The Christian the Devil Can’t Discourage
1. The Danger of Following Human Nature
Deut 26:11 you and those among you shall rejoice in all the good
things the Lord God has given to you and your household, He has
blessed you
Deut 8:10 When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the LORD your
God for the good land he has given you. 11 Be careful not to forget the
LORD your God
Deut 28:47-48 Because you did not serve the Lord God with joyfulness
of [mind and] heart [in gratitude] for the abundance of all [with which
He had blessed you], 48 Therefore you shall serve your enemies
● Inherent in every one of us is the flesh, which is selfishness
● Human nature is not to stay thankful and grateful, human nature is
actually satanic nature, and this was actually Satan’s downfall
● He became entitled and ungrateful and pride brought him down
● An ungrateful spirit of entitlement, is an open door for the curse
Deut 8:12-15 Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you
build fine houses and settle down, 13 and when your herds and flocks
grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is
multiplied, 14 then your heart will become proud and you will forget
the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of
slavery.
Js 4:6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God
opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”
Ps 103:2 (CEV) With all my heart I praise the LORD! I will never forget
how kind he has been to me. (never forget all he hath done for you)
2. In Spiritual Warfare Thanksgiving & Praise Releases Turnaround
Power
Ps 100:2,4 worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful
songs. 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his presence with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
● Thanksgiving and praise strengthen faith and release fresh joy
Rom 4:20 His faith did not leave him, and he did not doubt God's
promise; his faith filled him with power, as he gave praise to God.
Is 29:19 The humble will increase their joy in the LORD
● It’s hard to discourage those who carry joy from gratefulness
Is 61:3 God gives to those who mourn, beauty for ashes, the oil of joy
for mourning, the garment of (expressive) praise for the spirit of
heaviness;
● Paul said I could have a pity party, or a praise party
Acts 16:24-26 He, having received such a [strict] command, threw them
into the inner prison (dungeon) and fastened their feet in the stocks [in
an agonizing position]. 25 But about midnight when Paul and Silas
were praying and singing Loud praise to God, and the prisoners were
listening to them; 26 suddenly there was a great earthquake, so
[powerful] that the very foundations of the prison were shaken and at
once all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were
unfastened.
● March is the season of purim where favor turned things around
Es 9:22 (March) is the month which was turned from sorrow to joy, and
from mourning to a holiday (Purim) that they should make them days
of feasting and joy, of sending presents to one another and to the poor.

Finding Help in the time of need
1. God helps Us By Increasing His level of Mercy and Grace in Our Lives

Heb 4:16 Let us approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive  mercy and find grace to help us in times of need.

Js 4:6 But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble."

Heb 13:6 So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”

2. Mercy is God’s Help – This is God's Compassion, His Love in Action

Eph 2:4-5 God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead in sins, he gave saved us by Grace

Lk 10:30-37 “A man was traveling and was attacked by bandits. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him up, and left him half dead beside the road. 31 “By chance a priest came along. But when he saw the man  lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by. 32A Temple assistant walked over and looked at him lying there, but he
also passed by on the other side. 33 “Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him. 34Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took
him to an inn, where he took care of him. 35 The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins, telling him, ‘Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I’ll pay you the next time I’m here. 36 “Now which of these three would you say was merciful ?” Jesus asked. 37 The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.” Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same.”

Lk 6:36 You must be (merciful) compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate (merciful).

3. Grace Is God’s help – We Have Entered Into a Season of Blessing

Ps 84:11 For the LORD God gives favor

Ps 102:13 You will arise and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show favor to her; the appointed time has come.

● Grace - is a free gift, it is favor, its unearned and undeserved blessing, ability, opportunity, wisdom, joy and strength from God
● We have and are entering a season of God’s favor overtaking us

Amos 9:13 “Behold, the days are coming,” says the LORD, “When the plowman shall overtake the one who gathers the harvest, And the one who treads the grapes [shall overtake] him who sows the seed [for the harvest continues until planting time]; [everything that was once
barren will overflow with streams of blessing].

Deut 28:2 And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the LORD your God:

Lev 26:10 Your harvests will be so plentiful that they will last for a year, and even then you will have to throw away what is left of the old harvest to make room for the new.

