0:00:05.364,0:00:07.090 Over the last ten days, 0:00:07.090,0:00:08.675 as I began to pray about 0:00:08.675,0:00:12.253 what to preach this morning, 0:00:12.253,0:00:14.297 I finished two sermons to preach 0:00:14.297,0:00:16.904 this morning. 0:00:16.904,0:00:18.753 And last night, I was walking 0:00:18.753,0:00:21.226 to my room. 0:00:21.226,0:00:23.369 Brother Tim turned to me and said, 0:00:23.369,0:00:24.722 "Brother, do you know what 0:00:24.722,0:00:27.093 you're going to preach on?" 0:00:27.093,0:00:29.901 And I said, well, I finished two sermons, 0:00:29.901,0:00:33.530 but they've both flown away from me. 0:00:33.530,0:00:36.338 And so last night, I went to the room, 0:00:36.338,0:00:39.298 and just began to pray. 0:00:39.298,0:00:41.714 And bits of conversations that I've had 0:00:41.714,0:00:44.658 with Tim and Mack and Mike 0:00:44.658,0:00:47.200 over the last two days 0:00:47.200,0:00:48.963 started to come to mind 0:00:48.963,0:00:52.207 and bring conviction to my heart. 0:00:52.207,0:00:54.140 And I'm convinced that the Lord 0:00:54.140,0:00:57.264 has brought me to this conference 0:00:57.264,0:00:59.919 to do a work in my heart; 0:00:59.919,0:01:01.449 to preach to my own soul 0:01:01.449,0:01:05.440 and my own life. 0:01:05.440,0:01:09.357 We all desparately and continually 0:01:09.357,0:01:11.512 need to be growing 0:01:11.512,0:01:17.400 in our doctrine and our theology. 0:01:17.400,0:01:18.402 One brother said, 0:01:18.402,0:01:20.000 if the "you" of today, 0:01:20.000,0:01:22.847 doesn't look at the [br]"you" of five years ago 0:01:22.847,0:01:24.688 and call that man a heretic, 0:01:24.688,0:01:28.914 you're not growing fast enough in truth. 0:01:28.914,0:01:32.106 By God's grace, over [br]the last fourteen years, 0:01:32.106,0:01:35.639 I can see where the Lord [br]has grown me much 0:01:35.639,0:01:37.588 in understanding of the Gospel 0:01:37.588,0:01:38.855 and the Scriptures, 0:01:38.855,0:01:42.147 and doctrine and theology. 0:01:42.147,0:01:45.171 Scripture is continually sharpening 0:01:45.171,0:01:46.685 my understanding 0:01:46.685,0:01:50.017 and shaping my theology and my doctrine 0:01:50.017,0:01:52.682 and challenging what I was taught 0:01:52.682,0:01:55.141 growing up. 0:01:55.141,0:01:57.282 And that's a good thing. 0:01:57.282,0:02:01.138 But there's also a [br]potential danger there - 0:02:01.138,0:02:03.205 a danger to be avoided as we grow 0:02:03.205,0:02:06.296 in doctrine and theology. 0:02:06.296,0:02:08.292 You see, fourteen years ago 0:02:08.292,0:02:12.304 I didn't have a lot of understanding. 0:02:12.304,0:02:16.929 I didn't have a lot of experience. 0:02:16.929,0:02:20.622 And that's dangerous too. 0:02:20.622,0:02:22.557 But with a little bit of understanding 0:02:22.557,0:02:25.912 and the little experience I had then, 0:02:25.912,0:02:30.872 I only had one place that I could lean. 0:02:30.872,0:02:32.777 And that was in total and complete 0:02:32.777,0:02:38.589 dependence upon the Lord. 0:02:38.589,0:02:40.366 Do you know where that dependence 0:02:40.366,0:02:42.456 on the Lord was reflected most 0:02:42.456,0:02:46.631 in my life? 0:02:46.631,0:02:50.790 It was in devotion to prayer. 0:02:50.790,0:02:52.886 It was in devotion to prayer. 0:02:52.886,0:02:58.683 Steadfast prayer. 0:02:58.683,0:03:00.999 Last night, I began to wonder 0:03:00.999,0:03:02.581 how much have I really grown 0:03:02.581,0:03:03.994 in understanding and doctrine 0:03:03.994,0:03:07.090 and theology? 0:03:07.090,0:03:09.020 Because if those things really have 0:03:09.020,0:03:10.455 their effect in your heart 0:03:10.455,0:03:12.790 and they play themselves out in your life 0:03:12.790,0:03:14.333 to the degree that they should, 0:03:14.333,0:03:17.259 they should be manifested in many ways, 0:03:17.259,0:03:20.117 but one way a true understanding 0:03:20.117,0:03:22.385 of doctrine and theology 0:03:22.385,0:03:24.054 should manifest in 0:03:24.054,0:03:28.142 is a deeper devotion to prayer. 0:03:28.142,0:03:40.274 A deeper leaning upon the Lord. 0:03:40.274,0:03:42.117 As I listened to the brothers preach 0:03:42.117,0:03:44.783 those three sermons yesterday - 0:03:44.783,0:03:47.794 and praise God for their sermons - 0:03:47.794,0:03:49.744 I learned a lot and there's much to apply 0:03:49.744,0:03:51.235 in my life. 0:03:51.235,0:03:52.892 But last night, I laid in the room 0:03:52.892,0:03:55.151 and prayed. 0:03:55.151,0:03:56.753 I thought about Mack's sermon: 0:03:56.753,0:03:59.163 The Garden of Gesthemane. 0:03:59.163,0:04:00.883 And there's so much to learn in that 0:04:00.883,0:04:03.980 of what my brother preached. 0:04:03.980,0:04:05.744 But what stood out to me last night 0:04:05.744,0:04:09.859 in the room was the [br]example of Jesus Christ 0:04:09.859,0:04:12.821 and His fervency and dependence 0:04:12.821,0:04:16.946 upon the Father in prayer. 0:04:16.946,0:04:18.518 If you would just read through 0:04:18.518,0:04:19.966 the book of Luke 0:04:19.966,0:04:23.058 and highlight the prayer life of Christ 0:04:23.058,0:04:24.547 in the book of Luke 0:04:24.547,0:04:27.006 and look at the dependence 0:04:27.006,0:04:29.857 of the Son upon the Father. 0:04:29.857,0:04:31.430 As I listened to brother Mike 0:04:31.430,0:04:33.586 preach on the sovereignty of God, 0:04:33.586,0:04:35.155 that He controls all things, 0:04:35.155,0:04:36.564 and if we don't let that go 0:04:36.564,0:04:39.124 to the fatalistic mindset, 0:04:39.124,0:04:42.055 which we should not, 0:04:42.055,0:04:43.928 what impressed my heart last night 0:04:43.928,0:04:47.031 was if He is really in control 0:04:47.031,0:04:47.930 of all things, 0:04:47.930,0:04:49.788 determining the end from the beginning, 0:04:49.788,0:04:53.359 how can it not manifest itself in my life 0:04:53.359,0:04:55.266 in devotion to prayer 0:04:55.266,0:04:56.894 and dependence upon the One 0:04:56.894,0:04:59.783 Who holds the universe in His hand? 0:04:59.783,0:05:01.776 You say, well, how are you going to tie 0:05:01.776,0:05:06.039 Brother Tim's sermon in from Hebrews 11? 