Faith Matters (6) - Maturing Faith - Luke 17:1-10 - February 25, 2024

 

Faith Matters (6) – Maturing Faith – Luke 17:1-10 – February 25, 2024

Faith matures as we humbly obey GOD.

Our focus scripture is Luke 17:1-10.

This is our final lesson in this series of Bible Study for this quarter. LORD willing, we will begin a new series, “It’s All About Jesus” next week.

Luke 17:1 (Amplified Translation) -17 Jesus said to His disciples, “Stumbling blocks [temptations and traps set to lure one to sin] are sure to come, but woe (judgment is coming) to him through whom they come!

Maturing faith includes being aware of the spirit world which encompasses our physical world. GOD and JESUS want us to be aware of it but not ruled by it. JESUS conquered Satan, the ruler of the spirit world. As Spirit-born believers, the shed blood of JESUS protects us as long as we remain under the canopy of HIS protection.  

We know that the evil one, Satan, roams earth seeking whom he can devour. As Spirit-born believers, we know in 1 John 4:1-6, we read,

4 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see if they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

² This is how you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, ³ but every spirit that does not confess Jesus^[a] is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming; even now it is already in the world.

⁴ You are from God, little children, and you have conquered them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. ⁵ They are from the world. Therefore, what they say is from the world, and the world listens to them. ⁶ We are from God. Anyone who knows God listens to us; anyone who is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of deception.

1 Peter 5:8 - ⁸ Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour.

A roaring lion is a hungry lion. Satan is eager to prey upon anyone who takes his/her eyes off of JESUS. The spirit world is real. JESUS is the protection of all Spirit-born Christians. Speak out loud the name of JESUS, when you confront evil.

A Spirit-born person must confess his/her sins, even as Spirit-born, to remain in fellowship with JESUS. The Spirit-born person never looses his/her status as GOD’S Son or Daughter, but his/her fellowship is compromised by unconfessed sin.

The person who has never received JESUS as his/her Savior is more vulnerable to the leading of Satan and his minions. Do you want to be protected? Then ask JESUS to forgive you for your sins and for HIM to come into your heart. Your heart is your inner most secret place where truth resides. Keep in mind that GOD looks upon a person’s heart. You will not fool GOD. So, be honest with HIM.

Once a person becomes Spirit-born, he/she must still be careful not to step out from under the protective canopy of GOD by embracing the things GOD reveals that are evil. Spirit-born Christians have the Holy Spirit to protect them, but they also have freewill.

Have you ever wanted to have a heart-to-heart talk with JESUS and/or GOD? I have. A few years ago, a church staff person asked if I had ever been through Dr. Blackaby’s study “Experiencing GOD.” I said, No. So, my wife and I went through the study together. At the beginning of the study, I told GOD that I had questions and would not go from lesson one to lesson two with unanswered questions. It was one of the most profound studies in my journey as a Christian. Being honest with GOD is a huge starting point for a person’s journey with JESUS and a Spiritual maturing process.

JESUS said it well in HIS teaching on prayer as recorded in Mark 9: Jesus Heals a Boy Possessed by an Impure Spirit – JESUS and Peter, James and John were descending the Mount of Transfiguration.

¹⁴ When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. ¹⁵ As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him.

¹⁶ “What are you arguing with them about?” he asked.

¹⁷ A man in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. ¹⁸ Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth, and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.”

¹⁹ “You unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.”

²⁰ So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth.

(Notice, JESUS does not back off. But this gives those who know the truth to recognize that this is the evil realm’s defense mechanism to prevent deliverance. But caution to anyone dealing with the spirit realm – must have no unconfessed sin, must have a group praying for those approaching the person needing deliverance and be armed with GOD’S Word.)

²¹ Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?”

“From childhood,” he answered. ²² “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us, and help us.”

²³ “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”

²⁴ Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

²⁵ When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the impure spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.”

Caution here. Knowing how to deal with a spirit in the spirit world is vital. JESUS called the name of the spirit that had invaded the child’s body. Acts 19 gives us some insight:

In Acts 19, we read: ¹³ Now some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists also attempted to pronounce the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “I command you by the Jesus that Paul preaches!” ¹⁴ Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish high priest, were doing this. ¹⁵ The evil spirit answered them, “I know Jesus, and I recognize Paul—but who are you?” ¹⁶ Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them, overpowered them all, and prevailed against them, so that they ran out of that house naked and wounded. ¹⁷ When this became known to everyone who lived in Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks, they became afraid, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high esteem.

