Prayer With Purpose
Visit our Facebook page
  • Home
  • ABOUT US
    • WHO I AM
    • Contact Us
    • THE VISION
    • THE ASSIGNMENT
    • THE BLESSING
  • CURRENT EVENTS
    • THIS IS THAT ...
    • REVIVAL COMETH ...
    • PRAYING IN AGREEMENT
  • THE LIBRARY - BIBLE STUDIES
    • HOW TO EXERCISE FAITH
    • 2023 PROPHETIC WORD
    • WHY STUDY THE SCRIPTURES
    • DON'T KNOW GOD?
  • 31 DAYS TO MENTAL HEALTH
    • WHO YOU ARE IN CHRIST SCRIPTURES
    • PROCLAMATIONS FOR PASTORS
    • THE EPISTLE PRAYERS
    • PRAYERS FOR FAMILY
    • THE SWORD
  • 101 THINGS ON HEALING
    • THE MEDICINE CABINET
    • BULLET BOX
    • YOU ARE AN OVERCOMER SCRIPTURES
  • POWER PRAISE
    • RESOURCES

April 30, 2013 - Team Tuesday

4/30/2013

1 Comment

 
Blessings to you who walk daily with God!

We are continuing to study Matthew 16:13-20. For previous lessons just scroll down.

May the Lord keep you covered within His embrace. May He strengthen your inward man by His Spirit. May He enlarge your capacity to receive knowledge of your Kingdom rights and benefits.

"And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." Matthew 16:19

Keys
For several weeks we have focused on what we think these keys might be. Basically, they are given to bind things that are bad and loose things that are good.

My list consists of these Keys of Heaven:
  • The Word of God
  • The Name of Jesus
  • The Holy Spirit
  • Weapons
Each of these has been discussed in previous lessons.

Weapons
When the Word of God, The Name of Jesus, and the power of the Holy Spirit are in operation together against the kingdom of darkness, they manifest the highest power and achieve victory!

What do we know about these weapons that are invisible to the earthly realm?
  • They are spiritual.
  • They are not carnal or fleshly.
  • They are for use in warfare against the kingdom of darkness.
  • They are mighty in God.
  • They bind spiritual forces that seek to kill, steal and destroy.
  • They can stop all fiery thoughts and evil images.
Read 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

There is so much that can be said about spiritual warfare. As loving people of God, warfare may not be a topic we get excited about or even want to know about. But our loving Father does not see it that way. He doesn’t want to see His enemies’ schemes and lies dominating His children, especially since His Son shed His Blood so they would be free and in a position of authority.

Rules of Engagement —Resist the Enemy!
“You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus…endure hardship as a good soldier…no one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier…”  2 Timothy 2:1-4

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith…  1 Peter 5:8-9

“Submit to God, resist the devil and he will flee from you.”  James 4:7

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and the power of His might.”  Ephesians 6:10

All warfare, all weapons, all armor, all prayer, must be exercised through the strength of Jesus and the power of His might…not your might. In fact, “... whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:17

“Blessed are you who do these things.”

Several weeks I ago I shared this with you:
While on a walk at a local park, I saw a Mom hand her keys to a child that had recently learned to walk. That toddler was so happy to have them. They must have been a bit heavy for her tiny hand to hold for there were a lot of keys on that key ring. The Lord spoke to my heart:

“That toddler doesn’t have a clue what she has in her hand. That’s the way it is with much of My church.”

Jesus always desired to please His Father, and so must we. If much of The Church is playing around as a toddler with the keys of Heaven, she is not pleasing the Father who wants His power and goodness released on earth.

Now, I’ve never seen a toddler in military combat. No, toddlers are being trained by their parents. And they are just beginning to go from eating baby food to adult meals. Here we see the importance of God’s government: the ministry gifts that equip the church, making disciples of those New Creations in Christ. What a glorious plan of God is The Church!

Armor For the Glorious Church—Fully Equipped to Dominate!
Ephesians 6:10-18 

Herein is the power of God.
Put on the whole armor to stand against schemes of the devil; our true enemy who is not flesh and blood. Take up the whole armor of God to withstand him.

Six pieces of armor are listed that cover and protect the Believer. Remember, they are God’s armor and are completely effective when used properly.

