Positioned to Prosper

Hello and welcome to this week's Sunday Hello and welcome to this week's Sunday conversation. Today we are concluding conversation. Today we are concluding conversation. Today we are concluding the final three principles that deal the final three principles that deal the final three principles that deal with your relationships with others so with your relationships with others so with your relationships with others so that you understand how to position your that you understand how to position your that you understand how to position your life for personal prosperity. In week life for personal prosperity. In week life for personal prosperity. In week one, we covered the first three one, we covered the first three one, we covered the first three principles and those all relate to your principles and those all relate to your principles and those all relate to your relationship with the Lord. Maintain a relationship with the Lord. Maintain a relationship with the Lord. Maintain a holy and healthy fear of God. Live a holy and healthy fear of God. Live a holy and healthy fear of God. Live a righteous life. Repent. In week two, we righteous life. Repent. In week two, we righteous life. Repent. In week two, we talked about principles four, five, and talked about principles four, five, and talked about principles four, five, and six. Those all have to do with six. Those all have to do with six. Those all have to do with disciplines in your daily life. How to disciplines in your daily life. How to disciplines in your daily life. How to manage your schedule so that you achieve manage your schedule so that you achieve manage your schedule so that you achieve objectives. How to focus on things that objectives. How to focus on things that objectives. How to focus on things that are important and help you accomplish are important and help you accomplish are important and help you accomplish your purpose. How to live a life that your purpose. How to live a life that your purpose. How to live a life that enables you to continue to increase. enables you to continue to increase. enables you to continue to increase. Today, we're going to look at things Today, we're going to look at things Today, we're going to look at things that relate to you and others. Because that relate to you and others. Because that relate to you and others. Because God's purpose for prosperity in your God's purpose for prosperity in your God's purpose for prosperity in your life is not just to meet your needs, but life is not just to meet your needs, but life is not just to meet your needs, but allow you to be a resource that he can allow you to be a resource that he can allow you to be a resource that he can use to bless others. The reason why use to bless others. The reason why use to bless others. The reason why these principles work is because they these principles work is because they these principles work is because they are based on God's word. And God's word are based on God's word. And God's word are based on God's word. And God's word works. Isaiah chapter 55 tells us it works. Isaiah chapter 55 tells us it works. Isaiah chapter 55 tells us it does not return void. That whatever does not return void. That whatever does not return void. That whatever proceeds out of the mouth of God, it proceeds out of the mouth of God, it proceeds out of the mouth of God, it will accomplish its purpose. These will accomplish its purpose. These will accomplish its purpose. These principles help us get into position to principles help us get into position to principles help us get into position to receive God's promises in which we have receive God's promises in which we have receive God's promises in which we have his favor. As I mentioned several weeks his favor. As I mentioned several weeks his favor. As I mentioned several weeks ago, his shalom in every area of our

ago, his shalom in every area of our ago, his shalom in every area of our life. So let's talk about the seventh life. So let's talk about the seventh life. So let's talk about the seventh principle. principle. principle. Practice the power of intercession. Practice the power of intercession. Practice the power of intercession. What is intercession? What is intercession? What is intercession? That word literally means to intervene That word literally means to intervene That word literally means to intervene for or against but to take a side in an for or against but to take a side in an for or against but to take a side in an issue. And we often hear the phrase issue. And we often hear the phrase issue. And we often hear the phrase intercessory prayer. And those are the intercessory prayer. And those are the intercessory prayer. And those are the prayers that you pray on behalf of prayers that you pray on behalf of prayers that you pray on behalf of others. Why is that important? Some others. Why is that important? Some others. Why is that important? Some people have difficult time engaging in people have difficult time engaging in people have difficult time engaging in the practice of prayer. But what I'm the practice of prayer. But what I'm the practice of prayer. But what I'm asking you to do is to intercede. Pray asking you to do is to intercede. Pray asking you to do is to intercede. Pray prayers on behalf of others. Why? prayers on behalf of others. Why? prayers on behalf of others. Why? Because intercession has awesome power Because intercession has awesome power Because intercession has awesome power in heaven and in earth and it blesses in heaven and in earth and it blesses in heaven and in earth and it blesses your life. I know a lot of people who your life. I know a lot of people who your life. I know a lot of people who say, "I just want to be Christlike." say, "I just want to be Christlike." say, "I just want to be Christlike." Well, if you want to be Christlike, Well, if you want to be Christlike, Well, if you want to be Christlike, intercede. intercede. intercede. Hebrews the 7th chapter, the 25th verse Hebrews the 7th chapter, the 25th verse Hebrews the 7th chapter, the 25th verse says that he Christ, he lives to make says that he Christ, he lives to make says that he Christ, he lives to make intercession for us. In Romans chapter intercession for us. In Romans chapter intercession for us. In Romans chapter 8, we read that it is Christ who is at 8, we read that it is Christ who is at 8, we read that it is Christ who is at the right hand of God who also makes the right hand of God who also makes the right hand of God who also makes intercession for us. This is what Jesus intercession for us. This is what Jesus intercession for us. This is what Jesus does on our behalf. He is intervening so does on our behalf. He is intervening so does on our behalf. He is intervening so that we have representation in heavenly that we have representation in heavenly that we have representation in heavenly places. You've heard the statement and I places. You've heard the statement and I places. You've heard the statement and I assure you based on God's word, prayer assure you based on God's word, prayer assure you based on God's word, prayer is powerful. But intercessory prayer has

