Prayer is based on a relationship with a real Person who governs the universe, loves us beyond comprehension, desires for us to be with him, and is predisposed to bless us.

Biblical meditation is not an emptying the mind. Instead, it involves turning the scriptures over and over in our thoughts, much as meat is turned as it roasts upon a spit.

How we react to and relate to authority often reveals a lot about the condition of our hearts and our openness to God.

When making an appeal to authority, whether we can use a little honey to make our appeal more palatable or must be confrontive, it is important to keep in mind that our attitude is important because we serve God, the one behind all authority.

To reject the Bible’s authority is to reject Jesus as Lord. To accept the authority of God’s Word is to make a place for Jesus to rule in our lives.

When we delight in and agree with God, we can pray with great authority and faith knowing that our Heavenly Father hears our prayers and will answer them. Therefore, prayer should be made with great boldness and the understanding that it is one of our great privileges as children of God who have access to his throne!

When we announce these words, we use Christ’s authority to declare forgiveness of sins and retention of sins - forgiveness to those who believe the gospel and retention of sins and damnation to those who do not.

When we preach the gospel, we are backed up by the authority and power of God and His kingdom.

Children of God represent the Father and carry His authority with them.

Acknowledging and praising God in all things – the good, the bad, and the ugly – is a very important key to happiness and brings great glory to God.