Pray Meaningfully

STRENGTH FOR MY DAYS 
A Daily Devotional by Bishop David Bakare

Pray Meaningfully

Saturday, 31 August

 

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. Ephesians 6:18

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY: Ephesians 3:11-21 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: 12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. 13 Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. 14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; 17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; 19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. 20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

 MORE LESSON: Ephesians 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

 

God wants His children to pray purposefully, meaningfully and specifically. He does not want us to just pray; He wants our prayer to be effective, " effectual " because it is the effectual, fervent prayer of the righteous that avails much (James 5:16).

Many times when believers pray, the prayer is very light in content; it lacks purpose and direction and is not very specific in nature. The result is that it does not make much impact as the same amount of prayer that is meaningful would do.

A prayer that is effective has the following qualities, amongst other things.

i. It is very specific in nature, aimed at a specific object. Mark 11:24 says: Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.

ii. It is not selfish or self-centred, but aims at getting God glorified and His will to be done on earth as Jesus taught His disciples in Matthew 6:9-10: After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

iii. It is scripture-based and scripture driven since the Word of God is the will of God. Effective prayer is offered based on the Word of God. 1 John 5:14 assures us that: And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us.

iv. Effective prayer is prayed in the name of Jesus Christ. His name is the key that unlocks the treasure house of God.

v. Also, such prayer is prayed in expectation and faith that our faithful God will give a specific answer to our prayers. He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him as Hebrews 11:6 puts it: But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Apostle Paul did a lot of praying for the churches that He founded. They were not empty and vague prayers; they were meaningful, purposeful, focused and robust requests that the will of God may be done in the lives of his converts in very specific terms.

Your own prayer also should be that rich, then you will move from glory to glory. Ephesians 6:18 exhorts us: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.

 

Prayer/Action

* Give thanks to God who answers prayers.

* Ask the Holy Spirit to enrich your prayer life and for strength to prevail in prayer.

* Ask the Lord to raise and anoint more intercessors in your church.

 

TODAY’S PROPHETIC PRAYER: My ever-faithful Shepherd, thank You for Your wonderful hand upon me, in August. Hallelujah!

His Ways are Past Finding

STRENGTH FOR MY DAYS 
A Daily Devotional by Bishop David Bakare

His Ways are Past Finding

Friday, 30 August

 

O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! Romans 11:33

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY: Romans 11:33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

 

MORE LESSON: Romans 4:17-22 (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. 18 Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. 19 And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb: 20  He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; 21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. 22 And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.

 

God works in mysterious ways. A mystery is anything that cannot be easily understood by mere human reasoning. This means that God’s ways cannot be understood by human reasoning. Trying to understand how God will do a thing by reasoning our way through it is one of the most frustrating things to do. When people are challenged, they keep trying to find out when God will do it, how He will do it and who He will use. In Jonah 1:17, a fish transported Jonah to where God sent him. In Matthew 17:27, Jesus needed to pay taxes and He asked Peter to go to the river. Reading that scripture again, I noticed the money was not in the belly of the fish but in the mouth. So there was no waste; he just removed the money without hurting the fish.

There is a way God can settle you without you losing anything. The fish went back to the river, the money paid the bill and everybody was okay. The Red Sea was parted by a rod, and you wonder how an ordinary stick can divide water. God’s ways indeed are past finding. So, when you are waiting on God for divine settlement, here are some things you should do.

1. Have faith in God : Romans 4:17 says: ...I have made you father of many nations before him whom he believed even God who callest those things which be not as thou they were. When holding on to the promise of God, one thing to do is to keep reminding yourself that, “I don’t know how and when but I know God who quickens the dead: He can make those things which be not to appear.” Even if what you need does not exist, God is able to bring it to existence. Don’t waste your energy on how and when, just keep believing and be more interested in reminding yourself of what He can do. Abraham kept believing; he didn’t allow anything to weaken his confidence. God cannot forget you; you are the sheep of His pasture. Keep believing.

2. Keep praising Him: Abraham kept praising Him. When men are comparing you with other people tell them: “I praise God, I am not my colleague; mine will come because God is ever faithful.”

