Victory in Prayer

 

    To have victory in prayer you have to claim the truth and lean on the power of God.  You learn the truth in God's Word.  You learn who Jesus is in the Gospel.  The old and new testament work together to show you the truth and who God is.  When you decide to walk in truth, with Jesus, then you walk in victory because Jesus has already won against the enemy.

    As you see God's grace expand you start to understand how to fight your battles in prayer.  When you pray you can do so in confidence because the creator of all that is good and purely beautiful is fighting for you.  This confidence in God is what sustains you when Satan comes after you.  The stronger you get in your faith the more Satan will come after you.  You are a threat to him because you speak the truth boldly.  Do not let him silence you.

    Satan comes after families, your ministry, your mind, and everything else that God uses in you to spread the good news.  If Satan can destroy what is holy in your life, then he can destroy you.  That is why you have to fight in prayer.  Do not deny Satan's existence, presence, or influence.  It would be foolish to downplay your enemy.  Just remember that God is stronger  and Jesus has already won.  Satan is dangerous in every aspect, but God is more in every way.

    You cannot hide behind ignorance.  Deep down you know the truth.  You accept it or deny it, but ignorance will not save you.  If anything it only makes you a pawn.  You can find your victory in prayer.  Pray for wisdom, understanding, grace, mercy, and the armor of God.  Pray to be able to forgive so that Satan doesn't get a foothold in your mind or heart.  Pray to be covered in all that is holy.  God will give you what you pray for even if it doesn't come in the form that you were expecting.

Luke 10:18-20, 22:31-32, John 8:42-47, 2 Corinthians 2:9-11, 1 Peter 5:8-9, 1 John 4:4-6, & Revelations 12:7-12

Fighting Prayer

 

    Before you defend yourself or get ready to go into battle, take a minute to think and pray over the situation.  It is always better to be proactive versus reactive, but you cannot foresee every possible option or what other people will do.  You need God to fight your battles for you.  

    When you allow God to fight your battles He will deal with the people or events in the way that is best.  It will work out for you, but it may just reach the person(s) that are causing you distress, anger, or hurt.  Another benefit is that you can relax.  You don't have to hold onto your anger, fear, anxiety, or anything else that eats away at your peace. 

    It can be hard to fight through prayer because it makes you feel vulnerable.  It is a test of faith.  It can be hard to let go of control.  You may only have a now mentality and this requires looking toward the future and even the eternal.  It can feel passive, but it does demonstrate you trust God.  You can either trust yourself or you can trust God.

    Fighting your battles in prayer takes strength.  You have to humble yourself and realize you can't do everything on your own.  You can't fight the unseen supernatural world.  You have to let go of your pride and lean on faith.  If you are a Christian, then you are no longer bound to your sin, guilt, shame, or doubt.  Let go of that to make room to pray honestly, transparently, and openly about who you are, what you need, and what you want.

    God will use your weaknesses as a strength to serve His purpose.  Do not beat yourself up on what you can't do, but be grateful for what you do have and have a willing heart to go wherever the Holy Spirit leads you.  Prayer is a way to unlock God's power in you through your weaknesses, vulnerabilities, or insecurities because you trust Him.  Be bold and confident in your prayers to fight your battles.  God will come through.

Exodus 3:1-10, 4:10-13, 13:1-16, Judges 6:11-16, 8:22-35, John 18:25-27, Acts 2:37-42, 1 Corinthians 1:26-31, Ephesians 6:18-20, & Hebrews 4:14-16

Pray for Grace

 

    Praying for grace is praying for God to take control of your heart and desires.  You step of your personal throne and give it to Him.  It is not natural.  Sin and selfishness is natural.  Giving that up takes faith because you see the grace that God has given you.  You understand that life is better when you stop pretending you are in control of everything.  You only have control of your choices and attitude.

    When you put yourself on a pedestal you are making yourself a god even if you don't mean to.  God will not share His throne with anyone.  He wants your whole heart.  He will not share it with idols.  If you chose idols over Him, then He will allow it, but you will deal with the consequences.  

