The Lord’s Prayer: What is the Meaning of “Our Father in Heaven”?

Posted by May 16, 2021 Holy Word, Church 2 Comments
The Lord’s Prayer: What is the Meaning of “Our Father in Heaven”?

The Lord’s prayer was the response of Jesus Christ to His disciples who requested for His guide on how to pray. Our Father prayer is significant because it gives a clear picture of the expected relationship between you and the LORD.

Today’s message explains the in-depth meaning of the Lord’s prayer and how to apply the lessons for your prayer life.

What is the Meaning of the Lord’s Prayer?

Jesus’ teaching on prayers as recorded in the book of Luke chapter 11 means a template describing the best way to relate with the LORD and how to ask for the best from Him. The following points highlight the meaning of the Lord’s Prayer;

1. How to worship the LORD,

2. Embrace His Will,

3. Right things to ask from Him,

4. Significance of forgiveness and

5. Deliverance from the Devil.

Lord’s Prayer Verses in the Bible

You can find it recorded in the book of Luke and Matthew chapter 6 verse 9 to 13, but the verses below are written in the book of Luke chapter 11 verse 2 to 4:

“So, He said to them, “When you pray, say: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom comes. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

“Give us day by day our daily bread.”

“And forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”

Is Our Father Prayer a Template for Christians?

Some Bible scholars argue that the recitation of the prayer was strictly temporary for the disciples before the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Since, the bloody sacrifice of Jesus Christ had wiped away our sins at once, then repeating the Lord’s prayer every day (for forgiveness of sin) would contradict the salvation of Jesus Christ.

However, there are many lessons to learn as a guidance for your prayer lifestyle:

1. “Our Father in heaven”

It is wrong to start your prayers by mentioning the names of angels or by saying ‘god of your pastor’. The safest way to invite GOD to your communication is to call Him by His true name. Since you have a good relationship with the LORD through Jesus Christ, then you are His child and He is your Father.

2. “Hallowed be Your name”

It is good to start your prayers with worship and praise to the LORD.

3. “Your kingdom comes”

This is word of faith that connotes God’s presence in your life and in the place of communication.

4. “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven”

Followers of Jesus Christ are under covenant to live a holy life and to obey the commandment of God only. You are not allowed to live on earth the way your carnal nature wants but your lifestyle must be strictly controlled by the LORD.

5. “Give us day by day our daily bread”

Don’t be worn out about your future plans because you don’t know when you would be called home. And, it is wise to take things easy because GOD is primarily interested in your daily provision.

Jesus says: “…Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble…” (Matthew 6:25-34)

6. “And forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us”

If you confess and repent from your sins and accept Jesus Christ then you are free from the bondage of sin. This implies you don’t need to ask for forgiveness all the time, but if you fail to forgive those that sin against you then the blood of Jesus cannot work for you. Love your neighbour as you love yourself.

7. “And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one”

This prayer emphasizes the presence of the devil on earth and temptations comes from him. If the LORD leads your decisions every day, then you cannot fall into temptation and sin.

 Is the Lord’s prayer an eye opener to you today? Have you discovered something new about GOD’s expectation from you? Please share your comments with us.

30 Bible Verses for Breakthrough and Victory

Posted by May 12, 2021 Holy Word, Word of Faith 16 Comments
30 Bible Verses for Breakthrough and Victory

Bible verses for breakthrough give you a clearer picture of hope. And the scriptures strengthen your faith to show that it is possible for you to become victorious.

Today’s message highlights some bible verses you can read and meditate when you pray to the LORD for spiritual, physical or financial breakthrough.