is powerful. But intercessory prayer has is powerful. But intercessory prayer has a double portion of blessing. a double portion of blessing. a double portion of blessing. When you pray for others, one of the When you pray for others, one of the When you pray for others, one of the primary things that you do is remove the primary things that you do is remove the primary things that you do is remove the focus from yourself. focus from yourself. focus from yourself. It causes you to take a posture of It causes you to take a posture of It causes you to take a posture of humility. And the Bible tells us very humility. And the Bible tells us very humility. And the Bible tells us very clearly that God gives grace to the clearly that God gives grace to the clearly that God gives grace to the humble. humble. humble. If when you pray, all you pray about are If when you pray, all you pray about are If when you pray, all you pray about are the things that are important to you, the things that are important to you, the things that are important to you, then you become the central focus of then you become the central focus of then you become the central focus of everything that you discuss with God. everything that you discuss with God. everything that you discuss with God. But when you pray for others, you remove But when you pray for others, you remove But when you pray for others, you remove yourself from the center stage and you yourself from the center stage and you yourself from the center stage and you allow the needs of others to become more allow the needs of others to become more allow the needs of others to become more important than your own. And in this important than your own. And in this important than your own. And in this posture of humility, you receive an posture of humility, you receive an posture of humility, you receive an outpouring of God's grace. Psalms 122 outpouring of God's grace. Psalms 122 outpouring of God's grace. Psalms 122 and 6 tells us, "Pray for the peace of and 6 tells us, "Pray for the peace of and 6 tells us, "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Intercede for that city." And Jerusalem. Intercede for that city." And Jerusalem. Intercede for that city." And then the promise at the end of that then the promise at the end of that then the promise at the end of that verse, "They prosper who love you." verse, "They prosper who love you." verse, "They prosper who love you." Whenever you intercede, God pours out Whenever you intercede, God pours out Whenever you intercede, God pours out his blessings in your life. I know some his blessings in your life. I know some his blessings in your life. I know some people don't really understand how you people don't really understand how you people don't really understand how you can receive what you need while you're can receive what you need while you're can receive what you need while you're asking God to meet the needs of others.

asking God to meet the needs of others. asking God to meet the needs of others. But trust me, God honors this promise. But trust me, God honors this promise. But trust me, God honors this promise. Consider what Jesus told his church. He Consider what Jesus told his church. He Consider what Jesus told his church. He told his disciples that on this rock told his disciples that on this rock told his disciples that on this rock will I build my church and the gates of will I build my church and the gates of will I build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And hell shall not prevail against it. And hell shall not prevail against it. And he told them he would give them the keys he told them he would give them the keys he told them he would give them the keys of authority and that what they bound on of authority and that what they bound on of authority and that what they bound on earth it would be bound in heaven and earth it would be bound in heaven and earth it would be bound in heaven and what they loosed on earth it would be what they loosed on earth it would be what they loosed on earth it would be loosed in heaven. So God ordained the loosed in heaven. So God ordained the loosed in heaven. So God ordained the practice of prayer for us to accomplish practice of prayer for us to accomplish practice of prayer for us to accomplish his purpose. In 2 Corinthians chapter his purpose. In 2 Corinthians chapter his purpose. In 2 Corinthians chapter 10, Paul tells the church that the 10, Paul tells the church that the 10, Paul tells the church that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, weapons of our warfare are not carnal, weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but they are mighty for the pulling down but they are mighty for the pulling down but they are mighty for the pulling down of strongholds and every high thing that of strongholds and every high thing that of strongholds and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of exalts itself against the knowledge of exalts itself against the knowledge of God. So when you engage in intercessory God. So when you engage in intercessory God. So when you engage in intercessory prayer, you are using a mighty weapon prayer, you are using a mighty weapon prayer, you are using a mighty weapon that God has given you not only to see that God has given you not only to see that God has given you not only to see blessings and success in the lives of blessings and success in the lives of blessings and success in the lives of others, but to bless and prosper your others, but to bless and prosper your others, but to bless and prosper your life here on earth. That's why James life here on earth. That's why James life here on earth. That's why James wrote in James chapter 5, "Pray one for wrote in James chapter 5, "Pray one for wrote in James chapter 5, "Pray one for another."

another." another." It is a practice that the church is It is a practice that the church is It is a practice that the church is supposed to engage in that you pray for supposed to engage in that you pray for supposed to engage in that you pray for one another. In 1 Timothy chapter 2, a one another. In 1 Timothy chapter 2, a one another. In 1 Timothy chapter 2, a familiar verse, pray for all men. Pray familiar verse, pray for all men. Pray familiar verse, pray for all men. Pray for leaders and those who are in for leaders and those who are in for leaders and those who are in authority. authority. authority. In the book of Romans, Paul finishes In the book of Romans, Paul finishes In the book of Romans, Paul finishes that letter to that church by telling that letter to that church by telling that letter to that church by telling them, "I beg you, brethren." He's them, "I beg you, brethren." He's them, "I beg you, brethren." He's earnestly appealing to them through the earnestly appealing to them through the earnestly appealing to them through the Lord Jesus Christ and through love that Lord Jesus Christ and through love that Lord Jesus Christ and through love that you would strive together with me in you would strive together with me in you would strive together with me in prayer. He is asking them to intercede prayer. He is asking them to intercede prayer. He is asking them to intercede on his behalf. That you would strive on his behalf. That you would strive on his behalf. That you would strive together with me in prayer to God. He's together with me in prayer to God. He's together with me in prayer to God. He's saying in order for me to do what I need saying in order for me to do what I need saying in order for me to do what I need to do, I need you to pray for me. to do, I need you to pray for me. to do, I need you to pray for me. Here's a question that we should ask Here's a question that we should ask Here's a question that we should ask ourselves. Considering ourselves. Considering ourselves. Considering that we discussed earlier how to live a that we discussed earlier how to live a that we discussed earlier how to live a righteous life, remember what James righteous life, remember what James righteous life, remember what James said, to him who knows to do right and said, to him who knows to do right and said, to him who knows to do right and does it not, to him it is sin. Well, if does it not, to him it is sin. Well, if does it not, to him it is sin. Well, if you know that God wants us to pray for you know that God wants us to pray for you know that God wants us to pray for one another and you choose not to do it, one another and you choose not to do it, one another and you choose not to do it, then what is that?

