PRAYER DESK

PRAYER—WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
(TAKEN FROM THE BOOK ENTITLED—PRAYER:
NEARLY EVERYTHING YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW)

    Another important point is made in the following Scriptures. One reason our prayers are answered is that we bear much fruit, showing ourselves to be His disciples. Fruit is showing that we are working for Jesus. We are sowing and harvesting souls. We are showing ourselves as servants of the Most High God, as disciples and followers of Jesus. We as His sheep, know His voice, and we follow what He wants us to do. Jesus commanded that we be His witnesses, that we testify to others of Him, that we work for Him, that we bear much fruit. Remember, the Bible tells us that faith without works is dead. Faith with works is needed. If you say you believe, yet you will not follow Jesus, you, in fact, do not believe. Your belief is only in your head, not in your heart. Indeed, how could your prayers be answered? You need to pick up your cross daily and follow Jesus. Until you are willing to make this total commitment, without excuse, then your prayers are hindered. If you truly love Jesus with all your heart and all your soul, you will do what He commands. You could do no other. When you become a doer of the Word, not just a hearer only, and follow God’s Word as you know in your heart you must, then your prayer life will change.
   God will bless you and help you in abundance according to His will.
   The more you are willing to work for Jesus, the more persecutions you can expect; but great will be your reward in heaven. Because you are not of this world and the world knoweth you not, persecutions will come along with trials and temptations; yet we rejoice in the glorious name of Jesus, for we are set free! We are on the winning side.
   Jesus assures us, IF YE ABIDE IN ME, AND MY WORDS ABIDE IN YOU, YE SHALL ASK WHAT YE WILL, AND IT SHALL BE DONE UNTO YOU. HEREIN IS MY FATHER GLORIFIED, THAT YE BEAR MUCH FRUIT; SO SHALL YE BE MY DISCIPLES-Jn 15:7,8. YE HAVE NOT CHOSEN ME, BUT I HAVE CHOSEN YOU, AND ORDAINED YOU, THAT YE SHOULD GO AND BRING FORTH FRUIT, AND THAT YOUR FRUIT SHOULD REMAIN: THAT WHATSOEVER YE SHALL ASK OF THE FATHER IN MY NAME, HE MAY GIVE IT YOU-Jn 15:16. Jesus chose us to go and bear fruit. Jesus chose you to be His witness. In doing so, the Father will answer your prayers. Since you were chosen to obey and witness for Jesus, if you are not doing so, how can your prayers be answered? If you disobey God, do not expect God to help you in your time of need. Repent now and turn to Jesus in complete obedience and love.

    All people will one day stand to be judged. It is appointed unto men once to die, and then the judgment. Think of yourself when you stand in front of a traffic judge. When your name is called, your heart starts pounding and you are afraid. You may get a fine, or even worse, a jail sentence. When the day comes that you stand before your Creator, the Creator of the universe, Who has the power to give you eternal life or cast you into hell, how do you think you will feel? The Bible tells us that THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS THE BEGINNING OF WISDOM-Pv 9:10.
   AND FEAR NOT THEM WHICH KILL THE BODY, BUT ARE NOT ABLE TO KILL THE SOUL: BUT RATHER FEAR HIM WHICH IS ABLE TO DESTROY BOTH SOUL AND BODY IN HELL-Mt 10:28.
   BECAUSE OF UNBELIEF THEY WERE BROKEN OFF (they were cut off from God), AND THOU STANDEST BY FAITH. BE NOT HIGH-MINDED (arrogant), BUT FEAR (be afraid): FOR IF GOD SPARED NOT THE NATURAL BRANCHES, TAKE HEED LEST HE ALSO SPARE NOT THEE-Ro 11:20,21.
   IT IS A FEARFUL THING TO FALL INTO THE HANDS OF THE LIVING GOD-Heb 10:31.
   The Bible tells us how the church grew throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria. IT GREW IN NUMBERS, LIVING IN THE FEAR OF THE LORD-Acts 9:31 (NIV).
   The Bible further tells us A WISE MAN FEARETH, AND DEPARTETH FROM EVIL: BUT THE FOOL RAGETH, AND IS CONFIDENT-Pv 14:16.
   We are to SERVE THE LORD WITH FEAR, AND REJOICE WITH TREMBLING. KISS THE SON, LEST HE BE ANGRY, AND YE PERISH FROM THE WAY, WHEN HIS WRATH IS KINDLED BUT A LITTLE. BLESSED ARE ALL THEY THAT PUT THEIR TRUST IN HIM-Ps 2:11,12.
   THE ANGEL OF THE LORD ENCAMPETH ROUND ABOUT THEM THAT FEAR HIM, AND DELIVERETH THEM-Ps 34:7. O FEAR THE LORD, YE HIS SAINTS: FOR THERE IS NO WANT TO THEM THAT FEAR HIM-Ps 34:9.
   THE FEAR OF MAN BRINGETH A SNARE: BUT WHOSO PUTTETH HIS TRUST IN THE LORD SHALL BE SAFE-Pv 29:25. God’s anger comes on those who fear Him not.
   Herod gave a speech, AND THE PEOPLE GAVE A SHOUT, SAYING, IT IS THE VOICE OF A GOD, AND NOT OF A MAN. AND IMMEDIATELY THE ANGEL OF THE LORD SMOTE HIM, BECAUSE HE GAVE NOT GOD THE GLORY: AND HE WAS EATEN OF WORMS, AND GAVE UP THE GHOST-Acts 12:22,23.
   THEN THEY THAT FEARED THE LORD SPAKE OFTEN ONE TO ANOTHER: AND THE LORD HEARKENED AND HEARD IT-Mal 3:16.
   ONLY FEAR THE LORD, AND SERVE HIM IN TRUTH WITH ALL YOUR HEART: FOR CONSIDER HOW GREAT THINGS HE HATH DONE FOR YOU-1 Sam 12:24.
   The Scriptures here combine both fear and service. Do you fear the Lord, and are you working for Him? These Scriptures are showing us how to have a fruitful prayer life. A key factor is revealed in the question, WHAT MAN IS HE THAT FEARETH THE LORD? HIM SHALL HE TEACH IN THE WAY THAT HE SHALL CHOOSE-Ps 25:12.

    Jesus said, BUT THOU, WHEN THOU PRAYEST, ENTER INTO THY CLOSET, AND WHEN THOU HAST SHUT THY DOOR, PRAY TO THY FATHER WHICH IS IN SECRET; AND THY FATHER WHICH SEETH IN SECRET SHALL REWARD THEE OPENLY-Mt 6:6.
   Jesus usually prayed alone. We see this in several instances, such as, WHEN HE HAD SENT THE MULTITUDES AWAY, HE WENT UP INTO A MOUNTAIN APART TO PRAY: AND WHEN THE EVENING WAS COME, HE WAS THERE ALONE-Mt 14:23.
   AND HE WITHDREW HIMSELF INTO THE WILDERNESS, AND PRAYED-Lk 5:16.
   AND IN THE MORNING, RISING UP A GREAT WHILE BEFORE DAY, HE WENT OUT, AND DEPARTED INTO A SOLITARY PLACE, AND THERE PRAYED-Mk 1:35.
   AND WHEN HE HAD SENT THEM AWAY, HE DEPARTED INTO A MOUNTAIN TO PRAY-Mk 6:46.

    The Bible also tells us to "delight" thyself in the Lord. O LORD, LET YOUR EAR BE ATTENTIVE TO THE PRAYER OF THIS YOUR SERVANT AND TO THE PRAYER OF YOUR SERVANTS WHO DELIGHT IN REVERING YOUR NAME-Neh 1:11 (NIV).
   DELIGHT THYSELF ALSO IN THE LORD: AND HE SHALL GIVE THEE THE DESIRES OF THINE HEART. COMMIT THY WAY UNTO THE LORD; TRUST ALSO IN HIM; AND HE SHALL BRING IT TO PASS-Ps 37:4,5.
   Please take note that the Scripture connects your prayers being answered (AND HE SHALL BRING IT TO PASS) with making a total commitment to the Lord-(COMMIT THY WAY UNTO THE LORD). Have you done this? Are you working for Jesus?

    Have you forgiven every one that has done anything against you? Jesus teaches this, for He said, WHEN YE STAND PRAYING, FORGIVE, IF YE HAVE OUGHT AGAINST ANY: THAT YOUR FATHER ALSO WHICH IS IN HEAVEN MAY FORGIVE YOU YOUR TRESPASSES. BUT IF YE DO NOT FORGIVE, NEITHER WILL YOUR FATHER WHICH IS IN HEAVEN FORGIVE YOUR TRESPASSES-Mk 11:25,26.
   Is there some relative you have not forgiven? You won’t even go to see them. Is there someone living around you that you dislike and will not forgive? You may feel that you have a good reason for this unforgiveness, BUT I SAY UNTO YOU, LOVE YOUR ENEMIES, BLESS THEM THAT CURSE YOU, DO GOOD TO THEM THAT HATE YOU, AND PRAY FOR THEM WHICH DESPITEFULLY USE YOU, AND PERSECUTE YOU-Mt 5:44.

    We want to approach God with a humble, childlike attitude, for Jesus SAID, I THANK THEE, O FATHER, LORD OF HEAVEN AND EARTH, BECAUSE THOU HAST HID THESE THINGS FROM THE WISE AND PRUDENT, AND HAST REVEALED THEM UNTO BABES-Mt 11:25.
   For the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God. If you do not become as little children, you cannot inherit the kingdom of God. We need to put all foolish thoughts of this world out, and let God’s wisdom from the Scriptures flow in. This world says "I must see to believe." God indicates "If you believe, I will show you." We live by faith, not by sight.

    We must humble ourselves before God. God hates pride. If we approach God with a humble attitude, the Bible says, LORD, THOU HAST HEARD THE DESIRE OF THE HUMBLE: THOU WILT PREPARE THEIR HEART, THOU WILT CAUSE THINE EAR TO HEAR-Ps 10:17.
   Indeed, God’s wrath may come upon us if we do not humble ourselves as a little child. The Scriptures remind us that, IN THOSE DAYS HEZEKIAH WAS SICK TO THE DEATH, AND PRAYED UNTO THE LORD: AND HE SPAKE UNTO HIM, AND HE GAVE HIM A SIGN. BUT HEZEKIAH RENDERED NOT AGAIN ACCORDING TO THE BENEFIT DONE UNTO HIM; FOR HIS HEART WAS LIFTED UP: THEREFORE THERE WAS WRATH UPON HIM, AND UPON JUDAH AND JERUSALEM. NOTWITHSTANDING HEZEKIAH HUMBLED HIMSELF FOR THE PRIDE OF HIS HEART, BOTH HE AND THE INHABITANTS OF JERUSALEM, SO THAT THE WRATH OF THE LORD CAME NOT UPON THEM IN THE DAYS OF HEZEKIAH-2 Chr 32:24-26.
   GOD RESISTETH THE PROUD, BUT GIVETH GRACE UNTO THE HUMBLE-Ja 4:6.

    David prayed, HEAR ME WHEN I CALL, O GOD OF MY RIGHTEOUSNESS: THOU HAST ENLARGED ME WHEN I WAS IN DISTRESS; HAVE MERCY UPON ME, AND HEAR MY PRAYER-Ps 4:1.
   IN THE DAY OF MY TROUBLE I WILL CALL UPON THEE; FOR THOU WILT ANSWER ME-Ps 86:7.
   We read of Samuel’s mother, NOW HANNAH, SHE SPAKE IN HER HEART; ONLY HER LIPS MOVED, BUT HER VOICE WAS NOT HEARD-1 Sam 1:13.
   Do you seek God with all your heart when you pray? If you do, THEN SHALL YE CALL UPON ME, AND YE SHALL GO AND PRAY UNTO ME, AND I WILL HEARKEN UNTO YOU. AND YE SHALL SEEK ME, AND FIND ME, WHEN YE SHALL SEARCH FOR ME WITH ALL YOUR HEART-Jere 29:12,13.

    Our prayers must always be according to God’s will, or He cannot answer them. Through knowledge of the Word, we know what God’s will is and should not ask amiss. Note the submissiveness of Jesus to the Father’s will. AND HE WAS WITHDRAWN FROM THEM ABOUT A STONE’S CAST, AND KNEELED DOWN, AND PRAYED, SAYING, FATHER, IF THOU BE WILLING, REMOVE THIS CUP FROM ME: NEVERTHELESS NOT MY WILL, BUT THINE, BE DONE. AND THERE APPEARED AN ANGEL UNTO HIM FROM HEAVEN, STRENGTHENING HIM. AND BEING IN AN AGONY HE PRAYED MORE EARNESTLY: AND HIS SWEAT WAS AS IT WERE GREAT DROPS OF BLOOD FALLING DOWN TO THE GROUND-Lk 22:41-44.
   Jesus knew what He was about to suffer. He was in agony, yet He knew that He must follow God’s will. It was ordained that He would die for the sins of all who would obey Him. Just as He obeyed His Father in heaven, we are called for obedience to Him. When our prayer is for the Father’s will, THIS IS THE CONFIDENCE THAT WE HAVE IN HIM, THAT, IF WE ASK ANYTHING ACCORDING TO HIS WILL, HE HEARETH US: AND IF WE KNOW THAT HE HEAR US, WHATSOEVER WE ASK, WE KNOW THAT WE HAVE THE PETITIONS THAT WE DESIRED OF HIM-1 Jn 5:14,15.
   We know (have faith) that we have what we desire of God when we know we are asking it in God’s will. If the Word is planted in our hearts, then we can know (have complete faith) that our prayer is answered; it is as well as done. There is no room for doubt. However, we must have the Word in us. We must study the Bible and act on it. This should be the first priority in your life. Is it? This is the assurance we have in approaching God, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have what we asked of Him.
   Thus, avoiding unanswered prayer such as when, YE ASK, AND RECEIVE NOT, BECAUSE YE ASK AMISS, THAT YE MAY CONSUME IT UPON YOUR LUSTS-Ja 4:3. So, SUBMIT YOURSELVES THEREFORE TO GOD. RESIST THE DEVIL, AND HE WILL FLEE FROM YOU. DRAW NIGH TO GOD, AND HE WILL DRAW NIGH TO YOU. CLEANSE YOUR HANDS, YE SINNERS; AND PURIFY YOUR HEARTS, YE DOUBLE-MINDED-Ja 4:7,8.

    Have you ever been willing to go without food for an extended period of time? Just how much of a commitment to God are you really willing to make? Have you considered fasting for 7 days? Are your excuses ear-deafening? Fasting for one day is difficult. You may get headaches. After two days, some stomach cramps may occur and a tremendous desire to give up. The third day may seem impossible; yet, if you go into the fourth day, your desire for sex may seem to diminish; perhaps, even before this. Your earthly sensations diminish. Your attachment to the world and pleasures diminish. Your mind is no longer pre-occupied so much with the pleasures of the body; but now through prayer and fasting, you can draw closer to God. Dwell in your Bible for the entire time. Study God’s Word, pray, and fast for at least 7 days. Make your requests known to God. Fast in secret. Let no one know what you are doing. Try to get away from the world, including radio, T.V., newspapers, and even people. God, seeing what you do in secret, will reward you. Draw closer to God, and He will draw closer to you. Are you willing? Eat absolutely nothing for 7 full days and nights. Drink water only, but nothing else; no fruit juice, no vitamins, nothing.
   The results can be miraculous: WHEN THEY WERE COME TO THE MULTITUDE, THERE CAME TO HIM A CERTAIN MAN, KNEELING DOWN TO HIM, AND SAYING, LORD, HAVE MERCY ON MY SON: FOR HE IS LUNATICK, AND SORE VEXED: FOR OFTTIMES HE FALLETH INTO THE FIRE, AND OFT INTO THE WATER. AND I BROUGHT HIM TO THY DISCIPLES, AND THEY COULD NOT CURE HIM. THEN JESUS ANSWERED AND SAID, O FAITHLESS AND PERVERSE GENERATION, HOW LONG SHALL I BE WITH YOU? HOW LONG SHALL I SUFFER YOU? BRING HIM HITHER TO ME. AND JESUS REBUKED THE DEVIL; AND HE DEPARTED OUT OF HIM: AND THE CHILD WAS CURED FROM THAT VERY HOUR. THEN CAME THE DISCIPLES TO JESUS APART, AND SAID, WHY COULD NOT WE CAST HIM OUT? AND JESUS SAID UNTO THEM, BECAUSE OF YOUR UNBELIEF…HOWBEIT THIS KIND GOETH NOT OUT BUT BY PRAYER AND FASTING-Mt 17:14-21.

