SEEKING THE PRESENCE OF GOD | Blessed Prayers | Encouragement | Protection | Peace

[Music] thank you the main theme in Psalm 91 is abiding in God's presence and what is to abide to abide is to remain to remain in the presence of God to remain in prayer to abide is to continue to continue walking in a prayerful Spirit to continue walking by faith and not by sight to continue in God's presence when the Bible says he who dwells in the secret place of the most high shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty to be under the shadow of God is to be covered it's to be protected by the Almighty what can get to you if you're under God's shadow what can bother you what can worry you what can plague you if you're under the shadow of the Almighty allow me to offer some encouragement to you run to God run to Jesus in his shadow alone you find safety to find security you find protection and preservation and so before we pray allow me for a moment to read the word of God Psalm 91 verse 1 to 16 says he who dwells in the secret place of the most high shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty I will say of the Lord he is my refuge and my Fortress my God in him I will trust surely he shall deliver You From The Snare of the Fowler and from the perilous pestilence he shall cover you with his feathers and under his wings you shall take refuge his truth shall be your shield and Buckler you shall not be afraid of the terror by night nor of the arrow that flies by day nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness nor of the destruction that lays waste at noon day a thousand may fall at your side and ten thousand at your right hand but it shall not come near you only with your eyes shall you look and see the reward of the wicked because you have made the Lord who is my refuge even the most high your dwelling place no evil shall befall you nor shall any plague come near your dwelling for he shall give his angels charge over you to keep you in all your ways in their hands they shall bear you up lest you dash your foot against the stone you shall tread upon the lion and the Cobra the Young Lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot because he has set his love upon me therefore I will deliver him I will set him on high because he has known my name he shall call upon me and I will answer him I will be with him in trouble I will deliver him and honor him with long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation dear friend when you're feeling the full heat of the fire that comes with life's troubles run to God get on your knees remain in prayer continue in prayer stay in his presence abide Under The Shadow of your mighty my dear heavenly father I pray for everyone under the sound of my voice may they be drawn to your presence may they be drawn to your secret place I pray that every man and woman of God who is listening right now will be covered protected secured defended shielded and hidden by your shadow I pray in the name of Jesus that you are hidden from the sight of evil the devil will not be able to lay a hand on you or on your family because you are protected by God almighty may you find the Lord to be your safe place your peaceful sanctuary may God's presence reside in your home in your hearts and Minds I pray for every son and daughter of God who is in agreement with me right now when the storm seems endless in life may the good Lord grant you Supernatural strength even if the enemy tries to steal your joy may he fail and be crushed by the angel of the Lord which encamps around all those who fear Him I pray for peaceful thoughts in your mind I pray for an overwhelming peace and divine joy to sit right at the center of your heart for anyone who is uneasy may the Lord calm your spirit I decree and declare that it is well within your soul it is well in your home and in your life it is well with you child of God May the Holy Spirit Grant you boldness and courage may you stand strong and firm in faith I pray that you will not be found to be fearful in any area of your life you won't be found to have any worry or anxiety in your life in Jesus name father we claim your word and say surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life I have victory in the name of Jesus victory over any mountains any Giants victory over the obstacle set by the enemy and I want to thank you for the power that I can access through your blood power that allows me to overcome daily to be blessed daily to wake up in your grace and mercies each day Lord we choose to trust in you each day each hour each moment of my life you gave your life on the cross to set me free [Music] Psalm 91 verse 2 says I will say of the Lord he is my refuge and my Fortress my God in whom I trust I confess this to be true in your life in our lives as Believers in Jesus Christ God is our refuge indeed our hiding place our shield and Defender Blessed Be Your Name Lord Jesus Christ you are a mighty and all-powerful God thank you for being our safe place for being our refuge thank you for your wonderful care and your Tender Mercies thank you for being a God who sees us in our weakness and so Lord we ask that you would stir us up in our spirit so that we would have the desire to pray touch our hearts and ignite a burning desire to pray your word in Colossians 4 verse 2. it tells us to be persistent and devoted to prayer being alert and focused in your prayer life with an attitude of Thanksgiving Lord in this world