    Salvation is the ultimate gift that comes from God's grace.  You accept or deny it.  It is your choice.  If you accept it, then your heart starts to change.  You start to surrender your will to God.  It is not giving up or giving in.  It is giving to yourself, God, and the people in your life.  It is learning how to love God's way and seeing life in a new perspective that changes everything.  It all comes down to what you value.  When you value your relationship with God over everything else, then that is what you will pour yourself into.

    You get this grace when you pray to God accepting His gift and continue to seek Him.  The Holy Spirit helps you form prayers as time goes by and you mature in your faith.  Prayer comes more naturally when you crave God more than anything.  It brings you joy and peace in all circumstances.  Grace does not come naturally for people.  You have to pray for it to possess it abundantly.  Be grateful for God's grace and that He wants to give it to you.  

1 Samuel 5:1-8, Matthew 13:44-46, Mark 8:34-38, 2 Corinthians 12:8-10, Ephesians 2:8-10, & Hebrews 4:14-16

Prayer to Give Grace

 

    Grace is not something that comes naturally.  It goes against human nature.  To be sincere and transparent with grace you need to pray for it, through it, and accept it from God.  Grace is getting something good when you do not deserve it, so giving grace can be hard.  The person you choose to give grace to may not even be aware that they hurt you, care, or repentant.

    The power of prayer can transform your life.  Making prayers to be able to give grace is powerful.  It will transform your heart even it the motivation never changes.  It frees you to be able to love like Jesus.  Jesus loved sacrificially and with a servant's heart.  He taught up how to give of what we have and get more so you do not burn out or go empty yourself.  Prayer and time with God is the key.

    Grace will sustain you because it gave you your salvation.  It helps you build your faith.  With grace you can face your enemies and know that you are not alone.  You understand that the Holy Spirit will put the words in your mouth as you need them.  You understand that you are not perfect, but God is and you trust that.  He lovingly gave you grace, so you want to at least try to give grace to other people.  After all love covers all kinds of sin.

    It is your prayer life that brings your salvation alive.  Prayer along with Biblical study helps you leave your sinful nature behind.  You won't do it perfectly, but you know you will not be alone.  In your faith you became righteous through grace.  You can do anything with Jesus by your side.  You can even forgive the unforgiveable.  You can give second chances when they are not deserved.  You can have everything taken and know you will be okay.  You can embrace how much you are loved and give grace to other people even if they do not love you.  You can give grace because you are friends with God.

Romans 3:23-26, 5:6-11, 6:20-23, 8:1-4, 2 Corinthians 5:18-21, & 1 Timothy 1:15-17

Prayer of Grace

 

    To embrace grace it takes an open and prayerful heart.  You have to allow the Holy Spirit transform your heart by accepting the gifts from God and embrace how much He loves you.  Condemnation will steal the grace that God is trying to give you.  It comes from before your salvation.  After salvation, you have to let it go so you can live a better life with Jesus.

    Satan is the enemy of the mind.  He wants to keep you trapped by your past mistakes.  He wants them to cripple your ability to do good in the world.  You have to accept God's grace to be strong enough to move forward and not become arrogant in the process.  Embracing grace is removing the past's control over you and embracing the person that God is making you.  He makes you a new person, so turn away from the past sins and do better.

    Salvation has nothing to do with how good or bad you are.  It is about your faith and willingness to follow Jesus.  Your salvation gives God the glory and you the grace to be a part of His family.  Jesus sanctifies you, but you have to live it out.  Grace is a beautiful gift that will change your life forever.  Does your life represent the grace that God has given you?  Have you taken the time to really think about it?

    Pray to see the grace that God has given you.  Pray over how you can give grace to others so that they can see Jesus in you.  Pray that grace fills your heart so you can see people the way God sees them.  Ask for grace to enable you to forgive those that do not deserve forgiveness because God forgave you when you did not deserve forgiveness. Do not disregard what is good and pleasing to God.

Lamentations 3:22-24, Romans 6:20-23, Ephesians 2:4-10, 4:20-32, Colossians 3:12-17, & Titus 2:11-14

Gospel Prayer

 

    There is power in the Gospel.  If you prayer over the Gospel in faith, then you will be empowered.  It saves your eternal soul.  It also transforms your heart to live a holy lifestyle.  It sanctifies you in God's grace.  You only have to learn how to read and pray over it to apply to your life.  It all starts with faith and salvation.