    Fasting, as God outlines, will reap for you great benefits; however, it must be with a pure heart in sincerity. It cannot be done "your" way. The Bible, cautioning about improper fasting, tells us, FOR DAY AFTER DAY THEY SEEK ME OUT; THEY SEEM EAGER TO KNOW MY WAYS, AS IF THEY WERE A NATION THAT DOES WHAT IS RIGHT AND HAS NOT FORSAKEN THE COMMANDS OF ITS GOD. THEY ASK ME FOR JUST DECISIONS AND SEEM EAGER FOR GOD TO COME NEAR THEM. ‘WHY HAVE WE FASTED,’ THEY SAY, ‘AND YOU HAVE NOT SEEN IT? WHY HAVE WE HUMBLED OURSELVES, AND YOU HAVE NOT NOTICED?’ YET ON THE DAY OF YOUR FASTING, YOU DO AS YOU PLEASE AND EXPLOIT ALL YOUR WORKERS. YOUR FASTING ENDS IN QUARRELING AND STRIFE, AND IN STRIKING EACH OTHER WITH WICKED FISTS. YOU CANNOT FAST AS YOU DO TODAY AND EXPECT YOUR VOICE TO BE HEARD ON HIGH. IS THIS THE KIND OF FAST I HAVE CHOSEN, ONLY A DAY FOR A MAN TO HUMBLE HIMSELF? IS IT ONLY FOR BOWING ONE’S HEAD LIKE A REED AND FOR LYING ON SACKCLOTH AND ASHES? IS THAT WHAT YOU CALL A FAST, A DAY ACCEPTABLE TO THE LORD? IS NOT THIS THE KIND OF FASTING I HAVE CHOSEN: TO LOOSE THE CHAINS OF INJUSTICE AND UNTIE THE CORDS OF THE YOKE, TO SET THE OPPRESSED FREE AND BREAK EVERY YOKE? IS IT NOT TO SHARE YOUR FOOD WITH THE HUNGRY AND TO PROVIDE THE POOR WANDERER WITH SHELTER-WHEN YOU SEE THE NAKED, TO CLOTHE HIM, AND NOT TO TURN AWAY FROM YOUR OWN FLESH AND BLOOD? THEN YOUR LIGHT WILL BREAK FORTH LIKE THE DAWN, AND YOUR HEALING WILL QUICKLY APPEAR; THEN YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS WILL GO BEFORE YOU, AND THE GLORY OF THE LORD WILL BE YOUR REAR GUARD. THEN YOU WILL CALL, AND THE LORD WILL ANSWER; YOU WILL CRY FOR HELP, AND HE WILL SAY: HERE AM I-Isa 58:2-9 (NIV).
   MOREOVER WHEN YE FAST, BE NOT, AS THE HYPOCRITES, OF A SAD COUNTENANCE: FOR THEY DISFIGURE THEIR FACES, THAT THEY MAY APPEAR UNTO MEN TO FAST. VERILY I SAY UNTO YOU, THEY HAVE THEIR REWARD. BUT THOU, WHEN THOU FASTEST, ANOINT THINE HEAD, AND WASH THY FACE; THAT THOU APPEAR NOT UNTO MEN TO FAST, BUT UNTO THY FATHER, WHICH IS IN SECRET: AND THY FATHER, WHICH SEETH IN SECRET, SHALL REWARD THEE OPENLY-Mt 6:16-18. As we search the Scriptures, it is evident that many times they speak of people fasting. Have you ever tried to draw closer to God by doing this? As it is written, AND WHEN THEY HAD FASTED AND PRAYED, AND LAID THEIR HANDS ON THEM, THEY SENT THEM AWAY-Acts 13:3. AND SHE WAS A WIDOW OF ABOUT FOURSCORE AND FOUR YEARS, WHICH DEPARTED NOT FROM THE TEMPLE, BUT SERVED GOD WITH FASTINGS AND PRAYERS NIGHT AND DAY-Lk 2:37. AND IT CAME TO PASS, WHEN I HEARD THESE WORDS, THAT I SAT DOWN AND WEPT, AND MOURNED CERTAIN DAYS, AND FASTED, AND PRAYED BEFORE THE GOD OF HEAVEN-Neh 1:4.
   AND I SET MY FACE UNTO THE LORD GOD, TO SEEK BY PRAYER AND SUPPLICATIONS, WITH FASTING, AND SACKCLOTH, AND ASHES: AND I PRAYED UNTO THE LORD MY GOD, AND MADE MY CONFESSION, AND SAID, O LORD, THE GREAT AND DREADFUL GOD, KEEPING THE COVENANT AND MERCY TO THEM THAT LOVE HIM, AND TO THEM THAT KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS; WE HAVE SINNED, AND HAVE COMMITTED INIQUITY, AND HAVE DONE WICKEDLY, AND HAVE REBELLED, EVEN BY DEPARTING FROM THY PRECEPTS AND FROM THY JUDGMENTS-Dan 9:3-5.
   AND WHEN THEY HAD ORDAINED THEM ELDERS IN EVERY CHURCH, AND HAD PRAYED WITH FASTING, THEY COMMENDED THEM TO THE LORD, ON WHOM THEY BELIEVED-Acts 14:23.
   AND SAMUEL SAID, GATHER ALL ISRAEL TO MIZPEH, AND I WILL PRAY FOR YOU UNTO THE LORD. AND THEY GATHERED TOGETHER TO MIZPEH, AND DREW WATER, AND POURED IT OUT BEFORE THE LORD, AND FASTED ON THAT DAY, AND SAID THERE, WE HAVE SINNED AGAINST THE LORD-1 Sam 7:5,6.
   They fasted, confessed, prayed, and humbled themselves. Do you desire to get your prayers answered? Have you done it this way? Paul said, DEFRAUD YE NOT ONE THE OTHER, EXCEPT IT BE WITH CONSENT FOR A TIME, THAT YE MAY GIVE YOURSELVES TO FASTING AND PRAYER; AND COME TOGETHER AGAIN, THAT SATAN TEMPT YOU NOT FOR YOUR INCONTINENCY-1 Cor 7:5.

    The Bible tells us to be considerate as you live with your wife and treat her with respect. This is linked with prayer. If we do not do this, our prayers will be hindered. So remember that, LIKEWISE, YE HUSBANDS, DWELL WITH THEM ACCORDING TO KNOWLEDGE, GIVING HONOUR UNTO THE WIFE, AS UNTO THE WEAKER VESSEL, AND AS BEING HEIRS TOGETHER OF THE GRACE OF LIFE; THAT YOUR PRAYERS BE NOT HINDERED-1 Pe 3:7.

31-HOW TO PRAY THE LORD’S PRAYER

    Earlier in this message Luke 18 is mentioned, but it bears repeating on the subject of how to pray. The Bible says that TWO MEN WENT UP INTO THE TEMPLE TO PRAY; THE ONE A PHARISEE, AND THE OTHER A PUBLICAN. THE PHARISEE STOOD AND PRAYED THUS WITH HIMSELF, GOD, I THANK THEE, THAT I AM NOT AS OTHER MEN ARE, EXTORTIONERS, UNJUST, ADULTERERS, OR EVEN AS THIS PUBLICAN. I FAST TWICE IN THE WEEK, I GIVE TITHES OF ALL THAT I POSSESS. AND THE PUBLICAN, STANDING AFAR OFF, WOULD NOT LIFT UP SO MUCH AS HIS EYES UNTO HEAVEN, BUT SMOTE UPON HIS BREAST, SAYING, GOD BE MERCIFUL TO ME A SINNER. I TELL YOU, THIS MAN WENT DOWN TO HIS HOUSE JUSTIFIED RATHER THAN THE OTHER; FOR EVERY ONE THAT EXALTETH HIMSELF SHALL BE ABASED; AND HE THAT HUMBLETH HIMSELF SHALL BE EXALTED-Lk 18:10-14.
   Jesus, AS HE WAS PRAYING IN A CERTAIN PLACE, WHEN HE CEASED, ONE OF HIS DISCIPLES SAID UNTO HIM, LORD, TEACH US TO PRAY, AS JOHN ALSO TAUGHT HIS DISCIPLES. AND HE SAID UNTO THEM, WHEN YE PRAY, SAY, OUR FATHER WHICH ART IN HEAVEN, HALLOWED BE THY NAME. THY KINGDOM COME. THY WILL BE DONE, AS IN HEAVEN, SO IN EARTH. GIVE US DAY BY DAY OUR DAILY BREAD. AND FORGIVE US OUR SINS; FOR WE ALSO FORGIVE EVERY ONE THAT IS INDEBTED TO US. AND LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION; BUT DELIVER US FROM EVIL-Lk 11:1-4.

    Do you have faith to RECEIVE what you pray for? Some time ago, a young deaf girl was being healed. As her hearing came to her, she became joyous and was shaking her head yes. Then all of a sudden she began shaking her head no. Her faith was as a wave. As her faith was strong, her hearing was restored. As her faith diminished, her hearing diminished. This continued for about a half minute to a minute. As the Bible says, Satan comes immediately to take the Word out of our heart. In proportion to her faith, so was her hearing restored. Back and forth it went. She shook her head yes, then no, then yes, then no. Is this how your faith is? Praise God her faith stabilized, and her hearing was restored. Are you the same way? You need to be healed, yet because your faith is like a wave, you cannot "receive" that healing. Because your faith is weak, you cannot get your prayers answered? Therefore the Scripture encourages us, AND ALL THINGS, WHATSOEVER YE SHALL ASK IN PRAYER, BELIEVING, YE SHALL RECEIVE-Mt 21:22. Note the words "believe" and "receive" go together. Do you believe enough that you can receive?
   Jesus says, HITHERTO HAVE YE ASKED NOTHING IN MY NAME: ASK, AND YE SHALL RECEIVE, THAT YOUR JOY MAY BE FULL-Jn 16:24. Again the word "receive" is presented.
   Paul testified of Ananias who CAME UNTO ME, AND STOOD, AND SAID UNTO ME, BROTHER SAUL, RECEIVE THY SIGHT-Acts 22:13. Again we see the word "receive." Even though Jesus laid hands on the sick, He said time after time that their faith had healed them. Paul perceived that a person had faith to be healed. You can be healed if you have the "faith" to "receive" it. Jesus wants to heal you, but can you receive it by faith? Our faith needs to be centered on Jesus and be unwavering. We need to know God’s Word, and not be a wave in believing what Jesus said.
   To make foolish statements like, "I believe some of the Bible is God’s Word and some is not" is not faith.
   To make foolish statements like, "I do not believe all the Bible is for today. We only need to study parts of it," is not faith. For it is written, MAN SHALL NOT LIVE BY BREAD ALONE, BUT BY EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDETH OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD-Mt 4:4.
   To make foolish statements like, "Jesus will do these things for other people, but not for me," is not faith.
   The Bible confronts us with the truth. Satan then confronts us with lying thoughts that contradict the truth. Our heart chooses which we will believe.
   The end result is great faith, little faith, no faith, or faith that is like a wave.

    Is your faith such, that even while in prison, you would sing praises unto the Lord? It is written, AND AT MIDNIGHT PAUL AND SILAS PRAYED, AND SANG PRAISES UNTO GOD: AND THE PRISONERS HEARD THEM. AND SUDDENLY THERE WAS A GREAT EARTHQUAKE, SO THAT THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE PRISON WERE SHAKEN: AND IMMEDIATELY ALL THE DOORS WERE OPENED, AND EVERY ONE’S BANDS WERE LOOSED-Acts 16:25,26.

    Soon the Tribulation will be upon us. The Bible tells us to pray that we be accounted worthy to escape all these things. The Tribulation is described as a time of temptation upon the earth. The prayer Jesus taught His disciples to pray, says-AND LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION-Lk 11:4.
   The Tribulation is described in Lk 21, and in verse 36, it says-WATCH YE THEREFORE, AND PRAY ALWAYS, THAT YE MAY BE ACCOUNTED WORTHY TO ESCAPE ALL THESE THINGS THAT SHALL COME TO PASS, AND TO STAND BEFORE THE SON OF MAN. Are you praying that you be accounted worthy to escape "all these things"; the Tribulation? You are called to live a holy life. Are you living a life to glorify Jesus? This is a command, to pray always that ye may be accounted worthy. Are you?

    Prayer of intercession is when you intercede in prayer for someone else. The Bible is full of people interceding for others in prayer. Jesus interceded for Simon. AND THE LORD SAID, SIMON, SIMON, BEHOLD, SATAN HATH DESIRED TO HAVE YOU, THAT HE MAY SIFT YOU AS WHEAT: BUT I HAVE PRAYED FOR THEE, THAT THY FAITH FAIL NOT: AND WHEN THOU ART CONVERTED, STRENGTHEN THY BRETHREN-Lk 22:31,32.
   More examples of interceding-AND THE KING ANSWERED AND SAID UNTO THE MAN OF GOD, ENTREAT NOW THE FACE OF THE LORD THY GOD, AND PRAY FOR ME, THAT MY HAND MAY BE RESTORED ME AGAIN. AND THE MAN OF GOD BESOUGHT THE LORD, AND THE KING’S HAND WAS RESTORED HIM AGAIN, AND BECAME AS IT WAS BEFORE-1 Ki 13:6.
   THEREFORE THE PEOPLE CAME TO MOSES, AND SAID, WE HAVE SINNED, FOR WE HAVE SPOKEN AGAINST THE LORD, AND AGAINST THEE; PRAY UNTO THE LORD, THAT HE TAKE AWAY THE SERPENTS FROM US. AND MOSES PRAYED FOR THE PEOPLE-Num 21:7.

    AND THE PEOPLE CRIED UNTO MOSES; AND WHEN MOSES PRAYED UNTO THE LORD, THE FIRE WAS QUENCHED-Num 11:2.
   YET NOW, IF THOU WILT FORGIVE THEIR SIN ; AND IF NOT, BLOT ME, I PRAY THEE, OUT OF THY BOOK WHICH THOU HAST WRITTEN. AND THE LORD SAID UNTO MOSES, WHOSOEVER HATH SINNED AGAINST ME, HIM WILL I BLOT OUT OF MY BOOK-Ex 32:32,33.
   FOR THIS CAUSE WE ALSO, SINCE THE DAY WE HEARD IT, DO NOT CEASE TO PRAY FOR YOU, AND TO DESIRE THAT YE MIGHT BE FILLED WITH THE KNOWLEDGE OF HIS WILL IN ALL WISDOM AND SPIRITUAL UNDERSTANDING; THAT YE MIGHT WALK WORTHY OF THE LORD UNTO ALL PLEASING, BEING FRUITFUL IN EVERY GOOD WORK, AND INCREASING IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD-Col 1:9,10.
   We see Job prayed for his friends, AND THE LORD TURNED THE CAPTIVITY OF JOB, WHEN HE PRAYED FOR HIS FRIENDS: ALSO THE LORD GAVE JOB TWICE AS MUCH AS HE HAD BEFORE-Job 42:10.
   We see Paul asked for prayer of intercession, NOW I BESEECH YOU, BRETHREN, FOR THE LORD JESUS CHRIST’S SAKE, AND FOR THE LOVE OF THE SPIRIT, THAT YE STRIVE TOGETHER WITH ME IN YOUR PRAYERS TO GOD FOR ME. THAT I MAY BE DELIVERED FROM THEM THAT DO NOT BELIEVE IN JUDEA; AND THAT MY SERVICE WHICH I HAVE FOR JERUSALEM MAY BE ACCEPTED OF THE SAINTS-Ro 15:30,31.
   BRETHREN, PRAY FOR US-1 Thes 5:25.
   PRAY FOR US: FOR WE TRUST WE HAVE A GOOD CONSCIENCE, IN ALL THINGS WILLING TO LIVE HONESTLY-Heb 13:18. FOR I KNOW THAT THIS SHALL TURN TO MY SALVATION THROUGH YOUR PRAYER, AND THE SUPPLY OF THE SPIRIT OF JESUS CHRIST-Phili 1:19. In other words, he is saying, I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.
   We see another example of intercession when ALL THE PEOPLE SAID UNTO SAMUEL, PRAY FOR THY SERVANTS UNTO THE LORD THY GOD, THAT WE DIE NOT: FOR WE HAVE ADDED UNTO ALL OUR SINS THIS EVIL, TO ASK US A KING-1 Sam 12:19.
   We can have prayers of intercession for nations, for people, and to save our loved ones. If you truly know Jesus as your Savior, if He knows you, then you are working for Him, and you have a deep concern for your friends and relatives that do not know Jesus as their Savior; that have never been born-again. We can pray that God grant them a heart that is right toward Him. We can ask God to hinder Satan from interfering in letting them make their own decision. We cannot pray that God force them to receive Jesus as their personal Savior, for each of us must make our own choice. Neither can we pray that God bind Satan from causing temptations and trials to come upon our loved ones, as God says these things will come to see if we will hold firm or fall away. The Scripture says that, NO MAN CAN ENTER INTO A STRONG MAN’S HOUSE, AND SPOIL HIS GOODS, EXCEPT HE WILL FIRST BIND THE STRONG MAN; AND THEN HE WILL SPOIL HIS HOUSE-Mk 3:27.
   When witnessing to a loved one, pray God will go before you and prepare his heart; yet, if that person’s heart is not right toward God, he will not be called. If that person does not want to give up his life of sin (which may be enjoyable for a season, but leads to eternal damnation), it is his choice. Further, in praying for loved ones, WITHAL PRAYING ALSO FOR US, THAT GOD WOULD OPEN UNTO US A DOOR OF UTTERANCE, TO SPEAK THE MYSTERY OF CHRIST-Col 4:3. In other words, pray that God may open a door. If you are married to an unsaved person (if you are truly born-again), your best witness is to live as the Bible commands in all ways. Often an unsaved person, seeing Jesus in their partner, will want that forgiveness, love, and joy. Pray unceasingly in intercessory prayer. If your life reflects living for this world, how can you lead someone to Jesus and to living for the world to come?
   So FINALLY BROTHERS, PRAY FOR US THAT THE MESSAGE OF THE LORD MAY SPREAD RAPIDLY AND BE HONORED-2 Thes 3:1 (NIV). PRAY FOR US THAT THE WORD OF THE LORD MAY HAVE FREE COURSE (KJV).
   When going forth to witness, remember that Jesus SENT THEM TWO AND TWO BEFORE HIS FACE INTO EVERY CITY AND PLACE, WHITHER HE HIMSELF WOULD COME-Lk 10:1.
   When witnessing, if possible, go in pairs. Let the love of Christ guide you, knowing that THE HARVEST TRULY IS GREAT, BUT THE LABOURERS ARE FEW: PRAY YE THEREFORE THE LORD OF THE HARVEST, THAT HE WOULD SEND FORTH LABOURERS INTO HIS HARVEST. GO YOUR WAYS: BEHOLD, I SEND YOU FORTH AS LAMBS AMONG WOLVES Lk 10:2,3.

