"The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground ... and the seed should sprout and grow ..."
Mark 4:26-27
___________________________________________________________
Dear Saints,
If you have not studied the previous lesson, please scroll down and read before continuing on.
“Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.” Mark 11:24
Did you believe you received when you prayed?
“Yes, I did.”
That’s great!
Now, having done all to stand, stand therefore … in faith believing.
BEHIND THE SCENES
Let’s take a look into the unseen spiritual realm, from the point of prayer — to there it is!
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ …” (Ephesians 1:3)
Things to remember about the operation of the unseen spiritual realm:
WORDS: An Expression of Thoughts!
WORDS: Seeds!
Words are a product of thoughts.
Words are seeds that plant your future, either for good or for evil.
The Hebrew scribes define words as “things.”
“A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things.” (Matthew 12:35)
What you say matters!
You not only received salvation by the words of your mouth (Romans 10:10), but the words of your mouth will bring things to you.
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue …” (Proverbs 18:21)
“… the tongue is a little member. See how great a forest a little fire kindles!” (James 3:5)
“Therefore, holy brethren,
partakers of the heavenly calling,
consider the Apostle
and High Priest of our confession,
Christ Jesus …” (Hebrews 3:1)
The Security Guard
When the Word of God has filled your heart and transformed your mind, your spirit man is easily able to guard what is coming out of your mouth. Your spirit stands like a security guard over what can be released and stops what is not allowed to be spoken.
Let’s look at two examples of what the spoken word can do.
Faith-Filled Words Produce Life
Ordinary Lives — Extraordinary Results
The Old Testament tells us an interesting story. (2 Kings 4:8-37) A Shunammite woman had a son who died, perhaps from a sun stoke. She set her faith to find Elisha, the anointed prophet of God.
When her husband asked why she was leaving she said, “It is well!” Think of that! Later, Elisha raised her son from the dead and “all WAS well!” She only spoke what she desired. This is “calling things that be not as though they were.” (Romans 4:17)
In Matthew 8:5-13 the Centurion soldier came to Jesus on behalf of his paralyzed servant who was in terrible torment. Jesus responded, “I will come and heal him ...”
“Only speak a word and my servant will be healed.
For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.
“‘Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you.’
And his servant was healed that same hour.”
Jesus said this Roman soldier had “great faith.”
Why? He had a revelation that words could be sent to heal his servant.
One of the things both of these testimonies have in common is their faith connected with two holy men who were anointed and appointed by God. There was NO waiting for them to see results.
TIME
We, of course, like immediate results to prayer. But sometimes there is a process taking place in the supernatural realm which is not evident to us. Our faith in God can anchor us to hold us steady. His grace and faith abide within us.
But faith must be developed.
“Okay, but how do I develop faith?”
Jesus told His disciples, “If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say …” (Luke 17:6) Plant it! It will grow. You really can’t study the subject of faith without talking about words.
Don’t speak words contrary to what you are believing for.
The enemy would love to steal your dream with your own words. That’s why he tries to send evil imaginations into your thoughts.
What to do? Fight the good fight of faith. Take every thought captive to line up with God’s Word.
THE APPLE
Like the protected core of an apple holds the seeds to future life, our inner man has the
ability to produce the nature of God in us but also something extraordinary: The Kingdom of God!
“The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, ‘Lo here!’ or, ‘lo there!’ for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.” (Luke 17:20:21)
In other words, don’t go running here and there looking for God’s Kingdom. It’s been planted in your heart by God’s living Word.
HOW THE KINGDOM OF GOD WORKS
How Prayer Works
First the Seed …
Notice the bean in the first three stages of development is not seen in the natural realm: the five-sense realm.
One apple seed is tiny yet when planted can produce a large tree. Many seeds planted can produce an orchard that in one season can produce 16,000 pounds of fruit… fruit that nourishes and gives life to people.
Never underestimate the power of a seed.
Remember the Parable of the Mustard Seed? (Mark 4:30-32)
The Kingdom of God is growing but begins where it cannot be seen — in the heart of you and me, Kingdom citizens who have authority on earth through Jesus Christ.
God’s Kingdom is being revealed on earth through His people fulfilling their assignments!
“The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground, and should sleep by night and rise by day, and the seed should sprout and grow, he himself does not know how. For the earth yields crops by itself: first the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head. But when the grain ripens, immediately he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.” (Mark 4:26-29)
Just think of this.
