Category Archives: bible

God’s lost children

Amsterdam, one of the most diverse cities I have visited. The chaotic, dynamic, autonomous environment that keeps one’s eyes observant. The contrast between my childhood perspective and adult perception- incomparable. Growing up in a town 14 miles away from this city, going to Amsterdam with the family was an exciting treat. Walks along the canals, shopping on Kalverstraat, scrumptious roasted duck in China Town- memorable childhood memories. More than a decade later, my perspective changed. As I walked around with my childhood friend, we came across the forbidden fruit- the red light district. I had never visited this part of the town before, however the Holy Spirit prompted and directed my steps there. I did not understand why He would lead me into an area of ungodliness, but He whispered ‘pray of them’.

As me and my friend strolled around the district, my spirit saddened. Women were displayed as a mannequin through a see through window, with very little covering. At first I felt disgusted, and with my head down I was trying to comprehend what was going on. Why would one degrade themselves to this form of occupation? How can the society we live in allow this form of profession to be legalized? But then the Holy Spirit whispered and said “Those are my children, pray for them”. I felt convicted: who am I to judge them for being there? I don’t even know their story”. One thing that came to my mind was that, if God was to return today, what would He find us doing? Would we be prepared and ready? Would He be proud of the activities He finds us doing? Would I as a disciple, have done my best to help those who are lost?(Mark 13:32-33 “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come”).

ifjesus0awastocomeback0atoday2cwhat0awouldhefind0ayoudoing3f-default

The spirit of perversion is controlling the lives of many of God’s children. It is our duty as disciples to pray for lost souls, for the deliverance of those engaging in perverted activities and of course for ourselves (Ephesians 5:3 “But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people”).

I encourage you today to stand with me in prayer for all the women and men all over the world engaging in sexual perversion. For the strongholds that have been capturing God’s children to be broken down and for there to be total liberation. May all God’s children know that when Jesus died on the cross, He died for them.

Let us also pray for ourselves, that where we are still short of God’s glory, for Him to have mercy upon us, deliver us and that on the day of judgement He will say to us Well done, good and faithful servant. When He comes back for His church, may He find us ready, blameless and without blemish in Jesus Name.

(2 Peter 3:11 “Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat.  But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him”).

dearlord2c0aiprayforall0ayourlostchildren0athattheywill0acometoknow0ayou-default


God’s lost children- prayers

Dear heavenly Father,

We thank You for our lives and for allowing us to come into Your presence. Before we ask You for anything, we repent of our sins and ask that You will forgive us and cleanse us with Your blood. Lord, we come to You in regards to the matter of sexual perversion. We come before You and bring every man and woman who has been struggling with perversion. Lord, we pray that You will deliver them from the hands of the devourer.

We pray that You will open the eyes of their understanding, that they will get to know You (Ephesians 1:18 “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people,  and his incomparably great power for us who believe”).May they know that You bought them at a price and that they are worthy in Your eyes. We repent on their behalf and pray that You will transform their lives and use their testimonies to touch the lives of others. We pull down all strongholds of perversion holding Your children captive and we destroy them in Jesus name (2 Corinthians 10:3-5 “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ”).

I pray that You will remove any filthy garment, may You dress them in a garment of righteousness. I pray that You will remove any shame and bless them with honour. We declare, holiness, righteousness and purity over their lives and also upon our own lives. We pray that You will heal them from all pain, hurt, disappointment, and all other things that may be troubling them. We pray Lord, that on the day of Your return, Your children will be prepared (2 Peter 3:9-10 “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare”).

We pray that in all areas worldwide where perversion has been ruling, that Your light will shine there. May fellowships, churches and places of worship be planted where there has been darkness. We also pray for our own lives, that where we have struggled with perversion that You will help us and that all our ways will glorify You. We also pray that Your hand of protection will be over our lives when we sleep and that no attack from the enemy shall prevail In Jesus Name. We thank You and believe that our prayer has been heard. AMEN.

IMG_20150827_101631


Dear heavenly Father,

I thank You Father for all You have done in my life and all You continue to do. Thank You for allowing me to see another day. It is by Your grace that I am still alive and I do not take it for granted (Psalm 127:2 “In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat– for he grants sleep to those he loves”). Lord, I come before You and I repent of my sins; all that I have committed knowingly and unknowingly- have mercy. I pray Lord, that You will remove everything from my life that may be hindering me from entering Your kingdom, may You cut it off in Jesus name (Matthew 5:30 “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 perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell”). Give us the grace to overcome the desires of this world and be righteous in Your sight.  I commit all my plans and ways to You, and that it will be pleasing in Your sight. I declare purity, holiness and righteousness over every aspect of my life in Jesus name. I pray Lord that on the day of Your return that You will find my garment without blemish (Ephesians 5:26-27 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish”). I pray that I will be on guard daily, ready for your return.

