Using W.O.R.S.H.I.P to focus our vision

Proverbs 29:18, “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” KJV

Proverbs 16:3, “Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.” KJV

Colossians 3:1-2, "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." KJV

The Kingdom - both future and now!

Revelation 1:5-6, “…Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father…” KJV

Colossians 1:13, “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:” KJV

John 14:13, “And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” KJV

Matthew 21:22, “And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” KJV

The Kingdom is IN us… how & why?

Luke 17:21, "Nor will people say, ‘Look, here it is,’ or ‘There it is.’ For you see, the kingdom of God is in your midst.” KJV 

John 14:17, "Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you." KJV 

2 Timothy 2:2-3, “…Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others. Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” NLT

1 Timothy 6:12, “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.” KJV

1 John 5:4, “ For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith.” NLT

A praying army that fights with FAITH!

Ephesians 6:18, "Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere." NLT

Jude 20-21, "But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life." KJV

1 Corinthians 14:2, "For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries." KJV

1 Corinthians 14:14-15, "For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also." KJV

Revelation 3:21, “Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne.” NLT

Let your heart be healed through God’s Work

"But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you," Matthew 5:44 KJV

"But the LORD said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak. Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD," Jeremiah 1:7-8 KJV

"Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled," Hebrews 12:14-15 KJV

"Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves," Matthew 10:16 KJV

“The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent,” 2 Peter 3:9 NLT

We need all Three as One

"Do not err, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures," James 1:16-18 KJV

"My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction: For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth," Proverbs 3:11-12 KJV

"And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth," John 1:14 KJV

"Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself," John 7:16-17 KJV

"And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate," [Helper] "who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn't looking for him and doesn't recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you," John 14:16-17 NLT

Victory through battle or sacrifice?

Read Elijah and the widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17:7-15).

Commentary: Our way to victory in a difficult situation is not always through some form of battle (where we turn to God and He fights for us, or whether we use the spiritual weapons God has given us and He blesses as we step forward in faith). Sometimes, the deliverance might come through sacrificing something that means a lot to us, whether it's something material, emotional, or situational. But, making the sacrifice might be challenging for us in some way, or in many ways, and we can be tempted to ignore what God is putting before us and continue to strive by our own strength. Yet, when we put aside our flesh in order to trust God, show our respect for Him, and actively emulate His character, THEN comes the victory - perhaps even more exceedingly abundant than we had hoped!

“Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold… A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences. True humility and fear of the LORD lead to riches, honor, and long life,” Proverbs 22:1, 3-4 NLT.