The Armor
“…let us put on the armor of light.”  Romans 13:12

“…by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left…”  2 Corinthians 6:7

None of this armor can be seen in the natural realm, right? Can it be seen in the spiritual realm? If it can be seen in the spiritual realm, can the enemy see when one piece of the armor is beginning to dim, or worse, when it goes out like a bad light bulb?

If that is the case, the enemy would surely begin to attack that weak area and try to remove the rest of the armor. How important is it to have all six pieces working strong? Do they affect the others? And, can we have God’s armor on without having God’s word in our heart? Selah

The Belt of Truth
“Stand therefore (hold your ground), having tightened the belt of truth around your loins…”
Ephesians 6:14 Amp

“The truth will set you free.” This is the purpose of scriptural knowledge.

Kingdom truth…or the truth of the gospel is pure and powerful. When this knowledge is acted upon, the lies of the enemy melt like wax!

Kingdom truth is being increased (released) from Headquarters to The Church. It is called solid food. It will produce strong, mature believers who are skillful in the word of righteousness. See Hebrews 5:12-14

Meat is necessary to a developing Body. It provides more nourishment than milk.

His Word is truth. There’s power in His Word. There is power in truth.
“In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise…”

Ephesians 1:13

Every word that God has spoken is true and can be relied on throughout eternity.
After all, you have based your eternal future on it!

Jesus overcame the enemy with “It is written.” God’s word is the substance that framed the worlds and is presently upholding all things. It is as powerful as God Himself!

Perhaps, God started His armor with the strength of the Belt of Truth because that is what the enemy targets first. If he can get a child to question what is written, or lie about what the Word will do, he can gain entrance. Remember how he deceived Eve?

“Did God really say…?” This, Beloved, is where we either stand, or totter and fall.

The Breastplate of Righteousness
“Stand therefore…having put on the breastplate of righteousness…”  Ephesians 6:14

This breastplate is your right standing in God…or your right to stand before God. No human can attain this place by works because Jesus already bought it with His Blood. To try and gain approval by works is futile.

Justification — Just-As-If I Had Never Sinned!
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”  Romans 5:1

“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21

"I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me…” John 17:23

Our Glorious Champion is seated at the right hand of God. This wonderful Almighty Deliverer and Intercessor has deposited His Spirit within us that we should be free of condemnation and sin consciousness. He has made us accepted and complete in Him to come boldly before the throne of grace without any shame or guilt.

When the enemy tries to steal your right standing in God, speak what Jesus has done for you. These are your Kingdom rights and benefits bought with His blood.

The Power of the Breastplate
“What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness of faith;

“but Israel, pursuing the law of righteousness, has not attained to the law of righteousness. Why? Because they did not seek it by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone.” Romans 9:31-32

Right standing with God protects your New Creation Man. See it as covering your chest, and protecting your back. It is far more powerful than a policeman’s bullet-proof vest.

When the enemy tries to steal your identity, hound you with past failures and inadequacies as a Christian, remember who Jesus is! Read your Who Am I scriptures on the Resource page. It will not only make the devil’s lies about you melt like wax, but you are putting on God’s armor.

Feet Shod with the Preparation of The Gospel of Peace
“Stand therefore…having shod your feet in preparation (to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news) of the Gospel of peace.”  Ephesians 6:15 Amp

Soldiers in combat wear special military boots specifically designed for protection during training and combat. But your shoes are supernatural Kingdom Shoes. They’re empowered by the Holy Spirit to protect your walk!

“I say then: walk in the Spirit …” Galatians 5:16

They protect your feet against rocks, thorns, snakes, and mines set by the enemy. They will keep your feet from getting caught in a snare. They are “power shoes” that give you lift and ability to advance the Gospel of peace.

“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who proclaims peace, who brings glad tidings of good things, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, "Your God reigns!"  Isaiah 52:7

When the enemy comes to block or hinder you from making progress to accomplish your divine calling, this armor provides supernatural resilience to keep you moving forward. Open your mouth and declare boldly:

“If God is for me who can stand against me?” See Romans 8:31

Next Lesson: 
The Shield of Faith-The Helmet of Salvation-The Sword of the Spirit

Prayer
The Author of our salvation gave us the Keys of Heaven and specific instructions in how to triumph over the enemy. Put on all the armor of God so you will be continually in a standing position of authority and boldness to intercede and pray out God’s plans.