15 Powerful verses for Breakthrough in the Old Testament

1. “And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever.” (Exodus 14:13)

2. “So, David went to Baal Perazim, and David defeated them there; and he said, “The LORD has broken through my enemies before me, like a breakthrough of water.” Therefore, he called the name of that place Baal Perazim.” (2Samuel 5:20)

3. “No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is from Me,” Says the LORD.” (Isaiah 54:17)

4. “For the Lord had caused the army of the Syrians to hear the noise of chariots and the noise of horses-the noise of a great army; so, they said to one another, “Look, the king of Israel has hired against us the kings of the Hittites and the kings of the Egyptians to attack us!”” (2Kings 7:6)

5. “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

6. “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5)

7. “For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and do not return there, but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, That it may give seed to the sower And bread to the eater, So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:10-11)

8. “Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” (Isaiah 43:19)

9. “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.” (Psalm 100:4)

10. “The LORD will open to you His good treasure, the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its season, and to bless all the work of your hand. You shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow.” (Deuteronomy 28:12)

11. “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” (Psalm 91:1)

12. “Honor the LORD with your possessions, and with the first fruits of all your increase; So, your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine. (Proverbs 3:9-10)

13. “Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established. Do not turn to the right or the left; Remove your foot from evil.” (Proverb 4:26-27)

14. “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)

15. “A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; But it shall not come near you.?” (Psalm 91:7)

15 Strong Scriptures for Victory in the New Testament

1. “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds.” (2 Corinthians 10:4)

2. “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (Ephesian 6:11)

3. “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32)

4. “And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.” (Matthew 11:12)

5. “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”” (Hebrew 13:5)

6. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)

7. “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” (1John 5:14)

8. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6)

9. “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)

10. “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.” (John 14:12)

11. “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” (James 1:12)

12. “Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” (Luke 10:19)

13. “For with God nothing will be impossible.” (Luke 1:37)

14. “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)

15. “So, then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17)

If you read and meditate on the bible verses for breakthrough above then I assure you victory in all your ways by the authority of the LORD in Jesus name – Amen.

Bad Things: Why Does God Allow Suffering for Christians?

Posted by May 7, 2021 Holy Word, Word of Faith Leave a Comment
Bad Things: Why Does God Allow Suffering for Christians?

Are you perplex when bad things happen to you or you undergo sufferings because you are a Christian? You might be confused when you see unpleasant things happening to good people! When I experienced similar situation, I was also confused and it nearly affected my faith, but God told me the reasons.

I would share the response GOD gave to me when I went through bad things and I hope it would help you as well.

I lost two kids within the interval of four years and the pains was just too much for me. Each experience is so bad that I did all I could but it was bound to happen.

Did Jesus Christ say ‘no suffering for Christians’?

Many preachers made us to believe that once we accept Jesus Christ, then no more suffering, no occurrence of bad things but all about us would be happiness. My experience as a Christian proves them wrong and I want you to be careful of such deceit.

Life on earth is all about good and bad and every inhabitant would go through various degrees of these two features.

No scriptural reference told us of permanent happiness on earth as claimed by the false preachers in our churches!

1. Jesus Christ said that all things won’t be easy as expected;

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33)

2. Apostle Peter admonished us to endure sufferings;

“…Therefore, let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator” (Please read all verses in First Peter chapter 4)

3. Bro Paul shared his bad times with the Corinthians;

“…who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble… For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ” (Second Corinthians chapter 1)

The list is endless but I want to emphasize that salvation through Jesus Christ does not absolutely stop you from suffering on earth but it saves you perfectly from joining those that would suffer forever in the lake of fire.

Can You Blame God for Bad Things?

Many became atheist due to this matter! But you cannot blame God because He is unquestionable and does not make mistake.

You can’t blame Him for bad things like death because it is an unchangeable programme in creature and He never told you that death is for the oldies, it was some of our preachers that deceived us.

You cannot blame God for the few reasons below:

1. Bad things started on earth when the first parents disobeyed a simple instruction. So, God was not originator of bad things, HE wants good things for us but Adam and Eve would never obey simple commandment. (Genesis chapter 3)

2. The presence of the Devil on earth made a multiplying effect of unpleasant conditions on earth. His target is to push everyone on earth to reject and curse GOD so that he would have many companions to the eternal place of punishment.

“Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time.” (Revelation 12:12)

3. The Righteous Judge is watching and waiting for the right time to bring an end to the first two points above which brought bad things to earth.

“…’Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?’… Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, “First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.”” (Matthew 13:24-30)

From my bad experience I noticed it is not the joy of the LORD to see me go through bad times, so HE comforts me…that’s the truth…HE mends me when I am disintegrated…Glory be to the LORD for my life today!