then what is that? then what is that? According to James, it's sin. According to James, it's sin. According to James, it's sin. We see an example of this in the life of We see an example of this in the life of We see an example of this in the life of Samuel. Samuel. Samuel. Samuel is the priest and the prophet in Samuel is the priest and the prophet in Samuel is the priest and the prophet in Israel. Samuel is the one who anointed Israel. Samuel is the one who anointed Israel. Samuel is the one who anointed David. Samuel is the one that has been David. Samuel is the one that has been David. Samuel is the one that has been used of God to shape the destiny of that used of God to shape the destiny of that used of God to shape the destiny of that nation. nation. nation. And in 1st Samuel 12, the children of And in 1st Samuel 12, the children of And in 1st Samuel 12, the children of Israel tell Samuel, "We do not want a Israel tell Samuel, "We do not want a Israel tell Samuel, "We do not want a prophet and a priest. We want a king. We prophet and a priest. We want a king. We prophet and a priest. We want a king. We want to be like every other nation. We want to be like every other nation. We want to be like every other nation. We want to have a throne. We want to have a want to have a throne. We want to have a want to have a throne. We want to have a a palace. We want to have somebody a palace. We want to have somebody a palace. We want to have somebody that's sitting in authority. that's sitting in authority. that's sitting in authority. And Samuel goes to the Lord and he asks And Samuel goes to the Lord and he asks And Samuel goes to the Lord and he asks the Lord what he should do. the Lord what he should do. the Lord what he should do. And the Lord tells Samuel, "Give them And the Lord tells Samuel, "Give them And the Lord tells Samuel, "Give them what they want because they haven't what they want because they haven't what they want because they haven't rejected you. [snorts] rejected you. [snorts] rejected you. [snorts] They've rejected me." That's a very They've rejected me." That's a very They've rejected me." That's a very powerful thing. But when Samuel goes to powerful thing. But when Samuel goes to powerful thing. But when Samuel goes to the children of Israel, here's what he the children of Israel, here's what he the children of Israel, here's what he says. Samuel 12:23.

says. Samuel 12:23. says. Samuel 12:23. Far be it from me that I should sin Far be it from me that I should sin Far be it from me that I should sin against God in ceasing to pray for you. against God in ceasing to pray for you. against God in ceasing to pray for you. Now, considering what just happened, the Now, considering what just happened, the Now, considering what just happened, the children of Israel said, "Samuel, we children of Israel said, "Samuel, we children of Israel said, "Samuel, we don't want you to be in charge anymore." don't want you to be in charge anymore." don't want you to be in charge anymore." They fired him. They fired him. They fired him. And what he says is,"I not going to stop And what he says is,"I not going to stop And what he says is,"I not going to stop doing what God called me to do just doing what God called me to do just doing what God called me to do just because you don't want me to do it. I'm because you don't want me to do it. I'm because you don't want me to do it. I'm going to pray for you because you didn't going to pray for you because you didn't going to pray for you because you didn't tell me to do this. God called me to do tell me to do this. God called me to do tell me to do this. God called me to do this." this." this." It's a very clear picture that if Samuel It's a very clear picture that if Samuel It's a very clear picture that if Samuel stopped doing what God gave him stopped doing what God gave him stopped doing what God gave him instruction to do, it didn't matter what instruction to do, it didn't matter what instruction to do, it didn't matter what the people wanted. He would be sinning the people wanted. He would be sinning the people wanted. He would be sinning against God. The message is clear. against God. The message is clear. against God. The message is clear. Prayerlessness is sin. Prayerlessness is sin. Prayerlessness is sin. So interceding for others is not only So interceding for others is not only So interceding for others is not only something that we're commanded to do, something that we're commanded to do, something that we're commanded to do, but it's something that gives us the but it's something that gives us the but it's something that gives us the opportunity to increase in our faith and opportunity to increase in our faith and opportunity to increase in our faith and see God's hand move.

see God's hand move. see God's hand move. Here's some excuses that I hear people Here's some excuses that I hear people Here's some excuses that I hear people use all the time when it comes to why use all the time when it comes to why use all the time when it comes to why they don't pray or why they don't pray they don't pray or why they don't pray they don't pray or why they don't pray for others. They say, "Well, I don't for others. They say, "Well, I don't for others. They say, "Well, I don't know what to pray for." The truth is, know what to pray for." The truth is, know what to pray for." The truth is, you don't need to know. you don't need to know. you don't need to know. If you're talking to God in faith, you If you're talking to God in faith, you If you're talking to God in faith, you are already speaking to the one who are already speaking to the one who are already speaking to the one who knows all things. knows all things. knows all things. So pray for others. My recommendation So pray for others. My recommendation So pray for others. My recommendation like you pray for yourself. like you pray for yourself. like you pray for yourself. You know, when I pray for myself, I I You know, when I pray for myself, I I You know, when I pray for myself, I I pray for blessings. I I pray for pray for blessings. I I pray for pray for blessings. I I pray for direction. I pray for wisdom. I pray for direction. I pray for wisdom. I pray for direction. I pray for wisdom. I pray for strength. I pray that every aspect and strength. I pray that every aspect and strength. I pray that every aspect and area of my life is covered by God's area of my life is covered by God's area of my life is covered by God's goodness. I pray for my health. I pray goodness. I pray for my health. I pray goodness. I pray for my health. I pray for my resources. I pray for my for my resources. I pray for my for my resources. I pray for my children. I pray for supernatural children. I pray for supernatural children. I pray for supernatural protection. I pray for all of the things protection. I pray for all of the things protection. I pray for all of the things that are of concern to me. So whenever that are of concern to me. So whenever that are of concern to me. So whenever you think about somebody that God wants you think about somebody that God wants you think about somebody that God wants you to pray for, pray for them like you you to pray for, pray for them like you you to pray for, pray for them like you would pray for yourself. Don't just would pray for yourself. Don't just would pray for yourself. Don't just whisper a few words of God take care of whisper a few words of God take care of whisper a few words of God take care of Chuck.

