Convert Your Worries into Prayers

1 Peter 5:7:
"Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."


Philippians 4:6
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

God does not want us to be anxious but instead cast all our cares, worries on him.

So anytime there is an issue to be anxious of at hand, quickly convert that care or worry into prayer and give thanks to God for hearing your prayers. (God always listens to the prayers of Christians [saints]).

About 12 years back, The U.S. Public Health Service estimated that more than 8 million Americans suffer from mental or nervous illness; that one out of every twenty is destined to spend some time in a mental institution as a result of (fears, worries, tensions and the likes).

Some people claim that smoking quiets and soothes the nerves.  This is not incorrect. “Chloroform does likewise; a small bottle will soothe them perpetually! Chloroform, nicotine and alcohol all belong to the group of poisons known as narcotics. Narcotics put the brain and nerves to sleep by paralyzing them. They deaden the conscience and senses into thinking things are all right when they are not.

So almost a million people in 2004 joined the smoking ranks as a means of escape! (Escape from - fears, anxieties, worries, tensions)”.

Alcohol, smoking, narcotics etc  is never the solution to the problem of worry.

The solution to the problem of worry lies in the lines below:

Philippians 4:6

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with

thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

1 Peter 5:7:

"Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."

This makes me to remember when I was coding a webpage, I was nervous because the webpage wasn’t responding properly (I had coded for hours but I wasn’t seeing results). After a while I was led to cast my worries on the lord and decided to leave it. Sooner or later I discovered that I had long coded the webpage successfully but only that the internet connection was poor so I was having problems. Thank God I was led to cast away that anxiety.

Yes, this is how effective casting our cares on God can be.

If God is always attentive to our prayers and there is nothing impossible with God”.

I will conclude with this let us learn how to convert all our worries into prayers.







Self consciousness leads to worry, while God consciousness results in peace.

Read More

2 vital ingredients to make your faith FAITH

Today we will be discussing on the two vital/central ingredients for faith. Faith without these ingredients is faith that amounts to nothing (comes to naught).

Ingredient one:  LOVE (AGAPE)

Galatians 5:6 says,
"For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love."

Faith that worketh by love is the God kind of faith for God is love.

1 Corinthians 13: 2
And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and
though I have ALL FAITH, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity [the God-kind of love], I am nothing.

When we talk about LOVE, we mean agape, there are four types of love (friendship, erotic, etc), but the love we are talking about is AGAPE, KJV Version of the bible uses CHARITY for the word AGAPE. AGAPE is God kind of LOVE – a selfless love, love that does not fail (stop)

1 Corinthians 13 speaks in details about AGAPE/CHARITY.

Love is greater than faith. It takes love to make faith FAITH.

Ingredient two:  HOPE

Second, faith won't work without hope. The New English translation of Hebrews 11:1 says, "Faith gives substance to our hopes." You have to hope for something before your faith can give confidence (substance) to it. So faith is also dependent on hope.

HEBREWS 11:1
Now FAITH is the confidence (substance) of things HOPED FOR, the evidence of things not seen.

You see, if you don't hope for anything, your faith can't work because it has no goal or object to believe God for.

Some have said, “Well, I’m just waiting on God or I’m believing God.” Some of those people have been waiting for years, and they haven’t done anything. They are not really waiting on God—God has been waiting on them. They have made a decision by doing nothing.

Therefore, faith can't work without hope.

Since hope is vital for faith,  Where can we get hope:

You can always go to the Word of God and get some hope (God’s promises). People think we only get spiritual hope from the bible but not physical or financial hope. This is not true, Regardless of whether it is physical, financial, or spiritual, The bible is there for us. When your situation seems to be hopeless, go to the Word of God. God’s Word is hope for you.

Read More

5 Steps to getting your prayers answered

Learning to pray effectively is very important as a Christian.  A believer cannot be a success in fulfilling God's purpose in his life if he does not know how to pray effectively according to biblical principles. You will not be able to do exploits as the scripture says if you do not know how to Contact your God.

Step1: Stand on God's Word (His Promises)

A lot of believers pray but only a few pray the right prayers. Only a few make their prayer in line with God's word. A good number of prayers are unscriptural that is why they remain unanswered. For God cannot negate his written word (Bible).
James says people pray so that they can consume it on their lust. This type of prayer cannot get answered.
       
James 4:3- KJV
3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ASK AMISS, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.
   
James 4:3 - AMP

 [Or] you do ask [God for them] and yet fail to receive, because you ask with wrong purpose and evil, selfish motives. Your intention is [when you get what you desire] to spend it in sensual pleasures.