¹⁸ And many who had become believers came confessing and disclosing their practices, ¹⁹ while many of those who had practiced magic collected their books and burned them in front of everyone. So, they calculated their value and found it to be fifty thousand pieces of silver. ²⁰ In this way the word of the Lord spread and prevailed.

In Matthew 12 JESUS was teaching:

⁴³ “When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none. ⁴⁴ Then he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order. ⁴⁵ Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first. So shall it also be with this wicked generation.”

Back to our scripture in Mark 9 ----- JESUS delivering the young boy.

²⁶ The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.” ²⁷ But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up.

²⁸ After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”

²⁹ He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer.^[a]”

When dealing with the spirit world, prayer is vital. Prayer is vital for Christians and Christian institutions, which includes the Church, which is built upon the solid foundation of JESUS The CHRIST. Prayer was vital to JESUS during HIS earthly ministry and even as HE sits upon HIS throne in Heaven prayer is vital.

Jesus Predicts His Death a Second Time -

³⁰ They left that place and passed through Galilee. Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were, ³¹ because he was teaching his disciples. He said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise.” ³² But they did not understand what he meant and were afraid to ask him about it.

JESUS was teaching HIS disciples. Keep in mind that we who have asked JESUS into our hearts are also HIS disciples. The teaching of JESUS applies to us, as we read on -----

Let’s read Luke 17:1-4:

Warnings from Jesus

17 He said to his disciples, “Offenses will certainly come,^[a] but woe to the one through whom they come! ² It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea than for him to cause one of these little ones to stumble. ³ Be on your guard. If your brother sins,^[b] rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. ⁴ And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and comes back to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.”

Life brings issues with which all of us have to deal. JESUS was teaching HIS disciples, be careful how you walk, what you say and do because you represent JESUS and GOD.

It takes humility to ask for forgiveness, to give forgiveness to those who ask and also for those who do not ask. When we verbally forgive, it removes an issue from our minds which Satan can use to rob us of time that we could be praising our LORD or seeking HIS leadership and growing Spiritually.

Many things on earth can be time robbers. As followers of JESUS, we must be careful how we walk and talk because our life is a witness and testimony of JESUS in us to others. The key is to be genuine and not fake. i.e., walk the talk! That comes by being in right relationship with GOD through faith in JESUS. Why and how? Faith in JESUS is the only way a person can receive the Holy Spirit to indwell him/her. The Holy Spirit is a person’s teacher, guide, revealer, assurance, and guarantee of eternal life.

Let’s read Luke 17:5-6: Faith and Duty

⁵ The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.” ⁶ “If you have faith the size of^[c] a mustard seed,” the Lord said, “you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you.

As Children of GOD through faith in JESUS, often we desire to do more.

Are we willing to “Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46:10)

But when GOD calls us, are we willing to go or to do more? Most of us have willing hearts to go where GOD calls us to go. But when GOD calls what is our response?

The only way for anyone to know GOD is through faith in JESUS. Doing so gives any human the wonderful privilege of being born by the Holy Spirit into the family of GOD. A person’s new spiritual birth eternally makes him/her a child of GOD. When a person has the Holy Spirit within him/her it is GOD’S guarantee of eternal life. The Holy Spirit teaches us, guides us, and helps us to grow stronger in our faith.

How much faith does a person have to have? JESUS tells us. It takes the faith the size of a “mustard seed.” JESUS was teaching HIS disciple then and today. Often, it takes but just a step in the right direction and HE will lead and guide us.

Remember, John 3. JESUS told Nicodemus that a person must be “born-again.” Being “born-again” is not a Baptist statement. JESUS said it.

Let’s read Luke 17:7-10:

⁷ “Which one of you having a servant tending sheep or plowing will say to him when he comes in from the field, ‘Come at once and sit down to eat’? ⁸ Instead, will he not tell him, ‘Prepare something for me to eat, get ready, and serve me while I eat and drink; later you can eat and drink’? ⁹ Does he thank that servant because he did what was commanded?^[d] 10 In the same way, when you have done all that you were commanded, you should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we’ve only done our duty.’”