3. Stay in righteousness: Romans 4:22 says: …therefore it was imputed for him for righteousness.… A righteous walk is a covenant work for signs and wonder; as you wait, walk right before God.

God is able to do all things but you must keep believing Him, keep thanking Him and walk in righteousness. What He says He will do He will do. Isaiah 25:1 says: O LORD, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth. God is faithful and ever true, so stay with Him and your situation will turn to a testimony.

 

Prayer/Action

* Thank God for His ways and dealings in your life and family.

* Thank God for sending destiny helpers your way this season.

* Thank God for leading you through the path of righteousness for His glory.

 

TODAY’S PROPHETIC PRAYER: Standing on the promises of God, and the blood of Jesus, I wipe away every handwriting that is contrary to my destiny, in the mighty name of Jesus.

 

TODAY’S FASTING FOCUS: Steadfast anchor; Hebrews 6:10, 13-19

Minister to your Father

STRENGTH FOR MY DAYS 
A Daily Devotional by Bishop David Bakare

 Minister to your Father

Thursday, 29 August

 

And Isaac loved Esau, because he did eat of his venison: but Rebekah loved Jacob. Genesis 25:28

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY: Matthew 15:1-9 Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying, 2 Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread. 3 But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? 4 For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death. 5 But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; 6 And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition. 7 Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, 8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. 9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

 

MORE LESSON: Genesis 25:28 And Isaac loved Esau, because he did eat of his venison: but Rebekah loved Jacob.

 

Isaac, the son and heir of Abraham had I sons - Esau and Jacob. Without any doubt, he loved both of them as every parent would love his children. But he had his preference. The Bible is very clear on the reason why. He ate the venison that Esau gave him (Genesis 27:4). Esau ministered regularly to his father, giving him something he loved to eat and his father loved him. When you bless somebody regularly with affection and what he or she loves, you promote the bond and it becomes possible for you to receive the best that such person has to give.

If you never learnt anything from Esau before, learn this: minister to your father regularly and consistently, giving him the venison that he loves. You will promote the bond of affection between both of you and the soul of your father will bless you (Genesis 27:4). Your father here, in the first instance, represents your biological parent. Your parents brought you into this world, and most likely, raised you to maturity. You owe them honour, you owe them material blessings and you owe them sustenance, especially in their old age. When you give them these, regularly and consistently, God cannot but bless you with long life, and it shall be well with you on the face of the earth (Ephesians 6:1-3).

Moreover, what you do to your parents is a seed. Your own children will rise up and do the same to you in multiplied forms. Jesus, while preaching on this, rebuked the Pharisees for their hypocrisy. The Pharisees taught their people to offer to God what they ought to have given to their parents. “Wrong”, Jesus screamed. They ought to have given unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and unto God the things that are God's (Matthew 15:1-9). Give to God His due and your parents theirs. Then God will multiply His blessings upon your life.

Your ' father ' in the text of today can also be your pastor, your prophet and your spiritual leader who minister the word of God to you regularly. It is scriptural to bless them with material things from time to time, as God provides for you (Galatians 6:6; 1Corinthians 9:7-12; Matthew 10:41). When you do it with joy, you become a partaker of the grace that is upon their lives, and God blesses you greatly (Philippians 4:13-19).Ephesians 6:2-3 exhorts: Honour thy father and mother ; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

 

Prayer/Action

* Give thanks to God for the life of your biological and spiritual parents.

* Ask the Lord to make you a comfort and a blessing to your parents.

* Ask the Lord to provide for you so that you can bless your parents regularly.

 

TODAY’S PROPHETIC PRAYER: In blessing, I am blessed and I shall see my desire in the land of the living, in the wonderful name of Jesus

The Lord will Make you Strong

STRENGTH FOR MY DAYS 
A Daily Devotional by Bishop David Bakare

The Lord will Make you Strong

Wednesday, 28 August

 

Terrible is God in his sanctuary, the God of Israel, he gives power and strength to his people. Blessed be God! Psalm 68:35

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY: Ephesians 3:14-21 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; 17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; 19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. 20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

 

MORE LESSON: Psalm 68:35 O God, thou art terrible out of thy holy places: the God of Israel is he that giveth strength and power unto his people. Blessed be God.