    God's grace is the loving gift of salvation.  He shows you kindness to offer you adoption into His family.  He enriches your life.  He meets your physical and spiritual needs.  You have not earned nor deserve this, but He gives it freely to you.  All you have to do is accept His grace, then you will become worthy.

    Christianity is separate from any other religion because it is a living relationship with your creator.  It is based on love and life, not death or fiction.  Do you really understand how much God loves you?  Are you able to really accept and embrace being loved like that?  God's love is kindness not niceness.  It does come with expectations on how to live going forward.  That is why you need to pray over the gospel.  

    Prayer helps you learn how to forgive the unforgiveable.  It helps you love where your heart use to be hard.  It changes everything.  You pray when you are in pain.  You pray when you are angry.  You pray when betrayed.  You pray when you are happy.  You pray for protection.  You pray for love, forgiveness, and peace.  You pray in confidence because you know God is listening and cares.  He wants to hear from you and give you your purest heart desires.  He will give so generously that you will have plenty to share with other people.  You can learn how to pray for and over everything in the Bible.  

Psalm 4, 17:1-2, 20:4-5, 86:1-7, 2 Corinthians 9:6-9, & Ephesians 2:4-10

Pray for Freedom

 

    If you are a Christian, then you are a part of the church.  Can the world see the church in you?  Does the world see Jesus in your life?  To pray for the church is to pray for yourself and other believers.  You pray for people by name, but you pray generally too to cover what you do not know or see.

    If you are an active member of a local church, then you have people to hold you accountable.  Christians need each other.  Life is distracting.  The people in your church can help you stay focused on what matters.  They help you mature and become a disciple.  If you start to slip, then they are there to catch you.  If you do not have that at your church, then you need to look inwardly to see if you are the problem.  If it is not you, then you need to find a church that is Biblically sound.

    As a Christian you have certain freedom.  You are free to live without bondage, but that life should be righteous.  You should have integrity and do right by everyone to the best of your ability.  You need to pray for what is beyond your ability.  Sin enslaves you, so do not insult Jesus' sacrifice by turning back to it.  If you do sin, then do not avoid consequences.  Do what you need to to make things right with God and anyone you may have offended.

    Being accountable to God is freedom.  You don't have to go through anyone else to get right with God.  Jesus showed us how to be obedient.  The Holy Spirit leads you toward obedience with a right attitude.  It is your choice to do so in love.  Your freedom to follow Jesus is the mark of your Christianity.  

    You understand sin and what it means.  When you choose to avoid or flee from it you embrace your freedom.  Freedom comes with responsibility to step up and be a leader, do what is right, and serve God.  The Holy Spirit transforms you every time you enter into prayer and time with God.  It doesn't have to be hard work.  It is one step at a time.  Prayer holds yourself accountable to live freely like God always wanted for you.      

Leviticus 26:9-13, Psalm 119:41-48, Proverbs 16:17-21, Matthew 18:15-20, Luke 17:1-4, John 8:34-38, Romans 6:20-23, 2 Corinthians 3:16-18, & Galatians 5:1-6

Prayer Partner

 

    Prayer partners are close friends that you can bare your soul to.  That means being completely honest and vulnerable.  You need to be able to tell them when you sin and take their response.  If a person responds judgmentally, then they are not your person.  They need to be able to call sin sin and not condone your sin, but they need to do it in love with the purpose of redirecting you.

    A prayer partner holds you accountable in your everyday life.  Your spouse should be a prayer partner, but you need people of the same sex too.  It is hard to be vulnerable.  It is one thing in the marriage, but to be vulnerable to people that are not bound to you in some way is more difficult.  It takes time to build a true relationship, so don't rush it just because you need a prayer partner.  Pray for God to bring the right person(s) into your life at the right time.