   When you testify or witness to someone, use God’s Word. If anyone speaks, HE SHOULD DO IT AS ONE SPEAKING THE VERY WORDS OF GOD-1Pe 4:11 (NIV). PREACH THE WORD; BE INSTANT IN SEASON, OUT OF SEASON-2 Tim 4:2. How can they believe if they have not heard? They must hear God’s Word. Be careful, for SOME HAVE WANDERED AWAY FROM THESE AND TURNED TO MEANINGLESS TALK. THEY WANT TO BE TEACHERS OF THE LAW, BUT THEY DO NOT KNOW WHAT THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT OR WHAT THEY SO CONFIDENTLY AFFIRM-1 Tim 1:6,7 (NIV).
   When witnessing, always let your conversation be full of the message of salvation. God says, LET YOUR SPEECH BE ALWAY WITH GRACE, SEASONED WITH SALT, THAT YE MAY KNOW HOW YE OUGHT TO ANSWER EVERY MAN-Col 4:6.
   AND FOR ME, THAT UTTERANCE MAY BE GIVEN UNTO ME, THAT I MAY OPEN MY MOUTH BOLDLY, TO MAKE KNOWN THE MYSTERY OF THE GOSPEL-Eph 6:19.
   FOR WE ARE HIS WORKMANSHIP, CREATED IN CHRIST JESUS UNTO GOOD WORKS, WHICH GOD HATH BEFORE ORDAINED THAT WE SHOULD WALK IN THEM-Eph 2:10.
   AND LET US NOT BE WEARY IN WELL DOING (doing good): FOR IN DUE SEASON WE SHALL REAP, IF WE FAINT NOT-Gal 6:9.
   We will reap a harvest if we do not give up. NOW THEN WE ARE AMBASSADORS FOR CHRIST, AS THOUGH GOD DID BESEECH YOU BY US (as though God were making His appeal through us)-2 Cor 5:20.
   FOR WE PREACH NOT OURSELVES, BUT CHRIST JESUS THE LORD-2 Cor 4:5.
   THEREFORE, MY BELOVED BRETHREN, BE YE STEDFAST, UNMOVEABLE, ALWAYS ABOUNDING IN THE WORK OF THE LORD, FORASMUCH AS YE KNOW THAT YOUR LABOUR IS NOT IN VAIN IN THE LORD-1 Cor 15:58.
   Paul gives us advice on how to witness, FOR THOUGH I BE FREE FROM ALL MEN, YET HAVE I MADE MYSELF SERVANT UNTO ALL, THAT I MIGHT GAIN THE MORE. AND UNTO THE JEWS I BECAME AS A JEW, THAT I MIGHT GAIN THE JEWS-1 Cor 9:19,20. TO THE WEAK BECAME I AS WEAK, THAT I MIGHT GAIN THE WEAK: I AM MADE ALL THINGS TO ALL MEN, THAT I MIGHT BY ALL MEANS SAVE SOME-1 Cor 9:22.
   AS IT IS WRITTEN, HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THEM THAT PREACH THE GOSPEL OF PEACE, AND BRING GLAD TIDINGS OF GOOD THINGS!-Ro 10:15.
   Are you following God’s will? The Bible says that HE COMMANDED US TO PREACH UNTO THE PEOPLE-Acts 10:42.
   Jesus said, GO YE INTO ALL THE WORLD, AND PREACH THE GOSPEL TO EVERY CREATURE-Mk 16:15. GO YE THEREFORE, AND TEACH ALL NATIONS, BAPTIZING THEM IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, AND OF THE SON, AND OF THE HOLY GHOST: TEACHING THEM TO OBSERVE ALL THINGS WHATSOEVER I HAVE COMMANDED YOU-Mt 28:19,20.
   Would you rather serve tables, than preach the Word? It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the Word of God in order to wait on tables. As it is written, IT IS NOT REASON THAT WE SHOULD LEAVE THE WORD OF GOD, AND SERVE TABLES-Acts 6:2.
   You have been given a trust, and that trust is God’s Word. Will you serve God, or Satan? As God’s servants Jesus tells us, BEHOLD, I SEND YOU FORTH AS SHEEP IN THE MIDST OF WOLVES: BE YE THEREFORE WISE AS SERPENTS, AND HARMLESS AS DOVES-Mt 10:16. AND HE SAITH UNTO THEM, FOLLOW ME, AND I WILL MAKE YOU FISHERS OF MEN. AND THEY STRAIGHTWAY LEFT THEIR NETS, AND FOLLOWED HIM-Mt 4:19,20.
   Is this you? HE THAT HEARETH YOU HEARETH ME; AND HE THAT DESPISETH YOU DESPISETH ME; AND HE THAT DESPISETH ME DESPISETH HIM THAT SENT ME-Lk 10:16. AND TAKE THE HELMET OF SALVATION, AND THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT, WHICH IS THE WORD OF GOD: PRAYING ALWAYS WITH ALL PRAYER AND SUPPLICATION IN THE SPIRIT-Eph 6:17,18. God has told us that when we preach or witness, we must use His Word. Our words have no power to convict anyone of anything. God’s Word does.

    It is written, FOR THE WORD OF GOD IS QUICK, AND POWERFUL, AND SHARPER THAN ANY TWO EDGED SWORD, PIERCING EVEN TO THE DIVIDING ASUNDER OF SOUL AND SPIRIT, AND OF THE JOINTS AND MARROW, AND IS A DISCERNER OF THE THOUGHTS AND INTENTS OF THE HEART-Heb 4:12.
   SO SHALL MY WORD BE THAT GOETH FORTH OUT OF MY MOUTH: IT SHALL NOT RETURN UNTO ME VOID, BUT IT SHALL ACCOMPLISH THAT WHICH I PLEASE, AND IT SHALL PROSPER IN THE THING WHERETO I SENT IT-Isa 55:11.
   And as you witness remember, A SOFT ANSWER TURNETH AWAY WRATH: BUT GRIEVOUS (harsh) WORDS STIR UP ANGER-Pv 15:1.
   BE READY ALWAYS TO GIVE AN ANSWER TO EVERY MAN THAT ASKETH YOU A REASON OF THE HOPE THAT IS IN YOU WITH MEEKNESS AND FEAR: HAVING A GOOD CONSCIENCE; THAT, WHEREAS THEY SPEAK EVIL OF YOU, AS OF EVILDOERS, THEY MAY BE ASHAMED THAT FALSELY ACCUSE YOUR GOOD CONVERSATION IN CHRIST-1 Pe 3:15,16.

    Praying for your brother: IF ANY MAN SEE HIS BROTHER SIN A SIN WHICH IS NOT UNTO DEATH, HE SHALL ASK, AND HE SHALL GIVE HIM LIFE FOR THEM THAT SIN NOT UNTO DEATH. THERE IS A SIN UNTO DEATH: I DO NOT SAY THAT HE SHALL PRAY FOR IT-1 Jn 5:16.

    Praying for wisdom: IF ANY OF YOU LACK WISDOM, LET HIM ASK OF GOD, THAT GIVETH TO ALL MEN LIBERALLY, AND UPBRAIDETH NOT; AND IT SHALL BE GIVEN HIM. BUT LET HIM ASK IN FAITH, NOTHING WAVERING. FOR HE THAT WAVERETH IS LIKE A WAVE OF THE SEA DRIVEN WITH THE WIND AND TOSSED-Ja 1:5,6. So often we forget that all wisdom comes from God. We ask people whom we respect, rather than God. The Bible says to ask God. People are often misled because they ask someone other than God through His Word. Knowledge is not feelings. Knowledge is not someone’s opinion. Knowledge is not what someone writes in a book. Knowledge is God’s perfect Word. Let God be true and every man a liar.
   Again, He tells us, CALL UNTO ME, AND I WILL ANSWER THEE, AND SHEW THEE GREAT AND MIGHTY THINGS, WHICH THOU KNOWEST NOT-Jere 33:3. Ask God for His help and search His Word. While scientists can’t even agree with themselves, God’s Word remains sure.
   There are approximately 10,385 prophecies, and every one is perfect.
   God told Ahaz to ASK THEE A SIGN OF THE LORD THY GOD; ASK IT EITHER IN THE DEPTH, OR IN THE HEIGHT ABOVE. BUT AHAZ SAID, I WILL NOT ASK, NEITHER WILL I TEMPT THE LORD. AND HE SAID, HEAR YE NOW, O HOUSE OF DAVID; IS IT A SMALL THING FOR YOU TO WEARY MEN, BUT WILL YE WEARY MY GOD ALSO? THEREFORE THE LORD HIMSELF SHALL GIVE YOU A SIGN; BEHOLD, A VIRGIN SHALL CONCEIVE, AND BEAR A SON, AND SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL-Isa 7:11-14.
   SHEW ME THY WAYS, O LORD; TEACH ME THY PATHS. LEAD ME IN THY TRUTH, AND TEACH ME: FOR THOU ART THE GOD OF MY SALVATION; ON THEE DO I WAIT ALL THE DAY-Ps 25:4,5.
   ASK THY FATHER, AND HE WILL SHEW THEE-Deut 32:7. What knowledge is there worth having? For the things of this world will pass away, but he who lives for Jesus will have eternal life.

    God gives us many guidelines to help us know how to get our prayers answered. He also gives us many examples of what He does not like. Time after time Jesus spoke of the religious leaders of His time. He also warned us that in the last days (now), there would be many deceivers.
   Cults abound these days, and many people are being taken in by them; yet, most do not know it. We would suggest, be leery (cautious) of any "religion" that teaches anything other than Jesus Christ is God come in the flesh. The Bible teaches that IN THE BEGINNING WAS THE WORD, AND THE WORD WAS WITH GOD, AND THE WORD WAS GOD. AND THE WORD WAS MADE FLESH, AND DWELT AMONG US, (AND WE BEHELD HIS GLORY, THE GLORY AS OF THE ONLY BEGOTTEN OF THE FATHER,) FULL OF GRACE AND TRUTH-Jn 1:1,14.
   REPENT, AND BE BAPTIZED EVERY ONE OF YOU IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS, AND YE SHALL RECEIVE THE GIFT OF THE HOLY GHOST-Acts 2:38. We are to repent and receive Jesus as our Savior, then follow in baptism (immersion) as Jesus Himself was baptized. Baptism is to be done in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. If your church does not teach directly in line with God’s Word, find one that does. We have a choice, to follow a "religion" to hell or to follow Jesus to eternal life. The Word will judge you, not a religion. Which will you follow?
   It is extremely hard for most people these days to understand that a priest, minister, or rabbi could be leading you down a trail to eternal damnation. Most blindly accept whatever their religious leader teaches. We are saved by the Gospel, by God’s Word, not a religion; yet, few people will accept this teaching. The blind leading the blind, and neither understands. They both will fall into the pit.
   The Bible clearly tells us, YE MUST BE BORN-AGAIN-Jn 3:7, and BY THEIR FRUITS YE SHALL KNOW THEM-Mt 7:20. Yet if a person has never eaten the good fruit, how can he know what is good and bad? God tells us to seek and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. Search the Scriptures, for in them ye think ye have eternal life-ref Jn 5:39. Search the Scriptures, study the Word, meditate on the Word. Will you perish for a lack of knowledge?-ref Hos 4:6.
   Jesus warns, BEWARE OF THE SCRIBES, WHICH DESIRE TO WALK IN LONG ROBES, AND LOVE GREETINGS IN THE MARKETS, AND THE HIGHEST SEATS IN THE SYNAGOGUES, AND THE CHIEF ROOMS AT FEASTS; WHICH DEVOUR WIDOW’S HOUSES, AND FOR A SHEW MAKE LONG PRAYERS: THE SAME SHALL RECEIVE GREATER DAMNATION-Lk 20:46,47.
   WOE UNTO YOU, SCRIBES AND PHARISEES-Mt 23:14.
   BUT WOE UNTO YOU SCRIBES AND PHARISEES, HYPOCRITES! FOR YE SHUT UP THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN AGAINST MEN: FOR YE NEITHER GO IN YOURSELVES, NEITHER SUFFER YE THEM THAT ARE ENTERING TO GO IN. WOE UNTO YOU, SCRIBES AND PHARISEES, HYPOCRITES! FOR YE ARE LIKE UNTO WHITED SEPULCHRES, WHICH INDEED APPEAR BEAUTIFUL OUTWARD, BUT ARE WITHIN FULL OF DEAD MEN’S BONES, AND OF ALL UNCLEANNESS. EVEN SO YE ALSO OUTWARDLY APPEAR RIGHTEOUS UNTO MEN, BUT WITHIN YE ARE FULL OF HYPOCRISY AND INIQUITY. YE SERPENTS, YE GENERATION OF VIPERS, HOW CAN YE ESCAPE THE DAMNATION OF HELL?-Mt 23:13,27,28,33.
   Do you think it is different today? The Bible shows us that many in that day will say "Lord, Lord," yet they will be cast into the lake of fire. Many are the religious leaders of today that are included, just as it was in the days of Jesus. Follow God’s Word, and then you will know how to find a good, Bible teaching church. Do not follow a "religious denomination," but follow God’s Word. Do not say you did not have the chance to know these things as you are standing at the judgment.
   It is written, BUT YOU EVEN UNDERMINE PIETY AND HINDER DEVOTION TO GOD. YOUR SIN PROMPTS YOUR MOUTH; YOU ADOPT THE TONGUE OF THE CRAFTY. YOUR OWN MOUTH CONDEMNS YOU, NOT MINE; YOUR OWN LIPS TESTIFY AGAINST YOU-Job 15:4-6 NIV.
   Through the knowledge of God’s Word, we can know if we are praying according to God’s will, yet many will not study the Word. Jesus said, YE KNOW NOT WHAT YE ASK-Mk 10:38. Study to show thyself approved so that you do know what you are asking.

    God told Isaiah to GO, AND SAY TO HEZEKIAH, THUS SAITH THE LORD, THE GOD OF DAVID THY FATHER, I HAVE HEARD THY PRAYER, I HAVE SEEN THY TEARS: BEHOLD I WILL ADD UNTO THY DAYS FIFTEEN YEARS. AND I WILL DELIVER THEE AND THIS CITY OUT OF THE HAND OF THE KING OF ASSYRIA: AND I WILL DEFEND THIS CITY-Isa 38:5,6.
   IN THE DAY WHEN I CRIED THOU ANSWEREDST ME, AND STRENGTHENEDST ME WITH STRENGTH IN MY SOUL-Ps 138:3.
   SO SAMUEL CALLED UNTO THE LORD; AND THE LORD SENT THUNDER AND RAIN THAT DAY: AND ALL THE PEOPLE GREATLY FEARED THE LORD AND SAMUEL-1 Sam 12:18.
   WHEREFORE IT CAME TO PASS WHEN THE TIME WAS COME ABOUT AFTER HANNAH HAD CONCEIVED, THAT SHE BEAR A SON, AND CALLED HIS NAME SAMUEL, SAYING, BECAUSE I HAVE ASKED HIM OF THE LORD-1 Sam 1:20.
   AND SAMSON CALLED UNTO THE LORD, AND SAID, O LORD GOD, REMEMBER ME, I PRAY THEE, AND STRENGTHEN ME, I PRAY THEE, ONLY THIS ONCE, O GOD, THAT I MAY BE AT ONCE AVENGED OF THE PHILISTINES FOR MY TWO EYES. AND SAMSON TOOK HOLD OF THE TWO MIDDLE PILLARS UPON WHICH THE HOUSE STOOD, AND ON WHICH IT WAS BORNE UP, OF THE ONE WITH HIS RIGHT HAND, AND OF THE OTHER WITH HIS LEFT. AND SAMSON SAID, LET ME DIE WITH THE PHILISTINES. AND HE BOWED HIMSELF WITH ALL HIS MIGHT; AND THE HOUSE FELL UPON THE LORDS, AND UPON ALL THE PEOPLE THAT WERE THEREIN. SO THE DEAD WHICH HE SLEW AT HIS DEATH WERE MORE THAN THEY WHICH HE SLEW IN HIS LIFE-Judges 16:28-30.

    Pray for God’s help, a Psalm of David: UNTO THEE WILL I CRY, O LORD MY ROCK; BE NOT SILENT TO ME: LEST, IF THOU BE SILENT TO ME, I BECOME LIKE THEM THAT GO DOWN INTO THE PIT. HEAR THE VOICE OF MY SUPPLICATIONS, WHEN I CRY UNTO THEE, WHEN I LIFT UP MY HANDS TOWARD THY HOLY ORACLE. DRAW ME NOT AWAY WITH THE WICKED, AND WITH THE WORKERS OF INIQUITY, WHICH SPEAK PEACE TO THEIR NEIGHBOURS, BUT MISCHIEF IS IN THEIR HEARTS. GIVE THEM ACCORDING TO THEIR DEEDS, AND ACCORDING TO THE WICKEDNESS OF THEIR ENDEAVOURS: GIVE THEM AFTER THE WORK OF THEIR HANDS; RENDER TO THEM THEIR DESERT. BECAUSE THEY REGARD NOT THE WORKS OF THE LORD, NOR THE OPERATION OF HIS HANDS, HE SHALL DESTROY THEM, AND NOT BUILD THEM UP. BLESSED BE THE LORD, BECAUSE HE HATH HEARD THE VOICE OF MY SUPPLICATIONS. THE LORD IS MY STRENGTH AND MY SHIELD; MY HEART TRUSTED IN HIM, AND I AM HELPED: THEREFORE MY HEART GREATLY REJOICETH; AND WITH MY SONG WILL I PRAISE HIM. THE LORD IS THEIR STRENGTH AND HE IS THE SAVING STRENGTH OF HIS ANOINTED. SAVE THY PEOPLE, AND BLESS THINE INHERITANCE: FEED THEM ALSO, AND LIFT THEM UP FOR EVER-Ps 28:1-9.

    You can pray for most anything; yet to get an answer, it must be in the will of God.
   There are "all kinds" of prayers in the Bible. There are prayers for spiritual gifts, for healing, for intercession, to raise the dead, for forgiveness of sins, of praise, and of thanksgiving.
   Prayer should be sincere from our heart and given with a clear conscience. It must be in accordance with God’s Word and given in faith not wavering. You should act on God’s Word and believe you have received even as you ask. Faith is of the unseen, not of the seen. As God (Who is unseen) created the heavens and earth, so God (Who is unseen) can answer your prayers. Paul tells us that, IF I PRAY IN AN UNKNOWN TONGUE, MY SPIRIT PRAYETH, BUT MY UNDERSTANDING IS UNFRUITFUL. WHAT IS IT THEN? I WILL PRAY WITH THE SPIRIT, AND I WILL PRAY WITH THE UNDERSTANDING ALSO: I WILL SING WITH THE SPIRIT, AND I WILL SING WITH THE UNDERSTANDING ALSO-1 Cor 14:14,15. Thus, we need to pray for understanding of tongues. God’s Word tells us they prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Ghost.
   The apostles sent Peter and John, who WHEN THEY WERE COME DOWN, PRAYED FOR THEM, THAT THEY MIGHT RECEIVE THE HOLY GHOST-Acts 8:15. AND WHEN THEY HAD PRAYED, THE PLACE WAS SHAKEN WHERE THEY WERE ASSEMBLED TOGETHER; AND THEY WERE ALL FILLED WITH THE HOLY GHOST, AND THEY SPAKE THE WORD OF GOD WITH BOLDNESS-Acts 4:31.

