Category Archives: Youths

Christian Award: Is it a Godly Ceremony in the Christendom?

Posted by Nov 23, 2016 Holy Word, Church, Gospel Evangelism, Youths 2 Comments
Christian Award: Is it a Godly Ceremony in the Christendom?

Christian award is a prize given to a nominated Christian as the best performer of the gospel ministration. The organizers of the award presentation celebrate the achievement and innovations of the awardees.

Can the award presenters play the role of Jehovah? This post will unveil the mind of God as regards Christian award. Though, it is widely acceptable in the Christendom, but, it is important you know the implication of giving an award, or receiving an award for the stewardship of the Gospel.

I read the news posted by Kirsten Anderson titled: “Christian artists skip, walk out of ‘satanic’ Grammy Awards show.” Natalie Grant, a Christian gospel singer announced via Twitter. “We left the Grammy early. I’ve many thoughts, most of which are probably better left inside my head.” Christian singer and songwriter, Mandisa won two Grammy for “Best Christian contemporary music album” and “Best contemporary Christian music song”. But, she was not in attendance.

“Both times I have gone to the Grammy I have witnessed performances I wish I could erase from my memory. And yes, I fast forwarded through several performances this year.” I knew that submerging myself into an environment that celebrates those things was risky for me at this time”, Mandisa explained in her Facebook post.

Neither artist specified exactly which performance offended them, but a likely contender was Perry’s performance of “Dark Horse”, which featured the ex-Christian singer performing what appeared to be witchcraft as she pole dance around an inverted broom, surrounded by flames and demons.

When I read the news above, I squeezed myself into the couch, and did a deep Bible study about this popular practice of Christian award.

The Origin of Christian Award

I cannot trace it to any passage in the Bible. But, the first church that started Christian award is the Catholic. I was shocked when I read about the Pope given an award to a dead member of the church (For instance; Mother Teresa, who died 1997 was honored as a saint in 2016).

Since mid-19th century, the art professionals made the award presentation a famous ceremony. They were interested in promoting talented artists as an avenue of generating big cash. They entice young, talented Christians with awards such as; the song of the year, the songwriter of the year, the publisher of the year, most performed Christian rock, etc.

The organizers of Christian award are only interested in their gains, and they don’t bother about the spiritual implication.

Is Christians’ Reward on earth?

Your reward as a fervent Christian is in heaven, and not on earth. Jesus Christ has a great reward for His followers: “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. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” (John 14: 1 – 3)

No amount of award a man can give you, they are all perishables. Meanwhile, the Christian race is designed for imperishable awards in heaven.

First Corinthians chapter 9 verse 24 and 25 says: “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may get it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to get a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.”

God will not give you reward for your stewardship when on earth. He gives Christians their awards in heaven.

John chapter 12 verse 26 says: “If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.”

For instance, Jesus received a Great Award when He accomplished the sacrifice for the salvation of our souls. God made the name of Jesus to become Super Mighty.

Philippians chapter 2 verses 8 to 11 says: “And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore, God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

However, I know someone who loves to give awards to the Christians on earth. He tried it with Jesus too. That person is the Devil; he gives awards to enslave the people of God. The awardees are bound to worship their award presenters.

Matthew chapter 4 verses 8 to 10: “Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.’”

God would judge me according to my deeds! I watched the lifestyle of some Christians before, and after they were given an award. And, I noticed two things among them; pride and spiritual laziness. Hmm! Christian award celebration is a celebration of spiritual entanglement to hell.

The view of Jesus on Christian awards

Award is synonymous to honor. Let’s read some few verses that discouraged the practice of Christian award celebrations.

John chapter 5 verses 33 to 44, Jesus said: “You have sent to John, and he has borne witness to the truth…I do not receive honor from men…How can you believe, who receive honor from one another, and do not seek the honor that comes from the only God?

John chapter 8 verses 54: “Jesus answered, “If I honor Myself, My honor is nothing. It is My Father who honors Me, of whom you say that He is your God.””

It is sad that the roles of the stewards such as; Pastor, Bishop, Elder, etc. has turned to the award presentation in many churches. A lot of ministers tarnishing the image of Christianity are not God-sent.

But, their leaders awarded them the ministerial positions, because they are either rich, or good in their theological studies and doctrines.

Such awardees had introduced worldliness into the church, and a lot of their followers are spiritually lukewarm. WATCH OUT!