4. Believe You Receive (Take It By Faith) Mercy And Grace

Heb 4:6 (amp) let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [the throne of God’s gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [amazing] grace to help in time of need [the right blessing, coming at the right time]

Mk 11:24 whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

Matt 21:22 You can pray for anything in faith, and you will receive it

For Such A Time As This – The Power Of The Favor Of Our Lord
Esther 4:14 For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and
deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your
father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the
kingdom into your royal position for such a time as this
1. Seeking the Favor of Our King in Prayer Releases Favor with Man
Esther 4:16 Go, gather all the Jews that are present, and fast for me do
not eat or drink for three days. I and my maids also will fast in the same
way. Then I will go in to [see] the king [without being summoned] (for
Favor) which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish
1 Tim 6:15 Christ the King of all kings and Lord of all lords
Heb 4:16 Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace
[that is, the throne of God’s gracious favor] with confidence and without
fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His
amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming
just at the right moment].
Prov 3:4 Then find favor and much success in the sight of God and man
2. Prayer and Fasting Release Favor and Victory Over Every Enemy
Neh 1:4,11 I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I
mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. 11 Lord, let
your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant. Give your servant
success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man
Matt 17:21 This kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting
● The power of our prayers is our faith in the name of Jesus
● Fasting helps with our flesh, which helps our faith in His name
● Fasting helps us to be more sensitive to the spirit in our Prayers
● We can stop and expose the enemies plans through our prayer
3. Favor will Turn it Around – From Sorrow to Joy
Esther 9:22 The Jews had rest from their enemies, as the month which
was turned from sorrow to joy for them, and from mourning to a
holiday (Purim); that they should make them days of feasting and joy, of
sending presents to one another and gifts to the poor
Ps 30:11 You have changed my sadness into a joyful dance; you have
(taken away my sorrow) and surrounded me with joy
● Sorrow means You turned my prayers into favor and victory
● Over every demonic decree, We decree this is the year of favor
Is 61:2-3 Proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of
vengeance and retribution of our God, to comfort all who mourn,
3 To give to those who mourn in Zion, beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for
mourning, the garment of (expressive) praise for the spirit of heaviness
Tithe and Offerings – Giving Generously With Joy Releases God’s Favor
2 Cor 9:6-8 [Remember] this: he who sows sparingly will reap sparingly,
and he who sows generously will reap generously [and be blessed] 7 Let
each one as he has decided in his heart, not grudgingly or under
compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver [and delights in the one
whose heart is in his gift]. 8 And God is able to make all grace [every
favor and earthly blessing] come in abundance to you

Supernatural Favor - Seeking The Favor Of Our King

1. There is Power in our Prayers – Working with God in Prayer

Jer 29:11-13 “I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart

● Seeking God wholeheartedly releases God’s promises
● When we pray we must pray the Word because this is God’s plan

Dan 9:3,20-23 I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes. 20 While I was speaking and praying, confessing my sin and the sin of my people and making my request to the Lord my God for his holy hill 21 while I was still in prayer, Gabriel, the angel came to me in swift flight about the time of the evening sacrifice. 22 He instructed me and said to me, “Daniel, I have now come to give you insight and understanding. 23 As soon as you began to pray, a word went out, which I have come to tell
you, for you are highly esteemed

● God needs somebody to pay the price in prayer and stand in the gap
● Prayer time is where we get our hearts right with God

2. Prayer and Fasting are a Dynamic Duo

Matt 17:21 (AMP) This kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting

● The devil doesn’t come out because we don’t eat. He comes out because we have been given a name that’s above every name: Jesus
● Fasting helps with our flesh, which helps our faith and our prayers

Matt 26:41 “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak”

● Fasting helps us to be more sensitive to the spirit in our Prayers

Matt 16:18-19 I will build my church, and the gates of Hell will not stop it. 19 I will give you the keys (authority) of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind (forbid) on earth will be bound (forbidden) in heaven, and whatever you loose (Permit) on earth will be loosed (permitted) in heaven.” (it’s time to let the devil know who’s in charge)

Matt 12:28-29 But if it is by the Spirit of God that I drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. 29 Or again, how can anyone enter a strong man’s house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can plunder his house

3. Seeking the Favor of our King Releases Favor with Man

Heb 4:16 Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God’s gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming
just at the right moment]

1 Tim 6:15 Christ the King of all kings and Lord of all lords

Esther 4:16 “Go, gather all the Jews that are present, and fast for me do not eat or drink for three days. I and my maids also will fast in the same way. Then I will go in to [see] the king [without being summoned] (for Favor) which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish.”

