Friday, November 4th.

God Rewards Diligence.

"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." (Hebrews 11:6).

God is invisible and as such we relate with him by faith. The faith lifestyle is the only lifestyle that pleases Him. And one way we express our faith is in our diligent search for God and services we render to him.

The first way to search for God or seek him is in the place of Bible study. God's word reveals his personality. You can't separate God and his word. His word is his bond with man.
When you seek God through diligent Bible study, HE REWARDS YOU WITH REVELATIONS that will cause you to triumph over your challenges. This is why our Lord Jesus said; "... If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:31-32).

Notice that before it says that you shall know the truth that will make you free, it said you have to continue in his word. So, only those who are diligent in studying and practicing the word receives truth that makes them free.

Another area of diligence that God rewards is regular fellowship attendance. Each time you attend church services, you are actually seeking God because God is always present in the gathering of his children. If you are in the habit of skipping some church services, you will not attract the reward that comes with diligent church attendance.

Also ensure you spend time in personal fellowship with God. Before you step out, spend at least one hour with God in praises, worship and prayers. And do it diligently. This is one of the secret of King David's success. He had a prayer and a praise schedule which he kept diligently - Psalms 55:17; 119:164.

Be diligent in every area of your commitment to God. If you in the music department or any other department, don't miss your meetings and always go on time. As you do, over time, you will be a living testimony that God indeed reward those who seek him diligently.

Prayer: Dear Father, I thank you for the opportunity given to me to seek you. I know that I can do nothing without you. I ask for your mercy in areas I have fallen short of expections in my commitment to you. As I seek you diligently in every area of my service and devotion to you, I know that you will reward me according to the promise of your word in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: 2nd Chronicles 16:9, 1st Corinthians 15:58, Colossians 2:23-24.

Saturday, November 5th.

Fulfill Your Ministry.

"You, however, be self-controlled in all things, endure hardship, do an evangelist’s work, fulfill your ministry." (2nd Timothy 4:5, New English Translation).

Ministry simply means service. The overall purpose of ministry is to reconcile men back to God. And everyone in Christ has been called to be involved in this ministry of reconciliation. One sure way to participate in reconciling men back to God is to communicate the gospel of our Lord Jesus to them.

In addition, there are other specific assignment you have been given for the advancement of God's kingdom. It is your responsibility however to discover the role you have been called to play and fulfill it.

You did not become a member of the body of Christ to be a spectator. You must participate one way or the other in the advancement of God's kingdom. Anyone who profess to be a believer and doesn't participate in the advancement of God's kingdom makes himself a misfit for the kingdom of heaven.

There are two categories of calling into the ministry. We have the five fold ministry which includes the office of the Apostles, Prophets, Evangelist, Pastors and Teachers. These first category plays the leading role in the work of the ministry. The second category is known as supportive ministry or ministry of helps. This encompasses every other work that is needed to move the kingdom of God forward ranging from the music, ushering work, sanctuary cleaning, giving and even the ministry of prayer.

The first way to know what you have been called to do is by the witness of your spirit. You may not get the complete picture from the beginning. But God will put a burning desire in you for the assignment he has given to you. Over time, God will use other servants of God to confirm your calling.

So, join a local church and ensure that you are involved in soul winning activities and other areas of commitment as you are led by the Spirit of God. Don't be like the unprofitable servant who was cast into hell. Remember, you will one day stand before the judgment seat of Christ to give account of your stewardship.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank you for counting me worthy to be a part of your kingdom advancement. I am committed to your will and the ministry you have given me to fulfill. I ask for your enabling grace to fulfill it in the mighty name of Jesus.

Further Study: 2nd Corinthians 5:19, Romans 12:6-8. Colossians 4:17.

Sunday, November 6th.

Do Away With Envy.

"Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another." (Galatians 5:26).

Envy is an ill feeling towards someone because of what he poseesses, his position or his giftings. Envy is one of the works of the flesh and it is seen displayed by even those who profess to be in Christ. Most people who are envious do so because they don't want others to be better than them.

Envy is the root of most evils people do. It was envy that made Cain to kill Abel. The brothers of Joseph sold him out to slavery out of envy apparently to kill his dream. King Saul sought to kill David because of envy. He wasn't happy that the women sang the praises of David after he defeated Goliath.

The chief priest, the scribes and the elders of the children of Israel were the ones who plotted the death of our Lord Jesus because of envy. Even to this present day, we still see the manifestation of envy both in the society and in the church.

The scripture however admonishes us not to be envious of others. Envy stirs up hatred, could lead to strife and even cause division in the church. It opens the door for the devil to attack. The person who easily yields himself to envy is a ready tool in the hand of the devil to carry out his evil schemes. Hence, the scripture says; "For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work." (James 3:16).

Three ways to deal with envy are, first, learn to celebrate the good things you see in others. Rejoice with them when something good happens to them. If God can do it for them, he will do it for you. Second, be concerned about the well being of others. Envy has its root in selfishnes. Thus, the scripture says; Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others."(Philippians 2:4).Third, see others as better than you - Philippians 2:3.

Make up your mind to do away with envy because those are permit envy to rule their lives will not inherit the kingdom of God - Galatians 5:21. Besides, it is not good for your health. Hence, the book of Proverbs says; "A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones." (Proverbs 14:30).

Prayer: Dear Father, I give you praise, glory and honour for who you are and your goodness in my life. I thank you for today's teachings concerning envy. I therefore refuse to permit the spirit of envy to rule my life from this day henceforth in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Romans 13:13, 1st Corinthians 3:3, Proverbs 23:17.

Monday, November 7th.

Count it all Joy.

"My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."(James 1:2-4).

We all pass through one forms of trials or the other. There is no where in the scripture that God promised us a troubled free life. But it does guarantees us victory in our trials. Hence, our Lord Jesus said; "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world YE SHALL HAVE TRIBULATION: BUT BE OF GOOD CHEER; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33).

So, the issue is not the trial. It is the attitude you put up in the midst of it. The opening text says that we should count it all joy when we fall into different kinds of temptations. Though the right word to use instead of temptations in this context is trials.

There are two things that the devil targets when he unleashes the storms of life against you. They are your faith and your joy. The moment he succeeds in crippling your faith and steals your joy, he will hinder you from experiencing breakthrough.

So, don't let the devil steal your joy. No matter how tough things are, open your mouth and give God your loudest praise. Get excited because you serve a God who is faithful. The scripture says; "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." (1st Corinthians 10:13).

Remember, Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises to God at midnight. And the scripture says; "And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed." (Acts 16:26).

So, always learn to put up an attitude of joy in spite of what you are going through. Express it through your smiles, singing, dancing and shouting. The God that opened the prison doors for Paul and Silas and broke their chains will give you victory in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Prayer: Glorious God and Father of my Lord Jesus, I bless your holy name. I refuse to allow the devil steal my joy. I give you praise for I know that my victory is assured in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Habakkuk 3:17-19, Isaiah 12:3, Philippians 4:4, 2nd Chronicles 20:20-23.

Tuesday, November 8th.

Why Answers to Prayers are Sometimes Hindered - 1.

"Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts." (James 4:3).

Prayer is one of the spiritual activities we all carry out from time to time. But there are times it seems that our prayers are not heard or answers to prayers appears to linger for too long. This has caused so many professing Christians to seek help some other ways. Quite a few fall into the scam of false prophets in a bid to getting quick answers to their prayers.

God always hears our prayers and he also answers prayers offered in accordance to his will. There are however many reasons answers to prayers can be hindered some of which we will look at in this study today.

First, according to the opening text, your prayers can be hindered when you ask with the wrong motive. There are so many believers who ask God for a good job and even financial favour. And the moment they get it, you will hardly see them in church services again. According to James, they spend the money on their pleasures. So, check your motive very well before you present your requests to God.