I pray that on the Day of Judgment, You will say Well done, good and faithful servant”(Matthew 25:21). I pray that You will shield me from the spirit of perversion and that Your light will shine upon me all the days of my life. I thank You for it is done. In Jesus name AMEN.

1443604756056-2

Advertisement

Salvation of a loved one

Salvation, the ultimate gift for a believer. Daily strive, daily battle– saved by grace we are indeed. A memoir that seems like yesterday, sweet 16, full of the springs of life. The 7th month, twenty something, the date and day I can hardly recall. The raising of arms, bended knees, a thrilling sensation filled with warmth and uncontrollable tears. My mouth uttering “Lord, I confess You as my Lord and saviour”my first encounter. I wanted to share this unforgettable, monumental experience with the person I loved most: my mother. As I uttered the narration of the life changing moment, disbelief and confusion were written on her face. Unable to comprehend the excitement of the encounter and the new found love for the creator, defense was her weapon of understanding. Disappointed I felt, optimistic I was, that one day, she herself would experience this encounter (Ephesians 2:8 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God”).

As each day went by, visions and dreams increased, prophecies were coming to pass. As much as I shared what I saw, the more she turned away from the ultimate gift of a believer. Delusional I was in the eyes of my loved ones. Five long years, unable to share the divine encounters, I prayed for the salvation of my mother. The more I prayed, the more the word was rejected. Threats restricted me too from attending church, so I had to obey my mother (Ephesians 6:2 “Honor your father and mother-which is the first commandment with a promise”). However I never stopped praying; “she will get saved one day, God will do it for me”.

22sheismy0abiggest0amotivator2c0amybiological0aand0aspiritualmother220a-default

In the fifth year of my Christian walk, the six month, the Lord led me to attend a Christian retreat, 4000 miles away from home. I didn’t know what the purpose was, but knew He would order my steps. The finances I had, but the permission I hadn’t due to my mother’s resentment to my faith. I went before the Lord and prayed for favour. The Lord answered my prayer and she granted me permission to go. There I was, alone, on a journey, not knowing anyone and what to expect. Those twelve days were well spent, interceding for her salvation and believing God for a miracle. The man of God who was my overseer told me that he wanted to pray for her. In disbelief, I told him she would not agree. As he persisted, I called her and handed over the phone to him. As he prayed for her, I felt a relief, I was not alone on this (Matthew 18:20For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them”).

1439219292564

When I returned back home from this adventuresome journey, I slowly started to see the physical manifestations of the prayers and declarations I made over her life. One year later, she gave her life to Christ. This year, God blessed her with the gift of speaking in tongues. As we speak, she is my biggest motivator, my biological and spiritual mother. She lifts me up when I am spiritually low and most importantly, she prays for me. Her transformation is the biggest blessing God has ever given me. I can freely share with her the dreams, visions and prophetic messages the Lord gives me and in fact, she enjoys hearing about them. It is a blessing being able to pray with my mother.

dearlord2c0athankyou0aforsaving0amymother0a-default

It is our duty as believers to persistently pray for our loved ones to come to know the Lord. At no point did I give up or even doubt that my mum was going to get saved. She had too and would get saved, it was final. Regardless of how long it would take, I was willing to pay the price. I believe at times it’s best to quietly intercede for someone rather constantly preach the word of God to them. God works in mysterious ways and has a way of softening the hearts of the lost. The love of God is so powerful, let’s continue to demonstrate this to our lost loved ones. Just like Jesus prayed for us to get saved, lets continue to pray for our loved ones (Romans 8:34 “Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised -who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us”).

He loves us unconditionally and demonstrates this in the parable of the lost sheep: Matthew 18:10-14 “Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven. For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost. “What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying?  And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish”. Persecution is tough, especially when it comes from someone close to you (John 4:44 “For Jesus himself had testified that a prophet has no honor in his own hometown”). But be encouraged, know that your saviour went before you and overcame this battle.