    As a prayer partner, you need to be a safe person for your person too.  They need to be able to confess to you and trust that you will not turn against them either.  Honesty is a form of vulnerability.  The gift of honesty is when it is kind.  You find a way to tell the truth in love.  You do not try to control the other person or situation, but you do not allow a lie to thrive.  

    Benefits of a prayer partner is having someone to pray for and over you in areas that you can't see in your life.  You do not have to struggle alone.  They help strengthen your faith and walk with Jesus.  They help you find healing.  You may learn better communication skills.  You don't have to feel alone.  You know if you need anything you have someone to call.  You are not left in the dark trying to figure out everything on your own.  Your business becomes their business because they care not because you owe them anything.  

    Ultimately a prayer partner gives you a healthy relationship(s).  If your are going down a dangerous path, then they will try to stop you.  They are willing to walk with you in the difficult times.  That alone makes them special.  Not everyone will do that.  They help you stay accountable to God, so that your walk stays strong.  They work with you not against you to do good.  

Job 6:14-30, Proverbs 11:12-13, 18:20-24, Isaiah 29:15-16, John 15:9-17, 1 Corinthians 12:12-26, Ephesians 4:28-5:14, James 5:16-18, & 1 John 1:5-10

Accountable Prayer

 

    Everyone needs someone to hold them accountable.  When it comes to living out your Christianity it is no different.  You need someone who knows you well enough to know how to pray for you without you explaining everything.  They have a different perspective than you in what is going on and can pray for you in a different way than you pray for yourself.  At the same time they make sure you are praying over everything too.

    Having an prayer partner can be a comfort.  They are not there to tell you what you want to hear.  They tell you the truth in love.  That means a true prayer partner is kind, not nice.  Nice people will lie to you to spare your feelings to make you feel good even if you are sinning.  If you do not have an accountability partner/prayer partner then you are more likely to play with fire.  No one can live this life out alone.  You need other believers and God.

    If you do not have a prayer partner, then it is time to pray for you.  You can have more than one, but you don't want it to become a large group.  Everyone cannot keep up with everything going on in everyone's life.  Jesus had 12 close disciples.  You are not Jesus.  You can try to have 12, but it is better to keep it five or less to really be invested.  It is also good if all in the little circle are friends and accountable to everyone in the group.  

Psalm 141:3-5, Proverbs 27:5-17, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, Galatians 6:1-3, Ephesians 4:14-16, Hebrews 3:11-13, & James 5:19-20

Imitate Jesus in Prayer

 

    When you imitate Jesus you are walking toward God in faith.  Your focus is on the eternal instead of the immediate problem.  You live in the moment to be able to love and connect with people where they are in life, but your soul is on the path toward eternal peace.  

    To pray in a way that imitates Jesus is to learn from the lessons he provided in the Bible.  You don't waste your time.  You learn to live with urgency to reach the world.  You pray over yourself, your needs, peace, other people, healing, salvation, and more.  

    Jesus had 12 really close friends.  They asked him to teach them how to pray and he did.  He did not need them for accountability because he is God.  However, Jesus made the 12 his prayer partners because he knew that they would need it when he was gone.  It is important for you to find a couple of people that will hold you accountable and be prayer partners for strength and intimate friendship.  

    There are only benefits from having prayer partners.  It develops close friendships that will be open and honest.  If they see you straying away, then they can call you approach it to bring you back.  Redirection comes from love and knowing you.  They help you learn from yours and their mistakes.  You have a trusted companion to journey with in your spiritual life.  

    If you do not have a prayer partner, then pray to God to bring that person into your life. It should be someone of the same sex, but not necessarily the same age.  It can be a discipleship opportunity too.  It will not come naturally.  You will have to invest into the relationship.  You will need to be committed to make it work.  You may go through trails together, but you will not be alone.

    Discipleship is a Biblical way to pave the way for another person.  You follow Jesus' footstep by teaching them how to pray and follow Jesus.  Your train them to do the same for someone else.  It is a sacrifice because you give of yourself and your time, but the impact you can leave on another person and the kingdom of God is worth it.  It also holds you accountable to be a mature Christian as you hold them accountable to follow Jesus.  Together you can live out your faith.

