Category Archives: Word of Faith

Perfection: How to Become Perfect as God

Posted by Dec 7, 2016 Holy Word, Church, Gospel Evangelism, Word of Faith Leave a Comment
Perfection: How to Become Perfect as God

Jesus teaches His followers to be perfect as their Father in heaven is perfect. This teaching was not controversial in the midst of the disciples, because no one asked Jesus to explain the meaning. And no one argued with Him about the impossibility of the practical teachings.

But, it is unfortunate that the teaching of perfection is a strong argument in our midst today. I always smile when people beside me say statements like: “It is impossible to be perfect like God… Human beings on earth cannot be perfect… You cannot be equal to God… Blasphemy! …etc.”

My question to everyone is: “Can Jesus ask us to do something that is impossible?”

I would explain the intention of Jesus in this article as regards the need for you to become perfect as your Father in heaven is perfect. Before I proceed, I want you to listen to this story:

“One day, an expert in time management was speaking to a group of business students and, to drive home a point, used an illustration those students will never forget. As he stood in front of the group of high-powered overachievers he said, “Okay, time for a quiz” and he pulled out a one-gallon wide-mouth mason jar and set it on the table in front of him. He also produced about a dozen fist-sized rocks and carefully placed them, one at a time, into the jar.

When the jar was filled to the top and no more rocks would fit inside, he asked, “Is this jar full?” Everyone in the class yelled, “Yes.”

The time management expert replied, “Really?” He reached under the table and pulled out a bucket of gravel. He dumped some gravel in and shook the jar causing pieces of gravel to work themselves down into the spaces between the big rocks.

He then asked the group once more, “Is the jar full?”

By this time the class was on to him. “Probably not,” one of them answered. “Good!” he replied. He reached under the table and brought out a bucket of sand. He started dumping the sand in the jar and it went into all the spaces left between the rocks and the gravel. Once more he asked the question, “Is this jar full?”

“No!” the class shouted.

Once again he said, “Good.” Then he grabbed a pitcher of water and began to pour it in until the jar was filled to the brim. Then he looked at the class and asked, “What is the point of this illustration?”

One eager beaver raised his hand and said, “The point is, no matter how full your schedule is, if you try really hard you can always fit some more things in it!”

“No,” the speaker replied, “that’s not the point. The truth this illustration teaches us is: If you don’t put the big rocks in first, you’ll never get them in at all.”

If you reflect on this short story, then I want you to ask yourself this question: what are the ‘big rocks’ in my life. If your big rocks are fruits of the Spirit (such as; love, long-suffering, self-control…), then put those characters in your ‘jar’ first. That is the only way you can understand the perfect status the Lord want you to be with Him.

What Does Jesus Mean By ‘Perfect’?

Let’s read the full passage for proper understanding of the word ‘perfect’. The book of Matthew chapter 5 verse 43 to 48 says: “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’

But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, “that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

“For if you love those who love you, what rewards have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? “And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? “Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

Jesus specifically taught His followers about ’Agape Love’, ‘Impartial Love’, and ‘Perfect Love’.

Jesus changed the Law of Moses to a perfect law. He does not want us to hate any human being (though they might be your enemies). Jesus wants us to imitate the perfect love that our Lord practices on every person. For instance, the Lord gives natural resources such as sun, rain and mineral resources to both the Christians and non-Christians.

So, practice the perfect love even as your Father in Heaven is perfect in love. The failure of this generation to adhere to the teachings of perfect love led to high rates of crime, terrorism, divorce and worst of it all is the terrible division among the Christians.

It is saddening to hear a pastor referring to another pastor of a different denomination as his enemy. Hmm! Thank God there is no church denominations in heaven…

Is it a Difficult Task to be Perfect?

Note: you are not in a competition with the Lord. To be perfect as your Father in heaven is perfect does not imply flexing your muscles with the Lord.

