"For the earth will be filled
with the knowledge of the glory
of the LORD,
as the waters cover the sea."
Habakkuk 2:14
Praise Song for you: "Cover the Earth"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6xmUji3M6E
____________________________________________________________
Dear Praying Church,
Let’s do a recap of the last four lessons to get an overview of what God has been saying to us.
We studied:
2-17-15
Through faith in God’s promises we partake of the divine nature and His divine power; there are spiritual attributes that we are to add to our faith; how to never stumble; bearing good fruit; a look at adding and subtracting (things that edify versus things that steal and hinder.)
3-3-15
What will guard our heart during perilous times—prayer! The three-fold secret of answered prayer: control over your tongue/words, your heart, your mind (thoughts).
3-17-15
Being watchful in the last days; gaining a heart of wisdom; the call to pray in the spirit; being filled with the Holy Spirit and power; obedience is important because the ministry of intercession comes out of the heart.
4-7-15
2015 Prophecy
Prophetic words must be acted on; secrets of the glory of God; building the church; watching over the affections of our heart; being unequally yoked is a sign of losing your first love.
One of the things I see about these lessons is how God, through words of correction and exhortation, is preparing His Church for something spectacular to take place.
2015: Days of Preparation for the Glorious Church
How important is obedience? Paul’s letter to Timothy comes to mind.
“But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.” 2 Timothy 2: 20-21
Paul sees ahead in time and warns the church….
“But know this, that in the last days grievous times shall come.
“For men shall be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, haughty, railers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, implacable, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, no lovers of good, traitors, headstrong, puffed up, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God; holding a form of godliness, but having denied the power therefore. From these also turn away.” 2 Timothy 3-5
Jesus put it this way.
“And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.”
See Matthew 24:12-14
“Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.” Revelation 3:10-11
Being willing to be obedient is the key to preparation.
Even when we slip up and sin, run toward Father immediately to ask and receive forgiveness and move on. His blood washes out guilt and condemnation. And do not allow unforgiveness to knock you out of your race.
Why all the exhortation?
Because the last-day’s church has the assignment to harvest the nations before we’re removed! Vessels of honor are required for the glory to be poured into and out of.
Preparation is for manifestation.
Is the glory only to call the lost in?
“… Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.” Ephesians 5:25-27
Daily Word—Daily Bath
Jesus sanctifies and cleanses His church with the washing of His word.
He will present her to Himself as a glorious and holy church.
If that is one event, I wonder when that might be….
Being Cleansed From Thinking Like Mere Men
Soon after Jesus’ arrest in Gethsemane, Peter began to experience the loss of faith as darkness and fear filled the atmosphere. He cursed and denied ever knowing Jesus.
Seven weeks later, when the Day of Pentecost had fully come, Peter and the disciples who were assembled and united together in prayer, heard a sound from Heaven that not only filled that house but also the very atmosphere. The Promise of the Father had come: to become one with man. Tongues as of fire sat upon each of them. See Acts Chapter Two.
They were filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke with other tongues, glorifying God in other languages. When they went out into the streets, some thought they were drunk. Peter boldly stood up, raised his voice and declared to the nations gathered at Jerusalem: “…this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel…”
What happened to Peter?
We notice a big change within Peter. He is now preaching a sermon to thousands of people without fear! And what happened to the people that were listening to his preaching?
They had ears to hear!
Scripture says they gladly received his words, repented, and were baptized. Three thousand people got saved. And that’s just day one! This was not only a work of man, (John 14:12), but rather the One who was manifesting Himself: The Holy Spirit.
It is He who produces revival!
Pentecost: God’s Spirit in Man—The Birth of the Church
If Jesus had not died on the cross, risen from the dead, and ascended into heaven, we could not have been born again, nor could we have received God’s Spirit within us.
Jesus said if we love Him and keep His commandments, He would give us a personal Helper who would abide with us forever, the Spirit of truth. He does not speak to us on His own, but what He hears, He declares as He guides us in truth ... but only as we are willing. See John 16:5-15.
THE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
“There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord.
And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all ...
For in fact the body is not one member but many.” Read 1 Corinthians 12.
He is the Author of signs, wonders, and miracles!
PRAYER: The Helper Helps Us in Our Weaknesses
Sometimes we know exactly what we should pray for, especially in personal matters. But even then let’s not be quick to assume what we should pray for. More and more, as time is bringing us closer to the end days, let’s inquire of the Lord before we boldly move ahead in prayer.