The Risk of Accepting Christian Award

Award presentation to Christians by men is ungodly. It is wrong for anyone to celebrate Christians’ stewardship, because they are not answerable to any man.

The Spirit of the Lord opened the eyes of Natalie Grant and Mandisa, and they boycotted the Grammy awards ceremony. Hmm! there is no relationship between the children of light and the children of darkness.

Accepting a Christian award on earth can lead to :

1. Pride

2. Spiritual laziness

3. Haughty eyes

4. Counterfeit lifestyle; participating in church and worldly events.

5. Hell; “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven…and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly” (Matthew 6:1-4)

6. Demonic possession; for instance, the witchcraft performed by Perry in 2014 at Los Angeles Grammy Awards show was not ordinary.

7. Unhealthy Competition; some Christian awardees got distracted from the original Call of spreading the gospel.

They were after the demand of their audience, and not to satisfy God’s intention.

For instance, many gospel musicians do not sing heart-touching songs again, because many people love to dance to “rocky noisy” music.

I implore you to reject Christian awards, and do not join such celebration. Your honor is in heaven, and the LORD Jehovah is the only Award Presenter for your stewardship in the Christendom. “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.” (Revelation 22:12)

Witchcraft in the Church: 5 Ways to Defeat Rebellious Spirit

Posted by Aug 30, 2016 Holy Word, Church, Family, Youths 3 Comments
Witchcraft in the Church: 5 Ways to Defeat Rebellious Spirit

Witchcraft is a spiritual practice that makes the practitioner to receive power from the spirit realm for ‘good’ and evil purposes. God is the source of power, and He gives all His creatures a form of power to survive the existence of life.

Lucifer received a remarkable power in heaven, but he rebelled against God with the attempt to over-throw the Mighty Throne. Other powerful angels fought against Lucifer and he was chased from heaven to the earth. And his name changed from Lucifer to Satan, the evil one.

Prophet Isaiah revealed devil’s intention: “…How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, you who weakened the nations! For you have said in your heart: ‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God…” (Isaiah chapter 14)

Revelation chapter 12 verse 7 to 9 say: “And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.”

Witchcraft seems to be appealing or helpful, but its source is from the devil.

The official statistics of witchcraft across the world are uncertain due to the historical public condemnation of the witches. Though, the modern practices of witchcraft are increasing day by day, and it had crept into the Christendom in a harmless form.

The American Religious Identification Survey revealed that Wicca (a modern pagan witchcraft religion) is doubling every 3 years. Wicca had an average annual growth of 143% between 1990 and 2001. Wicca is one form of paganism and it is the fastest growing spiritual identification in America.

The statesman Anne Elizabeth Wynn said that there are more than 200,000 registered witches and about 8 million unregistered practitioners of Wicca in the U.S.

If the United States could have these figures more than a decade ago, then I can’t imagine the present figures across the world. This is a serious issue I want to open up for you in this article as the Spirit of the Lord takes the lead.

The Principles of Witchcraft/Sorcery

It is impossible to have the complete list of how witchcraft is done in this article due to the spiritual background attached to this practice. The basic principles include:

  1. Control of the Mind

The Sorcerers get their request from the devil when they give their state of mind to the demons to control. Your mind is the strong threshold that determines the success of witchcraft.

  1. Incantation/Spells

Repetition of a name, word, or phrase in a specific number of times is one of the ways to conjure demonic spirits for magic.

  1. Materialism

The practice of sorcery is not complete without the use of living or non-living materials. Example of a living material is human or animal blood/flesh. Examples of non-living materials are not limited to black, white, or red clothe, plants, drugs, candles and occult books.

What is God’s View to Witchcraft?  

God hates the practice of witchcraft, because it is the devil’s magical powers, which distract people from the Sovereign Lord. Sorcery is rebellion against the Spiritual Power of the Almighty God. So, God did not support witchcraft, either for good or bad purposes.

The book of Deuteronomy chapter 18 verse 9 to 12 say: “When you come into the land which the LORD your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominations of those nations.

There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead.

For all who do these things are an abomination to the LORD, and because of these abominations the LORD your God drives them out from before you.”

How Witchcraft Strikes!

1. It takes control of the victims’ passive mind to deceive (just like the case of Eve in the Garden of Eden) or to create various forms of fearful imaginations.

2. The demonic voice speaks evil suggestions, discouraging words, or harmful instructions to the heart of the sufferers.

For example; witchcraft makes the sufferer feel sickness, and if the victim admits to such thought, then it leads to affliction of unexplainable or incurable sickness.