    There are prayers for healing the sick: AND IT CAME TO PASS, THAT THE FATHER OF PUBLIUS LAY SICK OF A FEVER AND OF A BLOODY FLUX: TO WHOM PAUL ENTERED IN, AND PRAYED, AND LAID HIS HANDS ON HIM, AND HEALED HIM-Acts 28:8.
   God the Father asks His children, IS ANY SICK AMONG YOU? LET HIM CALL FOR THE ELDERS OF THE CHURCH; AND LET THEM PRAY OVER HIM, ANOINTING HIM WITH OIL IN THE NAME OF THE LORD: AND THE PRAYER OF FAITH SHALL SAVE THE SICK, AND THE LORD SHALL RAISE HIM UP; AND IF HE HAVE COMMITTED SINS, THEY SHALL BE FORGIVEN HIM-Ja 5:14,15. CONFESS YOUR FAULTS ONE TO ANOTHER, AND PRAY ONE FOR ANOTHER, THAT YE MAY BE HEALED. THE EFFECTUAL FERVENT PRAYER OF A RIGHTEOUS MAN AVAILETH MUCH-Ja 5:16.
   THEY PRESENTED THESE MEN TO THE APOSTLES, WHO PRAYED AND LAID THEIR HANDS ON THEM-Acts 6:6 NIV.
   Peter prayed for the dead. There was a woman full of good works and almsdeeds, AND IT CAME TO PASS IN THOSE DAYS, THAT SHE (Tabitha) WAS SICK, AND DIED: WHOM WHEN THEY HAD WASHED, THEY LAID HER IN AN UPPER CHAMBER. BUT PETER PUT THEM ALL FORTH, AND KNEELED DOWN, AND PRAYED; AND TURNING HIM TO THE BODY SAID, TABITHA, ARISE. AND SHE OPENED HER EYES: AND WHEN SHE SAW PETER, SHE SAT UP. AND HE GAVE HER HIS HAND, AND LIFTED HER UP, AND WHEN HE HAD CALLED THE SAINTS (believers) AND WIDOWS, PRESENTED HER ALIVE-Acts 9: 37,40,41.

    The Bible shows us many other kinds of prayers. EXHORT THEREFORE, THAT, FIRST OF ALL, SUPPLICATIONS, PRAYERS, INTERCESSIONS, AND GIVING OF THANKS, BE MADE FOR ALL MEN; FOR KINGS AND FOR ALL THAT ARE IN AUTHORITY; THAT WE MAY LEAD A QUIET AND PEACEABLE LIFE IN ALL GODLINESS AND HONESTY. FOR THIS IS GOOD AND ACCEPTABLE IN THE SIGHT OF GOD OUR SAVIOUR-1 Tim 2:1-3.
   Before eating, we see a blessing for food: AND IT CAME TO PASS, AS HE SAT AT MEAT WITH THEM, HE TOOK BREAD, AND BLESSED IT, AND BRAKE, AND GAVE TO THEM-Lk 24:30.
   Note a few verses later, AND HOW HE WAS KNOWN OF THEM IN BREAKING OF BREAD-Lk 24:35.
   The Scriptures tell us to pray about escaping the Tribulation. WATCH YE THEREFORE, AND PRAY ALWAYS, THAT YE MAY BE ACCOUNTED WORTHY TO ESCAPE ALL THESE THINGS THAT SHALL COME TO PASS, (which is the Tribulation) AND TO STAND BEFORE THE SON OF MAN-Lk 21:36.
   The Bible also tells us to pray that we enter not into temptation: WATCH YE AND PRAY, LEST YE ENTER INTO TEMPTATION-Mk 14:38.

    Another prayer we find in God’s Word is: WHATSOEVER YE SHALL BIND ON EARTH SHALL BE BOUND IN HEAVEN; AND WHATSOEVER YE SHALL LOOSE ON EARTH SHALL BE LOOSED IN HEAVEN. AGAIN I SAY UNTO YOU, THAT IF TWO OF YOU SHALL AGREE ON EARTH AS TOUCHING ANY THING THAT THEY SHALL ASK, IT SHALL BE DONE FOR THEM OF MY FATHER WHICH IS IN HEAVEN-Mt 18:18,19. These verses are often very misunderstood in this generation.
   There are many misled people that teach Satan can be bound from tempting people, or that spirits of drugs, smoking, sex, and all sorts of things can be bound. As many people seek to bind Satan in many areas, things continue to get worse and worse. Sin continues to increase. Wickedness continues to increase, just as the Bible said it would. It is fast becoming as the days of Noah were, and as the days of Lot, and Sodom and Gomorrah, which Jesus foretold us. Jesus gives us the example of what we can and cannot do.
   These Scriptures on binding are referring to the following. MOREOVER IF THY BROTHER SHALL TRESPASS AGAINST THEE, GO AND TELL HIM HIS FAULT BETWEEN THEE AND HIM ALONE: IF HE SHALL HEAR THEE, THOU HAST GAINED THY BROTHER. BUT IF HE WILL NOT HEAR THEE, THEN TAKE WITH THEE ONE OR TWO MORE, THAT IN THE MOUTH OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES EVERY WORD MAY BE ESTABLISHED. AND IF HE SHALL NEGLECT TO HEAR THEM, TELL IT UNTO THE CHURCH: BUT IF HE NEGLECT TO HEAR THE CHURCH, LET HIM BE UNTO THEE AS AN HEATHEN MAN AND A PUBLICAN-Mt 18:15-17.

    As we see, there are all kinds of prayers.

39-ARE YOUR PRAYERS HINDERED BECAUSE OF YOUR TONGUE?

    Do you murmur or pass along gossip? You may ask, "What am I talking about?" Do you pass along rumors? "So and so said that," or to a friend or relative, "Hey, did you hear about so and so?" Do you tell stories about one neighbor to another? Do you gossip about your preacher, an elder of a church, or anyone? Did you know that causing any kind of discord among the brethren is one of the seven sins that God hates? Does it cause any discord if you say any thing about another born-again preacher that might cause someone to look down on him for any reason? Did you know that when you hurt any born-again Christian in any way, with words, fists, or however, that it falls on Jesus, as you are doing it to Him? Did you know that? God says, "I will repay." The Bible tells us if anyone hurts us, that we are to love them. In doing so, we are heaping coals on their head. You need to know what God’s Word says, lest you stray from God’s perfect will and sin.
   The Bible tells us that God’s people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge (the Word). When there is "no time" to study God’s Word, then sin follows. Afterwards, the person may not even know he is deceived. How hard is your heart toward being completely obedient to God in everything you do? God’s Word tells us: YEA, THOU CASTEST OFF FEAR, AND RESTRAINEST PRAYER BEFORE GOD. FOR THY MOUTH UTTERETH THINE INIQUITY, AND THOU CHOOSEST THE TONGUE OF THE CRAFTY. THINE OWN MOUTH CONDEMNETH THEE, AND NOT I: YEA, THINE OWN LIPS TESTIFY AGAINST THEE-Job 15:4-6.
   THOU ART SNARED WITH THE WORDS OF THY MOUTH, THOU ART TAKEN WITH THE WORDS OF THY MOUTH-Pv 6:2.
   EVERY TONGUE THAT SHALL RISE AGAINST THEE IN JUDGMENT THOU SHALT CONDEMN-Isa 54:17.
   O GENERATION OF VIPERS, HOW CAN YE, BEING EVIL, SPEAK GOOD THINGS? FOR OUT OF THE ABUNDANCE OF THE HEART THE MOUTH SPEAKETH. BUT I SAY UNTO YOU, THAT EVERY IDLE WORD THAT MEN SHALL SPEAK, THEY SHALL GIVE ACCOUNT THEREOF IN THE DAY OF JUDGMENT. FOR BY THY WORDS THOU SHALT BE JUSTIFIED, AND BY THY WORDS THOU SHALT BE CONDEMNED-Mt 12:34,36,37.
   THOSE THINGS WHICH PROCEED OUT OF THE MOUTH COME FORTH FROM THE HEART; AND THEY DEFILE THE MAN. FOR OUT OF THE HEART PROCEED EVIL THOUGHTS, MURDERS, ADULTERIES, FORNICATIONS, THEFTS, FALSE WITNESS, BLASPHEMIES-Mt 15:18,19.
   Soon the Lord will come TO EXECUTE JUDGMENT UPON ALL, AND TO CONVINCE ALL THAT ARE UNGODLY AMONG THEM OF ALL THEIR UNGODLY DEEDS WHICH THEY HAVE UNGODLY COMMITTED, AND OF ALL THEIR HARD SPEECHES WHICH UNGODLY SINNERS HAVE SPOKEN AGAINST HIM. THESE ARE MURMURERS, COMPLAINERS (are you a complainer?), WALKING AFTER THEIR OWN LUSTS; AND THEIR MOUTH SPEAKETH GREAT SWELLING WORDS, HAVING MEN’S PERSONS IN ADMIRATION BECAUSE OF ADVANTAGE-Jude 15,16.
   IF ANY MAN AMONG YOU SEEM TO BE RELIGIOUS, AND BRIDLETH NOT HIS TONGUE, BUT DECEIVETH HIS OWN HEART, THIS MAN’S RELIGION IS VAIN-Ja 1:26.
   BEHOLD, WE PUT BITS IN THE HORSES’ MOUTHS, THAT THEY MAY OBEY US; AND WE TURN ABOUT THEIR WHOLE BODY. BEHOLD ALSO THE SHIPS, WHICH THOUGH THEY BE SO GREAT, AND ARE DRIVEN OF FIERCE WINDS, YET ARE THEY TURNED ABOUT WITH A VERY SMALL HELM, WHITHERSOEVER THE GOVERNOR LISTETH. EVEN SO THE TONGUE IS A LITTLE MEMBER, AND BOASTETH GREAT THINGS. BEHOLD, HOW GREAT A MATTER A LITTLE FIRE KINDLETH! AND THE TONGUE IS A FIRE, A WORLD OF INIQUITY: SO IS THE TONGUE AMONG OUR MEMBERS, THAT IT DEFILETH THE WHOLE BODY, AND SETTETH ON FIRE THE COURSE OF NATURE; AND IT IS SET ON FIRE OF HELL. FOR EVERY KIND OF BEASTS, AND OF BIRDS, AND OF SERPENTS, AND OF THINGS IN THE SEA, IS TAMED, AND HATH BEEN TAMED OF MANKIND: BUT THE TONGUE CAN NO MAN TAME; IT IS AN UNRULY EVIL, FULL OF DEADLY POISON. THEREWITH BLESS WE GOD, EVEN THE FATHER; AND THEREWITH CURSE WE MEN, WHICH ARE MADE AFTER THE SIMILITUDE OF GOD. OUT OF THE SAME MOUTH PROCEEDETH BLESSING AND CURSING. MY BRETHREN, THESE THINGS OUGHT NOT SO TO BE. DOTH A FOUNTAIN SEND FORTH AT THE SAME PLACE SWEET WATER AND BITTER? WHO IS A WISE MAN AND ENDUED WITH KNOWLEDGE AMONG YOU? LET HIM SHEW OUT OF A GOOD CONVERSATION HIS WORKS WITH MEEKNESS OF WISDOM. BUT IF YE HAVE BITTER ENVYING AND STRIFE IN YOUR HEARTS, GLORY NOT, AND LIE NOT AGAINST THE TRUTH-Ja 3:3-11,13,14. Listen as God speaks to you through His Word. Turn not your ears away. God’s Word is life to those who obey, but the savor of death to the disobedient. The Scripture says, HE THAT KEEPETH HIS MOUTH KEEPETH HIS LIFE: BUT HE THAT OPENETH WIDE HIS LIPS SHALL HAVE DESTRUCTION-Pv 13:3.
   HE WHO SPEAKS RASHLY WILL COME TO RUIN-Pv 13:13 NIV. We read also that A FOOL’S MOUTH IS HIS DESTRUCTION, AND HIS LIPS ARE THE SNARE OF HIS SOUL-Pv 18:7.
   THE MOUTH OF FOOLS FEEDETH ON FOOLISHNESS-Pv 15:14. The wisdom of this world is foolishness to God.
   The quality of our conversation is so important, that God says, DEATH AND LIFE ARE IN THE POWER OF THE TONGUE: AND THEY THAT LOVE IT SHALL EAT THE FRUIT THEREOF-Pv 18:21.
   SEEST THOU A MAN THAT IS HASTY IN HIS WORDS? THERE IS MORE HOPE OF A FOOL THAN OF HIM-Pv 29:20.
   WHOSO KEEPETH HIS MOUTH AND HIS TONGUE KEEPETH HIS SOUL FROM TROUBLES-Pv 21:23.
   Your speech can be used to build others up if you LET NO CORRUPT COMMUNICATION PROCEED OUT OF YOUR MOUTH, BUT THAT WHICH IS GOOD TO THE USE OF EDIFYING, THAT IT MAY MINISTER GRACE UNTO THE HEARERS-Eph 4:29.
   SUFFER NOT THY MOUTH TO CAUSE THY FLESH TO SIN-Ecc 5:6.
   LET HIM REFRAIN HIS TONGUE FROM EVIL, AND HIS LIPS THAT THEY SPEAK NO GUILE-1 Pe 3:10.

    The Bible warns us about murmuring or being a talebearer and the like: FOR THAT THE LORD HEARETH YOUR MURMURINGS WHICH YE MURMUR AGAINST HIM: AND WHAT ARE WE? YOUR MURMURINGS ARE NOT AGAINST US, BUT AGAINST THE LORD-Ex 16:8.
   The Lord’s wrath is soon to come upon the whole world and upon the children of disobedience. How will you escape? The Scriptures also tell us that, A TALEBEARER REVEALETH SECRETS: BUT HE THAT IS OF A FAITHFUL SPIRIT CONCEALETH THE MATTER-Pv 11:13.
   A FROWARD MAN SOWETH STRIFE: AND A WHISPERER SEPARATETH CHIEF FRIENDS-Pv 16:28.
   Paul speaks of those who LEARN TO BE IDLE, WANDERING ABOUT FROM HOUSE TO HOUSE; AND NOT ONLY IDLE, BUT TATTLERS ALSO AND BUSYBODIES, SPEAKING THINGS WHICH THEY OUGHT NOT-1 Tim 5:13. How can these get their prayers answered? Do they think that God hears the disobedient?
   God tells us if they will not work, neither should they eat-ref 2 Thes 3:10. God warns about idleness and laziness. He also tells us to be content with our pay. Can we go on strike and be in God’s will? Obviously no. Will God hear the prayers of those who will not follow Him? Whom do you follow? Are you a child of disobedience? The children of disobedience have the devil for their father.
   God now gives a warning, a command: THOU SHALT NOT GO UP AND DOWN AS A TALEBEARER AMONG THY PEOPLE...I AM THE LORD-Lev 19:16.
   THOU SHALT NOT AVENGE, NOR BEAR ANY GRUDGE AGAINST THE CHILDREN OF THY PEOPLE, BUT THOU SHALT LOVE THY NEIGHBOUR AS THYSELF: I AM THE LORD-Lev 19:18.
   DO ALL THINGS WITHOUT MURMURINGS AND DISPUTINGS-Phili 2:14. This bears repeating: DO ALL THINGS WITHOUT MURMURINGS AND DISPUTINGS: THAT YE MAY BE BLAMELESS AND HARMLESS, THE SONS OF GOD, WITHOUT REBUKE…YE SHINE AS LIGHTS IN THE WORLD; HOLDING FORTH THE WORD OF LIFE; THAT I MAY REJOICE IN THE DAY OF CHRIST, THAT I HAVE NOT RUN IN VAIN, NEITHER LABOURED IN VAIN-Phili 2:14-16.
   All our good works, all our labors are in vain if we do not go according to the rules. Those rules are laid down in God’s holy Word. If you do not know the rules, how can you be saved, and how can your prayers be answered? Have they not heard?
   It is written, WHERE NO WOOD IS, THERE THE FIRE GOETH OUT: SO WHERE THERE IS NO TALEBEARER, THE STRIFE CEASETH. AS COALS ARE TO BURNING COALS, AND WOOD TO FIRE; SO IS A CONTENTIOUS (quarrelsome) MAN TO KINDLE STRIFE. THE WORDS OF A TALEBEARER ARE AS WOUNDS, AND THEY GO DOWN INTO THE INNERMOST PARTS OF THE BELLY-Pv 26:20-22.
   Be satisfied with everything, and give thanks to the Lord. Do not complain, do not cause strife, do not be a talebearer, do not murmur. Live in peace with your fellow man if at all possible. God tells us the heart of the law is love. Fill yourself with God’s Word, not music. Let yourself be filled with God’s love, not the discord of this world. Obey the Scriptures and you will have your prayers answered, and your needs met. God promises that.

    Are many of the "good things of THIS world" coming your way? Are you partaking of the "good life"? Perhaps you are not working for God, yet you think God is providing for you abundantly. Perhaps you are not working for God, yet you are getting a nice house or car; you are prospering at your job, or your business is taking hold and growing. Rest assured that your father the devil may be providing for you. You have the "good life now" but it may cost you eternity in hell. The first of the Ten Commandments states, THOU SHALT HAVE NO OTHER GODS BEFORE ME-Ex 20:3.
   Jesus died only for those who would be obedient to Him. God warns us, love not this world, nor the things therein. You that are prospering now will soon cry. When that day comes that you stand one-on-one in front of your Creator, and He asks you, "What did you do for Me?" what will you say? God clearly shows us His righteous judgments in the story of the rich man and the beggar. Would you be willing to exchange everything you have right now for eternity in heaven? The day is coming when you may wish you could, but it will be too late. Oh how hard it is for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven!
   Jesus tells us that THERE WAS A CERTAIN RICH MAN, WHICH WAS CLOTHED IN PURPLE AND FINE LINEN, AND FARED SUMPTUOUSLY EVERY DAY: AND THERE WAS A CERTAIN BEGGAR NAMED LAZARUS, WHICH WAS LAID AT HIS GATE, FULL OF SORES, AND DESIRING TO BE FED WITH THE CRUMBS WHICH FELL FROM THE RICH MAN’S TABLE: MOREOVER THE DOGS CAME AND LICKED HIS SORES. AND IT CAME TO PASS, THAT THE BEGGAR DIED, AND WAS CARRIED BY THE ANGELS INTO ABRAHAM’S BOSOM: THE RICH MAN ALSO DIED, AND WAS BURIED; AND IN HELL HE LIFT UP HIS EYES, BEING IN TORMENTS, AND SEETH ABRAHAM AFAR OFF, AND LAZARUS IN HIS BOSOM. AND HE CRIED AND SAID, FATHER ABRAHAM, HAVE MERCY ON ME, AND SEND LAZARUS, THAT HE MAY DIP THE TIP OF HIS FINGER IN WATER, AND COOL MY TONGUE; FOR I AM TORMENTED IN THIS FLAME. BUT ABRAHAM SAID, SON, REMEMBER THAT THOU IN THY LIFETIME RECEIVEDST THY GOOD THINGS, AND LIKEWISE LAZARUS EVIL THINGS: BUT NOW HE IS COMFORTED, AND THOU ART TORMENTED. AND BESIDE ALL THIS, BETWEEN US AND YOU THERE IS A GREAT GULF FIXED: SO THAT THEY WHICH WOULD PASS FROM HENCE TO YOU CANNOT; NEITHER CAN THEY PASS TO US, THAT WOULD COME FROM THENCE. THEN HE SAID, I PRAY THEE THEREFORE, FATHER, THAT THOU WOULDEST SEND HIM TO MY FATHER’S HOUSE: FOR I HAVE FIVE BRETHREN; THAT HE MAY TESTIFY UNTO THEM, LEST THEY ALSO COME INTO THIS PLACE OF TORMENT. ABRAHAM SAITH UNTO HIM, THEY HAVE MOSES AND THE PROPHETS; LET THEM HEAR THEM. AND HE SAID NAY, FATHER ABRAHAM: BUT IF ONE WENT UNTO THEM FROM THE DEAD, THEY WILL REPENT. AND HE SAID UNTO HIM, IF THEY HEAR NOT MOSES AND THE PROPHETS, NEITHER WILL THEY BE PERSUADED, THOUGH ONE ROSE FROM THE DEAD-Lk 16:19-31.
   Will you be persuaded right now? Is this rich person you? Are you willing to renounce this world and pick up your cross and follow Jesus?