“But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit…”  Jude 20

Your state needs your voice and God’s blessings. Pray for your cities and counties. Bind the bad…release the good! Follow the leading of the Holy Spirit.

The Church—The Lost—Elected Officials


1 Comment

April 23, 2013 - Team Tuesday

4/23/2013

2 Comments

 
Dear Partner in Prayer,

This is a continuing study of Matthew 16:13:20. Scroll down for previous lessons.

May the word of Christ, (the anointed One and His anointing,) dwell in you richly in all wisdom. May whatever you do in word or deed be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father.

"And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." Matthew 16:19

Keys of Heaven
I hope you have gone before the Lord to inquire what these keys are. They provide the ability to stand against a defeated, yet cunning enemy; one who cannot and never will prevail over Christ’s Body, The Church! After all, we are resurrected representatives of an Almighty Kingdom and our faith is the substance that overcomes the world! Praise the Lord!

If this deceptive, malicious enemy can hide the knowledge of The Body’s rights and benefits from us, he will have more of an entrance to steal, kill, and destroy.

Jesus came to give us LIFE abundantly and His Holy Spirit is sent as The Teacher and Administrator of the New Covenant, purchased not with the blood of bulls and goats, but bought with the Son’s pure and holy Blood.

He that was slain from the foundation of the world, Jesus Christ, is now seated at God’s right hand! He came that He might destroy the works of the devil.
1 John 3:8

He is The Lion of the tribe of Judah who holds the keys of death and Hades in His hand, gloriously seated in the heavenlies:

“... far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.” Ephesians 1:21-23

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.

For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers.

“All things were created through Him and for Him.
And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.
And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.

“For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.” See Colossians 1:15-20.

Wow! There is so much to dig into here, Beloved.

Meditating on these scriptures will cause them to abide, or be activated in your spirit man. They will transform old “illiterate ways of thinking” so that you will be a powerful enforcer of the Word of God.

Meditating on scripture can be very effective in gaining ascendancy and holding your ground to dominate the ways of the enemy. But like most things in God’s Kingdom, we have our part, He has His part.

“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ…”
What would you say is our part?

Back to The Keys of Heaven
Keys are given to bind up and to loose.

Here is a look at my list which we have previously studied:
  • The Word of God
  • The Name of Jesus
  • The Holy Spirit
What do these three keys have in common?
  • They each come from a realm of dominion.
  • They are not of this earthly world system.
  • They each come forth from the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
  • They are all one and are not dividable.
  • Each key has more power than thousands of nuclear bombs put together.
  • Each one has power over any earthly circumstance.
  • They have been given specifically to God’s Ambassadors.
  • They provide provision to help accomplish assignments while on earth.
  • They can accomplish the will of God, our Father.
Next Key—Weapons of Mass Destruction!
God’s Word
The name of Jesus
The power of the Holy Spirit
When they are used and directed together as a weapon against the kingdom of darkness, they are the highest power that produce spectacular victory!

How would you define power?
One might quickly think of those things on earth that are powerful.

But what would you say God’s power is?
Perhaps we might answer God’s power is His glory or ability; His might, strength, mighty works, and miracles; His freedom and right to act; His absolute majesty and unrestricted authority; His angels, force, and dominion.

Would you also say God’s power and dominion are resident in the new creation man who is empowered by the Holy Spirit?

Unseen Weapons
“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.

“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ…” Read 2 Corinthians 10:3-5. It takes supernatural power to take every thought captive to the Word!

Definition of weapon: armament; instrument of war; lethal instrument; deadly weapon. Used for defense, offense, protection, guarding, attacking and countermeasures.

Our weapons were not to be left as just reading material in the Book. They are for our use and should be activated daily so that we become more skillful.

The U.S. Army would never consider sending out soldiers without supplying them with military weapons and training them in combat procedures. Jesus has provided weapons for His Church that when used properly are guaranteed to enforce and nullify the enemy’s assignments. 

“... that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God.” Philippians 1:27-28

Fear and timidity are never an asset to a soldier.

Jesus said, “I give you the authority to trample…over all the power of the enemy and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” Luke 10:19 

God’s Armor—A Requirement for The Church
We are to be strong in the Lord and the power of His might. Whose might?

