THE POWER OF PRAYER

 

Jn 16:23,-24 Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father for in my name, he will give it to you.  “Until now you have not asked for anything in my name; keep asking and you will receive, in order that your joy may be made full.”

 

Jesus is in the upper room giving last minute instructions and truth to His disciples.  He is giving them the means and knowledge how to succeed and win over this world.  This is a great verse for us to ponder and consider

 

Intro:  There are five things truths in prayer.  These are the words of Jesus.  He is God, His integrity, nature and character makes it absolutely impossible for Him to lie.  What He says is absolute truth.  It is the law and word of God.  It cannot and will be broken and all heaven is going to back it up

 

1.      Whatever you ask the Father for in my name.  When you ask in Jesus name you are praying His authority.   His name is above every name.  At His name every knee will bow and every tongue will confess.  Praying in Jesus’ name reminds us we rely on His power and His will.  Praying in Jesus’ name reminds us to glorify Him, not ourselves.   Jesus is our avenue, conduit and channel to the Father.  We can only come to Him through Jesus.  He is our Father because of Jesus.  I love this quote.  The child asks of the Father whom he knows. Thus, the essence of Christian prayer is not general adoration, but definite, concrete petition. The right way to approach God is to stretch out our hands and ask of One who we know has the heart of a Father.”  Dietrich Bonhoeffer. 

 

2.      When you ask in Jesus name He will give it to you.  This is the promise of prayer.  This phrase is the guarantee.  This is written contract or word that cannot be broken and must be honored by God.  John clarifies one thing in 1 John 5:14, by stating that we have confidence that when we ask according to His will God do it.  When you align your will, desires, dreams and destiny with God you will know what He wants and you will want to do it.  Jesus only wanted to do the will of His Father.  That must be your aim.  Paul puts it concisely to the point in Rom 12:1-2, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. 

 

3.      Keep asking.  Do not give up.  Remember the story about the widow woman who wanted justice from the unjust judge.  She never gave up and finally her request was answer.   Many times our feelings don’t reflect facts.  Daniel learned that before the request was out of his mouth the answer was on the way.  Just because God is silent that does mean he is absent.  God is always working in ways you do not see.  Remember prayer is bigger than petitions and request.  Faith and trust is involved.  Remember timing is as well.  God always arrives on time. 

 

Prayer is not a means of coercing God to do what we want. It is a process of recognizing His power and plan for our lives. In prayer we yield our lives and circumstances to the Lord and trust Him to act in His time and in His way.   As we rely on God’s grace not only for the outcome of our requests but for the process as well, we can keep coming to the Lord in prayer, trusting His wisdom and care for us.  Our Lord’s encouragement to us is clear: Always pray and don’t give up!

 

4.      You will receive.  What a great promise.  Our God wants to bless you.  He wants to give you eternal and abundant life.  Just receive.  This is what grace is all about.  It is God’s riches at Christ’s expense.  Prayer is the avenue of asking and receiving.  You stand upon God’s word and promises and then by grace your receive.  God gives because he loves us.  Our part is to receive, walk and be healed by that love.   Only God’s love can truly restore, heal and make us whole.  Just receive.  All the benefits of salvation and heaven are yours because of Jesus.  Just receive. 

 

5.      So your joy may be full.  God wants to fill your life with His joy.  Joy is that deep seated contentment.  The dictionary says joy is a state of well being,  a place of delight, a foundation for success, abundance and freedom.  God is the source of this.  He wants to impart it to you so you in turn can give it to others.  Prayer in Jesus name brings total joy and abundance beyond imagination.  Remember God can do exceedingly abundantly beyond you could ask or even imagine.  This is the power of prayer.  Out of your inner being will flow rivers of living water.  I dare you to dream in prayer and then go ask for it because of what Jesus said here.

 

 

QUOTES FOR APRIL 5, 2026

 

THE POWER OF FORGIVENESS

 

15 When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph holds a grudge against us and pays us back for all the wrongs we did to him?” 16 So they sent word to Joseph, saying, “Your father left these instructions before he died: 17 ‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins and the wrongs they committed in treating you so badly.’ Now please forgive the sins of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept.

