There is power in agreement and more importantly power in unity when we stand to agree concerning a desire or a need for God to supply. Our prayers are powerful and more so when we ask someone to agree with us in prayer concerning what we are petitioning God for.

Jesus taught his disciples these key principles regarding prayer and regarding receiving from God. James warns us against covetousness so that our prayers are not grounded in selfish ambitions or based on envy or jealousy. (James 4-2-3)

Either way when we pray, God always hears us and answers our prayers. When we surrender to God he will work in us to transform our desires to his will and purpose. There are prayers that we pray that are answered straightaway and there are other prayers that God may say no because he is aware that what we ask for isn’t good for us or we aren’t ready for it.

An example would be a 12 year old asking their parent for a car. Their parent would be wise enough to know that the child isn’t ready for a car although the desire for it isn’t a bad one. At other times God’s answer is not yet and we have to trust him and wait for his timing.

I sometimes think I know when things ought to happen and I may experience some disappointment when things don’t go the way I expect. It is through prayer that God reveals that although what I am asking for is aligned with his will, that it isn’t the right time and I need to wait. None of us enjoy the waiting period but we continue in prayer while we wait. Prayer gives us the grace to wait and trusting God to do what he has promised.

A.P.-Y.

Every one of us is born with particular gifts and natural abilities that answers the question of, “why are we here?” In other words pointing to what we were created to do and what problems we were born to solve. Each of us have particular inclinations or predisposition to certain things. These are often God given tendencies that points us in the direction of our life calling.

If we watch most children, we can get clues into what areas they seem drawn to. This can be assessed from the subjects that they pay greater attention to in school and the things that hold their interest. The challenge is that at times some parents try to bend children into a certain mould. Some parents try to live vicariously through their children or at times project their own fears of inadequacy unto them. For example, a parent who failed at a sport despite their passion for it, may try to steer their child away from sports. Although the child maybe gifted in that particular area, a parent maybe worried that their child could repeat their mistakes of failure.

I believe that God created us all unique with distinct functions and has given us gifts and abilities to impact the world. God must also be disappointed when we spend our lives trying to be carbon copies of other people. “Comparison is the thief of joy,” and trying to do what someone else is doing because they seem to be reaping success from it does not guarantee your own success. It is good to admire others but not at the expense of doing what God has called you to do.

Seek God to hear from him about what he has called you to do. Do not be afraid to walk in your God given calling and destiny. At times we need the support of a counsellor or a coach to support us to refine what it is that we are called to do. And then be brave enough to do what you feel is your life’s purpose and calling. Too many people are stuck in jobs that they hate because of their need to conform to societal norms. Start living intentionally and with a purpose to be who God has called you to be.

“For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance (irrevocably)” (Romans 11:29).

A.P.-Y.

We are believing in this season for restoration of the things lost or stolen from us. Notice the word (rest)oration is derived from rest. In order for restoration to take place we have to find rest in God and in his promises. Rest is an elusive concept in our twenty first century when the drive is to try to do more and constantly earn more in order to make progress. Someone may say how do I rest when I have work, school, a family and other demands?

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
‭‭(Matthew‬ ‭11:29‬ ) I never quite understood how taking on a yoke would give us rest when it sounded like carrying an additional burden. I once researched this scripture for the meaning and I found out that a yoke is what is placed on two oxen for them to carry a load together. As such Jesus wants to be yoked with us in order walk with us and to help us carry our burdens. What an assurance of our help and a constant companion to share in our struggles.

God cares for us and he does not want us to be weary, stressed out, burnt out, sick and tired. Jesus has borne our grief and carried our sorrows. (Isaiah 53:4) “For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.””
‭‭(Matthew‬ ‭11:30‬)

We find peace and rest when we take our worries and cares to Jesus in prayer and surrender it all to him. We surrender in knowing that he hears us and he cares and that he is walking with us, yoked with us and helps us to carry our burdens. We are never alone and there is joy and peace in surrender.

A.P.-Y.