To be perfect implies a positive change of attitude to bad people around you. It’s all about the character of love. Your need to be perfect does not involve the struggle to climb on the throne of God. But, you are expected to imitate the Lord’s kind of perfect and pure love with your friends and enemies.

To Be Perfect Means:

1. Love your enemies

2. Bless those who curse you

3. Do good to those who hate you

4. Pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you

Every child of God is required to practice the four steps above. No argument!! (Matthew 5:45a)

I am sure you won’t tell me that it is difficult for you to love! Love is an attitude that everyone finds it easy to either release or withdraws. So, Jesus is asking you to release your heart of love, not only to your friends, but also to your enemies.

If you help those who do not love you, then you are practicing perfection.

If you love those who are not from your race, then you are perfect.

Don’t be deceived by false preachers who give you the impression that you cannot be perfect (in love). You have all it takes to love…

You can be perfect. A true follower of Jesus must practice perfect love. Children of God do not (sin) disobey the instruction of Jesus. The book of first John chapter 3 verses 9 says: “Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.”

So, I want you to understand the following facts:

Your call to become perfect is to love, and help your friends and enemies.

 

It has nothing to do with competition with the Lord.

 

You can be perfect, if and only if your lifestyle is controlled by the fruits of the Spirit. Read Galatians chapter 5 verse 22 to 24 for the details on the fruits of the Spirit.

 

The power to love is in your hands. So, to become perfect in love is not a difficult task.

 

May the Lord empower you with His Word of Salvation in Jesus name – Amen

10 Ways to Read and Understand the Bible

Posted by Oct 13, 2016 Holy Word, Church, Gospel Evangelism, Word of Faith 2 Comments
10 Ways to Read and Understand the Bible

The Bible is undoubtedly a mysterious Book that unfolds the solutions to all problems and challenges. The understanding I got from the Bible shows that it is the only Book that consistently expresses the personality of God.

The Bible explains your purpose on earth and the right direction to live a successful life. It guides you on how to enjoy peaceful eternity.

But, it is unfortunate that Bible illiteracy is increasing every day in the church.

The Bible in America, a new report from American Bible Society and Barma group, revealed that: In 2016, 71 percent of practicing Catholics and 84 percent of practicing Protestant expressed the desire to read the Bible more.

In spite of this positive perception of the Bible, the percentage of Americans who viewed the Bible as a book of teachings written by men had risen from 10 percent to 22 percent of the past six years.

In this same period, the percentage of Americans who viewed the Bible as a sacred had dropped from 86 to 80 percent. So, the majority of Americans hold the Bible in high regard, but Bible skeptics are on the rise. This must stop!

I will explain the best ways to find the Bible as an interesting book to read and understand.

What is the Bible?

God designed the scriptures to act like a reminder application to us. The Bible composed of 66 books written by 40 authors. And the Lord appointed all the authors for the purpose of divine documentation.

The Lord wrote the first Bible with His Hand. The Lord’s motive was to make sure that His children live according to His instructions. Exodus chapter 32 verse 15 and 16 say: “And Moses turned, and went down from the mountain, and the two tablets of the Testimony were in his hand. The tablets were written on both sides; on the one side and on the other they were written. Now the tablets were the work of God, and the writing was the writing of God engraved on the tablets.”

The Old Testament and New Testament were not collated for fun or literature review, but for guidance on how to live right with the Lord. Second Timothy chapter 3 verse 16 and 17 say: “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

The Bible is an extraordinary Book and it is also the genuine map for the journey of life.

How to Deal with the Bible

1. Acknowledge the Bible

Respect the Origin of the Bible and believe the motive for the existence of the Holy Book.

2. Choose a distraction-free area

A silent place is very essential for Bible study. You cannot understand the scriptures in an atmosphere filled with the noise of your electronic gadgets. Shut down your internet connection if you are reading through your electronic devices. The pop-up messages from your social media platform are strong distractions.