Second, your unwillingness to obey God's word can also hinder answers to your prayers. Some answers to your prayers are tied to your obedience to God's word. Our Lord Jesus said; "Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: THAT WHATSOEVER YE SHALL ASK OF THE FATHER IN MY NAME, HE MAY GIVE IT YOU." (John 15:16).

Our Lord Jesus immediately linked our commitment to bearing fruits to our prayers. And the best way to bear fruit is to win souls. This is why it's not wise to always shy away from soul winning activities. Another scripture says, "And whatsoever we ask, WE RECEIVE OF HIM, BECAUSE WE KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS, AND DO THOSE THINGS THAT ARE PLEASING IN HIS SIGHT." (1st John 3:22).

So, always check your motives before you present your requests to God. Try as much as possible to live a life of obedience to God's word if you don't want your prayers to be hindered. Remember, the scripture says;" If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land" (Isaiah 1:19). More reasons will be unveiled tomorrow.

Prayer: Dear Father, I thank you for I know that you are a prayer answering God. Open the eyes of my understanding to know what I am not doing rightly that could be affecting my receiving answers to my prayers in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: John 8:29; 15:7, Micah 3:4.

Wednesday, November 9th.

Why Answers to Prayers are Sometimes Hindered - 2.

"If ye abide in me, and MY WORDS ABIDE IN YOU, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you." (John 15:7).

Yesterday, we introduced the subject regarding why we don't receive answers to some of our prayers. We raised two points that bothers on motives and obedience. Today, we will stress a little more on obedience.

The need to walk in obedience to God's word cannot be overemphasized. Disobedience was the reason Adam fell from grace and was driven away from the Garden of Eden. The Jews under the Law of Moses couldn't secure the blessings of God because of disobedience. Lot's wife became a pillar of salt also because of disobedience.

Our Lord Jesus in the opening text tied obedience to his word as a prerequisite to receiving answers to prayers. So, it cannot be negotiated. In this study, we will look at certain instructions in God's Word we must all make up our minds to follow obediently if we don't want our prayers to be hindered.

The first is regular church attendance. The scripture says we shouldn't forsake our gathering together - Hebrews 10:25. The verse that follows tag such attitude as a wilful sin. And the writer of Hebrews further said those who despise such instruction will not escape the judgment of God - Hebrews 10:28-29. So, fear God and walk in the light of this instruction if you want your prayers to receive attention from God. Also make effort to always go early to EVERY CHURCH SERVICES and programmes. Remember, partial obedience is disobedience.

Second, be involved in soul winning activities. We mentioned it yesterday but have to repeat it for the sake of emphasis. God saved you so you can be an instrument to show others the way of salvation. Any believer who shy away from soul winning activities will not only have answers to prayers hindered but may not be granted access to the kingdom of heaven - Luke 9:26, Titus 1:16, 2nd Timothy 2:12.

Third, helping those in need especially your brethren is another area of obedience that is demanded from us. The scripture says; "Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away." (Matthew 5:42). Our Lord Jesus said we should even do it to the point of liquidating our assets - Luke 12:33. So, don't be too quick to say, I don't have to give.

The writer of Proverbs warns, "Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard."(Proverbs 21:13). Prophet Isaiah said that the fastest way to secure answers to prayers is to attend to the need of the poor around us - Isaiah 58:3-11.

So, make effort to be obedient to God's word if you don't want your prayers to be hindered. God's instructions are not grievous. He will not demand you to do what he knows you cannot do. We have received his nature of righteousness in our spirits that gives us the grace to live by his word. As you yield yourself to live by his word, he will prove himself faithful in you even in your prayer life.

Prayer: My Father in heaven, I give you praise for your love, goodness and mercy in my life. I thank you for your word that is my guiding light. I will live my life in obedience to it trusting you for answers to my prayers and manifold blessings in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen

Further Study: Ezekiel 33:7-9, 1st John 3:17-22, James 2:15-17.

Thursday, November 10th

Why Answers to Prayers are Sometimes Hindered - 3.

"Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them." (Mark 11:24).
We are still on the study on why answers to prayers are sometimes hindered. In our previous studies, we talked about wrong motives and disobedience in specific areas of our Christian walk as contributing factors that hinders answers to prayers.

Today, we will look at the role faith plays in our prayer life. The opening text says that we must believe that what we desire from God when we pray is already ours before it will become a reality. This rule of prayer applies only to prayers that have to do with our personal desires. It is a prayer of faith. In this kind of prayer, you must be fully persuaded that what you have asked for is already yours even though you haven't seen it yet. And you back it up with a language of faith and corresponding actions.

For instance, you desire for God to heal you of any infirmity, having prayed, you must believe that you are already healed even if it has not yet manifested in the physical. And one sure way to affirm that you are healed is to say it and do what you couldn't do before.

Most of the people our Lord Jesus healed during his earthly ministry were instructed to take a step of faith before they received their healing. Our Lord Jesus told an impotent man who had been in that situation for 38 years; "... Rise, take up thy bed, and walk." (John 5:. And as he made effort to get up, he received his healing.

In this kind of prayer, you don't keep asking God for the same thing everyday or every moment. You ask once and believe he has answered you. Subsequent prayer on the same matter should be with an attitude of thanksgiving. And you must back up your faith with corresponding actions. As you do, the manifestation of the answer will show up sooner or later.

John the beloved taught this same principle in his letter when he wrote; "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, WE KNOW THAT WE HAVE the petitions that we desired of him." (1st John 5:14-15).

Notice the phrase, 'we know that we have' in the text above. It didn't say, 'we know we shall have' which is futuristic in usage. Whatever you desire in prayer, BELIEVE IT IS YOURS NOW. Speak the language of faith and not hope. Hope says, I know that my God will do it. But faith says, my God has done it.

So, answers to your prayers can be hindered and may never show up if you are in the realm of hope. Change your language of hope to language of faith. Faith is what gives substance to the things you hoped for and bring them to reality. Remember to back up your confession of faith with corresponding actions. And God will certainly honour his word in your life.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for the opportunity to learn from your word concerning the subject of prayer in relationship with faith. I therefore affirm that my desires are met in accordance to my requests in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Hebrews 11:1, Luke 17:14, John 9:11, Romans 4:17.

Friday, November 11th.

Why Answers to Prayers are Sometimes Hindered - 4.

"And when ye stand praying, FORGIVE, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses." (Mark 11:25-26).

We are still on the subject of factors that hinders answers to our prayers. Today, we will focus on unforgiving attitude. Our Lord Jesus immediately after he dealt with the subject of how to receive answers to prayers in Mark 11:24, said; "And when ye stand praying, FORGIVE, IF YE HAVE OUGHT AGAINST ANY: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. It points to the fact that unforgiving attitude hinders answers to prayers.

Whether you like it or not, people will offend you and you will also offend people. So, you must make allowances for people's errors. When you have unforgiving attitude, it not only hinders answers to prayers, it can also open the door for the devil to afflict you. Don't give the devil that opportunity.

Kenneth Hagin of blessed memory told a true life story of a woman who had an ailment that could not be cured both medically and spiritually. She had gone from crusade to crusade seeking cure for it. But as soon as she joined the prayer line of his ministry, he immediately discerned that she was holding grudge against her husband. So, she was asked to forgive him. As soon as she did that, the ailment was cured without prayers.

Our Lord Jesus gave us the procedure on dealing with those who offends us. First, go and let him know his fault. If he refuses to listen to you, take one more person with you. If he refuses to listen to both of you, take the matter to the church. And if he refuses to hear the church, regard him as an unbeliever - Matthew 18:15-17.

