> 00:25:00,680 Like you complained to your wife, your spouse, 415 00:25:00,920 --> 00:25:02,000 your friend or whatever. 416 00:25:02,779 --> 00:25:05,960 That's how heavy that relationship was and intimate. 417 00:25:06,660 --> 00:25:09,180 Their complaints were mixed with trust and frustration. 418 00:25:10,079 --> 00:25:11,519 We get there, we have that. 419 00:25:12,119 --> 00:25:15,559 And God did not reject them for their honest complaints. 420 00:25:15,980 --> 00:25:17,339 He would never do that. 421 00:25:18,660 --> 00:25:21,859 You don't hear people talking about, well, God left me. 422 00:25:22,119 --> 00:25:23,759 It's always they have left God. 423 00:25:24,339 --> 00:25:26,720 He is always constant, he is with you. 424 00:25:27,240 --> 00:25:30,240 And their prayers teach us then how to touch God 425 00:25:31,759 --> 00:25:36,500 despite our circumstances in life, whatever they may be. 426 00:25:37,140 --> 00:25:39,740 Okay, remember this and our issues. 427 00:25:40,380 --> 00:25:43,519 There are two invisible kingdoms 428 00:25:43,519 --> 00:25:49,099 warring to control this visible world that we live in. 429 00:25:49,799 --> 00:25:51,559 The seen and the unseen. 430 00:25:54,120 --> 00:25:55,339 Let's look at the example. 431 00:25:56,720 --> 00:26:00,059 Elijah and his servant and the Lord opened the servant's eyes 432 00:26:00,059 --> 00:26:03,420 and he saw and behold, the mountain was full of horses 433 00:26:03,420 --> 00:26:05,660 and chariots of fire all around Elijah. 434 00:26:06,359 --> 00:26:08,000 And when they came down to him, 435 00:26:08,299 --> 00:26:12,160 Elijah said to the Lord strike these people 436 00:26:12,160 --> 00:26:13,420 with blindness, I pray. 437 00:26:13,759 --> 00:26:15,500 So God struck them with blindness 438 00:26:15,500 --> 00:26:16,940 according to the word of Elijah. 439 00:26:17,440 --> 00:26:20,640 He took command of the situation, he prayed. 440 00:26:21,019 --> 00:26:23,259 He looked, he saw the enemy and he prayed. 441 00:26:24,220 --> 00:26:26,440 And yet some of us are like the servants. 442 00:26:27,160 --> 00:26:29,460 I don't see, I mean, how can we get out of this? 443 00:26:29,799 --> 00:26:31,240 There's an army before us. 444 00:26:32,420 --> 00:26:36,559 But his eyes were opened and he saw that invisible army. 445 00:26:37,680 --> 00:26:40,599 We have to realize that God's investment, 446 00:26:42,399 --> 00:26:44,339 instruct instruments on earth. 447 00:26:44,660 --> 00:26:46,859 We are able to call on God 448 00:26:47,660 --> 00:26:49,759 and we'll bring down heaven's angels. 449 00:26:50,140 --> 00:26:51,000 That's what it says. 450 00:26:51,000 --> 00:26:54,160 God will utilize his angels on our behalf. 451 00:26:54,880 --> 00:26:57,319 Through prayer, we misunderstand and learn how 452 00:26:58,079 --> 00:27:01,240 to influence the spiritual realm that we live in. 453 00:27:03,140 --> 00:27:07,859 We must move beyond our fear of the unknown 454 00:27:08,920 --> 00:27:10,759 and align ourself with the scripture. 455 00:27:11,259 --> 00:27:12,119 That's what it says. 456 00:27:13,160 --> 00:27:14,420 So look at Jesus. 457 00:27:14,940 --> 00:27:15,799 He's our example. 458 00:27:16,400 --> 00:27:18,539 He frequently dealt with the invisible forces 459 00:27:18,539 --> 00:27:21,180 of this world and powers in heavenly places. 460 00:27:21,380 --> 00:27:23,480 He was aware of them, he engaged them 461 00:27:23,480 --> 00:27:24,859 and he commanded them. 462 00:27:25,299 --> 00:27:26,480 And that's what we are to do. 463 00:27:26,640 --> 00:27:28,380 We are to be victorious over him. 464 00:27:29,480 --> 00:27:30,440 How do we do that? 465 00:27:30,980 --> 00:27:32,000 Like a little child. 