Chuck. Chuck. If you know Chuck and you know his If you know Chuck and you know his If you know Chuck and you know his family and you know his children and you family and you know his children and you family and you know his children and you know his grandchildren, pray for them by know his grandchildren, pray for them by know his grandchildren, pray for them by name like they were your own. Pray for name like they were your own. Pray for name like they were your own. Pray for provision like you want provision in provision like you want provision in provision like you want provision in your life. Pray for joy and peace and your life. Pray for joy and peace and your life. Pray for joy and peace and boldness and an increase in business and boldness and an increase in business and boldness and an increase in business and and the abundance of God's goodness. and the abundance of God's goodness. and the abundance of God's goodness. Pray in a way that gives them the Pray in a way that gives them the Pray in a way that gives them the opportunity to know that there is opportunity to know that there is opportunity to know that there is somebody who is truly interceding on somebody who is truly interceding on somebody who is truly interceding on their behalf. their behalf. their behalf. Pray one for the other is what the Bible Pray one for the other is what the Bible Pray one for the other is what the Bible commands us to do. And I believe that commands us to do. And I believe that commands us to do. And I believe that intercessory prayer has a significant intercessory prayer has a significant intercessory prayer has a significant power in putting you in position to power in putting you in position to power in putting you in position to prosper. prosper. prosper. Whenever you pray for somebody, pray for Whenever you pray for somebody, pray for Whenever you pray for somebody, pray for them based on God's word. them based on God's word. them based on God's word. Because if his word does not return Because if his word does not return Because if his word does not return void, when you claim the promises of his void, when you claim the promises of his void, when you claim the promises of his word in the lives of others, what you word in the lives of others, what you word in the lives of others, what you get to see is his word planted in their get to see is his word planted in their get to see is his word planted in their life and his purpose accomplished in and life and his purpose accomplished in and life and his purpose accomplished in and through them.

through them. through them. I know for a fact in my life I know for a fact in my life I know for a fact in my life it is people who have prayed for me. My it is people who have prayed for me. My it is people who have prayed for me. My grandmother who prayed for me, my grandmother who prayed for me, my grandmother who prayed for me, my parents who prayed for me, uh trusted parents who prayed for me, uh trusted parents who prayed for me, uh trusted leaders who who prayed for me that there leaders who who prayed for me that there leaders who who prayed for me that there have been direct manifestations of God's have been direct manifestations of God's have been direct manifestations of God's blessings in my life based on how they blessings in my life based on how they blessings in my life based on how they prayed for me. prayed for me. prayed for me. As a pastor, I pray for my church As a pastor, I pray for my church As a pastor, I pray for my church members. I pray for those who are called members. I pray for those who are called members. I pray for those who are called to this staff. I pray because I believe to this staff. I pray because I believe to this staff. I pray because I believe that intercession helps me posture that intercession helps me posture that intercession helps me posture myself in a way to walk in God's myself in a way to walk in God's myself in a way to walk in God's prosperity. prosperity. prosperity. Principle eight, Principle eight, Principle eight, that you would honor and trust spiritual that you would honor and trust spiritual that you would honor and trust spiritual authority. authority. authority. Everything that God does, everything Everything that God does, everything Everything that God does, everything that God blesses, that God blesses, that God blesses, he does it through spiritual authority. he does it through spiritual authority. he does it through spiritual authority. When he created the heavens and the When he created the heavens and the When he created the heavens and the earth, he did it through spiritual earth, he did it through spiritual earth, he did it through spiritual authority. And God said, that word said authority. And God said, that word said authority. And God said, that word said means that he literally ruled. He means that he literally ruled. He means that he literally ruled. He judged, let there be light. And he judged, let there be light. And he judged, let there be light. And he separated light from darkness. And he separated light from darkness. And he separated light from darkness. And he commanded the greater light to shine in commanded the greater light to shine in commanded the greater light to shine in day and the lesser light to shine at day and the lesser light to shine at day and the lesser light to shine at night. None of the things that are in night. None of the things that are in night. None of the things that are in creation did what they wanted. They did creation did what they wanted. They did creation did what they wanted. They did what they were told because God does what they were told because God does what they were told because God does everything through spiritual authority.

everything through spiritual authority. everything through spiritual authority. When you read the Bible in Romans When you read the Bible in Romans When you read the Bible in Romans chapter 13, it says that all authority chapter 13, it says that all authority chapter 13, it says that all authority comes from God. comes from God. comes from God. If it didn't come from God, then God is If it didn't come from God, then God is If it didn't come from God, then God is not sovereign. God is not all powerful, not sovereign. God is not all powerful, not sovereign. God is not all powerful, and men can do as they please here on and men can do as they please here on and men can do as they please here on earth. But the fact remains, all earth. But the fact remains, all earth. But the fact remains, all authority comes from God. authority comes from God. authority comes from God. Now, this very basic Bible principle Now, this very basic Bible principle Now, this very basic Bible principle doesn't get a whole lot of attention in doesn't get a whole lot of attention in doesn't get a whole lot of attention in the modern church. the modern church. the modern church. Many people don't care to hear about it. Many people don't care to hear about it. Many people don't care to hear about it. But God has established spiritual But God has established spiritual But God has established spiritual authority in which he wants to use to authority in which he wants to use to authority in which he wants to use to prosper all of his children. prosper all of his children. prosper all of his children. Consider spiritual authority in the Consider spiritual authority in the Consider spiritual authority in the home. The Bible in the book of Ephesians home. The Bible in the book of Ephesians home. The Bible in the book of Ephesians very clearly says the husband is the very clearly says the husband is the very clearly says the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head head of the wife as Christ is the head head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church. of the church. of the church. Christ is the head of the household Christ is the head of the household Christ is the head of the household because the husband submits himself to because the husband submits himself to because the husband submits himself to the lordship of Jesus Christ. the lordship of Jesus Christ. the lordship of Jesus Christ. When he is submitted to Christ, he's in When he is submitted to Christ, he's in When he is submitted to Christ, he's in a proper posture to be the spiritual a proper posture to be the spiritual a proper posture to be the spiritual authority over his home and his wife is authority over his home and his wife is authority over his home and his wife is submitted to him and their children are submitted to him and their children are submitted to him and their children are submitted to the authority of their submitted to the authority of their submitted to the authority of their parents. This is how God designed the parents. This is how God designed the parents. This is how God designed the family to function.

