Ephesians 4:3 "Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace".

It is sometimes difficult to end personality conflicts.  Prayer, love and effort go along way toward resolving conflicts.  The following elements are also necessary.

1. Christians should not be discourteous toward those who disagree with them; they should neither shun them or treat them rudely.
   
2. Consideration of the rights and feelings of others is only the beginning of Christian love.
   
3. Courtesy with kindness and respect is a major step toward bringing an end to personality conflicts (Hebrews 10:24).
   

1. "Be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another" (I Peter 3:8).
   
2. When compassion is lacking, resentments easily take hold.
   
3. Compassion and understanding are essential Christian qualities.
   
4. Empathy is the key to more love for others.  Empathy is walking a day in their shoes (Ephesians 4:32).
   

1. "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men" (Romans 12:18).
   
2. People who are set in their ways, stubbornly clinging to their own ideas regardless of the effect upon others, are unhappy and have many, many conflicts.
   
3. We must be a friend to have a friend, when each is willing to "give a little", disagreements can usually be resolved (I Peter 5:5).
   

How does someone become a Michael Jordan?  Or a Winston Churchill?  Or even a Mother Teresa?  How about an Apostle Paul or maybe King Josiah of Judah?  How do you become so good at what you do that you refuse to do anything but succeed--no matter what circumstances you face?  I believe that victory is possible even if you have faced failure before.  Jesus Christ desires us to have victory, let us look at this man called Josiah and the breakthrough that took place in his life.

1. His age, Josiah was only eight years old when he became king.
   
2. Even as a Hebrew, his age was five years younger than the passage from boyhood to manhood.
   
3. He had no influence and no experience.
   
4. Josiah's family had left Judah a legacy of pain, Josiah's grandfather Manasseh was probably high on the list of the worst kings in history (II Kings 21).
   
5. Josiah's father Amon, followed Manasseh's example.
   
6. You could positively say that Josiah was absent of a good roll-model.
   
7. At the time Josiah began his reign, Jerusalem and God's house was in ruins, and no desire to repair the damage.
   

1. Josiah let none of the above stop him.
   
2. His greatest desire was to dedicate himself wholeheartedly to God and win the people over to him as well.
   
3. He rid the nation of idols.
   
4. He repaired God's temple and returned the ark to it.
   
5. The Hebrews rediscovered the Book of Law, which led to a revival among the people (II Chronicles 34:33).
   

1. Most of us have experienced a time of intense physical activity that left us spent, unable to do much more than move.  Describe some of the feelings that go with this kind of fatigue?  (I.e., what would you say if someone asked you how you felt at such a time?):
   
   
2. When we experience weariness in our inner man (say, in our human spirit) would we experience the weakness in a similar way?  How would they be the same?  Differ?:
   
   
3. Ephesians 3:14-21 (NIV). Notice that the word "power is mentioned three times in this version (twice or four times In other versions).  It Is the central Idea of this passage.  Various words are used to express the concept of power, but the two principle thoughts are: power, the right to take action; and power, the ability or might that enables one to take the action desired.  With these definitions in mind, consider the following questions:
   
   
   • From where does God draw the power that he shares with us? (Ephesians 3:16)
     
     
   • If we wish to have this power from God, how do we obtain it? What must we do to share in it?  Is it something we deserve or earn? (Ephesians 3:16-17)
     
     
   • How do we experience the power of God?  In our muscles?  Our mind?  Our emotions?  In our spirit? (Ephesians 3:17)
     
     
   • What is one of the principle purpose of the power which God gives us?  What activity does God want us to invest the power In? (Ephesians 3:18-19)
     
     
   • According to verse 20, would It be possible to use up God's power?  Could we ever think of or ask from God for something that he or we through Him would not have adequate power to accomplish?
     
     
4. According to the following passages, are some of the reasons why people experience a loss of power from God.  See if you can identify what that reason is and suggest a way to prevent or overcome it.
   
   
   • Joshua 7:12
     
     
   • Mark 9:18
     
     
   • John 15:5
     
     
5. Read I Thessalonians 1:5, Acts 4:33, and Acts 1:8.  These three passages reflect the typical kinds of activity that God's power is used for in this life.  What are these principle activities and what might happen with reference to our experiencing God's power if we decided not to become involved with these activities?
   
   
6. This week's focus on care and prayer
   
   Feel weak and defeated at times?  Yes, most of us do.  But the Bible says that we have a God who enters us and will provide power if we ask. But it seems that we must ask.  It is not normal, or automatic, or present with us all the time in an unending basis.

How many times in life have you tried to witness to a sinner and immediately they present you with excuses why they do not serve Christ?  Often times we leave this individual feeling inadequate to properly minister to their need.  The Bible has the correct answer for all our questions; let us tonight examine some of those:

1. "But I am too great a sinner".
   