Unforgiving attitude usually degenerates into hatred and bitterness. And bitterness contaminates both you and those around you - Hebrews 12:15. Hatred on the hand leads to murder. So, don't keep grudge in your heart against your brethren when you pray. Forgive that man or woman who broke your heart in a relationship or marriage that didn't work out. As you do, God will also extend his mercy towards you and give heed to your prayers.

Prayers: Dear Father in heaven, I thank you for your mercy and grace. I get rid of every few form of grudge against my brethren who have hurt me one way or the other. As I do, I ask that you overlook my shortcomings also and grant my prayer requests in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Matthew 18:21-22, Ephesians 4:32.

Saturday, November 12th.

Why Answers to Prayers are Sometimes Hindered - 5.

"Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." (1st Peter 5:7).

Another factor that hinders answers to prayers is anxiety. Another word for anxiety is worry. It is an understatement to say that we all have worries. But the scripture says that we should cast all our worries or cares on God.

However, so many of God's children cast their worries on God in prayers but collect them back. One sure evidence that you have truly cast your worries on God is peace of mind. Hence, Apostle Paul wrote; "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the PEACE OF GOD, which passeth all understanding, SHALL KEEP YOUR HEARTS AND MINDS THROUGH CHRIST JESUS." (Philippians 4:6-7).

So, having prayed, you must quit worrying over the issues you have committed to the hands of God. If you keep worrying over them, you are invariably saying that you don't trust God. And answers to your prayers will be hindered. Worry is a critical appraisal of God. If you truly trust him, you will quit worrying.

God is faithful and can be trusted. He knows your needs even before you ask. Our Lord Jesus said; "Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?" (Matthew 6:26).

So, quit worrying over an issue you have already committed to God in prayer. He heard you clearly and has answered you. Just keep thanking him for the answer before the manifestation. Above all, stay in the place of your commitment in your local church while you patiently wait.

Prayer: My Father in heaven, I praise your holy name and I worship you in the beauty of holiness. I thank you for your care and love you have towards me. I cast all my worries on you today knowing that you are able to do much more than I can ever ask for or think in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Matthew 6:24-34, 1st Thessalonians 5:24, Numbers 23:19.

Sunday, November 13th.

Why Answers to Prayers are Sometimes Hindered - 6.

"But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John." (Luke 1:13).

In today's study, we will look at the relationship between faithfulness in our services to God and prayers. An angel appeared to Zachariah and told him that his prayer is heard and that his wife Elizabeth shall bear a son.

It is interesting to know that the angel appeared to him when he was carrying out his priestly duty - Luke 1:8-11. It wasn't a coincidence that it happened at that time. God usually meets us at the place of our commitment.

Quite a lot of Christians allow the challenges they are facing to affect their commitment to God. At the same time, they are trusting God for a breakthrough. They are just like workers who because of salary delay quit their jobs. They certainly won't get paid when the company is finally ready to pay their workers. Besides, withdrawing your commitment to God not only hinders answers to your prayers, it also makes you vulnerable to attack and leads to a destructive end - Hebrews 10:39.

You shouldn't because of your challenges quit what you are doing for God in his vineyard. Such attitude hinders answers to prayers. This is why our Lord Jesus said, "...seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33).

It's important you know that God's purpose is more important than your problems. No matter the challenges that you are faced with, give attention to God's purpose or the responsibility committed to your trust. God himself will respond by ensuring that your prayer requests and heart's desires are granted.

So, why you are praying and trusting God for answers to your prayers, stay in the place of your commitment. Do what you are doing for God in his vineyard diligently and faithfully. As you do, answers to your prayers will come faster than you thought and his name alone will be glorified.

Prayer: Dear Father, I thank you for the plans you have for me. They are good plans designed to give me an expected end. I therefore refuse to allow my challenges to affect my commitment to you. I am resolved to serve you faithfully and diligently to the end. As I do, I trust you will grant my prayer requests and heart's desires in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: 1st Corinthians 15:58, Hebrews 6:10, Revelation 2:4-5.

Monday, November 14th.

Why Answers to Prayers are Sometimes Hindered - 7.

"Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you." (Luke 10:19).

One of the reasons some of God's children experience hindrances to their prayers is asking God to do what they are supposed to do. The opening text says that God has given us power over all the powers of the enemy. The right word to actually use in place of power in this context is authority. And authority is delegated power.

But instead of exercising authority over the evil works of darkness, some of God's children cry out to God to stop the works of the devil in their homes and lives. God will not stop the works of the devil in your life or home. You are the one to do it. The devil has been defeated. You are to enforce that victory in your life by exercising authority over his evil schemes.

This is why our Lord Jesus said, "Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." (Matthew 18:18).

Another verse reads; "...Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (James 4:7). Notice the verse says that the devil will flee from you. You are a terror to the devil if you know your right in Christ. God will not resist the devil for you. It is your responsibility to do it. He will not bind the works of darkness for you. You have been given the authority to do it.

But as you bind the works of the devil on earth, God will ensure it is bound in heaven. So, when you pray, don't ask God to come and stop the activities of witches and wizards in your home. You do it. They bow to the name of Jesus. They are subject unto you in his name.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank you for the authority you have given to me over every power of darkness. As I exercise this authority in the name of Jesus, I know that every evil powers and works of darkness in my life will cease in the mighty name of Jesus.

Further Study: Mark 16:17-18; Philippians 2:5-11.

Tuesday, November 15th.

Why Answers to Prayers are Sometimes Hindered - 8.

"And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing ACCORDING TO HIS WILL, he heareth us." (1st John 5:14).

The opening text says that our prayers are only heard if we ask in accordance to God's will. In other words, if your prayers is not in accordance to his will, it will not be heard.

God's will can be understood from two perspectives. First, it means God's word that is consistent with his plans for you in Christ Jesus. For instance, his will is for you to prosper and be in health - 3rd John 2.

Another good example is in the area of marriage. His will for you in marriage is that you get married to someone who is born again. The scripture says; "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness."(2nd Corinthians 6:14).

Quite a few believers especially sisters in the Lord flaunt this instruction by getting married to an unbeliever and end up having serious issues in their marriages. And prayers in such kind of relationship are often hindered except by the mercies of God.

The second perspective that God's will can be understood has to do with what he wants you to do for him in his kingdom. This is why Paul wrote; "Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is." (Ephesians 5:17).

It is your responsibility to find out what God wants you to do. But so many professing Christians don't bother to know what God wants them to do. And quite a few that knows are not faithful to their assignments. When you are outside God's will for your life, answers to your prayers will suffer a lot of hindrances. And your Christian life will be unfulfilling.

So, if you already know what God wants you to do, do it faithfully. As you do it, most of your basic needs will be met without even praying for them. And if you don't know what he wants you to do, ask him. Don't be a spectator in the house of God. As you commit yourself to doing God's will, answers to your prayers will come unhindered and you will receive favours you never even expected.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank you for your faithfulness and mercies. I pray that you unveil your will for my life so I can commit the rest of my life to it. And as I do your will, give heed to my prayers and grant my requests even beyond my wildest dreams and imaginations in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Acts 9:1-6; Hebrews 10:7, John 4:34.

Wednesday, November 16th.

Why Answers to Prayers are Sometimes Hindered - 9.

"If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?"(Luke 11:11-12).

We are still running a series on the subject of why answers to prayers are sometimes hindered. One of the reasons we don't receive answers to our prayers is because our requests are not defined or definite. Our Lord Jesus in the opening text said our earthly fathers won't give us stones if we ask for bread. In other words, you will receive the specific things you asked for.

However, most of the times, our prayers are not specific. For instance, if you are praying for a job, don't just ask God to give you a job. Specify the kind of job you need so you can recognize the answer when it comes.

