Perfect Daily Prayers For Continuous Spiritual Growth

I discovered in the scriptures that the apostles especially Paul had consistent prayers he was praying for the disciples in his epistles to them. I started praying these prayers for myself and after some months, people (including myself) noticed the changes in my life. Since then, any time I have the opportunity I share it with people.

Below are the ones I pray more often with:

1. Prayer for Wisdom, Revelation and Understanding

• Ephesians 1:16-21 (NKJV)

¹⁶      do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers:
¹⁷      that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him,
¹⁸      the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,
¹⁹      and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power
²⁰      which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places,
²¹      far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.

• Colossians 3:16 (NKJV)

¹⁶      Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. Read more...

Recommended Biblical Greetings

Checking through the New Testament, I discovered that there were two major prayer greetings that the disciples always used amongst themselves. These are greetings of peace and grace.

The scriptures say that we will have what we say, and that life and death lie on our tongues

For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. (Mark 11:23 NKJV)

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit. (Proverbs 18:21 NKJV).

One important inheritance Christ left for us was His peace and the gospel of Christ is the gospel of grace.  Grace came from Christ (John 1:17) and Jesus encouraged the peace greeting by using it Himself:

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (John 14:27 NKJV)

Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.”So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” (John 20:19, 21 NKJV)

Earlier when Jesus sent the disciples to go and preach the gospel, He instructed them to salute the household of any house they entered, and that if it is worthy, their peace would come upon it. But if it is not, their peace would return to them - Matthew 10:13. Read more...

 

The Miracles Of Jesus And Their Lessons (Part 2)

What miracles wrought by Jesus Christ can you tell? And what lessons from these miracles have you applied in your life? Every miracle is purely by the finger of God for no one can explain it; even so the miracles performed by Jesus Christ were purely the finger of God. This post gives the continuation of some of the miracles of Christ and the lessons drawn from them which you can apply to your life to experience multiply miracles too.

And when the Sabbath had come, He began to teach in the synagogue. And many hearing Him were astonished, saying, “Where did this Man get these things? And what wisdom is this which is given Him, that such mighty works are performed by His hands! – Mark 6:2 (NKJV)

I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me – John 5:30 (NKJV)

Now, let’s continue with Christ’s mighty works and what lessons we can learn from them:

6. The woman with issue of blood healed – Mark 5:25-34

A certain woman had a flow of blood for twelve years. She had suffered many things from many physicians, spent all she had but never got better. When she heard about Jesus, she went behind Him and touched His garment. For she said, “If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made whole.”

Immediately she touched Him she was healed. Jesus knowing that power had gone out of Him, turned around and asked, “Who touched My clothes?” The disciples said to Him that the multitude was thronging Him and He was still asking who touched Him. Then the woman came and gave her testimony and Jesus said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace and be healed of your affliction.

Lessons:

• Jesus is the last bus stop for your challenge, for God will never refer you to another physician. He has the answer to that problem.
• Your mouth is the gateway to your salvation. You shall have what you say.
• Christ is the cheapest consultant for He charges nothing to help you. But He loves it when you receive Him as your lord and savior.
• You need to take action with the message of Christ that you hear so that you can access your blessings from God.
• Your faith makes you well.  Read more...

The Miracles Of Jesus And Their Lessons (Part 1)

What miracles wrought by Jesus Christ can you tell? And what lessons from these miracles have you applied in your life? Every miracle is purely by the finger of God for no one can explain it; even so the miracles performed by Jesus Christ were purely the finger of God. This post gives some of the miracles of Christ and the lessons drawn from them which you can apply to your life to experience multiply miracles too.

And when the Sabbath had come, He began to teach in the synagogue. And many hearing Him were astonished, saying, “Where did this Man get these things? And what wisdom is this which is given Him, that such mighty works are performed by His hands! – Mark 6:2 (NKJV)

I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me – John 5:30 (NKJV)

Jesus Christ performed great miracles and healed many people, to the point that people were astonished and wondered what kind of wisdom was operational in Him, that mighty works were performed by His hands. In all, Christ gave glory to God and testified that of Himself He can do nothing.