 

 

     Jacob had died and when the brothers saw that their father was dead.  They are concerned that Joseph had held a grudge against them.  So they sent word to Joseph and told him that his father left instruction with them that if Joseph felt taking revenge that he was to forgive them for the sake of Jacob. 

 

Joseph wept and here are some reasons. 

 

a.  First, Joseph was not like them. Joseph wept because his brothers did not really know him or understand him.  It also hurt him that His father felt the same way as the boys. 

b.  Here is reality even though you walk consistency, integrity and forgiveness.  People who have wronged you sometimes never get it. 

c.  Another truth.  Wrong, hurt, bitterness and unforgiveness cloud everything you do and the way you view yourself and others.  You expect people to treat you the way you treated them.  This is a huge reason why we must get free of unforgiveness in any form.  It robs us of healing, the benefits of heaven, abundant life, freedom, getting our prayers answered and victory in life. 

d.  The devil will also use this these things to rob, kill and destroy your belief in the kindness of  others. 

e.  Joseph wept because he did not live in that world.  He had seen the kindness of God.  He had learned through his life that you needed to let go of the past to go forward in life. 

f.  The brothers were still living in the past.  They thought everyone was like them.  Also they were living under the generational curse of deception.  This can be called a poverty spirit or victim mentality. Jacob has been transformed from Jacob or deceiver into Israel but his sons had not. 

g.  The sad fact is this reveal d that the other brothers had not embraced the faith of their father.  The only one besides Joseph was Judah.  A powerful truth is just because a family heritage may be Christian that does make us a Christian.  Each one of us must make that decision.

 

18 His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him. “We are your slaves,” they said.

 

     The brothers then came in person and threw themselves in front of Joseph and told him they were his slaves.   The boys here can teach a lesson in human relationships.  It is always best to rectify something in person.  Also when you are wrong admit it, make it right and say you’re sorry and mean it.  When you have wronged someone make it right.  You are called to reconciliation and restoration.  This is actually a biblical approach.   Jesus teaches us Matt 18, that when you have wronged or have been wronged we are to go to the offending party to make it right.  Next, if they do not want to hear you bring someone along you both trust to act as mediator to make it right.  If that fails.  Thirdly, bring it before the leadership of the church and lastly if it cannot be resolved break fellowship.  Sometimes it happens.  Don’t get mad or have regret that it does happen because sometimes it is for the best.   Remember you don’t want to have toxic people and situations in your life any longer than need be.   

 

19 But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. 21 So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.

 

1.  Now Joseph here reveals a true understanding of God, redemption and forgiveness.  First, he says, “Don’t be afraid.”  True forgiveness always eliminates the threat of reciprocation.    Forgiveness does that.  Redemption always releases the oppressed.  Remember God has not given us a spirit of fear but love, power and a sound mind.  Perfect love cats out all fear.  Joseph was showing perfect love.  It was now his nature and lifestyle.

2.  Then Joseph states something very powerful.  Am I in the place of God?  Joseph understood that God keeps the book.  He knew that God was the ultimate judge.  He knew that people will reap what they sow.  Joseph refused to be their judge. 

We do not have the right to judge.  We do not have the right to revenge.  Romans 12:19. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”  Such a powerful truth.  Joseph got it I trust we will as well.  Never place yourself in the place of God and you do that when you insist on revenge.  A person of godly character sees this. 