1439217532428


Salvation of a loved one- prayers

Dear heavenly Father,

I thank You for this time and for allowing me to come into Your presence. Thank You for all the things You have accomplished in my life and are continuing to do. Thank You for the gift of life, for grace and for mercy. Thank You for loving me unconditionally even though I am not worthy. I ask that You would forgive me for all my iniquity and all the things I have done that are not pleasing in Your eyes- have mercy upon me. Father, it is Your desire that each one of us joins You in heaven and receives eternal life (Mark 16:16 “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned”). Right now, I come before You and lift up (state the persons name). Lord, I know You love this person, because You created him/her. The fact that he/she is still alive shows You still have a great plan for him/her. I pray for his/her salvation, for him/her to know You, to confess You as his/her Lord and saviour. For him/her to live a righteous life, to fulfill the purpose You have for him/her on earth. I pray that You will use his/her life, as a testimony to others to show that You are real. May he/her have a yearning for Your will and a desire to read the word of God. May You forgive him/her, and make them a new creation. Thank You for hearing my prayer, and I believe that it is done. In Jesus name I pray, AMEN

1439219518022


The manifestation of an answered prayer

We all have things in our lives that we deeply desire to see manifest. At times we share our desires, other times it is shielded in the depths of our hearts. The train that doesn’t seem to be reaching its destination; the wait on the platform has never been this long. Delayed in our eyes, but on time in Gods’. Persistent prayers, and one might ask: “God where are you and why have you not answered my request?”. I find myself in this position from time to time and you start to demand that God ought to bless you with what you want and when you want it. Reality differs from this concept, and there are many things of which we may not get an answer for whilst on earth. However, we can learn from those who have gone before us and have seen the manifestation of their prayer.

Hannah is one of the most authoritative women in the bible (read 1 Samuel 1 and 1 Samuel 2). She has inspired me to pray without ceasing, persistently pray, declaring the unseen and to earnestly cry unto the Lord. Most people know her as the mother of Samuel, but overlook the power of her tongue that declared her sons existence. Hannah dealt with things in the spiritual realm through prayer and I believe we can all learn from her story (Ephesians 6:12 “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places”)

Her husband Elkanah, had two wives: herself and Penninah. Hannah was barren but Penninah was blessed with children (1 Samuel 1:4 “And whenever the time came for Elkanah to make an offering, he would give portions to Peninnah his wife and to all her sons and daughters. But to Hannah he would give a double portion, for he loved Hannah, although the Lord had closed her womb. And her rival also provoked her severely, to make her miserable, because the Lord had closed her womb. So it was, year by year, when she went up to the house of the Lord, that she provoked her; therefore she wept and did not eat”). One will wonder why the Lord would do such a thing: for a married woman to endure humiliation and dishonour. The favour she had in her husband’s eyes was not enough to comfort her; her hearts desire was to have a child (1 Samuel1:8 “Then Elkanah her husband said to her, “Hannah, why do you weep? Why do you not eat? And why is your heart grieved? Am I not better to you than ten sons?”).Sometimes I get to that place, where you see non-believers or even people you “think” do not deserve to be blessed receive the one thing you have been earnestly praying for. Other times we are blessed in other areas, but the one ting we are believing God for is not manifesting. And you wonder, God where are you?” (Isaiah 55:8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD.”). 

At times we are selfish with our prayers, we want personal gain. Other times it is because the focus of our prayer is not in line with what God wants for us. Hannah went to the Lord because of Penninah provoking her and her prayer was not answered. However, when she shifted the prayer and made God the beneficiary of the prayer, she aligned herself to God’s will (1 Samuel 1:9-11 So Hannah arose after they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat by the doorpost of the tabernacle of the Lord. And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed to the Lord and wept in anguish.  Then she made a vow and said, “O Lord of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a male child, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall come upon his head”). One has to ask themselves, how often do we make God the centre of our prayer?

   h2

Through the weeping and pain, Hannah was persistent and did not give up on God. We have to accept that things will happen in God’s time and not in ours. Like Hannah, there maybe things that you are praying and believing God for, and the people around you think you are delusional believing God for an answered prayer. Infact, when I am at that place, I don’t even share with such people what I am praying about. Perhaps you are at that place whereby you’re exhausted of praying, even when you try to pray, you are unable to utter words (1 Samuel 1:12-18 And it happened, as she continued praying before the Lord, that Eli watched her mouth. Now Hannah spoke in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard. Therefore Eli thought she was drunk. So Eli said to her, “How long will you be drunk? Put your wine away from you!” But Hannah answered and said, “No, my lord, I am a woman of sorrowful spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor intoxicating drink, but have poured out my soul before the Lord. “Do not consider your maidservant a wicked woman,for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief I have spoken until now.”Then Eli answered and said, “Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition which you have asked of Him.”And she said, “Let your maidservant find favor in your sight.” So the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad“).