0:05:06.039,0:05:07.635 With Rahab? 0:05:07.635,0:05:10.311 How'd you get to prayer from there? 0:05:10.311,0:05:12.546 And I thought, I'm not going to try 0:05:12.546,0:05:15.386 to make a way to prayer from there. 0:05:15.386,0:05:16.853 It was so clear 0:05:16.853,0:05:19.592 that it was a leading to prayer for me. 0:05:19.592,0:05:22.192 Because one of the [br]reasons that we struggle 0:05:22.192,0:05:23.730 in coming to the Lord 0:05:23.730,0:05:25.479 and approaching the Lord in prayer 0:05:25.479,0:05:27.691 is because we look at ourselves, 0:05:27.691,0:05:29.187 our scarlet letters, 0:05:29.187,0:05:30.781 our Rahabs upon all of us, 0:05:30.781,0:05:32.623 and we say, He doesn't want to listen 0:05:32.623,0:05:33.897 to someone like me. 0:05:33.897,0:05:35.673 I'm not worthy to come to the throne. 0:05:35.673,0:05:37.812 But Brother Tim reminded us last night 0:05:37.812,0:05:39.861 that because of the blood of Jesus Christ, 0:05:39.861,0:05:43.306 I'm counted worthy. 0:05:43.306,0:05:44.979 I can boldly come to the throne, 0:05:44.979,0:05:46.323 not on my own righteousness, 0:05:46.323,0:05:48.180 but on the righteousness of Another, 0:05:48.180,0:05:58.134 and He delights in the [br]prayers of the upright. 0:05:58.134,0:06:00.496 Brothers and sisters, 0:06:00.496,0:06:03.229 what I need - 0:06:03.229,0:06:04.346 what we all need, 0:06:04.346,0:06:07.835 what New England needs - 0:06:07.835,0:06:10.269 is God. 0:06:10.269,0:06:11.923 We need churches. 0:06:11.923,0:06:15.250 We need faithful pastors and preachers. 0:06:15.250,0:06:16.557 We need evangelists. 0:06:16.557,0:06:18.651 We need faithful brothers and sisters 0:06:18.651,0:06:20.932 living upright and godly lives. 0:06:20.932,0:06:22.164 But in all of those, 0:06:22.164,0:06:27.059 they're all dependent upon God. 0:06:27.059,0:06:28.727 You can have a church 0:06:28.727,0:06:30.946 that has right theology, 0:06:30.946,0:06:32.636 but it's not lived itself out 0:06:32.636,0:06:35.382 demonstrated through a [br]dependence upon God 0:06:35.382,0:06:39.954 and steadfast prayer. 0:06:39.954,0:06:42.776 So I want to begin and just pray 0:06:42.776,0:06:44.104 because we so need it. 0:06:44.104,0:06:45.957 I so need it. 0:06:45.957,0:06:47.544 And ask the Lord to do a work 0:06:47.544,0:06:48.745 in my heart first. 0:06:48.745,0:06:49.904 And if that's selfish, 0:06:49.904,0:06:52.259 I'm going to be ok being selfish. 0:06:52.259,0:07:02.851 And I'll pray for you as well. 0:07:02.851,0:07:11.718 Father, we come in [br]the name of Jesus Christ. 0:07:11.718,0:07:15.272 God, we come, not minimizing our sin; 0:07:15.272,0:07:18.159 not continuing in it that grace may abound 0:07:18.159,0:07:21.357 but acknowledging it [br]and confessing it, God. 0:07:21.357,0:07:24.276 Believing that You have counted us worthy 0:07:24.276,0:07:27.130 in Your Son Jesus. 0:07:27.130,0:07:31.924 And in Him, we boldly come. 0:07:31.924,0:07:33.950 God, we come because we need. 0:07:33.950,0:07:35.216 We have so much need 0:07:35.216,0:07:36.960 and we come because we don't realize 0:07:36.960,0:07:38.224 how much need we have 0:07:38.224,0:07:40.132 and we need to see that. 0:07:40.132,0:07:46.727 I need to see that, Lord. 0:07:46.727,0:07:48.198 God, would You show me things 0:07:48.198,0:07:52.228 that I am leaning on instead of You? 0:07:52.228,0:07:53.495 Would You show me things 0:07:53.495,0:07:56.872 that we are trusting in 0:07:56.872,0:08:02.044 instead of You? 0:08:02.044,0:08:05.245 Would You show us Your willingness; 0:08:05.245,0:08:06.752 would You show us Your desire 0:08:06.752,0:08:09.929 for us to come, Lord? 0:08:09.929,0:08:11.177 Draw us, God. 0:08:11.177,0:08:12.388 As we draw near to You, 0:08:12.388,0:08:14.634 draw near to us, God. 0:08:14.634,0:08:16.280 Open up Your Word to us. 0:08:16.280,0:08:18.689 And guard me, Father. 0:08:18.689,0:08:20.294 But let this Word go into my own 0:08:20.294,0:08:23.015 heart and soul this morning, God; 0:08:23.015,0:08:24.399 into the hearts and souls 0:08:24.399,0:08:26.985 of Your people here, God; 0:08:26.985,0:08:29.648 that Your name would be great here. 0:08:29.648,0:08:31.390 In the name of Jesus, 0:08:31.390,0:08:34.217 Amen. 0:08:34.217,0:08:35.342 Please open your Bibles 0:08:35.342,0:08:44.735 to the book of Colossians 4. 0:08:44.735,0:08:48.328 We'll just be looking at [br]one verse this morning. 0:08:48.328,0:09:00.470 Colossians 4.2 0:09:00.470,0:09:04.013 "Continue steadfastly in prayer, 0:09:04.013,0:09:05.815 being watchful in it, 0:09:05.815,0:09:08.809 with thanksgiving." 0:09:08.809,0:09:11.140 The New American Standard renders it, 0:09:11.140,0:09:14.987 "Devote yourselves to prayer, 0:09:14.987,0:09:16.585 keeping alert in it, 0:09:16.585,0:09:20.674 with an attitude of thanksgiving." 0:09:20.674,0:09:22.431 Paul here exhorting the church 0:09:22.431,0:09:24.794 at Colossae. 0:09:24.794,0:09:28.093 Living lives consistent 0:09:28.093,0:09:30.368 with the revelation of who Jesus Christ is 0:09:30.368,0:09:33.013 from chapter 1. 0:09:33.013,0:09:34.953 He's exhorting them to live consistent 0:09:34.953,0:09:36.870 in light of all that he has taught them 0:09:36.870,0:09:39.216 in chapter 1. 0:09:39.216,0:09:41.898 A Gospel-consistent life. 0:09:41.898,0:09:43.345 And he calls them here to 0:09:43.345,0:09:46.103 continue steadfastly in prayer, 0:09:46.103,0:09:50.510 to devote themselves to prayer. 0:09:50.510,0:09:54.700 To be courageously persistent in prayer. 0:09:54.700,0:09:57.393 Holding fast to and not letting go of God 0:09:57.393,0:09:58.812 in prayer. 0:09:58.812,0:10:00.352 Enduring in prayer. 0:10:00.352,0:10:05.961 Not fainting away. 0:10:05.961,0:10:07.477 Let's first remember 0:10:07.477,0:10:09.902 that this is a command. 