466 00:27:33,140 --> 00:27:34,680 It says, truly I say to you, 467 00:27:34,759 --> 00:27:37,539 unless you turn and become like little children, 468 00:27:37,660 --> 00:27:39,359 you will never enter the kingdom of God. 469 00:27:40,000 --> 00:27:41,740 Just child likes faith. 470 00:27:42,079 --> 00:27:44,180 If you don't have a belief 471 00:27:44,180 --> 00:27:46,099 that you can get over your circumstances 472 00:27:46,099 --> 00:27:47,619 and get through your circumstances, 473 00:27:47,619 --> 00:27:49,839 says, Lord, I need help. 474 00:27:50,720 --> 00:27:53,640 Just simple prayers and he will come to you 475 00:27:53,640 --> 00:27:54,900 and he will minister to you. 476 00:27:55,359 --> 00:27:57,119 Remember the examples of discouragement 477 00:27:57,119 --> 00:27:58,039 that we talked about. 478 00:27:58,059 --> 00:27:59,960 Look at what God said about these folks. 479 00:28:00,440 --> 00:28:03,380 Like Moses, the Lord used to speak 480 00:28:03,380 --> 00:28:06,819 to Moses face to face as a man speaks to his friend. 481 00:28:07,740 --> 00:28:09,660 Wait, can you imagine a relationship like that? 482 00:28:10,200 --> 00:28:10,839 My gosh. 483 00:28:11,619 --> 00:28:12,480 I mean, that's close. 484 00:28:13,420 --> 00:28:16,460 Remember when Moses came out from the temple, 485 00:28:16,460 --> 00:28:17,680 he was white as snow. 486 00:28:18,059 --> 00:28:19,240 He came down from the mountain. 487 00:28:19,400 --> 00:28:20,220 He was white as snow. 488 00:28:20,440 --> 00:28:21,200 God visited him. 489 00:28:21,500 --> 00:28:23,680 The Shekinah glory was there. 490 00:28:24,200 --> 00:28:24,839 Look at David. 491 00:28:25,980 --> 00:28:26,960 What was said about him? 492 00:28:27,160 --> 00:28:30,420 The Lord has sought out a man after his own heart. 493 00:28:31,079 --> 00:28:31,799 And look at Job. 494 00:28:32,519 --> 00:28:35,279 That man was blameless and upright. 495 00:28:37,119 --> 00:28:40,500 One who feared God and turned away from evil. 496 00:28:41,299 --> 00:28:42,380 Yes, the complaints. 497 00:28:42,759 --> 00:28:43,700 Yes, the issues. 498 00:28:44,340 --> 00:28:45,819 Yes, bringing them to God 499 00:28:45,819 --> 00:28:49,019 and God favored them in what he said about them. 500 00:28:50,240 --> 00:28:53,319 Now, our prayers are enforcing the victory of Calvary. 501 00:28:53,880 --> 00:28:56,220 What Jesus accomplished on the cross 502 00:28:56,819 --> 00:28:59,640 is not automatically released in our lives 503 00:29:00,420 --> 00:29:01,140 and in this earth, 504 00:29:01,140 --> 00:29:03,619 but occurs through the actions of the church. 505 00:29:04,039 --> 00:29:04,740 Who is the church? 506 00:29:04,940 --> 00:29:05,460 You and I. 507 00:29:05,599 --> 00:29:07,160 We are the church, the ecclesia. 508 00:29:07,700 --> 00:29:10,599 Because he delights in our relationship 509 00:29:11,240 --> 00:29:14,539 and wants to share his work with us. 510 00:29:15,140 --> 00:29:16,319 A shared responsibility. 511 00:29:17,099 --> 00:29:19,579 He invites us to be willing, 512 00:29:20,140 --> 00:29:21,559 to be partners with him. 513 00:29:22,160 --> 00:29:23,119 What does it say? 514 00:29:23,660 --> 00:29:26,420 For we are God's fellow workers. 515 00:29:27,480 --> 00:29:28,660 That's what we are. 516 00:29:29,619 --> 00:29:31,720 We have the power to overcome the enemy 517 00:29:31,720 --> 00:29:34,079 if we ask and not rely on ourselves, 518 00:29:34,319 --> 00:29:36,319 whatever the spiritual battle may be. 519 00:29:36,440 --> 00:29:40,039 How great it is or how minuscule it may be. 520 00:29:40,559 --> 00:29:43,099 We speak life into situations. 521 00:29:43,799 --> 00:29:46,000 As people dwell in negative things, 522 00:29:46,240 --> 00:29:48,339 we speak and we build up and we edify. 523 00:29:48,599 --> 00:29:50,339 And sometimes, you know, you've been in a crowd. 524 00:29:50,500 --> 00:29:51,839 You're praying in the spirit. 