3. Pray before reading

To read and understand the scriptures requires the presence of the Lord. So, your prayers to the Lord before reading the scriptures are highly essential. Invite the Holy Spirit to your premises as your co-reader and you will enjoy the company.

4. Consistent reading

You cannot understand the Bible if you read it once in a week. My experience with the Word of God shows that; a day’s failure to read the scriptures is equal to a month’s loss of divine understanding.

A vital step to take for the proper understanding of the word of God is to allot some minutes of Bible study every day.

5. Start small

Some people thought reading ten chapters or the whole book at a time is the best way of understanding the scriptures. That is not always true! God does not give everyone an equal level of intelligence (either physical or spiritual gift).

So, if a passage is the length you can read to avoid ‘overcharging’ of your brain, then stop your bible study at that point. I recommend you begin Bible study from the New Testament, and go ahead to the Old Testament. The New Testament has a simpler picture of Christ’s salvation. Don’t bind yourself to the number of verses or chapters you read, because they were introduced many years after the scriptures were written. Chapters were introduced to the Bible in the 1200s, while Verses were inserted around 1550.

The number of complete stories, instructions, poems, visions or parables you read from the Bible determines your level of understanding.

6. Don’t pick the Bible with a pre-set argument

Many people find it difficult to understand the Bible, because they search for verses that will support their carnal decisions. Thus, their ears will be deaf and their eyes will be blind to the true meaning of the scriptures.

This habit led to misconception, which is a great scandal in the Christendom today.

Read the Bible with an open mind teachable by the Holy Spirit. No one can understand the mind of God in every scripture through a carnal or theological concept.

I ran into trouble when I interpreted the scriptures in my own ways. It exposed me to contradictions and terrible confusion. But, I never had problem anymore, since the day I accepted the Holy Spirit as the only Interpreter.

7. Choose the right Bible Translation

A lot of fake Bibles are available, and such translations can hinder your understanding. For instance, the new NIV translation version, Jehovah witness bible etc. are dangerous books to read.

I recommend New King James Version. Its translation comes from the original languages of the ancient scripts (Hebrew and Aramaic).

8. Pen and Jotter

You will have the full understanding of the scriptures if you jot the explanation of the Holy Spirit.

9. Identify the Context and Content

You will understand the passage in the Bible, if you are able to identify the perspective of the author. When reading the bible, always analyze the content and context of the passage. Such analysis in the presence of the Holy Spirit broadens the scope of understanding the subject. For instance, when Paul says: “we are no more under the law”… He did not imply that Christians can live a lawless life. He meant that we are no more under the Jewish law of sacrifice, because Jesus Christ had sacrificed Himself on the cross for us.

10. Meditate and Pray

Before closing your Bible, always read the points you jotted. And put the jottings into practical application. Meditate on the word of God, and pray to the Lord.

James chapter 1 verse 22 to 25 say: “But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.”

 

The process of understanding the Bible does not end on your reading table. You will have a full understanding when you practice the lessons you read in the scriptures daily.

Christian Race: How to Avoid Falling Away!!

Posted by Jul 11, 2016 Holy Word, Church, Gospel Evangelism, Word of Faith Leave a Comment
Christian Race: How to Avoid Falling Away!!

Christian race is a lifestyle that is tasking and it is worthwhile because the umpire of the race is Jesus Christ. The beauty of the Christian race is that it has a finish line and the winners shall be rewarded with beautiful mansions and eternal peace in heaven.

I had an interesting experience on track events during my primary school inter-house sport. My dad trained me to always obey the rules of the race; to hear the gunshot before moving, to focus on the finish line, to move fast with all my strength, and never to look back.

During the competition, he was always on the field to encourage me to move fast, even when am comfortable with the second place. I always came home with gifts at the end of every race. So, the secrets of my winnings were consistent training and obedience to the rules of the race.

