Prayer to Save Marriages

 Today marital prayer we're praying with God's word on Joel 2:25 The Lord says, "I will give you back what you lost to the stripping locusts, the cutting locusts, the swarming locusts, and the hopping locusts. It was I who sent this great destroying army against you.

God's word is spirit and life in every marriages that are having problems and difficulties. God said according to His that He will it them back. Joel 2:25.

PRAYER POINTS

1. I command every home breaker, responsible for the chaos in my marriage to confess by fire, and I break their satanic hold over my marriage today and I declare restoration of my marriage in the name of Jesus.

2. All evil counsellors against our home, by silenced forever in the name of Jesus.

3. I scatter all arrangements between any strange man/woman and my husband/wife, in the name of Jesus.

4. I cause confusion and deep hatred between my husband/wife and any strange man/woman in the name of Jesus.

5. I will get the favour and love of my husband/wife, in Jesus’ name

6. Oh God arise and save my dear marriage from decay in Jesus name

7. Dear Holy spirit, convict my spouse of sin and restore them back to God in Jesus name.

8. I stand against any competition by strange women or girls/men and command them to ‘release me and my marriage, in the name of Jesus.

9. I stand against any demonic inlaws and command them to ‘release me and my marriage, in the name of Jesus.

10. I stand against any financial failure and poverty and command them to ‘release me and my marriage, in the name of Jesus.

11. I stand against any spirit husband and wives and command them to ‘release me and my marriage, in the name of Jesus.

12. I stand against any demonic marks and command them to ‘release me and my marriage, in the name of Jesus.

13. I stand against any anti marriage destruction and command them to ‘release me and my marriage, in the name of Jesus.

14. I stand against any spirit of fear and command them to ‘release me and my marriage, in the name of Jesus.

15. I stand against any spirit of jazebel and command them to ‘release me and my marriage, in the name of Jesus.

16. I stand against any ancestral spirit from my father or mothers side and command them to ‘release me and my marriage, in the name of Jesus.

17. I stand against any marriage curses and command them to ‘release me and my marriage, in the name of Jesus.

18. I stand against any anti marriage covenants and command them to ‘release me and my marriage, in the name of Jesus.

19. I stand against any spirit of misunderstanding and command them to ‘release me and my marriage, in the name of Jesus.

20. I stand against any ungodly attachments to parents and command them to ‘release me and my marriage, in the name of Jesus.

May you share your testimony soon in Jesus Name 🙏 🙏 🙏.

The Offense of Fearing Man

 Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned, for I have transgressed the commandment of the Lord and your words, because I feared the people and obeyed their voice.” (1 Samuel 15:24)

Why did Saul obey the people instead of God? Because he feared the people instead of God. He feared the human consequences of obedience more than he feared the divine consequences of disobedience. He feared the displeasure of the people more than the displeasure of God. And that is a great insult to God. 

In fact, Isaiah says it is a kind of pride to be afraid of what man can do while we disregard the promises of God. He quotes God with this piercing question: “I, I am he who comforts you; who are you that you are afraid of man who dies, of the son of man who is made like grass, and have forgotten the Lord, your Maker?” (Isaiah 51:12–13). 

Fear of man may not feel like pride, but that’s what God says it is, “Who do you think you are to fear man and forget me your Maker!”

The point is this: If you fear man, you have begun to deny the holiness, the worth of God and his Son, Jesus. God is infinitely stronger than man. He is infinitely wiser and infinitely more full of reward and joy. 

To turn from him out of fear of what man can do is to discount all that God promises to be for those who fear him. It is a great insult. And in such an insult God can take no pleasure. 

On the other hand, when we hear God’s promises and trust him with courage, fearing the reproach brought upon God by our unbelief, then he is greatly honored. And in that he has much pleasure.

How to Plead for Unbelievers

 Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. (Romans 10:1)

Paul prays that God would convert Israel. He prays for her salvation! He does not pray for ineffectual influences, but for effectual influences. And that is how we should pray too. 

We should take the new covenant promises of God and plead with God to bring them to pass in our children and our neighbors and on all the mission fields of the world. 

God, take out of their flesh the heart of stone and give them a new heart of flesh. (Ezekiel 11:19)

Circumcise their heart so that they love you! (Deuteronomy 30:6)

Father, put your Spirit within them and cause them to walk in your statutes. (Ezekiel 36:27)

Grant them repentance and a knowledge of the truth that they may escape from the snare of the devil. (2 Timothy 2:25–26)

Open their hearts so that they believe the gospel! (Acts 16:14) 

When we believe in the sovereignty of God — in the right and power of God to elect and then bring hardened sinners to faith and salvation — then we will be able to pray with no inconsistency, and with the confidence of great biblical promises for the conversion of the lost.

