BVOV Magazine 2013 - present

********Resolve to Pray cont. ******** However, it’s your commitment, the third ingredient, which really makes the difference. Without commitment it doesn’t really matter what God has done or given. The treasures of the Kingdom are for those who ask, knock and seek. They aren’t hidden from us, but for us. Still, they aren’t laying out for the carnal-minded to use and abuse. What do you do if you are committed to growing in your prayer life? Start by asking the Lord to lead you, and then, have faith that He will. Commit to set time aside specifically for prayer. Maybe you could start with 20 minutes. Even if it seems you can’t do that every day, start with 20 minutes somewhere in your week! Next, commit to staying focused. Romans 8:7 tells us the flesh is in opposition to God. Most of the time, our flesh is looking to sit down. It wants to find a reason to not do what it needs to do (yes, procrastination again). Sit down to pray and your flesh will suddenly think of a dozen things that need to be done. It will have the urge to jump up and get going right then! You must be on guard for such impulses and refuse to allow anything to distract you from your time with the Lord. Remember, you asked the Lord for His help. So, watch for His leading. Maybe a song will come to mind. As long as it is one you can sing to Him, yield to it. If a scripture comes to mind, look it up and talk to Him about it. Tell the Lord what you are grateful for. Tell Him how impressed you are with all He can do. Look through the Psalms and find those you can base prayers on. Pray the prayers of the Apostle Paul, starting with Ephesians 1 and 3, and Colossians 1. And pray in tongues! Or as my grandmother, Vinita Copeland, used to say, “Hit it in tongues, honey!” Commit to learn from others. Invest in teachings on prayer from like-minded ministers. Actually pray when someone asks you to, including when the pastor says from the platform, “Let’s pray!” Join or start a prayer group—even if it’s just with one other person. I’ve heard Kenneth E. Hagin, as well as others, say that some things about prayer are “better caught than taught.” Praying with others is one of the best ways to “catch things” in the spirit. But nothing replaces having faith that the Spirit of God will do what He is assigned to do and lead you every step of the way. There is more at stake here than just checking off a “New Year’s Resolution” list. Our families need prayer. Our nations need prayer. And they need us to step up, without procrastination, without hesitation and with a Kingdom boldness that can only come from time spent with the Father. V Terri Copeland Pearsons is the eldest daughter of Kenneth Copeland. Since 1993, she and her husband, George Pearsons, have served as senior pastors of Eagle Mountain International Church at Kenneth Copeland Ministries in Fort Worth, Texas. For information or ministry materials write to Kenneth Copeland Ministries, Fort Worth, TX 76192-0001 or go to terricopelandpearsons.com. ******ADVERTISEMENT********** Gulf Coast Women’s Convention Panama City Beach, Florida Feb. 27–March 1 Boardwalk Beach Resort/Royal America Join guest speaker Terri Copeland Pearsons & host Pastor Scarlett Harrington as they immerse you in faith-reviving, mind-renewing and hope-restoring revelation from God’s Word! On Friday, join Pastors Terri and Scarlett for a refreshing time of food, fun and fellowship at the Gulf Coast Luncheon. Registration is required and seating is limited. For ticket information and to RSVP for these exciting events, please visit GoodnessofGodChurch.com or call 1-850-872-1188. JAN '14 : BVOV : 21

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