41-DRINKING, DRUGS, SMOKING, ILLICIT SEX, TAKING THE LORD’S NAME IN VAIN

    If you want your prayers answered, you must be in God’s will; you must be living as God wants you to live. The Bible tells us that everyone who confesses the name of Jesus must turn from wickedness. We are called to live a holy life. Without holiness, no one will see the Lord. Do you do any of the following: drinking, drugs, smoking, illicit sex, or take the Lord’s name in vain? The Bible says that WITHOUT HOLINESS, NO ONE WILL SEE THE LORD-Heb 12:14 (NIV).
   FOR GOD HATH NOT CALLED US UNTO UNCLEANNESS, BUT UNTO HOLINESS-1 Thes 4:7.
   In the Ten Commandments we read, THOU SHALT NOT TAKE THE NAME OF THE LORD THY GOD IN VAIN; FOR THE LORD WILL NOT HOLD HIM GUILTLESS THAT TAKETH HIS NAME IN VAIN-Ex 20:7. The penalty in the Old Testament for doing this was death by stoning. If you fear God, you will not be doing these things.
   For it is GOD’S WILL THAT YOU SHOULD BE HOLY; THAT YOU SHOULD AVOID SEXUAL IMMORALITY; THAT EACH OF YOU SHOULD LEARN TO CONTROL HIS OWN BODY IN A WAY THAT IS HOLY AND HONORABLE, NOT IN PASSIONATE LUST LIKE THE HEATHEN, WHO DO NOT KNOW GOD...THE LORD WILL PUNISH MEN FOR ALL SUCH SINS, AS WE HAVE ALREADY TOLD YOU AND WARNED YOU. FOR GOD DID NOT CALL US TO BE IMPURE, BUT TO LIVE A HOLY LIFE-1 Thes 4:3-7 (NIV).
   We are not to be of those who CLAIM TO KNOW GOD, BUT BY THEIR ACTIONS THEY DENY HIM-Titus 1:16 (NIV).
   So LET US BEHAVE DECENTLY AS IN THE DAYTIME, NOT IN ORGIES AND DRUNKENNESS, NOT IN SEXUAL IMMORALITY AND DEBAUCHERY, NOT IN DISSENSION AND JEALOUSY. RATHER, CLOTHE YOURSELVES WITH THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, AND DO NOT THINK ABOUT HOW TO GRATIFY THE DESIRES OF THE SINFUL NATURE-Ro 13:13,14 (NIV).
   Please take note, the verse said, do not (even) think, do not (even) think, DO NOT THINK ABOUT HOW TO GRATIFY THE DESIRES OF THE SINFUL NATURE. God also tells us DO NOT GET DRUNK ON WINE, WHICH LEADS TO DEBAUCHERY. INSTEAD BE FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT-Eph 5:18 (NIV).
   The Nazarite who consecrates himself to the Lord, SHALL SEPARATE HIMSELF FROM WINE AND STRONG DRINK, AND SHALL DRINK NO VINEGAR OF WINE, OR VINEGAR OF STRONG DRINK, NEITHER SHALL HE DRINK ANY LIQUOR OF GRAPES, NOR EAT MOIST GRAPES, OR DRIED-Num 6:3. NOW THEREFORE BEWARE, I PRAY THEE, AND DRINK NOT WINE NOR STRONG DRINK-Judges 13:4.
   AND THE ANGEL OF THE LORD SAID UNTO MANOAH, OF ALL THAT I SAID UNTO THE WOMAN LET HER BEWARE. SHE MAY NOT EAT OF ANY THING THAT COMETH OF THE VINE, NEITHER LET HER DRINK WINE OR STRONG DRINK-Judges 13:13,14.
   The faithful Rechabites SAID, WE WILL DRINK NO WINE: FOR JONADAB THE SON OF RECHAB OUR FATHER COMMANDED US, SAYING, YE SHALL DRINK NO WINE, NEITHER YE, NOR YOUR SONS FOR EVER: THUS HAVE WE OBEYED THE VOICE OF JONADAB THE SON OF RECHAB OUR FATHER IN ALL THAT HE HATH CHARGED US, TO DRINK NO WINE ALL OUR DAYS, WE, OUR WIVES, OUR SONS, NOR OUR DAUGHTERS-Jere 35:6,8.
   THE WORDS OF JONADAB THE SON OF RECHAB, THAT HE COMMANDED HIS SONS NOT TO DRINK WINE, ARE PERFORMED; FOR UNTO THIS DAY THEY DRINK NONE, BUT OBEY THEIR FATHER’S COMMANDMENT-Jere 35:14.
   AND ELI SAID UNTO HER, HOW LONG WILT THOU BE DRUNKEN? PUT AWAY THY WINE FROM THEE-1 Sam 1:14.
   WOE UNTO THEM THAT RISE UP EARLY IN THE MORNING, THAT THEY MAY FOLLOW STRONG DRINK; THAT CONTINUE UNTIL NIGHT, TILL WINE INFLAME THEM!-Isa 5:11.
   WOE UNTO THEM THAT ARE MIGHTY TO DRINK WINE, AND MEN OF STRENGTH TO MINGLE STRONG DRINK-Isa 5:22.
   WINE IS A MOCKER, STRONG DRINK IS RAGING: AND WHOSOEVER IS DECEIVED THEREBY IS NOT WISE-Pv 20:1.
   The Bible shows us, if you love Me you will keep My commandments-ref Jn 14:15. If you will not keep His commands, YOU ARE A CHILD OF THE DEVIL AND AN ENEMY OF EVERYTHING THAT IS RIGHT! YOU ARE FULL OF ALL KINDS OF DECEIT AND TRICKERY. WILL YOU NEVER STOP PERVERTING THE RIGHT WAYS OF THE LORD? NOW THE HAND OF THE LORD IS AGAINST YOU-Acts 13:10,11 (NIV).
   BLESSED IS THE MAN WHO ALWAYS FEARS THE LORD, BUT HE WHO HARDENS HIS HEART FALLS INTO TROUBLE-Pv 28:14 (NIV).
   THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS THE BEGINNING OF WISDOM: AND THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE HOLY IS UNDERSTANDING-Pv 9:10.
   A WISE MAN FEARETH, AND DEPARTETH FROM EVIL: BUT THE FOOL RAGETH, AND IS CONFIDENT-Pv 14:16.
   THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS TO HATE EVIL: PRIDE, AND ARROGANCY, AND THE EVIL WAY, AND THE FROWARD MOUTH (not easily controlled mouth), DO I HATE-Pv 8:13.
   As we see in the next verse, if we do not fear God, then the Word of salvation is not sent to us. If the Word does not dwell in our hearts, how can we be saved? We will perish, and who will save us when we turn our backs on the only living God? It is written, MEN AND BRETHREN, CHILDREN OF THE STOCK OF ABRAHAM, AND WHOSOEVER AMONG YOU FEARETH GOD, TO YOU (those that fear God) IS THE WORD OF THIS SALVATION SENT-Acts 13:26.
   Are your prayers hindered because you have hardened your heart toward God’s commands? Do you try to justify why you do not have to follow them all, but only the ones you want to? Nevertheless, your conscience will condemn you. Your prayers are hindered. Isn’t it time that you "completely" repented and turned your whole life over to Jesus, not just part of it? In addition to the commands on drinking, the Bible tells us do not join those who drink alcoholic beverages. BE NOT AMONG WINEBIBBERS-Pv 23:20.
   God gives a warning to those that give or sell "drink": WOE UNTO HIM (this is God warning a person) THAT GIVETH HIS NEIGHBOUR DRINK, THAT PUTTEST THY BOTTLE TO HIM, AND MAKEST HIM DRUNKEN ALSO, THAT THOU MAYEST LOOK ON THEIR NAKEDNESS!-Hab 2:15.
   God gives us another warning, which carries a penalty of "lest ye die": DO NOT DRINK WINE NOR STRONG DRINK, THOU, NOR THY SONS WITH THEE, WHEN YE GO INTO THE TABERNACLE OF THE CONGREGATION, LEST YE DIE: IT SHALL BE A STATUTE FOR EVER THROUGHOUT YOUR GENERATIONS-Lev 10:9.

    God gives us warnings about drugs. He gives us warnings about doing or taking anything that will destroy the body, which is the temple of the Holy Spirit. God’s warning is so strong, that He says He will destroy them. Do you smoke or take drugs? Four times in the book of Revelation, drugs (sorceries) are mentioned. Do you want your prayers answered? If you find your answers in alcohol, drugs, or cigarettes, do not expect God to give you an answer. Are you hooked on alcohol, drugs, or cigarettes? Is it a god that you cannot give up? The Bible tells us to confess our sin. Do you confess the sin of drugs or smoking every time you do it? Do you confess the sin of defiling the temple of the Holy Spirit which is the body? To say that you do not have the power to give up these things, is to say that Satan’s power is greater than God’s. The Bible asks us, "Have you resisted sin to the point of blood?" Submit to God. Resist Satan, and he will flee. If you are born-again, He that is in you is greater than he that is in the world. Are you a servant of God or Satan? Would you smoke in a church? Did you know your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit? You belong to Jesus. Would you force Jesus to smoke? Do you take drugs? The Bible tells us we are called to live a holy life. Are you doing so? Many are called but few chosen. Few ever find the narrow gate that leads to salvation, but most think they have. How tragic that they never seem to realize until they enter hell. Eternal (forever and ever) burning in the lake of fire and there is weeping and gnashing of teeth. What an awful price to pay for living for this world!
   God assures us that NO ONE WHO LIVES IN HIM KEEPS ON SINNING. NO ONE WHO CONTINUES TO SIN HAS EITHER SEEN HIM OR KNOWN HIM-1 Jn 3:6 (NIV).

    Don’t you know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is sacred, and you are that temple. The King James Version says it like this: KNOW YE NOT THAT YE ARE THE TEMPLE OF GOD, AND THAT THE SPIRIT OF GOD DWELLETH IN YOU? IF ANY MAN DEFILE THE TEMPLE OF GOD, HIM SHALL GOD DESTROY; FOR THE TEMPLE OF GOD IS HOLY, WHICH TEMPLE YE ARE-1 Cor 3:16,17. The word "sorceries," or "sorcerer" which appear in Rev 9:21, 18:23, 21:8, and 22:15 is taken from the Greek word that means "pharmaceuticals or drugs." Speaking of the latter days, God says, NEITHER REPENTED THEY OF THEIR MURDERS, NOR OF THEIR SORCERIES (drugs), NOR OF THEIR FORNICATION, NOR OF THEIR THEFTS-Rev 9:21. BUT THE FEARFUL, AND UNBELIEVING, AND THE ABOMINABLE, AND MURDERERS, AND WHOREMONGERS, AND SORCERERS (drugs), AND IDOLATERS, AND ALL LIARS, SHALL HAVE THEIR PART IN THE LAKE WHICH BURNETH WITH FIRE AND BRIMSTONE: WHICH IS THE SECOND DEATH-Rev 21:8. FOR WITHOUT ARE DOGS, AND SORCERERS (drugs) (drug addicts), AND WHOREMONGERS, AND MURDERERS, AND IDOLATERS, AND WHOSOEVER LOVETH AND MAKETH A LIE-Rev 22:15.
   If you are not willing to give up such things as smoking, drugs, or drinking, then your prayers are hindered. What a price to pay! Enjoy sin for a season, in exchange for eternity in hell. As said previously, let it be said again, NO ONE WHO CONTINUES TO SIN HAS EITHER SEEN HIM OR KNOWN HIM-1 Jn 3:6 (NIV).
   When you receive Jesus as your Savior, you promise to follow Him; you promise to repent. This means to change your ways. If you are born-again, you are no longer of this world. Love not this world, nor the things therein. Begin living for the promised life to come. We are called to be overcomers, to overcome the sin of this world, even while being in this world. We turn to Jesus for forgiveness. If we accidentally sin, we rely on God’s promise which says, IF WE CONFESS OUR SINS, HE IS FAITHFUL AND JUST TO FORGIVE US OUR SINS, AND TO CLEANSE US FROM ALL UNRIGHTEOUSNESS. IF WE SAY THAT WE HAVE NOT SINNED, WE MAKE HIM A LIAR, AND HIS WORD IS NOT IN US-1 Jn 1:9,10.
   If you continue to sin intentionally the Bible tells us, FOR IF WE SIN WILLFULLY AFTER THAT WE HAVE RECEIVED THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH, THERE REMAINETH NO MORE SACRIFICE FOR SINS, BUT A CERTAIN FEARFUL LOOKING FOR OF JUDGMENT AND FIERY INDIGNATION, WHICH SHALL DEVOUR THE ADVERSARIES. HE THAT DESPISED MOSES’ LAW DIED WITHOUT MERCY UNDER TWO OR THREE WITNESSES: OF HOW MUCH SORER PUNISHMENT, SUPPOSE YE, SHALL HE BE THOUGHT WORTHY, WHO HATH TRODDEN UNDER FOOT THE SON OF GOD, AND HATH COUNTED THE BLOOD OF THE COVENANT, WHEREWITH HE WAS SANCTIFIED, AN UNHOLY THING, AND HATH DONE DESPITE UNTO THE SPIRIT OF GRACE? FOR WE KNOW HIM THAT HATH SAID, VENGEANCE BELONGETH UNTO ME, I WILL RECOMPENSE-Heb 10:26-30.
   Are you a servant to smoking, drinking, or drugs? KNOW YE NOT, THAT TO WHOM YE YIELD YOURSELVES SERVANTS TO OBEY, HIS SERVANTS YE ARE TO WHOM YE OBEY; WHETHER OF SIN UNTO DEATH, OR OF OBEDIENCE UNTO RIGHTEOUSNESS?-Ro 6:16.

    Certainly some very important verses in getting prayers answered are the following in Romans chapter 6: BUT GOD BE THANKED (have you thanked God for delivering you?) THAT YE WERE THE SERVANTS OF SIN (note, in past tense, were servants of), BUT YE HAVE OBEYED (again we see the word "obey" in relation to being saved) YE HAVE OBEYED (not something you will do, but something you "have" done) FROM THE HEART (that bears repeating) OBEYED FROM THE HEART (is your obedience from a heart filled with love for God?) OBEYED FROM THE HEART (what have we obeyed?) THAT FORM OF DOCTRINE WHICH WAS DELIVERED YOU-Ro 6:17. This is saying we have obeyed the Scriptures, the doctrine that was delivered. Watch the next two words. It says, BEING THEN (in other words, after you have obeyed) MADE FREE FROM SIN (saved after you have obeyed). "Just say a sinner’s prayer and you are saved," some say. The Scripture says, when we obey, after we obey, after we obey from the heart; then we are made free from sin. Next we read, YE BECAME THE SERVANTS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS-(verse 18). The Bible told us first we were a servant of sin. But now, after we have obeyed, we are called servants of righteousness. We become a servant of Jesus. We no longer belong to ourselves. We belong to whom we obey; and we obey Jesus. We are not saved by a promise alone, but by a response of faith and obedience. We are saved and made free from sin after we have obeyed from the heart. That miracle comes from the blood Jesus shed on the cross, which cleanses us from all unrighteousness. However, on our part goes a commitment of obedience to the Gospel, not in word, but in deed and love. Now let us read these two verses again slowly, and let this great truth speak to your heart.
   BUT GOD BE THANKED, THAT YE WERE THE SERVANTS OF SIN, BUT YE HAVE OBEYED FROM THE HEART THAT FORM OF DOCTRINE WHICH WAS DELIVERED YOU. BEING THEN MADE FREE FROM SIN, YE BECAME THE SERVANTS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS-Ro 6:17,18. This is not only a key to being born-again (ref Jn 3:3), but also to getting your prayers answered.
   The Scripture continues, I SPEAK AFTER THE MANNER OF MEN BECAUSE OF THE INFIRMITY OF YOUR FLESH: FOR AS YE HAVE YIELDED YOUR MEMBERS SERVANTS TO UNCLEANNESS AND TO INIQUITY UNTO INIQUITY; EVEN SO NOW YIELD YOUR MEMBERS SERVANTS TO RIGHTEOUSNESS UNTO HOLINESS-Ro 6:19. The Bible also tells us that without holiness, no one will see the Lord-ref Heb 12:14. BUT NOW BEING MADE FREE FROM SIN, AND BECOME SERVANTS TO GOD (note servants to God), YE HAVE YOUR FRUIT UNTO HOLINESS (your works, your actions, your heart, your everything unto holiness), AND THE END EVERLASTING LIFE-Ro 6:22. Obedience will lead to righteousness, and righteousness to holiness. Take out one of these and you are lost, for the Scriptures tell us, THE WAGES OF SIN IS DEATH; BUT THE GIFT OF GOD IS ETERNAL LIFE THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD-Ro 6:23.
   Do not be led astray from God’s truth in these Scriptures through a religion. Remember, the vast majority of religious leaders are going to hell. They are the blind leading the blind. God tells us that many will say in that day, "Lord, Lord." Many are preachers, priests, and rabbi, yet they will be cast into the lake of fire, for Jesus tells them, "I never knew you." They are saying, "Jesus, I accepted You as my Savior," but Jesus is telling them that He did not accept them. Jesus paid our jail sentence, but we can only receive it through obedience to Him Who is the Author of the Gospel (the good news). Knowing this, should you not gather your drugs, and all your beer bottles and cans, and all forms of alcohol, and destroy them? Turn to Jesus with all your heart, with all your mind, body and soul. God promises if you do this, He will never forsake you.