525 00:29:51,980 --> 00:29:54,460 You're praying under your breath about certain situations 526 00:29:54,460 --> 00:29:57,380 and you're coming against the forces 527 00:29:57,380 --> 00:30:00,019 that are in society and conversations. 528 00:30:00,859 --> 00:30:02,000 And we do these things. 529 00:30:02,200 --> 00:30:03,819 We speak power into the situation. 530 00:30:05,000 --> 00:30:07,519 If we are the only Christian in this room, 531 00:30:07,519 --> 00:30:09,779 we are the highest ranking authority 532 00:30:09,779 --> 00:30:12,460 in that room and it's for us to take the authority. 533 00:30:12,900 --> 00:30:13,680 No one else will. 534 00:30:15,079 --> 00:30:16,799 With the power of Jesus Christ, 535 00:30:16,960 --> 00:30:18,900 we can change the atmosphere in a room, 536 00:30:19,319 --> 00:30:22,359 in a workplace, in the home, at a party 537 00:30:23,059 --> 00:30:24,259 and with even the family. 538 00:30:25,099 --> 00:30:27,920 And when we pray, he works and when we move, he works. 539 00:30:28,740 --> 00:30:31,660 I want you to begin to pray and believe more boldly 540 00:30:31,660 --> 00:30:34,480 for God's move from the heavenlies 541 00:30:34,480 --> 00:30:36,839 and work through the angelic beings 542 00:30:36,839 --> 00:30:39,839 that he has given us to participate with. 543 00:30:40,359 --> 00:30:43,160 God can touch all the broken places of our hearts, 544 00:30:43,640 --> 00:30:46,099 the disappointments, the betrayals, 545 00:30:46,599 --> 00:30:50,279 the abuses, the failures and all that life throws at us 546 00:30:50,279 --> 00:30:53,680 if we would yield our circumstances to him through prayer. 547 00:30:54,859 --> 00:30:56,480 So let me tell you a little bit of a story. 548 00:30:58,400 --> 00:31:01,799 Way back when, when my middle son got married, 549 00:31:03,480 --> 00:31:05,319 we had a destination wedding 550 00:31:06,299 --> 00:31:09,220 and he had not been living at home for some years 551 00:31:09,720 --> 00:31:14,240 and he knew the Lord and his to-be wife knew the Lord. 552 00:31:15,319 --> 00:31:17,380 And they were down in Florida for a couple of years 553 00:31:17,380 --> 00:31:19,000 and then came back to our location 554 00:31:19,000 --> 00:31:22,420 for him to retool and become a nurse. 555 00:31:22,720 --> 00:31:25,039 And in doing so, he had a very heavy schedule. 556 00:31:25,160 --> 00:31:27,779 If any one of you have ever experienced friends 557 00:31:27,779 --> 00:31:29,880 or personally a nursing program, 558 00:31:30,220 --> 00:31:32,079 it's a tough program to get through. 559 00:31:33,520 --> 00:31:36,539 So, and they had a child in the middle. 560 00:31:36,700 --> 00:31:38,000 So she was working, supporting, 561 00:31:38,220 --> 00:31:39,559 he was doing some part-time work 562 00:31:39,559 --> 00:31:41,519 and they just kind of drifted around 563 00:31:41,519 --> 00:31:43,200 because he was studying and this and that. 564 00:31:43,359 --> 00:31:44,680 And I just started praying. 565 00:31:44,799 --> 00:31:45,660 I said, Lord, you know, 566 00:31:46,080 --> 00:31:48,440 they're not including you in their life 567 00:31:49,060 --> 00:31:50,480 because they were living away. 568 00:31:50,640 --> 00:31:52,599 They came up and you know, you just don't want to go in. 569 00:31:52,700 --> 00:31:54,200 Okay, you're going to church with us next week. 570 00:31:54,299 --> 00:31:54,920 Come on. 571 00:31:55,480 --> 00:31:57,059 And of course, maybe that's what I should have done. 572 00:31:57,420 --> 00:31:59,099 But anyway, we prayed and prayed and prayed. 