Reality vs. Faith - 4

The Authorized Man

One of the verses of scriptures that thrilled me most while growing up as a young Christian is John 1: 12-13 ‘However, to all who received him, to those believing in his name, he gave authority to become God's children, who were born, not merely in a physical sense, or from a fleshly impulse, or from man's desire, but of God’ (ISV). I could not just get over this scripture. Since then, it never stopped ringing in my subconscious that I was given such right freely. As I kept pondering over this scripture then, it dawned upon me that if I am authorized to be God’s child, it therefore means that I have been given the mandate to act on His behalf; as some would say, like father like son.

Using the relationship that we have with our biological parents as an example, you do not need to be told that you can act on behalf of your father; you easily find yourself doing it. It therefore means that I can act in His capacity. Simply put, I am an heir to my father. I can speak, command, demand, reject, resist, control, etc like my father does. It doesn’t matter if I am still a kid growing up or already a full grown man. The fact remains that once a child, ever a child, I have been born already. While growing up as a child, I might not know so much about what I have got but it does not change the fact of what I have. Though it may take me time to realize the potentials, abilities and privileges because of my level of maturity, it does not change the fact that I am my father's child.

Jesus said, as my father works so I work. My father and I are one. Whatsoever I see my father do, I do. Amazingly, Jesus never equated Himself with God before the Jews, but they interpreted his statement of referring to God as His father to mean equality with God.  We are sons of God, heirs to the throne and have supernatural abilities embedded in our lives.

In the days of Jesus, people around him could not get over simple statements that changed various tides such as: ‘Peace, be still’; ‘Be thou made whole’; ‘Thy faith has healed you’; ‘Your sins are forgiven’; ‘Ephrata …, be opened’; ‘Lazarus come out’; etc.

Traits of a man under authority:

He doesn’t get jittery when suddenly called upon to rescue a situation. Knowing so well that He who lives in him is greater than he who lives in the world, he speaks to stormy seas with an ease of command tone.

He acts with confidence. He is undisturbed about seemingly unachievable task, but always resolute about the inherent abilities that he has received of God. He is convinced that he is a solution going somewhere to happen. However how long it may take to prevail over people’s doubt and faithlessness, he remains firm and fully convinced that the tide must change.

He sees every challenge and difficulty as a means to prove God’s sovereignty over all things. Rather than attest to the reality on ground, you should affirm the supernatural abilities of God’s power to transform every given situation.

Another wonderful trait of an authorized man is that, he must always complete every assignment at every given time and make sure there is no stone left unturned. Jesus in John 11: 44 instructed that the linen cloth be unwrapped from Lazarus body. His words were instructive and informing; ‘… loose him and let him go’. It shows that he was not willing to give room for chances so he capped it with freeing him completely after being raised from the dead. When the leprous man was healed in Matthew 8:3-4, he told him to go and show himself to the priest and offer gifts commanded. This will serve as testimony and path way to societal freedom and acceptance.

But friends, remember that these things do not just happen except you have given yourself over to a continuous prayer lifestyle. By so doing, you are guaranteed a medium of obtaining depth of understanding during study of scriptures and more confidence is built in your abilities in God.

- adeyiga awomuti

Reality vs. Faith - 3

Psalms and Strings, the unavoidable duo

Much as I have heard wonderful things that manifested after praise and thanksgiving session, I have also witnessed some with my very eyes. Sometimes the experiences are unbelievable. Though in most cases, people are found subsequently attributing the great feat to their personal efforts, thereby consciously or unconsciously making attempt to down play the main reason for the miraculous performance.

Once you have scaled the hurdle of affirming the veracity and authenticity of God’s ability to turn around any situation (as discussed in the two previous articles of this series), you have withstood the challenge of distraction and discouragement. Now is the time to turn from people and their doubts and focus on God who holds the key to unlock miracles. Your attention should strictly be to see the manifestation that transcends the norm.

At this juncture, you can’t afford to ignore the fact that the surest way is to concentrate on making your supplications and request known to him with thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6). ‘By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name’ (Hebrews 13: 15). Praise is an act that is long tested and proven to yield amazing results.