0:10:09.902,0:10:14.436 An imperative through Paul from God 0:10:14.436,0:10:16.218 in Scripture. 0:10:16.218,0:10:18.055 And what it teaches us right away 0:10:18.055,0:10:19.607 is that God does not want us 0:10:19.607,0:10:22.522 to give up in prayer. 0:10:22.522,0:10:25.668 God does not want us to quit in prayer, 0:10:25.668,0:10:27.734 but rather to persevere 0:10:27.734,0:10:31.918 and be devoted to Him in prayer. 0:10:31.918,0:10:33.221 Brothers and sisters, 0:10:33.221,0:10:36.524 God knows our need for Him. 0:10:36.524,0:10:38.794 No one knows your need for God 0:10:38.794,0:10:41.375 better than God does. 0:10:41.375,0:10:44.659 God knows our great need for Him. 0:10:44.659,0:10:48.176 And so what does He do? 0:10:48.176,0:10:52.495 He commands you to come. 0:10:52.495,0:10:54.305 Do you see the grace and love 0:10:54.305,0:10:57.124 of a God Who knows our greatest need 0:10:57.124,0:10:59.318 and then commands us 0:10:59.318,0:11:03.942 in regards to that great need? 0:11:03.942,0:11:06.482 And it's not a command [br]to just come and pray, 0:11:06.482,0:11:09.336 it's a command to come and commune. 0:11:09.336,0:11:12.537 To be with Him. 0:11:12.537,0:11:14.510 The work of redemption on the cross 0:11:14.510,0:11:16.150 was not an end. 0:11:16.150,0:11:17.381 It was a means 0:11:17.381,0:11:19.190 to bring us to Him 0:11:19.190,0:11:20.205 in relation, 0:11:20.205,0:11:21.628 to commune with Him 0:11:21.628,0:11:22.712 and never to leave. 0:11:22.712,0:11:25.905 To be with Him eternally. 0:11:25.905,0:11:27.907 And we all know that for the true believer 0:11:27.907,0:11:29.064 the commandments of God 0:11:29.064,0:11:31.411 are not burdensome. 0:11:31.411,0:11:34.378 They're a delight. 0:11:34.378,0:11:37.257 They're a delight. 0:11:37.257,0:11:38.524 But you know what can make 0:11:38.524,0:11:44.697 the command of prayer burdensome? 0:11:44.697,0:11:48.025 Pride. 0:11:48.025,0:11:50.748 Pride makes the commandment of prayer 0:11:50.748,0:11:53.122 burdensome. 0:11:53.122,0:11:55.750 Listen, there's discipline in prayer. 0:11:55.750,0:11:59.664 You must prioritize your life for prayer. 0:11:59.664,0:12:02.093 But prayer becomes burdensome 0:12:02.093,0:12:03.806 in a negative way 0:12:03.806,0:12:06.466 because of pride. 0:12:06.466,0:12:09.897 Because we fail to see our need 0:12:09.897,0:12:15.178 and our weakness. 0:12:15.178,0:12:17.006 This command from God to continue 0:12:17.006,0:12:18.169 in prayer - 0:12:18.169,0:12:22.260 Him knowing our greatest need - 0:12:22.260,0:12:26.397 is like a man turning to a starving man 0:12:26.397,0:12:29.377 and saying this: 0:12:29.377,0:12:33.264 "I command you to come eat. 0:12:33.264,0:12:38.402 And I will provide a [br]buffet for you to feast." 0:12:38.402,0:12:40.768 Now I want to ask you, 0:12:40.768,0:12:42.877 is that a burdensome command 0:12:42.877,0:12:45.304 to a starving person? 0:12:45.304,0:12:47.308 Come and eat 0:12:47.308,0:12:48.448 at the table 0:12:48.448,0:12:52.886 and feast on My Son Jesus Christ. 0:12:52.886,0:12:55.772 That's not a burdensome prayer. 0:12:55.772,0:12:58.451 That is a gracious and loving command 0:12:58.451,0:12:59.622 of our God, 0:12:59.622,0:13:03.403 unless we don't realize that we're hungry. 0:13:03.403,0:13:06.560 "I'm full. I'm not hungry right now, Lord. 0:13:06.560,0:13:08.833 And You want me to come eat? 0:13:08.833,0:13:10.391 I'm not hungry. 0:13:10.391,0:13:11.905 I don't need to eat right now. 0:13:11.905,0:13:15.473 I'll eat later on." 0:13:15.473,0:13:18.037 It's burdensome if we don't see 0:13:18.037,0:13:21.548 and acknowledge our need. 0:13:21.548,0:13:22.813 Brothers and sisters, 0:13:22.813,0:13:26.183 everyone in this room [br]is dependent upon God 0:13:26.183,0:13:28.857 and in great need at this very moment, 0:13:28.857,0:13:30.123 whether we realize it, 0:13:30.123,0:13:33.443 whether we feel it or not. 0:13:33.443,0:13:35.212 Everyone here is completely, 0:13:35.212,0:13:37.276 wholly, utterly, totally dependent 0:13:37.276,0:13:39.205 upon God. 0:13:39.205,0:13:41.432 Fourteen years ago, 0:13:41.432,0:13:43.985 without much understanding; 0:13:43.985,0:13:46.563 without much experience, 0:13:46.563,0:13:49.085 I was totally dependent upon God 0:13:49.085,0:13:51.578 and what God convicted me of last night 0:13:51.578,0:13:53.227 is fourteen years later, 0:13:53.227,0:13:54.998 I am in the same place 0:13:54.998,0:13:57.082 of utter and total dependecy 0:13:57.082,0:13:58.858 and the need for God, 0:13:58.858,0:14:01.098 but I've allowed knowledge and experience 0:14:01.098,0:14:03.377 to be something I feel like I can lean on, 0:14:03.377,0:14:04.591 and that's foolishness, 0:14:04.591,0:14:05.766 and it just reveals, 0:14:05.766,0:14:09.571 I really don't have that much knowledge. 0:14:09.571,0:14:11.377 A true knowledge of God should make us 0:14:11.377,0:14:13.242 even more dependent upon Him 0:14:13.242,0:14:15.592 as we grow in the revelation of Who He is, 0:14:15.592,0:14:16.600 what He has done, 0:14:16.600,0:14:18.465 and who I am in Jesus Christ, 0:14:18.465,0:14:20.393 it should draw me to greater prayer 0:14:20.393,0:14:21.735 and greater dependence; 0:14:21.735,0:14:23.384 not the ability to stand 0:14:23.384,0:14:25.169 because I'm a strong man now. 0:14:25.169,0:14:27.027 Paul boasted in his weakness. 0:14:27.027,0:14:28.855 He was proud of it 0:14:28.855,0:14:30.861 because he knew that in his weakness 0:14:30.861,0:14:39.233 he was strong. 0:14:39.233,0:14:42.894 We need preachers. 0:14:42.894,0:14:44.179 We need evangelists. 0:14:44.179,0:14:45.528 We need churches. 0:14:45.528,0:14:47.726 We need faithful church people. 0:14:47.726,0:14:51.522 But we need God. 0:14:51.522,0:14:55.755 You know what your [br]prayer life truly reveals? 0:14:55.755,0:14:58.383 Your pride life. 0:14:58.383,0:15:00.258 Our prayer lives, brothers and sisters, 0:15:00.258,0:15:02.705 are a direct reflection of one thing: 0:15:02.705,0:15:06.288 our pride. 