The Holy Spirit should not ever be a back seat driver, but He will be unless we learn and choose to follow Him. Obedience and disobedience have this in common: it’s our choice. That choice is given to each man by God.
Especially in the prayer of intercession, we need to follow God’s Spirit.
Put Him in the driver’s seat!
Inquire of the Lord
David did not assume that he knew how God would deliver his nation from their enemies. He knew very well, that God would often change the strategies for victory.
For people of prayer, this is important to remember.
Unusual Instructions
Remember when God told David to wait until he heard the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees before attacking the enemy? 2 Samuel 5:23-25
Strategies for Success: Being Led
“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. And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:26-28
When Hannah was praying before the Lord, she spoke in her heart but her voice was not heard. Sometimes the groanings of the soul cannot be formed with words when we are deeply afflicted. But as we continue to be led, the Spirit of God is able to flush out our pain and restore hope and faith to us. He is the one who “strengthens us with might in the inner man.” See Ephesians 3:17.
His Baptism: This changes everything!
The fullness of all the different graces of the Holy Spirit will not manifest until we ask and receive His baptism by faith. “He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” See Luke 3:16.
When the Apostle Paul came to Ephesus, he asked the disciples there if they had received the Holy Spirit when they believed. “We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit. And he said to them, ‘Into what then were you baptized?’ So they said, ‘Into John’s baptism...’
“… And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.” Read Acts 19:1-6.
Praying in the spirit is the avenue into the supernatural where we pray and receive the divine mysteries of God into our inner man. It’s okay not to know everything our spirit and His Spirit are doing in prayer. Sometimes it’s better not to know so that we do not reveal divine strategies to the enemy.
So, why all the preparation?
Closing Comments
1. Our assignments are bigger than we thought.
2. Praying for revival is praying inThe End. Selah
________________________________________________________________________________________
PRAYER WITH PURPOSE
Let’s pray for the churches/pastors in our counties to allow the Holy Spirit to sit in the driver’s seat.
The Glorious Church The Lost Elected Leaders
(And our next President)
Copyright © 2013 – 2015 Prayer with Purpose; prayerwithpurpose.org
Let’s do a recap of the last four lessons to get an overview of what God has been saying to us.
We studied:
2-17-15
Through faith in God’s promises we partake of the divine nature and His divine power; there are spiritual attributes that we are to add to our faith; how to never stumble; bearing good fruit; a look at adding and subtracting (things that edify versus things that steal and hinder.)
3-3-15
What will guard our heart during perilous times—prayer! The three-fold secret of answered prayer: control over your tongue/words, your heart, your mind (thoughts).
3-17-15
Being watchful in the last days; gaining a heart of wisdom; the call to pray in the spirit; being filled with the Holy Spirit and power; obedience is important because the ministry of intercession comes out of the heart.
4-7-15
2015 Prophecy
Prophetic words must be acted on; secrets of the glory of God; building the church; watching over the affections of our heart; being unequally yoked is a sign of losing your first love.
One of the things I see about these lessons is how God, through words of correction and exhortation, is preparing His Church for something spectacular to take place.
2015: Days of Preparation for the Glorious Church
How important is obedience? Paul’s letter to Timothy comes to mind.
“But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.” 2 Timothy 2: 20-21
Paul sees ahead in time and warns the church….
“But know this, that in the last days grievous times shall come.
“For men shall be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, haughty, railers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, implacable, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, no lovers of good, traitors, headstrong, puffed up, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God; holding a form of godliness, but having denied the power therefore. From these also turn away.” 2 Timothy 3-5
Jesus put it this way.
“And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.”
See Matthew 24:12-14
“Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.” Revelation 3:10-11
Being willing to be obedient is the key to preparation.
Even when we slip up and sin, run toward Father immediately to ask and receive forgiveness and move on. His blood washes out guilt and condemnation. And do not allow unforgiveness to knock you out of your race.
Why all the exhortation?
Because the last-day’s church has the assignment to harvest the nations before we’re removed! Vessels of honor are required for the glory to be poured into and out of.
Preparation is for manifestation.
Is the glory only to call the lost in?
“… Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.” Ephesians 5:25-27
Daily Word—Daily Bath
Jesus sanctifies and cleanses His church with the washing of His word.