Hannah had faith. The words of declaration from the priest were enough for Hannah to acknowledge that God had heard her prayer and she rejected sorrow and embraced peacetotal surrender.

Hannah was a woman of integrity, and remembered the promise she had made to the Lord (1 Samuel 1: 20-28 “ So it came to pass in the process of time that Hannah conceived and bore a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, “Because I have asked for him from the Lord.”  For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition which I asked of Him. Therefore I also have lent him to the Lord; as long as he lives he shall be lent to the Lord.” So they worshiped the Lord there“). She was thankful and gave praises to the Lord (read Samuel 2).

                              h4

The beauty of this story is that not only did God bless Hannah with a son, but he became one of the greatest prophets in the bible. In addition to this, God blessed Hannah with more children and her grandchildren became judges over Israel (1 Samuel 2-21 “And the Lord visited Hannah, so that she conceived and bore three sons and two daughters. Meanwhile the child Samuel grew before the Lord“)

                           h3


My prayer for you today is that the manifestation of an answered prayer will become evident in your life, at God’s appointed time. Lets get to that place where we cry unto the Lord and make Him the centre of our prayer. May the Holy Spirit lead your prayers and may the Lord continue to strengthen and give you supernatural faith to keep running the race. God wants to bless you with more than your prayer petition. I encourage you to raise your faith and not put any limits on what God is able to do in your life. Hannah’s story shows us that through your sufferings, God is able to to manifest His glory and bless you with a wonderful testimony and victory!

h1

Blessed are the broken hearted

In this life journey, we have all had our hearts broken at some point in our lives. The emotional feeling when you think your world is coming to an end accompanied with an endless atrocious pain. The aching heart which manifests as if it’s about to physically erupt- consolation is unable heal the broken heart. One will wonder, where is God and why has He allowed such a thing to happen to me? Or perhaps it is all entirely my fault? What could I have done to avoid this situation?

Two months ago, I found myself asking God these questions. A close friend of mine had sadly passed away from adrenal cortical carcinoma. We all know that death is inevitable, yet when it occurs the shock is unexpected and unbearable- irony (Genesis 3:19 “By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return”). I remember 6 months ago when I found out about her illness. I went before the Lord and prayed and had a captivating vision. I saw a white room, glowing with light and a white coffin in the middle. I started contemplating whether I had really seen this or whether this was my imagination. But deep in my heart I knew this was confirmation that it was her time to be with the Lord. Dazzled with emotions, I continued praying for her and believed God for her healing (Psalm 77:14” You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples”). Whenever I spoke to her, she was weak but joyful, anticipating on when we would see each other again. We planned all the activities we would do, and reminisced on old memories. Up until the very end, she was positive, knowing that the Lord would heal her from this unpleasant condition. I had planned to see her, and although she was 4000 miles away, I knew I would get there in time to spend time with her and physically pray with her. My deepest heart desire for her was that God would use her as a vessel to show His healing power, and to bring more people to the Lord- for it to be evident that the miracles that occurred during the days of the apostles are still very much a alive. 6 days before my departure, she passed away. I was devastated and even now at times when I remember her it brings tears to my eyes- Gone too soon! I was disappointed and sorrowful, with many unanswered questions. “God, If in Your word it says that “..by His stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5),why did you not heal her and let her live?”. 

Sometimes our prayers are not answered in the way in which we want them to be answered (Isaiah 55:8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD”). However, God has a way of manifesting His mighty power in all situations. My friends’ medical condition made headlines throughout the nation and disseminated to communities within the diaspora, as well as on social media. Worldwide people were praying for her healing.  People sympathized with her and donated financial funds towards her medical treatment. The day before her death, a car wash fundraising campaign was launched in which over £20,000 was raised to aid her treatment. Her departure touched the lives of many.

I have come to understand that although we plan things in our life, God already knows our beginning and ending (Revelation 1:8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega-the beginning and the end,” says the Lord God. “I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come-the Almighty One”). It is His desire for us to join Him after we have completed our purpose on earth and live in eternal joy (John 14:4 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.  My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.  You know the way to the place where I am going”).