In John 11:41, Jesus exhibited the power inherent in thanksgiving. ‘So they took away the stone. And Jesus, looking up to heaven, said, Father, I give praise to you for hearing me’ (BBE). Offering thanks and praise to God could be as simple as He said it. After Jesus gave thanks over 2 fish and 5 loaves, the multiples fed in thousands were overwhelming.

Fundamentally, praise offered to God must stem from a faith-filled heart. ‘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 6: 11). Faith is the triggering force that praise acts upon. Without it you may be acting like a man who intends to build a castle without a foundation which it can stand on.

After executing the seven days order, the Israelites capped the pulling down of Jericho walls with the shout of praise. With faith in God, Paul and Silas preoccupied themselves in prison with prayers and praises to God. At the event of this, scriptures recorded that there was an earthquake and the prison gates flung opened and their chains broke. Through praise, the depths are broken, gates are opened, revelations are obtained, visions are understood, and testimonies abound. Within the tribes of the Israelites, the Levites were skilled in playing various musical instruments and offering praise to God. In some battles fought or while conveying the ark of covenant, they sang praises ahead of the ark or sometimes ahead of the army. Perhaps, this was God’s way of showing that it is an integral part of exceptional results.

It does not matter in what form, how, or where you carry it out, what is most important is that you should make a habit to give thanks to God even in the face of great challenges. Such an act has done great and marvelous things and history can always repeat itself in newer dimensions. You may sound very foolish and stupid before people when you do it, but remember that God used the foolish things of this world to confound the wise.  

 Reality may suggest you spend time thinking, crying, wailing, lamenting, complaining, or doubting. Faith on the other hand, insists that all things are possible to him that believes. For the expectation of the righteous shall not be cut short. Faith sings, praises, and appreciates God when reality is busy weeping. Faith patiently waits to see miraculous manifestation of thanksgiving, while reality on the other hand, quickly suggests that we should dismiss the possibility of change.  

- adeyiga awomuti

Reality vs. Faith - 2

Finishing Strong with Knowledge

I remember someone once told me that a bird can only fly with what it has swallowed. It is impossible for a bird to fly with what it is hoping to pick up along the way. It is what a man has that he gives; likewise, man only acts upon what is within his scope. Once it is beyond his scope of understanding, it most likely has eluded him. The more informed you are about a given situation the better your actions will be. Why do you think when companies are recruiting they require certain years of experience? The reason is simple- the more experienced the person is, the better and faster the job will be done. In addition, it will take off the cost of training the individual for a start. Also, while on the job it is the same experience that will keep you on the track of effectiveness and prompt delivery.

What then is experience or how is it acquired? Simply put, it is the accumulation of knowledge or skill that results from direct participation in events or activities. Without knowledge, opportunities will be squandered and abuse definitely inevitable. It was the level of Jesus' knowledge about His rights, abilities, and mission that stood him out. It was same knowledge that afforded him outstanding performances when confronted with issues. He knew He had the authority and power from God to raise the dead.

For example, Jesus gathered enough experience over time through knowledge to handle cases such as:

1)    John 9:4; He knew He had to work hard at the assignment handed over to Him by the Father while it is day because the night was coming when no man will be able to work. So while going about, He had the mind of mission. He was duty bound in all that He did to the extent that He prepared ahead. As Christians, we are duty bound to solve the world’s problems. We should be an embodiment of solutions anywhere we find ourselves. Remember, we have been given the ministry of reconciliation; reconciling the world back to God. Interestingly, there is no way we would go about reconciling the world back to God without introducing them to the entire package that is in redemption; Life, Righteousness, Healing, Fruitfulness, etc.

2)   He made preparations ahead of his time because He was well informed of the task before Him. In recognition of His link to the Father, Jesus himself regularly spent time in the wilderness, mountains, etc, to pray and enjoy communion with God alone. These periods of one-on-one fellowship seemed to help Him prepare for the activities ahead. Matthew 4: 1- 11

3)   Lastly, he proudly displayed His level of knowledge by informing His tempter of the details in the written Word, when he was tempted in the wilderness.      