family to function. family to function. Now there's a whole lot of Now there's a whole lot of Now there's a whole lot of interpretations in our modern world of interpretations in our modern world of interpretations in our modern world of what family is and how family should what family is and how family should what family is and how family should work and everybody has all kinds of work and everybody has all kinds of work and everybody has all kinds of relative understanding based on their relative understanding based on their relative understanding based on their experience. But the word of God is true. experience. But the word of God is true. experience. But the word of God is true. And when a family functions in spiritual And when a family functions in spiritual And when a family functions in spiritual authority where the father submits to authority where the father submits to authority where the father submits to the lordship of Christ and the wife the lordship of Christ and the wife the lordship of Christ and the wife submits to the leadership of her husband submits to the leadership of her husband submits to the leadership of her husband and the husband submits to the needs of and the husband submits to the needs of and the husband submits to the needs of his family, that family is his family, that family is his family, that family is generationally blessed because God uses generationally blessed because God uses generationally blessed because God uses his spiritual authority to bless all his spiritual authority to bless all his spiritual authority to bless all things. things. things. Consider Ephesians 5 and the command to Consider Ephesians 5 and the command to Consider Ephesians 5 and the command to children. Children, obey your parents. children. Children, obey your parents. children. Children, obey your parents. And I love this. I didn't like it so And I love this. I didn't like it so And I love this. I didn't like it so much when I was a kid, but I'm a lot much when I was a kid, but I'm a lot much when I was a kid, but I'm a lot more in favor of it now as a parent. more in favor of it now as a parent. more in favor of it now as a parent. Children, obey your parents. And then Children, obey your parents. And then Children, obey your parents. And then this is the explanation that's provided this is the explanation that's provided this is the explanation that's provided for this is right. for this is right. for this is right. Again, obedience doesn't have anything Again, obedience doesn't have anything Again, obedience doesn't have anything to do with understanding. It has to do to do with understanding. It has to do to do with understanding. It has to do with the submission of your will. with the submission of your will. with the submission of your will. But when you freely submit your will to But when you freely submit your will to But when you freely submit your will to do what God's word says, you prosper.

do what God's word says, you prosper. do what God's word says, you prosper. Look at spiritual authority in the Look at spiritual authority in the Look at spiritual authority in the church. church. church. The Bible says that Christ is the head The Bible says that Christ is the head The Bible says that Christ is the head of the church. of the church. of the church. He is the good shepherd. He is the good shepherd. He is the good shepherd. People who serve in the role of pastors People who serve in the role of pastors People who serve in the role of pastors are underspherds are underspherds are underspherds under the good shepherd. That's what under the good shepherd. That's what under the good shepherd. That's what that word pastor means, shepherd. that word pastor means, shepherd. that word pastor means, shepherd. And there's a lot of places where that And there's a lot of places where that And there's a lot of places where that role and responsibility is being taken role and responsibility is being taken role and responsibility is being taken out of its purpose. Shepherds feed the out of its purpose. Shepherds feed the out of its purpose. Shepherds feed the sheep. Shepherds tend to the sheep. sheep. Shepherds tend to the sheep. sheep. Shepherds tend to the sheep. Shepherds are around the sheep. Shepherds are around the sheep. Shepherds are around the sheep. Shepherds know the sheep. Shepherds know the sheep. Shepherds know the sheep. There are a lot of people who call There are a lot of people who call There are a lot of people who call themselves a shepherd and a pastor, but themselves a shepherd and a pastor, but themselves a shepherd and a pastor, but they don't function in the biblical they don't function in the biblical they don't function in the biblical definition of it. definition of it. definition of it. So, when you have a pastor submitted to So, when you have a pastor submitted to So, when you have a pastor submitted to God's authority and is watching over the God's authority and is watching over the God's authority and is watching over the flock and taking care of the flock, flock and taking care of the flock, flock and taking care of the flock, you're in a place where you can position you're in a place where you can position you're in a place where you can position yourself to prosper. yourself to prosper. yourself to prosper. Consider what the Bible says in the book Consider what the Bible says in the book Consider what the Bible says in the book of Romans. How will they hear without a of Romans. How will they hear without a of Romans. How will they hear without a preacher? And how will they know unless preacher? And how will they know unless preacher? And how will they know unless one is sent? This is a description of one is sent? This is a description of one is sent? This is a description of the relationship that exists between the the relationship that exists between the the relationship that exists between the pastor and his church.

pastor and his church. pastor and his church. The Bible says in the book of Acts that The Bible says in the book of Acts that The Bible says in the book of Acts that the Lord added daily to the church. the Lord added daily to the church. the Lord added daily to the church. So in that verse, we recognize that the So in that verse, we recognize that the So in that verse, we recognize that the good shepherd good shepherd good shepherd was sending people daily to the church was sending people daily to the church was sending people daily to the church that he was building. And the apostles, that he was building. And the apostles, that he was building. And the apostles, the undersheperds, the undersheperds, the undersheperds, were taking care of the needs of those were taking care of the needs of those were taking care of the needs of those that were being sent. And the Lord sent that were being sent. And the Lord sent that were being sent. And the Lord sent his sheep to those shepherds so that his sheep to those shepherds so that his sheep to those shepherds so that they could be watched over. they could be watched over. they could be watched over. What did Jesus ask Peter? Do you love What did Jesus ask Peter? Do you love What did Jesus ask Peter? Do you love me? feed my sheep. me? feed my sheep. me? feed my sheep. The message is very clear that God The message is very clear that God The message is very clear that God plants his people where he wants them to plants his people where he wants them to plants his people where he wants them to prosper. prosper. prosper. So grow where he sends you. So grow where he sends you. So grow where he sends you. God called us to be the sheep of his God called us to be the sheep of his God called us to be the sheep of his field, not the grasshoppers in his field, not the grasshoppers in his field, not the grasshoppers in his garden. Whenever you bounce from place to place, Whenever you bounce from place to place, you don't have the opportunity to grow.