there are many enemies that we face as your children help us to be alert help us to be focused in our prayer lives so that we would not be destroyed by the enemy your word reminds us that we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities against Powers against spiritual wickedness in high places now in this battle Lord we can only go to our knees and ask you to intervene fight for us Lord your word in Psalms tells us that the angel of the Lord and camps all around those who fear Him and delivers them father we thank you for the promise of protection give us the power we need to overcome the enemy give us peace so that we will not allow fear and anxiety to hold us back help us to trust in you and not to worry father we trust that all of our steps are ordered by you we have confidence in your word that tells us to approach the throne of grace boldly and that if we ask anything according to your will then you will hear us father I pray that I will always abide under your shadow meaning that I'm always close to you you're always near and never too far from me I will say to you Lord you are the Chief Cornerstone of my life and you are my strong tower I'm trusting in you to be with me always and to be my Defender we call on you King Jesus because only you can lead us beside Still Waters Only You Lord Jesus can renew our strength your word in Isaiah 65 verse 24 it says before they call I will answer while they are still speaking I will hear God we thank you for being faithful we thank you for your word that tells us that before we call you will answer we trust that you will help us in our time of need father we hold on to your word in Psalm 32 verse 7 where it says for you are my Hiding Place you protect me from trouble you surround me with songs of victory thank you for listening for hearing our prayer master continue to cover us continue to lead us continue to protect us it is with thankful hearts and in Jesus name that we pray amen saints of God I really want to encourage you to pray I want to impress upon your hearts The Importance of Being prayerful because you cannot be a True Believer you cannot be a bible-believing Christian and neglect prayer if Jesus Christ the son of God the firstborn of the Dead if he prayed while on Earth if he prayed consistently and frequently how can you and I say that we follow him but choose not to follow his actions we need to pray we actually need to fight to pray right now I want to speak to the person who has a desire to make their prayer life more effective I want to speak to the individuals who genuinely want to pray fervently and passionately the first thing I want to tell you is that you need the Holy Spirit you need to welcome the Holy Spirit you need to seek to be filled by the Holy Spirit and you need to invite him in invite him into your prayer closet the Bible says over in Romans 8 verses 26-27 likewise the spirit helps us in our weakness for we do not know what to pray for as we ought but the spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words and he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the spirit because the spirit intercedes for the Saints according to the will of God do you see the importance of the Holy Spirit when it comes to your prayer life he's the one who helps us in our weakness and believe me a lot of the time we were all too weak to pray and at times we don't know what to pray not outside of the usual requests that we have but you see it's the Holy Ghost who empowers us and he intercedes for us Matthew 6 verse 7 says and when you pray do not Heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do for they think that they will be heard for their many words you see one of the biggest mistakes we can make is to pray without the guidance leadership or influence of the Holy Spirit because on our own our prayers will be empty they will just be vain repetitions but when we yield to the Holy Spirit and pray he's the one who intercedes for us according to the will of God holy spirit is the perfect helper because he's the one who makes our prayers effective Ephesians 6 verses 17 and 18 say and take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit which is the word of God praying at all times in the spirit with all prayer and supplication to that end keep alert with all perseverance making supplication for all the saints did you notice how we're told to pray in the spirit at all times and so Saints I want you to invite the Holy Spirit into your lives indeed invite him into your prayer closet and right now I invite him into this time of prayer with us not only do I invite him in with us but I ask him to lead us regarding what we are to pray so let's pray father God I pray for each and every person under the sound of my voice I pray for every heart that's crying out to know you more God we ask that you will pour your spirit out over our lives Luke 11 13 says 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 so God right now we're asking fill us with your Holy Spirit transform our prayer lives God may we be people who fellowship with the Holy Spirit may we be people who are under the guidance and counsel of your spirit Lord Jesus teach us to pray in the spirit so that our prayers may have a sweet Aroma to you Lord father we acknowledge that we need the Holy Spirit may he operate in such a mighty way in our lives Lord as we read your word I pray that the Holy Spirit would bring understanding to our minds may he open our inner