A closer look at John chapter 11 earlier discussed in the introductory article, indicates Jesus' authoritative response in verse 4 to information relayed in verse 3. He stated that the sickness was not unto death but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified. I won’t be surprised to discover that he had the wind of the incident while praying prior to that moment, since he was regularly given to prayers. He had a ready answer for every given situation brought to His notice. He knew right from time that He had the power of life. This same mindset propelled Him to call Lazarus’ death a sleep in verse 11. Though He was still not informed that Lazarus had died, He must have perceived it in the spirit.

Friends, these things do not just happen by chance but by giving oneself over to much prayer. However, the battle of Jesus gaining access to Lazarus was still not over. He encountered obstacles on his way such as: the four day old dead body, the weeping sympathizers, the faithlessness and doubtful insistence of Martha and Mary, the sealed tomb, etc. Nevertheless, Jesus persisted in reiterating the fact that he is the resurrection and the life; though Lazarus was dead, he will live again.

Friends, contrary realities and circumstances will always attempt to prevail over our situations; we need to take a firm stand like Jesus did. Instead of getting discouraged or defeated with the reality and factual statements made by Martha and Mary, Jesus took charge and said to her, "Didn't I tell you that you would see God's glory if you believed?" Verse: 40.

Being filled with knowledge puts us at the edge of trailing the blaze. Most times, such knowledge should motivate us to take out time to pray. Praying could be as simple as that of Martha and Mary. They simply prayed Jesus to come because their brother was sick. It could also be as simple as saying that ‘even now, whatsoever thou will ask of God, God will give it thee’. We need to affirm our conviction. No wavering or compromising even in the face of reality. The reality may be like it was said of Lazarus that he should be stinking by now but you need to affirm your control over it like Jesus did.

- adeyiga awomuti

Reality vs. Faith - 1

At some cross roads in life, prevailing circumstances may not have been fair to some of us; the severity of it in some cases propels us to speak or act contrary to our proclaimed and affirmed belief. For example, you sometimes might have said ‘I am the healed of the Lord …, diseases ain't got any place here’, or ‘that Job/contract is mine’; but you thereafter discovered aches all over your body or eventually realized that your arch rival was favored in the award of the much expected contract.

In such situations, how do you react? “I usually …” - Did I just hear you mutter some words? Well, don’t be too quick to answer; so many people have similarly experienced one thing or the other, even the patriarchs had their share of contrary circumstances. Let’s take a look at your one time experience in the light of bible precedence.

Here is Martha’s encounter with Jesus in John 11:21-22: “Martha said to Jesus, If you had been here, Lord, my brother would not have died! But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask him for” (GNB).

One would have thought that Martha was as convinced about the situation as her statement suggested; she seemed to be of strong faith that Jesus had all it takes to transform the situation for good. But Martha’s statement later appeared to be a mere lip service without a heart conviction. In verse 24 of same chapter, Martha demonstrated her belief that her brother Lazarus will rise again at resurrection but not at that moment referred to by Jesus. Like some of us do when confronted with the reality of a circumstance, despite the fact that there is an element of possibility (though arduous) flashing somewhere, we attest to the miraculous just for the sake of it without expecting anything spectacular.

Furthermore, Jesus said to Martha, I am the resurrection and Life and those who believe in me though were dead, shall live again. ‘Do you believe this?’ she quickly said ‘I believe’, verses 25 & 26. But her next action in attempting to stop the opening of Lazarus' tomb showed she may have just spoken without fully grasping the imlications of her proclaimed faith. For example, she tried to stop the opening of Lazarus tomb by stating the fact that he had been dead for four days and should be stinking by now. Such statement should have deterred Jesus from insisting that the tomb be opened, but He maintained his conviction. Have you ever found yourself in a similar case, where reality stares you in the face? Have you ever tagged some things unachievable, because you have facts and figures at your disposal? Perhaps, it may be interesting to take a quick look at those who fought reality to a standstill with their faith. Though the mountains that came their way appeared insurmountable, they rose above the world-defined norms and achieved extraordinary results.

