There was no one quite like him. He could do anything—interpret dreams, solve mysteries, explain puzzles. His name is Daniel, but he was renamed Belteshazzar by the king. Have Daniel called in. He’ll tell you what is going on here.” Daniel 5:12 MSG

Inasmuch as an excellent spirit, knowledge, understanding, interpreting dreams, solving riddles, and explaining enigmas were found in this Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar, now let Daniel be called, and he will give the interpretation.” Daniel 5:12 NKJV

“Don’t pray for opportunities. Opportunities will come. Pray to be ready when they come.” – Edwin Louis Cole

31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31

36 For you have need of endurance (patience), so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise. Heb. 10:36

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters” Colossians 3:23 NIV

Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold. Proverbs 8:10 NIV

Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge. Proverbs 23:12 NIV

The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Proverbs 4:7 NIV

Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel, Proverbs 20:15 NIV

Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before unknown men. Proverbs 22:29 NKJV

Step One: Use What You Have

“To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away.” Matthew 25:29 NLT

Step Two: Embrace New, Stretching Opportunities, Responsibilities, and Challenges

Step Three: Practice, Practice, Practice

Step Four: Pay Attention to Good Examples and Teachers

Step Five: Never Give Anything Less Than Your Best. Be a Second Mile Person.

Four different types of people:

1. Producers

2. Identifiers

3. Complainers

4. Problem Solvers

Do not fret because of evildoers, Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity. 2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, And wither as the green herb. 3 Trust in the Lord, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. 4 Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass. 6 He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light ,And your justice as the noonday. Psalms 37:1-6 NKJV

Slide #1 - $1,000 @ 10% - $100 Interest = $1,100

Slide #2 - The second year: 10% Interest on $1,100 is $110 = $1,210

Slide #3 - Year 3 – 10% Interest on $1,210 = $121

Slide #4 - Year 4 – 10% Interest on $1,331 = $133

Slide #5 - Year 5 – 10% Interest on $1,464 = $146

Slide #6 – After 5 years… $1,610

Slide #7 – At end of 40 years… $45,000

Main Idea: When we pray and fast we make room for God’s presence in our life.

5 “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Matthew 6:5-8

“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Matthew 6:16-18

Takeaway:

When we pray and fast we make room for God’s presence in our life.

Prayer and Fasting don’t change God’s character, but can change ours.

Prayer and Fasting are not about religious performance, but humility of our hearts.

39 When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. 40 And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him. 41 His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. 42 And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast. 43 When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it. Luke 2:39-43

44 but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances. Luke 2:44

45 So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him. 46 Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. Matthew 2:45-47

48 So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.” 49 And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” 50 But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them. Luke 2:48-50

When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. 11And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 2:10-11

#1. Be STUBBORN!!

“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:29 (NIV)

“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” Matthew 5:5NIV

Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth. Numbers 12:3 KJV

For I have come down from heaven not to do My will but to do the will of Him who sent Me. John 6:38 NIV

#2. Be SELFISH. PRESS for your Passions and demand Your DREAMS!

#3. Hold On To Your HURTS!

See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. Hebrews 12:15 NIV

#4. COMPARE Yourself With OTHERS!

When Peter noticed him, he asked Jesus, “Master, what’s going to happen to him?” 22 Jesus said, “If I want him to live until I come again, what’s that to you? You — follow Me.” John 21:21-22 MSG

"For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.” James 3:16 NLT

Do you remember the best Christmas gift you ever received?

“This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭1:18-23‬ ‭NIV‬‬

16 For God so loved the world that He GAVE His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16

6Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who GIVES, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. Romans 12:6-8

v. 6 – “Prophecy” - You declare an insight of the Holy Spirit resulting in edification, exhortation and comfort to others (1 Cor. 14:3).

v. 7 – “Ministry” (Serving/Helps) – Enjoy meeting needs on a practical basis.

v. 7 – “Teaching” – Enjoy searching out and presenting Scriptural truths.

v. 8 – “Exhortation” (Encouragement) – admonishes and encourages others (Barnabas)

v. 8 – “Giving” – Enjoys meeting material needs, often through finances (Barnabas)

v. 8 - “Leading” (Administration) – Effective in organizing and leading others in a task.

v. 8 – “Mercy” – Empathize and show compassion to others.