I cannot blame GOD for any unwanted situation in my life because I know HIM, I know how HE feels when I am down, HE condoles me and encourage me to be strong to the end…HE restores me!! It’s not GOD’s fault that bad things happen to you.

Why Bad Conditions Happen to Christians?

1. The Devil Restlessly Pollutes the Earth

Yes, the sacrifice of Jesus Christ had delivered us from eternal curse, but Satan is still much around attacking us.

“And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.”

(Revelation 12:17)

2. GOD Does not Abuse His Power Over You

You find yourself in trouble sometimes due to your wrong choice. Since you know the good from the bad, don’t expect GOD to shout from heaven to stop you from the risky choice you insisted to follow. Also, the sorrow you shared from your loved ones might be as a result of their disobedience to simple rules.

3. Political Powers

Christians suffer when the political leaders in the world takes an ungodly policy.

4. Environmental disaster

Hurricane, earthquake, floods, fire and the likes are phenomenon that can’t be ruled out of life.

5. Pandemic

The hygiene failure or evil implication of a small region can spread all over the world. Can we blame God of such scenario?

Six Steps to Take when Bad Things Happen

1. Weep to flush out stress hormones but don’t be wiped away.

2. Stop accusing GOD but ask for solutions.

3. Pray to God for His role in the matter and for proper understanding.

4. Find out the source and cause of the trouble; if the cause was avoidable then forgive yourself or the offender, but if the bad thing is beyond your control, then let it be…

5. In the case of loss of lives, console yourself through the word of God and remember that we are bound to die (so, God is not wicked to your lost one) because He had never told us that there is an age group that cannot die anytime.

6. Learn from the hard times and move forward.

Bad things are embedded in every day existence as mentioned by Jesus Christ in the Lord’s prayer model, but you can survive them always. Let your faith in GOD be stronger when you go through hard times because HE would surely restore you.

May the LORD deliver us from the evil of the day in Jesus’ name – Amen.

How to Stop the Plans of the Enemies Against Your Life

Posted by May 2, 2021 Holy Word, Word of Faith 2 Comments
How to Stop the Plans of the Enemies Against Your Life

Since the fall of the devil into the earth, we all have to deal with one form of enemy or the other. Thank GOD for His care upon our lives because He reveals the secret plans of the enemies to us.

The LORD will show you the plans of the enemies through the spiritual gifts He gives to you. So, today’s message teaches you the steps to take to stop the execution of such plans.

4 Major Steps to Stop the Plans of the Enemies   

Your spiritual faith and discipline would speed-up the points below for victory:

1. Night Vigils

Spiritual knowledge reveals that spiritual plans (both evil and good) are done and executed during the sleeping hours of humans.

I learnt this from Jesus Christ who does not joke with vigils to hear from GOD and to be refilled for the next day’s victory. (Matthew 14:23)

I cannot explain all the secret advantages of vigil because it reveals how to defeat enemies, to receive victorious power, shields your soul and spiritual in-filling that contributes to victory.

Since spiritual victory is not a religious thing, I cannot specify how many times to do vigils in a week, but at least (two hours) once a week according to your physical strength.

2. Prayers

Prayers is the backbone for any Christian to attain a victorious life. It works perfectly when there is no fear, no bias but concentrated faith in the LORD. Please, avoid mentioning angelic names or names not specified by GOD during prayers. Make your request known to the LORD and not complaints!

3. Songs of Praise and Worship

This step can stop the plans of the enemies against your life. This point works sharply because it is God’s food, so those of us who know this secret do not joke with it.

4. Be in the Spirit all the Time

Holy Spirit is like your CCTV. He allows you to see the steps your enemies want to take so you can quickly take necessary actions. To be in Spirit means:

a. All your thoughts must pass through the Word of God.

b. Meditating the Word of God daily.

c. Always sing worship or inspirational songs.

You can cancel every plans of the enemies through the authority of Jesus Christ. So, claim the authority by faith and take necessary actions as the Holy Spirit directs you to do.