I challenge you to rise above reality and unleash your abilities in the kingdom you belong to; supernatural happenings are the norm here!

In the next few weeks, we will be examining Jesus’ supernatural approach in His encounter with Martha and Mary in John chapter 11. The three key things to be discussed are:

1.       Finishing Strong with Knowledge.

2.       Psalms and Strings, the unavoidable duo.

3.       The Authorized man.

Till then remember that for with men it may be impossible, but with God, NOTHING shall be impossible.

- adeyiga awomuti

Military Zone, Keep off!

Upon seeing the inscription “Military Zone” at any place, even before reading the concluding part, our intuitive reasoning mutters “Keep off”. To some of us, Military Zone means ‘Dangerous Zone’, while to some others; it means a “no go” area or impossible area to reach. Only very few of us pause to question why such a location which possibly is cited outside a military barracks should have an inscription meant to scare people away.

Similarly, there are some issues or ideas that we have consciously or otherwise branded “Military Zones”. Most times, we get so informed and knowledgeable about them to the point where we inscribe on our hearts; “keep off”. This has lingered on for a while and we have neglected the possible option of probing or inquiring why they have been so branded.

For example, in prayers, there are some myths commonly believed and adhered to which have greatly hindered effectiveness in prayers and short changed peoples prayer lifestyle. These myths have similar rhythms in our hearts to that of ‘Military Zone, Keep off’. As a result of this, our prayer lives have been stagnated, and questioning the status quo seems to be an insurmountable mountain.

Let’s take a quick look at some commonly believed “Prayer Myths” and assess their truthfulness.

Distance Barrier

It is commonly reported that due to the fact that God is in the heavens above and we are on earth, it is imperative that when we pray, we must intensify effort so that our prayers can go beyond the third heavens and reach God.

Much as scriptures also admonishes us to pray intensively/earnestly, it was not with the intention of having our prayers penetrate heaven. We should not forget the fact that God is a Spirit and they that must reach Him will have to do that in Spirit and in truth (John 4:24). Also, He resides in us through His Spirit. “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” (Corinthians 6:16). In the spirit realm where our prayers are channeled through, there is no distance. God’s presence is always with us and He immediately hears our petitions. 

The World is too populated

Another good reason purportedly given is that the world population is over 6 billion and it has become increasingly difficult to gain God’s attention when we pray. As a matter of fact, God can get loaded with simultaneous prayers that He may be partial in giving them order of preference. Therefore, we would have to adopt measures like early morning rise from our beds so that we can pray before others wake up, or we map out strategic periods that seems as though most people are not praying so that we can specially draw God’s attention.

Honestly, all these assertions can only be true if God were to be a man, but God is not. He is a Spirit, so human reasoning of handling simultaneous things does not apply to Him. Furthermore, His ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are not our thoughts. As the heavens are far from the earth so are His thoughts from ours (Isaiah 55:8). Have you ever asked yourself the question, what if everyone wakes up at the same early time, will it not amount to the same thing? In addition, while a particular country or continent may be asleep, some other countries or continents may be awake. It means there could still be interference.

Amazingly, God does not need some people to be asleep so that others can be awake so as to be able to effectively attend to our prayers. He is Omnipresent. The world vast population is not a problem to Him. He is the creator of everything that is in existence.

Tears specially draw God’s attention

I have often heard people say that tears either during prayers or not draw God’s attention. Therefore, when people pray, some out of genuine spiritual move shed tears, while some others force tears to come out because they want God to be pitifully moved about their situation.

This may sound very hard, but it is the truth. God is not moved by anyone’s tears. Tears are characteristics of human frailty. There are so many other factors that can attract God’s mercy upon an individual like a genuine repentant heart not tears. Always remember that God constantly looks at the intention of your heart and not the tears of your face.