Thus, God has pleasure in this kind of praying because it ascribes to him the right and honor to be the free and sovereign God that he is in election and salvation.

SEEK FIRST SPIRITUAL NEEDS!

 EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

TUESDAY JUNE 18, 2024.

SUBJECT: SEEK FIRST SPIRITUAL NEEDS!

Memory verse: "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." (Matthew 6 vs 33.)

READ: Luke 10 vs 38 - 42: 

10:38: Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house.

10:39: And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. 

10:40: But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.”

10:41: And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things.

10:42: But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen the good part, which will not be taken away from her.”

INTIMATION:

Having right priorities produce good choices. Our spiritual needs should take precedence over our physical needs. It is good to care for our physical needs, but the spiritual needs of man are always more important. Therefore, one must not use the service of physical needs as an excuse to neglect the spiritual needs that is more important in our lives. 

Even in offering your service, let your service be of your best interest, and best desired by whom you are offering the service to. Avoid your service becoming self-serving, or degenerate into mere busywork, that is not to your best interest, and that of whom you are serving. 

In the passage we read today, Mary and Martha were both in service to Jesus in their house, the One they both loved. But Martha was very busy with the household chores, and was distracted with much serving, which was a wrong priority for her at the time, though she was doing a needed and good work. The physical needs of her guest should not have taken precedence over her spiritual needs which was the most important her guest has to deliver. She didn't realize that in her desire to serve the physical needs, she was actually neglecting her guest’s desire to give the spiritual need. 

God should be first in our lives, therefore, we should seek Him and His Word first before any other thing. The Word of God is our spiritual need that ought to take precedence over our physical needs. You can be so busy doing things for Jesus that you're not spending any quality time with Him. It is likened to being busy with assigned duties in your service unit in the church that you don't hear the preaching from the pulpit. Jesus, realizing the wrong priorities of Martha, gently corrected her and advised her to set her priorities right. 

Though Martha’s works were good but were not to her best interest. She got so busy that she found it hard to relax and enjoy her guest. Her service to Jesus degenerated into mere busywork that was no longer full of devotion to Him. The personal attention she gave her guests should be more important than the comforts she tried to provide for them. Avoid your service being self-serving or busywork like Martha's

You may be working for God effectively and still not serving Him appropriately. This was the sin of Jehu. In Second Kings 10 vs 30 - 31 the Bible says:- "And the Lord said to Jehu, 'Because you have done well in doing what is right in My sight, and have done to the house of Ahab all that was in My heart, your sons shall sit on the throne of Israel to the fourth generation. But Jehu took no heed to walk in the law of the Lord God of Israel with all his heart, for he did not depart from the sins of Jeroboam, who had made Israel sin." 

Jehu had become God's instrument for carrying out justice, but he had not become God's servant. Check the condition of your heart toward God, ensure you are not giving only lip service to God. We can be very active in our work for God and still not give the heartfelt obedience He desires. Our greatest desire should be live in the presence of the Lord each day of our lives. Sadly, this is not the greatest desire of many who claim to be believers. Many substitute commitment and obedience to God, and His Word with busywork in form of services to the church, which, to a large extent, is self-serving—wanting to be seen as workers in His vineyard while their heart is far away from Him.

Being in His presence requires communion with Him through prayers, and hearing from Him. We most effectively hear from Him via His Word. Therefore, total attention is required from us to His Word. Any services we offer that takes away our complete attention to His Word degenerates into self-service, or busywork. 

Prayer: Abba Father, engrace me with the wisdom and understanding to seek first my spiritual needs in order to serve You appropriately; in my best interest, and with total commitment and attention to You, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed, Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!

LEAD A FAITH-FILLED CHRISTIAN LIFE!

 EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

MONDAY JUNE 17, 2024.

SUBJECT: LEAD A FAITH-FILLED CHRISTIAN LIFE!

Memory verse: “For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” (Hebrews 6 vs 10.) 

READ: First Thessalonians 1 vs 2 - 8:

1:2: We give thanks to God for you all, making mention of you in our prayers,

1:3: remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father,

1:4: knowing, beloved brethren, your election of God.

1:5: For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.

1:6: And you became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit,

1:7: so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe.

1:8:  For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything.

INTIMATION:

How would people describe your Christian life? As Christians, our calling from God is to become like Christ (Romans 8 vs 29). This is a gradual lifelong process that will be completed when we see Christ face to face (First John 3 vs 2). To be worthy of this calling means to want to do what is right and good (as Christ would). We aren’t perfect yet, but we’re moving in that direction as God works in us. 

The Thessalonian Christians, in apostle Paul’s days, excelled in three areas of discipleship that exemplified them as a truly converted group of people. They were exemplary—a role model—in their work produced by faith; they were not disciples who simply believed in God and Jesus. Their faith was carried into action with an obedient response to the grace of God. 