Even in the area of marriage, you should describe the kind of husband or wife you need to God. And this includes the physical structure, whether tall or short, fair or dark complexion, a reserved partner or the outgoing kind of person etc. And God will respond by giving you the opportunity to meet with such a person. But he will not make the proposal for you.

Most people are in the habit of making requests in prayers that are not definite. This is why they get frustrated after years of prayers to the point of quitting the faith. You don't have to quit the faith. It is spiritual suicide if you do that. Just know where you are missing it and make the necessary corrections.

Even when a blind man cried out to Jesus for mercy, Jesus had to ask him what he wanted him to do for him even though he knew he was blind. And the blind man answered, "... Lord, that I may receive my sight." (Luke 18:41). And he received his sight immediately Jesus said, ".. Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee." (Luke 18:42).

God hears and answers prayers but you must tell God exactly what you need. Don't pray general prayers like most people do. Always make your requests definite. Hence, Apostle Paul wrote, "Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (DEFINITE REQUESTS), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God." (Philippians 4:6, Amplified Version).

Prayer: Dear Father, I thank you for the opportunity to come into your presence by the blood of the Lamb. I come to your throne of grace to obtain mercy and find grace for help in this hour of need. I present my requests [name them and be specific] before you today trusting you for answers in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Matthew 7:7-10, 2nd Thessalonians 3:1-2.

Thursday, November 17th.

Why Answers to Prayers are Sometimes Hindered - 10.

"Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia."(Daniel 10:12-13).

We have been studying for a few days now on why answers to prayers are sometimes hindered. Another factor that is responsible for hindrances to our prayers are the wicked rulers in the kingdom of darkness.

Daniel had a 21 days fasting and prayers and at the end of it, an angel brought the answer to him revealing to him the hindrance he experienced as narrated in the opening text. It was Daniel persistent prayers for the 21 days that brought reinforcement from heaven and that power was subdued.

Thid is why the scripture says; "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high." (Ephesians 6:12). The only way to overcome these powers is to put on the whole armour of God - Ephesians 6:11.

Though Satan has been defeated, he has not been dethroned. He is still the god of this present world system - 2nd Corinthians 4:4. Our Lord Jesus called him the prince of this world - John 16:11. But we are not of this world. The scripture says that we have been delivered from the kingdom of darkness and translated into the the kingdom of God. Besides, we are seated together with Christ in the heavenly far above these principalities and powers.

In the same way Daniel subdued the powers that attempted to hinder the delivery of answer to his prayers, you too can subdue any power that attempts to hinder answers to your prayers.

All you need to do is to spend a little more time in the presence of God through fasting and prayer. And keep resisting and binding the evil powers of darkness. They will definitely bow to the name of Jesus. Remember the scripture says; "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." (1st John 5:4).

Prayer: Gracious and Merciful God, I magnify your holy name. I thank you for the victory I have in Christ Jesus over every powers of darkness. I therefore bind and resist any power attempting to hinder the delivery of the answers to my prayers in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Proverbs 14:19; Luke 18:1-7, Romans 8:37.

Friday, November 18th.

Why Answers to Prayers are Sometimes Hindered - 11.

"Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear." (Isaiah 59:1-2).

It's true that Christ has washed our sins away through his precious blood he shed on the Cross of Calvary. And as many as received him are forgiven their past sins. In addition, righteousness is credited to our account. God now sees us as righteous as Christ because we put on his righteousness. Hence, we are called the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus.

However, we do make mistakes from time to time because of our sinful flesh which is not yet redeemed. But if you confess your sins, he is faithful and just to forgive you and cleanse you from all unrighteousness - 1st John 1:9. You should not however abuse this grace by deliberately living in sin.

Sin can hinder answers to your prayers especially when you habitually commit it. God rebuked the nation of Israel by letting them know in the opening text that their sins has separated them from him. As such, their prayers were unheard.

Ironically, the list of sinful things that follows the opening text didn't include sins like adultery, stealing and other common acts we all know are sinful. Rather, it mentioned acts that we hardly regard as sins.

This list is a long one but notable amongst them is verse 3 which reads, "For your hands are stained with blood and your fingers with sin; your lips speak lies, your tongue utters malicious words." (New English Translation). The last part of the verse says that their lips speaks lies and THEIR TONGUE UTTERS MALICIOUS WORDS.

Malicious words are statements you make that hurts and destroys the reputation of another person. And, it's a terrible sin before God especially if it concerns your fellow brethren. Never be an instrument in the hand of Satan to destroy your fellow brethren for whom Christ died for. It will not only hinder answers to your prayers, it can send you to your grave early - Psalms 101:5.

You have received the free gift of righteousness so you can do things that are right in the sight of God and man. Don't conceive evil thoughts in your heart against your brethren. Follow the path of peace. Be honest in your dealings with people. And be quick to repent when you fall into errors.

Remember, Satan, the accuser of the brethren uses your errors to accuse you before God. So, don't let any sinful habit dominate you and be kind hearted to people especially your brethren so that answers to your prayers will not be hindered.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank you the opportunity to witness another day. I also thank you for the gift of righteousness. I ask for your grace to overcome every sinful habits or wrong ways that could be a hindrance to my prayers in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Proverbs 15:29, Psalms 66:18, 1st John 3:8-10.

Saturday, November 19th.

Why Answers to Prayers are Sometimes Hindered - 12.

"... we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." (Ephesians 6:12).

It is an understatement to say that there are people who have made themselves your enemies and they do whatever they can to either frustrate your progress or destroy you altogether. However, in our spiritual battles which is usually carried out through prayers, the scripture says that our fight is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers, against rulers of darkness and spiritual wickedness in high places.

Another verse reads, "For though we walk in the flesh, WE DO NOT WAR AFTER THE FLESH: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds." (2nd Corinthians 10:4-5).
Apostle Peter attest to this truth when he wrote; "Be sober, be vigilant; because YOUR ADVERSARY THE DEVIL, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." (1st Peter 5:. Notice, Peter didn't say 'your adversaries' as in plural but he said, 'your adversary' as in singular which is the devil.

So, the current form of prayers which focuses on human enemies which are targeted for destruction is uncalled for. Your focus should be on the man behind the mask. We have been told to resist him steadfastly and bind his evil works.

As for those human enemies, just ask God to take vengeance on them or judge them - Luke 18:1-7, 2nd Timothy 4:14. Hence, the scripture says; "Dearly beloved, AVENGE NOT YOURSELVES, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head." (Romans 12:19-20).

One of the setbacks in focusing on perceived enemies is that it causes you to fight an endless battle. This is because even if that enemy dies, the spirit behind the attack on your life can work through another person and the problem continues leading to a perpetual hindrance to your prayers and progress in life.

So, know who the real enemy is and deal problem from the root. He is the devil and his cohorts of demons. He has been defeated. Bind his evil works he is doing through those human vessels. Resist him and cast him out of your home. You have been given authority over every power of darkness. They cannot lord it over you. They bow at the mention of the name of Jesus.

Prayer: Dear Father, I bless you for your your goodness and faithfulness towards me. I thank you for the victory I have in Christ Jesus and the authority I have in his name. I therefore stop every evil works the devil is doing through wicked and unreasonable people who are contending with me in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Matthew 16:21-23, James 4:7, 2nd Corinthians 10:3-5.

Sunday, November 20th.

Why Answers to Prayers are Sometimes Hindered - 13.

"Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; THAT YOUR PRAYERS BE NOT HINDERED." (1st Peter 3:7).

Hindrances to prayers can also be caused by the manner and ways husbands treat their wives. Apostle Peter, in his first letter to the church as contained in the opening text admonished husbands to treat their wives well so that their prayers will not be hindered.