He is The Commander in Chief who has all power, knowledge, and experience in how to triumph over all the power of the enemy. Why?

“He disarmed principalities and powers and made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.” Colossians 2:15  For by Him they were created and by Him they were disarmed!

“The message of His cross is the power of God. Our faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.” Read 1 Corinthians 1 and 2.

He is the One who clothes us. He is the One who equips us with His own unseen armor. We rely on His expertise to guide us and to keep us protected always.

It's an Inside Job

Remember, Jesus knows best how spiritual things work. His Holy Spirit is sent to teach and guide you and me in spiritual warfare. We should start each day yielded and submitted to His leading so that the victory is guaranteed.

David, before going into any battle, inquired of the Lord. Why? Because different battles required different strategies. This is vital to our safety, Saints, especially in the time we are living in.

As we mature in spiritual things, we become more powerful the more we yield to the Lord.  

Fun Assignment
Read Ephesians 6:10-18.
Can God’s armor and weapons be seen? Can your enemy be seen?
Make a list of the armor and how each piece functions.

Prayer
Ephesians Chapter 6.

Have you noticed God's armor precedes the instructions for prayer?

“Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all (manner of) prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God’s consecrated people.)”
Ephesians 6:18 AMP


THE CHURCH — THE LOST— ELECTED OFFICIALS


2 Comments

April 16, 2013 - Team Tuesday

4/16/2013

1 Comment

 
Dear Partner in Prayer,

We are continuing our study on the keys of Heaven. Previous lessons are below. Just scroll down.

May the Lord increase your strength and ability to move forward and advance in prayer. No weapon formed against you will prosper. May the Lord prosper your ministry of reconciliation. Be strong and courageous! God is on your side.

Read Matthew 16:13-20
"And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." Vs. 19

Jesus and His church are one. He is the King of a superior Kingdom that rules over all. See Psalm 103:20. The Church are first and foremost citizens of that Kingdom and when our assignment is over we will return to that magnificent place. But even while here on earth, we are called to pray from our heavenly seat as one in Christ Jesus. Read Ephesians 2:1-9.  We are a peculiar people!

We are sent on a mission to enforce God’s will over sin and darkness so that people may be blessed with His goodness. We are also citizens of the United States. We have dual occupancy—dual citizenship. We have rights and privileges that each birth right guarantees.

Our Father did not send us on our assignment without providing Kingdom direction and Kingdom provision. Nor are we ever alone in our work.

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”  Ephesians 2:10.

“I will build My Church…I will give you the keys of the Kingdom…”
Evidently the building of The Church relies on powerful keys from the Heavenly Kingdom.

The New Creation—Kingdom Citizens Who Have the Ministry of Reconciliation
“Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.

“Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

2 Corinthians 5:18-20

God did not send us out on assignment without a supply from His Kingdom.

Power Provision
I hope you have made a list of what you think those keys are. This is a wonderful and powerful study that can affect how you live and work for God while on this earth.

The Keys of Heaven
We have previously studied two keys on my list:
  1. The Word of God
  2. The Name of Jesus

Next Power Key: The Holy Spirit
Can the name of Jesus operate without the Holy Spirit? I don’t think so. Why? Because He is the power source. Jesus needed Him to heal the sick and cast out demons.

"…how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.” Acts 10:38

There is very much to say about this glorious Person: God’s Holy Spirit. We will look at some of His main attributes.

He is the Builder of The Church. Why? Jesus said one cannot be born again without Him. It is the Person of the Holy Spirit that embraces the sinner to help him be born again. See John 3:1-8. "The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit."

Jesus’ Departure—Our Advantage?
Jesus said it is to our advantage that He go away. In fact, the Holy Spirit could not come until Jesus left. He said the Father would send the Holy Spirit in His Name!

See John 16:7.

The Holy Spirit is:
  • Your Comforter
  • Your Counselor
  • Your Helper
  • Your Intercessor
  • Your Advocate
  • Your Strengthener
  • Your Standby
  • Your Teacher
  • The Reminder of Jesus’ words
See John 14:26 Amp.

