One Request, Several Answers

The younger one said to his father, 'Father, give me my share of the estate.' So he divided his property between them
[Luke 15:12, NIV]

When the prodigal son met his father to demand the portion of his inheritance, it triggered the release of his elder brother's portion, even though the elder brother never asked for it. In this we see that God answers not just our prayers but extends the answers to others in our circle. God's answers often extends beyond our scope or definition. Certain requests you make to God will not only open doors for you, but it will open doors for many others. In Acts 16:20-26, Paul and Silas offered powerful praise and prayer to God in prison and they received divine intervention. The doors were not only opened to them, all other doors in the prison were opened, not only were their chains and fetters loosed, all other prisoners enjoyed the same fate.

Your heartfelt praise, worship and prayers will not only affect you, but also your family, friends and neighbors will benefit from it. Moses complained about his stammering lips and requested that God choose someone who is eloquent. This request brought Aaron who was not originally in God's plan as spokesman in Moses' ministry. David's desire to build for God, led to Solomon being commissioned for the great work. One request to God yields multiple answers and responses. For this reason, it is good to take fellowship with God seriously, praying regularly and praising intently. As God visits you with answers to your requests, he will spread the answers to your family, friends and neighbors beyond your expectations.

Prayer: Thank you Lord for your generous acts towards your children, thank you for answered prayers, thank you for reaching out to my loved ones as well. Lord I appreciate all your work in my life and continue to call you in boldness, for only you can save me. I dedicate my life to you more and more. Thank you Jesus.

One-Year Daily Bible Reading Plan - Oct. 28 2010 - Psalms 6-8 (OT), Revelations 10 (NT).

At Peace With All

When a man's ways are pleasing to the Lord, He makes even his enemies live at peace with him
[Proverbs 16:7, NIV]

Life can be full of enemies for the Child of God, both real and imaginary. Some of these enemies may have come as a result of direct interaction with certain persons, while some others show up from nowhere unannounced, and without one contributing to invite them. Whatever kind of enemy it is, they always leave a sour thought in the mind, of heaviness or battle. Dealing with an enemy can be very challenging and discomforting depending on the circumstances. It gives a sense of constant battle and warfare especially as a Child of God, because it strains all your Godly virtues to do right. Enemies can show up in the family front, work front or amongst friends with the aim to pull down.

In our text today, God shows His understanding to His children, and makes provision to handle that insurmountable challenge for them. It can be a very daunting experience, but the good Lord gives us an outstretched arm to save us the pain and stress. He says, when our ways please Him, the natural outcome will be that even our enemies will be at peace with us. This means, besides our enemies, all other things will be at peace with us, nature, friends, the work of our hands, our children etc. Above all else, even our enemies will be at peace with us.

In light of this life-long guarantee for peace, let us be encouraged to live such that our ways please our heavenly Father. Knowledge of His word and the Holy Spirit will guide us into all truth, while obedience to the word of God in our hearts will make our ways please Him. By the truth of His word, our gracious God will cause every enemy standing in the way of our progress to be at peace with us. Family members, In-laws, friends, bosses or outright enemies will find reason to call us blessed. Remind yourself of instances where enemies of God's people have turned around to be at peace with them. Claim this promise through prayers, it is well...

Prayer: Loving Father, thank you for your promise. I believe your word and appreciate your kindness. I thank you Lord for my enemies, by the work of your hands in my life they will all recognize you as Lord and worship you. Manifest your glory dear God, help me to walk in your ways I pray in Jesus name.

One-Year Daily Bible Reading Plan - Oct. 25 2010 - Psalms 2-4 (OT), Revelations 9 (NT).

Prohibited For A Reason

When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to.

[Acts 16:7, NIV]

Paul and Silas were attempting to enter Bithynia to do the work of God. Yet they were prohibited by Christ's own Spirit. It appeared that this was so because there were other hands already at work there, or because the people were not yet prepared to receive the Gospel. Paul and Silas were then directed elsewhere, where they had a fruitful journey.

You may have encountered situations where it seemed you were so sure you were doing the right thing. You were so sure you were following God's leading. Then you come to a point where you have to stop or you meet a hindrance. During such times, it may be difficult to leave what you were doing or accept that it is a closed door when you believed it was done in the power of His Spirit. But the Spirit requires not only a service of work but also a service of waiting. In your walk with God you will see that there is a time for action and a time to refrain from action. You will also know that what you may see as a disappointment today may actually be a blessing.

Your Loving Father will not send you on a journey that will not be fruitful. He Who sees the end from the beginning can step in on your behalf. Listen to Him and obey. When you see a door shut before you, do not give in to despair. Another door is wide open awaiting you to seize the opportunity.

Prayer: My Loving Father, my desire is to be led by Your Spirit. There are days I have felt disappointment because of doors I thought will remain open but they eventually closed before me just as I was about to enter. Teach me to see another door if I find myself in such situations. Inspire me with the knowledge that a person may sometimes be called to serve by doing nothing, by staying still, or by waiting. And when I remember the power of Your “gentle whisper”, I will not complain that sometimes the Spirit allows me not to go. In Jesus Name, Amen.