Prayer

Faith and prayer go together, along with fasting, because without faith it is impossible to please the Lord and I think it is what moves God into action.  When believer’s fast it shows that they are very serious about what they are praying for.  I have heard it said that prayer is the engine that moves the church and I think there is a lot of truth in that statement.  I don’t think a church can exist without prayer.  A prayer-less congregation is a weak congregation; it seems impossible to have a strong, vibrant congregation without a strong prayer focus.

When I think about The Brooklyn Tabernacle, Jim Cymbala’s congregation, they have prayer 24 hours a day and in their prayer meetings there are hundreds of people that show up and the Lord is moving mightily in their congregation.  I know that it takes more than a good showing at the prayer meetings to have a vibrant congregation; it takes a committed and dedicated man of God, and in some cases a committed and dedicated woman, to lead that congregation who will preach the truth without compromise and has also been called by the Holy Spirit and anointed for His service.

Haven’t you read this: “Unless the Lord build the house, you labor in vain that build it?”  In order to accomplish the work of God, God has to be in it.  The Holy Spirit also has to be in it.  Haven’t you read this: “It is not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit saith the Lord!!”  In order to have a strong, vibrant congregation we need all these things, plus we need many committed, anointed and dedicated people that will help with the many ministries that take place in the congregation.  

I believe that many people in the church are struggling in so many areas of life today, whether it be physically, mentally, psychologically or spiritually and I think the remedy would be a real Holy Ghost Revival.  I think there is lack of faith for the same reason there was when Jesus walked the earth; instead of believing, people want to see the miracles of God instead of having the faith that they will happen.

Jesus said this in Matthew 16:1-4, “The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven. He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red. And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day; for the sky is red and lowering. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times? A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed.”

I am as guilty as anyone else is, in seeking the Lord to do something, because I have experienced so many things over the years quite regularly but now it doesn’t happen near as often and sometimes it seems that the sky is made of brass and many of my prayers just bounce off and are not heard.  Then these words come to mind at times, “lean not unto your own understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.”  This may be a lot of our problem, when we go through a valley experience, or a time of testing, we become discouraged and even have pity parties and our faith goes down the tube, so to speak, and if we aren’t careful we start to blame God and then we, in some cases, become bitter and some have wandered from the faith altogether.

What does it say that faith is in Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Faith believes something before it actually takes place.  I would encourage you to read the entire 11^th chapter, I think it will give you a whole different outlook on what faith really is.  I am afraid that many of us are seeking the hand of God much more than the heart of God or His Kingdom which puts our priorities in the wrong place.  

Jesus said this in Luke 18:8, “I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?”

I hope when Jesus comes, if I am still here, my faith will hold up to the test whatever I have to go through.  What about you?  So, no matter what happens, keep praying and believing and don’t give up.

Read what the Lord’s Word says in Mark 11:24, “Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.”

Now read Mark 11:25, “And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”

We can’t expect God to answer our prayers when we hold un-forgiveness in our hearts, so forgive those who transgress against you from the heart and keep seeking God.  Enough said, I hope this has been an encouragement to you and that you take it to heart!!  May the good Lord bless you and yours and may you have a super nice day!!  And don't forget to thank and praise the Lord!!