ears and our eyes so that we can see the treasure that's in the word Lord Jesus I pray that the Holy Spirit would bring the scriptures to Life as we read your word and may that very word Pierce through every doubt every eye of skepticism and every anxious mind God it's through the power of the holy spirit that we can truly intercede for our families and for our homes the holy spirit's the one who empowers us to overcome any spiritual opposition that may be hidden in the dark [Music] Lord will you please give us more discernment open our spiritual eyes so that we can see all of the devil's attacks and then we can rebuke and overcome them in Jesus name your word says in Ephesians 5 verses 18 through 20. and do not get drunk with wine for that is debauchery but be filled with the spirit addressing one another in Psalms and hymns and spiritual songs singing and making Melody to the Lord with your heart giving thanks always and for everything to God the father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ indeed Lord fill us with your spirit God let there be a mighty outpouring of the Holy Ghost over our lives let that outpour and be so strong that it'll bring Revival in our hearts that it'll bring Revival within our families and in our communities it so desperately needs you and Lord let the outpouring be so strong that it brings Revival across the land father don't let us be filled with wickedness or corruption but let us only be filled by the Holy Spirit Lord we don't want to be filled with Envy drunkenness lust or pride no no we only want your spirit Lord we desire to only be filled by the Holy Spirit Romans 8 verse 15 says for you did not receive the spirit of Slavery to fall back into fear but you have received the spirit of adoption as Sons by whom we cry Abba Father thank you Abba Father for not giving us a spirit of slavery or spirit of fear but through your spirit we have been adopted as your children Holy Spirit women bite you to operate freely in our lives move within our homes speak to us minister to us convict us to repentance help us to live righteously and Chase righteousness Galatians 5. verses 16 and 17 say but I say walk by the spirit and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh for the desires of the flesh are against the spirit and the desires of the spirit are against the flesh for these are opposed to each other to keep you from doing the things you want to do Lord give us the strength and the grace to walk in the spirit and not to gratify the desires of the flesh Holy Spirit Empower us and lead us and father I thank you right now and I believe by faith that you have heard this prayer father continue to help us to desire the Holy Spirit to receive the Holy Spirit to walk in the Holy Spirit help us to be led by the Holy Spirit may he guide us not only in our prayers but in our walk with you each and every day God we're so grateful we magnify you and we pray this prayer in the name of Jesus now the Bible in Romans 8 verse 26 says and the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness for example we don't know what God wants us to pray for but the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words this verse acknowledges the holy spirit's role as our helper especially when we Face moments of weakness or uncertainty sometimes we might struggle to articulate our prayers or even discern what to pray for the Holy Spirit comes alongside Us in these moments interceding on our behalf with deep groanings that surpass human language verse 27 and the father who knows all Hearts knows what the spirit is saying for the spirit pleads for us Believers in harmony with God's Own will this verse underscores that God the Father Who intimately knows our thoughts and intentions comprehends the message conveyed by the holy spirit's intercession the spirits plea on our behalf aligns with God's will the phrase Spirit pleads for us Believers in harmony with God's Own will underscores the holy spirit's perfect alignment with God's intentions [Music] in this world we have to contend with so many different pressures [Music] there's the pressure that comes with family there's the pressure that comes with work there's pressure that comes from society now what we have to realize is that a lot of the pressures we contend with a lot of the weight we carry it all stems from the worlds set of standards and do you know what it's easy to fall into conformity to do what unbelievers do and to be as they are but as Christian men and women we're called to model our lives like Christ we're called to live in a Godly manner fearing the Lord and obeying him even when it doesn't make sense to the rest of the world Romans 12 verse 2 says do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind that by testing you may discern what is the will of God what is good and acceptable and perfect the opposite of conformity is a renewed mind the way God views the world and our lives is counterintuitive to everything our culture teaches therefore we must be willing to let him change us and re-teach us how to think then we'll be equipped to live a life that's pleasing to him First Peter 1 verses 14 through 16 says as obedient children do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance but as he who called you is Holy you also be holy in all your conduct since it is written you shall be holy for I am Holy you see the reason the world acts the way it does is because of ignorance they don't comprehend