0:15:06.288,0:15:11.282 I repented last night of pride. 0:15:11.282,0:15:12.522 Pride in understanding; 0:15:12.522,0:15:22.805 pride in experience. 0:15:22.805,0:15:26.918 Here's how gracious our God is: 0:15:26.918,0:15:28.737 When we don't understand 0:15:28.737,0:15:30.833 the depth of understanding of our need 0:15:30.833,0:15:32.349 and dependence upon Him, 0:15:32.349,0:15:34.161 or when we forget it 0:15:34.161,0:15:36.272 and begin to place that in other things; 0:15:36.272,0:15:40.256 here's how gracious and [br]loving this God is: 0:15:40.256,0:15:44.463 He teaches you and He reminds you 0:15:44.463,0:15:46.908 of your need for Him. 0:15:46.908,0:15:51.039 How? 0:15:51.039,0:15:56.957 Through trials, [br]tribulation, and suffering. 0:15:56.957,0:15:58.903 We talked about the sovereignty of God 0:15:58.903,0:15:59.656 last night. 0:15:59.656,0:16:01.664 The hidden things belonging to Him. 0:16:01.664,0:16:04.036 But one thing that we can [br]learn from Scripture, 0:16:04.036,0:16:05.752 is that God is sovereign over 0:16:05.752,0:16:08.979 our trials, tribulations, and suffering. 0:16:08.979,0:16:11.283 And they are meant for our good. 0:16:11.283,0:16:14.764 They are meant to teach [br]us our need for God; 0:16:14.764,0:16:16.510 our dependence upon God, 0:16:16.510,0:16:18.908 and the willingness of God. 0:16:18.908,0:16:20.682 If He is sovereign over my life, 0:16:20.682,0:16:22.612 and He is bringing into my life 0:16:22.612,0:16:23.771 these things, 0:16:23.771,0:16:24.977 it has a purpose: 0:16:24.977,0:16:26.800 to draw me back to weakness 0:16:26.800,0:16:36.125 and dependence upon Him. 0:16:36.125,0:16:41.329 I often feel very overwhelmed. 0:16:41.329,0:16:44.085 The Lord has found it fit to save 0:16:44.085,0:16:47.076 many people in Dallas. 0:16:47.076,0:16:48.396 He has found it fit to draw 0:16:48.396,0:16:53.251 many people to our assembly. 0:16:53.251,0:16:54.871 And I look at what He's doing 0:16:54.871,0:16:56.424 and I come to Him in a place 0:16:56.424,0:16:57.870 of [being] overwhelmed, 0:16:57.870,0:17:00.923 and I say, Lord, what are You doing? 0:17:00.926,0:17:03.358 This is overwhelming, God. 0:17:03.358,0:17:05.541 I'm not equipped for this, God. 0:17:05.541,0:17:07.463 And last night, it was as though 0:17:07.463,0:17:10.823 I had the understanding again: 0:17:10.823,0:17:12.775 "Don't you know? 0:17:12.775,0:17:16.633 I'm teaching you your weakness now? 0:17:16.633,0:17:18.945 I'm showing you how dependent 0:17:18.945,0:17:24.797 you must be upon Me." 0:17:24.797,0:17:27.184 Can I encourage all of us in our trials, 0:17:27.184,0:17:29.492 tribulations and sufferings 0:17:29.492,0:17:31.841 come into our lives, 0:17:31.841,0:17:32.975 that our first prayer 0:17:32.975,0:17:36.351 wouldn't be for deliverance from them. 0:17:36.351,0:17:38.515 That our first prayer would be 0:17:38.515,0:17:42.144 that we would learn our need for Him; 0:17:42.144,0:17:44.527 our weakness outside of Him, 0:17:44.527,0:17:46.072 and that we would learn in this 0:17:46.072,0:17:51.132 to be more devoted to Him in prayer. 0:17:51.132,0:17:52.753 As the brother said the other day, 0:17:52.753,0:17:54.328 many times we're praying for God 0:17:54.328,0:17:57.387 to conform us to the [br]image of Jesus Christ. 0:17:57.387,0:17:58.532 And He does that work. 0:17:58.532,0:18:06.938 Then, we pray for deliverance [br]from His conformity. 0:18:06.938,0:18:09.087 Pray that we would remember and know 0:18:09.087,0:18:13.058 His power is made perfect in weakness. 0:18:13.058,0:18:15.326 Pray that at the revelation [br]of our weakness 0:18:15.326,0:18:16.522 and our need for Him 0:18:16.522,0:18:19.492 that we don't try to pretend we're strong. 0:18:19.492,0:18:20.827 But because of the Gospel, 0:18:20.827,0:18:22.686 we acknowledge our weakness. 0:18:22.686,0:18:25.672 Not that we can continue in any sin, 0:18:25.672,0:18:27.484 but acknowledge our weakness 0:18:27.484,0:18:32.036 and come to Him in prayer. 0:18:32.036,0:18:34.561 God doesn't need strong people. 0:18:34.561,0:18:36.672 God's not going to bring strong people 0:18:36.672,0:18:37.873 into New England. 0:18:37.873,0:18:39.462 God is going to bring people 0:18:39.462,0:18:41.096 who recognize their weakness 0:18:41.096,0:18:43.455 upon a very strong, mighty, and holy God 0:18:43.455,0:18:45.645 and who are devoted to Him in prayer. 0:18:45.645,0:18:46.942 And through those people, 0:18:46.942,0:18:49.237 He will work. 0:18:49.237,0:18:53.597 Because He gets the glory. 0:18:53.597,0:18:55.994 So I asked myself last night 0:18:55.994,0:18:57.938 and I'll ask you: 0:18:57.938,0:19:03.725 Do you want revival in your own heart? 0:19:03.725,0:19:05.546 Do you want revival in the church 0:19:05.546,0:19:08.041 that you're in right now? 0:19:08.041,0:19:09.782 Do you want revival in this whole 0:19:09.782,0:19:17.013 New England area? 0:19:17.013,0:19:23.063 Are you given to prayer? 0:19:23.063,0:19:28.196 Are we given to prayer then? 0:19:28.196,0:19:29.851 Are we continuing in it? 0:19:29.851,0:19:31.475 Are we being steadfast in it? 0:19:31.475,0:19:33.801 Are we devoted to it? 0:19:33.801,0:19:36.111 Because there's an inconsistency to say, 0:19:36.111,0:19:38.852 God, we want You to come, 0:19:38.852,0:19:41.559 but not being revealed in our consistency 0:19:41.559,0:19:46.706 in prayer. 0:19:46.706,0:19:48.967 We were talking the other day. 0:19:48.967,0:19:51.712 We need to plant. 0:19:51.712,0:19:53.109 And we need to strategize. 0:19:53.109,0:19:54.192 Those are good things. 0:19:54.192,0:19:55.676 You can read through Scripture. 0:19:55.676,0:19:57.629 Paul says, I made plans to come to you. 0:19:57.629,0:19:59.805 He plans things out. 0:19:59.805,0:20:01.129 That's good. 0:20:01.129,0:20:03.172 Planning and strategy is good. 0:20:03.172,0:20:04.656 But I can tell you this, 0:20:04.656,0:20:09.389 planning without prayer [br]amounts to nothing. 