The Advantage
When Jesus walked the earth He helped many people. But when the crowds went home, they went home without Him. We’re different! The Holy Spirit, and all that He is, filled our inner man on the day of our new birth. You and I were born of Him. We will never be an orphan again and we will never be alone. He’s there with us in every step we take, in every part of this life. He is forever undeniably faithful to us. He’ll always help us and lead us into triumph and victory…if we’ll hear and obey.

Baptizer
"I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” Matthew 3:11

When you received Him as the Baptizer with fire, His might was released in you. “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you…”
See Acts 1:5, 1:8, and Acts 2:1-4.

The Greek word for power is dunamis. This is where we get the word dynamite from. Think of the Holy Spirit as the all mighty power Source that can cause demons to flee in fright! He and The Word of God are the sword of the Spirit: God’s armor given to us for power, protection and advancement!

His initial indwelling when you were born again was increased and expanded when you were baptized in Him and spoke in tongues. See Acts 19:1-7.

A Bit of Humor
This Baptism is hard to put into words but one word came to my mind, “volumized,” which was not found in my dictionary. But the word voluminous is. It means: of great volume; large; extensive; abundance; sizable; massive. Which makes one wonder how God can squeeze Himself into the spirit of man? Selah…

The Revealer—John 16:1-15
Jesus said, God’s Spirit:
  • Convicts the world of sin, righteousness and judgment.
  • He is the Revealer of truth and will guide us into all truth.
  • He speaks only what He hears.
  • He reveals things to come.
  • He will glorify Jesus for He takes what belongs to Jesus and gives it to us.
“I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh.”

"This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses. Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear.” Acts 2:32-33

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit—1 Corinthians 12
Diversities of gifts, differences of ministries, diversities of activities, but the same God works all in all. The manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all…as He wills.
“Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.”

The Fruit of the Spirit—Galatians 5:22-23
Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.

Some teachers say this is the “fruit” of the Holy Spirit. Other teachers say this is the “fruit” of the reborn spirit. I tend to think that the “new creation man” could not produce these living attributes without the abiding fullness of Him that is all good.

There is much more to say about the Holy Spirit. I found 93 verses in the New Testament that speak of Him. You may want to study about Him even if you have walked with Him for 80 years! He wants us to seek and inquire after Him. This is how He reveals more of Himself. Saints, there’s much, much more to know!

Prayer, Weakness, and The Helper
“Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses.
For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.”
Romans 8:26-28

Lean on Him to guide you as you pray for your cities and counties. He was sent to help Kingdom Ambassadors enforce God’s will on earth. Your Spirit-led prayers can prevent much destruction. Never underestimate how powerful you are in Him.

THE CHURCH —THE LOST—OUR LEADERS




1 Comment

April 9, 2013 - Team Tuesday

4/9/2013

1 Comment

 
Partner in Prayer,

Previous lessons are below. Just scroll down.

May the Lord bless you today with His strength and power to overcome any situation. May He prosper you as you work with the Holy Spirit to be effective in prayer to establish the Kingdom of God’s goodness on earth. Lord, shower your blessings on this dear Saint.

In the name of Jesus.

Are you actively using your keys?
Read Matthew 16:13-20

"And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." Vs. 19

What do you say these keys of Heaven are? Have you made a list?

Let’s continue on with a look at my list.
In the previous lesson we studied what I believe is the Master Key over all:

The Word of God
We could not have the authority to bind and loose without the decree from God’s Word. Authority is transferred by words. His Word is His will. Not only that, but His words contain the power within them to produce what God said. When these living seeds meet with our faith they begin to grow!

What would be another key?

The Name
There’s power in His name.
“Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11

"And these signs will follow those who believe:
In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover." Mark 16:17-18

Although there’s power in His name and authority is given to The Church to rule, each believer has been deputized and has the responsibility to actively enforce law and order. The Lord has released and declared His name to have power over all earthly circumstances. Because of the time and season we are living in, if The Church does not release the fullness of power given to her, wickedness will increase and expand.

The Name Has Authority
After Jesus was taken up into Heaven and sat down at God’s right hand, the apostles went out…the Lord working with them, or within them, confirming the word with accompanying signs…through His name.

Example
Peter and John went up to the temple and saw a man begging, who was lame from his birth. This was his daily routine. But this one day was to be magnificently different than all others.

