Lessons From the Lord's Prayer "Thy Will Be Done"

I had to break this one up into two videos and still think theres more to be said about "Thy Will Be Done"! The will of God is far stretching and powerful, especially when we learn to enforce His will in our prayer. We can have so much more faith that our prayers will be answered when we know that what we are praying is the will of God All-Mighty. Is there anyone or anything too hard for our God? OOHHH I don't think so!!!!

 

“The War for Ephesus”
            The books of 1&2 Timothy offer a young leader more than just instruction on the affairs of running a ministry. The pages of these two books contain the out pouring of a general’s heart toward not just some guy who would step into his place but an upcoming warrior and leader in the spiritual battle that waged in what was becoming a central church in God’s Kingdom at that time. The apostle Paul was urgently charging this young man Timothy to not only know and remember sound doctrine but to live it with emotion, passion, discipline Godly power. Why? Why Ephesus? And why did Paul choose Timothy? Did Paul know that this was to become one of the seven churches mentioned as an example for the world in John’s book of Revelation?

            The book of Acts 18:18 through chapter 20 describe the victories and challenges Paul faced in Ephesus. From the twelve disciples of John the Baptist who first converted and were filled with the Holy Spirit to the book burning party where thousands of books on idolatry and sorcery were burned in public, Paul experienced first hand the power of God’s saving hand. It was at Ephesus he saw some of his most powerfully anointed ministry. He cast out demons there many were healed just from receiving aprons or handkerchiefs that had touched Paul’s body. It was here that the sons of Sceva tried to imitate Paul’s anointing and cast out a demon which overpowered them and sent them running bruised and naked.

            Ephesus was also where Paul was opposed and those who were there hardened themselves against him and spoke evil of his ministry opposing him the entire time. This is where they shouted “Great is the goddess Diana of the Ephesians” as they rioted and plotted against him. His ministry was so profound at Ephesus that the tradesmen who made idols and false were concerned for their prosperity. And here we see Timothy being discipled by Paul and groomed for his upcoming ministry. Before I bring us back to the books of Timothy I want you to note that in the end of Acts 20 Paul mention that the overseers of this city should “take heed” because savage wolves would come and not spare this flock. Then at Paul’s departure there were many tears shed and much embracing as the love between this apostle and the church he had just fought would separate.

            Timothy himself was mentioned by Paul in his epistles to the Romans and Corinth. But in 1 Cor. 4:17 Paul refers to Timothy as his “beloved son” I mentioned Paul’s investment into the church at Ephesus and now I mention his love for Timothy because I believe it is paramount to fully understanding this two letters that we know how much Paul had invested into both the church and the man who was now to oversee it. Yes, Paul did say that he loved many people in his letters. Timothy however was like a son to Paul perhaps there was a bond formed between them around both being half breeds. (Timothy a Jewish/Greek and Paul Jewish/Roman) The important thing is that we understand how Paul was emotionally invested into the man Timothy and the church at Ephesus.

            The letters to Timothy were full of content. They addressed issues including knowing and staying true to sound doctrine, staying focused, how to choose men that God could build His church on, walking in the fruits of the spirit, staying faithful, keeping pure and so on. I want to focus on the “how” and “why” rather than the “what” of these epistles. The how Paul addressed Timothy was as a fatherly and militant disciple maker. The why because Paul seemed to be divinely in tune to the spiritual warfare aspect of what was happening in Ephesus.

            In Ephesians 6 we know the famous analogy of God’s armor. Paul writes the church and tells them “we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers, spiritual wickedness in high places.” In 1 Co. 15:32 Paul says he fought with beasts at Ephesus. Now in Timothy 1&2 he writes this young leader and addresses him as a soldier! Using statements like; “This charge I commit you young Timothy….that by them you wage a good warfare.” Let’s look at a few of the things Paul urged Timothy toward practicing that we can take seriously today as well:

…       1 Tim 1:3 – Charge others that they teach no other doctrine

…       1 Tim 1:18 - This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare.