0:20:09.389,0:20:15.720 It is just the plans of men then. 0:20:15.720,0:20:19.582 So does God really want us 0:20:19.582,0:20:24.319 to continue in prayer? 0:20:24.319,0:20:29.694 It seems some of us have been praying, 0:20:29.694,0:20:32.652 but we're beginning to lose heart 0:20:32.652,0:20:36.035 because we're not seeing God move yet. 0:20:36.035,0:20:37.540 So I began to ask, 0:20:37.540,0:20:40.265 does God really want us [br]to continue in prayer? 0:20:40.265,0:20:44.041 Does He really want us to [br]be devoted to prayer? 0:20:44.041,0:20:46.614 And when you begin to lose heart in prayer 0:20:46.614,0:20:49.844 what do you do? 0:20:49.844,0:20:54.091 Oh, God forbid that we would stop praying. 0:20:54.091,0:20:56.729 When you are praying and praying 0:20:56.729,0:20:57.958 and being devoted to it 0:20:57.958,0:21:00.775 and you begin to lose heart in prayer, 0:21:00.775,0:21:02.621 I hope you turn to the Scriptures 0:21:02.621,0:21:05.862 and preach to your own soul. 0:21:05.862,0:21:09.814 I hope you look at [br]commands in Colossians 4:2 0:21:09.814,0:21:11.084 where God through Paul 0:21:11.084,0:21:13.939 commands you to continue steadfastly 0:21:13.939,0:21:15.179 in prayer. 0:21:15.179,0:21:17.080 But I want to give you two other texts 0:21:17.080,0:21:19.016 to preach to your soul 0:21:19.016,0:21:20.512 when you begin to lose heart. 0:21:20.512,0:21:28.416 So turn if you will to Luke 11. 0:21:28.416,0:21:35.544 Luke 11. 0:21:35.544,0:21:37.660 As you're turning there, I'll remind you 0:21:37.660,0:21:39.428 at the beginning of Luke 11 0:21:39.428,0:21:41.270 is when the disciples are with Jesus 0:21:41.270,0:21:44.763 and they are seeing Him pray. 0:21:44.763,0:21:46.425 And they turn to Him and they say, 0:21:46.425,0:21:49.259 Lord, teach us to pray. 0:21:49.259,0:21:52.107 Teach us how to pray, Lord. 0:21:52.107,0:21:54.377 And you know at the [br]beginning of chapter 11 0:21:54.377,0:21:57.390 He leads them through [br]the Lord's prayer there. 0:21:57.390,0:22:00.058 But we're going to pick up in verse 5 0:22:00.058,0:22:02.276 at the second thing the Lord teaches them 0:22:02.276,0:22:04.521 about prayer. 0:22:04.521,0:22:06.942 Look at v. 5 with me. 0:22:06.942,0:22:09.730 "And He said to them, 0:22:09.730,0:22:13.693 which of you who has a friend 0:22:13.693,0:22:15.903 will go to him at midnight and say to him, 0:22:15.903,0:22:18.229 'friend, lend me three loaves 0:22:18.229,0:22:19.887 for a friend of mine has arrived 0:22:19.887,0:22:21.126 on a long journey, 0:22:21.126,0:22:24.568 and I have nothing to set before him.' 0:22:24.568,0:22:26.735 And he will answer from within..." 0:22:26.735,0:22:31.557 This friend didn't even open the door. 0:22:31.557,0:22:33.814 Lend me three loaves. 0:22:33.814,0:22:35.648 Wouldn't even open the door. 0:22:35.648,0:22:38.357 Talking through the door right now. 0:22:38.357,0:22:40.724 "... and he answers from within, 0:22:40.724,0:22:42.416 'Do not bother me. 0:22:42.416,0:22:44.675 The door is now shut and my children 0:22:44.675,0:22:46.627 are with me in bed. 0:22:46.627,0:22:52.311 I cannot get up and give you anything.'" 0:22:52.311,0:22:56.905 V. 8, "Jesus says, 'but I tell you, 0:22:56.905,0:22:58.533 though he will not get up 0:22:58.533,0:23:01.954 and give anything [br]because he is his friend, 0:23:01.954,0:23:06.219 yet because of his impudence 0:23:06.219,0:23:11.004 he will rise and give him [br]whatever he needs." 0:23:11.004,0:23:14.942 Because of his shamelessness... 0:23:14.942,0:23:19.831 Because of his nerve... 0:23:19.831,0:23:21.928 this other friend who was knocking 0:23:21.928,0:23:26.916 had the nerve to knock at midnight 0:23:26.916,0:23:28.342 and keep knocking. 0:23:28.342,0:23:29.712 And the friend didn't get up 0:23:29.712,0:23:30.671 and answer the door 0:23:30.671,0:23:32.517 because they had a good relationship; 0:23:32.517,0:23:34.421 because their friendship was so strong; 0:23:34.421,0:23:35.983 because he had so much affection 0:23:35.983,0:23:37.250 for this other person, 0:23:37.250,0:23:39.160 but because of the boldness 0:23:39.160,0:23:41.289 and the nerve that this person would have 0:23:41.289,0:23:43.864 to sit there and continue to knock. 0:23:43.864,0:23:47.040 This so-called friend will finally say, 0:23:47.040,0:23:48.899 fine, here's what you need. 0:23:48.899,0:23:50.727 Take it. 0:23:50.727,0:23:54.181 And then Jesus applies it here in v. 9. 0:23:54.181,0:23:56.246 "I tell you, 0:23:56.246,0:24:00.288 ask and it will be given to you. 0:24:00.288,0:24:02.573 Seek and you will find. 0:24:02.573,0:24:05.130 Knock and it will be opened to you. 0:24:05.130,0:24:08.533 For everyone who asks receives, 0:24:08.533,0:24:10.532 and the one who seeks finds, 0:24:10.532,0:24:12.112 and to the one who knocks, 0:24:12.112,0:24:15.060 it will be opened. 0:24:15.060,0:24:16.418 What father among you 0:24:16.418,0:24:18.302 if his son asks for a fish 0:24:18.302,0:24:19.931 will instead of a fish 0:24:19.931,0:24:21.084 give him a serpent? 0:24:21.084,0:24:22.710 Or if he asks for an egg 0:24:22.710,0:24:24.213 will give him a scorpion? 0:24:24.213,0:24:26.064 If you then, who are evil, 0:24:26.064,0:24:27.665 know how to give good gifts 0:24:27.665,0:24:28.771 to your children, 0:24:28.771,0:24:31.457 how much more will the heavenly Father 0:24:31.457,0:24:37.083 give the Holy Spirit to those who ask." 0:24:37.083,0:24:39.673 If a bad friend, because of the nerve 0:24:39.673,0:24:40.916 of the other friend, 0:24:40.916,0:24:42.718 and their continual knocking - 0:24:42.718,0:24:44.344 the boldness of that person - 0:24:44.344,0:24:46.223 will finally give in 0:24:46.223,0:24:47.961 and give them what they need, 0:24:47.961,0:24:49.938 how much more 0:24:49.938,0:24:51.971 will the loving heavenly Father 0:24:51.971,0:24:53.891 Who demonstrated His love 0:24:53.891,0:24:56.110 through the crucifixion of His Son, 0:24:56.110,0:24:59.199 Who's commanding us to remain in prayer - 0:24:59.199,0:25:02.289 how much more will He give 0:25:02.289,0:25:06.184 to those who ask. 0:25:06.184,0:25:08.480 It's not an issue of ability. 