you don't have the opportunity to grow. you don't have the opportunity to grow. Jesus said, "My sheep know my voice." Jesus said, "My sheep know my voice." Jesus said, "My sheep know my voice." What does that mean? That means that What does that mean? That means that What does that mean? That means that they were familiar enough with him that they were familiar enough with him that they were familiar enough with him that when he directed them, they could follow when he directed them, they could follow when he directed them, they could follow his voice. his voice. his voice. When you are When you are When you are in a modern Christian environment, in a modern Christian environment, in a modern Christian environment, most of the time you're not being asked most of the time you're not being asked most of the time you're not being asked to engage in a relationship of spiritual to engage in a relationship of spiritual to engage in a relationship of spiritual authority. authority. authority. You're simply trying out the goods and You're simply trying out the goods and You're simply trying out the goods and services that are being offered to the services that are being offered to the services that are being offered to the people who attend at that place. people who attend at that place. people who attend at that place. A lot of modern Christian practices are A lot of modern Christian practices are A lot of modern Christian practices are intended to entice the sheep to shuffle intended to entice the sheep to shuffle intended to entice the sheep to shuffle rather than go and make disciples. rather than go and make disciples. rather than go and make disciples. Oh, come over here. We've got this Oh, come over here. We've got this Oh, come over here. We've got this worship. Oh, come over here. We've got worship. Oh, come over here. We've got worship. Oh, come over here. We've got this type of event. Come over here. this type of event. Come over here. this type of event. Come over here. We've got this. And I'm not saying that We've got this. And I'm not saying that We've got this. And I'm not saying that those are bad things to have or to do those are bad things to have or to do those are bad things to have or to do well. But understand that the purpose of well. But understand that the purpose of well. But understand that the purpose of the relationship between a parishioner the relationship between a parishioner the relationship between a parishioner and the pastor and the church is not to and the pastor and the church is not to and the pastor and the church is not to get the sheep to shuffle. It's to get get the sheep to shuffle. It's to get get the sheep to shuffle. It's to get the sheep to stay and grow.

the sheep to stay and grow. the sheep to stay and grow. It's hard to do the work of building a It's hard to do the work of building a It's hard to do the work of building a disciple if the sheep don't stay. Church hopping never produces fruit. It Church hopping never produces fruit. It never produces growth. never produces growth. never produces growth. What it creates is what pastor calls a What it creates is what pastor calls a What it creates is what pastor calls a cafeteria Christian. cafeteria Christian. cafeteria Christian. Somebody who walks through the food line Somebody who walks through the food line Somebody who walks through the food line and decides what they want to pick and and decides what they want to pick and and decides what they want to pick and choose for their plate that day instead choose for their plate that day instead choose for their plate that day instead of giving them everything that they of giving them everything that they of giving them everything that they need. need. need. One thing about church, one thing about One thing about church, one thing about One thing about church, one thing about truth is that sooner or later it should truth is that sooner or later it should truth is that sooner or later it should be and will be uncomfortable. be and will be uncomfortable. be and will be uncomfortable. We read earlier in our study about We read earlier in our study about We read earlier in our study about prosperity in revelation that the Lord prosperity in revelation that the Lord prosperity in revelation that the Lord loves and the Lord chastens. Chastening loves and the Lord chastens. Chastening loves and the Lord chastens. Chastening is not comfortable. Chastening is a form is not comfortable. Chastening is a form is not comfortable. Chastening is a form of correction. of correction. of correction. As a child in my home, I was under my As a child in my home, I was under my As a child in my home, I was under my father's spiritual authority. As a father's spiritual authority. As a father's spiritual authority. As a father in my home, my children are under father in my home, my children are under father in my home, my children are under my spiritual authority. I'm under the my spiritual authority. I'm under the my spiritual authority. I'm under the Lord's spiritual authority. At times, Lord's spiritual authority. At times, Lord's spiritual authority. At times, that relationship gets uncomfortable that relationship gets uncomfortable that relationship gets uncomfortable when I get confronted with truth.

when I get confronted with truth. when I get confronted with truth. And when that happens, I don't get to And when that happens, I don't get to And when that happens, I don't get to choose to leave my family. I don't want choose to leave my family. I don't want choose to leave my family. I don't want to be your dad anymore. I'm tired of to be your dad anymore. I'm tired of to be your dad anymore. I'm tired of taking care of you. That doesn't work. taking care of you. That doesn't work. taking care of you. That doesn't work. I don't want to be in church anymore. I don't want to be in church anymore. I don't want to be in church anymore. I'm tired of hearing the scripture. That I'm tired of hearing the scripture. That I'm tired of hearing the scripture. That doesn't function. doesn't function. doesn't function. So, how do you apply this in your life? So, how do you apply this in your life? So, how do you apply this in your life? Find a church that preaches the truth of Find a church that preaches the truth of Find a church that preaches the truth of God's word. God's word. God's word. Submit yourself to that household of Submit yourself to that household of Submit yourself to that household of faith and then grow where God plants faith and then grow where God plants faith and then grow where God plants you. Grow where God plants you. Don't go Grow where God plants you. Don't go where he sends you. Grow where God where he sends you. Grow where God where he sends you. Grow where God plants you. plants you. plants you. Jesus gave the parable of the vineyard Jesus gave the parable of the vineyard Jesus gave the parable of the vineyard and the vine. And he said, "I am the and the vine. And he said, "I am the and the vine. And he said, "I am the vine and you are the branches." vine and you are the branches." vine and you are the branches." And in that parable, he very clearly And in that parable, he very clearly And in that parable, he very clearly establishes that what he wants his establishes that what he wants his establishes that what he wants his children to do is grow. Second children to do is grow. Second children to do is grow. Second Corinthians tells us, "Believe on the Corinthians tells us, "Believe on the Corinthians tells us, "Believe on the Lord and you shall be established.