God established Saul as King of Israel and Samuel was God’s messenger at the time to give instructions to the King. God’s instructions to Saul was to completely destroy the army of the Amalekites and to also destroy all their goods and cattle. Saul won the battle and destroyed the armies but decided to keep the best of the spoils and cattle at the suggestion of the people. And due to Saul’s disobedience God told Samuel that he regretted making Saul King. (1 Samuel 15:1-9)

Saul had a greater desire to please the people that he did God. He feared the rejection and disapproval of others more than he feared God. How many times have we heard the voice of God and refused to act out of fear of the disapproval of others? It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. (Psalm 118:8)

If we believe that God is all knowing and that he has our best interest at heart, then we will trust what he says and act on his instructions. Bear in mind that every time God gives an instruction, you can expect a contrary voice pointing you in another direction. How many times have we missed the turn towards something significant in our lives because we listened to the wrong voice? Have you ever had the feeling that you were going in a circle year after year and never making any progress? You are probably listening to the wrong voice.

Paul said that we should build each other up so that we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when the devil tries to trick us with lies that sound so clever that they sound like the truth. (Ephesians 4:14)

We have to learn to hear and harken to the voice of God and resist the devil who knows how to disguise himself as an angel of light. Trust in what God says and when you are sure that he is speaking, act on what he says. If you struggle to discern his voice then seek him and take counsel from those who know God. Not everyone who claims to be a believer is in relationship with God or hears his voice. Beware of false prophets and stay tuned to God so you are not deceived. Step out in faith when God points you in the right direction and live to please God.

A.P.-Y.

Jeremiah was a prophet at the time when the Israelites were taken into exile in Babylon. To encourage and strengthen their resolve, Jeremiah offered this encouragement. Pray to God on behalf of the city where you live because when that city does well then you will also do well.

I say we also pray for the welfare of the companies where we work and the success of our places of employment. It is easy to complain about the issues that we experience with our employers. Complaints about elected officials and local leadership is common. I understand that we are human and it is sometimes helpful to talk about things that affect us. I say talk but also pray and ask God to cause our city to succeed. Ask God to help your company to succeed and pray about those areas where there needs to be change.

We cannot join in the hopeless murmuring and complaining of unbelievers around us and when they do complain we have to offer hope. We have hope because our hope transcends this world. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. (1 Corinthians 15:19)

I am not immune to complaining and the best of us want to vent our frustration. Let us also join hands in prayer for a move of God in our cities and for the success of the places where we work. When our cities and companies do well then we will also do well. Pray and resist the urge to complain.

A.P.-Y.

It is reassuring to know that the God of all creations chose us before time began. God breathed his life, destiny and purpose into us and appointed us to be on this earth for a set time. “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.”(Romans 8:29)

You are not an accident and God did not make any mistakes when he created you. You are created in his image and likeness and the omnipotent God resides in you in the person of the Holy Spirit. We are sons and daughters of the most High God. “And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.” (Galatians 4:6)

You are fearfully and wonderfully made, intricately woven. (Psalm 139) God calls us the apple of his eyes and he has carved our names in the palm of his hands. (Zechariah 2:8; Isaiah 49:16) We don’t have to spend another day trying to measure up to anyone or proving our worth to others. Knowing who we are in God allows us to relax and cease from feeling the need to compete with anyone. Our mission should be to work to be the best version of ourselves and to discover and walk in the purpose which God designed for us before time began.

“According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:” (Ephesians 1:4)

A.P.-Y.

The dictionary definition of holy refers to being dedicated or devoted to the service of God or being declared sacred or consecrated. Peter’s reference to be holy is our reminder that we have been created by God for his divine purpose and destiny. Thus our need to ensure that we live in devotion to God as he has called us to live in a way which is different from the world. “Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.” (2 Timothy 2:21)

We have been saved by grace and we cannot save ourselves as salvation is a gift from God. (Ephesians 2:8) Paul suggests that we remain sanctified by being surrendered daily to Christ as an act of death to the works of the flesh. (1 Corinthians 15:31) Living with spiritual discipline which keeps us consecrated and ready to be used by God. Not neglecting our need for prayer and confession which consecrates us to God through the forgiveness of sin. And staying connected to God which keeps us alive in him.

We daily study the word and pray which is our spiritual food to maintain and strengthen our spirits. We continue to submit ourselves to God so that he can keep us from falling into habitual sin. This is not to promote condemnation but we understand that the grace of God is able to keep us from slavery to sin.