JESUS was teaching and asked those HE was teaching to consider themselves as owners of a working farm or vineyard. They had hired a worker to do specific jobs on the farm including preparation of meals. When that worker completed the farm work and came into the main house, you, being in charge of the servant, would not prepare the evening meal and have the servant to sit and eat before you ate. That would be a thoughtful thing to do but the farm hand was hired to do specific jobs, which included meal preparation.

So, what was JESUS teaching? It was about being obedient to GOD. JESUS was the example. After an exhausting day preaching, teaching, healing, and doing the work of HIS FATHER, GOD, in the Kingdom of GOD, JESUS prayed.

Many of us have jobs or duties to do each day and we need to do them, but we also must take time to meet with our FATHER, GOD. We must not let our earthly duties rob us of the time we need to go to GOD, our FATHER and have alone time with HIM. Prayer is a wonderful time to be alone with GOD and JESUS to review the day, pray for the day and the day to come. Prayer is a two-way conversation - us speaking to GOD and listening as GOD speaks to us.

Blessings!!!

Faith That Matters (5) - Confident Faith - Luke 12:22-34 - February 18, 2024

 

Faith that Matters (5) – Confident Faith – Luke 12:22-34 – February 18, 2024

Our focus scripture is Luke 12:22-34

Faith displaces worry.

Our granddaughter and our son were in Israel for a robotics world competition when the fighting started. Needless to say, we were genuinely concerned and let all our brothers and sisters in CHRIST know about it and asked them to pray. We are so grateful and blessed for so many who were praying. The hand of our LORD was evident, and they got back home safely.

One of our granddaughter’s friends asked her if she was scared, she said, “No, because I knew my dad had it.” Those words penetrated my heart like no other words. When troubling times come into our lives, we rest in the arms of our LORD and Savior, JESUS because our Heavenly FATHER has it.

JESUS was teaching HIS disciples preparing them for the time when HE would no longer be physically with them.

I remember the time when I was taking flying lessons and made a horrible landing. My instructor told me to pull the plane over near the end of the runway and got out of the plane. I thought my flying days were over. But to my amazement he told me to take off and fly around the airport and to watch out for a commercial plane that would be coming in a few minutes. I was going solo. I recall those moments lifting off the runway, circling the airport and landing and taking the plane back to my instructor.

When I arrived near the area where my instructor was standing, he approached the plane, opened the door, and said, “Are you wondering why I told you to take your solo flight after that terrible landing? When I saw that you could take care of the plane after a terrible landing, I knew you were ready to fly.”

Our FATHER tests us as we go through life and as HIS Children, we must learn to trust HIM in all situations.

Let us explore!!!

Let’s read Luke 12:22-26:

The Cure for Anxiety

²² Then he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, don’t worry about your life, what you will eat; or about the body, what you will wear. ²³ For life is more than food and the body more than clothing. ²⁴ Consider the ravens: They don’t sow or reap; they don’t have a storeroom or a barn; yet God feeds them. Aren’t you worth much more than the birds? ²⁵ Can any of you add one moment to his life span^[d] by worrying? ²⁶ If then you’re not able to do even a little thing, why worry about the rest?

JESUS was teaching HIS disciples to trust GOD, their Heavenly FATHER, to supply their needs. JESUS used examples of GOD supplying the needs of animals that are completely dependent upon GOD to provide for them. How much more are you vital to GOD’S Kingdom? That is not the point, since GOD provides for the animal world for their needs, HE also provides for human needs, not wants, or desires, but needs.

We must trust GOD to provide when we cannot, but we also must trust GOD as we look for how we can supply.

JESUS needed money to pay a temple tax, as we read in Matthew 17:24-27:

Paying the Temple Tax

²⁴ When they came to Capernaum, those who collected the temple tax approached Peter and said, “Doesn’t your teacher pay the temple tax?”

²⁵ “Yes,” he said.