…       1 Tim 2:1 - Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men.

…       1 Tim 3: 14-15 These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly; 15 but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

…       Endure sound doctrine

…       Preach the word, be instant in and out of season

…       Don’t neglect the gift inside you.

…       Study to show yourself approved.

…       Let no man despise your youth.

…       Reject unsound doctrines

…       Be an example to the believers in word, conduct, love, spirit, faith and purity.

…       Hold fast the pattern of sound words…

…       Endure hardship as a good soldier

Then Paul tells Timothy that he himself has fought a good fight and finished his course. That he has kept the faith and is looking forward to his crown! Demas has forsaken me having loved this present world …and watch out for Alexander the coppersmith as he did me much harm. In this warning I get the picture of Paul trying in the depth of his heart to warn and equip young Timothy with everything he can think of.

            Did the master discipler succeed in his writings to Timothy in equipping him to see the battle for God’s Kingdom won in Ephesus? I think so. Did Timothy hold true to the doctrine that Paul so desperately tried to impart? We see some of that answer in Rev.2. I hope and pray that the essence of Paul’s shows through today that we are in a real battle for the souls of men and the enemy wants nothing more than seduce us away from the basics of sound doctrine, and the power the Holy Spirit, to hold true to the call of the great commission, making disciples with a heart to impart love, faith, endurance and Godly wisdom to the next generations.

Conquering the Unseen Enemy!

          The book of Matthew 11:4-12 4) Jesus answered and said to them.  “Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: 5) the blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them. 6) And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.” 7) As they departed, Jesus began to say to the multitude concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?” 8)  “But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed those who wear soft clothing are in kings houses.” 9) “But what did you go out to see? A prophet?  Yes. I say to you and more than a prophet.” 10) “For this is he of whom it is written: ‘Behold I send my messenger before Your face, who will prepare Your way before You.’  11) “Assuredly, I say to you, among men born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12) “And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence and the violent take it by force.”

          Jesus had the inside scoop! John’s doubts from prison were a result of spiritual warfare that Christians fight every day! Again we see Jesus our Lord being the defender of His follower’s faith. Just as He defends us when we are accused! John was in prison for making a stand against Herod’s adultery waiting for an uncertain fate. He knew he could be facing death as Herod had the power to kill John at a whim. John likely wanted to know if he had accomplished God’s will for him and sent for Jesus’ reassurance.

          The people watching probably assumed that John’s doubts were a symptom of low faith. But, Jesus spoke on John’s behalf in our text. You see there is a battle raging in the spiritual realm that manifests itself in the physical in many forms. Hence the word’s of Christ “…the kingdom of heaven suffers violence and the violent take it by force.”  Christians are called to take God’s kingdom by force! We are fighting an unseen battle on this Earth! The battle is for the souls of men, and while we are called to and given victory we still must rise up and take it.

          It takes more courage to live for Christ than to do just about anything else on this Earth. Jesus in the following verses shares His frustration with the accusations of this world. Perhaps I could paraphrase into more modern words. Today it goes more like this; If Christians live a holy life then the world says we are cultish or too fanatical, if we live a more worldly lifestyle then the world says we are too much like them why follow something that offers no power to change? If we proclaim the power to change then we are weird and too spiritual, besides why would God want to change us when He created us this or that way? This is why we as Christians need to live all the way for God and let the fruit of our lives speak for the reality of the God we serve. This is why we must pray, read and seek God’s individual plan for ourselves and then live it out to the fullest.

          I recommend that every believer read and memorize Eph 6:10-20 but for today let’s look at verse 12) For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Here it is important to see and remember that whether you have opposition from co-workers, friends, family, spouse, or even from other Christians they are not your enemy! The enemy is spiritual wickedness in high places trying to get believers to become frustrated and lose faith in the goodness and redemptive power of Christ.