Note: Not all sickness is witchcraft.

3. Unholy Anger – the evil power of witchcraft creeps into the heart of some people and makes them feel unworthy. This leads to sad feelings and the sufferers loses their sense of dignity. The evil caused by witches/wizards contributes to the high cases of suicide in our society.

4. Deception – Devil reassure those who practice witchcraft a lot of goodies such as; healing, wealth, power, long life etc. Hmm! whatever devil gives to you is always counterfeit, and it is temporal. He gives one to collect one thousand!!

 

Questionable Practices in the Church

It is no more news that some Pastors visit the witches/wizard for ‘white witchcraft’. These shameful Pastors were not patient with the Lord. So, they went to the attractive servants of the devil for the magical power of miracles, wealth, healing and so on.

They claimed that such power is for the growth of the church. It’s a pity that the Lord will reject such ministers on the judgment day.

Matthew chapter 7 verses 21 to 23 say: “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’

And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’”

Witchcraft is an act of lawlessness!

If the church you attend is involved in one of the practices discussed below, then please go on your knee and ask God to open your eyes:

1. Abusive prayers

This include: Spells of death sentence to someone whom you claimed as your enemy; repetitive prayers; repeating a word or phrase for a specific number of times.

For instance, a Pastor told his congregation that they would enjoy spiritual protection if they read Psalm 23 repeatedly for seven times before leaving the house in the morning. This is a churchy witchcraft method of incantation. False Prophets invented Bible incantation into the church. Jesus did not support this witchcraft practice.

Jesus says in the book of Matthew chapter 6 verses 7 and 8: “And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. Therefore do not be like them…”

2. Praying to God through Angels or Mary

It is a witchcraft practice to call the names of angels or saints during prayers. And it is not right to pray to God through ‘holy Michael’ or ‘holy Mary’. The name of Jesus is the only authentic Name to mention in your prayers.

Philippians chapter 2 verse 9 to 11 says: “Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

3. The Use of Materials as a Medium for Prayers

When a pastor asks you to come into the presence of the Lord with materials such as; water, soap, handkerchief, oil, candle, rosary etc., then, he is controlling your mind to believe in Jesus and materials (modern idols).

Invariably, your faith is attached to the materials, and that is an act of witchcraft. I saw some Christians tying handkerchief and wooden cross to their vehicle; because their pastor said that it will protect them from an auto crash…

There is no verse in the Bible that instructs Christians to gather any form of material for prayers.

False Prophets and Pastors presented this idolatrous practice as a form of prophetic innovations in many churches. God says: “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them…” (Exodus 20:3-5)

4. Abuse of Speaking in Tongues

Demons have their own languages. Whenever you are lured or forced to speak in tongue, your mind will be controlled by the power of witchcraft. The demons in-charge of such disorganized church service will speak his language through your tongue. Demonic languages are filled with false confession and curses. And we don’t know all these, because there is no one interpreting the strange speaking in tongues to us.

I am sharing a true life experience with you. Please, do not speak in tongues when you are not led by the Holy Spirit.

Watch out for pastors that practice witchcraft; when they speak in tongues, there is always a consistent word or sentence in the one thousand and one tongues they speak. That specific expression is an incantation – top secret!

5. Liberal Acceptance of Worldly Practices

Many churches embraced idolatry holidays such as; Halloween, Christmas, Easter and so on. But, Jesus Christ did not instruct the church to celebrate such holidays. If you find out the origin of these holidays, then you will agree with me that it is purely witchcraft practices in the church.

The early church leaders who endorsed the celebration did so with the intention to attract idol worshipers into the church. Unfortunately, the liberal acceptance did not convert the idolaters to Christ, rather it made them to become ‘white witches/wizards’ in the church.

The act of celebrating a dead person by organizing party is a witchcraft practice. I am sure that many Pastors and Reverend who make a lot of money through burial ceremonies will hate me for exposing this truth. But, I won’t stop telling you the truth.

Satan used Entertainment and fashion as strong weapons of witchcraft to attack the church. Rock and rap music, movies and games were embraced by many Christians. This is one of the reasons for the increase in immoralities, divorce, suicide and indiscipline in the Christendom today.