573 00:31:59,099 --> 00:32:03,400 And it got to the point where Angela was so desperate 574 00:32:03,400 --> 00:32:06,059 on a particular situation instead of needs 575 00:32:06,620 --> 00:32:08,420 that she called me up one day and she said, 576 00:32:08,500 --> 00:32:09,680 you know, she said, we're a mess. 577 00:32:10,740 --> 00:32:11,799 She said, we need help. 578 00:32:12,500 --> 00:32:13,880 So I told her, I said, Angela, I said, 579 00:32:14,619 --> 00:32:16,519 you're going to have a come to Jesus moment here 580 00:32:16,519 --> 00:32:17,559 but I want to tell you something. 581 00:32:18,079 --> 00:32:19,819 I said, unless you get your life together 582 00:32:19,819 --> 00:32:21,440 and center it around God, 583 00:32:21,960 --> 00:32:24,319 you go to church, be involved in service, 584 00:32:24,660 --> 00:32:27,660 do the things that Christians do, 585 00:32:28,259 --> 00:32:31,779 read the word, have a family altar, raise your child. 586 00:32:32,220 --> 00:32:33,440 You're not going to go anyplace. 587 00:32:33,740 --> 00:32:34,660 It's going to get even worse. 588 00:32:34,980 --> 00:32:37,819 And I was very frank with her today. 589 00:32:40,319 --> 00:32:41,279 What a turnaround. 590 00:32:41,819 --> 00:32:44,519 She just texted me yesterday that she took her son 591 00:32:44,519 --> 00:32:50,240 or Jammin son down to a clinic to do pro bono work 592 00:32:50,240 --> 00:32:52,559 for them because of her skills and whatever. 593 00:32:53,119 --> 00:32:54,180 And she's praying. 594 00:32:54,480 --> 00:32:57,460 She calls me up or she texts me about pray for this 595 00:32:57,460 --> 00:32:59,700 and what a dialogue, what a change, 596 00:33:00,240 --> 00:33:05,619 what a issue that was before us has now turned into his glory. 597 00:33:06,799 --> 00:33:09,000 And I want to tell you, no matter what you think 598 00:33:09,000 --> 00:33:12,440 about your families or what you have as opposition, 599 00:33:13,180 --> 00:33:15,819 that distance between where you need to pray 600 00:33:15,819 --> 00:33:17,220 in the situation and you, 601 00:33:17,720 --> 00:33:19,880 you need to begin to believe 602 00:33:19,880 --> 00:33:23,519 that God's going to answer prayer unequivocally. 603 00:33:24,680 --> 00:33:27,059 Now it may be a different time schedule than yours 604 00:33:27,059 --> 00:33:27,960 but he will. 605 00:33:29,059 --> 00:33:33,200 Okay, you have no idea then what shifting goes on 606 00:33:33,200 --> 00:33:34,099 because you pray. 607 00:33:34,519 --> 00:33:37,500 You think you're just whispering words in your car 608 00:33:37,500 --> 00:33:38,599 as most of us do. 609 00:33:39,200 --> 00:33:41,940 Just mumbling through tears that you can't explain 610 00:33:42,579 --> 00:33:44,579 or just crying in your closet. 611 00:33:45,940 --> 00:33:48,640 Because of your prayers, these things happen. 612 00:33:49,440 --> 00:33:51,859 Angels are moving, change are breaking, 613 00:33:51,859 --> 00:33:57,640 destinies are being realigned and demons are being, 614 00:33:58,960 --> 00:34:03,140 again, losing ground in these authoritative situations. 615 00:34:03,839 --> 00:34:06,339 You're not just talking, you're warring. 616 00:34:07,500 --> 00:34:10,500 You're building altars for the people that you believe for. 617 00:34:11,000 --> 00:34:13,760 You're interceding for children and friends and unknowns 618 00:34:13,760 --> 00:34:15,699 that don't even know that they're being prayed for. 619 00:34:17,219 --> 00:34:19,099 Prayer is not a soft option. 620 00:34:19,820 --> 00:34:24,079 It has to be in a given situation where we go to. 621 00:34:24,539 --> 00:34:26,039 It's a supernatural strategy. 622 00:34:27,860 --> 00:34:30,119 That's why the enemy fights so hard against it. 623 00:34:30,699 --> 00:34:31,599 And to be honest with you, 624 00:34:31,679 --> 00:34:33,840 that's why your phone rings every time you wanna pray. 625 00:34:34,639 --> 00:34:35,900 Oh, I gotta answer the phone. 626 00:34:36,199 --> 00:34:37,760 Now put it down, put it off. 627 00:34:39,039 --> 00:34:40,559 And that's why your mind races 628 00:34:40,559 --> 00:34:42,239 when you begin to focus on prayer. 