0:25:08.480,0:25:10.681 It's not an issue of His willingness. 0:25:10.681,0:25:19.901 It is an issue of [br]continual, steadfast prayer. 0:25:19.901,0:25:28.386 Turn to the right 7 chapters to Luke 18. 0:25:28.386,0:25:31.036 Is God really willing? 0:25:31.036,0:25:33.554 Does God really desire for us 0:25:33.554,0:25:35.769 to continue in prayer? 0:25:35.769,0:25:40.055 Does God really want us to seek Him? 0:25:40.055,0:25:42.018 Are you losing heart 0:25:42.018,0:25:47.241 leading to quitting in prayer? 0:25:47.241,0:25:48.912 Then we need to preach texts 0:25:48.912,0:25:55.749 like Luke 18:1-8 to our soul. 0:25:55.749,0:25:59.527 "And He told them a parable to the effect 0:25:59.527,0:26:02.472 that they ought always to pray 0:26:02.472,0:26:05.592 and not lose heart." 0:26:05.592,0:26:08.254 You see, Jesus knows that we will pray 0:26:08.254,0:26:11.591 and we will not hear when or what we want 0:26:11.591,0:26:13.605 and we will begin to lose heart, 0:26:13.605,0:26:15.331 so He says I'm going to address that 0:26:15.331,0:26:17.194 because I know that's going to happen, 0:26:17.194,0:26:18.313 and I want you to pray 0:26:18.313,0:26:19.377 and not lose heart. 0:26:19.377,0:26:20.399 I want you to pray 0:26:20.399,0:26:21.399 and not stop. 0:26:21.399,0:26:22.977 I want you to continue in prayer. 0:26:22.977,0:26:24.695 So I'm going to remind you of this. 0:26:24.695,0:26:26.914 And He says to them in v. 2, 0:26:26.914,0:26:30.283 "In a certain city, there was a judge 0:26:30.283,0:26:33.243 who neither feared God nor respected man. 0:26:33.243,0:26:35.136 And there was a widow in that city 0:26:35.136,0:26:39.274 who kept coming to him, 0:26:39.274,0:26:41.236 and saying, 'give me justice 0:26:41.236,0:26:43.362 against my adversary.' 0:26:43.362,0:26:46.071 For awhile he refused. 0:26:46.071,0:26:48.179 But afterwards he said to himself, 0:26:48.179,0:26:51.184 'though I neither fear God, 0:26:51.184,0:26:53.264 nor respect man, 0:26:53.264,0:26:57.086 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, 0:26:57.086,0:26:58.916 I will give her justice 0:26:58.916,0:27:00.922 so that she will not beat me down 0:27:00.922,0:27:05.725 with her continual coming.' 0:27:05.725,0:27:08.305 And the Lord said, 0:27:08.305,0:27:12.139 'Hear what the unrighteous judge says. 0:27:12.139,0:27:14.734 and will not God give justice 0:27:14.734,0:27:20.922 to His elect who cry to Him day and night? 0:27:20.922,0:27:22.961 Will He delay long over them? 0:27:22.961,0:27:25.573 I tell you, He will give justice to them 0:27:25.573,0:27:26.752 speedily. 0:27:26.752,0:27:28.811 Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, 0:27:28.811,0:27:31.339 will He find faith on the earth?'" 0:27:31.339,0:27:33.333 Do you see the comparison He makes? 0:27:33.333,0:27:35.428 A judge who does not fear God; 0:27:35.428,0:27:37.218 who does not respect man, 0:27:37.218,0:27:38.102 yet why? 0:27:38.102,0:27:41.188 Because this woman will continually come 0:27:41.188,0:27:42.785 and continually ask 0:27:42.785,0:27:44.398 and will not leave him alone, 0:27:44.398,0:27:46.008 and she keeps bothering him, 0:27:46.008,0:27:48.636 this evil man will reluctantly, 0:27:48.636,0:27:49.799 finally just say, "here, 0:27:49.799,0:27:51.428 take what you've been asking for. 0:27:51.428,0:27:52.895 Just leave me alone." 0:27:52.895,0:27:56.395 Then how much more 0:27:56.395,0:27:59.589 this God Who chose you 0:27:59.589,0:28:01.406 and set you apart 0:28:01.406,0:28:03.745 at the cost of His own Son 0:28:03.745,0:28:05.451 and adopted you, 0:28:05.451,0:28:07.411 and commands you to come 0:28:07.411,0:28:09.396 and petition and don't give up. 0:28:09.396,0:28:12.748 If the evil judge will give in to this, 0:28:12.748,0:28:16.001 how much more will the sovereign King 0:28:16.001,0:28:17.980 Who loves you and has adopted you 0:28:17.980,0:28:23.481 give you what you ask? 0:28:23.481,0:28:26.805 Does He want us to come? 0:28:26.805,0:28:29.394 That's exactly what He wants us to do. 0:28:29.394,0:28:32.781 And He wants us to continue. 0:28:32.781,0:28:34.968 The last line of that is very important 0:28:34.968,0:28:37.215 because He says, 0:28:37.215,0:28:41.722 "Will He find faith on the earth?" 0:28:41.722,0:28:44.261 What does that teach us? 0:28:44.261,0:28:46.921 The issue of continuing in prayer 0:28:46.921,0:28:50.927 is a lack of faith in God. 0:28:50.927,0:28:52.518 He's not going to answer... 0:28:52.518,0:28:53.919 I prayed for two years. 0:28:53.919,0:28:55.945 He hasn't answered yet. 0:28:55.945,0:29:00.063 You say, well, it says [br]He'll come speedily. 0:29:00.063,0:29:05.123 Well, the secret things [br]belong to the Lord. 0:29:05.123,0:29:06.655 Speedily is different for you 0:29:06.655,0:29:08.703 than it is for Him. 0:29:08.703,0:29:12.772 Part of faith is trusting in His timing. 0:29:12.772,0:29:13.912 If you're going to say, 0:29:13.912,0:29:15.363 I'll pray and remain steadfast 0:29:15.363,0:29:17.620 as long as You work on my timetable, 0:29:17.620,0:29:23.658 you've just put yourself [br]in a position of sovereignty. 0:29:23.658,0:29:24.851 Brothers and sisters, 0:29:24.851,0:29:27.098 we need to preach these verses to our soul 0:29:27.098,0:29:29.448 when we find our hearts 0:29:29.448,0:29:35.051 beginning to become weary. 0:29:35.051,0:29:36.783 Quickly now, just the last two parts 0:29:36.783,0:29:38.579 of Colossians 4. 0:29:38.579,0:29:41.870 Not only are we to [br]remain steadfast in prayer 0:29:41.870,0:29:43.489 and be devoted to it, 0:29:43.489,0:29:45.848 but he says we are to keep alert 0:29:45.848,0:29:49.128 and be watchful in our prayer. 