When he went into the house, Jesus spoke to him first,^[n] “What do you think, Simon? From whom do earthly kings collect tariffs or taxes? From their sons or from strangers?”^[o]

²⁶ “From strangers,” he said.^[p]

“Then the sons are free,” Jesus told him. ²⁷ “But, so we won’t offend them, go to the sea, cast in a fishhook, and take the first fish that you catch. When you open its mouth you’ll find a coin.^[q] Take it and give it to them for me and you.”

GOD provides for our needs at the time we need but we may have to look in some interesting places. Are we willing to trust GOD?

A friend of mine needed some money to pay a bill that was due. He prayed and the LORD reminded him that he had hidden some money in their bookcase. He checked and it was exactly what he needed to pay for what he owed.

Many who are reading this will recall times when GOD has provided to you what you needed.

Let’s read Luke 12:27-30:

²⁷ “Consider how the wildflowers grow: They don’t labor or spin thread. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was adorned like one of these. ²⁸ If that’s how God clothes the grass, which is in the field today and is thrown into the furnace tomorrow, how much more will he do for you—you of little faith? ²⁹ Don’t strive for what you should eat and what you should drink, and don’t be anxious. ³⁰ For the Gentile world eagerly seeks all these things, and your Father knows that you need them.

JESUS used an example of the majestic, beautiful wildflowers that grow where they are planted. We must trust our LORD that HE places us where HE desires for us to bloom.

Notice what is written, “, how much more will he do for you—you of little faith?” Faith is the key. JESUS desires for HIS disciples to have faith in HIM and GOD the size of a mustard seed. Our faith journey begins with our faith in JESUS which opens the door and path that leads to GOD, our FATHER. That is the key that unlocks the door. WOW!!! That which awaits the person who opens that door is beyond any earthly magnificence.

Trust and obey for there is no other way to be happy in JESUS but to trust and obey. It is a magnificent journey.

Where does such a journey lead us? Let’s read on -----

Let’s read Luke 12:31-34:

³¹ “But seek his kingdom, and these things will be provided for you. ³² Don’t be afraid, little flock, because your Father delights to give you the kingdom. ³³ Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Make money-bags for yourselves that won’t grow old, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. ³⁴ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Those who desire a real relationship with GOD must come by the way of the cross. All people must place their faith in JESUS and HIS life, death upon the cross, burial, resurrection from physical death by the One True GOD, THE FATHER.

JESUS life, death, resurrection, ascension back into Heaven to take HIS seat at the right-hand of GOD, HIS FATHER, completed HIS redemptive plan for all who will place their faith in JESUS.

Why did JESUS have to die? It was GOD’S redemptive plan kept hidden until GOD revealed it. Thank YOU, FATHER!!! We read in Hebrews 9:16-28:

¹⁶ Where a will exists, the death of the one who made it must be established. ¹⁷ For a will is valid only when people die, since it is never in effect while the one who made it is living. ¹⁸ That is why even the first covenant was inaugurated with blood. ¹⁹ For when every command had been proclaimed by Moses to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and goats,^[d] along with water, scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled the scroll itself and all the people, ²⁰ saying, This is the blood of the covenant that God has ordained for you.^[e] 21 In the same way, he sprinkled the tabernacle and all the articles of worship with blood. ²² According to the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.

²³ Therefore, it was necessary for the copies of the things in the heavens to be purified with these sacrifices, but the heavenly things themselves to be purified with better sacrifices than these. ²⁴ For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with hands (only a model^[f] of the true one) but into heaven itself, so that he might now appear in the presence of God for us. ²⁵ He did not do this to offer himself many times, as the high priest enters the sanctuary yearly with the blood of another. ²⁶ Otherwise, he would have had to suffer many times since the foundation of the world. But now he has appeared one time, at the end of the ages, for the removal of sin by the sacrifice of himself. ²⁷ And just as it is appointed for people to die once—and after this, judgment— ²⁸ so also Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but^[g] to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.

Faith in JESUS is a place holder until our final redemption at our physical death or the second coming of JESUS. WOW!!! JESUS is our guarantee of eternal life which is confirmed by the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT.

That is a guarantee that never expires!!!

Have you asked JESUS to forgive you for your sins and asked HIM to come into your heart? If not, why not now!