629 00:34:42,679 --> 00:34:44,360 Oh, I gotta do this, I gotta do that. 630 00:34:45,019 --> 00:34:48,639 Before I became more of an advocate in prayer, 631 00:34:48,639 --> 00:34:51,760 I used to have a pencil and paper by my desk 632 00:34:51,760 --> 00:34:53,099 and every time I get something I carry, 633 00:34:53,260 --> 00:34:54,880 I write it down, forget it, that's it. 634 00:34:55,400 --> 00:34:57,639 And so I kind of loosed myself from all that. 635 00:34:58,500 --> 00:35:02,119 And because prayer is the place of power, 636 00:35:02,360 --> 00:35:03,659 understand that please. 637 00:35:04,280 --> 00:35:06,300 It says in James 5, 16, 638 00:35:06,800 --> 00:35:11,119 the heartfelt and persistent prayer of a righteous believer 639 00:35:11,119 --> 00:35:14,900 can accomplish much when put into action 640 00:35:14,900 --> 00:35:16,559 and made effective by God. 641 00:35:16,559 --> 00:35:20,199 It is the dynamic, it is the dramatic, 642 00:35:21,099 --> 00:35:25,019 it is dynamic and has power. 643 00:35:25,639 --> 00:35:30,340 Okay, I encourage you to pray. 644 00:35:30,539 --> 00:35:34,599 But more than that, pray and intercede for others. 645 00:35:35,579 --> 00:35:37,800 Lord, bless me and my family, amen. 646 00:35:38,179 --> 00:35:39,019 Okay, let's go. 647 00:35:40,119 --> 00:35:42,539 No, prayer is personal. 648 00:35:43,199 --> 00:35:44,300 It is a relationship. 649 00:35:45,300 --> 00:35:47,179 It's worship, praise, thanksgiving, 650 00:35:47,360 --> 00:35:48,780 confession, listening, waiting. 651 00:35:49,599 --> 00:35:54,440 But intercession is stepping between a need and God's help 652 00:35:54,440 --> 00:35:57,000 on behalf of another person or situation. 653 00:35:57,760 --> 00:36:00,079 As you begin to expand your prayer life, 654 00:36:00,219 --> 00:36:01,039 guess what happens? 655 00:36:02,599 --> 00:36:05,900 Your needs begin to be diminished 656 00:36:05,900 --> 00:36:08,420 because God answers them as you give yourself 657 00:36:08,980 --> 00:36:11,059 to his intercession. 658 00:36:11,480 --> 00:36:13,280 It says in 1 Timothy 2, 1, 659 00:36:13,280 --> 00:36:16,539 I urge that supplications and prayers and intercessions 660 00:36:16,539 --> 00:36:18,219 be made for all people. 661 00:36:19,219 --> 00:36:21,059 Abraham interceded for Sodom. 662 00:36:21,679 --> 00:36:23,139 Moses interceded for Israel. 663 00:36:23,980 --> 00:36:26,260 Intercession kind of carries the idea 664 00:36:26,260 --> 00:36:29,639 of standing in the gap, one, 665 00:36:30,119 --> 00:36:31,880 coming against spiritual weakness, 666 00:36:32,159 --> 00:36:34,280 dangers and failures of people's lives, 667 00:36:34,860 --> 00:36:36,440 appealing to one another, 668 00:36:38,679 --> 00:36:41,860 one who needs help often when they may not be able 669 00:36:41,860 --> 00:36:45,099 or willing or aware to ask for help. 670 00:36:45,739 --> 00:36:48,420 And then pleading a case before God, 671 00:36:49,219 --> 00:36:52,960 beseeching with intense emotional asking for God. 672 00:36:54,179 --> 00:36:57,780 Now, this is the most selfless thing that you can do, 673 00:36:58,079 --> 00:36:59,280 is pray for others. 674 00:37:00,039 --> 00:37:02,380 It breaks the back of our selfishness. 675 00:37:02,980 --> 00:37:05,719 Lord, me and thee, no, about others. 676 00:37:06,719 --> 00:37:08,559 You know, your prayer list is you be getting one. 677 00:37:08,659 --> 00:37:10,000 There's one thing that I have done 678 00:37:10,000 --> 00:37:14,079 that I thank the Lord for. 679 00:37:14,519 --> 00:37:15,980 People come up, well, pray for me. 680 00:37:16,199 --> 00:37:17,460 Okay, I'll pray for them then. 681 00:37:18,159 --> 00:37:19,719 And if the Lord lays on my heart, 682 00:37:20,980 --> 00:37:23,019 I will tell them I will pray for you. 683 00:37:23,179 --> 00:37:25,059 And those that the Lord lays on my heart, 684 00:37:25,280 --> 00:37:27,820 I have not stopped praying for any one of those people 685 00:37:27,820 --> 00:37:28,960 until we see a change. 