2. The answer is found in Isaiah 1:18.
   

1. To be a Christian one must forsake sin and believe.
   
2. Isaiah 55:7, John 3:16, Acts 16:31, John 1:12.
   

1. Salvation is a gift.
   
2. Ephesians 2:8, Luke 23:41-42.
   

1. We reap what we sow.
   
2. Luke 12:15-21, Galatians 6:7-8.
   

1. It is faith not feeling.
   
2. John 3:36.
   

1. We need to seek now.
   
2. Isaiah 55:6, II Corinthians 6:2.
   

1. What is that to us, we are to look unto Christ?
   
2. John 20:21-22, Isaiah 45:22.
   

Text:  Nehemiah 1:5-6,  Proverbs 29:18.

Burden - Something that is carried, something that is oppressive or worrisome, the bearing of a load (Webster's Collegiate Dictionary).

Nehemiah didn't discover his purpose until he was confronted with a problem.  That's the way it works for most Christians.  They don't have to go looking for something that captures their hearts.  The calling comes as the result of obediently seizing an opportunity that is close at hand.  When Christians experience a burden prior to receiving a vision, it has many positive effects.

1. The essence of a burden is the desire to do something beneficial for others.
   
2. When a Christian is drawn to serve, it's difficult to be self-seeking at the same time.
   
3. Nehemiah had a good position at the luxurious court of the king.
   
4. Traveling hundreds of miles to a ruined city would guarantee sacrifice, not personal gain.
   

1. Being a true Christian is often difficult.
   
2. If you do not have persistence, you are likely to drop out of the race before the end.
   
3. Nehemiah had many various challenges, and persistence carried him through.
   

1. A need is not necessarily a call.
   
2. A burden helps the Christian know that they must take on the task.
   
3. Nehemiah put his life on the line more than once to fulfill his vision to rebuild Jerusalem.
   
4. What need around you stirs your heart?
   

Text:  Ephesians 2

"In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:" Ephesians 2:21.

1. WHAT WE ONCE WERE.    Ephesians 2:1-3,11,12.
   "Having no hope, and without God in the World." Ephesians 2:12.
   
   
2. WHAT GOD DID.    Ephesians 2:4-6.
   And hath raised US up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus." Ephesians 2:6.
   
   
3. WHY GOD DID IT.     Ephesians 2:7.
   That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace.. ." Ephesians 2:7.
   
   
4. HOW GOD ID IT:    Ephesians 2:8-9,13.
   For by grace are ye saved through faith. " Ephesians 2:8.
   
   
5. WHAT WE NOW ARE.    Ephesians 2:10,14-22.
   We are products of God's workmanship. Ephesians 2:10.
   We are partners with Israel in God's son. Ephesians 2:14-18.
   We are parts of God's temple. Ephesians 2:19-22.
   

Prayer is the most ancient, most universal and most intense expression of the religious instinct. Prayer is indeed the Christian's vital breath and native air.
      - J. Oswald Sanders

1. God is Holy (Deuteronomy 4:32-40); communion with God is Holy Ground.
   
2. In the encounter with Moses, God would only speak when He received total attention (Exodus 3:1-5).
   
3. God is everywhere (omnipresent, Psalm 145:18).
   
4. Jacob said, "Surely the Lord is in this place, and I didn't know it" (Genesis 28:10-17).
   
5. God is outside of time (Revelations 1:8).
   
6. God is all-knowing (omniscient).
   
7. Hagar's encounter "You are the God who sees" (Genesis 16:7-13).
   

1. Why Pray?
   
   1. We are instructed in the Bible to pray.
      
      1. Matthew 5:44
         
      2. Matthew 6:5
         
      3. Romans 12:12
         
      4. I Thessalonians 5:17
         
      5. James 5:16
         
   2. Jesus prayed regularly, we should follow Him.
      
      1. Luke 11:1
         
      2. John 17
         
      3. Matthew 11:25-26
         
      4. Luke 3:21
         
      5. Luke 5:16
         
      6. Luke 6:12
         
      7. Luke 9:18,28
         
   3. Prayer is how we communicate with God.
      
      1. Philippians 4:6
         
      2. I Thessalonians 5:17
         
   4. Prayer gives us power over evil.
      
      1. Mark 9:29
         
      2. I Timothy 4:8
         
      3. Matthew 26:41
         
   5. Prayer is always available to us.
      
      1. Psalm 139:7
         
      2. Romans 8:38-39
         
   6. Prayer keeps us humble before God.
      
      1. Jeremiah 32:17
         
      2. John 15:5
         
      3. Romans 8:28
         
      4. I Peter 5:5-7
         
      5. Colossians 3:12
         
      6. James 4:6-7
         

The devil is not frightened of our human efforts and credentials.  But he knows his kingdom will be damaged when we begin to lift up our hearts to God.

1. Malachi 3:6, "I the Lord do not change".
   
2. Leviticus 11:45, "Therefore be Holy, because I am Holy".
   
3. Psalm 7:11, "God is a righteous judge".
   
4. Isaiah 13:11, "I will punish the world for its evil, the wicked for their sins
   

1. I John 4:8, "Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love".
   
2. Ephesians 2:4, "But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions".
   
3. II Chronicles 30:9, 'For the Lord your God is gracious and compassionate.  He will not turn His face from you if you return to Him".
   