0:29:49.128,0:29:52.842 It literally has the [br]idea of staying awake. 0:29:52.842,0:29:55.835 And Brother Mack just led us through 0:29:55.835,0:29:59.998 the Garden of Gethsemane yesterday. 0:29:59.998,0:30:02.163 And when our model Jesus Christ 0:30:02.163,0:30:04.403 is petitioning the Father and continuing 0:30:04.403,0:30:06.770 steadfastly in devotion to prayer 0:30:06.770,0:30:08.957 which was His style of life, 0:30:08.957,0:30:13.104 the disciples were on the side asleep. 0:30:13.104,0:30:16.332 Not alert. 0:30:16.332,0:30:17.757 Not keeping watch. 0:30:17.757,0:30:19.091 Jesus actually says to them, 0:30:19.091,0:30:21.634 "Keep watch that you might [br]not fall into temptation." 0:30:21.634,0:30:24.089 And they fall asleep. 0:30:24.089,0:30:25.787 And Jesus said I know 0:30:25.787,0:30:30.724 that the spirit is willing, [br]but the flesh is weak. 0:30:30.724,0:30:32.673 And so in this command from Paul, 0:30:32.673,0:30:35.288 we are called not only [br]to continue steadfastly 0:30:35.288,0:30:38.032 in prayer, but to keep alert 0:30:38.032,0:30:43.037 and be watchful in it. 0:30:43.037,0:30:46.006 So what does that mean? 0:30:46.006,0:30:47.650 As you begin to try to apply: 0:30:47.650,0:30:49.361 continue steadfastly in prayer, 0:30:49.361,0:30:51.034 there's a temptation at some point 0:30:51.034,0:30:52.985 to say, "Well, I'll just sit here 0:30:52.985,0:30:54.183 and do this command 0:30:54.183,0:30:55.857 and then God will answer it." 0:30:55.857,0:30:57.171 And we can begin to do that 0:30:57.171,0:30:58.737 without an awareness of mind 0:30:58.737,0:31:02.364 of even what we are praying. 0:31:02.364,0:31:04.167 And we need to have our minds 0:31:04.167,0:31:05.848 alert and focused and be praying 0:31:05.848,0:31:09.598 for specific things. 0:31:09.598,0:31:13.375 Our minds need to be [br]engaged in this prayer. 0:31:13.375,0:31:16.727 It is not just filling up [br]this quota of prayer. 0:31:16.727,0:31:18.399 That if I hit this certain number, 0:31:18.399,0:31:21.831 then I'll manipulate God [br]to move in some way. 0:31:21.831,0:31:23.915 It is a continuing in prayer, 0:31:23.915,0:31:26.381 but it is a watchful prayer. 0:31:26.381,0:31:28.754 It is an awareness prayer of the mind. 0:31:28.754,0:31:32.628 It is specific prayers to be prayed. 0:31:32.628,0:31:35.785 God's not impressed with [br]how long you can pray. 0:31:35.785,0:31:40.682 It is the awareness of [br]how much we need Him 0:31:40.682,0:31:43.614 that we pray with our minds. 0:31:43.614,0:31:47.041 That's where our doctrine [br]and theology comes in - 0:31:47.041,0:31:48.821 Teaching us His sovereignty, 0:31:48.821,0:31:53.676 our weakness and our great need. 0:31:53.676,0:31:55.668 Then He says at the end here, 0:31:55.668,0:31:58.150 with thanksgiving - 0:31:58.150,0:32:02.022 or with an attitude of thanksgiving. 0:32:02.022,0:32:03.769 Continuing steadfastly in prayer, 0:32:03.769,0:32:05.179 being devoted to prayer, 0:32:05.179,0:32:06.697 being watchful in it, 0:32:06.697,0:32:08.082 keeping alert in it, 0:32:08.082,0:32:13.077 but with an attitude of thanksgiving. 0:32:13.077,0:32:14.229 And I loved it so much 0:32:14.229,0:32:15.625 that when Brother Tim prayed, 0:32:15.625,0:32:18.634 he said nearly that very thing. 0:32:18.634,0:32:20.769 We are here asking God to come, 0:32:20.769,0:32:22.071 asking God to move 0:32:22.071,0:32:23.025 in our hearts, 0:32:23.025,0:32:23.840 in our churches, 0:32:23.840,0:32:25.549 in this area - 0:32:25.549,0:32:28.242 but we still have so [br]much to give thanks for 0:32:28.242,0:32:30.852 that He has redeemed a wretch like me. 0:32:30.852,0:32:32.669 There is so much He has done 0:32:32.669,0:32:34.921 that as we are continuing steadfastly 0:32:34.921,0:32:36.724 in prayer and petitioning the Father, 0:32:36.724,0:32:38.095 continuing in it, 0:32:38.095,0:32:39.336 not letting Him go, 0:32:39.336,0:32:41.025 we also need to keep in mind 0:32:41.025,0:32:42.390 all that He has done 0:32:42.390,0:32:46.220 and be giving Him thanks. 0:32:46.220,0:32:52.999 Hearts of thanksgiving. 0:32:52.999,0:32:58.515 I was reminded last night of John 15:5. 0:32:58.515,0:33:01.291 The vine and the branches. 0:33:01.291,0:33:03.962 And v. 5 says this, 0:33:03.962,0:33:09.599 "Without Me you can do nothing." 0:33:09.599,0:33:14.603 And what convicted me last night was this: 0:33:14.603,0:33:16.613 I thought with knowledge and experience 0:33:16.613,0:33:23.535 I could actually do something without Him. 0:33:23.535,0:33:24.798 And as much as you grow 0:33:24.798,0:33:26.347 in knowledge and experience 0:33:26.347,0:33:29.204 and maturity in Christ, 0:33:29.204,0:33:32.278 that verse will never change. 0:33:32.278,0:33:35.682 Without Him you can do nothing. 0:33:35.682,0:33:36.910 So as I sat last night, 0:33:36.910,0:33:38.682 I said how much do I really believe 0:33:38.682,0:33:39.532 that verse? 0:33:39.532,0:33:41.126 "Without Him I can do nothing." 0:33:41.126,0:33:42.343 And here's the answer: 0:33:42.343,0:33:43.644 I believe it to the degree 0:33:43.644,0:33:46.383 that I continue steadfastly in prayer. 0:33:46.383,0:33:48.333 That's how much I believe it. 0:33:48.333,0:33:50.062 To the degree that I'm continuing 0:33:50.062,0:33:51.864 steadfastly in prayer, 0:33:51.864,0:33:54.599 I believe that verse. 0:33:54.599,0:33:57.432 And when I stop or I grow weary, 0:33:57.432,0:34:02.635 I stop believing that. 0:34:02.635,0:34:03.733 Brothers and sisters, 0:34:03.733,0:34:05.727 I can't tell you when God's going to come 0:34:05.727,0:34:08.210 and pour out His Spirit in your heart 0:34:08.210,0:34:09.954 or over New England. 0:34:09.954,0:34:11.424 Those are the secret things 0:34:11.424,0:34:13.234 that Brother Mike was speaking about. 0:34:13.234,0:34:17.140 I can't tell you when [br]He is going to do that, 0:34:17.140,0:34:18.415 but I can tell you this, 0:34:18.415,0:34:20.772 it will not be apart from steadfast 0:34:20.772,0:34:24.198 devotion to prayer. 