Dear JESUS, I ask YOU to forgive me for my sins and to come into my heart. I believe that YOU are the perfect acceptable sacrifice to GOD for all sin for those who accept YOU as their Savior.

1 John 1:8-10: ⁸ If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. ⁹ If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. ¹⁰ If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.

Blessings!!!

 

 

 

 

Bible Study - Faith Matters (4) - Praying Faith - Luke 11:1-11 - February 11, 2024

 Bible Study – Faith Matters (4) - Praying Faith – February 11, 2024

Our focus scripture is Luke 11:1-11

Faith looks to GOD to provide what we need.

Praying faith.

Let’s explore!

We read in James 2:26:

 ²⁶ For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.

James was the half-brother of JESUS.

JESUS taught HIS disciples that faith is vital. JESUS said it best in Matthew 17:20: “Because of your little faith,” he told them. “For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will tell this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

JESUS made it clear to HIS disciples in John 5:19:
Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, the Son is not able to do anything on his own, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, the Son likewise does these things.

JESUS focused on HIS FATHER. That is a powerful message to us who desire to do the will of the FATHER. JESUS showed us what is possible when we focus on GOD through faith in JESUS. JESUS taught by example.

Let’s read Luke 11:1-4:

11 He was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John also taught his disciples.”

JESUS was praying in a certain place. Do we have a certain place to pray when we want to hear from GOD? JESUS did! JESUS taught that we should find a place that blocks all distractions and pray.

It is interesting that one of JESUS’ disciples asked JESUS to “teach us to pray.” Prayer can be taught. We can say beautiful words, but the secret is, do those words come from a believing heart? Do we have the faith the size of a mustard seed?

I looked up scripture to see if I could find scripture reference regarding John the Baptist teaching his disciples about prayer. I could not find such scripture but do not let that keep you from looking. John the Baptist was careful to stick to his calling as the forerunner of JESUS. The forerunner was the herald for a King and certainly JESUS is the KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. Praise HIS Name!

JESUS’ disciples knew that JESUS had a prayer life and they saw what GOD was doing through JESUS. When JESUS prayed. GOD answered.

JESUS’ disciples were eager to learn then as well as HIS disciples today. Dear JESUS teach us how to pray effectively.

² He said to them, “Whenever you pray, say,

Father,^[a]
your name be honored as holy.
Your kingdom come.^[b]
3 Give us each day our daily bread.^[c]
4 And forgive us our sins,
for we ourselves also forgive everyone
in debt to us.^[d]
And do not bring us into temptation.”^[e]

JESUS immediately makes it clear that we are to respect and honor GOD as our Heavenly FATHER. We are to ask GOD to establish HIS Kingdom upon earth. JESUS is coming again to rule earth and it could be at any moment.

Humans have daily needs and what we need comes from GOD.

GOD knows that all humans sin and need to be forgiven. All people need to confess their sins and ask GOD to help them to change by the power of GOD.
Notice, “And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves also forgive everyone
in debt to us.” Quid pro quo – A favor for a favor.

When a person asks JESUS into his/her heart believing that JESUS is the true Son of GOD, born in the flesh by the Virgin Mary. JESUS’ FATHER IS GOD and HIS obedience to GOD opened the pathway to GOD for all people who place their faith in JESUS and HIS passion. (Death upon the cross – proves that JESUS was 100% human, burial, resurrection, ascension.)

It is only through faith in JESUS can any person be Spirit-born and eternally become GOD’S eternal Son or Daughter.

Keep in mind that the only way any person can call GOD FATHER is by being born-again/Spirit-born. Our unredeemed human spirit must be fertilized by GOD’S Sperm, The Holy Spirit, before Spiritual conception can take place.

The only prayer GOD hears before a person becomes HIS Child is Dear FATHER, I am a sinner and I need to be saved from the consequence of my sins. Please forgive me for my sins and I ask JESUS to come into my heart. Then tell someone that you have prayed to ask JESUS to forgive you for your sins. This is just the beginning of a wonderful journey. Will it be easy? NO! But you will have the Holy Spirit within you to teach and guide you as you walk with JESUS.