Unscriptural fashion in the church increased the power of seduction, and this act results to the enthronement of the spirit of Jezebel. For instance, I heard of a pastor falling into the arms of a charming woman (she had heavy cosmetics on her face) to commit sexual immorality…

6. Smart Fundraisers

Beware of a church where your mind is controlled by the soul power and pressure of the Pastor during the contribution of funds. Example of such witchcraft practices are:

a. Forceful donation: A pastor insisting on a particular amount of money to be contributed before anyone could leave the church service.

b. Reference donation.

c.  Creation of millionaire’s club in the church etc.

How to defeat Witchcraft

1. Let your faith be in the Lord Jesus Christ alone and disregard materialism.

2. Keep your heart hot all the time: The powers of witchcraft find it easy to attack a passive heart. So, always keep your heart active with the word of God and good inspirational gospel music.

Colossians chapter 3 verses 16 says: “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.”

3. Always read the Bible every day and practice the instruction of the Lord written in the Bible. Demons find it difficult to attack the obedient Christians. But, rebellious ‘Christians’ are cheap goats for the witches to prey on.

4. Don’t take part in worldly practices that are generally accepted by the society. Please, focus your lifestyle on the spiritual activities that are clearly stated in the Bible.

Jesus says in John chapter 15 verses 18 and 19: “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.”

5. Discipline yourself: The secret of my victory over witchcraft today is linked to the ceaseless prayers through the name of Jesus Christ.

It is not easy for your carnal nature to easily obey the word of God. So, discipline yourself by staying away from spiritual laziness and sins and the grace of the Lord will sustain you.

 

Witchcraft is a practice that distracts the mind and faith of the practitioner from the Almighty Power of the Lord. And the use of witchcraft to help the church is ungodly and cannot stand the test of fire.

So, you will defeat any form of witchcraft if your heart is always active in the presence of the Lord.

I previously experienced witchcraft oppression, but I give God all the Glory for saving my life. My points in this article might sound unbelievable to you, but I have spoken the truth. I recommend you to do a deep research on this topic, and don’t hesitate to write your comments.

God with you.

Law of Jesus versus Law of Moses 2

Posted by Aug 19, 2016 Holy Word, Church, Family, Youths Leave a Comment
Law of Jesus versus Law of Moses 2

The law of Jesus is more dynamic than the law of Moses. I discovered that Jesus Christ did not want His followers to live a nonchalant and undisciplined lifestyle. So, He updated the law of Moses for the New Testament believers.

A lot of people do not like to hear that they are under the law. They love to quote Galatians chapter 5 verses 18: “But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.”

The translation of verse 18 in the content and context of Galatians chapter 5 is that, once you give your life to Jesus, you are no more under the sacrificial law that could condemn you to death.

Jesus was condemned for your sins and He died for your sins. Then He resurrected to give you a gracious life, which is above the sacrificial law. That does not mean you won’t be controlled by the law of Jesus Christ.

The mindset of Paul when he wrote the letter to the Galatians and others was to discourage them from embracing the Old Testament Law of Moses (such as ceremonial laws) at the detriment of Faith in Jesus Christ.

I discovered something funny about Paul; when he was in the midst of the Gentiles, he did not obey any Jewish law. But, when he was in the midst of the Jews, he obeyed the same law he told the Gentiles not to do.

He made this remark in his letter to the Corinthians. “For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law.”

Paul did not encourage anyone to disobey the law of Jesus Christ. The secret of Paul’s spiritual freedom from sin is attached to the faith in Christ and the obedience to the law of Jesus. Romans chapter 8 verses 2 says: “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.” 

7 laws of Jesus You Cannot Disregard

I agree that we are no more under the sacrificial laws, ceremonial laws and the selfish laws of the Pharisees. But, Jesus Christ who delivered us from all these laws does not want us to live an unguided or lawless lifestyle. So, it is wise for us to obey His rules.

  1. Avoid Unholy Anger and Abusive Words

Anger and abusive words are prerequisite of a murder case. The law of Moses was silent about the prerequisite, but the law of Jesus did not.

Matthew chapter 5 verse 21 and 22 says: “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment. But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire.”

  1. Close Your Eyes to Lust

Jesus Christ does not approve the habit of watching pornography, sexy films or ex-rated magazines. Jesus Christ advised us to exercise self-control, which is the only way to escape the sin of adultery.

Matthew chapter 5 verse 27 and 28 say: “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

He told us to cut off any part of our body if that is the only way to stop the mess. Many people thought that the statement in Matthew chapter 5 verses 29 to 30 is a proverb due to the harsh literal translation. “If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perishes, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.

And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perishes, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.” It’s neither a proverb nor a parable. (The sharia law court got their idea from these verses.)