Similarly, we need to follow some rules before winning the Christian race. The finish line for everyone is the courtyard in heaven. And only the winners of the Christian race will receive the massive gift of heavenly mansions.

Don’t let your heart be troubled in this race. Jesus says in John chapter 14 verse 1 and 2: “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.”

Let me share with you the winning tactics:

  1. Understand the significance of the Christian race

The significance of the race is to get Christians ready for their eternity into the glorious gifts at heaven. Jesus advised in the book of Luke chapter 13 verses 24: “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able.”

Thus, it is important to be an active Christian and not a passive one who is just a church goer.

  1. Get yourself qualified for the Christian race

You must forsake the things of this world and give the power of your choice to Jesus. Then your faith in Jesus Christ qualifies you for the Christian race. John chapter 14 verse 23 says: “Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.”

  1. Acknowledge the Right Goals

The Lord wants us to regain our rightful status. So, He admonished the Israelite in the book of Leviticus chapter 19 verse 1 and 2: “And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, “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.”

In the New Testament, Jesus told us to be perfect just as our Father in Heaven is perfect. (Matthew 5:48)

All the goals of every child of God centers on transformation into the Christ like nature. So your main goals include:

(a) To run a Christian race with the strength of God’s holiness.

(b) To be faithful to God in your stewardship.

  1. Run the Christian Race

Don’t trek on your track, but run the Christian race. Examples of those trekking are; people who hardly study their Bible, they don’t take the word of God with all seriousness and they are sluggish in their spiritual dealings with God.

You have to run and win the Christian race by: reading the bible always, complete obedience to the word of God, love God with all your strength, and press on without looking back to your past. Luke chapter 9 verse 62 says: “But Jesus said to him, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”

  1. Throw away every heavy laden

One thing I dislike in track events is the half-clothed of the athletes. I asked a coach the reason for such outfit and he said: “The burden of heavy cloth will hinder the performance of the athlete”. I was not comfortable with his response, but I pondered on the effect of the heavy burden.

I realized that we can’t run the Christian race with any form of heavy burdens. For instance, heavy laden could be; addictions, excessive attention to television, magazines, the internet, lukewarm friends or procrastination.

All these heavy laden cannot make you a winner in the Christian race.

So, drop the lifestyle that gets you depressed to the feet of the Lord.

Jesus says in the book of Matthew chapter 11 verse 28 to 30: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 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. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

  1. Uphold Strict Discipline

The grace of the Lord is available for everyone to be successful. But, you must play your role of obedience to sustain this grace in your Christian race. Scriptures says that we can’t continue in sin and ask grace to abound (Romans 6:1-2).

Most of the winners in sport exhibit strict discipline during their training for any competition. For instance, they restrain themselves from sex, alcohol, parties, gluttony and drugs. Wow! If a worldly athlete could be so disciplined in his training, then no Christian should have any excuse to justify indiscipline.

You have to discipline your body, soul and spirit in the way of the Lord. Paul shared his experience with us in first Corinthians chapter 9 verses 26 and 27: “So I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.” (NLT)

  1. Don’t Judge Yourself

In the course of your Christian race, do not look back to compare yourself with others. Jesus Christ is the Judge of the Christian race. So, always compare your status with the biblical standard of God.

Don’t rate yourself with the standard of anyone, church doctrines or customs of the land. Such ratings might make you look like a ‘super Christian’. Let the word of God control your speed and you will never fall away.

 

Christian race is challenging, but your faithful obedience to God will make you a winner. Give God the chance to rule your life and your race on earth will not be a loss. Be an active Christian on earth and you will be a winner in heaven.

Revelation chapter 21 verse 4 to 7 says: “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son.”

How to Enjoy the Healing Power of God

Posted by Jul 3, 2016 Holy Word, Family, Word of Faith Leave a Comment
How to Enjoy the Healing Power of God

The healing power of God is important for the joyful life of every human being. Sickness and diseases are rampant and everyone wants an escape from the threat.