Now, let’s consider some of Christ’s mighty works and what lessons we can learn from them:

1.  Water turned into Wine – John 2:1-12

In a wedding in Cana of Galilee where Jesus was a guest with his mother and disciples, the wine finished and Jesus Christ’s mother came and told him about it. Initially Christ seemed not to be interested, but that didn’t dissuade His mother. Instead she told the servants to do whatever He tells them to do. Jesus told them to fill the water pots with water, which they did. After which He told them to draw some out and take it to the master of the feast and they did. Apparently, as they were going the water turned to wine which the master of the feast confirmed as a good wine. This was Christ’s first miracle and manifested His glory.

Lessons:

• Never forget to invite Christ to whatever you are doing.
• If you encounter any challenge don’t hesitate to tell Him.
• Always do whatever He tells you to do even if it sounds foolish.
• Jesus is never late and His own things are always the best.

2. Nobleman’s son healed – John 4: 46-54

A certain nobleman, whose son was sick to the point of death at Capernaum, heard that Jesus had come out of Judea into Galilee and came and implored Christ to come and heal his son. Jesus asked him to go his way that his son lives, instead of going with him as he had requested. He believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and went his way. On his way his servants met him and told him that his son was healed. When he inquired of the time he got better, he discovered it was the same time that Jesus told him his son lives. And he and his household believed in Christ.

Lessons:

• Seek Jesus wherever you can find Him
• You are free to ask Him whatever you may desire.
• Believe every word that He speaks to you, even if it’s not what you expected to hear from Him, or it’s not what you desired Him to say or do.
• Christ’s ways are higher and better than our ways.
• God’s goodness brings about repentance. Read more...

It Is According To The Power That Works In You

Have you ever wondered why some people get answers to their prayers faster than others? God answers to prayers prayed according to His word but not at the same speed with everyone. It is according to the power that works in you. This post emphasizes the need to increase the working of God’s power within you if you want to receive answered prayers faster.

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us - Ephesians 3:20 (NKJV, emphasis mine)

It shall come to pass That before they call, I will answer; And while they are still speaking, I will hear – Isaiah 65:24 (NKJV)

But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you – Romans 8:11 (NKJV)

God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that you will ask or think, but it is according to the power that works in you. There is nothing impossible for God to do, but we are the ones limiting God by our thoughts, words and actions. And these are dependent on the power of God’s word within us, which determines the power that is at work in us.

Jesus said that it is the Spirit that gives life; the flesh profits nothing. And that the words that He spoke to us are spirit and they are life – John 6:63. So, the more of His words that you receive, the more of the Spirit you receive too;  and the Spirit of God is the power of God at work in Christian believers, but in different levels and anointing.

Ephesians 1:19-20 makes us to understand that the exceeding greatness of God’s power toward us who believe is according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead; and Romans 8:11 tells us that God raised Christ by His Spirit. Therefore, the Holy Spirit is God’s mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead. Read more...

Peace-Inheritance From christ To You

Do you know all your inheritance from the Lord? Many people desire to leave things for their loved ones to inherit after their death. Likewise, Christ left us an important inheritance to enjoy while on earth. This post tells you more about this vital inheritance from Jesus Christ.

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid – John 14:27 (NKJV)

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus – Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV)

Christ before He left promised to leave His peace for us. This was the peace He had when He was sleeping soundly in the boat while storm was raging (Mark 4:36-41), when He was walking on water (Matthew 14:25-33), and when the soldiers came to arrest Him at Gethsemane (Matthew 26:47-56).  He also manifested this peace at the tomb of Lazarus (John 11:38-44) and many other places in the scriptures.

Christ’s peace (His inheritance unto us) is what you need to go through the storms of life without being a bit perturbed. He is the Prince of peace and in Him alone will you have peace. In this world you will have tribulation, but Christ has assured you, saying, “be of good cheer” for He has overcome the world – John 16:33.

This is the kind of peace that when others are saying there is a casting down, you will be saying there is a lifting up. When Jesus was being persecuted to His crucifixion, the Pharisees were rejoicing that His end was coming, but Christ had peace because it was going to be victory for Him at the end. And when the chief priests and elders accused Him and Pilate queried Him because of them, He never answered a word. He had this peace that the governor marveled greatly (Matthew 27:12-14). 