the Beauty and the worth of the Gospel they don't understand that what God has in store for them is infinitely better than the empty promises of sin but thank God he has opened our eyes he has called us out of our ignorant ways and into something so much greater second Corinthians 7 verse 1 says since we have these promises beloved let us clean ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit bringing Holiness to completion and the fear of God in the Old Testament the Hebrew people would form ritual cleansings after encountering anything unclean what if we showed that same kind of dedication to the spots of worldliness in our lives what if we were determined to make a clean break with any habit any Behavior any attitude not pleasing to God second Timothy 2 verse 21 says therefore if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable he will be a vessel for honorable use set apart as holy useful to the Master of the House ready for every good work oftentimes we find ourselves acting like the world because we're afraid of stepping on toes we are afraid of the ridicule or the criticism that we might receive if we show ourselves to be true followers of Christ and deep down we are afraid that somehow by letting go of this world we might be missing out but when we separate ourselves from the world we are not depriving ourselves of any good thing brother we are taking hold of the promises of God Which is far greater now let's go to God together in prayer father God thank you thank you for giving us hope thank you for giving us a purpose beyond what this world has to offer you Lord have been so good and you've done so many good things for us and we thank you father our prayer today is that we would not be conformed to this world in any way but instead I pray that the Holy Spirit would move in our lives and stir us up I pray that he'd stir us up so that we can be transformed by the renewal of our minds Lord there is so much pressure in this world today there's pressure to be like everyone else to blend in with a crowd but father I ask that you'd keep us strong King Jesus may we never Bow Down to pressures of this world we ask that you would give us the grace and strength to be the salt of the earth to be the light in this world I pray for every person listening for anyone struggling with the pressures of this world give them the strength not to conform to this world give them the strength to stand out to live life differently Lord give them the strength to think against the grain and father help us to never conform to the Wicked Ways of this world may we never conform to the world's way of living which leads to death and destruction but may we follow your way which leads to everlasting life father we understand that we may have to endure ridicule and mockery in this life but I know that our reward in heaven will be so much greater first John chapter 2 verse 15 says do not love the world or anything in the world if anyone loves the world love for the father is not in them father let there be no love of the world in my heart help me to be on guard against worldly traps Lord don't let me fall into habits that Grieve Your Holy Spirit don't let me start acting in ways that might harm my witness for Christ God we find so often that Satan disguises sin as something good and desirable but Lord help me to not only recognize these works of darkness but Lord also help me to expose them and warn those around me so that they won't be caught unaware God give me the courage and strength to stand up against evil whenever I see it build within me a character that is fully equipped and emboldened to stand for the gospel for the gospel is the only thing with the power to transform lives and hearts in this dark and sinful world Lord let that transformation begin in my own mind God I ask you to change my desires so that I no longer think or act like the world but instead help me to imitate the example of Christ in all of my conduct instead of bitterness fill me with love Lord instead of jealousy fill me with gratitude break me of every habit and every attitude that resembles the world and father teach me to obey you instead may your Holy Spirit fill me and help me to discern your perfect will for my life God I know that I cannot follow your will without letting go of all my Earthly treasures and fully surrendering to you so heavenly father I pray right now that you would consecrate me set me apart for service in your kingdom May the world look at my life and notice that there is a difference and then may they give Glory to the one to whom all glory belongs and that is you my Lord and Savior I ask all these things in Jesus name I pray amen now I would like to highlight Psalm 145 a chapter of praise verse 1 to 18 says I will exalt you my God the king I will praise your name forever and ever every day I will praise you and extol your name forever and ever great is the Lord and most worthy of Praise His greatness no one can fathom one generation commends your Works to another they tell of your Mighty Acts they speak of the Glorious Splendor of your majesty and I will meditate on your wonderful works they tell of the power of your awesome works and I will Proclaim your great Deeds they celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully Sing of Your righteousness the Lord is gracious and compassionate slow to anger and rich in love the Lord is good to all he has compassion on all he has made all your works praise you Lord