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Answered Prayer

“Pray about what you pray before you pray it.”

How do you “pray about” what you pray about before you pray it? Sounds tricky doesn’t it? When you pray about it aren’t you already praying? It really isn’t that hard. Hopefully you are setting aside a time everyday for prayer. When you go into that dedicated time of prayer just make sure your first prayer is asking God for wisdom on how and what to pray. Every prayer you pray will be much more productive if you praying out the will of God and now your own.

While prayer should not be complicated, because after all at its foundation is about communication with God, it should be done with some wisdom. If you want to pray for God’s will in your life you first must know what is His will. You have to find God’s character and nature in the Word of God. Your prayer should be based on the Word of God. If it isn’t then you might be praying the wrong thing for the wrong reason and that prayer will not be answered.

James 4:3 says, “Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.” So don’t waste your time there! Find out what the Bible says about your situation and pray that.

For example, if you need finances you could pray in faith according to Philippians 4:19, “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” God confirms HIS word! So pray HIS word! If you want His power working in your prayer life then you need to pray His Word! Because God confirms His word not our opinion.

Victory Action

God can see the whole picture and wants to give what is best for me in the long run.  I will seek God’s will through His Word and in being open in prayer.  When I experience His peace in my spirit about the matter, I will know how to pray specifically.

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No Vision, No Direction

“Where there is no vision, the people perish.” –  Proverbs 29:18 

Thousands of framed vision statements hang on the walls of companies all over the world. It is a trendy thing to do in our modern society. These vision statements are the products of eager, optimistic people who work hard to convey to employees and to the public what the company intends to do or to be in the future. But for every vision statement that is hung in the lobby of a successful business, there are many vision statements that are written but will never be achieved. Somewhere along the way, regardless of how good the vision may sound, it is shelved. Perhaps the cost of achieving the vision is underestimated, or maybe too much work is involved, or possibly the excitement that was evident in the beginning cannot be maintained. Unfortunately, businesses are not the only ones that sometimes abandoned the original vision. Many Christians allow the vision to fade or disappear as well. In order to understand how a God given vision can be forgotten, we need to explore the limitations of a vision. 

What exactly is a vision? A vision is a compass providing steady guidance along the path that God is leading you. It is a divine point of reference that steadies you and keep your eyes off the present circumstances and allows you to see the prize ahead of you. When difficulties arise, the vision reminds you of your future success. The Bible has many things to say about the importance of a vision. Proverbs 29:18 says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.”  Without a vision, a plan for the future, there is no sense of direction. The vision is vitally important to the believer, but it does not guarantee success. The problem with a vision is that it can be put on a shelf or forgotten altogether. A vision is optional. If the glamorous vision becomes too difficult to achieve, it can easily be put aside. A vision is needed but there is something more. 

In Acts chapter 26, Paul is testifying before King Agrippa about his encounter with Jesus. He tells the King about how Jesus changed his life and how he knew he had to accomplish what God wanted him to do. A vision was birthed in his heart on the road to Damascus. In verse 19 of chapter 26, Paul tells the King that he had not been disobedient to the heavenly vision. Paul kept the vision before him. He knew his duty was to spread the good news and his vision kept him on track. His vision provided a reference point that encouraged him to, “Continue pressing toward the mark for the prize of the high calling in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14). Paul was given a vision on the road to Damascus, but somewhere along the way there was a shift that took place. He knew his vision would not come to pass unless he went to work! The vision that God gave to Paul on the road to Damascus became a passionate cause.  

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God is not finished with you!

“The gifts and calling of God are without repentance.”

Romans 11:29

A vision is a great thing. It is a blueprint. It is a compass that helps guide you in the right direction. But the vision must be put into action. It must graduate to a cause. God has given many of you a great vision. He also wants to help you move into your cause. What is it that is burning in your heart to do? What problems do you see that you can help solve? These are probably indications of your cause. 

It’s important to note that everyone can have a cause. You do not have to be in full-time ministry to have one. Regardless of your vocation, God wants you to pursue a passionate cause. If God has given you a vision for something, start taking steps toward putting it into action. That is when you will become effective.

Move in the direction that your vision is pointing you. Don’t despise small beginnings. God honors steps of faith. You may be asking, “What if I have already put my vision on the shelf?” or “What if I missed my opportunity?” I have good news for you. It is not too late! I want to remind you of Romans 11:29 which says, “The gifts and calling Of God are without repentance.” God is not finished with you! He is NOT sorry that He has called you. He is NOT disappointed in you. He wants to see you burning with a passionate cause for Him.