 

It is God’s desire that you become really strong, so that you can do exploits (Daniel 11:32b). He admonishes His servant in Joshua 1:6- 7,9: Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them. Only be thou strong and very courageous.... Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Paul encouraged the Church in Ephesians 6:10 to: Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Also in Ephesians 3:16 he asked them ...to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man. In II Timothy 2:1 Paul charged his son in the faith, Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

Without any doubt, God wants you to be strong, and He is willing to make you strong indeed. He was the One Who gave strength to Abraham in his old age, and about Sarah his wife, Hebrews 11:11 says: Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed....You too can receive strength today. David was very clear that it was God that strengthened him to run through a troop, to leap over the walls and girded him with strength unto the battle (Psalm 18:39). You too can trust God to clothe you with strength, so you may fulfil His plan for your life. But how can this be?

First, you must submit yourself totally to God; give your life to Christ as your Saviour and Lord. Only then can you be strong in the Lord and in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

Second, you must be filled with the Holy Spirit. Actually, the Holy Spirit is the Strength of God: He is the Spirit of might. Jesus said in Acts 1:8: Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Spirit is come upon you, and ye shall be witness unto me. True strength comes only by the Holy Spirit.

Third, you must learn to “eat the word”: the word of God is the fuel for your strength. The more you feed on God's precious word, the stronger you will be. This is why Paul admonished in Colossians 3:16: Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom.

Finally, you must learn to renew your strength from time to time by waiting upon the Lord. We all need this experience, otherwise we will burn out. Even Jesus our Lord during His earthly ministry would get away from the crowd to stay alone in God's presence to rest, to meditate, to worship, to think, to pray, and to prepare for the future. As you wait upon the Lord, your strength shall be renewed day by day (Isaiah 40:30-31).

 

Prayer/Action

* Give thanks to God who gives strength to His people.

* Ask the Lord to clothe you with His strength.

* Ask the Lord to make you a blessing.

 

TODAY’S PROPHETIC PRAYER: As the Lord lives, my enemies shall be ashamed and sing my song of victory with me, in the precious name of Jesus.

Build your Life on the Word

STRENGTH FOR MY DAYS 
A Daily Devotional by Bishop David Bakare

Build your Life on the Word

Tuesday, 27 August

 

But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you. 1 Peter 1:25

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY: 1 Peter 1:22-25 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: 23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. 24 For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: 25 But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.

 

MORE LESSON: Jeremiah 15:16 Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.

 

For you to be a success in time and eternity, take time to build your life on the word of God. Every human being is like grass that appears now and soon is no more. The glory of man is like the flower that fades so quickly but the word of the Lord stands forever. Therefore, the man who walks in the word of the Lord shall live and abide forever (I John 2:17). The word of the Lord is the real food for your spirit man; feed on it daily so you can be strong (Matthew 4:4).

It is the word of God that will give you a clear direction for every area of your life. Meditate on it daily so you will not be confused (Isaiah 30:2, Psalm 119:105), It is the word of God that will give you a clear understanding of the affairs of life. Read it daily so you can be wise as Psalm 119:130 says: The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. It is the word of God that will keep you from all the defilement and pollution of the lusts of this present world.

Meditate on and walk in it to be holy (John 17:17, John 15: 3). The word of God will give you healing and health. Study it so you can be whole (Proverbs 4: 20-22, Psalm 107: 20). The word of God will give you prosperity in every area of your life if you meditate and act on it daily as psalmist oberved in Psalm 1:1-3: And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

The word of God will give you good success in the affairs of life if you give it real attention. Joshua 1:8 says: This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

If you build your life on the philosophies of men, you will only last for a while. If you build your life on the word of God, you will last forever. Make up your mind to give the word of God a prime place in your life and you will be relevant for all generations. In Jeremiah 15:16 the prophet testified: Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.

 

Prayer/Action

* Give thanks to God Who has made His word available to you.

* Pray that the word of the Lord will be revealed to you and prosper your life.