686 00:37:29,280 --> 00:37:31,900 That's why I go around and I ask all the different people 687 00:37:31,900 --> 00:37:33,840 on the list that I know, those that I don't know, 688 00:37:34,119 --> 00:37:34,860 have things changed? 689 00:37:35,059 --> 00:37:36,119 What else do we pray for? 690 00:37:36,239 --> 00:37:36,840 Anything new? 691 00:37:36,920 --> 00:37:38,500 No, nothing's new, just keep praying. 692 00:37:39,099 --> 00:37:43,579 So again, the list can grow as you give yourself to him. 693 00:37:45,079 --> 00:37:46,880 Understand this, immediate answers 694 00:37:46,880 --> 00:37:48,559 are not necessarily the norm. 695 00:37:48,960 --> 00:37:52,340 God often works in a different timetable than ours, right? 696 00:37:54,320 --> 00:37:55,300 Fortunately or unfortunately, 697 00:37:56,159 --> 00:37:58,659 we must be willing to persevere in prayer 698 00:37:58,659 --> 00:38:01,440 and seeking him on behalf of others. 699 00:38:02,059 --> 00:38:03,219 Now, let me give you another example. 700 00:38:04,380 --> 00:38:06,539 We have a personal friend couple 701 00:38:07,059 --> 00:38:08,980 that we had discipled years and years ago 702 00:38:08,980 --> 00:38:10,380 and they became our best friends. 703 00:38:10,820 --> 00:38:12,380 They have a grown son now, 704 00:38:12,699 --> 00:38:14,440 that he is a salesman, he's successful. 705 00:38:15,440 --> 00:38:18,820 And recently he wanted to do an improvement on his house 706 00:38:19,380 --> 00:38:21,639 of about $150,000 improvement. 707 00:38:22,099 --> 00:38:27,860 So we went out and got a loan against his house 708 00:38:27,860 --> 00:38:28,920 to make these improvements. 709 00:38:29,500 --> 00:38:31,099 While the money was gonna sit there 710 00:38:31,779 --> 00:38:33,420 when the spring was going to come, 711 00:38:33,719 --> 00:38:35,159 he was going to make the improvements. 712 00:38:35,159 --> 00:38:38,840 And then he decided that maybe he would invest that money. 713 00:38:40,460 --> 00:38:43,639 Long story short, he got caught in a scam 714 00:38:44,359 --> 00:38:46,159 and he's down $150,000. 715 00:38:47,360 --> 00:38:49,380 Oh Lord, when we got the message, 716 00:38:49,639 --> 00:38:50,539 he said, okay, we'll pray 717 00:38:50,539 --> 00:38:52,139 and we started beseeching the Lord. 718 00:38:52,739 --> 00:38:56,179 It was not two weeks after we got together 719 00:38:56,179 --> 00:38:57,920 and we pray, these couple and us, 720 00:38:58,039 --> 00:38:59,820 we pray over the phone, we dialogue 721 00:38:59,820 --> 00:39:01,760 and a lot of things we do together. 722 00:39:03,240 --> 00:39:07,619 He got an interview because of his resume being on LinkedIn. 723 00:39:09,239 --> 00:39:11,519 And he now has his second interview 724 00:39:11,519 --> 00:39:15,079 and his second interview potentially will give him a job 725 00:39:15,079 --> 00:39:17,960 that's worth 20,000 more than what he has now. 726 00:39:18,159 --> 00:39:19,780 So that will cover the loan 727 00:39:19,780 --> 00:39:21,760 because the loan is $800 a month. 728 00:39:22,179 --> 00:39:24,039 So here's your budget and all of a sudden 729 00:39:24,039 --> 00:39:26,360 you pay another $800 on top of what you owe, 730 00:39:26,760 --> 00:39:27,980 it's not an easy thing. 731 00:39:28,940 --> 00:39:32,099 So again, prayer changes things. 732 00:39:33,679 --> 00:39:35,119 All right, look at this. 733 00:39:35,719 --> 00:39:37,880 When Jesus approached Jerusalem, 734 00:39:38,079 --> 00:39:40,619 he saw the city and he wept over it 735 00:39:41,500 --> 00:39:43,639 like we do in our situation. 