I learned scuba diving three years ago, because I wanted to dive deeper and see the beauty of the underworld, and just looking above water, was not enough for me in looking at God’s great creation under the world. Some people like astronomy, because they like to study other planets. Most people like fantasy movies, Superman was a favorite first movie for me about a man with supernatural abilities and super natural strength, space travel was fascinating like Star Wars and Star Trek: “Boldly go where no man has gone before,” Spiderman: “With great power comes great responsibility.” Spiderman duked it out with several enemies. Many people like Batman because he did not have any supernatural strength, it was all gadgets and his own fighting.
In God’s world being a “mighty warrior in God” ….a whole new world is entered through the power of prayer. It’s putting on the strength of the Lord!
When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, "The Lord is with you, mighty warrior." Judges 6:12
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Ephesians 6:10
And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you. Romans 8:11
There are various types of prayer. There is the prayer of intercession, the prayer of faith, the prayer of supplication and petition; and the prayer of dedication. Ephesians talks about “all kinds of prayer.”
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Ephesians 6:18
Gideon had some insecurity issues so the visit of an angel was not enough for him, he asked for four confirmations or fleeces before God, which God gave him (did not rebuke him). I ask God for fleeces too as far as if he wants me to continue to go somewhere or what ministries he wants me to do, and one of those fleeces are favor. I look for two or three confirmations by God’s spirit for what I do in life.
This will be my third visit to you. "Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses." 2 Cor. 13:1
But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.' Matthew 18:16
Another fleece are opportunities to share. I look at a Bible study as a gas station to go out and use what I’ve been given. I find that just a few scriptures fill up my gas tank and then I have to go out and give or I’m getting overfilled. Put in to practice God’s word, not just keep filling back up and up. If I don’t have an outlet, it’s like my armor gets holes in it after a while as far as a calling to give. I have to back off many times for more evangelism. I’ve been doing a lot of service and ministry all my life so I know how this works as far as not overstuffing myself where I don’t go out and exercise my faith and some of that is with outreach. God’s nature is giving and as Christians, we are called to be givers/imitators of our heavenly Father’s nature. I can’t live in a realm of taking and I find when I’m in the realm of being a giver, I’m in the realm of possibilities…all things are possible to him that believeth.
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. James 1:22
Paul tells us to imitate God as dear children. If we are imitating God we won’t rip anyone off and we won’t seek our selfish ways, because God is a giver. Love does not seeks it’s own way. 1 Cor. 13:5
Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children. Ephesians 5:1
Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect Matthew 5:48, Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful Luke 6:36
Not focusing on the giants and our weaknesses in life, but focusing on the strength and power of Christ within us. I find after I share with a person like I did last Wednesday and Thursday night who lost his spouse, I tend to get rather “spent” and then I have to get my batteries charged up or I get discouraged. So then I know it’s time for a period of rest and refreshing from the Lord. Joyce Meyer talked about this when she ministers how she is spent emotionally, and I find the same thing. When Elijah killed the prophets of Baal and then he outran the chariot of Ahab, is when he became weak and discouraged after a great victory in his life. It seems when I go in and fight the enemy of discouragement many times with my friends, I then have same attacks against me of the battle I’m helping others fight. Time to back off, I’m doing and devote more time for prayer. God’s word says that men ought always to pray and not faint.
Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. Luke 18:1
but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31
Pray without ceasing. 1 Thess 5:17
Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.' Jeremiah 33:3
Jesus had to get away often times and go to the mountain to pray. We are not better than Jesus, we will have to “get away” to pray. Daniel (Daniel 6:10) and David (Psalm 55:17) prayed 3 times a day, Peter prayed at noon and 3:00 p.m. (Acts 3:1, 10:9), Paul and Silas prayed and sang at midnight in jail (Acts 16:25)…come away my beloved. (About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. Luke 9:28)
Come away quickly, my beloved. Run like a gazelle or a young stag on the mountains of spices. Song of Solomon 8:14
if my people, who are called by my name, will 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 Chronicles 7:14
A Whole New World:
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