What ever Happened to:
Effort – Try it out. Experience it. Test whether or not these things are so. Not just a cursory once over but earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something. Using physical or mental energy; in other words, hard work. Making a real and concerted effort. Be as the Bereans and search the scriptures diligently.
Psalm 26:2 Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart. Proverbs 25:2 It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honor of kings is to search out a matter. Act 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Philippians 4:9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Exposing Sin – Too much of our relationship with God is clouded with sin. Too much of our relationship with each other is in covering our sin. We do each other no favor when we pretend not to see the sin which hauls our brothers and sisters into the accusers’ presence. God would rather have us do some honest confrontation and be accountable to each other. Help a fellow believer, confront the sin in love.
2 Samuel 12:7 And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. … Malachi 2:17 Ye have wearied the LORD with your words. Yet ye say, Wherein have we wearied him? When ye say, Every one that doeth evil is good in the sight of the LORD, and he delights in them; or, Where is the God of judgment? Matthew 18:15 Moreover if your brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained your brother. Galatians 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Acts 5: 9 Then Peter said unto her, How is it that you have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.Effectual Prayer – Is there any ministry in which there is greater potential reward? What joy to have someone else to lift your burden before the throne of grace when you cannot muster the courage to stand on the promises because you can hardly get past the confession? We are told when we have done all we can to stand, putting on truth and righteousness and to pray. Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. Not just for some but for all saints. Not only is it a command to pray for each other but is sin to not pray.
1Samuel 12:23 Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way: 1Chronicles 4:10 And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that you would bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested. Colossians 1:9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; Jame 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that you may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails muchExalting Christ – For the true believer there is no joy more pressing than keeping the rocks and stones from crying out. Often the emotional outpouring of our souls to the One who created us is the closest we get to touching the hem of His garment. He is to be lifted with hearts and hands and voices made Holy by His own Blood.
1Samuel 2:1 And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoices in the LORD, mine horn is exalted in the LORD: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in your salvation. Isaiah 5:16 But the LORD of hosts shall be exalted in judgment, and God that is holy shall be sanctified in righteousness. Isaiah 33:10 Now will I rise, says the LORD; now will I be exalted; now will I lift up myself. Psalm 18:46 The LORD lives; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted. Act 5:31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. Philippians 2:9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: Revelation 4:11 You art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for your pleasure they are and were created.