It's unfortunate the way some husbands mistreat their wives even in marriages that are supposed to be of the Christian faith. Some men abuse their wives by beating them. Quite a few others give them little or no attention. Some husbands cheat on their wives in such a manner that they hurt their emotions without any sense of guilt or remorse.

Some women on the other hand do even worse. They carry out the detestable act of adultery even on their matrimonial bed. These ungodly acts either from the husband or the wife hinders answers to prayers.

Generally, every form of mistreatment of people is bad and equally hinders answers to prayers. For instance, their are family who mistreat children under their custody just because they are their biological children. Other forms of mistreatment includes workers mistreating their employees by either under paying them or refuse to give them their due wages.

Hence, James wrote; "Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered" (James 5:4). Apostle Paul adds; "Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven."(Colossians 4:1).

So, learn to be kind to people whether your spouse, siblings, workers you employed, other people's children under your custody and as many as you will have the opportunity to meet. As you do, God himself who loves righteousness will grant your prayer request even beyond your expectations and imaginations.

Prayer: Gracious and merciful God, I exalt your holy name. I thank you for your goodness towards me. I ask for your grace to show kindness to my family, friends, brethren and as many as I will have opportunity to meet in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Ephesians 5:22-34, 1st Corinthians 7:3-5,

Monday, November 21st.

Why Answers to Prayers are Sometimes Hindered - 14.

"Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High: And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me." (Psalms 50:14-15).

The opening text unveils another factor that could act as an hindrance to receiving answers to your prayers. The psalmist said that we should pay our vows and call upon God in the day of trouble. And he will deliver us. In other words, payment of vows can influence answers to your prayers positively. In the same sense, unpaid vow can be a hindrance to your prayers.

Vows are pledges you make to God to give something or do something for God in response to an answer to a specific prayer request. Hannah made a vow to God saying; ".. if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head. "(1st Samuel 1:11).

And after she conceived and gave birth to the miracle child, she fulfilled her vow - 1st Samuel 1:26-28. The fulfillment of her vow opened up the door for a far bigger miracle. She gave birth to the first ever recorded quintuplets (five children) - 1st Samuel 2:21.

The Saints of old didn't joke with their vows. They knew the spiritual implications of doing so. Even when Jephtha vowed to sacrifice to God the first thing that comes out of his house if the Lord gives him victory, he fulfilled that vow even though it was her only daughter and only child who became the victim - Judges 11:30-40.

Don't make vows you can't fulfill. It could act as an hindrance to receiving answers to your prayers. Hence, the scripture says; "When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed. Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay." (Ecclesiastes 5:4-5).

Prayer: Heavenly Father, way maker and covenant keeping God, I magnify your word and your name above everything else. I ask for your mercy for every previous vows I never fulfilled. I promise from this day henceforth to fulfill any vow I make. And I fulfill them, I know you will speedily grant my requests in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Psalms 66:13-14, Proverbs 20:25, 2nd Corinthians 8:10-11.

Tuesday, November 22nd.

Believe in Your Prophet - 1.

"... Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper." (2nd Chronicles 20:20).

Prophets are servants of God that speaks to God's people on behalf of God. The opening text links our prosperity to our faith in God's prophets. However, in the context of this discussion, we are using the word prophet to mean every servant of God placed over you especially Pastors and Teachers. In other words, we are not just referring to those who are called to stand in the office of a Prophet but to every servant of God who stands in any of the office of the five fold ministry gifts who God permits you to have an encounter with.

It is important to note here that ministers of God are gifts from God to the church. Hence, the scripture says; "Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and GAVE GIFTS UNTO MEN. And HE GAVE SOME, APOSTLES; and some, PROPHETS; and some, EVANGELISTS; and some, PASTORS and TEACHERS." (Ephesians 4:8,11).

The way you receive these precious gifts from God and treat them determines the reward of blessings you will receive. Giving a cup of cold water to the least disciple of Jesus attracts rewards talk more of servants of God sent to bless you - Matthew 10:42.

Even under the Old Covenant, God told the children of Israel that the Levites and the Priests are service of gift to the children of Israel - Numbers 18:6-7. On account of this, God also commanded that their offerings of all kinds which they bring to Him are for the Priests and their tithes are for the Levites.

Now, what does it mean to believe in your Prophet or men of God sent to you? It is not just in accepting their messages and saying Amen when they prophesy into your life. You activate your faith in your man of God by backing it up with a worthy seed. You also consciously minister to their needs as God will enable you. This is what triggers the blessings of God upon your life.

So, learn to treat your man of God well. He is God's gift to you for your prosperity and well being. He is anointed to bless you and break every yoke in your life. But you tap into that blessing with your seeds. Tomorrow, we will begin to look at a few examples from the Bible of those who put this principle to work and the testimonies that followed.

Prayer: Gracious and Merciful Father, I thank you for counting me worthy to be a part of your kingdom. I also thank you for your servant you placed over me. As I honour him with my seed and many others I will have the opportunity to have an encounter with, I know that you will cause your blessings to overflow in my life in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Genesis 20:7-17, 1st Samuel 9:7-8.

Wednesday, November 23rd.

Believe in Your Prophet - 2.

"And she went and did according to the saying of Elijah: and she, and he, and her house, did eat many days." (1st Kings 17:15).

Prophet Elijah during the years of famine was sent to a widow in a city called Zarephath. When he got there, he met the widow gathering few sticks and said to her; "... Fetch me, I pray thee, a little water in a vessel, that I may drink." (1st Kings 17:10).

As she was going, he called her back and made another request saying; "... Bring me, I pray thee, a morsel of bread in thine hand." (1st Kings 17:11). I strongly believe that the first request was to identify the widow. Under the Old Covenant, the saints usually use signs for confirmation of whatever they are directed to do. He must have prayed to God that the first widow who will respond to his request for water will be the woman God has sent him to.

So, as soon as he identified her, he made his request for a plate of food. But she responded thus; "... As the LORD thy God liveth, I have not a cake, but an handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse: and, behold, I am gathering two sticks, that I may go in and dress it for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die." (1st King 17:12).

She was in a poverty stricken condition and her statement revealed why she became poor. She usually made budget for she and her son. This is probably her lifestyle. God was never in her budget. Her neighbours were never in her budget. Whenever you spend all your earnings on yourself and family alone, you are making zero investment for your future and the end result is poverty.

Prophet Elijah identified the source of her poverty and requested that she do it God's own way if she must revert the trend of poverty. In giving, it must be God first. This is the first fruit principle. So, he told her, "Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but MAKE ME THEREOF A LITTLE CAKE FIRST, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son. For thus saith the LORD God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the LORD sendeth rain upon the earth."(1st Kings 17:13-14).

The widow believed Prophet Elijah and she received a miracle that turned her situation around. The scripture said; "... and she, and he, and her house, did eat many days. And the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by Elijah." (1st Kings 17:15-16).

Is your business going down even to the point of bankruptcy? What about your financial status generally? It's probably because you don't give God his due honour. It's not too late to begin to do things thing. Put God first in your budget. Honour his servants he has placed over your life. And as you give God his due honour by honouring your man of God, the blessings will come speedily, even much more than what you think or imagine.

Prayer: Great and Mighty God, I give you thanks for your mercy and faithfulness. I thank you for the opportunity to honour you through your servants you have sent to bless me. I believe every word they speak over my life. I ask for your blessings upon my life so I can have a worthy seed to sow into their lives and receive greater blessings in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Luke 1:38, Ezekiel 44:30, Matthew 6:33.

Thursday, November 24th.

Believe in Your Prophet - 3.