Lord and you shall be established. Lord and you shall be established. Believe in his prophets and you shall Believe in his prophets and you shall Believe in his prophets and you shall prosper." prosper." prosper." In the Old Testament, prophets brought In the Old Testament, prophets brought In the Old Testament, prophets brought God's word to God's people. God's word to God's people. God's word to God's people. Now we have the written scriptures that Now we have the written scriptures that Now we have the written scriptures that are divinely inspired of the Holy are divinely inspired of the Holy are divinely inspired of the Holy Spirit. Spirit. Spirit. But the individual who is commissioned But the individual who is commissioned But the individual who is commissioned to bring the word of God to the church to bring the word of God to the church to bring the word of God to the church is the pastor. If you want to prosper in is the pastor. If you want to prosper in is the pastor. If you want to prosper in your life, find a pastor who teaches and your life, find a pastor who teaches and your life, find a pastor who teaches and preaches the word of God in season and preaches the word of God in season and preaches the word of God in season and out of season. Not when it's popular and out of season. Not when it's popular and out of season. Not when it's popular and not when it's comfortable, but tells the not when it's comfortable, but tells the not when it's comfortable, but tells the truth no matter what. And then trust in truth no matter what. And then trust in truth no matter what. And then trust in the call of God on his life. the call of God on his life. the call of God on his life. and be there loyally and faithfully and and be there loyally and faithfully and and be there loyally and faithfully and God will honor you. God will honor you. God will honor you. Romans 13 chapter 4 says that that man, Romans 13 chapter 4 says that that man, Romans 13 chapter 4 says that that man, that spiritual authority is God's that spiritual authority is God's that spiritual authority is God's minister to you for good. minister to you for good. minister to you for good. The ninth and final principle The ninth and final principle The ninth and final principle is to behave like you believe.

is to behave like you believe. is to behave like you believe. Act as if it's so. Act as if it's so. Act as if it's so. We read in the Bible this familiar We read in the Bible this familiar We read in the Bible this familiar verse. Let the redeemed of the Lord say verse. Let the redeemed of the Lord say verse. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so. so. so. Jesus said in Matthew 21 and 22, Jesus said in Matthew 21 and 22, Jesus said in Matthew 21 and 22, "Whatever you ask in prayer, in faith, "Whatever you ask in prayer, in faith, "Whatever you ask in prayer, in faith, believe that you will receive." believe that you will receive." believe that you will receive." When you ask for something, believe that When you ask for something, believe that When you ask for something, believe that what you've asked for God can do. what you've asked for God can do. what you've asked for God can do. And then begin to behave like what And then begin to behave like what And then begin to behave like what you've asked for you will receive. you've asked for you will receive. you've asked for you will receive. Hebrews says very clearly that faith is Hebrews says very clearly that faith is Hebrews says very clearly that faith is the substance of things hoped for and the substance of things hoped for and the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. So when the evidence of things not seen. So when the evidence of things not seen. So when you ask for it, begin to behave like you you ask for it, begin to behave like you you ask for it, begin to behave like you believe that God is going to do it. believe that God is going to do it. believe that God is going to do it. Because to do the opposite is to doubt. Because to do the opposite is to doubt. Because to do the opposite is to doubt. Don't ask God to do something and then Don't ask God to do something and then Don't ask God to do something and then say, "I hope he does." Ask God to do say, "I hope he does." Ask God to do say, "I hope he does." Ask God to do something and then thank him as if it's something and then thank him as if it's something and then thank him as if it's done. done. done. Why? Because doubting Why? Because doubting Why? Because doubting disqualifies you from receiving.

disqualifies you from receiving. disqualifies you from receiving. James said, "Ask doubting nothing." Why? James said, "Ask doubting nothing." Why? James said, "Ask doubting nothing." Why? Because he who doubts receives nothing. Because he who doubts receives nothing. Because he who doubts receives nothing. That's why I say behave like you That's why I say behave like you That's why I say behave like you believe. believe. believe. Because when you behave like you Because when you behave like you Because when you behave like you believe, it affects your speech. believe, it affects your speech. believe, it affects your speech. You don't talk about the struggle. You You don't talk about the struggle. You You don't talk about the struggle. You talk about the victory. talk about the victory. talk about the victory. When you behave like you believe, it When you behave like you believe, it When you behave like you believe, it affects your attitude. affects your attitude. affects your attitude. You focus on the promise that you're You focus on the promise that you're You focus on the promise that you're standing on. When you behave like you standing on. When you behave like you standing on. When you behave like you believe, it impacts your thinking believe, it impacts your thinking believe, it impacts your thinking because you don't doubt if it's because you don't doubt if it's because you don't doubt if it's possible. You start believing that all possible. You start believing that all possible. You start believing that all things are possible. things are possible. things are possible. Behaving like you believe removes fear Behaving like you believe removes fear Behaving like you believe removes fear and increases your confidence. It and increases your confidence. It and increases your confidence. It doesn't give you the opportunity to doesn't give you the opportunity to doesn't give you the opportunity to complain about the burden you're complain about the burden you're complain about the burden you're carrying because the burden you're carrying because the burden you're carrying because the burden you're carrying is no longer something to bear. carrying is no longer something to bear. carrying is no longer something to bear. It's a battle to win. It's a battle to win. It's a battle to win. Whenever you begin to behave like you Whenever you begin to behave like you Whenever you begin to behave like you believe, God gives you strength for believe, God gives you strength for believe, God gives you strength for today and he gives you hope for today and he gives you hope for today and he gives you hope for tomorrow. You stop begging for blessings tomorrow. You stop begging for blessings tomorrow. You stop begging for blessings and you start believing for them and you start believing for them and you start believing for them because you start to understand that you because you start to understand that you because you start to understand that you are a son and you are a daughter of the are a son and you are a daughter of the are a son and you are a daughter of the king.