your faithful people extol you they tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might so that all people may know of your Mighty acts and the Glorious Splendor of your kingdom your kingdom is an everlasting Kingdom and your Dominion endures through all generations the Lord is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does the Lord upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down the eyes of all look to you and you give them their food at the proper time you open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing the Lord is righteous in all his ways and faithful in all he does the Lord is near to all who call on him to all who call on him in truth father As the deer pants for streams of water so my soul pants for you my God my soul thirsts for God for the Living God only your presence Lord Jesus can bring transformation into our lives only your presence can revive and refresh us father rekindle our flame for you so that we can have a strong desire to chase Holiness and live righteously I invite your presence Lord to remove all of the turmoil and fear around us may your love and mercy Reign be our Sanctuary Lord our place of safety and refuge your word in John 7 verse 38 says he who believes in me as the scripture has said out of his heart will flow rivers of Living Water Lord I pray that you would touch our lives in such a mighty way that rivers of Living Water will flow continually from our innermost being be glorified now and forevermore thank you for listening to this prayer Lord amen [Music] the Bible says in Isaiah 54 verse 17. no weapon formed against you shall prosper and every tongue which Rises against you in judgment you shall condemn have you ever told yourself that no weapon formed against me shall prosper this is a promise that we can cling to especially in times of trouble and affliction now all of us take measures to protect ourselves we have locks on our doors and windows we install security systems in our homes and some carry pepper spray While others take self-defense classes but no matter how much effort we put into protecting ourselves there are always situations where we are vulnerable a single lapse in judgment can put us in danger and we are never truly safe from harm but when we put our faith in God we are given a different kind of protection we are promised that no matter what weapons are formed against us they will not prosper words can be weaponized actions can be weaponized but regardless of the method of attack from the enemy no weapon formed against us shall prosper according to the Bible this is not a promise that we can earn through our own efforts or accomplishments it is a promise that comes from God's infinite power and love for us it is important to remember that this promise does not mean that we will never face trials or difficulties we will still encounter adversity in this life we'll encounter enemies but when we trust in the Lord we are protected and we can face these challenges with confidence and peace the world around us may be chaotic and unpredictable but we can trust that God is in control he is the ultimate source of our protection and nothing can stand against his power the Bible tells us that the name of the Lord is a strong tower the righteous run to it and are safe when we run to God for protection we are sheltered from the storms of life one of the most powerful examples of God's protection can be found in the story of Daniel in the Lion's Den despite the king's decree that anyone who prayed to anyone other than him would be thrown to the Lions Daniel continued to pray to God three times a day when the king discovered this he had no choice but to throw Daniel into the Den of Lions but God protected Daniel and the Lions did not harm him when the king came back to check on him the next morning he was amazed to find Daniel alive and well this is a testament to the power of God's protection and it is a reminder that we too can trust in his Divine care God's protection is Supernatural and it is not limited by our human limitations when we put our trust in him we are putting our trust in the almighty all-powerful God dear friend I encourage you to meditate on these words no weapon formed against me shall prosper the scripture should give us great comfort and reassurance that God is our divine protector it doesn't matter what the weapon is be it physical or spiritual God has promised to be with us and to protect us from all harm as children of God the word of God has promised us that no weapon formed against us shall prosper and so now let us pray dear Lord we put our trust in you it is you who watches over us it is you who takes care of us your word says in Psalm 68 verse 5 to 6 a father to the fatherless a defender of widows is God in his holy dwelling God sets the lonely in families he leads out the prisoners with singing But the rebellious live in a sun scorched land [Music] regardless of everything that may be happening around us we rely on your strength we take comfort in your care and we certainly we certainly have confidence in your ability Lord the Bible in Hebrews 12 verse 2 says fixing our eyes on Jesus the Pioneer and Perfecter of faith for the joy set before him he endured the cross scorning its shame and sat down at the right hand of the Throne of God when we Face the obstacles of life help us to keep our eyes fixed on Christ teach us holy spirit to continuously examine ourselves and evaluate what our focus is