Psalm 145:4-7, Proverbs 27:17-19, 1 Corinthians 14:14-16, 11:1-6, & Hebrews 13:5-7

Hot or Cold Prayer Life?

 

    Prayer is communication with God, so your prayer life is the amount and quality of time you spend with God.  It is not you doing a monologue.  It is taking time to be still to listen for Him to respond.  It means that you are waiting patiently sometimes weeks, months, or years for your prayer to be answered.  While you wait you thank God for what He has done and look for His answer to what you are waiting on.  You do not forget and you trust Him not to forget.

    When God does respond it may require you to do something.  How will you respond to God?  Will you take heed and obey?  Will you say you have done enough and keep on the way things are?  Will you reject it all together?  

    You have a hot prayer life if you view God as your closest and most trusted friend in the world.  You go to Him about everything and love to hear what He has to say even if it goes against what you wanted Him to say.  A cold prayer life is not having one or if you do it is a list of request, demands, or spouting off your grievances with Him.  You don't care about what He has to say in return.  Prayer is a last resort or an afterthought.  Lukewarm is neither hot nor cold.  You are self-sufficient and do not need God, but you claim to be Him.  You are blind and naked, but you do not realize it.  Your prayers are indifferent.  

    When you have a hot prayer life you know how to use it as a warrior.  Your trust and faith turn you into a prayer warrior.  You use prayer to do go, give blessings, and fight against evil.  God provided you with armor if you are willing to learn how to use it to protect yourself from the unseen war that is going on around you.  Prayer is your most powerful weapon.  

    The amount of time you spend in prayer and God's Word reveals how much you need Him.  You are active in your prayer life even when life is good because you desire to be close to Him.  You understand that you can't do this life on your own and that all the good things come from Him.  He gives you grace when you did not deserve it because He loves you.  Will you love Him in return?  Will you humble yourself to grow in wisdom that comes from Him?

2 Chronicles 30:25-27, Ephesians 4:14-16, 6:10-18, Colossians 4:2-6, 1 Peter 3:7-12, & Revelations 3:14-22, 5:6-10

Church Prayer

 

    Church is where a group of believers come together to learn, pray, and help each other grow in their relationships with Christ.  It takes individual and corporate evaluation.  Everyone has blind spots, but prayer can reveal them.  As a church you will be tested, but will you prove yourself as a true follower of Jesus.

    There is the true Christian that prays and reads God's Word to grow closer to Him.  These people are following Jesus.  They change their lifestyle to mature under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  Then there the people that call themselves Christians because they grew up in church, family are Christians, religion following, or told that they were.  However, these people have no relationship with God.

    When you become a true Christian your heart is transformed.  There is not always a big noticeable change, but there is over time.  It is personal between you and God, but the world does see a difference in you because you have been set apart.  Your lifestyle reflects your repentance, faith, and love of Jesus.  Christians need each other to be strong.

    God is perfect.  That means that His design for your and your life is perfect.  You will only learn your path by being in His Word and prayer.  Everyone needs His grace and forgiveness.  If you are a Christian, then that is crystal clear.  How has it changed your life?  Do you have a desire to serve God?  Do you want to be around other believers?  What are you willing to sacrifice to be obedient?  God's plan for His church is fellowship, unity, and discipleship.  

    Make everyone feel welcome, but also stand firm in what is expected or your will go off the path and allow all sorts of evil into your church.  Even though you may stumble from time to time it doesn't mean that you are not a part of His family.  Your prayer life should have repentance to maintain your holy status.  Prayer as a church helps you stay connected, servant focused, encouraging, comforting, and consistent in love.  It is beautiful and beneficial.  

Acts 2:42-46, 2 Corinthians 5:16-17, 12:19-21, 13:5-6, Hebrews 10:23-25, & James 3:1-2

Honest Prayer

 

    The one place you can be brutally honest no matter what is in your prayers.  God can handle your anger, disappointment, doubts, and more.  You can say anything, but go to Him.  Allow Him to be a part of it.  He will reveal Himself.  He will be there.  He will take it and show you love in return.  