This is the kind of peace that Christ left us for our inheritance that we may unseat the devils around us and enjoy the blessings of our redemption. Out of His abundance of peace has He given us this peace, for no one can give what he does not have. Read more...

What Is The Gospel Of Christ?

What is the gospel of Christ? What is Jesus known for? You will understand and appreciate the Lord more when you know the platform of His teachings. Jesus was sent by God with a message for the liberation of mankind. And this post tells you what the gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ is all about.

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

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ – John 1:14-15, 17 (NKJV)

He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? – Romans 8:32 (NKJV).

The gospel of Christ is the gospel of the Love and Grace of God. Jesus came with a message of love and grace, and these two ingredients change the way of life of anyone who receives them. They make it easy for you to live a victorious life on earth. Man was struggling to obey God, defeat the devices of the enemy and enjoy life until Jesus came. Christ came and brought hope and victory to man.

Gospel of the love of God

The heart of man is deceitful and desperate wicked (Jeremiah 17:9) and so incapable of loving people without an atom of selfishness. This made it difficult for man to relate well with themselves. This was not the original nature of man. Man was created in the image of God and had the nature of God until sin came in through Adam and corrupted him.

So, God for the love He had for man sent Jesus to help man out of his predicament (John 3:16). Jesus died and rose again for the redemption of man (Matthew 20:28). And while on earth He preached and showed the love of God to humanity. Now we can love God and man because God first loved us – 1 John 4:19. Read more...

What Was Jesus Doing Praying?

Why would Jesus pray when He is God? People pray because they need a higher power to act on their behalf for one reason or the other. But since Jesus is God, what was He doing praying? This article aims at answering these questions.

Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed – Mark 1:35 (NKJV)

Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. And when it was day, He called His disciples to Himself; and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles: – Luke 6:12-13 (NKJV)

Christ had reasons to pray while on earth, being a man born of a woman. One of which was to give us examples to follow for us to live victorious lives – 1 John 2:6. Secondly, being in the form of a man, He needed God, the Father, to empower and guide Him to success on earth. Thirdly, since prayer is a channel of communication between God and man, Christ fellowshipped with God in prayer. When He prayed, He prayed to God, the Father- the first personality in the trinity. 

As an example to believers

Christ’s life on earth shows us how to live a victorious life on earth. One thing that Jesus did often was praying – Luke 5:16. He taught His disciples how to pray (Luke 11:1-13) and by example stressed to them the importance of praying to God; and when He went back to heaven, His disciples followed His example and prayed often too. 

In the days of the apostles, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. The twelve apostles asked that they be exempted from serving table so they could give themselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word – Acts 6:1-4. They knew that praying was something they were not to toil with, this they obviously learnt from Christ. 

When the apostles wanted to replace Judas Iscariot that betrayed Jesus, they had to pray to God to show them who to appoint in place of Judas (Acts 1:24-25), following the footsteps of Jesus as He also prayed before choosing the twelve apostles – Luke 6:12-16. Read more...

 

Understanding The Mission Of Jesus

God is a God of purpose and does nothing without a reason. Jesus was sent to earth by God for a purpose, which He started and finished. An understanding of this purpose will help you to appreciate the coming of Christ and His mission on earth.  

And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21 (NKJV)

Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation -2 Corinthians 5:18-19 (NKJV)

And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight---  Colossians 1:21-22 (NKJV)

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly – John 10:10 (NKJV)

Jesus Christ came to save, reconcile men back to God and give them life in abundance.

Salvation of souls

When the angel of the Lord visited Joseph to assure him that it was okay to take Mary as his wife, he gave him the name of the baby and his purpose on earth: to save His people from their sin.

God, from the time of the fall of man via Adam, made a plan to redeem man from his fall and restore him to his original position before the fall. When the Lord created man he was without sin before Him and only knew sin when they disobeyed God and ate the forbidden fruit (Genesis 3:1-11). So, through Adam, sin entered the world and people became sinners (Romans 5:12, 19).

Jesus was God’s wisdom and power (1 Corinthians 1:24) to save man from his sins and restore him to his original state before the fall. In Genesis 3:15, God declared this plan of victory over the devil – the Seed of the woman was to defeat the devil.  The enemy expected it, tried to abort it many times but failed because he didn’t know how God was going to execute His plan. Read more...