God wanted a family. He started with Adam and Eve and now there are over seven billion people on earth! He’s getting ready to “put in the sickle!” See James 5:7-8.
Definition of Development: growth, progress, advance, expansion, unfolding, opening, maturing, maturation, maturity, ripeness
Elohim, God our Creator, designed everything on earth to begin with a seed. Look outside at the grass, the trees, birds, animals, etc., all started with a seed, including you and me.
God wanted a Church. He planted Jesus! (John 12:24)
We, His people, are born again of the incorruptible seed of the Word of God! (1 Peter 1:23)
So, what do seeds need to grow?
As you read through this list, think of the spiritual side of what we are talking about.
Seeds need to be planted in an environment that will allow them to grow: good soil.
Seeds need sunshine. A seed planted in a pot and placed in a dark garage will eventually die.
Seeds need to be watered.
Seeds need to be fed fertilizer.
After planting they need help with their enemies: weeds and bugs.
The farmer can do this. Watching over his apple orchard is an on-going process.
THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER — Mark Chapter Four
“The sower sows the word.”
“And He said to them, ‘Do you not understand this parable?
How then will you understand all the parables?’” (Mark 4:13-14)
Suggested Assignment:
Take time to study Mark Chapter Four. The whole Kingdom of God operates this way.
It’s how the LORD is building His Church!
I found an outstanding teaching by Pastor Keith Butler for you. It will strengthen your faith. Its 51 minutes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESRes6MNNsI
Closing Comments
You prayed and believed you received. Guard your thoughts and your words.
Call those things that be not as though they were and you will have.
Through faith and patience we inherit the promises of God.
Faith works through love. Forgive quickly. Love never fails.
Be a good farmer! Watch over your seed. Never allow “It’s not working,” to enter in.
Doubt and unbelief are like root rot to your seed.
Praise and worship God often.
“And He said to them,
‘To you it has been given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God …’” (Mark 4:11)
PRAYER WITH PURPOSE: Pray for the voters in your state. Praying for: The Church The Lost Elected Leaders
Copyright © 2013 – 2016 Prayer with Purpose; prayerwithpurpose.org
If you have not studied the previous lesson, please scroll down and read before continuing on.
“Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.” Mark 11:24
Did you believe you received when you prayed?
“Yes, I did.”
That’s great!
Now, having done all to stand, stand therefore … in faith believing.
BEHIND THE SCENES
Let’s take a look into the unseen spiritual realm, from the point of prayer — to there it is!
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ …” (Ephesians 1:3)
Things to remember about the operation of the unseen spiritual realm:
- All things work according to “seedtime and harvest.” (Genesis 8:22)
- Something must be planted in order to harvest.
- Everything grows according to its own kind. Watermelon seeds won’t produce carrots. When you need healing, plant a healing seed. (Isaiah 53:5)
- The growing season (time) is subject to faith.
- The just shall live by faith. (Romans 1:17) Faith is an unseen substance.
WORDS: An Expression of Thoughts!
WORDS: Seeds!
Words are a product of thoughts.
Words are seeds that plant your future, either for good or for evil.
The Hebrew scribes define words as “things.”
“A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things.” (Matthew 12:35)
What you say matters!
You not only received salvation by the words of your mouth (Romans 10:10), but the words of your mouth will bring things to you.
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue …” (Proverbs 18:21)
“… the tongue is a little member. See how great a forest a little fire kindles!” (James 3:5)
“Therefore, holy brethren,
partakers of the heavenly calling,
consider the Apostle
and High Priest of our confession,
Christ Jesus …” (Hebrews 3:1)
The Security Guard
When the Word of God has filled your heart and transformed your mind, your spirit man is easily able to guard what is coming out of your mouth. Your spirit stands like a security guard over what can be released and stops what is not allowed to be spoken.
Let’s look at two examples of what the spoken word can do.
Faith-Filled Words Produce Life
Ordinary Lives — Extraordinary Results
The Old Testament tells us an interesting story. (2 Kings 4:8-37) A Shunammite woman had a son who died, perhaps from a sun stoke. She set her faith to find Elisha, the anointed prophet of God.
When her husband asked why she was leaving she said, “It is well!” Think of that! Later, Elisha raised her son from the dead and “all WAS well!” She only spoke what she desired. This is “calling things that be not as though they were.” (Romans 4:17)
In Matthew 8:5-13 the Centurion soldier came to Jesus on behalf of his paralyzed servant who was in terrible torment. Jesus responded, “I will come and heal him ...”