    God gives us further warnings of things we are not to do. We must obey God’s Word if we expect God to answer our prayers. He tells us, THERE SHALL NOT BE FOUND AMONG YOU ANY ONE THAT MAKETH HIS SON OR HIS DAUGHTER TO PASS THROUGH THE FIRE, OR THAT USETH DIVINATION (fortunetelling), OR AN OBSERVER OF TIMES (sorcery, astrology), OR AN ENCHANTER (interprets omens, casts spells), OR A WITCH (one who engages in witchcraft), OR A CHARMER (one who casts spells), OR A CONSULTER WITH FAMILIAR SPIRITS (a medium or spiritist who consults with the dead), OR A WIZARD (sorcerer), OR A NECROMANCER (one who communicates with the dead). FOR ALL THAT DO THESE THINGS ARE AN ABOMINATION UNTO THE LORD-Deut 18:10-12.
   Most people cannot get their prayers answered. They are often involved in things that are detestable to God. How can God turn His ear to those people who are engaged in things that are an abomination; in things that God has warned us against? If you turn to astrology, even look at such things in the newspapers, even mention such things as horoscopes; this is an abomination to the Lord. God has destroyed whole nations for such sins. The penalty for such things in God’s Law is death. Take heed, LEST THOU LIFT UP THINE EYES UNTO HEAVEN, AND WHEN THOU SEEST THE SUN, AND THE MOON, AND THE STARS, EVEN ALL THE HOST OF HEAVEN, SHOULDEST BE DRIVEN TO WORSHIP THEM, AND SERVE THEM, (do not be enticed into bowing down to them), WHICH THE LORD THY GOD HATH DIVIDED UNTO ALL NATIONS UNDER THE WHOLE HEAVEN-Deut 4:19. Do not in any way partake of astrology.
   NEITHER SHALL YE USE ENCHANTMENT, NOR OBSERVE TIMES-Lev 19:26. DO NOT TURN TO MEDIUMS OR SEEK OUT SPIRITISTS, FOR YOU WILL BE DEFILED BY THEM. I AM THE LORD YOUR GOD-Lev 19:31 (NIV).
   God gives us a very strict warning about such things saying, THE SOUL THAT TURNETH AFTER SUCH AS HAVE FAMILIAR SPIRITS (mediums), AND AFTER WIZARDS (spiritists), TO GO A WHORING AFTER THEM (to prostitute himself by following them), I WILL EVEN SET MY FACE AGAINST THAT SOUL, AND WILL CUT HIM OFF FROM AMONG HIS PEOPLE-Lev 20:6.
   If you call yourself a Christian, yet do these things which are of Satan, you will soon have a surprise coming when you stand in front of your Creator at judgment. If you are involved in these things, not only may you be having problems getting prayers answered; you may be on your way to hell, unless you repent and begin to follow Jesus in total obedience.

    God also says that, THE WOMAN SHALL NOT WEAR THAT WHICH PERTAINETH UNTO A MAN, NEITHER SHALL A MAN PUT ON A WOMAN’S GARMENT: FOR ALL THAT DO SO ARE ABOMINATION UNTO THE LORD THY GOD-Deut 22:5.

    It is also written, HE THAT JUSTIFIETH THE WICKED, AND HE THAT CONDEMNETH THE JUST, EVEN THEY BOTH ARE ABOMINATION TO THE LORD-Pv 17:15.

    What does the Bible say about giving? Is it true that your prayers will not be heard if you do not tithe? Will God make you rich if you give? All kinds of appeals are being made by so many to give your money. The book of Mark tells us that JESUS SAT OVER AGAINST THE TREASURY, AND BEHELD HOW THE PEOPLE CAST MONEY INTO THE TREASURY: AND MANY THAT WERE RICH CAST IN MUCH. AND THERE CAME A CERTAIN POOR WIDOW, AND SHE THREW IN TWO MITES, WHICH MAKE A FARTHING (worth only a fraction of a penny). AND HE CALLED UNTO HIM HIS DISCIPLES, AND SAITH UNTO THEM, VERILY I SAY UNTO YOU, THAT THIS POOR WIDOW HATH CAST MORE IN, THAN ALL THEY WHICH HAVE CAST INTO THE TREASURY: FOR ALL THEY DID CAST IN OF THEIR ABUNDANCE; BUT SHE OF HER WANT DID CAST IN ALL THAT SHE HAD, EVEN ALL HER LIVING-Mk 12:41-44.
   Regarding tithes and offerings the Bible asks, WILL A MAN ROB GOD? YET YE HAVE ROBBED ME. BUT YE SAY, WHEREIN HAVE WE ROBBED THEE? IN TITHES AND OFFERINGS. YE ARE CURSED WITH A CURSE: FOR YE HAVE ROBBED ME, EVEN THIS WHOLE NATION. BRING 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. AND I WILL REBUKE THE DEVOURER FOR YOUR SAKES, AND HE SHALL NOT DESTROY THE FRUITS OF YOUR GROUND; NEITHER SHALL YOUR VINE CAST HER FRUIT BEFORE THE TIME IN THE FIELD, SAITH THE LORD OF HOSTS-Mal 3:8-11.

    Next, we need to know how much we should give to the Lord. We find through the Scriptures, that one tenth (1/10^th) of everything we have belongs to God. If we receive wages, before groceries, before bills, one tenth belongs to God. He gives us 90% , and 10% is His. If we fail to give this 10% (ten percent), then, indeed, we are robbing God. The tithe is 10% , and an offering is something that is over 10% . Even though we may make very little and are hungry, 10% still belongs to God. Electric bills, utility bills, house payments, rent, all come after God gets His 10% . The patriarch Jacob vowed a vow saying, THIS STONE, WHICH I HAVE SET FOR A PILLAR, SHALL BE GOD’S HOUSE: AND OF ALL THAT THOU SHALT GIVE ME I WILL SURELY GIVE THE TENTH UNTO THEE-Gen 28:22. We are also told to HONOUR THE LORD WITH THY SUBSTANCE, AND WITH THE FIRSTFRUITS OF ALL THINE INCREASE-Pv 3:9.
   This is given to us as a command. To those who obey, God promises SO SHALL THY BARNS BE FILLED WITH PLENTY, AND THY PRESSES SHALL BURST OUT WITH NEW WINE-Pv 3:10.
   Melchizedek said to Abraham, BLESSED BE THE MOST HIGH GOD, WHICH HATH DELIVERED THINE ENEMIES INTO THY HAND. AND HE GAVE HIM TITHES OF ALL-Gen 14:20.
   In the church the Bible tells us, NOW CONCERNING THE COLLECTION FOR THE SAINTS, AS I HAVE GIVEN ORDER TO THE CHURCHES OF GALATIA, EVEN SO DO YE. UPON THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK LET EVERY ONE OF YOU LAY BY HIM IN STORE, AS GOD HATH PROSPERED HIM, THAT THERE BE NO GATHERINGS WHEN I COME-1 Cor 16:1,2.
   TO WHOM ALSO ABRAHAM GAVE A TENTH PART OF ALL-Heb 7:2.
   AND VERILY THEY THAT ARE OF THE SONS OF LEVI, WHO RECEIVE THE OFFICE OF THE PRIESTHOOD, HAVE A COMMANDMENT TO TAKE TITHES OF THE PEOPLE ACCORDING TO THE LAW-Heb 7:5.
   WOE UNTO YOU, SCRIBES AND PHARISEES, HYPOCRITES! FOR YE PAY TITHES OF MINT AND ANISE AND CUMMIN, AND HAVE OMITTED THE WEIGHTIER MATTERS OF THE LAW, JUDGMENT, MERCY, AND FAITH: THESE OUGHT YE TO HAVE DONE, AND NOT TO LEAVE THE OTHER UNDONE-Mt 23:23.
   God has told us to tithe, and that tithe is 10%. Jesus said, IF THOU BRING THY GIFT TO THE ALTAR, AND THERE REMEMBEREST THAT THY BROTHER HATH OUGHT AGAINST THEE; LEAVE THERE THY GIFT BEFORE THE ALTAR, AND GO THY WAY; FIRST BE RECONCILED TO THY BROTHER, AND THEN COME AND OFFER THY GIFT-Mt 5:23,24.
   If we have obtained something by trespass, the Bible tells us, ALL THAT ABOUT WHICH HE HATH SWORN FALSELY; HE SHALL EVEN RESTORE IT IN THE PRINCIPAL, AND SHALL ADD THE FIFTH PART MORE THERETO, AND GIVE IT UNTO HIM TO WHOM IT APPERTAINETH-Lev 6:5. Jesus tells us, GIVE TO EVERY MAN THAT ASKETH OF THEE; AND OF HIM THAT TAKETH AWAY THY GOODS ASK THEM NOT AGAIN-Lk 6:30.
   Our giving should be a cheerful act of love, as Paul said, EVERY MAN ACCORDING AS HE PURPOSETH IN HIS HEART, SO LET HIM GIVE; NOT GRUDGINGLY, OR OF NECESSITY: FOR GOD LOVETH A CHEERFUL GIVER-2 Cor 9:7. BUT THIS I SAY, HE WHICH SOWETH SPARINGLY SHALL REAP ALSO SPARINGLY; AND HE WHICH SOWETH BOUNTIFULLY SHALL REAP ALSO BOUNTIFULLY-2 Cor 9:6.
   LAST YEAR YOU WERE THE FIRST NOT ONLY TO GIVE BUT ALSO TO HAVE THE DESIRE TO DO SO. NOW FINISH THE WORK, SO THAT YOUR EAGER WILLINGNESS TO DO IT MAY BE MATCHED BY YOUR COMPLETION OF IT, ACCORDING TO YOUR MEANS. FOR IF THE WILLINGNESS IS THERE, THE GIFT IS ACCEPTABLE ACCORDING TO WHAT ONE HAS, NOT ACCORDING TO WHAT HE DOES NOT HAVE-2 Cor 8:10-12 (NIV).
   IN FAITH, IN SPEECH, IN KNOWLEDGE, IN COMPLETE EARNESTNESS AND IN YOUR LOVE FOR US, SEE THAT YOU ALSO EXCEL IN THIS GRACE OF GIVING-2 Cor 8:7. TAKE HEED THAT YE DO NOT YOUR ALMS (giving money, giving to the poor, acts of righteousness) BEFORE MEN, TO BE SEEN OF THEM: OTHERWISE YE HAVE NO REWARD OF YOUR FATHER WHICH IS IN HEAVEN. THEREFORE WHEN THOU DOEST THINE ALMS, DO NOT SOUND A TRUMPET BEFORE THEE, AS THE HYPOCRITES DO IN THE SYNAGOGUES AND IN THE STREETS, THAT THEY MAY HAVE GLORY OF MEN. VERILY I SAY UNTO YOU, THEY HAVE THEIR REWARD. BUT WHEN THOU DOEST ALMS, LET NOT THY LEFT HAND KNOW WHAT THY RIGHT HAND DOETH: THAT THINE ALMS MAY BE IN SECRET: AND THY FATHER WHICH SEETH IN SECRET HIMSELF SHALL REWARD THEE OPENLY-Mt 6:1-4.
   God will reward for giving; however, the giving must be in accordance with the rules that God laid down. Often gifts may be given to receive something in return. Is this the way God says to give? If you desire God to reward you, it must be done as God decrees.
   The Bible also says, CHARGE THEM THAT ARE RICH IN THIS WORLD, THAT THEY BE NOT HIGHMINDED, NOR TRUST IN UNCERTAIN RICHES, BUT IN THE LIVING GOD, WHO GIVETH US RICHLY ALL THINGS TO ENJOY. THAT THEY DO GOOD, THAT THEY BE RICH IN GOOD WORKS, READY TO DISTRIBUTE, WILLING TO COMMUNICATE; LAYING UP IN STORE FOR THEMSELVES A GOOD FOUNDATION AGAINST THE TIME TO COME, THAT THEY MAY LAY HOLD ON ETERNAL LIFE-1 Tim 6:17-19.
   Jesus was invited by one of the chief Pharisees to dinner. THEN SAID HE ALSO TO HIM THAT BADE HIM, WHEN THOU MAKEST A DINNER OR A SUPPER, CALL NOT THY FRIENDS, NOR THY BRETHREN, NEITHER THY KINSMEN, NOR THY RICH NEIGHBOURS; LEST THEY ALSO BID THEE AGAIN, AND A RECOMPENSE BE MADE THEE. BUT WHEN THOU MAKEST A FEAST, CALL THE POOR, THE MAIMED, THE LAME, THE BLIND: AND THOU SHALT BE BLESSED; FOR THEY CANNOT RECOMPENSE THEE: FOR THOU SHALT BE RECOMPENSED AT THE RESURRECTION OF THE JUST-Lk 14:12-14.
   GIVE, AND IT SHALL BE GIVEN UNTO YOU; GOOD MEASURE, PRESSED DOWN, AND SHAKEN TOGETHER, AND RUNNING OVER, SHALL MEN GIVE INTO YOUR BOSOM. FOR WITH THE SAME MEASURE THAT YE METE WITHAL IT SHALL BE MEASURED TO YOU AGAIN-Lk 6:38.
   GIVE TO HIM THAT ASKETH THEE, AND FROM HIM THAT WOULD BORROW OF THEE TURN NOT THOU AWAY-Mt 5:42.
   AND WHOSOEVER SHALL GIVE A DRINK UNTO ONE OF THESE LITTLE ONES A CUP OF COLD WATER ONLY IN THE NAME OF A DISCIPLE, VERILY I SAY UNTO YOU, HE SHALL IN NO WISE LOSE HIS REWARD-Mt 10:42. Some people cheat God and think they can get away with it. They rob God by not tithing. They make promises to give, and then do not keep their promise. Judgment may seem slow to come, but it will come.
   The Bible tells us, A CERTAIN MAN NAMED ANANIAS, WITH SAPPHIRA HIS WIFE, SOLD A POSSESSION, AND KEPT BACK PART OF THE PRICE, HIS WIFE ALSO BEING PRIVY (secretly a partner) TO IT, AND BROUGHT A CERTAIN PART, AND LAID IT AT THE APOSTLES’ FEET. BUT PETER SAID, ANANIAS, WHY HATH SATAN FILLED THINE HEART TO LIE TO THE HOLY GHOST, AND TO KEEP BACK PART OF THE PRICE OF THE LAND? WHILES IT REMAINED, WAS IT NOT THINE OWN? AND AFTER IT WAS SOLD, WAS IT NOT IN THINE OWN POWER? WHY HAST THOU CONCEIVED THIS THING IN THINE HEART? THOU HAST NOT LIED UNTO MEN BUT UNTO GOD. AND ANANIAS HEARING THESE WORDS FELL DOWN, AND GAVE UP THE GHOST: AND GREAT FEAR CAME ON ALL THEM THAT HEARD THESE THINGS. AND THE YOUNG MEN AROSE, WOUND HIM UP, AND CARRIED HIM OUT, AND BURIED HIM. AND IT WAS ABOUT THE SPACE OF THREE HOURS AFTER, WHEN HIS WIFE, NOT KNOWING WHAT WAS DONE, CAME IN. AND PETER ANSWERED UNTO HER, TELL ME WHETHER YE SOLD THE LAND FOR SO MUCH? AND SHE SAID, YEA, FOR SO MUCH. THEN PETER SAID UNTO HER, HOW IS IT THAT YE HAVE AGREED TOGETHER TO TEMPT THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD? BEHOLD THE FEET OF THEM WHICH HAVE BURIED THY HUSBAND ARE AT THE DOOR, AND SHALL CARRY THEE OUT. THEN FELL SHE DOWN STRAIGHTWAY AT HIS FEET, AND YIELDED UP THE GHOST: AND THE YOUNG MEN CAME IN, AND FOUND HER DEAD, AND, CARRYING HER FORTH, BURIED HER BY HER HUSBAND. AND GREAT FEAR CAME UPON ALL THE CHURCH, AND UPON AS MANY AS HEARD THESE THINGS-Acts 5:1-11.
   Give to God the 1/10^th that belongs to Him. If you disobey God in your tithing, how can God answer your prayers?