and where our eyes are fixed Lord Jesus I thank you for your goodness I look to you because you took my sins when you hung on the cross you redeemed me Lord you have saved and delivered me if it were not for your wonderful sacrifice then where would I be if you never shed your precious blood then who could have saved me there is none like you King Jesus that's why my eyes will remain fixed on you you extended your loving arms to me and called me to repentance because of this I rejoice and I say all praise and honor be to the most high because I am saved Sanctified and Redeemed by the precious blood of Jesus Christ the Lamb of God [Music] it's in you Jesus that I place My Hope My Hope in the one who never disappoints my heavenly father I praise you for you alone are worthy to be praised I praise you because your word in Isaiah 40 verse 29 says he gives power to the faint and to him who has no might he increases strength father increase my strength let me not faint but give me the strength father the strength to face each day with confidence the type of confidence that fears nothing because you Lord Jesus are greater than anything on this Earth father when I feel as though I am lacking or when I feel as though I don't have enough may I be reminded that your word says in Psalm 34 verse 10 the Lions May grow weak and hungry but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing I lack nothing because you are a good shepherd Your Rod and staff they keep me close and they guide me your word says God is Not Human that he should lie not a human being that he should change his mind does he speak and then not act does he promise and not fulfill it's you Lord Jesus that leads me through the valley of the shadow of death you lead me through it and still offer me peace you lead me through the valley and even when I am weak and tired even when I am afraid you still make it known that you are there you're a friend that sticks closer than a brother you are with me as a Defender and a strong tower I bless your name and thank you for your love and kindness protect me today in all ways I pray that you cover me Lord Jesus I thank you for hearing my prayer I bless your name for being a loving God a God who looks upon me favorably bless me your Holy Name Lord in Jesus name I pray amen now dear friends May the beautiful presence of Jesus Christ be found to be in abundance over your life so that even in the midst of your challenge in the midst of your storm you will have peace second Samuel 22 verse 3 to 4 says my God Is My Rock in whom I take refuge my shield and the Horn of my salvation he is my stronghold my refuge and my savior from violent people you save me I called to the Lord who is worthy of praise and have been saved from my enemies now I encourage you to declare this verse over yourself make it personal to you begin to confess God you are my rock in whom I take refuge you are my shield and the Horn of my salvation you are my stronghold and my refuge You Are My Savior and you save me from violence allow me to speak this blessing over your life may you find Jesus Christ to be the strength you need may you find Jesus Christ to be a mighty Shield that defends you a shield that blocks every evil Dart sent by the enemy may you find Jesus Christ to be the Horn of your salvation may he be your stronghold in Refuge and may he be your peace and comfort now let us pray Lord Jesus we call upon you because you are worthy to be praised we are empowered by Your Word that says in Revelation 5 verse 5. but one of the elders said to me do not weep Behold The Lion of the tribe of Judah the root of David has prevailed to open a scroll and to loosen its Seven Seals indeed Jesus Christ has conquered all and by his strength and through his blood we are more than conquerors we are more than conquerors because we serve a living God and all-conquering God Lord I pray for every person listening and I declare your word in Zephaniah 3 verse 17 over their lives as it says the Lord your God in your midst the mighty one will save he will rejoice over you with gladness he will quiet you with his love he will rejoice over you with singing father God you are a righteous and faithful God your word in Proverbs 29 verse 25 says that fear of man will prove to be a snare but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe meaning that fearing people is a dangerous trap but trusting you my lord means safety trusting you means preservation it means protection help us never to place our faith or trust in man help us never to trust even on ourselves but may you enable us to trust you King Jesus may we see your hand working in our life may we see the wonders of your great love and I pray that you will hide me in the shadow of your wings my Lord father where else can we find protection but in you where else can we find safety but in your presence there is nowhere else and no one else who can offer peace Beyond understanding but you my Lord God I am grateful for your many promises of preservation and safety I pray today for your presence to always be found resident in my heart and even in my homes May the Holy Spirit Lead Me In all that I may do so that I might seek refuge in you and never in this world I pray that the Holy Spirit leads me to live a life that is upright and pleasing in your way so that I may have the fear of the Lord because when I fear you Lord Jesus your word assures me in Psalm 34 verse 7 that the angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him