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Throughout history numerous evil works and workers of satan were thwarted by the LORD as a result of the fastings and prayings of His people (2 Chron. 7:14).

Consider Hezekiah who was “sick unto death”, yet who sought God in His affliction and THE LORD ADDED 15 YEARS TO HIS LIFE!!! God has sovereignly set up a plan whereby He does things according as His people pray and seek His face.

From Scripture we understand that God changes things in this life. He changes the course of destiny for those who confess and repent of their sins, pray, and seek His holy face. Here is an example of how one man sought God and the Lord answered His prayer with a 15 year dividend:

Isaiah 38:1-7 “In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came unto him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live. Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed unto the LORD, And said, Remember now, O LORD, I beseech thee, how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore. Then came the word of the LORD to Isaiah, saying, 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 (brokenness): 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. And this shall be a sign unto thee from the LORD, that the LORD will do this thing that he hath spoken.” 

It is clear from this episode with King Hezekiah, that God can and will change His plans as a result of our response to His Word. Note that when Isaiah the prophet “said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live” that “Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed unto the LORD.” Hezekiah sought God and God heard his cry and answered his prayer.

Concerning Hezekiah’s incident, the late Donald Stamps writes:

“God’s statement that Hezekiah must prepare for death and Hezekiah’s prayer to God (v.2) have important implications for our relationship to God. (1) All the things that God declares about the future are not necessarily irrevocable (cf. Jonah 3:1-10). When believers are confronted with tragedy, we can rest assured that God cares about what happens to us. He is compassionate and sensitive to our experiences. (2) Our prayers do have an effect on God, His purposes, and the outworking of His sovereign plan. Thus what happens in our lives or in the life of the church is determined by both God’s plan and our prayers. We must always maintain the Scriptural conviction that prayer does change things (Isaiah 38:4-7; 1 Kings 21:29; Ezekiel 33:13-16; James 5:14-15).” (taken from the Full Life Study Bible, p. 1039 – this is a highly recommended Study Bible with a very accurate and balanced commentary.)

Consider Abraham. God did not destroy Sodom and Gomorrah before He consulted with His servant and friend Abraham! Try this on for size! Think about how wicked these people (sodomites) had been. But wait, Abraham’s desires meant something to God.

“And the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do.” Genesis 18:17

God changes things (heals) when we repent, pray, and seek His face. Check this out:

2 Chronicles 7:14-20 “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways (repent); then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place. For now have I chosen and sanctified this house, that my name may be there for ever: and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually. And as for thee, if thou wilt walk before me, as David thy father walked, and do according to all that I have commanded thee, and shalt observe my statutes and my judgments; Then will I stablish the throne of thy kingdom, according as I have covenanted with David thy father…” 

EFFECTUAL FERVENT PRAYING AVAILS MUCH: “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.” James 5:16 “Effectual fervent” here means: The active, inworking prayer, consistent with inward conformity to the mind of God.

Consider Elijah, a man with passions (human weaknesses & limitations) just like us: James 5:17-18: “Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.”

The course of HIStory has been altered countless times by those who dared and chose to obey God by repenting, praying, and seeking His face. Will the course of history be changed because of your relationship with and fervent prayers to Him? Will your legacy be one of life-changing, course-altering, destiny-directing prayers?

In the early Church, many miracles occurred due to the relationship-based prayer that was lifted up to Heaven by God’s people. Here is a sampling:

Because of a praying Church, Ananias and Sapphira were killed by God for lying to the Holy Ghost (Acts 4:31-33; 5:5,10). Here we see that the precious communion between God and His people in this organization of disciples, yielded His miracle power. In this case, the death of Ananias and his wife.

“Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.” Acts 12:5

The Church prayed fervently without ceasing when Peter was taken and jailed by Herod. Herod had just killed the apostle James and was about to kill Peter, but but the Church prayed to God and He changed the course of history as it would have been if Peter had been killed. In prison Peter was chained down with two chains, sleeping between two soldiers, and the outside of the prison doors were defended by more guards. Because God’s people were seeking His face in prayer for Peter, an angel from God brought light and woke Peter and led him out safely. God also killed Herod who had killed the apostle James and was going to kill the beloved Peter (v23). Many miracles happened in this episode as a result of the prayers of God’s people. See Acts 12:1-25.

“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 and widows, presented her alive.” Acts 9:40-41

God raised Tabitha from the dead when one of His people prayed. This little girl’s existence upon earth would have ended, but somebody touched God and history was altered.

HERE’S A JAILBREAK PRAYER:

“And the multitude rose up together against them (Paul & Silas): and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them. And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks. 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 16:22-26

Just what if the great apostle Paul, and Silas, would have perished in this prison? The damage would have been untold. God, who worked in conjunction with the obedient prayer of these two servants, rescued them, altering the course of history for ever.

BEWARE OF DEBILITATING THINKING: If you know anything about the unbiblical, heretical teachings of John Calvin, you realize that his teachings work to produce complacency in those who buy into those lies, including in the area of fervent prayer and seeking God. They rob from the recipient’s heart the fear of God, and foster complacency. Let me encourage you to relinquish ALL unfounded philosophies which teach that whatever will be will be. This is the lie of the devil himself. Biblically speaking: Whatever God wills and we prayerfully agree in obedience to, will be! Numerous texts of holy Scripture could be cited to develop this truth. Here is one:

Hebrews 11:6 “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”

According to Hebrews 11:6, the reward of the Lord is with them that seek Him diligently. Go! Jesus said:

“Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” Mark 11:24

“For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers.” 1 Peter 3:12

The whispered prayer of the righteous in the name of Jesus causes an earthquake in Heaven.

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Abiding

Going Directly to the Source [podcast]


IF you desire to truly hear from GOD, read His own Word for yourself. King James Bible.