3.  Joseph understood that even though they meant to harm him God turned it for good.  God placed Joseph in Egypt to save not only his family but all men.  Joseph saw the plan of God.  Rom 8:28, all things work together for good.  This story illustrates this.  How else would have Joseph got to where he was without this.  Joseph saw the hand of God each step of the way.  Only truly redeemed and transformed people can see this.  Joseph had a heavenly view.  Slavery, prison were all stepping stones to greatness.  How we handle bad situation will define us and others.  Be like Joseph and look for God’s hand in everything.  If you believe the steps of a good person are ordered by the Lord that you believe that even bad things have a purpose.  What you need to look is for the lessons and remember this trial does not define who you are in Christ and it will only last as long as God wishes.  There is gold in every situation you just sometimes had to dig for it to find it.  Joseph saw his destiny as one saving lives do you

4.  Joseph then reassures them that he will care for them and their families.  Part of our job as the redeemed is reassure people.  This is the work of exhortation, reconciliation, assurance and restoration.  That is part of our mandate so if you see one who needs encouragement do it.  People today need it.  They need kindness, love, grace, peace and assurance.

 

POWER AND HUMILITY

 

     Good morning.  .  John was called the Baptist because two reasons.  First, the form he used to show people had truly repented of their sins was water baptism.  Then like today it has two particular significances.  This was an outward sign of an inward act.  Baptism in the Jordan showed that you had a true change of heart.  Next, it was a public declaration of faith.  You were telling the world that you were now a follower of God.  You were leaving the old life of sin, sorrow and regret and choosing to live in faith, truth, victory and abundant life.  Secondly, he would have the privilege to baptize Jesus.  John’s baptism was significant because it was Jesus’ coming out party and the revelation of the God head.  You have the voice of the Father who says this is my beloved son and Jesus in the water and the Holy Spirit coming down in the form of a dove landing on Jesus.  John was witness to this. 

 

1.      The first one is John was a powerful preacher.  It shows in Mark 1:5, that he had a powerful impact on Jewish society.  It says that when he started preaching people came from all over Israel to hear him.  So what makes a powerful preacher?

 

a.      Veracity -. Christian preaching must be true to the whole counsel of God, true in whatever else you say or cite.   Whatever is said, what is true and biblical, God can use that preaching.   

b.      Clarity - It must be clear, precise and concise.  John had a simple message.  He was called to call people to repent and he prepared the way for the Kingdom of God

c.       Authority –When Jesus’ taught it was that he spoke with authority (Matt. 7:28-29).   Declaring the truth with boldness, taking courageous stands where others cower in fear.  John did and under the anointing of the Lord and was changing society.

d.      Authenticity –  This is what I mean by authenticity.  John was literally pleading with the people to repent because Jesus’ ministry was just around the corner.  We do not have time

 

2.      Humility.  Mark 1:7, John 1:19-23, He was asked are you the Messiah.  He stated he was a voice of one crying in the wilderness.  When asked about how Jesus was becoming more famous than him.  His response was, “I must decrease and He must increase.”  Humility is the opposite of pride.  A great definition is a modest or low view of one's own importance.  This is a great one, freedom from pride or arrogance.  You know what your role and why.  Colossians 3:12-14, Philippians 2:3-11  John did this and we should as well.

 

3.      Burning Zeal.  John 5:35.  John was zealous for God.  He wanted people to repent.  Zeal means great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or an objective.  In John’s case it was for righteousness, truth, his mission and for the preparation of the Kingdom of God.  He was called to prepare the way for Jesus.  He knew his role, responsibility, objective, goal and mission.  For the child of God we have two objectives.  We are to love and tell others about Jesus.  Our zeal comes directly from the time we spend in prayer, the word, going to his house and telling others.  These are measurements of zeal and commitment.  Any of these out of balance and you are in trouble.  The church is in trouble in the west.  We have lost so much ground.  We have become irrelevant.  We are ignored, mocked, scorned and blamed.  We did this to ourselves.  The Bible does not need to be rewritten.  Our prayer should be Lord, “I am available anytime, anywhere and anyway.” 

 

 

April 5 – Wisdom Fails - Isaiah 19:10-15

 

April 5 – Wisdom Fails - Isaiah 19:10-15

 

     The King will consult his wisemen, magicians, and counselors.  These people will claim generational pedigree, but their counsel will be foolish.  They will tell the king what he wants to hear but it will be foolish.  The cornerstones of Egyptian society will make the trouble worse.  They will deceive and lie for their own gain at the expense of the people.  The Lord will cause them to be exposed and they will all find together that there is nothing there can do.  Remember in time the intelligence, wisdom and resources of men fail.  The Lord is the only true source of help in times of disasters.