0:34:24.198,0:34:25.465 It will not be apart 0:34:25.465,0:34:32.169 from steadfast devotion to prayer. 0:34:32.169,0:34:36.840 And I'll encourage you in this: 0:34:36.840,0:34:44.586 When the Lord does answer that prayer, 0:34:44.586,0:34:48.576 don't stop praying. 0:34:48.576,0:34:53.544 When the Lord brings a man into your city, 0:34:53.544,0:34:54.916 proclaims the Gospel, 0:34:54.916,0:34:57.513 people start getting saved, 0:34:57.513,0:35:00.764 a church is established by God, 0:35:00.764,0:35:03.479 there is healthy life and fellowship 0:35:03.479,0:35:05.770 with Jesus Christ at the center; 0:35:05.770,0:35:07.977 you're beginning to see lives transformed; 0:35:07.977,0:35:14.079 do not stop praying. 0:35:14.079,0:35:20.956 It is then that we need to pray even more. 0:35:20.956,0:35:27.640 Let me finish with Isaiah 62.6-7. 0:35:27.640,0:35:30.502 "On your walls, O Jerusalem, 0:35:30.502,0:35:33.042 I have set watchmen. 0:35:33.042,0:35:34.638 All the day and all the night, 0:35:34.638,0:35:36.976 they shall never be silent. 0:35:36.976,0:35:38.741 You who put the Lord in remembrance, 0:35:38.741,0:35:40.179 take no rest, 0:35:40.179,0:35:41.638 and give Him no rest 0:35:41.638,0:35:44.377 until He establishes Jerusalem 0:35:44.377,0:35:48.219 and makes it a praise in the earth." 0:35:48.219,0:35:49.309 Brothers and sisters, 0:35:49.309,0:35:52.152 give the Lord no rest. 0:35:52.152,0:35:56.257 He commands you to give Him no rest 0:35:56.257,0:36:00.637 until His name is praised in the lands. 0:36:00.637,0:36:05.481 So I pray that that was encouraging 0:36:05.481,0:36:07.178 yet convicting. 0:36:07.178,0:36:11.772 But I truly believe it was [br]for my own soul. 0:36:11.772,0:36:15.969 And by God's grace, I left 15 minutes. 0:36:15.969,0:36:19.276 So here's what I'd like [br]to do if it's alright. 0:36:19.276,0:36:22.097 I'd like to just pray. 0:36:22.097,0:36:24.294 I think the greatest thing you can do 0:36:24.294,0:36:25.663 when you hear a sermon 0:36:25.663,0:36:27.322 that convicts or encourages 0:36:27.322,0:36:28.572 is as fast as you can, 0:36:28.572,0:36:32.054 begin to implement that in your life. 0:36:32.054,0:36:34.755 And so, if I can just pray, 0:36:34.755,0:36:36.243 and you guys can pray with me 0:36:36.243,0:36:39.237 and just in the next five minutes or so, 0:36:39.237,0:36:41.813 praying about these things to the Lord. 0:36:41.813,0:36:43.720 For your own heart 0:36:43.720,0:36:45.467 and for this land. 0:36:45.467,0:37:10.493 So if you'll bow with me. 0:37:10.493,0:37:20.855 Father, in the name of Jesus, 0:37:20.855,0:37:22.796 Lord, I confess even this morning, 0:37:22.796,0:37:24.675 even a difference from last night. 0:37:24.675,0:37:26.575 Last night, I seemed so aware 0:37:26.575,0:37:28.892 of my weakness, God. 0:37:28.892,0:37:32.429 So aware of my need for You, Lord Jesus. 0:37:32.429,0:37:34.259 And even today I sense 0:37:34.259,0:37:38.893 that that is beginning to wane, Lord. 0:37:38.893,0:37:41.159 Lord, I know that I am just as needy 0:37:41.159,0:37:43.757 last night as I am today, Lord, 0:37:43.757,0:37:50.352 but I struggle to see it so often, God. 0:37:50.352,0:37:52.240 God, we need You to see these things. 0:37:52.240,0:37:53.753 We are asking now 0:37:53.753,0:37:55.573 in each of the hearts of people 0:37:55.573,0:37:56.534 represented here, 0:37:56.534,0:37:58.821 and churches represented here, God, 0:37:58.821,0:38:00.803 that You would help us to see, Lord, 0:38:00.803,0:38:02.236 these things. 0:38:02.236,0:38:04.745 See our great need, Lord; 0:38:04.745,0:38:08.189 see Your willingness, God; 0:38:08.189,0:38:10.270 see that You've made the way for us 0:38:10.270,0:38:12.977 to be able to come through Jesus Christ. 0:38:12.977,0:38:15.057 That we come, God, not on our own merit; 0:38:15.057,0:38:19.395 not on our own righteousness. 0:38:19.395,0:38:23.742 On the righteousness of Christ, we come. 0:38:23.742,0:38:25.127 God, as we approach Your Word 0:38:25.127,0:38:30.129 and we grow in doctrine and theology, God, 0:38:30.129,0:38:32.462 let it lead to a greater revelation 0:38:32.462,0:38:35.711 of weakness and dependence. 0:38:35.711,0:38:37.575 Let it lead to a greater revelation 0:38:37.575,0:38:40.363 of You and Your willingness, God. 0:38:40.363,0:38:43.303 God, when we grow faint of heart, 0:38:43.303,0:38:45.606 let us remember these petitions 0:38:45.606,0:38:46.872 You've put before us; 0:38:46.872,0:38:48.987 You're calling us and commanding us, God, 0:38:48.987,0:38:50.292 to be persistent; 0:38:50.292,0:38:52.669 to have the nerve to come 0:38:52.669,0:38:56.813 to the King of the Universe. 0:38:56.813,0:38:58.221 And to stay there, God. 0:38:58.221,0:38:59.159 To remain there. 0:38:59.159,0:39:02.450 To be devoted there. 0:39:02.450,0:39:04.318 God, thank You, 0:39:04.318,0:39:07.220 for Your loving chastening hand 0:39:07.220,0:39:10.054 when we forget these things, 0:39:10.054,0:39:11.193 to draw us back; 0:39:11.193,0:39:15.454 to teach us. 0:39:15.454,0:39:19.471 We want Your glory, God. 0:39:19.471,0:39:23.898 We need You, Father. 0:39:23.898,0:39:26.913 And so as I ask with[br]my brothers and sisters 0:39:26.913,0:39:29.596 that You come, Lord. 0:39:29.596,0:39:32.053 I pray that it wouldn't [br]be just here and now 0:39:32.053,0:39:34.216 in this moment, 0:39:34.216,0:39:38.552 but that You would keep us in a weak place 0:39:38.552,0:39:39.819 where we are constantly 0:39:39.819,0:39:43.830 and continually reaching for You 0:39:43.830,0:39:46.240 in utter dependence 0:39:46.240,0:39:54.733 manifested in devotion to prayer. 0:39:54.733,0:39:58.371 Thank You for Your patience, Lord. 0:39:58.371,0:40:03.902 Thank You for Your [br]grace and kindness to us. 0:40:03.902,0:40:06.211 Help us. 0:40:06.211,0:40:08.919 In the name of Jesus our Savior, 0:40:08.919,0:40:10.901 Amen.