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17

“Nourished Up” – like a wise virgin Heaven bound saint.

“If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.” 1 Timothy 4:6

On this biblical topic of fervency, of being “fervent in spirit”, one commentary offers the following:

“Nourished up in the words of faith” is a biblical phrase from 1 Timothy 4:6, meaning to be continually fed, strengthened, and built up by scripture, sound Christian teaching, and doctrine, much like food sustains the body, these spiritual words sustain and grow the soul, leading to spiritual maturity and a deeper walk with God. It signifies a deliberate, ongoing intake of God’s truth, which fosters growth, guards against false teachings, and fuels a believer’s life.” (Source?)

It’s one thing to have a mere human giving you encouragement and yet another thing to get your encouragement, your spiritual nourishment from God—directly. King James Bible.

Psalms 73

“Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.

2 But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped.

3 For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

4 For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm.

5 They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men.

6 Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment.

7 Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish.

8 They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily.

9 They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.

10 Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them.

11 And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High?

12 Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.

13 Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency.

14 For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning.

15 If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children.

16 When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me;

17 Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.

18 Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction.

19 How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.

20 As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image.

21 Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins.

22 So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee.

23 Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand.

24 Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.

25 Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.

26 My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.

27 For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee.

28 But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.”

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Abiding

“Fervent in Spirit” [podcast]


“Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;” Romans 12:11

Concerning being “fervent in spirit,” one commentator notes that this means to:

“Maintain zeal to the boiling point.” Dake

“Fervent” – A primary verb; to be hot (boil, of liquids; or glow, of solids), that is, (figuratively) be fervid (earnest): – be fervent.

“Do nothing at any time but what is to the glory of God, and do every thing as unto him; and in every thing let your hearts be engaged.” Adam Clarke

“Never let your zeal flag (lag, drop, tank), maintain the spiritual glow, serve the Lord.” Here we are reminded of the words of Jeremiah 48:10: ‘Cursed be he that doeth the work of the LORD deceitfully,'” Believer’s Bible Commentary

Apollos was “fervent in the spirit.”

“This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being FERVENT in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.” Acts 18:25 

In all things Christ’s saints are to be “fervent in spirit”:

“Not slothful in business; FERVENT in spirit; serving the Lord;” Romans 12:11

Disciples of Jesus are to have a “fervent mind” toward all saints and ministers of His blessed Gospel:

“And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your FERVENT mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more.” 2 Corinthians 7:7 

“Fervent prayer” is to be offered to God for other of His saints:

“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.” James_5:16

Jesus’ people are to have “fervent charity among” ourselves:

“And above all things have FERVENT charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8

“Fervent heat” will soon consume the wicked who refused the salvation that comes from Christ alone:

“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with FERVENT heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” 2 Peter 3:10 

“Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with FERVENT heat.” 2 Peter 3:12 

On this biblical topic of fervency, of being “fervent in spirit”, one commentary offers the following:

“2 Peter 3:

To be ‘fervent in spirit’ means to have intense, burning passion, zeal, and enthusiasm for spiritual matters, often linked to serving God, rather than being lukewarm or apathetic. It implies being ‘boiled’ with spiritual energy, actively engaged, and diligent in faith, as described in Romans 12:11, (‘not slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord’). It’s a passionate, fiery commitment, distinct from fanaticism, involving earnest application and a deep love for God. 

Key aspects:

  • Intensity: A deep, glowing, or boiling heat of emotion and dedication. 
  • Diligence: Not being lazy or half-hearted, but actively applying oneself to spiritual duties. 
  • Spiritual Zeal: A strong desire and excitement for God’s will, the Gospel, and spiritual growth. 
  • Source: Often described as being moved by the Holy Spirit, a fire within. 
  • Biblical Example: Apollos was described as ‘fervent in the spirit’ as he taught diligently about the Lord (Acts 18:25). 
How it’s expressed:
  • Passionate prayer
  • Diligent study of God’s Word
  • Active, loving service to others
  • Bold witnessing for faith
  • Being ‘on fire’ for God, not lukewarm” 

Jesus says that those in His church who are “lukewarm” will be spued or rejected (Revelation 3:15-16). What’s the opposite of being “lukewarm”? – being “fervent in spirit.”

“Amen! Don’t let your fire die as the church in Laodicea did! They were neither cold nor hot. They were lukewarm. Comfortable! Indifferent! Their fire for the Lord had gone out. God’s not looking for people who play it safe but people who burn with fire for Him!!!” Karen Cochran

YOUR PRAYER: LORD, make me Yours. Please keep me close to You, NO MATTER what it takes. Break me dear LORD. Let the holy light of Your presence permeate and shine through my inner man. I am Your temple Jesus. Shine Your light on all darkness. I love You my LORD. In Jesus’ name.

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Abiding

It’s not all Going to be Pretty [podcast]


“Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” 2 Timothy 2:3

One of Paul’s resumes of the sufferings he endured as an apostle of Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 6:3-10

“3 Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:

4  But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,

5  In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;

6  By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,

7  By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,

8  By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true;

9  As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;

10  As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.”

You are His. Cling to Him. The LORD Jesus is going to bring you through, not matter what you face (Deuteronomy 13:4).

“But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. 2  When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” Isaiah 43:1-2

“Hated”

“And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.” Matthew 10:22

“Ye shall Laugh”

“And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God. 21  Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh. 22  Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake.” Luke 6:20-22

“Through  much Tribulation”

“Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.” Acts 14:22

Eternity with Christ, “with Joy”

“For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.” Isaiah 55:12

“To Make them White”

“And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. 33  And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days. 34  Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries. 35  And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed.” Daniel 11:32-35

“Made white … the wise shall understand”

“Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.” Daniel 12:10

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