In their labor prompted by love in their relationship with one another moved them into action to care for one another. And their endurance was inspired by hope; hope of eternity in heaven moved them to remain committed to that which is necessary to arrive at their eternal dwelling in heaven. Because of their hope of heaven, they remained committed to Christ. Once one gives up hope, he or she loses his or her incentive to maintain a life that is governed by the principles of Christ. Their work, labor, and patience were all in Christ. 

These characteristics are the marks of Christians in any age. Even in persecution they stood firm (1 vs 6; 3 vs 1 - 4, 7, 8). They welcomed the pain and troubles with joy, and the joy with the trouble. The message of salvation, though welcomed with great joy, brought the Thessalonians severe affliction (suffering) because it led to persecution from both Jews and Gentiles (3 vs 2 - 4; Acts 17 vs 5.) 

The believers in both Macedonia and Achaia looked up to the believers in Thessalonica due to their exemplary Christian lifestyles. The news about them had spread all around the provinces. Their lives were echoing Christ’s Word, not only in the provinces but all over the places. The news of their faith in God was great that the apostles felt that their jobs were already done, as they didn’t need to preach anymore messages—the believers’ lifestyles were the message. 

How would people evaluate your work of faith? Do you melt at little challenges of life? Or can you proudly show your works produced by faith in God? Many Christians, at little shaking in life by unfavorable circumstances, will become weak in faith, and succumb to searching for alternatives that usually lead them away from following Christ. They will resort to visiting various native doctors, and prayers houses which are manned by native doctors or false prophets (wolf in sheep's clothing). 

How have you labored in love for Christ: reaching out to unsaved souls, doing the extra to ensure the spreading of the Good News of the gospel? Many Christians think that reaching out to unsaved souls is primarily the exclusive preserve of the pastors or ministers of the gospel. Christ’s command is to all believers: “And he said to them, Go into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16 vs 15). The “ministry of reconciliation” is given to all who are, by faith, children of God, reconciled to Him through faith in Christ (Second Corinthians 5 vs 18 - 19).  We have been equipped with the Good News—the gospel—“the word of reconciliation” to share.

Many believers today think that pain is an exception in Christian life. When suffering occurs, they say, “Why Me?” They feel as though God deserted them, or they may accuse Him of not being dependable as they thought He should be. In reality, the world is sinful, so even believers suffer. Some will start querying if God is still on His Throne. He allows some Christians to become martyrs for the faith, and He allows others to survive persecution. 

Rather than asking, “Why me?” we should ask, “Why not me?” Our faith and the values of this world are on collision course. If we expect pain and suffering to come, we will not be shocked when they occur. We can take comfort in knowing that Jesus also suffered. He understands our fears, our weaknesses, and our disappointments (Hebrews 2 vs 16 - 18; 4 vs 14 - 16). He promised never to leave us (Matthew 28 vs 18 - 20), and He intercedes on our behalf (Hebrews 7 vs 24 - 25). In times of pain, persecution, or suffering, trust confidently in Christ.

Believers are elected by God Himself (John 6 vs 44 & 65). Being chosen comes from the heart of God (not our minds). It should be an incentive to please God, rather than ignore Him, and should give birth to gratitude rather than being complacent. Human responsibility requires that we actively confess Christ as Lord, focus on living to please Him, and share the gospel with others.

Prayer: Abba Father, thank You so much for the privilege of adopting me as Your child. You demonstrated in Christ Your unalloyed love for me. Let Your love that has been poured out in my heart by the Holy Spirit engender my exemplary Christian life in my work, love, and patient hope in You, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed. Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!

What Kind of Prayer Pleases God?

 “This is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.” (Isaiah 66:2)

The first mark of the upright heart is that it trembles at the word of the Lord. 

Isaiah 66 deals with the problem of some who worship in a way that pleases God and some who worship in a way that doesn’t. Verse 3 describes the wicked who bring their sacrifices, “He who slaughters an ox is like one who kills a man.” Their sacrifices are an abomination to God — on a par with murder. Why? 

In verse 4 God explains, “When I called, no one answered, when I spoke, they did not listen.” Their sacrifices were abominations to God because the people were deaf to his voice. But what about those whose prayers God heard? God says in verse 2, “This is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.” 

I conclude from this that the first mark of the upright, whose prayers are a delight to God, is that they tremble at God’s word. These are the people to whom the Lord will look. 

So, the prayer of the upright that delights God comes from a heart that at first feels precarious in the presence of God. It trembles at the hearing of God’s word, because it feels so far from God’s ideal and so vulnerable to his judgment and so helpless and so sorry for its failings. 