* Ask God to use you to spread His word in every possible way.

 

TODAY’S PROPHETIC PRAYER: Father, I decree that this month will end on a victory note for me, in the excellent name of Jesus.

Be Generous

STRENGTH FOR MY DAYS 
A Daily Devotional by Bishop David Bakare

Be Generous

Monday, 26 August

 

There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty Proverbs 11:24

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY: Philippians 2:1-4 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, 2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

 

MORE LESSON: Proverbs 11:24-26 There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. 25 The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself. 26 He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.

 

The beauty of life is in giving. John 3:16 says: For God so love the world that He gave his only begotten son, .... This act is the greatest generosity by God to mankind, to restore man to his lost glory. God's mercies to us are new every morning and great is His faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 sums it: ...because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning, great is thy faithfulness. Can you imagine such generosity to mankind, that God's mercies are new over us every morning, despite our frailties and shortcomings. In fact, the psalmist affirmed this in Psalm 68:19: Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation.

One of the true marks of a Christian is generosity. Even people of other religions (Islam, Hinduism, etc) emphasize giving and generosity as key tenets of their faith. Achild of God who is stingy has not yet understood what the Christian life is all about. We are called to give our services, substances, money, treasures, etc to promote the Kingdom of God by meeting needs around us as the Lord enables. Those who are entrusted with substances should be generous to the poor, the widows and the needy. Even secular and public organizations practice corporate social responsibilities (CSR) to give back to the society in appreciation. Imbibe generosity (a giving spirit) into your life.

The Berean Study Bible translates Proverbs 11:24 as: One gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds what is right, only to become poor. Rich men and women are not remembered by what they have in their bank accounts, but by what they give back to God and the society. You don't have to be rich to be generous but be generous and you will be richer in love and substance. Giving a cup of water to the thirsty, clothing the naked, providing comfort for the troubled are virtues and good works that saints will be commended and rewarded for at the last day (Matthew 25:35-40; Proverbs 19:17). A generous man will always have his needs met by the Lord. Luke 6:38 teaches: Give and it shall be given to you, good measure, press down, shaken together and running over shall men give unto your bosom. It is true that these are hard times globally; the economies of many nations are in shambles. However, the good news is that Philippians 4:19 promises us: My God shall supply all your needs according to his glory by Christ Jesus. Be a generous giver for Kingdom work and in meeting men's needs and you will always appreciate as an asset before God.

 

Prayer/Action

* Pray for the grace to be generous always

* Pray against selfishness.

* Ask God to make you a channel of His blessings to others.

 

TODAY’S PROPHETIC PRAYER: 2024, I lift my eyes to the God who alone answers prayers. I shall not be disappointed, in the wonderful name of Jesus.

Just Like the Sun

STRENGTH FOR MY DAYS 
A Daily Devotional by Bishop David Bakare

Just Like the Sun

Sunday, 25 August

 

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven Matthew 5:16

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY: Matthew 5:13-16 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.  14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

 

MORE LESSON: Philippians 2:15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

 

There are certain things that have local relevance, while others have only international influence. Yet` others exhibit global impact; that is, they are relevant at home and abroad. The quality of a thing, is based on its universal appeal and not its local appeal. For instance, a microphone is a microphone in Dubai and does not cease from being a microphone in Nigeria just because it is now in a different location. It has a universal appeal because it is a microphone anywhere and will perform the same function irrespective of the geographical location. In the same way, the sun has a universal appeal; it is a global phenomenon. It is useful to the blacks, as well as the whites. Everybody needs the sun no matter how great or small.

That is how God wants us to have global impact. The Bible says, Ye are the light of the world; a city set on a hill cannot be hid…. It means that God does not want us to shine only within the four walls of the church or our village or even our country. He wants the whole world to attest to our light just like it attest of the sun. The implication is that we must remain the light irrespective of our geographical location. It is however sad that some people take on different behaviour as they move from one territory to another under the pretext that, 'When you are in Rome, you behave like the Romans'. So when they get to Rome and it is in darkness, they too suddenly become darkness instead of being the light God has made them to be. This ought not to be so. We must remain the light all over the world, irrespective of the prevailing situation. This is the test of our true quality as children of God; God is God everywhere and so must we be.