    The point of prayer is to grow closer to God.  It is how you communicate with your creator.  It opens your spirit up to the truth as long as you are being honest with yourself too.  It helps you understand who you are in Jesus.  It can inspire personal growth.  If your faith has become lukewarm, then prayer is where you can renew the flame.  

    When you prayer honestly you can find peace, grace, love, relief, and more.  When you pray while in God's Word you can grow deeper in your relationship with God.  You do have to be willing to take an honest look at your life, so that the Holy Spirit can reveal truths to you.  Everyone has issues with pride.  It is just a matter of where it is in you.  Once you face your pride you can start getting rid of it.

    When you pray ask yourself some questions along with God.  How diligent are you in pursuing a relationship with God?  How much energy and time do you give back to Him?  Do you meditate on what you do study or forget about it?  Are you willing to obey God's Word?  Do you confess and repent your sins?  Do you live life with urgency like Jesus could return today?

    It is also good to find a prayer partner.  This is a person(s) that you can be your true self around.  They will not judge nor condone your sin(s).  They will return your honesty with kind honesty.  They will keep you from being independent which makes you more vulnerable to give into your pride.  They hold you accountable and you do so in return for them.  They help you stay zealous for God.  

    To be zealous is to to have affection and love.  It is part of staying passionate for God.  It leads to quick repentance when you do sin.  To repent is not to feel bad or guilty.  It is changing your mind about what you did and believing it was wrong.  It leads to a change to do what is right.  You need God's wisdom to see your sin for what it is.  You need prayer and His Word to gain His wisdom.  

    Pray that God searches your heart to reveal truths about you to you.  Ask for grace to face the truth.  Then ask for repentance into your heart and mind.  Pray for an open and obedient heart to move closer to God.  Pray for the strength to be honest with yourself, prayer partner, and anyone else that you need to be true to.

Proverbs 20:5-7, 21:2-4, 30:11-14, 2 Corinthians 13:3-6, 1 Timothy 1:15-17, Hebrews 12:5-6, James 1:22-25, & Revelations 3:14-22

Prayer is a Weapon

 

    In the real world prayer is your most powerful weapon for protection.  When you pray in faith with confidence in God, then anything is possible.  The point is not to pray harm on other people.  It is to pray safety, security, and God's Will.  You want doors to open where there was none.  

    Judgment and condemnation is not yours.  They belong to God, so let Him handle that as He sees fit.  Your job is to focus on your relationship with Him and fulfill your purpose in this world.  Prayer needs to be based off of love, not hate.  It is good to pray when you are hurt, afraid, or stressed.  The point is it should be about the relationship and not just what God can do for you.

    Do not become complacent with God.  Complacency leads to lazy faith.  It opens to the door to hostility, superiority complex, pride, temptation, and independence from God.  God is your best friend.  He holds all the power.  He uses that power to teach you faith, forgiveness, and love.  

    Prayer is the communication that you have with God.  It can be short like a text or like a long phone call.  It can feel like an email or letter depending on how long you may have to wait for a response, but His timing is always perfect.  You don't need to be impatient and try to force things to happen.  You will only mess it up.  

    The power of prayer is it helps you defeat temptation, opens up your heart, protects, and reminds you of who God is.  Prayer opens up your spiritual life to see and experience the truths of God.  It is a weapon that enables you to fight the unseen world.  It protects you from all kinds of evil.  It can help develop you into a prayer warrior and spiritual leader.  It helps heal relationships and direct you to new ones that will help you grow in your faith.

Jeremiah 33:1-6, Mark 11:22-26, 2 Corinthians 10:3-6, Ephesians 6:18, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, & James 5:16-18

Obedience to God's Word

 

    Jesus is the ultimate teacher on obedience.  He was obedient to God to the point of death.  He died in place of you, me, and anyone else willing to follow.  You may not have to be obedient to the point of physical death, but you do have to be willing.  You do have to be obedient to the point that you put to death your personal desires and allow the Holy Spirit change them into holy desires.

    Your salvation is about walking in faith, but you can't walk in faith if you are not obedient.  The path is only clear when you are obedient to God.  You have to submit to His way, purpose, and glory.  Your heart changes at salvation and start down the new path at your baptism.  The more you pour yourself into God's Word the more you are able to see how to be obedient His way.