          Also I recommend memorizing 2 Cor. 10:3-6  3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 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, 6 and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled
        In 2 Kings 6:14-17 the Syrian army had surrounded the camp of Elisha the prophet. When Elisha’s servant woke up early and noticed the Syrian army had surrounded them he was naturally fearful. Yet, Elisha stated “Do not fear there are more with us than with them.”  Then Elisha prayed that God would open the eyes of his servant so he could see what was happening in the spiritual realm around them. When the servant opened his eyes he saw angels on chariots of fire surrounding the Syrian army.

That’s all we have time for today. Remember our battle is spiritual not physical. Pray and read and stay in fellowship with other believers. God bless you!

Resistance to Prayer

            I have over the last few months been attempting to break through into a new dimension not only for myself but for America and the world in which we all live. The premise for this new quest is that God is real and alive today. I believe that it is very clear in the New Testament that Christ has given His followers authority over all spirits and over every manner of sickness! Yet it amazes me how many of those that I talk with who openly state that they are born again, saved devoutly committed Christians and refuse to agree together in prayer for healing, provision, direction or the salvation of a family member. Even when they claim to believe that God is able there is some manner of resistance to prayer that I cannot put my finger on.

            I cannot find any evidence that supports the idea that we are to continue to obey the great commission but leave the gifts of the spirit behind. So then, if we are called to fulfill the great commission it only makes sense that we do it with the power and authority that Christ said would accompany His followers. You may be asking what the great commission has to do with resistance to prayer, or perhaps even wondering what the great commission is. Let’s look at the three gospels that refer to the great commission as well as the beginning of the book of Acts.

            In Matthew 28:18-20; 18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

            In Mark 16:15-18; 15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18 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.”

            In Luke24: 46-49; 46 Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, 47 and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 And you are witnesses of these things. 49 Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.”

            In Acts 1:4-8; 4 And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; 5 for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” 6 Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. 8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

            Jesus made it very clear that the church was intended to be a people who walked in the power of God. Mark’s rendition of the commission makes it sound like praying for the sick and casting out devils is as much part of the commission as telling the world about Jesus’ salvation. My understanding of things is that Christ intends for us to not only tell the world about the gospel but to bring the healing and deliverance which Christ bought for us right into people’s lives.

            My endeavor lately has been to pray for anyone I meet when they introduce me to their need. What is amazing to me is that some of the “Christians” so far have been the most resistant not only to wanting prayer but also in willingness to pray. In fact I’ve noticed that most resistant have been people that attended some sort of church or been affiliated with a religious group for many years. One man boasted of being a Bible school graduate and part of his denomination for forty years he complained to me of being sick but when I offered to pray with him and believe God for a miracle, he politely said no thanks and lit a cigarette after turning away.

            Another walked up to my prayer booth at a local market and after we talked for several minutes I asked him how I could partner with him in prayer he stated that he’s been a church member for years and walked away. Another said “oh I believe God can do anything but I accept that my condition is the way He wants it. Maybe that’s it! Maybe there is something to the idea that many have disqualified themselves from God’s benevolence for whatever reason. I mean what would disqualify a believer from the good things of God? I know that there was a time in my life that I didn’t believe God cared about me. Sad I know!

            The truth is that God does love you and me so much that He wants us to be healthy. Try saying it out loud. Say “God loves me and wants me to be healthy in my mind, healthy in my body, healthy emotionally and healthy spiritually.” That is His will for all of us! Read Luke 4:18  

18 “The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me,

       Because He has anointed Me

      To preach the gospel to the poor;

      He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,

      To proclaim liberty to the captives

      And recovery of sight to the blind,

      To set at liberty those who are oppressed;

You are the reason He came!

            I can’t wait to see the resistance break down. I actually am seeing more people respond by letting me pray with them for their needs. The other day a man came to me actually and told me that God is doing great things with the person that he and I agreed together for in prayer. Soon there will be dozens and then hundreds and then thousands more as we endeavor bring God to our world today one person and one need at a time! Amen.