Paul cautions us to keep our bodies pure and holy because the presence of God dwells in us. We do not live a fear based Christianity which is laden with guilt and shame, but live in the freedom which Christ died to give us on the cross. There are also choices that we make daily to remain holy and set apart for God. God is jealous and he will not share his glory as our worship and devotion belongs to him alone.

“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own,” (1 Corinthians 6:19)

A.P.-Y.

We need faith and confidence in God to consistently maintain an eternal perspective. One where we maintain our focus on God’s goodness and not on our challenges. Disappointments and set backs are a part of our journey and like David we can stumble when we consider the prosperity of the wicked. David said he envied the arrogant. (Psalm 73:2-3)

Because the word of God stands true, we have an assurance that the righteous will never be forsaken nor his seed be in want of bread. (Psalm 37:25) Sometimes we worry when it seems like people who do wrong go unpunished and we doubt God’s ability to avenge. God’s word does not lie and he declares that whatever a man sows that he will reap. It is true that God will exalt the humble and bring down the proud that exalts himself.

We have to remember the power and dominion that we have as saints of God and the fact that our victory is guaranteed. Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and makes manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. (2 Corinthians 2:14) There is strength in God and he longs to show himself strong through us. We are his work displayed and God will use us to demonstrate his power to the world.

We need to take our positions, stand in the word of faith and be ready to be used by God. God has given us authority and once we understand who we are in Christ and what he calls us to do then our lives will never be the same. Be encouraged because God will strengthen us to pass the test and to be victorious.

A.P.-Y.

Jesus often taught many valuable lessons about our need to believe in God’s ability to do the impossible. Of having faith beyond what seems humanly possible and pushing well beyond reason. Jairus approached Jesus to beg him to come and lay hands on his daughter because she was sick unto death. On his way to heal Jairus’s daughter another woman with an issue of blood pressed through the crowd to grab hold of Jesus. “For she said, “If I touch even his garments, I will be made well.”” (Mark 5:28)

The woman touched Jesus, immediately she was healed and he felt the power flow out of his body. Jesus stopped to inquire about who had touched him? He knew that this was not a regular touch because the crowds were pressing to get close to him. He felt the touch of faith and belief in his ability to heal. The woman confessed and Jesus told her that it was her faith that made her well. (Mark 5:25-34)

While all of this was happening, someone came from Jairus’s house with the report that his daughter had died. Their suggestion was to no longer trouble Jesus because they didn’t imagine that it was possible for her to be brought back from the dead. Jesus overheard and encouraged Jairus to stay in faith and believe in what only God could do. There were people already mourning at the house when Jesus arrived. He questioned their lament and assured them that the child was only asleep. Their crying turned to scornful laughter and Jesus put them outside of the house. Jesus took the girl by the hand and commanded her to arise. The child got out of bed and immediately started walking. (Mark 5: 35-42)

There is nothing that is impossible for God to do. His strength is perfect when we are without strength and his power limitless and defies human logic or reasoning. Lift your faith and trust in what God is able to do. “But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.””(Matthew 19:26)

A.P.-Y.

We have to fight to keep our minds stayed on the word of God and on his promises. There are many voices within our culture and society ready to challenge our faith and belief system. Academics, science and intellectualism often stands squarely opposed to our belief system. It takes a made up mind to remain in faith and a mind daily renewed by the word of God. People are often ready to tell you what is possible and what is practical or realistic.

The decision to live a life of faith means doing what God says and this will not always make sense to everyone. Ask Noah about being told to build an ark when there was no water. (Genesis 5) We can also refer to Mary who was told to expect a child when she was still a virgin and Joseph who was convinced to marry her although he knew the child was not his. (Luke 1:26-48; Matthew 1:18-25)

My advice is to not waste any time trying to explain things related to faith to people who refuse to have faith. “Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels.” (2 Timothy 2:23) Even people who call themselves Christians can have contrary ideas about what God says. We see this in the story of the young prophet who was given specific instructions from God. Along came an old prophet who gave him contradictory ideas and who also later told him that he would die because he listened to what he said. (1 Kings 13:11-25)

Let us stay in faith, listen to the word of God and seek spiritual wisdom and focus on what God says over what other people say. “It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.” (Psalms 118:8)

A.P.-Y.