"And she said unto her husband, Behold now, I perceive that this is an holy man of God, which passeth by us continually. Let us make a little chamber, I pray thee, on the wall; and let us set for him there a bed, and a table, and a stool, and a candlestick: and it shall be, when he cometh to us, that he shall turn in thither."(2nd Kings 4:9-10).

A wealthy woman from a city known as Shunem took it upon herself to take care of Prophet Elisha's meal each time he came to Shunem - 2nd Kings 4:8. But she took a step further with the permission of her husband to take care of his accommodation and furnished it as contained in the opening text.

She did it because she perceived that Prophet Elijah is a holy man of God. She had a spiritual sense that servants of God should be ministered to. The good part of it was that she did it without any strings attached to it.

However, Prophet Elijah asked Gehazi to call the shunamite woman. When she came, he said to Gehazi to say to her; "Behold, thou hast been careful for us with all this care; what is to be done for thee? wouldest thou be spoken for to the king, or to the captain of the host?" (2nd Kings 4:13).

She replied Gehazi that she was quite secured. Elisha insisted she should make her request known. It was Gehazi who revealed to Elisha that she has no child and her husband is old.
Prophet Elisha said to her; "...About this season, according to the time of life, thou shalt embrace a son. And she said, Nay, my lord, thou man of God, do not lie unto thine handmaid." (2nd Kings 4:16). And it happened just the way he said it.

Genuine servants of God are anointed to break yokes in your life. But you must learn to minister to their needs willingly, bountifully and cheerfully. Elisha didn't pray for every barren woman in that community but for the Shunammite woman who ministered to her. And when he spoke a word over her life, she believed and her barrenness was broken.

Do you want a change in any particular area of your life? Package a worthy seed and locate your man of God. Never go to your man of God or any servant of God empty handed when you are seeking for divine intervention. Your seed is your connection to the anointing upon his life. And as he speaks, believe it. Just like the Shunammite woman, your testimony will be sure.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I worship you in the beauty of holiness. I thank you for the lessons I have learnt from the encounter the Shunammite woman had with Prophet Elisha. As I follow her footstep and honour my man of God, I declare that I receive my divine intervention in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Philippians 4:15-19, Luke 8:2-3.

Friday, November 25th.

How The Early Church Honoured Ministers of the Gospel.

"Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem."(1st Corinthians 16:2-3).

The early Christian converts were predominantly Jews. But over time, souls from the Gentile nations were added to the body of Christ. Notable amongst them was the household of Cornelius. The Jews were surprised that the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out on the Gentiles also while Apostle Peter was still ministering to the household of Cornelius.

However, when persecution arose, most of the Jews were scattered and they went from city to city preaching the gospel everywhere they went. Apostle Paul during his encounter with Christ was sent to take the gospel to the Gentiles.

In the course of carrying out his missionary activities, he taught the church how to make provision for the saints in Jerusalem who brought the gospel to them. He not only taught them, he personally supervised their contributions as stated in the opening text.

Hence in his letter to the church in Rome, he wrote; "But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints. For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem. It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, THEIR DUTY IS ALSO TO MINISTER UNTO THEM IN CARNAL THINGS."(Romans 15:25-27).

From the tone of Paul's letter in the passage just quoted above, your support for ministers of the gospel placed over you is not a favour you are doing. It is your duty. We do know that members give their offerings regularly and quite a few pay their tithes. But the support you give to your man of God should go beyond your regular tithes and offerings.

In Paul's letter to the Galatians, he wrote; "Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things." (Galatians 6:6). Notice the phrase, 'in all good things'. This includes his clothings, provision of a good and well furnished apartment, a good car etc. And as you honour servants of God placed over you, God will ensure you reap a harvest in multiple proportions of the seed you sow and increase your capacity to give.

Prayer: Everlasting Father, I adore you and give you the glory due to your holy name. I appreciate the gift of your servants placed over my life. I ask for the grace to give for their support as you will enable me. I am fully persuaded that you will multiply my seed sown and increase the fruit of my righteousness in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: 2nd Corinthians 9:1-10, Philippians 4:15-19.

Saturday, November 26th.

Be Fervent in The Spirit.

"Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord." (Romans 12:11).

The Christian call is a call to service. But the manner and ways the service is rendered matters. It must be done with zeal or enthusiasm. This is what Apostle Paul meant when he wrote to the church in Rome that they should be fervent in the Spirit, serving the Lord.

Have a burning zeal in your service to God. Be red aglow for Jesus. The scripture says; "Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, ZEALOUS OF GOOD WORKS." (Titus 2:13-14).

Our Lord Jesus rebuked the church of the Laodiceans for lukewarmness. He wrote to the church; "I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth." (Revelation 3:15-16).

Lukewarm brethren don't see the need to attend fellowship regularly. And when they do, they often go late. They are hardly involved in any activity department in church. It's difficult to find them even participate financially in church projects and programmes.

Don't be a lukewarm believer. It makes you a misfit for the kingdom of heaven. Be on fire for Jesus. Let your soul be set ablaze for me. Serve him with undivided attention. Overcome every spirit of complacency. Remember, our Lord Jesus said; "He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels." (Revelation 3:5).

Prayer: Lord God Almighty, I thank you for the opportunity given to me to be a part of your family. I also thank you for the opportunity to serve you. I reject all forms of slothfulness and lukewarmness. I will serve you with zeal for the rest of my life in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: John 2:16-17, Revelation 3:19.

Sunday, November 27th.

The Parable of the Sower - 1.

"When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side." (Matthew 13:19).

Our Lord Jesus during his earthly ministry used parables most of the times to teach. Parables are stories or illustrations using events that could actually happen in practice from which we draw a moral lesson. And one of such parable is the parable of the sower.

He began the narration by saying; "...Behold, a sower went forth to sow; And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away."(Matthew 13:3-6).

He continued, "And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear." (Matthew 13:7-9).

When his disciple sought for the interpretation, he unveiled to them that the seed is the word of God and the different kinds of soils it fell on represents the different conditions of our hearts.

The first condition of the heart is a wayside heart. This is a heart according to the opening text that receives God's word but devoid of understanding. The wicked one comes and steals what is sown in his heart. The end result is an unfruitful Christian life.

These are the ones who don't give attention to God's word that they hear it. They browse their phones why the message is going on. Quite a few of them get distracted with phone calls. Others have side discussion while their Pastor is preaching. There are those who move up and down during service. Yet, a few others look at almost everything that moves instead of paying attention to the message.

God's word works but you must make up your mind to listen to it with rapt attention if you want to fully understand what you are being taught. Don't be like so many Christians who immediately after the service ends cannot recap what they learnt in church.

Prayer: Everlasting Father, I worship you in the beauty of holiness. I thank you for the entrance of your word that illuminates my understanding. I reject all forms of distraction designed to take my attention from your word each time I hear it. I ask you grant me spiritual understanding of your word as I listen to it in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Proverbs 4:20-22, Psalms 119:130, Colossians 1:9.

Monday, November 28th.

The Parable of the Sower - 2.

"But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended."(Matthew 13:20-21).

Yesterday, we introduced the parable of the sower. The sower is the preacher or teacher of God's word. The seed is the word of God and the soil is the different conditions of our hearts. We discussed those whose hearts are likened to the soil by the wayside. It's a condition of the heart that hears God's word but don't understand it. So, the devil immediately steals the word sown in their hearts and makes them unfruitful.

The second condition of the heart we will look at today is a stony heart. According to the opening text, it refers to those who receive the word of God with joy. But because the word is not deeply rooted in them, they back off in times of persecutions and tribulations.

They probably had a wrong perception on what the Christian life entails. Christianity is not a bed of roses. There will definitely be trying times. The scripture however guarantees us victory in our trials. Hence, our Lord Jesus said; "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33).