736 00:39:46,260 --> 00:39:50,840 So pray tired, pray empty, pray unsure, 737 00:39:51,360 --> 00:39:52,519 just don't stop praying. 738 00:39:53,900 --> 00:39:56,360 I gave you examples how people were mad at God, 739 00:39:56,360 --> 00:39:59,179 that's okay, because every time we pray, 740 00:39:59,519 --> 00:40:01,900 heaven moves and hell shakes and history changes. 741 00:40:02,860 --> 00:40:06,219 Remember in Psalms, we didn't see David's orderly petitions, 742 00:40:06,679 --> 00:40:10,000 we saw him just rambling about God and about his needs. 743 00:40:10,739 --> 00:40:13,500 We are given authority to bind and loose, 744 00:40:13,739 --> 00:40:16,280 in other words, close or open in the heavenlies, 745 00:40:16,679 --> 00:40:18,000 Matthew 18, 18. 746 00:40:18,780 --> 00:40:21,320 And these are tools that God has given us 747 00:40:21,320 --> 00:40:25,099 to act with real power and authority in these situations. 748 00:40:25,639 --> 00:40:27,800 You are a son and a daughter of God, 749 00:40:27,940 --> 00:40:31,219 he's given you these things, use them, take your authority. 750 00:40:32,320 --> 00:40:35,099 And again, some battles may require helping hands. 751 00:40:35,480 --> 00:40:37,920 That's fine, in Matthew 18, 19 it says, 752 00:40:38,500 --> 00:40:40,920 if two of you shall agree on earth 753 00:40:40,920 --> 00:40:44,039 regarding anything that they shall ask, it shall be done. 754 00:40:45,159 --> 00:40:48,800 Again, the synergy of people coming together, 755 00:40:49,000 --> 00:40:50,039 not just yourself. 756 00:40:50,480 --> 00:40:51,780 Well, I can pray by myself. 757 00:40:52,099 --> 00:40:53,280 Okay, you can do that, 758 00:40:53,280 --> 00:40:55,099 but what about the prayers that are supporting 759 00:40:55,099 --> 00:40:57,440 the other people coming to you and helping you? 760 00:40:57,960 --> 00:41:00,880 Be willing, be humble enough to ask for prayer. 761 00:41:01,239 --> 00:41:02,380 I need the Lord. 762 00:41:03,019 --> 00:41:04,719 Okay, what's the issue? 763 00:41:04,940 --> 00:41:06,059 We'll pray with you. 764 00:41:09,699 --> 00:41:10,400 Don't weep. 765 00:41:11,079 --> 00:41:12,659 The line of the tribe of Judah, 766 00:41:12,940 --> 00:41:14,360 the root of David has triumph. 767 00:41:14,659 --> 00:41:17,380 He is king, he is Lord, he is Victor, 768 00:41:17,599 --> 00:41:20,800 he is the one that will give us the answer to prayer. 769 00:41:21,880 --> 00:41:27,480 All right, so, you got your cue, okay. 770 00:41:28,019 --> 00:41:29,679 So we're going to close in prayer. 771 00:41:30,880 --> 00:41:32,400 The musicians are gonna come forward. 772 00:41:33,239 --> 00:41:36,559 And I would suggest to you the following, 773 00:41:37,440 --> 00:41:40,780 that I have some questions to ask of you. 774 00:41:41,719 --> 00:41:45,000 So I want you to, it sounds like kindergarten, 775 00:41:45,900 --> 00:41:47,000 bow your head and close your eyes. 776 00:41:47,320 --> 00:41:50,219 No, but think about these things as I read them 777 00:41:50,219 --> 00:41:54,480 in prayerful thought and see if they fit. 778 00:41:57,940 --> 00:42:00,320 Are my prayers about God's will 779 00:42:01,420 --> 00:42:06,619 or about protecting my comfort, control or plans? 780 00:42:09,360 --> 00:42:12,679 If God removed himself from your plans today, 781 00:42:13,380 --> 00:42:16,000 would anything necessarily change? 782 00:42:19,179 --> 00:42:22,320 Do my prayers show real trust in God 783 00:42:23,320 --> 00:42:26,099 or am I still trying to manage the results? 784 00:42:29,800 --> 00:42:34,980 Am I praying for peace while resisting God's direction? 785 00:42:37,800 --> 00:42:41,159 Am I praying to surrender my burden to God 786 00:42:41,159 --> 00:42:44,880 or just feel better and get temporary relief? 