The healing power of God is the only reliable source for solving your health issues.

In nearly all EU member states, circulatory diseases were the most common main diagnosis for in-patient. While, the two most common main diagnoses for day care patients were neoplasms (benign or malignant cancers) and diseases of the genitourinary system.

The rare exceptions to this were: Ireland and the United Kingdom, where pregnancy and childbirth was the most common; Cyprus and Sweden, where injuries and other external causes were the most common.

The WHO African Region bears the highest burden of malaria, accounting for an estimated 90% of all malaria deaths worldwide.

The best ways to enjoy the healing power of God include:

  1. Appreciate God’s design

God’s design for your body is to work during the day (when there is light) and to sleep at night. We don’t need anyone to tell us when to go to bed because God had designed the brain to shut down and sleep at the right time (night).

The book of Genesis chapter 1 verse 5 says: “God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. So the evening and the morning were the first day.”

You cannot enjoy the healing power of God if your body did not rest at night. The medical experts traced a lot of diseases such as; heart disease, diabetes, mental health problems, musculoskeletal disorders, respiratory problems and thyroid disease to inadequate sleep.

The habit of watching late night movies or carousing at night parties is a threat to the health of the body. God designed the night for us to sleep so that the body will have time to recuperate. And more antibodies to help fight against infections will be produced in large quantities.

I always feel feverish and unstable when I skip night sleeps. So, I realized that proper sleep at night plays a major role for a healthy life. You will enjoy the healing power of God if you always observe a day of rest (Sabbath). Some people neglect the Sabbath because they claim not to be Jews. While some refuse to observe a day of rest because they claimed not to be under the law of the Sabbath.

Listen, the origin of the Sabbath has nothing to do with the Mosaic Law or racism. Sabbath was a model of God and He expects everyone to emulate the practice. The book of Genesis chapter 2 verses 2 and 3 says: “And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done.

Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made.”

God did not create us to suffer in the hands of diseases. So, the healing power of God is embedded in good night’s sleep and in observing rest on the seventh day.

The Doctors and Pharmacists also admitted that sleep is a powerful medium of healing to the body. So, the beds in the hospitals are not for decorations.

  1. Obedience to the Word of God

God loves humanity so much. And that was the reason for commandments in the Old Testament and teachings of Jesus Christ/Holy Spirit in the New Testament.

Anyone that disobeys the word of God cannot enjoy the healing power of God. So, learn to obey the word of God and you will always enjoy the blessings of God. Have a look at the mind of God to people who disobey His instructions: “But it shall come to pass, if you do not obey the voice of the LORD your God…

The LORD will make the plague cling to you… with fever, with inflammation, with severe burning fever, with the sword, with scorching, and with mildew…” (Deuteronomy 28:14-22)

For instance, sexually transmitted diseases such as Gonorrhea and HIV/AIDS wouldn’t have been a threat to the world if the commandment of God that says; “thou shall neither fornicate nor commit adultery” is obeyed by everyone.

It is unfortunate that many people do not want to be controlled by God’s instructions in the Bible. Some shout at me that they are no more under the law and they have the liberty to do whatever they like. “…Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! ” (Romans 6:1-2)

We are no more under the Old Testament law of sacrifices because Jesus had fulfilled it on the cross. But we are still under the New Testament teachings (law) of Jesus Christ.

The more you obey every single word of God, the more you enjoy the healing power of God. Jesus warned the man He healed not to disobey the word of God anymore. John chapter 5 verse 14 says: “Afterward Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, “See, you have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you.”

  1. Build Your Faith to Receive Healing Power of God

You cannot enjoy the healing power of God if your faith in God is nowhere to be found. Faith is a vital instrument you must use to tap the healing power of God. When you fall sick, recite the promises of God in the Bible and your faith in Jesus Christ would heal you.

This had worked for me several times without using a single tablet.