“Only speak a word and my servant will be healed.
For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.
“‘Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you.’
And his servant was healed that same hour.”
Jesus said this Roman soldier had “great faith.”
Why? He had a revelation that words could be sent to heal his servant.
One of the things both of these testimonies have in common is their faith connected with two holy men who were anointed and appointed by God. There was NO waiting for them to see results.
TIME
We, of course, like immediate results to prayer. But sometimes there is a process taking place in the supernatural realm which is not evident to us. Our faith in God can anchor us to hold us steady. His grace and faith abide within us.
But faith must be developed.
“Okay, but how do I develop faith?”
Jesus told His disciples, “If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say …” (Luke 17:6) Plant it! It will grow. You really can’t study the subject of faith without talking about words.
Don’t speak words contrary to what you are believing for.
The enemy would love to steal your dream with your own words. That’s why he tries to send evil imaginations into your thoughts.
What to do? Fight the good fight of faith. Take every thought captive to line up with God’s Word.
THE APPLE
Like the protected core of an apple holds the seeds to future life, our inner man has the
ability to produce the nature of God in us but also something extraordinary: The Kingdom of God!
“The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, ‘Lo here!’ or, ‘lo there!’ for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.” (Luke 17:20:21)
In other words, don’t go running here and there looking for God’s Kingdom. It’s been planted in your heart by God’s living Word.
HOW THE KINGDOM OF GOD WORKS
How Prayer Works
First the Seed …
Notice the bean in the first three stages of development is not seen in the natural realm: the five-sense realm.
One apple seed is tiny yet when planted can produce a large tree. Many seeds planted can produce an orchard that in one season can produce 16,000 pounds of fruit… fruit that nourishes and gives life to people.
Never underestimate the power of a seed.
Remember the Parable of the Mustard Seed? (Mark 4:30-32)
The Kingdom of God is growing but begins where it cannot be seen — in the heart of you and me, Kingdom citizens who have authority on earth through Jesus Christ.
God’s Kingdom is being revealed on earth through His people fulfilling their assignments!
“The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground, and should sleep by night and rise by day, and the seed should sprout and grow, he himself does not know how. For the earth yields crops by itself: first the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head. But when the grain ripens, immediately he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.” (Mark 4:26-29)
Just think of this.
God wanted a family. He started with Adam and Eve and now there are over seven billion people on earth! He’s getting ready to “put in the sickle!” See James 5:7-8.
Definition of Development: growth, progress, advance, expansion, unfolding, opening, maturing, maturation, maturity, ripeness
Elohim, God our Creator, designed everything on earth to begin with a seed. Look outside at the grass, the trees, birds, animals, etc., all started with a seed, including you and me.
God wanted a Church. He planted Jesus! (John 12:24)
We, His people, are born again of the incorruptible seed of the Word of God! (1 Peter 1:23)
So, what do seeds need to grow?
As you read through this list, think of the spiritual side of what we are talking about.
Seeds need to be planted in an environment that will allow them to grow: good soil.
Seeds need sunshine. A seed planted in a pot and placed in a dark garage will eventually die.
Seeds need to be watered.
Seeds need to be fed fertilizer.
After planting they need help with their enemies: weeds and bugs.
The farmer can do this. Watching over his apple orchard is an on-going process.
THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER — Mark Chapter Four
“The sower sows the word.”
“And He said to them, ‘Do you not understand this parable?
How then will you understand all the parables?’” (Mark 4:13-14)
Suggested Assignment:
Take time to study Mark Chapter Four. The whole Kingdom of God operates this way.
It’s how the LORD is building His Church!
I found an outstanding teaching by Pastor Keith Butler for you. It will strengthen your faith. Its 51 minutes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESRes6MNNsI
Closing Comments
You prayed and believed you received. Guard your thoughts and your words.
Call those things that be not as though they were and you will have.
Through faith and patience we inherit the promises of God.
Faith works through love. Forgive quickly. Love never fails.
Be a good farmer! Watch over your seed. Never allow “It’s not working,” to enter in.
Doubt and unbelief are like root rot to your seed.
Praise and worship God often.
“And He said to them,
‘To you it has been given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God …’” (Mark 4:11)
PRAYER WITH PURPOSE: Pray for the voters in your state. Praying for: The Church The Lost Elected Leaders
Copyright © 2013 – 2016 Prayer with Purpose; prayerwithpurpose.org