  1. Divorce in the Law Does Not Imply Re-marriage

The law of Moses gave room for divorce and remarriage, but the law of Jesus did not. Jesus allows Christian to divorce their partner if and only if there is an evidence to prove the adultery.

The logical part of the law is that, both the divorced couple shall stay single for all the days of their lives. Did you ask me why? Fine! Jesus said: “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced from her husband commits adultery.”(Luke 16:18)

This practice is common in the world, but it is against the will of the LORD.

  1. Don’t Make Conversational Vow

The law of Moses allowed different forms of swearing, but the law of Jesus does not allow such anymore. Simply say “yes or no” during any form of conversation. Christians don’t lie because the devil is the father of lies. So, don’t swear to impress people.

Matthew chapter 5 verse 33 to 37 says: “Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord.’ But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God’s throne… But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.”

  1. No More Eye For An Eye

The law of Jesus mentioned in Matthew chapter 5 verses 38 to 41 sounds too strange that many preachers and ‘bible scholars’ said that it was a proverbial statement. The content and context of the passage showed that the instruction is a direct statement and not a parable.

The motive of the law is to make every Christian a peacemaker and a non-violent person. “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also…”

  1. Love Your Enemies

The only way to show that you are a true child of God is when you show love to those who hate you. Malice is not an acceptable character. Matthew chapter 5 verse 43 to 45 say: “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…”

  1. Don’t Blow Trumpet

If you make a public announcement of the amount of money or assets you give to the poor or for the sponsor of the Gospel, then your reward is limited to the applause you received from the crowd.

Matthew chapter 6 verses 1 to 4 says: “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise, you have no reward from your Father in heaven.

Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward… that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.”

 

When you give your life to Jesus Christ, you are no more under the bondage of sins. But, you are obliged to obey the law of Jesus stated in the Bible. The law of Jesus is to guide you to live a holy life in this sinful world. His Grace and Sacrificial Blood on the cross are not meant for living a careless life, but they are strength for you to survive a righteous life on earth.

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.

Love of Jehovah: 5 Things His love Cannot Do

Posted by May 25, 2016 Holy Word, Church, Gospel Evangelism, Youths Leave a Comment
Love of Jehovah: 5 Things His love Cannot Do

The love of Jehovah is massive and incomparable to the love of man. You might wonder why this enormous love of God could not prove itself in some situations.

I remembered an old story of a king and his slave. “The king, who did not believe in the goodness of God, had a slave who, in all circumstances, said: “My king, do not be discouraged, because everything God does is perfect, no mistakes!”

One day they went hunting and along the way a wild animal attacked the king. His slave managed to kill the animal, but could not prevent his majesty losing a finger. Furious and without showing his gratitude for being saved, the nobleman said “Is God loving? If He loves me, I would not have been attacked and lost my finger”.

The slave replied: “My king, despite all these things, I can only tell you that God is good, and he knows ‘why’ of all these things”. Outraged by the response, the king ordered the arrest of his slave.

Later, he left for another hunt and was captured by savages who made human sacrifices. In the altar, ready to sacrifice the nobleman, the savages found that the victim had not one of his fingers, so he was released. According to them, it was not so complete to be offered to the gods.

Upon his return to the palace, he authorized the release of his slave that he received very affectionately. “I really enjoyed the love of Jehovah! I was almost killed by the wild men, but for lack of a single finger, I was let go! But I have a question: if God loves, why did He allow me to put you in jail?”

The slave replied: “My king, if I had gone with you in this hunt, I would have been sacrificed for you, because I have no missing finger. Thus, the love of God has always been established in every situation.”

The love of Jehovah is not slack. Some preachers made us to believe that the love of God will permit ‘everything’ we choose to do. But, a lot of people got disappointed that God could not satisfy all their (self) wishes, so they left the church to become an atheist.

A series of Bible studies and events on earth made it known that the love of Jehovah is so much with us. Some folks thought that God’s love is handicapped. But, I would like to share some things the love of Jehovah cannot do.

  1. Love of Jehovah Cannot Condone Disobedience

There is a false believe in our midst that the love of Jehovah will stop Him from punishing Christians for any commandment we disobeyed. How can we claim to be a Christian and still delight in worldly actions?

The love of God forgives sins, but He does not urge you to continue sinning. First John chapter 3 verses 1 to 10 says: “…Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness…He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.”

For instance, can you blame God for the disobedience of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden? Genesis chapter 3 verses 2 to 6: “And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; “but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.’” …So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate.”