    The Bible shows us that people prayed from many positions: standing, kneeling, facing walls, on mountains, etc. Any position is acceptable, however, humbleness is always necessary. A person may not want to pray from a certain position because it is uncomfortable. We recall the many Scriptures that tell about afflicting oneself so prayers could be heard (afflictions meaning to humble). Fasting is to humble ourselves. Doing without those things that may be important to us for a time is a form of humbling ourselves. We should always want to do what is pleasing in His sight not our own.
   On the Day of Atonement, the Jewish people afflict themselves for 24 hours, confessing their sins, not eating, and doing absolutely no work. Going without sleep for 24 hours is also part of it. For 24 hours, confess all sin. Would you be willing to do this? Failure to do this as God prescribed (Lev 23) meant you were cut off from your people. Remember, our conscience must be clear before God when we pray. Jesus paid it all, but we cannot receive if we do not commit ourselves totally to Him.
   Why are you on this earth? Most people either do not know or believe they are here to have a good time, to find happiness. God’s Word does not say this. God’s Word says we are here to fulfill His purpose, for His enjoyment, to glorify Him. We are not here to do our own will. Our purpose here on earth is to be conformed to the image of Jesus, to do the will of God. That is why you were born. Most people rebel against this, and most will go to the eternal lake of fire for disobedience. So what position should we pray from?
   The Bible tells us, AND THE PUBLICAN, STANDING AFAR OFF, WOULD NOT LIFT UP SO MUCH AS HIS EYES UNTO HEAVEN-Lk 18:13.
   AND WE KNEELED DOWN ON THE SHORE, AND PRAYED-Acts 21:5.
   AND WHEN HE HAD THUS SPOKEN, HE KNEELED DOWN, AND PRAYED WITH THEM ALL-Acts 20:36.
   BUT PETER PUT THEM ALL FORTH, AND KNEELED DOWN, AND PRAYED-Acts 9:40.
   NOW WHEN DANIEL KNEW THAT THE WRITING WAS SIGNED, HE WENT INTO HIS HOUSE; AND HIS WINDOWS BEING OPEN IN HIS CHAMBER TOWARD JERUSALEM, HE KNEELED UPON HIS KNEES THREE TIMES A DAY, AND PRAYED, AND GAVE THANKS BEFORE HIS GOD, AS HE DID AFORETIME-Dan 6:10.
   AND IT WAS SO, THAT WHEN SOLOMON HAD MADE AN END OF PRAYING ALL THIS PRAYER AND SUPPLICATION UNTO THE LORD, HE AROSE FROM BEFORE THE ALTAR OF THE LORD, FROM KNEELING ON HIS KNEES WITH HIS HANDS SPREAD UP TO HEAVEN-1 Ki 8:54.
   I WILL THEREFORE THAT MEN PRAY EVERY WHERE, LIFTING UP HOLY HANDS WITHOUT WRATH AND DOUBTING-1 Tim 2:8.
   LET MY PRAYER BE SET FORTH BEFORE THEE AS INCENSE; AND THE LIFTING UP OF MY HANDS AS THE EVENING SACRIFICE-Ps 141:2.
   HEAR THE VOICE OF MY SUPPLICATIONS, WHEN I CRY UNTO THEE, WHEN I LIFT UP MY HANDS TOWARD THY HOLY ORACLE-Ps 28:2.
   AND HE WENT FORWARD A LITTLE, AND FELL ON THE GROUND, AND PRAYED THAT, IF IT WERE POSSIBLE, THE HOUR MIGHT PASS FROM HIM-Mk 14:35.
   ON THE MORROW, AS THEY WENT ON THEIR JOURNEY, AND DREW NIGH UNTO THE CITY, PETER WENT UP UPON THE HOUSETOP TO PRAY ABOUT THE SIXTH HOUR-Acts 10:9.
   THESE WORDS SPAKE JESUS, AND LIFTED UP HIS EYES TO HEAVEN-Jn 17:1.
   THEN HEZEKIAH TURNED HIS FACE TOWARD THE WALL, AND PRAYED UNTO THE LORD-Isa 38:2.
   THEN HE TURNED HIS FACE TO THE WALL, AND PRAYED UNTO THE LORD-2 Ki 20:2.
   THEN JEHOSHAPHAT STOOD UP IN THE ASSEMBLY OF JUDAH AND JERUSALEM AT THE TEMPLE OF THE LORD IN THE FRONT OF THE NEW COURTYARD-(NIV) AND SAID, O LORD GOD OF OUR FATHERS-2 Chr 20:5,6 NIV.

    If we are in God’s will and obeying the Gospel, God will hear our prayers. If we turn away from God’s calling, God may turn away from us or bring chastening upon us, and our prayers or even prayers of intercession may not be heard.
   Thus, it is written, AND NOW, BECAUSE YE HAVE DONE ALL THESE WORKS, SAITH THE LORD, AND I SPAKE UNTO YOU, RISING UP EARLY AND SPEAKING, BUT YE HEARD NOT (they would not listen to God calling them); AND I CALLED YOU, BUT YE ANSWERED NOT; THEREFORE PRAY NOT THOU FOR THIS PEOPLE, NEITHER LIFT UP CRY NOR PRAYER FOR THEM, NEITHER MAKE INTERCESSION TO ME: FOR I WILL NOT HEAR THEE-Jere 7:13,16.
   What an awful thing when God finally says, "I will not hear, because you have turned away too long." The Bible tells us that because of unthankfulness and not giving Him glory, God may one day give a person over to a reprobate mind (one that is given over to sin). From this point on, it is very difficult to reach that person for Jesus.
   We see next, that it is possible to go too far, and a person cannot be forgiven. (Jesus speaking), WHEREFORE I SAY UNTO YOU, ALL MANNER OF SIN AND BLASPHEMY SHALL BE FORGIVEN UNTO MEN: BUT THE BLASPHEMY AGAINST THE HOLY GHOST SHALL NOT BE FORGIVEN UNTO MEN...AND WHOSOEVER SPEAKETH A WORD AGAINST THE SON OF MAN, IT SHALL BE FORGIVEN HIM: BUT WHOSOEVER SPEAKETH AGAINST THE HOLY GHOST, IT SHALL NOT BE FORGIVEN HIM, NEITHER IN THIS WORLD, NEITHER IN THE WORLD TO COME-Mt 12:31,32.
   THERE IS A SIN UNTO DEATH: I DO NOT SAY THAT HE SHALL PRAY FOR IT-1 Jn 5:16. IF I REGARD INIQUITY IN MY HEART, THE LORD WILL NOT HEAR ME-Ps 66:18.
   When we pray, before our requests are made known, we should confess all known sin, or the Lord may not hear our prayers. If you take drugs, stop it now, and confess it as sin. If you are having sex outside marriage, do the same. If you drink and are drunken, stop; confess it and turn to Jesus for forgiveness. If you are living with someone, yet not in a marriage recognized by God, immediately cease; confess it, repent of all sin. If you have not been baptized by full immersion, in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, do so immediately. If you smoke, stop; confess this and begin living a life of righteousness to God; for all unrighteousness is sin. Confess, repent, truly be sorry, and stop doing it. Then God can hear your prayers. How can God hear the prayers of a person who is not truly sorry for his sins?
   The Bible says, IF MY PEOPLE, WHICH ARE CALLED BY MY NAME (these appear to be saved people, yet even though they may be saved, God does not hear their prayers till they do as He commands), SHALL HUMBLE THEMSELVES, AND PRAY, AND SEEK MY FACE, AND TURN FROM THEIR WICKED WAYS; THEN WILL I HEAR FROM HEAVEN, AND WILL FORGIVE THEIR SIN, AND WILL HEAL THEIR LAND-2 Chr 7:14.
   God also warns about serving other gods. Other gods may be your job, your house, your car, success, or just loving this world. We are not to love this world nor the things therein. God says that, OTHER GODS…PROVOKE ME TO ANGER-Jere 7:18.
   If your conscience is clear before God when you pray, He will hear your prayers, if you have obeyed the Gospel. God often answers immediately as when ELISHA PRAYED, AND SAID, LORD, I PRAY THEE, OPEN HIS EYES, THAT HE MAY SEE. AND THE LORD OPENED THE EYES OF THE YOUNG MAN; AND HE SAW...AND WHEN THEY CAME DOWN TO HIM, ELISHA PRAYED UNTO THE LORD, AND SAID, SMITE THIS PEOPLE, I PRAY THEE, WITH BLINDNESS. AND HE SMOTE THEM WITH BLINDNESS ACCORDING TO THE WORD OF ELISHA....AND IT CAME TO PASS, WHEN THEY WERE COME INTO SAMARIA, THAT ELISHA SAID, LORD, OPEN THE EYES OF THESE MEN, THAT THEY MAY SEE. AND THE LORD OPENED THEIR EYES, AND THEY SAW-2 Ki 6:17,18,20.
   Seek God through His Word and prayer. An instance when the Lord did not answer prayer: THEN SAID THE PRIEST, LET US DRAW NEAR HITHER UNTO GOD. AND SAUL ASKED COUNSEL OF GOD, SHALL I GO DOWN AFTER THE PHILISTINES? WILT THOU DELIVER THEM INTO THE HAND OF ISRAEL? BUT HE ANSWERED HIM NOT THAT DAY. Because of one person’s sin, He answered him not. AND SAUL SAID, DRAW YE NEAR HITHER, ALL THE CHIEF OF THE PEOPLE: AND KNOW AND SEE WHEREIN THIS SIN HATH BEEN THIS DAY-1 Sam 14:36-38.
   Sin in a person’s life, a lack of faith, a lack of knowledge of the Word, and a lack of obedience to the Word, may be the main problems for unanswered prayers.
   God always answers when we are in His will, but not always as we expect. For instance when THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL AROSE, AND WENT UP TO THE HOUSE OF GOD, AND ASKED COUNSEL OF GOD, AND SAID, WHICH OF US SHALL GO UP FIRST TO THE BATTLE AGAINST THE CHILDREN OF BENJAMIN? AND THE LORD SAID JUDAH SHALL GO UP FIRST. AND THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL ROSE UP IN THE MORNING, AND ENCAMPED AGAINST GIBEAH. AND THE MEN OF ISRAEL WENT OUT TO BATTLE AGAINST BENJAMIN; AND THE MEN OF ISRAEL PUT THEMSELVES IN ARRAY TO FIGHT AGAINST THEM AT GIBEAH. AND THE CHILDREN OF BENJAMIN CAME FORTH OUT OF GIBEAH AND DESTROYED DOWN TO THE GROUND OF THE ISRAELITES THAT DAY TWENTY AND TWO THOUSAND MEN. AND THE PEOPLE THE MEN OF ISRAEL ENCOURAGED THEMSELVES, AND SET THEIR BATTLE AGAIN IN ARRAY IN THE PLACE WHERE THEY PUT THEMSELVES IN ARRAY THE FIRST DAY. (AND THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL WENT UP AND WEPT BEFORE THE LORD UNTIL EVEN, AND ASKED COUNSEL OF THE LORD, SAYING, SHALL I GO UP AGAIN TO BATTLE AGAINST THE CHILDREN OF BENJAMIN MY BROTHER? AND THE LORD SAID, GO UP AGAINST HIM.) AND THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL CAME NEAR AGAINST THE CHILDREN OF BENJAMIN THE SECOND DAY. AND BENJAMIN WENT FORTH AGAINST THEM OUT OF GIBEAH THE SECOND DAY, AND DESTROYED DOWN TO THE GROUND OF THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL AGAIN EIGHTEEN THOUSAND MEN; ALL THESE DREW THE SWORD. THEN ALL THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL, AND ALL THE PEOPLE, WENT UP, AND CAME UNTO THE HOUSE OF GOD, AND WEPT, AND SAT THERE BEFORE THE LORD, AND FASTED THAT DAY UNTIL EVEN, AND OFFERED BURNT OFFERINGS AND PEACE OFFERINGS BEFORE THE LORD. AND THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL ENQUIRED OF THE LORD, (FOR THE ARK OF THE COVENANT OF GOD WAS THERE IN THOSE DAYS, AND PHINEHAS, THE SON OF ELEAZAR, THE SON OF AARON, STOOD BEFORE IT IN THOSE DAYS,) SAYING, SHALL I YET AGAIN GO OUT TO BATTLE AGAINST THE CHILDREN OF BENJAMIN MY BROTHER, OR SHALL I CEASE? AND THE LORD SAID, GO UP; FOR TOMORROW I WILL DELIVER THEM INTO THINE HAND-Judges 20:18-28.

    For it is written PRAYING ALWAYS WITH ALL PRAYER AND SUPPLICATION IN THE SPIRIT, AND WATCHING THEREUNTO WITH ALL PERSEVERANCE AND SUPPLICATION FOR ALL SAINTS-Eph 6:18. AND HE SPAKE A PARABLE UNTO THEM TO THIS END, THAT MEN OUGHT ALWAYS TO PRAY, AND NOT TO FAINT (and not to give up); SAYING THERE WAS IN A CITY A JUDGE, WHICH FEARED NOT GOD, NEITHER REGARDED MAN: AND THERE WAS A WIDOW IN THAT CITY; AND SHE CAME UNTO HIM, SAYING, AVENGE ME OF MINE ADVERSARY. AND HE WOULD NOT FOR A WHILE: BUT AFTERWARD HE SAID WITHIN HIMSELF, THOUGH I FEAR NOT GOD, NOR REGARD MAN; YET BECAUSE THIS WIDOW TROUBLETH ME, I WILL AVENGE HER, LEST BY HER CONTINUAL COMING SHE WEARY ME. AND THE LORD SAID, HEAR WHAT THE UNJUST JUDGE SAITH. AND SHALL NOT GOD AVENGE HIS OWN ELECT, WHICH CRY DAY AND NIGHT UNTO HIM, THOUGH HE BEAR LONG WITH THEM? I TELL YOU THAT HE WILL AVENGE THEM SPEEDILY. NEVERTHELESS WHEN THE SON OF MAN COMETH, SHALL HE FIND FAITH ON THE EARTH?-Lk 18:1-8.
   Jesus also SAID UNTO THEM, WHICH OF YOU SHALL HAVE A FRIEND, AND SHALL GO UNTO HIM AT MIDNIGHT, AND SAY UNTO HIM, FRIEND, LEND ME THREE LOAVES; FOR A FRIEND OF MINE IN HIS JOURNEY IS COME TO ME, AND I HAVE NOTHING TO SET BEFORE HIM? AND HE FROM WITHIN SHALL ANSWER AND SAY, TROUBLE ME NOT: THE DOOR IS NOW SHUT, AND MY CHILDREN ARE WITH ME IN BED; I CANNOT RISE AND GIVE THEE. I SAY UNTO YOU, THOUGH HE WILL NOT RISE AND GIVE HIM, BECAUSE HE IS HIS FRIEND, YET BECAUSE OF HIS IMPORTUNITY HE WILL RISE AND GIVE HIM AS MANY AS HE NEEDETH. AND I SAY UNTO YOU, ASK, AND IT SHALL BE GIVEN YOU; SEEK, AND YE SHALL FIND; KNOCK, AND IT SHALL BE OPENED UNTO YOU. FOR EVERY ONE THAT ASKETH RECEIVETH; AND HE THAT SEEKETH FINDETH; AND TO HIM THAT KNOCKETH IT SHALL BE OPENED-Lk 11:5-10.

    We should, PRAY WITHOUT CEASING-1 Thes 5:17.
   CONTINUE IN PRAYER, AND WATCH IN THE SAME WITH THANKSGIVING-Col 4:2.]
   BUT WE WILL GIVE OURSELVES CONTINUALLY TO PRAYER, AND TO THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD-Acts 6:4.
   THAT WITHOUT CEASING I MAKE MENTION OF YOU ALWAYS IN MY PRAYERS-Ro 1:9.
   CONTINUING INSTANT IN PRAYER (faithful in prayer)-Ro 12:12.
   BUT JESUS OFTEN WITHDREW TO LONELY PLACES AND PRAYED-Lk 5:16 (NIV).
   PRAYER ALSO SHALL BE MADE FOR HIM CONTINUALLY-Ps 72:15.
   MY VOICE SHALT THOU HEAR IN THE MORNING, O LORD; IN THE MORNING WILL I DIRECT MY PRAYER UNTO THEE, AND WILL LOOK UP-Ps 5:3.
   ELIAS…HE PRAYED EARNESTLY THAT IT MIGHT NOT RAIN-Ja 5:17.
   PRAYER WAS MADE WITHOUT CEASING OF THE CHURCH UNTO GOD FOR HIM-Acts 12:5.
   NOW PETER AND JOHN WENT UP TOGETHER INTO THE TEMPLE AT THE HOUR OF PRAYER, BEING THE NINTH HOUR (at three in the afternoon)-Acts 3:1.
   AT THE NINTH HOUR I PRAYED IN MY HOUSE-Acts 10:30.
   THAT WITHOUT CEASING I HAVE REMEMBRANCE OF THEE IN MY PRAYERS NIGHT AND DAY-2 Tim 1:3.
   AND CONTINUETH IN SUPPLICATIONS AND PRAYERS NIGHT AND DAY-1 Tim 5:5.
   NIGHT AND DAY PRAYING EXCEEDINGLY THAT WE MIGHT SEE YOUR FACE-1 Thes 3:10.
   LET THINE EAR NOW BE ATTENTIVE, AND THINE EYES OPEN, THAT THOU MAYEST HEAR THE PRAYER OF THY SERVANT, WHICH I PRAY BEFORE THEE NOW, DAY AND NIGHT-Neh 1:6.
   EVENING, AND MORNING, AND AT NOON, WILL I PRAY, AND CRY ALOUD: AND HE SHALL HEAR MY VOICE-Ps 55:17.
   AND IT CAME TO PASS IN THOSE DAYS, THAT HE WENT OUT INTO A MOUNTAIN TO PRAY, AND CONTINUED ALL NIGHT IN PRAYER TO GOD-Lk 6:12.
   Do you pray as much as God wants you to?

    What does the Bible say about two or more joining in prayer? In Jerusalem, the disciples ALL CONTINUED WITH ONE ACCORD IN PRAYER AND SUPPLICATION, WITH THE WOMEN, AND MARY THE MOTHER OF JESUS, AND WITH HIS BRETHREN-Acts 1:14.
   THAT IF TWO OF YOU SHALL AGREE ON EARTH AS TOUCHING ANY THING THAT THEY SHALL ASK, IT SHALL BE DONE FOR THEM OF MY FATHER WHICH IS IN HEAVEN. FOR WHERE TWO OR THREE ARE GATHERED TOGETHER IN MY NAME, THERE AM I IN THE MIDST OF THEM-Mt 18:19,20.
   God’s promise here is very clear. We must also remember that our prayer should be in accordance with the Word; there must be faith. Both people’s conscience must be clear. As we have already read about the widow woman, who moved the judge to act by her "continual coming," in like manner, we might also have many agree with us in prayer. When asking for our needs, we should act on our prayers in faith. In giving thanks, all glory must go to God through Jesus. Praise Him; thank Him; rejoice in Him; stand up and shout to the heavens, "Praise to His name."

    Prayers may also be offered in God’s house. As it is written, EVEN THEM WILL I BRING TO MY HOLY MOUNTAIN, AND MAKE THEM JOYFUL IN MY HOUSE OF PRAYER: THEIR BURNT OFFERINGS AND THEIR SACRIFICES SHALL BE ACCEPTED UPON MINE ALTAR; FOR MINE HOUSE SHALL BE CALLED AN HOUSE OF PRAYER FOR ALL PEOPLE-Isa 56:7.
   Jesus TAUGHT, SAYING UNTO THEM, IS IT NOT WRITTEN, MY HOUSE SHALL BE CALLED OF ALL NATIONS THE HOUSE OF PRAYER? BUT YE HAVE MADE IT A DEN OF THIEVES-Mk 11:17.
   AND HE WENT INTO THE TEMPLE, AND BEGAN TO CAST OUT THEM THAT SOLD THEREIN, AND THEM THAT BOUGHT; SAYING UNTO THEM, IT IS WRITTEN, MY HOUSE IS THE HOUSE OF PRAYER: BUT YE HAVE MADE IT A DEN OF THIEVES-Lk 19:45,46.