When a loved one leaves us, whether it is in a relationship or to be with the Lord, it leaves a hole in our heart that only the Lord is able to fulfill. Its very easy to praise and thank God when we get what we want and when we are joyful; but what about in disheartening, sorrowful, disappointing times? (“1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus”). My prayer for you today is that regardless of the kind of heartbreak you are going through, God still loves you and has an amazing plan for you. The fact that you are still alive shows that you still have an impact to make on this earth and have a bright future ahead. It is always hard to say goodbye to a loved one and there are many unanswered questions. But there is always something to be thankful for- always!

In the loving memory of RN, miss you loads xxx

                                        3


       Blessed are the broken-hearted- prayer

Dear Lord,

I thank You for today and for the amazing plans You have for me. I thank You because the joy of the Lord is upon my lips and I am blessed and highly favoured. Father, I come before You because of (state situation). Lord, my heart is heavy and I am in pain: spiritually, physically and emotionally. Father, You see all that I have gone through and know You are with me, I am not alone. I pray that during this time you will be my source of strength (Psalm 46:1 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble”). I pray that you will help me to understand that everything I go through in life has a beautiful ending. I may not understand it now but pray that You will heal me and help me to forget about this experience. Help me to forgive all those who have hurt and disappointed me.  I pray that You will bring the right people in my life that will encourage, uplift, love and bring joy to my life. Anyone that is not meant to be in my life, I cut them off in the name of Jesus. Restore me O Lord, renew my strength and help me to continue to run the race of faith. I pray that You will carry any burden I may be carrying (Matthew 11:28  “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest”). Help me to put all my trust in You and remember that man will disappoint me but You never will. I thank you for I believe my prayer has been answered. AMEN.

                                   7


Prayer of healing (bereavement)

I thank You for this time, I thank You for today, I thank You for the wonderful plans that You have for my life. I thank You for waking me up today, for allowing me to see another day. I do not take this for granted (Psalm 127:2 “In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat- for he grants sleep to those he loves”). Father, although my heart is heavy right now, I know it is pleasing to You to praise and thank You even in our lowest moments. My prayer for today is that you will heal me from the pain I am encountering because of the death of my loved one (Matthew 5:4  “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted”). It is difficult to know that I will not see this person again and that they are gone forever. Whenever I think about them, it brings such sorrow and sadness and words cannot explain how I feel. I pray that during this time You will comfort me and be my strength (Isaiah 43:2 “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.  When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze”). May you strengthen my family and that of (state the persons name). May I acknowledge that this was Your perfect will and that nothing happens without You allowing it. I thank you for allowing (state the persons name) to fulfill their earthly purpose and for being a blessing to my life. Help me to hold on to the precious moments I had with (state the persons name) and pray that they have joined You in eternity, a place without pain, sadness and sorrow. Help me to move on forward with my life and fulfill the purpose you have for me on earth. AMEN   

                               12

The favour of Esther

A few nights ago, I had dream which inspired me to write this blog. In this dream, I was in a chaotic environment whereby women were oppressed, abducted, and held captive for no reason. The Lord was next to me; instructing and guiding me about how to prevent getting caught by the “bad guys”. He was my protector, and I watched other women get caught and taken away. Then He disappeared, and I was spotted and taken away. I was taken into a camp and met other women who informed me about the conditions they had been living in and that I would not be released or ever see my family again. The head of the notorious group of abductors walked towards me in an intimidating way. As he conversed with me, it ended up that we had mutual friends and the conversation flowed positively. The outcome was that he told the guards to release me and I was free to leave. I had favour.

After pondering over the dream, the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart and the favour of Esther came to my heart. Esther is one of the most influential women stated in the bible (read the book of Esther). She was a Jew; an unlikely candidate that rose from an orphan to a queen and a heroine of an entire nation. She was raised by her cousin, Mordecai, who helped position her into her destiny. Esther was a woman of obedience, humility, faith and courage. She knew who she was in God, she knew her purpose and knew what the power of God was able to do. God uses the story of Esther to show us how He is able to change a dreadful story into a glorious ending. The favour of God ensured that an orphan was ordained to be a queen to save the Jews from eradication (Esther 3:13 “Dispatches were sent by couriers to all the king’s provinces with the order to destroy, kill and annihilate all the Jews—young and old, women and children—on a single day, the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar, and to plunder their goods”). Esther was not dismayed nor discouraged about the current situation and was willing to sacrifice her life for what she believed God was able to do (Esther 4:16-“Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish”).