Once you are GOD’S Child, GOD desires for you to talk to HIM. Yes, talk to GOD as you would your absolute best friend. How can you do that? Pray. Prayer is talking to GOD. GOD Knows the number of hairs we have on our heads. HE already knows our deepest secrets and fears. So, get honest with GOD. Seek HIS power and help to overcome the issues that come our way.

Prayer is vital as we walk with GOD.

Once a person asks JESUS into his/her heart, GOD sends the Holy Spirit into that person’s heart as a guarantee that he/she has been Spirit-born and belong to GOD through faith in JESUS. The Holy Spirit is our teacher as we read/study GOD’s Word, The Bible.

Keep in mind that GOD and JESUS are our best friends. GOD provides for all our needs, not all our wants or desires.

The Bible reveals that the devil roams around seeking who he can devour as written in 1 Peter 5:8: ⁸ Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour.

JESUS tells us to be on our guard because, if any person thinks he/she cannot be tempted, he/she better keep a close eye on himself or herself.

JESUS continues teaching on prayer in our next scripture.

Are there things that can hinder prayer? YES!

1.    When we pray with wrong motives or seek things for our own pleasure, our prayers may go unanswered. “You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.” (James 4:3) Humility and selflessness are key to effective prayer.

2.    Unbelief and Doubt: Faith is crucial for pleasing God. Doubt and lack of faith hinder our prayers. “Without faith, it is impossible to please God.” (Hebrews 11:6) When we doubt God’s existence or His willingness to answer our prayers, our communication with Him is affected. We must approach Him with unwavering faith.

3.    Disobedience: Knowing God’s will and continuing to pray for a different answer is disobedience. Once we understand His will, persistently praying against it can hinder our prayers. 

4.    Repentance and confession restore our fellowship with God

5.    1 Peter 3:7: Husbands, in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with a weaker partner, showing them honor as coheirs of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.

6.    Unconfessed sin

7.    Anger

These are just a few things that hinder prayer.

An effective way to begin to pray is found in Psalm 139:23: Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts.

There are times when our prayers seem to go unanswered. What can a person do? JESUS was teaching, DO NOT GIVE UP!

Let’s read Luke 11:5-10:

Ask, Search, Knock

⁵ He also said to them, “Suppose one of you^[f] has a friend and goes to him at midnight and says to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, ⁶ because a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I don’t have anything to offer him.’ ⁷ Then he will answer from inside and say, ‘Don’t bother me! The door is already locked, and my children and I have gone to bed. I can’t get up to give you anything.’ ⁸ I tell you, even though he won’t get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his friend’s shameless boldness,^[g] he will get up and give him as much as he needs.

⁹ “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened to you. ¹⁰ For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. 

There are three actions: Ask – Seek – Knock. Three  possible results: receives – finds – the closed door will be opened.

When a person is serious regarding the need for answered prayer, he/she is persistent. The person praying may need to confess sins or have an issue that needs to be brought under the authority of GOD. The key is not to give up but to ask, seek and knock.

Praying for the salvation of a person can take time.

Plus, there are things going on in the Heavens that many of us are unaware of. Daniel gives us some insight regarding what goes on in the Heavenly realm as we read in Daniel 10:12: (The Angel Michael speaks to Daniel.)

¹² Then he said to me, “Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words. ¹³ But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia. ¹⁴ Now I have come to make you understand what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision refers to many days yet to come.”

When there is a delay there may be a reason. So, what do we do? We trust because GOD hears us as HIS Children at the instant we pray.

We can always ask GOD if there is some reason there is a delay.

When GOD seems to delay, what do we do? JESUS is still teaching things that we, HIS Children, need to keep in our minds. Living in GOD’S Kingdom is not static but dynamic. GOD loves HIS Children.

Let’s read Luke 11:11-13:

¹¹ What father among you, if his son^[h] asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead of a fish? ¹² Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? ¹³ If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?”

GOD loves to give HIS Children good gifts but like our earth children, HE does not want us to get the big head and think that we no longer need to be obedient to HIM.

FATHER, we love YOU and thank YOU for the gift of eternal life through faith in YOUR Only SON, JESUS. Help us, who are YOUR Children, trust YOU as never before because YOU are the KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS, and our FATHER and JESUS is not only our SAVIOR but also our Brother. Thank YOU and we love YOU! The best is yet to come! Blessings!!!