He will present her to Himself as a glorious and holy church.
If that is one event, I wonder when that might be….
Being Cleansed From Thinking Like Mere Men
Soon after Jesus’ arrest in Gethsemane, Peter began to experience the loss of faith as darkness and fear filled the atmosphere. He cursed and denied ever knowing Jesus.
Seven weeks later, when the Day of Pentecost had fully come, Peter and the disciples who were assembled and united together in prayer, heard a sound from Heaven that not only filled that house but also the very atmosphere. The Promise of the Father had come: to become one with man. Tongues as of fire sat upon each of them. See Acts Chapter Two.
They were filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke with other tongues, glorifying God in other languages. When they went out into the streets, some thought they were drunk. Peter boldly stood up, raised his voice and declared to the nations gathered at Jerusalem: “…this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel…”
What happened to Peter?
We notice a big change within Peter. He is now preaching a sermon to thousands of people without fear! And what happened to the people that were listening to his preaching?
They had ears to hear!
Scripture says they gladly received his words, repented, and were baptized. Three thousand people got saved. And that’s just day one! This was not only a work of man, (John 14:12), but rather the One who was manifesting Himself: The Holy Spirit.
It is He who produces revival!
Pentecost: God’s Spirit in Man—The Birth of the Church
If Jesus had not died on the cross, risen from the dead, and ascended into heaven, we could not have been born again, nor could we have received God’s Spirit within us.
Jesus said if we love Him and keep His commandments, He would give us a personal Helper who would abide with us forever, the Spirit of truth. He does not speak to us on His own, but what He hears, He declares as He guides us in truth ... but only as we are willing. See John 16:5-15.
THE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
“There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord.
And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all ...
For in fact the body is not one member but many.” Read 1 Corinthians 12.
He is the Author of signs, wonders, and miracles!
PRAYER: The Helper Helps Us in Our Weaknesses
Sometimes we know exactly what we should pray for, especially in personal matters. But even then let’s not be quick to assume what we should pray for. More and more, as time is bringing us closer to the end days, let’s inquire of the Lord before we boldly move ahead in prayer.
The Holy Spirit should not ever be a back seat driver, but He will be unless we learn and choose to follow Him. Obedience and disobedience have this in common: it’s our choice. That choice is given to each man by God.
Especially in the prayer of intercession, we need to follow God’s Spirit.
Put Him in the driver’s seat!
Inquire of the Lord
David did not assume that he knew how God would deliver his nation from their enemies. He knew very well, that God would often change the strategies for victory.
For people of prayer, this is important to remember.
Unusual Instructions
Remember when God told David to wait until he heard the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees before attacking the enemy? 2 Samuel 5:23-25
Strategies for Success: Being Led
“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. And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:26-28
When Hannah was praying before the Lord, she spoke in her heart but her voice was not heard. Sometimes the groanings of the soul cannot be formed with words when we are deeply afflicted. But as we continue to be led, the Spirit of God is able to flush out our pain and restore hope and faith to us. He is the one who “strengthens us with might in the inner man.” See Ephesians 3:17.
His Baptism: This changes everything!
The fullness of all the different graces of the Holy Spirit will not manifest until we ask and receive His baptism by faith. “He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” See Luke 3:16.
When the Apostle Paul came to Ephesus, he asked the disciples there if they had received the Holy Spirit when they believed. “We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit. And he said to them, ‘Into what then were you baptized?’ So they said, ‘Into John’s baptism...’
“… And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.” Read Acts 19:1-6.
Praying in the spirit is the avenue into the supernatural where we pray and receive the divine mysteries of God into our inner man. It’s okay not to know everything our spirit and His Spirit are doing in prayer. Sometimes it’s better not to know so that we do not reveal divine strategies to the enemy.
So, why all the preparation?
- To be vessels of glory and honor for the end-time revival.
- To be ready to meet our Beloved!
Closing Comments
1. Our assignments are bigger than we thought.
2. Praying for revival is praying inThe End. Selah
________________________________________________________________________________________
PRAYER WITH PURPOSE
Let’s pray for the churches/pastors in our counties to allow the Holy Spirit to sit in the driver’s seat.
The Glorious Church The Lost Elected Leaders
(And our next President)
Copyright © 2013 – 2015 Prayer with Purpose; prayerwithpurpose.org