Job had one of greatest affliction in life that is on record. He lost all his wealth in less than 24 hours. It's like a billionaire becoming a poor man in just one day. Such crash in fortune is unheard of. As if that wasn't enough, he lost his ten children in one day. This is enough for him to commit suicide. But he maintained his trust in God.

In addition, his health came under attack such that the smell from the boil all over his body made him to stay in an isolated location. When his three friends visited him, what they saw of him was such that none of them could open their mouth to speak a word for seven days. His wife even suggested he should curse God and die. But Job continued to worship and put his trust in God. And when his miracle came, God restored back to him twice of all he lost. He also had ten children born to him again.

So, no matter the challenges you are faced with or the persecutions you might be experiencing, don't give up your faith in God. There is no trials that comes your way that so many others haven't passed through. If God could see them through, your case will not be an exemption. And he will see you through in the mighty name of Jesus.

Prayer: Dear Father, I magnify you and give you thanks in the name of Jesus. I know you care for me. So, I commit all my worries on you trusting you to make a way of escape for me out of my trials in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Job 14:14; 19:25; 42:10-13, Psalms 34:19, 1st Corinthians 10:13.

Tuesday, November 29th.

The Parable of the Sower - 3.

"He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful." (Matthew 13:22).

We are still on the subject of the parable of the sower. We have discussed two different conditions of the heart which are the wayside and the stony heart. Today, we will look at the third condition of the heart which is the thorny heart.

The thorny heart describes someone who receives seeds amongst thorns. The thorns according to the opening text are the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches.

The cares of this world includes the basic needs of feeding, clothing and shelter. Others are payment of bills such as house rent, school fees and even medical bills. Our Lord Jesus is his Sermon on the Mount said; "... Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?" (Matthew 6:25). Getting worried about how your needs will be met will not produce them. Rather, it will have an adverse effect on your health and even paralyze your faith.

The deceitfulness of riches perhaps is about the worse thorn in the heart. The desire to be rich at all cost has made so many professing believers and even ministers of the gospel compromise their faith. It is therefore not uncommon to hear of so many people including some ministers of the gospel get involve in money rituals and other fetish works. Some of the youths are into internet fraud popularly know as yahoo yahoo.

God is not not against you having money but he does not want money to have you. Hence the scripture says; "For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." (1st Timothy 6:10).

Besides, being rich doesn't guarantee happiness. There are billionaires who died by committing suicide. So many don't have peace of mind even with their riches. While quite a few others did not live long to enjoy their wealth. Hence, the scripture says; "There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death" (Proverbs 16:25).

Cast all your worries on God and trust him to give you durable riches. Don't compete with anyone and don't envy those you think are doing better than you. Focus on serving God with all of your heart and be kind to those you have opportunity to meet. At the appointed time, he will lift you to that enviable height beyond your dreams and imaginations.

Prayer: Glorious Father, I thank you for your infinite wisdom. I cast all my worries on you. I reject every temptation that wants to lure me into getting wealth the wrong ways. I ask for divine ideas to create genuine wealth that will bring glory and honour to your name in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: 1st Timothy 6:6-19, Matthew 6:24-34.

Wednesday, November 30th.

The Parable of the Sower - 4.

"But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty." (Matthew 13:23).

We have so far studied three conditions of the heart with respect to how it responds to the word of God it hears. They are the wayside heart, the stony heart and the thorny heart. Today we will look at the last condition of the heart which is the good or fertile heart.
According to the opening text, this is the heart that receives God's word, understands it, bears fruits and brings forth. Some yield hundredfold result, some sixty while others thirty.

This last condition of the heart is what God wants all his children to have. One of the greatest frustration a child of God has is to keep learning but never coming to the knowledge of the truth. It will make you unproductive and unfit for the kingdom of heaven. Besides, Satan will take advantage of your ignorance and rob you of God's blessings.

You have a role to play in making your heart a fertile ground to receive God's word. First, you must have a genuine hunger to know more of God. This is why Apostle Peter wrote; "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby." (1st Peter 2:2).

Second, you must always love to be in the presence of God or the fellowship of the brethren. This includes all weekly activities. Those who skip some weekly activities are not ready to learn. They are like students who skip some classes and expect to get good grades in their exams.

Third, you must be willing to do what it says. The scripture says, "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." (James 1:22). As you put God's word to practice, he will open the eyes of your understanding to receive more truth. Hence our Lord Jesus said; "For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath." (Matthew 13:12).

Fourth, always be seated before the service starts. It gives you an opportunity to participate in the opening prayer, praise and worship. And these activities prepares your heart to receive God's word. In addition, you are able to follow through the message from the beginning to the end. Those who come in after the message has started usually requires some time to understand what it's been taught.

Fifth, give undivided attention to his word when the teaching or preaching is going on. Avoid too much movement and side talks. Switch your phones off or put it in silent mode to avoid distraction from calls. And avoid the temptation of browsing your phone during service. Above all, learn to make notes as you listen to his word. This will help you for revision purpose. Research has it that even the most intelligent mind retains only about 10% of what it hears. So, if you don't jot down messages, you will lose about 90% of what you are being taught.

The choice is yours to make your heart a fertile heart or keep it in the undesirable condition of a wayside, stony or a thorny heart. Only fertile heart bears fruits and brings forth. The last phrase, brings forth has to do with soul winning. A lot of professing believers do not win souls because there are no visible fruits in their lives that will inspire sinners to repent and receive Christ into their lives. So, make up your mind to be a fruit bearing Christians by making your heart a fertile one to receive God's word.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank you for your mercy and grace. My heart is open to receive your word. I ask for your grace to put to practice every teaching that is consistent with your provision for me in Christ in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Proverbs 4:20-22, John 8:31-32, Colossians 3:16.

Thursday, December 1st

Cast Down Wrong Imaginations.

"(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. "(2nd Corinthians 10:4-5).

The battles of life begins in our minds. It matters what you think. Most of the times, our mindset is our greatest limitation. Whether you win or lose the battles you are faced with is dependent on what goes on in your mind. And what goes on in your mind is influenced by what happens around you and to you over a period of time.

For instance, if you come from a family where members of the family have a trait, it will affect the way you think. For example, in some family, they die young. In quite a few others, they have an affliction that runs through the family. As you permit these thoughts to run through your mind, the fear of death and affliction might begin to have a grip on your mind.

There are also those who believe they must have running nose the moment it's harmattan season. And because of that mindset which has become a stronghold in them, that affliction will always come at that season of the year.

Quite a few others believe they can never be rich because of family history. Their great grand father died poor. Their grand father also died poor. Even their father is poverty personified. So, they settle for poverty the rest of their lives. Such mindset is a stronghold that must be broken.

This is why the opening text says that the weapons we fight with are not man made and they can pull down strongholds. Strongholds in this context represents that thought pattern that you have come to accept. It's a mindset that limits you from experiencing the liberty you have in Christ.

You break such strongholds by realigning your thoughts with the word of God. Each time negative imaginations comes to you, reject them or cast them down and declare what God's word says instead. God's word says that you have been delivered from the power of darkness - Colossians 1:13. Poverty, sickness and failure are all works of darkness. They cannot dominate you because you are in the kingdom of light. Reject negative pictures and fill your mind with thoughts of success, wealth and wellness.

The devil will certainly fight back by reminding you of the reality on ground and even the past. Don't let it bother you. We walk by faith and not by sight. Just resist him and declare what God's word says about it. And keep saying it repeatedly. As you do, over time, things will align to what you say because God himself watches over his word to fulfill it in your life.