Step 2: Ask whatever you want from God in Jesus Name

Ask
MATTHEW 7:7,8
7 ASK, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

Ask in Jesus Name
This is a great key to answered prayer. we should ask whatever we want in Jesus Name. I often read some people pray but not in Jesus Name, some people pray for Jesus Sake. No! this should not be. check the scriptures and we will discover there is no place in the New Testament Jesus said we should pray in his sake, but in His Name.

The prayer is for our sake. you ask God for bread, car, water, house etc. this is for your sake and not for Jesus Sake. You are the beneficiary.

JOHN 16:23,24
23 And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.
24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.

Step 3: Be specific

When you ask a few people after their prayers, what is it they prayed for they are not specific, some prayed a  general prayer, some grumbled in prayer, some complained to God while still some do not know what they want.

Step 4: Believe God has heard and answered your prayer

MARK 11:23,24
23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the
sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

The emphasis is on both verses
In verse 23, it says if you believe that those things that you said have come to pass (even without seeing it). You shall as a result of that have it.
In verse 24, the emphasis is where BELIEVE THAT YE RECEIVE THEM, AND YE SHALL HAVE THEM. It did not say when you see answers to prayer believe them. but to believe your prayers are answered immediately you pray without seing the answers to prayer.
For example praying for car, job e.t.c Believe that God has answered your prayer and you have it even without you getting any car or job (in the physical/earthly realm) and you shall later get it. This is FAITH PRINCIPLE (BELIEVE THEN RECEIVE, NOT RECEIVE THEN BELIEVE).

2 CORINTHIANS 10:5
5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into
captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.

A lot of thoughts, imaginations pass through people's mind and prevent them from believing that God can hear their prayer not to talk of answering their prayers. Our thinking/imagination accumulates to form our belief. If we always think/imagine doubt we will eventually become a doubtful person. Let us bring down every imagination, every thought to the obedience of Christ.

Philippians 4:8 advises us to always think on Good things. let us always keep our minds on the positive.

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatsoever  things are TRUE, whatsoever things are HONEST, whatsoever things are JUST, whatsoever things are PURE, whatsoever things are LOVELY, whatsoever things are OF GOOD REPORT; if there be ANY VIRTUE, and if there be ANY PRAISE, think on these things.

Step 5: Give thanks continually for answered prayers even without seeing what you prayed for (the results)

   
Phil 4:6 - KJV
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication WITH THANKSGIVING let your requests be made known unto God.
   
Phil 4:6 -AMP
6 Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.
   
Phil 4:6 - TLB

6 Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs, and don't forget to thank him for his answers.

I recommend having an attitude of praise everyday of our life and in everything we do. Let us put on DAVID'S ATTITUDE (PRAISEFUL ATTITUDE)

Ephesians 5:20
20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Let us also NOTE that: Separation from all known sin cannot be overlooked in order to get answers to prayer. As Christians we have the nature of Jesus and should not make Sin a practice.  If we regard iniquity in our hearts, the Lord will not hear us, for it would be sanctioning sin. (Ps. 66:18.)


   

Jer 29:11-12 - NLT

11 For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

Read More

Keys to Success/Success Principles – Key 2 & 3

Keys to Success/Success Principles – Key 2

2) Meditate/Reflect on God’s Word 

  Wouldn’t it be easy if all you had to do to change what is in your heart was to desire it to change?  You and I both know that doesn’t work!  Change only becomes possible when you refocus your thought life. 
  Meditation is more than just reading.  It involves filling your mind with the Word so that you think about it as you go about your entire day.  Yes, you think about other things as well, but all the while, you are applying the Word to yourself personally and to everything you do.
Take another look at the first part of our opening scripture.  It says,   
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night  (This law scroll must not leave your lips! You must memorize it day and night…)
Meditating on God’s Word is the second key to a successful life found in Joshua 1:8. 
 Instead of dwelling on your problems or the latest media report, dwell on what God’s Word says.  As you do, the Holy Spirit will make God’s Word more real to you than anything you can see with your natural eyes.  His Word will become an internal compass helping you determine which way to go in each decision you need to make.
 Psalm 119:164-165 (NIV) says,   Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous laws.  Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.
​​​​​​Seven times a day I praise you because of your just regulations. ​​​​​​​Those who love your law are completely secure; nothing causes them to stumble. (NET)
At distinctly different times of the day, the psalmist contemplated the words God had spoken.  He went on to proclaim the truth that loving God’s Word is both a source of peace and success!
 The same is true today.  When you meditate on God’s Word, you will find that it fills your heart and mind.  You will be amazed by how much peace and calmness you have even in the midst of difficulties.  Because God’s Word is in your heart and mind, nothing the devil does can make you stumble.