“Then Peter said, ‘Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.’” Acts 3:6

Immediately, his feet received strength and he arose leaping and praising God! What did Peter say when the multitudes asked about this miracle?
 “…His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong... Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness...” Acts 3:16

Use of The Name
Using His name is an inside job. Why? Because that is where the Holy Spirit resides. Peter was changed from a man who denied ever knowing Jesus to a powerful and bold apostle who was anointed to heal the sick and instruct the multitudes without any fear. Why?

The Holy Spirit…The Power Source of The Kingdom
The apostles and disciples could not have been effective until the day they were filled with power from Heaven, the Day of Pentecost. Jesus had instructed them to wait in Jerusalem for the Promise of the Father.

“You shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit…You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you shall be witnesses to Me…”
Read Acts 1:1-14 and Chapter 2

Can the Name operate without the Holy Spirit?

Miracles
I still remember how an evangelist who preached from Acts 19:11-20 made us laugh while we were at a meeting years ago. This is the account of how God worked unusual miracles in Ephesus at the hands of Paul. Handkerchiefs and aprons brought from his body healed the sick and cast out demons. Some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists, who had seen God move through Paul, took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits.

The Price of Ignorance
Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, had seven sons who went into action!

 “We exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches…” Uh Oh!
They had nothing on the inside. They lacked the power to cast the demon out. They had no personal divine hook-up to Jesus or the power source, the Holy Spirit.

 “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?”

Of course, you know the story. The man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on all seven of those men. He beat them up and stripped them so that they ran away naked and wounded. What was the result?

“Fear fell on all the people of Ephesus and the Name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.” See Acts 19:17

Why? Darkness and light were both revealed. The Almighty Spirit of God who is the true power was exalted and many turned from wickedness to the Lord.

“I will give you the keys of heaven…” Use of His name is a power key that operates through Him, by His Spirit, to bind evil and loose God’s abundant provisions of goodness.

What was Jesus giving to us when He gave us His name?

The Power of Attorney     
What is the power of attorney?

  1. The authority to act for another person in legal or financial matters.
  2. A legal document giving such authority to someone.
"And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you.” John 16:23

All the power and authority that is Jesus is also in His name. Think of how He healed the multitudes out of love and compassion. It was the Father working through Him to set people free to enjoy life.

Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil. He came so that people could have the blessing of abundant life through Him. We, The Church, have been deputized to continue on to do the Father’s will.

“For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.

 "And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses." Mark 11:23-26

Pray Now
Pray in the Spirit and enforce the power of the name of Jesus as you pray for:
The Church—The Lost—Elected Officials. Let’s pray for our leaders to have God’s wisdom in dealing with threats from North Korea.




1 Comment

Team Tuesday - April 2, 2013

4/2/2013

0 Comments

 
Dear Pray-er,

This is Part 9 of our Bible Study. Scroll down for previous lessons.

I pray for you today: Father, bless this dear brother or sister with your abiding and powerful love. Keep them in the shelter of your embrace. Cause them to be filled with the strength and power of the Holy Spirit. Open the eyes of their understanding and prosper them to a higher place of prayer that produces life.
In the name of Jesus.

Receive that today as you speak it over yourself.

Read Matthew 16:13-20
In this study we have focused on several very important principles that The Church is built upon and functions from.
  • Jesus is the Master Architect who is building His Church. There is no division between Jesus and His Church. The Head and the body are one.
  • Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega who has the keys of Hades and Death. The gates of Hades shall never prevail against The Church. Jesus is the Head of The Church and He has dominion over ALL! (Read Colossians Chapter 1 this week.)
  • Jesus is the foundation upon which the ministry gifts function: apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor and teacher. When in correct alignment their operation is to equip the saints to do the work of ministry. A healthy Body will bring unity, knowledge, perfection and maturity to His Church.
  • Jesus has released the “keys of Heaven” to His body to bind and to loose.

My Key Ring
You probably have many keys on your key ring, but I have only two on my key ring. One key is a house key. It opens and locks the door to my home. I cannot enter without it. My home provides me with things necessary to my life: shelter, food, clothing; a place set apart for me to rest, to study, and to gather with others. I also use my key to protect my home so that no intruder can enter.

My other key is to my car. That key unlocks my car. The same key also turns the ignition on to provide me with mobility so that I can go and do what I want.