Prayer: Dear Father in heaven, I thank you illuminating my understanding with the truth of your word. I reject every form of imagination that exalt itself against your knowledge. And I bring them captive to the obedience of Christ in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Matthew 4:1-11, Romans 12:2, Philippians 4:8.

Friday, December 2nd.

Try Every Spirit - 1.

"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world." (1st John 4:1).

We are living in the days of the proliferation of churches and ministries pioneered by false teachers and prophets in such numbers that was unheard of. They were there even in Bible days as noted in the opening text. And so many people and families have fallen victim of their scams. It is however your responsibility to try every spirit behind their operations so you will not be gullible to their deceitful doctrines and practices.

The scripture did not leave us without a guide on how to know them. The first way to discern them is by their fruits. Our Lord Jesus said; "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?" (Matthew 7:15-16).

The fruits refers to their lifestyles. Some of their lifestyles are easily visible while others are hidden. But, no matter how anyone tries to hide his dirty lifestyle, it will one day be revealed. This is why our Lord said; "For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known."(Luke 12:2). They are usually involved in gross sexual immoral acts. It is one of the hallmark of false teachers and prophets.

In addition, they make merchandise of gullible souls my monitizing what they use as healing mediums. One of such false Prophet was said to have packaged the blood of Jesus which he claimed was the very blood that flowed through the veins of Jesus. And it was sold at a cut-throat price. There are many other ways so many ministers scam people of their monies in the guise of performing miracles. And gullible souls fall for them because of ignorance.

Miracles are not supposed to be monitized. The scripture says; "Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: FREELY YE HAVE RECEIVED, FREELY GIVE." (Matthew 10:. Members can however be taught how to sow worthy seeds. This is consistent with the Scripture. Tomorrow, we will look at more ways to discern these false teachers and prophets.

Prayers: Glorious Father, I give you thanks for your goodness and faithfulness towards me and my family. Deliver me from the hands of deceitful teachers and prophets. I will not be a victim of their scams in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Matthew 7:15-19, 1st Timothy 4:1-3, 2nd Peter 2:1-3.

Saturday, December 3rd.

Try Every Spirit - 2.

"But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction." (2nd Peter 2:1).

Yesterday, we said that one sure way to know false teachers and false prophets is by their fruits. They live ungodly lives. Second, they make merchandise of gullible souls in the guise of performing miracles.

Another way to know them is through their teachings or doctrines. Apostle Peter said in the opening text that they bring in destructive doctrines and use them to lure gullible souls away from the truth of God's word. They also use verses or passages from the Bible which they twist or misinterpret.

For instance, some of them teach that once you are saved, no matter what you do, you will make heaven. This is a lie from the pit of hell. The Bible cautions believers against living an ungodly life. Paul in his letter to the Galatians church said; "Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that THEY WHICH DO SUCH THINGS SHALL NOT INHERIT THE KINGDOM OF GOD."(Galatians 5:19-21).

There is a sect that even teach that there is no such thing as hell where lost souls are tormented in burning flame. They are false teachers. They are agents of darkness disguised as ministers of light. The scripture gives us an overwhelming evidences affirming that hell is real. God however does not send anyone to hell. It's your decision that sends you there.

There are those who lure you into sin through their false teachings. One of such leaders many years back taught his congregation they could sleep with one another. He even backed it up with the scripture which says that all things are lawful. When most of the young girls got pregnant, they couldn't tell who was responsible as they had slept with several men. When they complained to their pastor who lured them into the act, he said they shouldn't worry about who was responsible, that they are all Jesus babies.

So, be careful where you worship and who you listen to. Even if you believe in your man of God, always compare whatever you are taught with what is contained in word of God. This is what the Berea Christians did in the days of the early church - Acts 17:11. Remember, your pastor or teacher will not be there to defend you when you stand before God on judgment day.

Prayer: Lord God, I give you praise, glory and honour for you deserve it. I ask for understanding of your word and the wisdom to judge false teachings that are designed to lure me away from the faith and the truth of your word in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Titus 1:9-11, 1st John 2:26-27, 2nd Timothy 2:15.

Sunday, December 4th.

Try Every Spirit - 3.

"But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor HANDLING THE WORD OF GOD DECEITFULLY; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God."(2nd Corinthians 4:2).

We are still on the subject of discerning false teachers and prophets. The category we will deal with today are those who handle the word of God deceitfully. They are not necessarily saying things that are not scriptural but they are crafty in the way they present their messages.

For instance, they tell their members what they want to hear and not what they need to hear. The goal is to have the crowd or good membership which of course translates into better income. Some ministries with very large congregation have this trait. They might look very successful in the eyes of men but not before God who tries our hearts.

Apostle Paul in his letter to Timothy wrote; "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE WORD OF TRUTH." (2nd Timothy 2:15). Notice the phrase, 'rightly dividing the word of truth'. Another version says, 'teach the word of God accurately'.

The scripture says; "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." (2nd Timothy 3:16). For better understanding, let's see how the Easy English Translation renders it; "Everything that the Bible says comes from God’s Spirit. And we can use the Bible to teach what is true. We can use it to tell people when they are doing wrong things. It shows them what is right. Also, with the Bible, we can teach people how to live good lives.".

Instead of a balanced teaching of God's word, most of these crafty teachers only feed their flocks with feel good messages. They hardly rebuke or correct them. They also permit them to dress indecently. In addition, they don't teach them how to live right. This is why it's difficult to differentiate professing believers from unbelievers in this present generation.

So, worship were you are corrected from time to time. Any minister of the gospel who hardly corrects you doesn't love you. He just wants the crowd so he can get good money. He will not be there to defend you on judgment day. The scripture says God disciplines every child he loves - Hebrews 2:6. "But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not son. " (Hebrews 2:.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you another glorious day. I thank you for your word which instructs me, rebukes me and corrects me. I yield myself to your corrections so I will be worthy to stand before you on the day of judgment. Thank you for the grace to live right in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Proverbs 15:31, Revelation 2:4-5, 3:19.

Monday, December 5th.

How to Judge Prophecy - 1.

"And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." (Revelation 19:10).

Prophecy under the Old Testament is foretelling the future under the inspiration of the Spirit of God. However, under the New Testament, it has two-fold definitions. It is both foretelling and forth telling. The later is more common in the New Testament even though God still uses his servants to foretell the future when necessary.

In today's teaching, we will focus on the part of prophecy that deals with forth telling. Forth telling is speaking forth God's word under the inspiration of the Spirit of God for the purpose of edification, exhortation and comfort - 1st Corinthians 14:3.

It's imperative to know how to judge prophecies so we don't fall victim of false prophets. First, prophecies must be consistent with the teachings of our Lord Jesus and his Apostles. In other words, it must agree with the word of God. The opening text says in the latter part that the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

The essence of prophecy must give a clear witness of Jesus, what he has done for us and what his word says. For instance, if someone comes to you and prophesy that you will not live beyond a certain age, that prophecy is not from God because God's word says that he will sustain us with long life. Besides, such prophecy does not edify, comfort or exhort. So, it is not from God.

Second, it must glorify Jesus and not man. One of the ministry of the Holy Spirit is to glorify Jesus. Our Lord Jesus said; "He (Holy Spirit) shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you." (John 16:14).

Most false prophets likes to draw attention to themselves through their prophecies which often puts people in fear and bondage. They make themselves thin gods that you must depend on for solutions. And most of the times, they scam people of their monies.

So, be mindful of the prophecies you receive from so called prophets. If they are not in line with God's word, reject them. They must glorify Jesus and above all, they must edify, exhort and comfort you.

Prayer: Dear Father, I bless your holy name and I thank you for your faithfulness. I ask for your wisdom to judge prophecies so I will not be a victim of false prophets in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: 1st Corinthians 14:32, 1st John 4:1.