Keys to Success/Success Principles – Key 3

3) Act on God’s Word

  Remember, Joshua 1:8 said that along with speaking the Word and meditating on it, we should also   do according to all that is written in it. Here we see the third key to success: acting on God’s Word.
  Jesus said, “Whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.  Now everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell.  And great was its fall.  (Matthew 7:24-27) KJV

 “Everyone who hears these words of mine and does them is like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the flood came, and the winds beat against that house, but it did not collapse because it had been founded on rock. Everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain fell, the flood came, and the winds beat against that house, and it collapsed; it was utterly destroyed!”  (NET)

  It is not enough to know what the Word of God says.  Good results come only when you also act on the Word in faith.

Ps 119:129 ​​​​​​​Your rules are marvelous. Therefore I observe them.

 Both men Jesus talked about heard the Word, and both houses experienced the storm/hurricane/tempest, yet the results were very different!
  The wise (prudent) man’s house was safe because he built it on a firm foundation.  While his house probably took more time and effort to build, it was well worth it when the storm (tempest) came.
  As you read God’s Word each day and apply the truths revealed to you, you will become like the wise (prudent/intelligent) man. When adversity comes, you will be able to stand because you have built on an immovable foundation “the Word of God. Nothing will be able to keep you from SUCCESS!
Finally/Conclusion
 Understand that God’s Word provides direction for every situation you will ever encounter.  Spend time developing your relationship with the Lord, and let His Word settle deep into your heart so that it influences every aspect of your life.
 Don’t be one of those who miss out on God’s plan for success.  Remember and apply these keys/principles from Joshua 1:8:
Speak God’s Word
  (do not let it depart from your mouth…)
Meditate on God’s Word
  (meditate in it day and night )
Act on God’s Word
  ( do according to all that is written in it)
  Then and only then, will you make your way prosperous and have good success!

By Duane Vander Klok

Paraphrased

Read More

Walk in love

Walk in Love

John 14:15 - If ye love me, keep my commandments.

John 13:34 - A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
John 13:35 - By this shall all [men] know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.


Love (agape, charity)

The solution to the world problem is love. Jesus while on earth gave to solution to the problem of the world. the solution is summed up in the following.

1. Love your God with your whole heart
2. Love your neighbour as yourself.

Aside this there is no law (commandment).

Love is both expressive and reciprocal. agape is not love of mouth but love expressed in actions. we can't truly love without showing it.

1John 2:10 - He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.

1John 3:18 - My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed [actions] and in truth.


Love is always an excellent choice. when we apply love as the rule in our relationship with others, we make the right decisions. don't follow your mind, follow the law of love.

When we walk in love, we will have a perfect society, a society without evil. This is the will of God.

Millions are being spent on a lot of sectors to achieve a perfect society, but the ingredient of Love (Agape) is overlooked.


The world/ an unbeliever does not have agape. agape is given to man when he gives his life to Christ (Rom 5:5). an unbeliever cannot have this perfect (unselfish) love, it is impossible.

Action Plan: believers let us proclaim the gospel, let us lead people to receive Jesus as their Saviour so as to receive this perfect love (that could make a man die for his enemy), make unbelievers escape the coming damnation and have a perfect society. God Bless us as we do his will.

Read More

Rescued From Death

Rescued From Death
God never meant for man to die. God counts death as
an enemy. He hates death. All things that lead to
death—all forms of sickness and disease—are not
from God. Jesus wept at Lazarus’ tomb because He
remembered that it was never God’s heart for man to
fall sick, grow old and die.
But because the consequence of sin is death, God sent
Jesus to bear the punishment for all our sins. And at
the cross, Jesus conquered death once and for all,
setting us free from sicknesses and diseases forever!
Today, God’s heart is for you to be healed and whole.
He loves you so much that He sent Jesus to redeem
you from death. The cross of Jesus is the reason you
can enjoy His

Read More

During unplesant times..., 10 things to keep in mind

Recently, as I was reading this in Jerry savelles' devotional and it blessed my life so i am sharing this with you.
Jerry Savelle - As I was reading Psalm 27, the Lord said to me, "I'm going to give you a checklist for what to do in time of trouble. It worked for David, and it will work for you." The Psalmist, David, had faced trouble many times in his life but always found God to be more than enough to see him through and cause him to become the victor in every case.
This checklist has been such a blessing to me that I sensed in my heart it would be beneficial to you. It comes right out of the Word of God, and I, for one, know that it will produce results. Follow it closely, study and meditate the Scripture references and then use it at the very first sign of trouble.

1.REALIZE THAT

Read More