This is just what David said in Psalm 51:17, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” The first thing that makes a prayer acceptable to God is the brokenness and humility of the one who prays. They tremble at his word.

HOW TO EFFECTIVELY EVANGELIZE TO ALL PEOPLE!

 EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

SUNDAY JUNE 16, 2024.

SUBJECT : HOW TO EFFECTIVELY EVANGELIZE TO ALL PEOPLE!

Memory verse: "Just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved." (First Corinthians 10 vs 33.)

READ: First Corinthians 9 vs 19 - 23:

9:19: For though I am free from all men, yet have I made myself servant to all, that I might win the more.

9:20: and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win the Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law;

9:21: to those who are without law, as without law, (not being without law toward God, but under the law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law.

9:22: to the weak became I as weak, that I might win the weak: I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

9:23: Now this I do for the gospel's sake, that I may be partaker of it with you.

INTIMATION:

Zealous preaching and advocacy of the gospel require important principles generally accepted for reaching a wider audience. These principles employable in effective and efficient service in ministry, require paying adequate attention to your peculiar environment, and circumstances surrounding you at anytime. These principles are: (1) Finding common ground with those you contact; (2) avoiding a know-it-all attitude; (3) making others feel accepted; (4) being sensitive to their needs and concerns; and (5) looking for opportunities to tell them about Christ. These principles have remained valid as all-time techniques in soul winning.

The aforementioned principles call for Christians being all things to all people. You must learn how to assume the level of your discussant for effective communication between you people. It is, most times, not effective to assume either an inferior or superior position with the other party. Though, it is not an easy task, but you necessarily will come to the level of your discussant. If you feel inferior, you might be rejected, and if you feel superior you might be scaring the other party. 

In the Bible passage we read today, the apostle Paul shares his experience and techniques in ministry. He said, though he was free of the demands and expectations of everyone, he voluntarily became a servant to any, and all in order to reach a wide range of people; religious, non-religious, meticulous moralists, loose-living immoralists, the defeated, the demoralized, and whoever. He said, though he didn’t take on their way of life. he kept his bearings in Christ, but he entered their world and tried to experience things from their point of view. He became just about every sort of servant there is in his attempts to lead those he met into a God-saved life. He did all that because of the sake of the gospel. It not that he just talked about it, he was actually in on it.

The apostle Paul was willing to sacrifice his rights. He was willing to sacrifice his right to the material things of life. He was willing to sacrifice his right to maintain his own culture. He was willing to sacrifice all that was necessary in order to get the job done of evangelizing the world. God calls on all evangelists to do no less in obedience to the great commission. The apostle Paul was willing to make any sacrifice that was necessary in order to share with the unbelievers the reward that comes from the result of obedience to the gospel. That reward is eternal life in heaven. The sacrifices of his personal life, therefore, were small in comparison to that which we will receive as a result of God’s grace.  

There is no gainsaying the fact that a shared interest or a common denominator remains the best form of attracting others to a discussion. For instance, current happenings in any society, such as politics, natural disasters, great events etc, are common grounds of engagement in discussion, with reference to the peculiarities of your environment. 

In engaging others in a conversation, avoid a know-it-all attitude; listen to the parties, and appreciate their line of discussion. Always make them feel appreciated and contributing. Even when they may not have the facts or have informed wrongly, find a smart way to pass on the right information to them. For instance, don’t say outright, “You are wrong,” rather say, “But I thought it is this or that.” or, “I also learnt it is this or that.” In so doing the person feels accepted. An outright, “You are wrong” is snobbish and suggests rejection.  

In the course of the discussion, be sensitive to the need and concerns of the other party. For instance, your discussant might be on worries about the state of the economy, leadership style or quality, rising insecurity due to crime in the society or political grandstanding of some politicians that are often not actualized. Show your concerns, and sincerely proffer some solutions. At this point, you are penetrating his conscience, and will easily find your way to introduce Christ to the person Who is the ultimate solution to any concerns and problems.

We limit ourselves to the other person’s conscience because we are to do all things for God’s glory. We do what is best for others, so that they might be saved. We should also be sensitive to the meaning of our actions to new souls who are sorting out how to renounce sinful ways from the past and live for Christ. Our actions must be motivated by God’s love so that all we do will be for His glory. Keep this as a guiding principle by asking, “Is this action glorifying God?” Or “How can I honor God through this action?”

Effective soul winners are hardly offended, and without oversensitive consciences. Believers must not project their standards onto others. Many believers who have been Christians for years are still oversensitive and judgmental of others. Instead, be guided by God’s love nature, and showcase it in your relationship with others. We should try our best to be considerate of everyone’s feelings in all we do.

Prayer: Abba Father, endue me with the spirit of servanthood that I may be humble and selfless, adopting Your nature of love in all I do to win souls to Your kingdom, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed. Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!