787 00:42:47,640 --> 00:42:50,340 If prayer does not reduce the burden, 788 00:42:50,980 --> 00:42:53,960 is it actually worry rather than Godly concern? 789 00:42:57,440 --> 00:43:02,800 And is my prayer shaped more by fear or by faith? 790 00:43:03,059 --> 00:43:03,880 And that's a big one. 791 00:43:05,260 --> 00:43:07,679 Now only you can decide where your heart is 792 00:43:07,679 --> 00:43:09,139 as you answer these questions. 793 00:43:11,239 --> 00:43:14,539 So we're gonna pray together for release of your fears 794 00:43:15,380 --> 00:43:17,300 and your misplaced activities 795 00:43:18,219 --> 00:43:21,659 and turn your energy into a more productive prayer life. 796 00:43:21,760 --> 00:43:23,320 In other words, bring that need 797 00:43:23,320 --> 00:43:24,980 and that prayer closer together. 798 00:43:26,300 --> 00:43:27,380 So now let's pray. 799 00:43:28,840 --> 00:43:33,659 Father God, we come to you in humility and honesty. 800 00:43:35,039 --> 00:43:38,099 You are good and you are faithful 801 00:43:39,179 --> 00:43:43,699 and you are sovereign over every detail of our lives. 802 00:43:45,319 --> 00:43:49,320 We confess that we have not allowed, 803 00:43:49,840 --> 00:43:52,420 that often we have allowed our circumstances 804 00:43:52,420 --> 00:43:54,039 to rule our mind. 805 00:43:55,460 --> 00:43:57,440 We have looked at what we see 806 00:43:58,259 --> 00:44:01,000 instead of trusting what you have said. 807 00:44:02,380 --> 00:44:06,840 Forgive us, Lord, for letting fear, worry, 808 00:44:07,860 --> 00:44:09,860 discouragement shape our decisions. 809 00:44:11,260 --> 00:44:13,079 Forgive us for shrinking back 810 00:44:13,079 --> 00:44:16,460 when we know that you have called us to stand firm. 811 00:44:18,360 --> 00:44:20,500 And forgive us for doubting 812 00:44:20,500 --> 00:44:23,199 when you have already declared victory. 813 00:44:24,860 --> 00:44:29,239 Today, Lord, we choose to turn our eyes back to you. 814 00:44:29,980 --> 00:44:32,400 And we ask you to renew our mind 815 00:44:32,400 --> 00:44:33,980 with your truth and strength, 816 00:44:34,980 --> 00:44:37,460 our hearts with your Holy Spirit. 817 00:44:40,039 --> 00:44:41,980 Help us to believe you more. 818 00:44:43,079 --> 00:44:46,599 That we may then we do our circumstances. 819 00:44:48,280 --> 00:44:51,699 And Lord Jesus, thank you that you have given us 820 00:44:51,699 --> 00:44:53,360 authority in your name. 821 00:44:54,380 --> 00:44:57,059 Help us to exercise that authority with humility 822 00:44:57,059 --> 00:44:58,920 and courage and obedience, Lord. 823 00:45:00,840 --> 00:45:03,059 Train our hands to fight in prayer 824 00:45:03,059 --> 00:45:04,900 and our mouth to speak your word 825 00:45:05,639 --> 00:45:07,659 and our heart to rest in your power, 826 00:45:08,239 --> 00:45:09,480 not in our own light. 827 00:45:10,579 --> 00:45:13,179 Lord, we declare that you are greater 828 00:45:13,179 --> 00:45:16,420 than every obstacle there is 829 00:45:16,420 --> 00:45:19,719 and stronger than any fear that we have. 830 00:45:20,880 --> 00:45:23,679 And you are faithful in every trial, Lord. 831 00:45:25,559 --> 00:45:28,679 We surrender our control, our worries, 832 00:45:29,440 --> 00:45:31,000 our weaknesses to you. 833 00:45:31,679 --> 00:45:35,079 And we receive your strength, your peace 834 00:45:35,079 --> 00:45:38,699 and your protection in Jesus name. 835 00:45:39,480 --> 00:45:39,920 Amen. 836 00:45:44,320 --> 00:45:47,280 Thanks for joining us at Lansdale Life Church 837 00:45:47,280 --> 00:45:49,820 as we praise God and discuss His word. 838 00:45:50,500 --> 00:45:53,559 Don't forget to join us for worship live Sunday mornings 839 00:45:53,559 --> 00:45:55,960 at 10 a.m. Eastern on YouTube. 840 00:45:56,820 --> 00:45:59,059 Be blessed and have a great day.