Prov 3:4 Then find favor and much success in the sight of God and man
Neh 1:4,11 I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. 11 Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man

● Jacob received favor from God and with man, Israel had favor with God and men, Joseph had Favor with God and man

Lk 2:52 Jesus grew in wisdom, stature, and in favor with God and man

Preparing for Supernatural Favor – Stay Completely Dependent on Him

1. Commit to Staying Completely Dependent Upon God

Is 40:31 AMP But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] Will gain new strength and renew their power; They will lift up their wings [and rise up close to God] like eagles [rising toward the sun]; They will run and not become weary, They will walk
and not grow tired.

John 15:5-8 Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. 6 Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. 7 But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! 8 When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.

Acts 17:28 For in Him we live and move and exist.

● Depending upon God means leaning on Him, clinging to Him, and relying on His help and support #humility

● We cannot declare independence in any area of our hearts and lives

Phil 4:13 NLT For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

2. Commit to Staying in Agreement with God’s Word – Fear not, Only Believe

Isaiah 55:10-11 As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, 11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

Num 23:19 NLT God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so He does not change His mind. Has He ever spoken and failed to act? Has He ever promised and not carried it through?

Heb 11:6 AMP But without faith it is impossible to [walk with God and] please Him, for whoever comes [near] to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He rewards those who [earnestly and diligently] seek Him.

Children:
Prov 22:6 KJV Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Is 49:25 KJV For I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children.

Is 54:13 KJV And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children.

Health:
Is 53:5 NLT But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed.

Ps 91:16 With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation

Prosperity:
Ps 66:12 KJV We went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place.

Prov 24:3-4 AMP Through [skillful and godly] wisdom a house [a life, a home, a family] is built, and by understanding it is established [on a sound and good foundation], 4 And by knowledge its rooms are filled With all precious and pleasant riches.

Purpose:
Matt 28:19-20 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations

Phil 4:6-7 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Preparing For Supernatural Favor - Receive Favor From The Throne Of God

1. Something Special Happens in and to Us When We Truly Seek the Lord

Heb 4:16 Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [the throne of God’s favor] with confidence, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment]

Prov 8:17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early (diligently) shall find me

Heb 11:6 He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him

2. At The Throne Old Habits are Broken and We are Transformed

Ps 24:6 This is the generation of Jacob that seek him, that seek your face

Gen 32:26-28,30 “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” 27 The man asked him, “What is your name?” “Jacob,” he answered. 28 Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, 30 So Jacob called the place Peniel (face or vision of God) that sees God , saying, It is because I saw God face to face, and yet my life was spared

3. At the Throne Trust, Intimacy, Destinies and Anointings are Imparted

Jer 29:13 You will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart

Ex 33:11 The LORD would speak with Moses face-to-face, like a friend. Then Moses would return to the camp. But the young man who was his helper, Joshua son of Nun, stayed in the Tent

4. At the Throne We Find Ourselves Fulfilled on a Supernatural Level

Jer 2:13 "My people have done two things wrong. They have abandoned me, the fountain of life-giving water. They have also dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that can't hold water

Jn 4:14 Those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again

5. At the Throne the Fear Of Man, of Failure and Every Other Fear Leaves

Gen 15:1 Fear not: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward

Ps 27:1 The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom will I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom will I be afraid?

Ps 17:5 I will be satisfied in Your presence

6. At The Throne We Receive The Joy’s of His Presence

Ps 105:3 May the heart of those who seek the LORD be joyful

Ps 21:6 You make him joyful with the joy of Your presence

Ps 34:5 Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy

Neh 8:10 For the joy of the LORD is your strength

Prov 17:22 A joyful heart is good medicine, a crushed spirit dries bones

7. At the Throne He Restores Our Soul and Our Lives

Jer 31:25 I will refresh the weary soul and replenish all who are weak

Rev 3:20 (NLT) Listen! I stand at the door and knock; if any hear my voice and open the door, I will come into their house and eat with them (restore him), and they will eat with me