The Lord sent them out of the garden; does that mean God did not love them? No! They had been forewarned, but they choose to obey the serpent.

The love of Jehovah in your life does not give you the license to misbehave, because there is discipline in it.

  1. Love of Jehovah Cannot Support Impatience

Can we blame God for Abraham’s family crisis? The LORD promised Abraham that He would make him the father of all nations, but he wasn’t patient enough. Abraham obeyed his wife’s advice and that marked the beginning of a great division in the human race.

Genesis chapter 16 verses 1 to 6 says: “…So Sarai said to Abram, “See now, the LORD has restrained me from bearing children. Please, go in to my maid; perhaps I shall obtain children by her.” And Abram heeded the voice of Sarai… So Abram said to Sarai, “Indeed your maid is in your hand; do to her as you please.” And when Sarai dealt harshly with her, she fled from her presence.”

Is it fair to blame the love of Jehovah when we find ourselves in troubles that originated from our impatience?

There are lots of youths in jail because of financial crimes such as; drug trafficking, fraud, robbery and so on. They want to get rich overnight, but the law of the land caught up with them. Does that mean the judge in the court of law refused to love the criminals? No!

Similarly, the atheists chose to hate God because they expected the love of Jehovah to support their selfish attitude of impatience.

  1. Love of Jehovah Cannot Embrace Unfaithfulness

There are various crises in the world such as: terrorism, corruption, poverty, economic crunch, crime to humanity and so on. I discovered that all these crises caused by men were as a result of unfaithfulness to one another.

Thus, can we blame God’s love for the predicament caused by people in the society?

The false teachers preached to us that once we believe in Jesus, we can do ‘anything’ and the love of Jehovah will save us. But, I had discovered from the Word of God that His love cannot embrace unfaithfulness.

For instance, the Israelites were not faithful to God in the wilderness. So, only two of the adult generation got to the Promised Land. Deuteronomy chapter 1 verse 34 to 38: “And the LORD heard the sound of your words, and was angry, and took an oath, saying, Surely not one of these men of this evil generation shall see that good land of which I swore to give to your fathers, except Caleb the son of Jephunneh; he shall see it, and to him and his children I am giving the land on which he walked, because he wholly followed the LORD.’… Joshua the son of Nun, who stands before you, he shall go in there. Encourage him, for he shall cause Israel to inherit it.”

Also, Jesus expressed His love to the Jews, but they remained unfaithful. Thus, we cannot blame Jesus for the siege of Jerusalem in 70 CE. Jesus says in Matthew chapter 23 verses 37: “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!”

The love of Jehovah controls the faithful worshippers as explained in the book of John chapter 4 verses 23 and 24: “But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

  1. Love of Jehovah Cannot Help Carelessness

Some people believed that once they become a Christian, Jesus Christ will always disallow the repercussion of any careless act they engaged to do. Hmm! Accepting Jesus implies carefulness.

For instance, the love of Jehovah towards king Solomon was so great that He blessed him with wisdom and wealth. But, can we blame the love of God for king Solomon’s carelessness with the beautiful women?

I wept when I read the later part of king Solomon: “But king Solomon loved many foreign women, as well as the daughter of Pharaoh: women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians, and Hittites-from the nations of whom the LORD had said to the children of Israel, “You shall not intermarry with them, nor they with you.

Surely they will turn away your hearts after their gods.” Solomon clung to these in love. And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines…that his wives turned his heart after other gods; and his heart was not loyal to the LORD his God…So the LORD became angry with Solomon…”(1King11:1-25)

  1. Love of Jehovah Cannot Befriend the Hypocrite

Hypocrites are people who pretend to serve the Lord. They are good in church activities, but their lifestyles are not Christ-like. The love of Jehovah in your life does not give you the liberty to love the ‘things’ of this world.

Jesus understood this fact, and that was the essence of His reply to the devil when He was tempted. Matthew chapter 4 verses 8 to 10 says: “Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.”

Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.”

You cannot be active in sin and expect the love of Jehovah to open the doors of Heaven for you.

The love of God was expressed through Jesus for the salvation of everyone, but He never befriends the hypocrites. Listen to one of his responses to the hypocrite: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness.” (Matthew 23:27)

The love of Jehovah can save sinners and they become saints. Meanwhile, His main priority is to help all saints to enjoy their eternity in heaven. Thus, God’s love can neither promote selfishness nor support ungodliness.