The points above are the steps under the scope of holiness and it works for me.    

Is It Possible to See GOD in His Full Dress?

Posted by Apr 28, 2021 Holy Word, Word of Faith Leave a Comment
Is It Possible to See GOD in His Full Dress?

To see GOD means recognizing the presence of the Almighty Creator in a spectacular way. You cannot be a Christian to the end of your life if you did not see the uniqueness of the LORD.

The cause of daily increase in lukewarmness among Christians is synonymous to a village man who was asked to be in a relationship with an unknown beautiful woman living a thousand kilometres away. No matter how strong the man could love the name of the woman, he would quit or cheat on her after a while…

Today’s message would show you how to see GOD. The glory of the LORD is too much for our brain to understand everything about Him. So, I am a living witness to testify that I saw GOD through His compassion and I was not destroyed.

You can also see the LORD because He wants His children to know Him!

Note: No one can see the full glory or the totality of the LORD, such man would die. God told Moses He cannot see all about His face: “You cannot see My face; for no man shall see Me, and live.” (Exodus 33:20)

So, my message today about seeing GOD is limited to the compassionate form of knowing GOD. The Sodomites saw the appearance of GOD by fire but they could not live to describe His Majesty!

Why You Need to See GOD

1. You would have unique knowledge about the LORD.

2. To acknowledge that the LORD is real and not abstract.

3. The Devil would find it difficult to deceive you.

4. It makes your relationship with GOD stronger and indivisible.

5. You would have the firm boldness and genuine responsibility to spread the Gospel of Jesus.

How to See GOD without Dying

The following steps are essential for you to take if you long to see the LORD:

1. Stay Away from Sinful Lifestyle

“Speak to all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy’”. (Leviticus 19:2)

2. Obey the Teachings of Jesus Christ our Saviour

“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

3. Go to a Private Place

Retreat to a room, bush, or mountain where there is no distraction, then fast and pray for some days asking GOD you want to see and know more about Him.

4. Meditate on His Words

Read and digest God’s message written in the books recorded by Moses, the prophets, the four Gospels and Revelation.

5. Fill your Lamp with Oil

Get your mind prepared through faithfulness and singing songs of worship to the LORD.

Five Major Ways to See the LORD

GOD is sovereign and unquestionable. No one can dictate the form of His appearance, so don’t kneel down to command Him to appear to you in a particular way. He can choose one or more of the ways mentioned below:

1. Physical Appearance:

“Then Moses went up, also Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel, and they saw the God of Israel.

And there was under His feet as it were a paved work of sapphire stone, and it was like the very heavens in its clarity.” (Exodus 24:9-10)

2. Spiritual Appearance:

The LORD can exhibit His Spirit in a unique way to you. For instance, His Spirit hovers on the disciples who saw the LORD in another spectacular way. (Acts chapter 2)

3. Angelic Appearance:

He puts His Authority into an Angel. Abraham, Jacob and Gideon had similar experience related to angelic appearance.

“When the Angel of the LORD appeared no more to Manoah and his wife, then Manoah knew that He was the Angel of the LORD. And Manoah said to his wife, “We shall surely die, because we have seen God!”

But his wife said to him, “If the LORD had desired to kill us, He would not have accepted a burnt offering and a grain offering from our hands, nor would He had shown us all these things, nor would He had told us such things as these at this time.”

4. Supernatural Display:

One of the signs of my calling was seeing a very bright light in the sky and I heard a firm voice deep in my heart telling me to preach His Gospel to the world. It was a unique experience I have no words to fully describe it.

Moses had a similar experience: “…the bush was burning with fire, but the bush was not consumed…So when the LORD saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush…” (Exodus chapter 3)

5. Dream and Vision Appearance:

God uses this famous route to reveal Himself to His loved ones including the prophets.

Prophet Isaiah said: “Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, And I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, The LORD of hosts.”

From the records of Jesus Christ and my personal experience with the LORD, He loves to meet us. So, if you long to see GOD then follow the steps above and you would be glad to meet Him. Don’t hesitate to share your comments with me.

May the LORD reveal Himself to you as you long to see Him in Jesus name. Amen.