and he delivers them I call on the name of Jesus Christ today I ask you to be with me always Lord to be my strong tower I have faith that you will keep me and my family in peace and safe from the evil one I believe that no weapon that is formed against me shall prosper and every tongue that shall rise against me in judgment you will condemn I believe your word that tells me that you wish above all things that I will prosper and be in good health I pray that you will never leave me or forsake me may you surround me with your glorious presence your presence is what offers me Divine protection Supernatural protection wherever I go and also within my home I run to you today King Jesus I run into your loving arms for protection you are a loving Shepherd and the great protector glorified and magnified today Father in Jesus name I pray amen as Christians it's important to be aware of modern day Idols in our lives and Idols can be defined as anything that takes the place of God in our hearts and Minds so let me put it this way an idol is not just a golden statue or image anything you love more than the Lord that's an idol anything you desire more than God is an idol anything or anyone that you seek more than God that has become an idol to you and in the Bible God Almighty clearly commands us not to have any other gods before him so it's crucial for us to be mindful of the things that consume our thoughts our words our time and energy ask yourself this does Jesus Christ consume your thoughts does the word of God consume your heart do the things of the Lord like prayer and worship and meditating on the word of God do those things consume your energy if the answer to these questions is anything other than Jesus Christ then you my friend are in danger of idol worship now let me tell you one of the most common modern day idols is materialism we live in a world that glorifies material possessions and it's easy for Christians to fall into the Trap of valuing things above God in first John chapter 2 verses 15 through 17. the Apostle John warns us when he says do not love this world nor the things it offers you for when you love the world you do not have the love of the father in you for the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure a craving for everything we see and pride in our achievements and possessions these are not from the father but are from this world and this world is fading away along with everything that people crave but anyone who does what pleases God will live forever now another common Idol that you should consider is the pursuit of success status and fame we can become consumed with achieving success in our careers and gaining popularity on social media but here's what the Amplified version of Galatians 1 verse 10 says am I now trying to win the favor and approval of men or of God am I seeking to please someone if I were still trying to be popular with men I would not be a bond servant of Christ as Christians our ultimate goal should be to serve and please God not to seek the approval of others the Christian Theologian John Calvin said this the human heart is an idol Factory you see it is so easy for us to unknowingly worship and serve money and things other than God that is why it's important to be aware of the idols in our lives and to constantly evaluate our priorities indeed we might not have Idols of bronze or silver in this day and age but the idols we do have tend to be invisible and that's just as dangerous we can build Idols too easily out of the things we value highly things like our careers our significant others our political beliefs and dare I say our secret sins all these things can become Idols when they compete with God for priority in our lives they consume so much of our thoughts and dreams and worries that they begin to occupy a role that only Jesus Christ was meant to fill and make no mistake about it only Jesus can satisfy the deepest longings in our heart nobody but Jesus can fulfill us and it's only the Lord who can truly validate us nobody else can truly validate you and so in summary as Christians we must be aware of modern day Idols in our lives we need to guard the affections of our hearts and ensure that God remains our ultimate priority we need to make sure that we are obedient to God's word and we live a life that exemplifies this love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind [Music] now join with me in prayer and let's ask the Lord to open our eyes so that we can be discerning let's pray for the power of the Holy Ghost to move so strongly in our lives and to destroy every evil altar that we've built in our hearts whether knowingly or unknowingly father God we come to you in the name of Jesus Christ we come to you in prayer today seeking forgiveness Lord we repent from our ways we repent from our old sinful habits and Passions father in agreement with everyone listening I ask that you would move within our hearts and in our lives Lord tear down every idolatrous image that we have kept in our eyes cast out every passion everything and everyone who seeks to be placed above you Lord remove them from our lives remove all Idols that seek to challenge the position of Jesus Christ in our lives we declare that Jesus Christ is the king of kings and he reigns in our lives we declare that Jesus Christ is the Lord of lords and he rules in our lives Jesus Christ he is the beginning and the end the first and the last it's all about you Lord