1. In Genesis 18:16-33: Abraham negotiates with God on behalf of Sodom and Gomorrah.  Abraham is given a chance to ask for mercy.  This was no arm-twisting experience, God was eager to say yes.
   
2. Do you think God would have spared Sodom and Gomorrah if Abraham had asked Him to spare the cities for just four people?
   

1. "The Lord is righteous in all His ways" (God's character).
   
2. "And loving toward all He has made" (God's nature).
   
3. Isaiah 55:6-7, "Seek the Lord while He may be found".
   
4. We can change the course of our lives with a positive, effective and sincere prayer life (Psalm 136)
   

Wherever a careless, fleshly Christian suddenly pulls his life together, turns on himself and seeks the face of God in penitence and tears, you have the beginning of a personal revival.    -  A.W.Tozer

Text:  Hebrews 12:11-12

As Christians, we need to emphasize the essential need for self-discipline in establishing a daily, consistent Prayer life.  To help us understand God's exciting involvement in our day as we fill it with the aroma of Prayer.

1. Have you ever been in a situation where you were not in control and the situation was very uncomfortable?
   
2. When we do not begin our day with a time of concentrated, fervent Prayer, we are already at a disadvantage, because we have only our natural resources on which to depend on for anything that may happen that day.
   
3. REMEMBER - God has promised that He will go before us if we call upon Him.
   
4. Life has no guarantees. Each day holds the potential for incredible joy or profound agony.
   
5. When we engage the principles of Prayer, we access the resources of Heaven to help, deliver, guide, heal, and comfort the broken heart.
   

1. We cannot grow or remain Spiritually healthy without a daily, consistent Prayer life.
   
2. Can we love and serve a God we barely know (Psalm 51:6)?
   
3. Self-control and self-discipline are the first signs of maturity (Matthew 23-27).
   
4. Christ calls us to a higher dimension, a noble and blessed place of fullness and perfection in Him (Philippians 3:14-15).
   
5. It's been said that it takes 21 days to break or create a habit.
   

1. Decide what you want (Psalm 37:4), what do you want or need to see happen in your life?
   
2. Ask God for self-discipline (James 4:2), begin by asking God to place the desire and discipline to Pray into your heart.
   
3. Begin small-but be consistent (Psalm 90:14), your appetite for Prayer will grow quickly.
   
4. Set up a reward/discipline system (Matthew 6:33), our personal Prayer time should be tied to other priorities.
   
5. Find or set up a "Personal Prayer space" (Matthew 6:6), where is your personal Prayer space?
   
6. Time out the world (Psalm 37:7, 23:2), let Christ have His own time with you.
   

David, shepherd, warrior, king and a man who knew the secret of true communication with God.  What was that secret?  The Book of Psalms tells a tale of a heart laid bare, through triumph and despair, inviting, even begging God to be involved in every moment.  David's utter openness toward his Creator allowed communion with Him on a level rarely seen elsewhere in Scripture.  Even when he committed a terrible sin, when confronted by the prophet Nathan, he ran toward the Lord in repentance.  God had finally found a man after His own heart.

1. Matthew 6:9.
   
2. Psalm 100:4.
   
3. What praise does:
   
   1. Re-establishes the relationship.
      
   2. Generates gratitude (Psalm 68:19).
      
   3. Builds faith
      

1. Matthew 6:12-13.
   
2. What repentance does:
   
   1. Allows us to remain in God's presence (Psalm 51:10-11).
      
   2. Encourages honesty before God (Psalm 51:6).
      
   3. Allows healing to begin.
      
3. What repentance is:
   
   1. Recognizing what we have done and that it is wrong.
      
   2. Being truly sorry for our sin and expressing intent to turn away from our sin.
      
   3. Showing willingness to make amends (Luke 19:1-9).
      

1. Matthew 6:11.
   
2. How to ask:
   
   1. Humbly (Philippians 4:6).
      
   2. Boldly (Hebrews 4:16).
      
   3. Realistically (James 4:3).
      

1. Matthew 6:10.
   
2. Read the Word
   
3. Listen (John 10:27).
   

Care for others is manifested in a commitment to pray for their Spiritual growth.  He who prays not breathes not; and he who breathes not lives not.  God speaks to man through His Word.  Man speaks to God through his prayers.  Prayer is a beautiful and eternal privilege God has given humanity, whereby we can communicate with Divinity.  Prayer is the privilege of all people everywhere.  What a different world ours would be if everyone would learn to pray.

1. For Christian graces.
   
2. For reputation.
   
3. For lifestyle.
   

1. To receive the Holy Spirit.
   
2. For wisdom and revelation.
   
3. To know God.
   

1. The hope of the believer.
   
2. The inheritance of the saints.
   
3. The power available to the believer.