king. king. As a son, I never had to wonder if my As a son, I never had to wonder if my As a son, I never had to wonder if my dad left me. As a son, I never had to be dad left me. As a son, I never had to be dad left me. As a son, I never had to be concerned if he was for me. As a son, I concerned if he was for me. As a son, I concerned if he was for me. As a son, I never had to assume that the provision never had to assume that the provision never had to assume that the provision that was available in his house was not that was available in his house was not that was available in his house was not available to me. I didn't go home and available to me. I didn't go home and available to me. I didn't go home and ask my dad, "Oh, please feed me ask my dad, "Oh, please feed me ask my dad, "Oh, please feed me tonight." I knew because I was his son, tonight." I knew because I was his son, tonight." I knew because I was his son, dinner was going to be served. I had dinner was going to be served. I had dinner was going to be served. I had confidence that there was going to be a confidence that there was going to be a confidence that there was going to be a substantial amount of support in my life substantial amount of support in my life substantial amount of support in my life because of my relationship to him. And because of my relationship to him. And because of my relationship to him. And one of the things that we as Bible one of the things that we as Bible one of the things that we as Bible believing Christians should always believing Christians should always believing Christians should always remember is that we are sons and remember is that we are sons and remember is that we are sons and daughters of God. Don't worry and wonder daughters of God. Don't worry and wonder daughters of God. Don't worry and wonder if he's for you. Know that if God is for if he's for you. Know that if God is for if he's for you. Know that if God is for you, who can be against you? you, who can be against you? you, who can be against you? We've discussed these nine principles We've discussed these nine principles We've discussed these nine principles over the last three weeks. And if you over the last three weeks. And if you over the last three weeks. And if you just caught in to today's conversation, just caught in to today's conversation, just caught in to today's conversation, I encourage you to go back and look and I encourage you to go back and look and I encourage you to go back and look and listen to all of the different segments listen to all of the different segments listen to all of the different segments that we've taught through this last bit that we've taught through this last bit that we've taught through this last bit of time together. But most importantly, of time together. But most importantly, of time together. But most importantly, I want you to understand that it is I want you to understand that it is I want you to understand that it is God's will for you to prosper, for his God's will for you to prosper, for his God's will for you to prosper, for his favor to rest on every area of your favor to rest on every area of your favor to rest on every area of your life, and for that favor not only to be life, and for that favor not only to be life, and for that favor not only to be a blessing to you, but allow you to be a a blessing to you, but allow you to be a a blessing to you, but allow you to be a blessing to others. God bless you. Thank blessing to others. God bless you. Thank blessing to others. God bless you. Thank you for joining us for this Sunday you for joining us for this Sunday you for joining us for this Sunday conversation.

conversation. conversation. >> I'll never forget the first time in >> I'll never forget the first time in >> I'll never forget the first time in Jerusalem. Standing at the Western Wall, Jerusalem. Standing at the Western Wall, Jerusalem. Standing at the Western Wall, I saw a Jewish man praying beneath a I saw a Jewish man praying beneath a I saw a Jewish man praying beneath a sacred [music] garment called the Talit, sacred [music] garment called the Talit, sacred [music] garment called the Talit, the prayer shaw. In that moment, I knew the prayer shaw. In that moment, I knew the prayer shaw. In that moment, I knew God was revealing something powerful God was revealing something powerful God was revealing something powerful about his covenant promises. From the about his covenant promises. From the about his covenant promises. From the Old Testament to the empty tomb of Old Testament to the empty tomb of Old Testament to the empty tomb of Jesus, the prayer shaw tells the story Jesus, the prayer shaw tells the story Jesus, the prayer shaw tells the story of a God who keeps his word. Now, Pastor of a God who keeps his word. Now, Pastor of a God who keeps his word. Now, Pastor John Haggy shares these life-changing John Haggy shares these life-changing John Haggy shares these life-changing truths in his brand new book, The truths in his brand new book, The truths in his brand new book, The Mystery of the Prayer Shaw. For your Mystery of the Prayer Shaw. For your Mystery of the Prayer Shaw. For your gift of any amount, we'll send you the gift of any amount, we'll send you the gift of any amount, we'll send you the Mystery of the Prayer Shaw along with a Mystery of the Prayer Shaw along with a Mystery of the Prayer Shaw along with a custom America/Israel custom America/Israel custom America/Israel lapel pin. And for your generous gift of lapel pin. And for your generous gift of lapel pin. And for your generous gift of $250 or more, you'll also receive your $250 or more, you'll also receive your $250 or more, you'll also receive your very own prayer shaw, a Genesis 123 very own prayer shaw, a Genesis 123 very own prayer shaw, a Genesis 123 [music] magnet from Israel, and a Cuba [music] magnet from Israel, and a Cuba [music] magnet from Israel, and a Cuba blessing. Discover the covenant promises blessing. Discover the covenant promises blessing. Discover the covenant promises that still speak [music] to his people that still speak [music] to his people that still speak [music] to his people today. Call the number on your screen, today. Call the number on your screen, today. Call the number on your screen, scan the QR code, or visit jhm.org scan the QR code, or visit jhm.org scan the QR code, or visit jhm.org today.

Hi, I'm Kendall Haggy. Thank you for Hi, I'm Kendall Haggy. Thank you for connecting [music] with us today. God connecting [music] with us today. God connecting [music] with us today. God bless you, and we pray that you'll join bless you, and we pray that you'll join bless you, and we pray that you'll join us again next week.