Esther obtained supernatural favour from her husband (king Ahasuerus)- the most influential person in the land, which helped her to accomplish her purpose (Esther 7:2 “On this second occasion, while they were drinking wine, the king again said to Esther, “Tell me what you want, Queen Esther. What is your request? I will give it to you, even if it is half the kingdom!”). Esther was selfless and her request for the Jews to be spared was granted. God is able to positon us in places of favour, allow us to have favour with individuals and honour us for things we have not worked for (Psalm 37:4 “Take delight in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart”). The beauty of the story of Esther is that God did not only favour Esther and saved the Jews; He also favoured her cousin (Esther 8:1-2” On that day King Ahasuerus gave the house of Haman, the enemy of the Jews, to Queen Esther; and Mordecai came before the king, for Esther had disclosed what he was to her. 2 The king took off his signet ring which he had taken away from Haman, and gave it to Mordecai. And Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman”). It shows that if we follow God’s purpose for our life, He also remembers our desires and blesses us beyond our human understanding (Luke 12:31 “But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you”). Even those who do not wish us well will see the favour of the Lord flourish over our lives (Esther 8:5-7”and said, “If it pleases the king, and if I have found favour in his sight and the thing seems right to the king and I am pleasing in his eyes, let it be written to revoke the letters devised by Haman, the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote to annihilate the Jews who are in all the king’s provinces. For how can I endure to see the evil that will come to my people? Or how can I endure to see the destruction of my countrymen? Then King Ahasuerus said to Queen Esther and Mordecai the Jew, “Indeed, I have given Esther the house of Haman, and they have hanged him on the gallows because he tried to lay his hand on the Jews”).

We all have situations whereby we need Gods divine intervention and God’s favour. It could be for a job interview,promotion, business deal, with a loved one, exams etc. My prayer for you today is that the favour of Esther will manifest in what your heart desires- all to the glory of God.

                            93a793e0bcc5fd1d2536a457b325e5cd


The favour of Esther- prayer

Dear heavenly Father,

I thank you for today and for all you have given me. I come before you as a sinner and ask for you to forgive me for all the sins I have committed- knowingly or unknowingly. Thank you for not giving up on me and for still counting me as worthy. I come before you because of (state the situation). I pray for the favour of Esther to manifest into this situation. Lord, I acknowledge that I cannot do anything without you and that all I have is because of your mercy (John 15:5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing”). I pray Lord for your favour that things will work out for my good and will be effortless. I pray that you will go before me and give me favour with (state the situation). I also pray for unexpected favour in areas which I least expect it. I pray that you will bring the right people into my life that will help me with (state the situation). I pray that during this time, you will give me the faith, courage, humility and obedience of Esther. Help me to fully surrender this situation to you knowing that you are in control. I pray that through your favour you will take me to levels that I cannot obtain in my own strength (Proverbs 18:16 “A man’s gift makes room for him And brings him before great men”).AMEN

                                   3e9218eac37ef736816336e2e3f713e2


The favour of Esther- spouse/partner

Dear Lord, I thank you for my spouse, for their lives and for bringing them into my life. I bring my spouse before you Lord and pray that you will bless them with the favour of Esther. I pray for favour to manifest at their workplace, in their family, with friends and all aspects of their lives. I pray that unexpected favour will meet them today. I pray for myself, that I will have supernatural favour with my spouse. I pray that as Esther had favour with the king, I shall also reap the same favour. I pray that whatever petition I bring to my spouse that is pleasing unto to, I will have favour with. I pray that my spouse will put me first and the matter of our household. I pray that my spouse will not be selfish but remember my needs and happiness. I pray that my spouse will think about me in the area of finance. I pray that as I speak to my spouse about (state the situation) I will have favour with him. May the outcome of my situation be positive, all to Your glory also pray for the favour of Esther with my spouses’ family and friends (Isaiah 28:29 “All this also comes from the Lord Almighty, whose plan is wonderful, whose wisdom is magnificent).