    Being obedient to God's Word is educating yourself, prayerfully searching, and willingness to let it change you.  Commentaries and Bible studies are great tools to help, but they are not necessary.  Prayer journals help you see your growth, but you don't have to do them.  All you need is God, your Bible, and an open heart and mind to conviction and truth.  

    Glorify God by aligning your life to reflect God's Word. Have it become a vital part of your lifestyle.  Be willing to get out of your comfort zone.  The truth is that you need God to transform your life here and now.  It is more than just getting into Heaven.  It is about purpose and drive while you live.  Obedience to God's Word leads to blessings here and now.  You don't have to wait for eternity.

Genesis 22:15-18, Exodus 20:1-17, John 17:1-8, Philippians 1:3-6, & Colossians 3:12-17

Perks of Obedience

 

    When you go through life independent from God you may feel in control.  You may feel like life is good.  You may be having a good time, but you are missing out.  Being obedient to God is not a chore.  It is the path to true freedom.  It doesn't make life easier per se, but it does give it clarity, certainty, and direction.  When confusion sets in that means that Satan is trying to get a foothold somewhere.  He is causing strife.

    Life may be simpler alone, but it is a lot more responsibility.  You don't have anyone to rely on.  You have twice as much work.  When you are tired you don't get rest.  When you need help you have to figure it out.  When you are attacked you are easier to take down.  Like it or not, you need God and other Christians in your life.  

    Fellow believers are the perks of obedience.  Perks are blessings, peace of mind, confidence, and knowing that you are not alone in the worst parts of life.  Christians were never meant to be isolated.  You can never carry out God's plan for your life alone.  Everyone needs encouragement, help, and fellowship.  

    Pray that God opens your eyes to His presence, your isolation spots, the people He put in your life, and your needs that can be fulfilled by other people if you are willing to ask.  God loves you.  He doesn't want you isolated because He created people to need each other.  That is why being a part of a church is important.  It is more than preaching, teaching, and learning.  It is about fellowship God's way.  It is learning how to work together, forgive, and love like Jesus.  It is living life together and not just meeting once a week to check in.

Psalm 46:10-11, Colossians 3:12-17, & Hebrew 10:23-25

Obedient Attitude

 

    Your attitude is a decision.  There are a lot of factors like your temperament, disposition, how you were raised, and more, but you decide what you are going to do with that.  An obedient attitude is choosing to listen and obey where it is God, government, employer, parent, or spouse.  You are in control of how you act and respond.

    If you are a Christian, then you are called to be holy.  Part of holiness is being obedient.  Choosing to be obedient to God sets you apart.  It clarifies that you belong to Him.  Jesus set the example and told you what you have to do.  All you have to do is obey in love.  If you belong to God, then your identity in Him never changes.  You just need to show up.  He will take the lead and never misdirect you.  

    Pray over your attitude and where your heart is today.  Are there areas where you need to submit?  Have you discovered any hang ups that you need to surrender to be obedient?  Is there anything about your attitude that is keeping you from looking like Jesus?  Give it over to God and embrace the peace you get from letting go.  Find thanksgiving in your heart for all you do have.

    If you feel broken, then let God heal you.  If you are angry, then allow the Holy Spirit take it away.  Replace it with peace.  If you are hurting, then remember that it will serve a purpose.  Endure what you must, but do not allow the world to destroy your attitude because God will restore you.  Be patient, kind, forgiving, humble, and loving.  How you live out today does matter.  It will lead to righteousness or something else.  You are the image bearer of Jesus to the world.

Ephesians 4:20-24, Philippians 1:27-30, 2:5-8, Colossians 3:12-17, & 1 Peter 3:8-12, 4:1-3

Holy Obedience

 

    Holy obedience is putting God in the place of authority over your life.  It is learning to understand who he is while growing closer to Him in a personal relationship.  You realize that you can never have salvation and what your soul is seeking without Him.  Once the pieces are in place obedience is the obvious answer.  It comes from love.