For instance, the woman with the issue of blood chose to withdraw her faith from the doctors and built her faith in Jesus Christ. She received the power of healing instantly.

Matthew chapter 9 verse 22 says: “But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, “Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And the woman was made well from that hour.”

  1. Eat God-made Diet

A lot of people did not enjoy the healing power of God because their diets are artificial. Man-made diet has (chemical or fertilizer) residues which are harmful to the body.

God created organic vegetables, fruits and crops which contain natural healing components. Genesis chapter 1 verse 11 and 12 says: “Then God said, “Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb that yields seed, and the fruit tree that yields fruit according to its kind, whose seed is in itself, on the earth”; and it was so.

And the earth brought forth grass, the herb that yields seed according to its kind, and the tree that yields fruit, whose seed is in it according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.”

The secret of long healthy life in the first generation (e.g. Adam; 930 years, Seth; 912 years old) is as a result of eating organic foods and fruits. A lot of people fall sick in our generation because most of the fast food intake is harmful to the body. How could someone feed on canned foods without feeling sick? Hmm!

Most of the canned foods you eat are preserved with chemicals such as; Bisphenol-A (BPA), Bromate, Benzoate, Azodicarbonamide, and Sodium nitrate. All these chemicals are harmful to your body cells. These preservative chemicals cause cancer, liver and kidney diseases etc.

God’s power of healing can be found in vegetables, fruits, herbs and crops that have no chemical interference.

  1. Drink God-made Water

It is no more news that the best liquid for your body is pure water. The medical experts who discovered the healing power in water recommend a daily intake of 2 to 3 liters.

Run away from man-made water, such as; juice concentrate, soft drinks, beer etc. The residual effects in the body are unhealthy. Examples of diseases caused by man-made water include; diabetes, liver cirrhosis, kidney diseases, etc.

It is good to stick to natural water and you will enjoy the healing power of God embedded in it. Have you heard of water therapy? Well, natural water heals, but artificial water kills…

 

The healing power of God is available for everybody. Come to Jesus with your faithful heart. And your body, soul and spirit shall enjoy a healthy lifestyle.

Prayer: 5 Ways to Get Your Requests Answered!

Posted by Jun 27, 2016 Holy Word, Church, Family, Word of Faith, Youths Leave a Comment
Prayer: 5 Ways to Get Your Requests Answered!

Prayer is not only begging for God’s intervention, but also a channel of acknowledging the greatness of God. Prayer is a vital medium of getting supernatural results. Some people’s prayers go unanswered due to some irregularities. But, don’t lose hope in prayers to God.

According to a 2014 Pew Research center survey, 55% of Americans said they pray every day. 21% said they pray weekly and 23% said they seldom pray. It is interesting to discover that Americans ages 65 and older are far more likely than adults under 30 to say they pray daily (65% vs 41%).

I want you to agree with me that God who created ears is not a deaf Being. Thus, He hears when we speak. The book of Isaiah chapter 59 verse 1 and 2 says: “Behold, the LORD’S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; nor His ear heavy, that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear.”

This post will show the important ways of presenting your requests to God for quick answers.

  1. Use Distraction-Free Venue

If your prayers at public centers (such as church etc.) are not answered, then consider a private place. God answers the prayer of those who speak to Him with an undivided attention.

For instance, an earthly father would never take his son seriously if the boy requests for a new bicycle while watching Tom and Jerry (cartoons). The boy is expected to avoid distractions, look straight into his father’s face and present his request.

I got this style of prayer from Jesus and it is working great for me. Matthew chapter 14 verses 23 say: “And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there.”

Jesus prayed in the temple and public gatherings, but He always retreats to private places for uninterrupted prayers… This style of prayer plays a vital role in the success of Jesus on earth.

Don’t get tired of prayer! You might be using a wrong venue filled with distractions. Find a place of prayer where your heart and attention will not be carried away from the God’s presence.