Jesus it has always been about you and it will forever be about you my Lord Psalm 135 verses 15 through 18 say the idols of the nations are silver and gold made by human hands they have mouths but cannot speak eyes but cannot see they have ears but cannot hear nor is their breath in their mouths those who make them will be like them and so will all who trust in them there is only you Jehovah Abba Father Elohim The Great I Am all other idols all other man-made Gods they're powerless they are dead and weak and useless which is why our worship and adoration is to you the most high God the God who speaks Truth The God Who is living and eternal the one who holds all power and knows all things and is in all places at all times a limitless and Majestic God to you and you alone be all glory and honor and praise God you're bigger and greater than anything on this Earth you alone are worthy of our attention you deserve our affection and our devotion dear God open our eyes so that we can see what is evil in our hearts and remove it Lord open our eyes so that we can live according to your word and be obedient to your word that says in Exodus 20 verses 3 through 6. you shall have no other gods before me you shall not make for yourself a carved image any likeness of anything that is in heaven above or that is in the earth beneath or that is in the water under the Earth you shall not bow down to them nor serve them for I the Lord your God am a jealous God visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate me but showing Mercy to thousands to those who love me and keep my Commandments Lord help us to keep your Commandments help us in Lord please Purge our hearts God I ask that you would tear down every evil Altar and Destroy every carved image in our hearts God give us eyes only for Jesus Christ give us Minds that are focused only on Jesus Christ and Lord give us a strong desire to be followers and Disciples of Jesus Christ God your word in John chapter 15 verse 5 to 7 says that I am the vine you are the branches he who abides in me and I in him Bears much fruit for without me you can do nothing if anyone does not abide in me he is cast out as a branch and is withered and they gather them and throw them into the fire and they are burned if you abide in me and my words abide in you you will ask what you desire and it shall be done for you thank you for such a promise Lord as we abide in you and as your word abides in US you have promised that whatever we will ask and desire shall be done father may your will be done may your will be accomplished in our lives father give us the grace to be obedient to your word and to abide in you help me to abide in you and you and me so that I can be a Christian who Bears much fruit in your kingdom keep me from relying on my own resources and abiding outside of your will because without you I am like a branch that is withered I thank you for such a promise and I invite you into every area of my mind and heart fill me with your presence Lord I invite you to abide within me and begin to change me inside out so that I can begin to demonstrate Godly characteristics so that I may begin to show compassion to others so that I can have a humble spirit a patient and forgiving spirit and above all help me to be a Christian who has and shows the love of Christ to others I pray that if I had my mind and priorities elsewhere may you bring me to a place where my only desire my only focus is chasing after you after your presence in search for direction in my life I pray that you protect me from being led astray by what the world's standards are or from worldly expectations and behavior Lord Jesus take control of our minds and our thoughts we bless your holy name amen Psalm 91 verse 1 to 16 says who dwells in the secret place of the most high shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty I will say of the Lord he is my refuge and my Fortress my God in him I will trust surely he shall deliver You From The Snare of the Fowler and from the perilous pestilence he shall cover you with his feathers and under his wings you shall take refuge his truth shall be your shield and buckler you shall not be afraid of the terror by night nor of the arrow that flies by day nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness nor of the destruction that lays waste at noon day a thousand may fall at your side and ten thousand at your right hand but it shall not come near you only with your eyes shall you look and see the reward of the wicked because you have made the Lord who is my refuge even the most high your Dwelling Place no evil shall befall you nor shall any plague come near your dwelling for he shall give his angels charge over you to keep you in all your ways in their hands they shall bear you up lest you dash your foot against a stone you shall tread upon the lion and the Cobra the Young Lion and the serpent you shall trample Under Foot because he has set his love upon me therefore I will deliver him I will set him on high because he has known my name he shall call upon me and I will answer him I will be with him in trouble I will deliver him and honor him with long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation [Music] [Music]

Channel: Grace For Purpose Prayers

Views: 449,723

Keywords: Meditation, Christian, Sleep, Relaxation, Godly, Meditate, Abide, Peaceful, Scriptures, Bible Talkdown, Sermon

Id: waypbBWdx4o

Length: 69min 25sec (4165 seconds)

Published: Sun Sep 03 2023