    In holy obedience you choose salvation, baptism, time in God's Word, prayer, meditation, fasting, and sacrifice.  All of this transforms your heart to live your life more like Jesus.  Obedience is not effort for control.  It is accepting God's grace and making it a part of who you are while accepting His favor.      

    Jesus the the only bridge between you and God.  Holy obedience is praising and worshipping in your heart and mind where it comes out in your words and actions.  Obedience is your choice.  You choose to obey your parents, employers, government, and God.  

    How you obey is also up to you.  You can do it grudgingly or in love.  Love is what makes obedience holy and blameless.  It can't be faked.  It turns duty into delight.  Work can become worship. You don't have to complain or gossip to make obedience work for you.  

    When you become a Christian you give your life over to God to mold how He sees fit.  He will mold you to serve your purpose, give you peace, and make you holy.  You were given a new life.  Don't waste it.  Life consist of moments.  What moments matter most to you?  

    When you listen to the Holy Spirit in obedience, then the moments have more impact over time.  It takes time to become obedient.  Do not try to rush the process.  Grow everyday in truth and love to become incorruptible and righteous.  Allow your heart to become compassionate, kind, humble, meek, and patient.  

Matthew 5:13-16, Luke 14:15-24, 16:10-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-17, Ephesians 3:14-19, 4:20-24, 6:10-18, Colossians 3:12-17,  & Titus 2:9-10

Responding in Obedience

 

    When you respond to God in obedience it is refreshing for your life and soul.  Sin contaminates everything.  It makes life more difficult.  It places confusion upon your mind.  It leaves your emotions in turmoil.  Your body may get sick.  Sin may feel good in the moment, but the long term affects are not worth it.  It poisons your soul.  While obedience gives clarity, truth, peace, and sometimes healing.

    Becoming like Jesus is a process.  You will not be perfect at it.  The Holy Spirit will make you deal with all your hang ups, sin holds, and hidden sin to get closer to Jesus.  Remember what you are working toward and hold onto your worship.  You will get through it if you are obedient.  God is right there going through it with you as you move toward purity and desire to honor God.

    Pray over the sins in are aware of in your life.  Ask God for direction on how to deal with them.  Next ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any hidden sins in your heart and mind.  Just because you are not currently aware of them doesn't mean you don't need to deal with them.  Ask Him to help you deal with it.  He will reveal, convict, and help you process as you work through your sin life with Him.  You just have to be willing to follow obediently.

2 Corinthians 7:1-4, Colossians 3:5-11, & 1 John 3:1-3

Distraction from Obedience

 

    It takes intentionality and self-discipline to stay close to God.  If you don't spend time with a person it doesn't mean you don't care, but you do lose your closeness.  God is not the one moving.  He is always there.  He is always ready for a relationship with you.  You are as close to God as you want to be today.  If you want to be closer, then you have to make time to develop and build the relationship.

    You are either obedient or disobedient to God.  You either pursue that relationship or you do not.  It is when you allow yourself to get distracted that little sins start to become big all  consuming sins.  You may be naturally ambitious, but if you don't keep that in check with God then you can turn money, power, or work into your god.  

    When you pray ask the Holy Spirit to reveal truths about yourself and strongholds in your life.  Be open and accept what He reveals, so that you can decide to become obedient or not in the area.  Distraction is the biggest thing you have to fight to be focused.  When you are focused it is easier to be obedient.  Distraction can lead to covetness.  Covetousness is greedy desire to have more.

    You are not just fighting human nature.  You are fighting against the culture to have a strong relationship with God.  Choosing obedience is how you can destroy the gods you have made in your life.  Obedience leads to mercy.  The process of finding all the roots to your sin to dig them out and destroy them is easy.  It takes work and surrender to God.  You have to become repulsed by your sin or it will always have a small hold on you.

    When you really focus on your relationship with God and decide to remove distractions, then you are able to admit that you have a problem.  You are choosing to allow the Holy Spirit to grow within you, but Satan doesn't want to give up what he has.  You have to put in work to run the good race of love and obedience God's way.  

Romans 6:12-14, 13:11-14, Galatians 5:24-26, Ephesians 4:20-23, Colossians 3:5-11,& Hebrews 12:1-4