  1. Fix Fasting

Prayers you have done for a while without an answer may fall into the category of prayer and fasting. Not all prayers need fasting, but some requests that need instant supernatural miracle will require such. Jesus Christ did not start His public ministration without fasting and prayer.

He asked God to bless Him with great authority, wisdom, power of healing and miracles. And God answered His prayers without hesitation. “Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, being tempted for forty days by the devil. And in those days He ate nothing…” (Luke 4:1 & 2)

Jesus’ disciples tried to emulate Him, but they couldn’t due to a prayerful lifestyle that lack essential fasting. “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and suffers severely; for he often falls into the fire and often into the water.

So I brought him to your disciples, but they could not cure him… Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?” So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief… “However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”

If your prayer requires a spectacular outcome for people to see, then it is wise to fast.

Note: Don’t wound yourself with ‘almighty doctrines’ because you want to fast and pray. Jesus says: “Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces, that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face.” (Matthew 6: 16 & 17)

    1. Call the Right Name in Your Prayer

Prayer is all about communication between you and God. But your relationship with God will be stronger if you call Him by His rightful names. When praying to God, call Him JEHOVAH, I AM WHO I AM, God of Abraham, God of Isaac and God of Jacob, Prince of Peace… (Exodus 3:14 & 15, Isaiah 9:6)

You cannot call Him in reverence and stay the same. When you call His holy name, your prayers would receive feedback.

At this point, I want to advice you not to attach the name of God to any man (pastor, overseer or founder of a ministry) because the minister might not be serving the Almighty God.

I remembered a true life story of a female gospel musician in Nigeria. She always mentions the name of her pastor as a suffix to God’s name. She sang in her albums that it is the god of her pastor that saved and blessed her life…she thought she was making reference to God Almighty.

After the pastor died, she and everyone discovered that he belonged to a famous cult in his home town. And the false pastor was buried by his cult members. This scandal affected the reputation of the gospel musician.

If you don’t abuse the Lord by calling Him names He never told you He is, then He will listen to your prayers.

  1. Have a Firm Faith

Don’t waste your time praying, if you discover some level of bias in your heart. Such prayers will hit the rock. A vital role you need to play for your prayer to be answered is having faith in the power of God.

For instance, Jesus ensured that the faith of the blind men corresponded with their prayers before He answered their request. (Jesus is not a magician). “…two blind men followed Him, crying out and saying, “Son of David, have mercy on us!”… And Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to Him, “Yes, Lord.” Then He touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith let it be to you.” (Matthew 9:27-29)

Jesus emphasizes faith as a key reason for prayers to be answered. Matthew chapter 17 verse 20 says: “So Jesus said to them… if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.”

  1. Do Away with Materialism

A lot of prayers go unanswered because of the idolatry medium involved in it. The false pastors and prophets introduced the practice of materialism into the Christendom and this had affected genuine relationship with God.

Some church doctrines encourage their members to always pray with the aid of materials such as; candle, water, soap, handkerchief, oil, rosary etc. Such prayers cannot be answered by God. Though, am aware of devil’s manipulations of “answering” such idolatry prayers at times.

There is no verse in the Bible, where God instructed us to come before Him with such materials. I studied the prayer life of Jesus and discovered that the only instrument He used during His prayer is faith. So, if you believe in the power of Jesus, then do not put any material (idol) between your faith and God.

The danger in such practice is that your faith would cling to the soap, oil or handkerchief (and not to Jesus alone).

Stop the purchase of ‘spiritual materials’ from these dubious false bishops, pastors and prophets. They are swindling you of your hard-earned money. Jesus says: “Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.” (Matthew 10:8)

A true man of God will freely show you the right way to pray just as Jesus thought His disciple how to pray in Luke chapter 11 verses 1 to 4.

I am a living witness to tell you that God answers prayers. Though, He won’t answer any prayer which is against His will. Thus, always worship God in spirit and in truth, so that your entire prayer requests will not contradict His plan for your life.