 

                                     0519a07131242f782634926f4d9934f3


The favour of Esther- workplace/ financial breakthrough

Dear Lord,

I thank you for today, I thank you for my job, for provision and for financial blessings (Proverbs 10:22 “The blessing of the LORD makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it“). I thank you that you have gone before me and made my path prosperous. I thank you for levelling any mountain that was ahead of me. Today, I believe I am blessed and highly favour. I pray into the favour of Esther, that I will be favoured at work. I will have favour with my colleagues and with my manager. I pray for a promotion and a financial increase, knowing that all things are possible through Christ Jesus. I thank you because the works of my hands are blessed.  I also pray for my family members that you will show them favour in all aspects of their lives, as you did with Mordecai and Esther. I pray that even in my area of work, that I will be a blessing. I pray for all those at my work place, that whatever circumstance is troubling them, that you will turn this situation around for them. Use me as your vessel in the workplace to show your unconditional love. I also pray that you will give me wisdom on how to increase my finances (“James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you”). I am believing you for a financial increase and thank you for this in advance (Ephesians 3:20 “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us”). Amen

 

The just shall live by faith

Faith, one of the most daunting aspects of my spiritual walk. It’s something I ask God grace for daily. The mind says yes, but your eyes say no- faith! People around you repetitively chanting the words: “you just have to have faith”, but what if the situation looks impossible? How do they make faith look so easy?

The first form of faith we encounter in our spiritual walks is to believe in God and declare Jesus as our Lord and Saviour. My encounter occurred age 13. A bright, glorious light shined into my room, filled with a warmth I had never experienced before. Rubbing my eyes and pinching my skin, I knew I was awake and this was a not a dream: my first divine encounter. Stirred yearning and desire for this person called God, countless questions rushing through my head: “Who is He? If He is real, why can’t I see him? If God is there, why is there so much evil in this world? The more I sought Him, the more He revealed Himself to me. The more I shared with others, the more people thought I was losing it. This embarked a lonely journey. Why don’t people see what I see?

In hindsight, I have come to acknowledge that God reveals Himself and speaks to us in various forms. For some people it is through dreams/visions, others it’s a thought in their heart, prayer, the word of God or even by an interaction with another person. In the bible, Moses was one of the greatest leaders to have lived and led his people into the Promised Land (read the book of Exodus). Moses had a profound relationship with God, who visited him and spoke to him directly (Number 12:8 “I speak to him face to face, clearly, and not in riddles! He sees the LORD as he is. So why were you not afraid to criticize my servant Moses?”). Solomon, a man full of words of wisdom, interacted with God through dreams: (Kings 3:5-12 “At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.”). God does not give up on us, and uses these methods of communication to raise our faith and to build a relationship with Him.

I believe in all of our lives we have situations which look impossible and wonder whether they will ever change or if God could ever do able the impossible. It could be that you have been believing for God for financial provision, salvation of a loved one, marriage or something else dear to your heart. But it’s through these circumstances that God is able to build a relationship with us and gain our trust (Hebrews 10:35-36 “So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised”).God loves situations that look hopeless; that’s where His glory is manifested and great testimonies are birthed. If our lives were perfect and we received what we wanted when we want it, then why would we need God? I encourage you today to raise your faith, believe God for the supernatural, thank Him for it and rest!

                                         isaiah


  Daily Declarations

  • I thank you for today because you are doing a new thing in my life.
  • The impossible is becoming possible in my life today.
  • Teach me how to have supernatural faith and trust that you are in control of every aspect of my life.
  • I come against any spirit of fear and any negativity disrupting my peace.
  • There shall be no delay in my victory.
  • My faith shall not be wavered and shall be strengthened through this situation.
  • Your word states in Hebrews 11:6 that “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him”. Today I raise my faith to believe the impossible is becoming possible.
  • I thank you for the great testimony that is to come.

jer


Prayer for faith

Dear Lord,

I thank You for my life, for the great plans that You have for me and for a bright future. I thank You for my family, for favour and abundance grace You show me daily. I repent of the sins I have committed: knowingly and unknowingly. I come before You because of the aspect of faith. Father, You know my heart’s desire and the things that I long for. I pray that You will help me to have faith; even when things look impossible. Help me to remember that You are in control, and You see all that happens in my life. I come against any spirit of fear and unbelief in Jesus name. I pray that you will strengthen my faith. Your word states in Luke 17:6 that “He replied, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you”. I pray that this scripture will become evident in my life. Help me not to look at the current situation but to look ahead and believe in the things which look impossible. Teach me to continue to trust You and I pray this situation will grow my faith and birth a testimony for Your name to be glorified. I pray for Your divine intervention, that You will intervene and do the supernatural. I surrender this situation to You and I pray that You will give me peace. In Jesus name, AMEN

m