A NEW YEAR

 

13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus

 

     The year 2020, has been quite the year.  It started off with promise as any other year did but something changed it all.  From the country of China came a virus that changed everything.   This satanic disease as ravaged our country, provinces, cities, towns, villages, hamlets and settlements.  It has killed in our province almost 900 people, infected almost a 100,000 people.  In Canada,540,000, 15000 deaths, in the world 80 million with 1.8 million.  Countries have borrowed trillions of dollars.  Canada this year will face a 400 billion dollar debt making our total debt 1 trillion dollars.  In Alberta we have lost 1000 people to overdose, 500 to suicide.  There is no family, church, community through this province or country that has not been effected by this pandemic.  Currently we are in the midst of a lockdown.  But it is not all bad.  Our social media grew to over 70,000 contacts, basically this broadcast today can reach to over 70,000 people worldwide and to this point no one in this church has caught Covid 19.  This is something which we should be thankful for. 

 

     Paul said, brothers I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it.  What is it?  He has not fully realize that he has.  So what does he have and ourselves?

 

1.       Eternal and Abundant life.

2.      Salvation, healing, restoration, forgiveness, grace, mercy, love, joy, faith, freedom, victory, anointing, empowerment, authority, acceptance forgiveness.

3.      You are a chosen generation, royal priesthood, holy nation and unique called out person.

4.      You past, present and future is forgiven and assured. 

5.      You have power in prayer and in all realms.  You can defeat the devil, release yourself, spouses, family and friends, pastor, church, community, province and country in prayer.

6.      Your past has been forgiven, your present is secured and your future is assured.

7.      You have the mighty God in your corner.  He will never leave or forsake you.  He loves, accepts and forgives you.  You have all of heaven working with you and for you.   One day you shall know him and be like him.  Paul had not full taken a hold of it but he was attempting too.

 

Paul then says, there is one thing I do, I forget the past.  I will not let the past affect my present or the future.  If you do not learn from the past you are destine to repeat it.  So here are six reasons to forget the past.

 

1.      If you never truly drop the past, you can never truly move on. ...

2.      Living in the past allows old doors to stay open, and new doors to remain shut. ...

3.      This life is too short to waste time on what's already done. ...

4.      You can't rewind time and change what already happened.

5.      If you do not learn from the past you are destine to repeat it. 

6.      The devil will use it against you.  So whenever the devil reminds you of your past remind him of his future.

 

Paul says I strain, I press onward to the goal.  I want to win the prize.  What are the prizes?

 

Crown of Life.

Incorruptible Crown.

Crown of Righteousness.

Crown of Glory.

Crown of Rejoicing.

 

To the overcomer!  The tree of life is symbolic of eternal life.  Not hurt by the second death.  Hidden manna.  A white stone and new name.  Power over the nations, a rod of iron, and the morning star.

White garments and the Book of Life.  A pillar in the temple of My God.  Sit with Me on My Throne. 

 

Paul says I have a heavenly calling.  He is working towards eternity.   We are only two things we should be doing.  The great commission or telling others in our world about Jesus Christ.  The great commandment which is love God with our whole being and love our neighbor as ourselves.  Simple, concise and succinct. 

 

So here are some goals for 2021

 

Do not worry or fret.

Do good.

Delight in the Lord.

Commit your way to the Lord.

Be still before the Lord.

Avoid being angry .

Be meek.

Enjoy peace and prosperity.

Spend more time with God in prayer.

Spend more time with God in the Bible.

Go to church more often.

Tell others about Jesus.

Spend more time with family and friends. 

 

Jeremiah  29:11:  For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

 

Dear God, Thank you that you make all things new. Thank you for all that you've allowed into our lives this past year, the good along with the hard things, which have reminded us how much we need you and rely on your presence filling us every single day. We pray for your Spirit to lead us each step of this New Year.

QUOTES FOR APRIL 4, 2026