Furthermore, the sun does not compete with darkness. When the sun shows up, darkness travels by reverse gear because light and darkness cannot cohabit. There is no fellowship between them. This is why every evil should give way when we appear. In the place of work/business, people should not be comfortable with doing the wrong thing when you are around. It should be that as soon as you appear, everything that represents darkness gives way. People should not be bold enough to ask you to be a part of evil because they know it will not work. You are the light of the world, so do not reduce yourself to darkness just because of immediate gains which cannot satisfy.

Finally, the sun cannot be confronted; you don't underrate or confront the sun. Science has taken men to different planets but no one has dared the sun. No one can go to the sun or even the planet closest to it and return alive. So I prophesy that no man or situation that confronts you will survive, in Jesus’ name.

 

Prayer/Action

* Thank God for making you the light of the world and pray against everything that can hinder your light from shining.

* Decree and declare that your light will shine brighter and brighter.

* Continuously meditate on what it means to be the light of the world.

 

TODAY’S PROPHETIC PRAYER: In this very month, I shall pursue, overtake and recover all, in the powerful name of Jesus.

Visible Faith

STRENGTH FOR MY DAYS 
A Daily Devotional by Bishop David Bakare

Visible Faith

Saturday, 24 August

 

When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee. Mark 2:5

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY: Matthew 9:1-8 And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city.  2 And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.  3 And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth. 4 And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? 5 For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk? 6 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. 7 And he arose, and departed to his house. 8 But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.

 

MORE LESSON: Acts 14:1-10 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, 2 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway. 3 He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming into him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. 4 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. 5 And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter: 6 He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do. 7 And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually; 8 And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa. 9 On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour: 10 And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,

 

Every problem of man stems from unbelief. God has given us all that pertains to life and godliness; in fact, God's provision for man preceded his creation. God did not create man until He had planted the source of food and comfort for Him. This is also evident in the fact that as soon as a woman becomes pregnant, even before the baby is born, the breast milk begins to form in preparation for nursing the unborn child. This is God's idea and He has practised it from time immemorial. Despite the fact that God has provided all that man needs, man still has a problem of accessing them, and the reason is simple- doubt.

This was also the root cause of the problem of the fall of man. When the snake tempted the woman, it said to her, ...hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?: Gen 3:1. All that the devil was trying to do was to get the woman to doubt what God had said concerning them. How will God plant a garden for man and still instruct him not to eat of every tree of the garden? It can only be a trick of the devil and he is still using that strategy against many people today. If Satan can get a man to doubt what God has said, he has finished that man.

Therefore, everyone must guard his faith and grow it until it becomes visible to him, the devil, his problems and people around. How can a man grow his faith? Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God: Rom. 10:17. Consistently hearing the Word of God causes your faith to grow, and on the other hand, consistently listening to the devil will diminish your faith.

In our text today, the Bible tells us that Jesus saw the faith of the friends of the paralyzed man. It means faith is visible. It could be that those men had heard a lot about what Jesus was doing and that built their faith to the point that it became visible to Jesus. What you hear has a direct link to the growth rate of your faith. A visible faith is also the belief that correlates with your actions. You cannot claim you have faith and act contrary to the instruction that will bring you victory. What made the faith of the paralysed man’s friends visible is that they took action in correlation to their faith. They knew they had come to the solution of their problem and they did everything within their power to let their friend see Jesus, The Bible says that Jesus saw their faith.

Could it be that the problem in your life has lingered because your action is contradicting what you claim to believe? Remove everything that weakens your faith and take positive actions as you believe what God's Word has said. When you do so, your life will not remain the same, in Jesus’ name.

 

Prayer/Action

* Build your faith by praying in the Holy Ghost for at least 10 minutes - Jude 1:20.

* Rebuke everything that dampens and diminishes faith - command them to be far from you.

 

TODAY’S PROPHETIC PRAYER: Father, right now, stretch Your hand of power and do a new thing in my destiny before this month is over, in Jesus' mighty name.