Perhaps you were passionate about a cause earlier in your life, but it has now died somewhat or completely. I have good news! God is not finished with you! He is just beginning His work in you. Do not be discouraged. Your defining moment is still ahead of you. David’s defining moment didn’t take him by surprise. He was prepared for it. When it presented itself to him, he recognized what it was. God is preparing you for your defining moment. It is ahead of you.

Everything you have experienced up to this point is preparation for what God has in your future. God’s best is still ahead of you. Take what you have learned and let it ignite a new desire to step into your cause. Let it prepare your heart for what God is going to do in your life. Look beyond your present circumstances, see where God wants you to be, and then move in that direction. Before you know it, your vision will become a cause. 

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Overcoming Strongholds

“So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.” – Isaiah 59:19 KJV

One of Satan’s lies is that God is big enough to set you free, but not big enough to keep you free. The enemy comes time and again to try to convince us of that lie. However, God has clearly demonstrated that He is big enough to set His people free and keep them free. Remember the children of Israel? When they were running from their captors and encountered the Red Sea God made a way for them to walk across on dry land. But the plan didn’t end there. He not only set them free, He kept them free! He sealed the deal when he drowned the soldiers pursuing them. God will do the same for you! 

People have misquoted this scripture many times. They would say, “IF the enemy shall come in like a flood.” But the scripture says, “WHEN the enemy shall come in like a flood.” Now, that is not necessarily the part of the promise we want to focus on! But the Word of God is truth. Everyone is going to have opportunities for their faith to be tested. Do not be surprised when the enemy tries to do his craziness. Do not give in to fear either. You have a mighty God! The latter part of that verse says, “…the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.” (This is the part we want to focus on!) In the Hebrew the phrase “shall lift up a standard” means “shall put him to flight,” and “drive him away”. God’s reaction to the attack is not to just stand there and fight until the enemy gets tired. He comes in on the offensive and drives the enemy away! His force is overwhelming. 

Your enemy will attack. That’s what enemies do. Remember when the devil sends an attack your way he is not just attacking YOU! God is with you! Hebrews 13:5 says, “… I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” When God gets in the fight – the enemy doesn’t stand a chance! God is MORE than enough! God has already given us what we need to defend against the enemies’ attack. He has given us the victory!

To overcome, we must give more glory to God than to the evil one. Quit rehearsing what the enemy has done or is doing. That helps your enemy build the stronghold. He is a defeated foe. Overcome the stronghold by rejoicing in the deliverance that God brings! We overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. (Revelation 12:11) We overcome when we stand firm in the victory that Jesus achieved for us on the cross. We overcome when we build our faith through prayer and feeding on the Word of God. 

Jesus said in John 16:33 (AMP) “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]” Did you read that last part? Jesus said He had overcome the world. He put it in the past tense. Jesus had not gone to the cross yet. He had not taken the keys to death, hell and the grave yet. Yet He knew exactly what was coming. He knew that everything He said would come to pass because God had ordained it since the beginning of the world. His confidence in God’s power was secure. Yours should be too! You are a child of God! You are joint heirs with Jesus. (1 Peter 3:7) His victory is your victory! 

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Be Committed

“Love is a decision of commitment.”

19I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:  20That thou mayest love the LORD thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.

Deuteronomy 30:19-20

Victory Decision

Love is more than just a feeling.  I chose to commit myself to a life of loving God and others.

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Proof in Giving

“Giving is the ultimate test of our love for God.”

1I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

Romans 12:1

10Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

Malachi 3:10

Victory Decision

 I choose to give my all as the ultimate expression of my love for God.

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Just Forgive

“Forgive 490 times each day if necessary.”

21Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?  22Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

Matthew 18:21-22

35So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

Matthew 18:35

Victory Decision

 Unforgiveness will eat me up inside.  Forgiveness is a decision, not a feeling.  As I forgive, feelings will follow eventually.  I choose to forgive every time the opportunity for offense is given.

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No Strings Attached

“Love is giving your best with no strings attached, except faith in the seed you plant.”

23And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. 24Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.

John 12:23-24

2Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:2

Victory Action

As I plant loving seeds of faith in others, my only expectation will be God’s abundant harvest.

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Pray for Others

“Intercession is the most unselfish thing a believer can do.”

9I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.  10And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them.  11And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.  12While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.  13And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.  14I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.  15I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.  16They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.  17Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.  18As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.  19And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.

John 17:9-19

26Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.  27And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

Romans 8:26-27

Victory Decision

I choose to pray for the needs of others, not just my own.

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Strong Foundation

“A house or a life is no better than its foundation.”

11For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 3:11

47Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like:  48He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.

Luke 6:47-48

Victory Confession

I am building my life on the foundation of Jesus Christ.