"'He who believes in Me ... out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.' But this He spoke concerning the Spirit ..."
John 7:38-39
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Dear Saints,
This is Part 4 of a study on how we can pray more effectively.
Years ago, I saw a Walt Disney movie called, “Treasure Island.” It’s all about the search for buried treasure.
As I look at the turmoil that is in the world because of man’s decision to solve problems without God’s help, it reminds me of that movie. Searching, and searching, and searching!
As we see things becoming unraveled, not only are the leaders of nations searching for answers, but also the unsaved in the world are searching for that treasure that will make them happy and complete.
THE CHURCH HAS THE ANSWER
Jesus is the only answer to the turmoil and the only solution for the unsaved who are lost. Since His present day ministry is to work through His Church, you and I have a personal calling from the Master. We have been chosen for this before the foundation of the world!
Ephesians 1:4
We have been given an assignment to bring in the harvest. Read 2 Corinthians 5:14-21. Looks impossible? No, not at all. You got saved didn’t you? That’s because someone prayed you in.
Since the devil, the god of this world’s system, blinds the minds of those who do not believe, it is imperative that we stand in the gap for them. 2 Corinthians 4:4
Only The Church can do this. That’s why His Church is called to intercede for the lost and elected officials.
The Hope of the World
The demon-possessed man who was living in a graveyard, crying out night and day in horrible torment and captivity, yet upon seeing Jesus from afar, ran toward the Savior and worshipped Him. Read Mark 5:1-20. Isn't that amazing?
Saints, there’s hope and surety for your family members, and there is hope and surety for changes in our cities and nation. Love through prayer extends a saving hand to those who are without hope and without God in the world. Ephesians 2:12.
MY HOUSE SHALL BE CALLED A HOUSE OF PRAYER
Mark 11:17
Preparations for The Harvest
Our prayers are laying track for the lost to repent and find that glorious treasure through the cross of Jesus Christ. Out of our hearts (prayer) flow rivers of living water to sooth those in turmoil and to place a canopy of peace and stability over them. Not only over them but over our cities also. See Isaiah 40:3.
As we pray and are led by His Spirit, the Lord can open the eyes and hearts of the blind and bring revival to the nations. He has brought revival to cities and nations many times.
“For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake. For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.” 2 Corinthians 4:6-7
This treasure that is within you is the storehouse of the power of God, His anointing.
What will happen if your heart becomes distracted and begins to prefer other things? Didn't the children of Israel walk away from the Presence of God to serve other gods? What was happening in the heart of one individual influenced those closest to them, and spread to the next one and so on and so on.
PROTECTING YOUR TREASURE CHEST
Saints, not only are the world’s leaders and the multitudes of lost souls searching for answers, but someone else is searching.
The kingdom of darkness is searching for ways to steal the hidden treasure of God’s anointed Word out of the hearts of His people. Why?
Because the Word of God combined with faith easily overcomes the kingdom of darkness and this world! See 1 John 5:4.
Do you remember how Jesus triumphed over the devil in the wilderness?
See Matthew 4:1-11.
Two doors to the entrance of your hidden treasure of the heart: what you hear, and what you see.
Thoughts and reasoning, feelings and emotions, imaginations and memories are vulnerable to what you hear and what you see.
That is why the Apostle Paul instructs us to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ and to meditate on good things.
“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, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.” 2 Corinthians 10:3-6
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:6-9
As we, The Glorious Church, take our seat of maturity to “receive the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness, we will reign in life through Jesus Christ.” See Romans 5:17.
As we continue to move forward on earth’s timeline, coming closer to the great tribulation, let us hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches:
“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15
Definition of a fool: want of mental sanity and sobriety, a reckless and inconsiderate habit of mind; the lack of commonsense perception of the reality of things natural and spiritual, or the imprudent ordering of one’s life in regard to salvation
“Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
"And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God.”
Ephesians 5:15-21
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Don’t get swept away with the glitter of the world.
“We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.” Read 1 John 5:18-21.
Saints, take inventory of your heart and what it is seeking after.
Guard the holy things and the hidden treasure within so that our united prayers may be more effective and more fervent, producing much. See James 5:16-18. Time is getting short.
The Holy Spirit also says:
“The Kingdom of God is within you. Rule and reign from there.”
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PRAYING FOR:
The Glorious Church
The Lost
Elected Leaders
Next Lesson: How does the armor of God affect prayer?
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