Keys of Heaven
What are these keys? What are they for? How do they operate? Can “little ol’ me” use them? Like the keys to my home and my car, do the “keys of Heaven” help to meet the needs of its Ambassadors who are presently on earth?

Certainly, there are several answers to what these keys are.

Various views are kind of like taking different hiking trails to the top of a mountain. We may each see things a bit differently on our journey. That’s fine as long as our opinions don’t contradict sound doctrine.

Several lessons back, I asked you to make a list of what you thought the keys were. I also made a list of what I thought they are. Before I share my thoughts, let’s again acknowledge some basic truths the scriptures plainly say about these keys:
  • They came from Jesus.
  • They have been issued to The Church.
  • Only The Church has them.
  • They are to be used.
  • They are from another Kingdom.
  • They are power and authority.
  • They bind and they loose.
  • They work in the supernatural to change the natural.

My List
In meditating about what these keys of Heaven are, I would put one above all others. Let’s study this one key this week.

The Word of God: The Master Key that opens all of the other keys.
  • In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1
  • He is before all things and in Him all things consist. Colossians 1:17
  • The worlds were framed by the Word of God. Hebrews 11:3
  • He is upholding all things by the Word of His power. Hebrews 1:3
  • It is the perfect law of liberty. James 1:25
  • The Words that I speak to you are spirit and they are life. John 6:63
  • The Word of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. Psalm 19:7
  • He sent His Word and healed them and delivered them from their destructions. Psalm 107:20
  • The sower sows the Word. Mark 4:14
  • The Word of God is living and powerful. Hebrews 4:12
  • The sword of the Spirit is the Word of God. Ephesians 6:17
  • Jesus overcame the tempter in the wilderness by speaking, “It is written.” Matthew 4:1-11
  • His name is called The Word of God. Revelation 19:13
  • They overcame him, (the devil,) with the Word of their testimony. Rev. 12:11
  • You were born again of incorruptible seed through the Word of God. 1 Peter 1:23
  • His Word is life and health to all your flesh. Proverbs 4:22
  • Jesus prayed for you to be sanctified by the Word of truth. John 17:17
  • The Holy Spirit guides us and teaches us truth. John 16:13
  • The Word of God is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction and instruction in righteousness, that we may be complete and equipped. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
  • God’s Word provides us with great and precious promises that we may partake of the divine nature and escape corruption. 2 Peter 1:4
  • As we meditate and do God’s Word we shall have success. Joshua 1:8
  • Faith comes by hearing. And hearing comes by God’s Word. Romans 10:17
  • God’s Word will lead you, keep you and speak with you. Proverbs 6:22-23

Well, I could write a book on all the scriptures that speak of God’s Word. But in fact, it’s already been written!

The abiding Word is the key to answered prayer.
“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.”  John 15:7

Power
The Word of God coming forth in faith from a Believer's mouth has the same power to enforce victory as Jesus did when He said, "It is written."

"Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you."  Luke 10:19


Darkness vs. The Light
If you and I did not have a Bible, we would know nothing of who our Father is, who Jesus is, or who we are in Christ.

We would know nothing of The Church: Kingdom citizens who have the operational power of God on earth. Imagine this world without The Church. Lawlessness, wickedness and chaos would be everywhere to such an awful degree. We may complain about how bad things have become now but do you remember the fullness of sin that Genesis 6:5 describes?

Think of what would be missing from your life without His Word.

If we didn’t have the Word, we would have no knowledge of our rights and privileges that Jesus purchased for us in our redemption. In fact, we could not even be born again without hearing God’s Word. My goodness, where would we be? Would we even have a reason for living?

There certainly would be a gigantic void in my life without His Word.

In truth, without God’s Word of power upholding this planet and everything on it, we could not even exist!

Pray Now
Let us offer up hearts of gratitude today to our Father and our Lord Jesus for giving us His glorious Word and the knowledge of all that has been freely given to us. It was not without great cost to our Beloved.

This is a good time to intercede for The Lost in your city and the counties of your state. Where would you be if someone had not prayed for you?

0 Comments

    Archives

    October 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013


    ___________________________



    Categories

    All

Copyright © 2013 – 2023  Prayer with Purpose; prayerwithpurpose.org