9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; 11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; 13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Romans 12:9-15 NKJV

#1. God Can Use People You Don’t Know To Bless You.

#2. God Can Take Care Of Your Tomorrow’s.

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” Matthew 2:1-2

#3. God Can Override The Systems Of This Universe To Get You The Help You Need!

A.W Tozer says, What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.”

Matthew 1:21-23-She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus,[f] because he will save his people from their sins.”

22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).

John 1:14a

The Word became flesh and blood,

and moved into the neighborhood.

John 1:1- In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Jesus the Word of God.

Colossians 1:15-16: Christ is the visible image of the invisible God.

He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation,[e]

16

for through him God created everything

in the heavenly realms and on earth.

He made the things we can see

and the things we can’t see—

such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world.

Everything was created through him and for him.

Hebrews 1:3- Jesus is the prefect expression of God’s character. The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command.

John 14:6-9 6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. 7 If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is.[c] From now on, you do know him and have seen him!”

8 Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.”

9 Jesus replied, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don’t know who I am? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father! So why are you asking me to show him to you?

“The last Thursday in November be a day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwells in the heavens.” - President Abraham Lincoln, 1863

11Now it happened as He went to Jerusalem that He passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. 12Then as He entered a certain village, there met Him ten men who were lepers, who stood afar off. 13And they lifted up their voices and said, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” 14So when He saw them, He said to them, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And so it was that as they went, they were cleansed. 15And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, 16and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan. Luke 17:11-16

Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases,Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s... For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. Psalms 103:1-5, 11-12

Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. Hebrews 13:15

22Then the multitude rose up together against them; and the magistrates tore off their clothes and commanded them to be beaten with rods. 23And when they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to keep them securely. 24Having received such a charge, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. 25But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. 26Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed. Acts 16:22-36

“Sing, O barren, You who have not borne! Break forth into singing, and cry aloud, You who have not labored with child! For more are the children of the desolate Than the children of the married woman,” says the Lord.

“Enlarge the place of your tent, And let them stretch out the curtains of your dwellings; Do not spare; Lengthen your cords,And strengthen your stakes. For you shall expand to the right and to the left, And your descendants will inherit the nations, And make the desolate cities inhabited. Isaiah 54:1-3

17So Jesus answered and said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? 18Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” And He said to him, “Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well.” Luke 17:17-19

36Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful. 37“Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” Luke 6:36-38

7“If there is among you a poor man of your brethren, within any of the gates in your land which the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart nor shut your hand from your poor brother, 8but you shall open your hand wide to him and willingly lend him sufficient for his need, whatever he needs. 9Beware lest there be a wicked thought in your heart, saying, ‘The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand,’ and your eye be evil against your poor brother and you give him nothing, and he cry out to the Lord against you, and it become sin among you. 10You shall surely give to him, and your heart should not be grieved when you give to him, because for this thing the Lord your God will bless you in all your works and in all to which you put your hand. 11For the poor will never cease from the land; therefore I command you, saying, ‘You shall open your hand wide to your brother, to your poor and your needy, in your land.’ 12“If your brother, a Hebrew man, or a Hebrew woman, is sold to you and serves you six years, then in the seventh year you shall let him go free from you. 13And when you send him away free from you, you shall not let him go away empty-handed; 14you shall supply him liberally from your flock, from your threshing floor, and from your winepress. From what the Lord has blessed you with, you shall give to him. 15You shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the Lord your God redeemed you; therefore I command you this thing today. Deuteronomy 15:7-15