    Prayer is also essential in spiritual warfare, as we TAKE THE HELMET OF SALVATION, AND THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT, WHICH IS THE WORD OF GOD: PRAYING ALWAYS WITH ALL PRAYER AND SUPPLICATION IN THE SPIRIT, AND WATCHING THEREUNTO WITH ALL PERSEVERANCE AND SUPPLICATION FOR ALL SAINTS; AND FOR ME, THAT UTTERANCE MAY BE GIVEN UNTO ME, THAT I MAY OPEN MY MOUTH BOLDLY, TO MAKE KNOWN THE MYSTERY OF THE GOSPEL-Eph 6:17-19.

    In the Gospels we read, BLESSED ARE THE PURE IN HEART: FOR THEY SHALL SEE GOD-Mt 5:8.
   BUT WHEN YE PRAY, USE NOT VAIN REPETITIONS, AS THE HEATHEN DO: FOR THEY THINK THAT THEY SHALL BE HEARD FOR THEIR MUCH SPEAKING. BE NOT YE THEREFORE LIKE UNTO THEM: FOR YOUR FATHER KNOWETH WHAT THINGS YE HAVE NEED OF, BEFORE YE ASK HIM-Mt 6:7,8.
   THEN WERE THERE BROUGHT UNTO HIM LITTLE CHILDREN, THAT HE SHOULD PUT HIS HANDS ON THEM, AND PRAY: AND THE DISCIPLES REBUKED THEM. BUT JESUS SAID, SUFFER LITTLE CHILDREN, AND FORBID THEM NOT, TO COME UNTO ME: FOR OF SUCH IS THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN-Mt 19:13,14.

49-THE END FOR JESUS WAS APPROACHING JESUS SPOKE THESE WORDS

    As the end was approaching, THESE WORDS SPAKE JESUS, AND LIFTED UP HIS EYES TO HEAVEN, AND SAID, FATHER, THE HOUR IS COME; GLORIFY THY SON, THAT THY SON ALSO MAY GLORIFY THEE: AS THOU HAST GIVEN HIM POWER OVER ALL FLESH, THAT HE SHOULD GIVE ETERNAL LIFE TO AS MANY AS THOU HAST GIVEN HIM. AND THIS IS LIFE ETERNAL, THAT THEY MIGHT KNOW THEE THE ONLY TRUE GOD, AND JESUS CHRIST, WHOM THOU HAST SENT. I HAVE GLORIFIED THEE ON THE EARTH: I HAVE FINISHED THE WORK WHICH THOU GAVEST ME TO DO. AND NOW, O FATHER, GLORIFY THOU ME WITH THINE OWN SELF WITH THE GLORY WHICH I HAD WITH THEE BEFORE THE WORLD WAS. I HAVE MANIFESTED THY NAME UNTO THE MEN WHICH THOU GAVEST ME OUT OF THE WORLD: THINE THEY WERE, AND THOU GAVEST THEM ME; AND THEY HAVE KEPT THY WORD. NOW THEY HAVE KNOWN THAT ALL THINGS WHATSOEVER THOU HAST GIVEN ME ARE OF THEE. FOR I HAVE GIVEN UNTO THEM THE WORDS WHICH THOU GAVEST ME; AND THEY HAVE RECEIVED THEM, AND HAVE KNOWN SURELY THAT I CAME OUT FROM THEE, AND THEY HAVE BELIEVED THAT THOU DIDST SEND ME. I PRAY FOR THEM: I PRAY NOT FOR THE WORLD, BUT FOR THEM WHICH THOU HAST GIVEN ME; FOR THEY ARE THINE. AND ALL MINE ARE THINE, AND THINE ARE MINE; AND I AM GLORIFIED IN THEM. AND 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. WHILE 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.
   AND NOW COME I TO THEE; AND THESE THINGS I SPEAK IN THE WORLD, THAT THEY MIGHT HAVE MY JOY FULFILLED IN THEMSELVES. I 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. I PRAY NOT THAT THOU SHOULDEST TAKE THEM OUT OF THE WORLD, BUT THAT THOU SHOULDEST KEEP THEM FROM THE EVIL. THEY ARE NOT OF THE WORLD, EVEN AS I AM NOT OF THE WORLD. SANCTIFY THEM THROUGH THY TRUTH: THY WORD IS TRUTH. AS THOU HAST SENT ME INTO THE WORLD, EVEN SO HAVE I ALSO SENT THEM INTO THE WORLD. AND FOR THEIR SAKES I SANCTIFY MYSELF, THAT THEY ALSO MIGHT BE SANCTIFIED THROUGH THE TRUTH. NEITHER PRAY I FOR THESE ALONE, BUT FOR THEM ALSO WHICH SHALL BELIEVE ON ME THROUGH THEIR WORD; THAT THEY ALL MAY BE ONE; AS THOU, FATHER, ART IN ME, AND I IN THEE, THAT THEY ALSO MAY BE ONE IN US: THAT THE WORLD MAY BELIEVE THAT THOU HAST SENT ME. AND THE GLORY WHICH THOU GAVEST ME I HAVE GIVEN THEM; THAT THEY MAY BE ONE, EVEN AS WE ARE ONE: I IN THEM, AND THOU IN ME, THAT THEY MAY BE MADE PERFECT IN ONE; AND THAT THE WORLD MAY KNOW THAT THOU HAST SENT ME, AND HAST LOVED THEM, AS THOU HAST LOVED ME. FATHER, I WILL THAT THEY ALSO, WHOM THOU HAST GIVEN ME, BE WITH ME WHERE I AM; THAT THEY MAY BEHOLD MY GLORY, WHICH THOU HAST GIVEN ME: FOR THOU LOVEDST ME BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD. O RIGHTEOUS FATHER, THE WORLD HATH NOT KNOWN THEE: BUT I HAVE KNOWN THEE, AND THESE HAVE KNOWN THAT THOU HAST SENT ME. AND I HAVE DECLARED UNTO THEM THY NAME, AND WILL DECLARE IT: THAT THE LOVE WHEREWITH THOU HAST LOVED ME MAY BE IN THEM, AND I IN THEM-Jn 17:1-26.

    God tells us, BE CAREFUL FOR NOTHING (do not be anxious about anything); BUT IN EVERY THING BY PRAYER AND SUPPLICATION WITH THANKSGIVING LET YOUR REQUESTS BE MADE KNOWN UNTO GOD. AND THE PEACE OF GOD, WHICH PASSETH ALL UNDERSTANDING, SHALL KEEP YOUR HEARTS AND MINDS THROUGH CHRIST JESUS-Phili 4:6,7.

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    You can believe but not have faith; but you cannot have faith without believing.

    The following was written many years ago by Jimmy Swaggart. We extend our grateful appreciation for the use of this message. The message is abbreviated from the original text.

    It is written, NOW FAITH IS THE SUBSTANCE OF THINGS HOPED FOR, THE EVIDENCE OF THINGS NOT SEEN. FOR BY IT THE ELDERS OBTAINED A GOOD REPORT-Heb 11:1,2. BY FAITH ABEL OFFERED UNTO GOD A MORE EXCELLENT SACRIFICE THAN CAIN, BY WHICH HE OBTAINED WITNESS THAT HE WAS RIGHTEOUS, GOD TESTIFYING OF HIS GIFTS: AND BY IT HE BEING DEAD YET SPEAKETH-Heb 11:4.
   You see, faith is an offering. Abel offered up his sacrifice; he also offered up his life. You and I MUST offer up our lives, too. Even as Abel’s faith cost him his very life, your faith may cost you your life. You are no longer your own. You are bought with a price. Faith is hardly that which is being promoted in some books today, OR PROCLAIMED OVER THE RADIO. It is an offering. And isn’t it strange? We are being told that our faith will gain us all the riches of the universe, while in reality, faith may cost an individual everything he has. Could it be that this example of Abel’s faith is the pattern God demands we follow?

    What we are about to cover may shock some Christians, but it may be the heart of the matter. True faith is not necessarily dramatic answers to prayer, or God performing miracles. God does heal and perform miracles, because He is a prayer-answering God. True faith, however, is recognizing that you are a sinner in need of God’s saving grace. Of course, once saved, we must live for Him, no matter what happens. We may have victories or we may have (what looks like) defeats; yet as Christians we must persevere and stand the test. We should say, "When the roll is called up yonder (by God’s help and grace) we’ll be there." This is faith.
   The Bible tells us that BY FAITH ENOCH WAS TRANSLATED THAT HE SHOULD NOT SEE DEATH; AND WAS NOT FOUND, BECAUSE GOD HAD TRANSLATED HIM: FOR BEFORE HIS TRANSLATION HE HAD THIS TESTIMONY, THAT HE PLEASED GOD-Heb 11:5. So we see, faith is not only an offering, faith is also a walk. The Bible says Enoch walked with God, a term implying steady progress. It was not a moment of dramatic glory; it was just a steady pace. The world might call it plodding (walking heavily, or slowly); but the Bible says Enoch walked with God.
   Next we read that, BY FAITH ABRAHAM, WHEN HE WAS CALLED TO GO OUT INTO A PLACE WHICH HE SHOULD AFTER RECEIVE FOR AN INHERITANCE, OBEYED; AND HE WENT OUT, NOT KNOWING WHITHER HE WENT-Heb 11:8. Faith is not only an offering, and a walk, but it is also a pilgrimage. God didn’t really tell Abraham where he was going, strangely enough. And his was a walk broken into a series of small steps. God would take Him a short distance, and then reveal a little more to him. It was, in other words, a pilgrimage. He was looking for a city which hath foundations, whose Builder and Maker is God.

    We can become extremely attached to this world and all the pleasures therein. It’s not difficult to rest our eyes on the "things" around us. The lights are bright and the world alluring, causing many Christians to stumble. So we must be ever vigilant to use the world’s goods, but we must never allow ourselves to become too attached to them. This world is our spiritual boot camp; we are on a pilgrimage. Our true mission is to lift up the Lord Jesus Christ. Faith is a choice, as we read, BY FAITH MOSES, WHEN HE WAS COME TO YEARS, REFUSED TO BE CALLED THE SON OF PHARAOH’S DAUGHTER; CHOOSING RATHER TO SUFFER AFFLICTION WITH THE PEOPLE OF GOD, THAN TO ENJOY THE PLEASURES OF SIN FOR A SEASON-Heb 11:24,25. Faith is not only an offering, a walk, and a pilgrimage; faith is also a choice. Our lives are never so planned, programmed, or computerized by the Lord that we have no choice. Jesus lived a spotless life because He chose to do so. Moses was heir apparent to the great Pharaonic throne of Egypt. He might well have become the mightiest man on the face of the earth. Instead, he chose, as the Bible says, to suffer affliction with the people of God, rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. This could not have been an easy choice for Moses. Choices of such magnitude and consequence will never be easy.

    As I was preaching the other day, I looked out and saw an unusual number of young people present. I believe the Lord led me to address them as follows. "Young lady, you can expect to face every pressure that hell can throw your way. Your peers will encourage you to use drugs to ‘belong.’ According to them, without smoking pot, you’ll never really know what it’s all about. They may encourage you to indulge in illicit sex." I then told the young men the same thing. Next, I said, "It’s going to be so difficult, that it may take every ounce of strength your good, godly parents can muster to help you. At times, it will require every fiber of your consecration to God to say ‘No.’ You may feel so isolated that you will begin to suspect you will never experience any of life’s pleasures. It is not an easy road. Most, sad to say, will not make the right choice and will head down the wrong road. They will give in to the wiles of the devil and the pleasures of sin for a season. Most will end up totally destroyed. But if you choose God, and say, ‘Lord I’m going to serve you,’ it will not be easy; there will be afflictions; but it’s a choice each of us must make. If you choose correctly, victory will be yours; eternal life will be yours. The way will be such that you never dreamed possible. The afflictions won’t leave, but God’s peace will remain with you through the afflictions." Really, this holds true for every individual living for God. It is a personal choice. No one can make it for you. You have to make that choice, just as Moses did.

    We do not hear much about this type of faith today. The kind of faith we often hear of these days is apparently supposed to put a lot of money in our pockets. Of course, it might, but then again it might not. It’s supposed to make us all vigorously healthy. Again it might, but it might not. It’s supposed to make us a great success. Maybe it will, but in the eyes of the world it probably won’t. Sometimes real faith involves affliction, sometimes loneliness; at other times, even death. These are not pretty pictures, but they are pictures drawn by Hebrews. Oh, there are victories, there are tremendous answers to prayer, there are miracles; but we must keep our proper perspective. We need to understand what faith really is. Failing to understand and reflect biblical faith, is the reason so few actually make it. For this cause Jesus said, "NARROW IS THE WAY, WHICH LEADETH UNTO LIFE, AND FEW THERE BE THAT FIND IT-Mt 7:14." For Abel, real victory was in the future. Enoch’s road led the same way, as did the pilgrimage of Abraham and Moses. Does this tell us something? I think that it should.

    When you hear the name of Paul, you recognize that he was possibly the greatest example of Christ ever produced by Christianity. He could have been advisor to the Caesar. He was highly intelligent. He was one of the most brilliant, yet he called himself a slave of the Lord Jesus Christ. (We see a picture of Paul in his last days.) A guard shouts down through the hole and a rope is lowered. Paul is told to tie it around himself. It is said he’s about sixty-eight years of age. He’s called "Paul, the aged." His hair is white, his back is bowed and bent. His life has not been easy. Shipwrecks, torture, stonings, fastings, and other perils, all came his way for preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It doesn’t take much effort for the Roman soldier to pull him up. Paul is thin and emaciated. Hand over hand they pull up the rope with the aged prophet tied to the end of it. At long last he emerges from the hole. His eyes squint, unaccustomed to the bright sunlight. His clothes are rags, his hair hangs matted. This is it. He’s known it for some time. The guards somehow sensed that there is something about this man that is different. The Holy Spirit did not deem it desirable to tell us of these last moments, but it is not difficult to picture in our minds. If you could have been there to see, there was no splendor, riches, greatness, or glory. Oh, there was splendor and glory. There were riches. There was greatness, but it was inwardly. If you could have heard him as he walked outside the courtyard of the prison, you might have heard him say: "I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." A few minutes later, he is told to drop to his knees. The frail, body is stretched out over the chopping block. The ax flashes, and his head rolls in the dust. That, sir, is faith.

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   Ps 113:7-HE RAISETH UP THE POOR OUT OF THE DUST, AND LIFTETH THE NEEDY OUT OF THE DUNGHILL.
   Ps 72:12-FOR HE SHALL DELIVER THE NEEDY WHEN HE CRIETH; THE POOR ALSO, AND HIM THAT HATH NO HELPER.
   2 Cor 9:8-AND GOD IS ABLE TO MAKE ALL GRACE ABOUND TOWARD YOU; THAT YE, ALWAYS HAVING ALL SUFFICIENCY IN ALL THINGS, MAY ABOUND TO EVERY GOOD WORK.
   Heb 4:16-LET US THEREFORE COME BOLDLY UNTO THE THRONE OF GRACE, THAT WE MAY OBTAIN MERCY, AND FIND GRACE TO HELP IN TIME OF NEED.
   Ps 50:15-AND CALL UPON ME IN THE DAY OF TROUBLE: I WILL DELIVER THEE, AND THOU SHALT GLORIFY ME.
   Jos 1:9-HAVE NOT I COMMANDED THEE? BE STRONG AND OF A GOOD COURAGE; BE NOT AFRAID, NEITHER BE THOU DISMAYED: FOR THE LORD THY GOD IS WITH THEE WHITHERSOEVER THOU GOEST.
   Pv 18:24-THERE IS A FRIEND THAT STICKETH CLOSER THAN A BROTHER. That friend is Jesus.
   Ps 9:9-THE LORD ALSO WILL BE A REFUGE FOR THE OPPRESSED, A REFUGE IN TIMES OF TROUBLE.
   Ps 9:10-AND THEY THAT KNOW THY NAME WILL PUT THEIR TRUST IN THEE: FOR THOU, LORD, HAST NOT FORSAKEN THEM THAT SEEK THEE.
   1 Cor 10:13-THERE HATH NO TEMPTATION TAKEN YOU BUT SUCH AS IS COMMON TO MAN: BUT GOD IS FAITHFUL, WHO WILL NOT SUFFER YOU TO BE TEMPTED ABOVE THAT YE ARE ABLE; BUT WILL WITH THE TEMPTATION ALSO MAKE A WAY TO ESCAPE, THAT YE MAY BE ABLE TO BEAR IT.
   Phili 4:19-BUT MY GOD SHALL SUPPLY ALL YOUR NEED ACCORDING TO HIS RICHES IN GLORY BY CHRIST JESUS.
   Ps 56:3,4-WHAT TIME I AM AFRAID, I WILL TRUST IN THEE….IN GOD I HAVE PUT MY TRUST; I WILL NOT FEAR WHAT FLESH CAN DO UNTO ME.
   Lk 22:35-AND HE SAID UNTO THEM, WHEN I SENT YOU WITHOUT PURSE, AND SCRIP, AND SHOES, LACKED YE ANY THING? AND THEY SAID, NOTHING.
   Isa 25:4-FOR THOU HAST BEEN A STRENGTH TO THE POOR, A STRENGTH TO THE NEEDY IN HIS DISTRESS, A REFUGE FROM THE STORM, A SHADOW FROM THE HEAT, WHEN THE BLAST OF THE TERRIBLE ONES IS AS A STORM AGAINST THE WALL.
   Jn 14:27-PEACE I LEAVE WITH YOU, MY PEACE I GIVE UNTO YOU: "NOT AS THE WORLD GIVETH," GIVE I UNTO YOU. LET NOT YOUR HEART BE TROUBLED, NEITHER LET IT BE AFRAID.
   Ps 1:2,3-BUT HIS DELIGHT IS IN THE LAW OF THE LORD; AND IN HIS LAW DOTH HE MEDITATE DAY AND NIGHT.…AND WHATSOEVER HE DOETH SHALL PROSPER.

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