THE CRY HAS SOUNDED

Scripture: Matthew 25:1-12

“And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom
cometh; go ye out to meet him”. Matthew 25:6KJV

From this parable, it is clear that all the ten virgins represent followers of Christ, who are waiting for his return. Another thing that is clear is that the ten virgins were required to separate themselves from the rest of the world and keep watch with their lamps burning. However, in order to keep separate from the world, sufficient oil for the lamp is required. This represents a life of prayer, study of the word, obedience/service to God and fellowship with other believers.

The call of Christianity is a call to leave the lusts and traditions of the world and follow Jesus Christ no matter the reproach (Heb. 13:13). However, this is a difficult task to accomplish by our own power. The pressures of temptations, persecutions and pride are strong and pull many Christians back into the world, who try to live Godly lives without maintaining a close walk with Jesus. (Gal 5:16-17). Yes all the virgins fell asleep while the bridegroom tarried, but when the cry was sounded, the wise virgins still had oil, and were able to reactivate their walk with God and they finished strong. The foolish virgins were unable to. They had stayed too long without oil and light that when the cry came, they lacked the power and support that comes from fellowship with God and other believers to change.

The cry has sounded, Jesus is coming. Are you still sleeping? Wake up! You have to finish strong! Lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees. Don’t be held back by pleasures or persecutions. Return to your first love.

PRAYER: Lord help me to stay ready for your return in Jesus Name.

FAITH BYTE: My Lord is coming to take me home, I shall be ready for His return.

THOMAS KIND OF FAITH

Scripture: John 20:24-29

“Therefore, I say to you, whatever thing you ask, when you pray,
believe that you receive them, and you will have them.”
Mark 11:24 (NKJV)

Feedback: Share how continuously giving God thanks has impacted your life.

The initial proof of faith is confession. The final proof of faith is action. Many people complain, groan, sigh and whine for good things to happen to them. They want to detect that every symptom of their condition is gone from their bodies before they start believing God.

HEART OR HEAD FAITH

Scripture: Mark 11:20-26

‘Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and
certain of what we do not see’
Hebrew 11:1 (NIV)

God did not suggest to the believers to live by faith. He gave a command “the righteous shall live by faith” the word “shall” is a mandate. Victory in the life of a believer results from the faith lifestyle. Faith believes with the heart.

KEY TO VICTORIOUS LIVING

Scripture: Roman 10:5-18

“That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord’, and believe in
your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved”
Romans 10:9 (NIV)

Victorious living is impossible without faith. Succeeding extraordinarily in life is guaranteed by faith. God has told us how to get faith. If we don’t excel in life. God is not to blame; a lack of faith is the reason. To lack or have faith is our responsibility since God has placed in our hands the means whereby faith can be produced.

BEFRIENDING GOD IN PRAYER

Scripture: Exodus 33:7-14

“And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face,
as a man speaketh unto his friend.” Exodus 33:11a

Developing a strong relationship with God through prayer does not happen overnight. It develops with you giving it time and commitment. It is a friendship kind of thing. Aristotle said, “Wishing to be a friend is quick work, but friendship is a slow ripening fruit”.

This is time for the fruit of your prayer life to ripen.

YOUR MIND AND PRAYER

Scripture: James 5:13-20

“Therefore confess you sins to each other and pray for each other
so that you may be healed. The prayer of righteous man is
powerful and effective” James 5:16 (NIV)

As we study productive prayer further, may I encourage you to do your best to put what we are learning to practice.

The mind is very important when it comes to prayers. It is true that we can circumvent it by praying in tongues but it is also true that when God relates back to us, in answer to prayers, we need our mind to decode the information that flows from him in the spirit to us in the physical.

PRODUCTIVE PRAYER

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-20

“……. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective”
James 5:16b (NIV)

One of the greatest things that can happen to you is learning the practical skill to make the best of your prayer time. Yesterday we saw some physical steps to ensure that you are really praying and not overtaken by other businesses. Acknowledge the one to whom you are praying to, be focused and precise. Matthew 6:6,7

For many people, the biggest distraction to prayer comes as they think about all things they need to do that day. To solve this problem, keep a jotter or notebook and a pen and write down each item as it comes to your mind. This will help you off load it and forget it until later. Sometimes your environment can also be a distraction to your prayer.

When thoughts of something continues to bother you, coming up again and again as you pray, it mostly means that God wants you to take it to him in prayer. Intruding thoughts in prayers are either distractions or instructions. For distractions, write them down for attention later, or switch to praying in tongues (Romans 8:26) but if it comes as an instruction take action by taking them to God in prayers immediately.

PRAYER: Lord, help me to take the best of my time with you in prayer.

FAITH BYTE: : I pray according to God’s will. I receive answers that turn my life around for good.