Prayer of Agreement is stronger  

One other myth commonly believed in Christendom is that prayer of agreement is stronger than prayer of an individual i.e. offered independently. 

There is no scriptural revelation that the prayer of two or more people is stronger than that of one person. In fact scriptures reveals that the effectual prayer of a righteous man avail much (James 5:16). Much as bible reveals that whatsoever is bound in heaven is bound on earth…where two or more are gathered in my name there I am in their midst, we also have a confirmation in scriptures that God permanently lives within a believer through His Spirit.

The effectual prayer of an individual is as strong as that of two or more people. If only we passionately pray like Isaiah did, we can achieve more than stopping rain for three and half years.

Rise above these “Military Zone, Keep off” thoughts and pray like you have never prayed before. Pray anywhere and anytime. We are admonished to pray without ceasing, which means continuously.  

- adeyiga awomuti

When He Woke Me Up…

Some years ago, just before I was called up to compulsorily serve my nation for one year under the NYSC (National Youth Service Corp) scheme; I had series of experiences which I rashly concluded from. A lot of them relate to efforts made in keeping up the heat of my Christian faith just like it was back then in school. In two different circumstances, I can recollect that I got so easily tired when I returned from work; still I endeavored to religiously look at some pages of the bible and equally prayed. As the norm was, electrical power outage in the evenings made me put on candles to light the room each time I got home; but on several occasions I slept off either while reading, just finishing, or yet praying. At the point of switching into the snoring mood before being transported to dream land, I surprisingly felt the tap of someone and spontaneously responded by waking up. Thereafter, I discovered the candles were completely burnt, and the coconut shell they were placed on was also burnt; while the heat also had imprinted marks on the carpet through the coconut shell. In all these experiences, I got so amazed why the carpet and the room did not burn. Honestly, if I did not experience it and someone told me of the story, I probably would not have believed it but concluded it as one of those cooked up stories for testimonies. Most experiences I have heard of, those involved never had the opportunity of being alive to tell the story.

Sincerely speaking, it got me thinking and I remember saying to myself that “there was more to my life”. However, I recently realized that it wasn’t just that but there is indeed a power at work within the believer that sees him through every circumstance. Sincerely speaking, there is actually more to the life of the believer as confirmed in the bible… we have been called according to purpose. I now fully understand why and how such events like that actually happened.

Lately in a related development, precisely some weeks ago, I hurriedly made use of the pressing iron while rushing out of the house to work. Unknowingly, I forgot to put off the switch when I was through. It was actually left on throughout the whole day till I returned from work. Coincidentally, on my way back from work that evening, I discovered that there was an inexpressible joy within me; I actually got the feel right. As I walked through the gate into the house, I danced and sang hymns that I sang last some years ago. Deep down within me, I asked what could be responsible for this. While still attempting to unravel the mystery behind my sudden ecstasy, I opened the entrance door and straightaway perceived the smell of a pressing iron that was long in use. In a swift move, I ran to where it was placed as if that could save the situation that event could have possibly taken advantage of before my arrival. I knew that the pressing iron would have probably being on for almost the whole day.

As I sat to think over this, it occurred to me why I was in such a joyful mood, and equally remembered that the previous three consecutive nights it was like someone has been waking me up in the midnight to pray. Normally because of tiredness resulting from work, I do not stay too long in the night to pray except on a weekend but I realized that during those nights, once I obey the nudge, I receive an unusual strength to pray for a longer period. It can not be denied that the move to pray the previous nights was to avert the pending hazard; even some other ones I am not aware of elsewhere that may involve friends, well wishers or family members. Such nights are nights I use in praying very well in the spirit.

As a result of this recent event, I immediately recollected that the experiences mentioned earlier i.e. before my service year (NYSC), there were several times I had the nudge to rise and pray in the night, though obedience was not total in all those nights. I therefore reconfirmed that it was needful for us to be aware that the Holy Spirit residing in us through our spirit recreated after God’s own is actually at work and never sleeping even when we are. He never leaves when we have disobeyed him but our consciences think so sometime. He is truly a friend indeed and in need. The next time you are woken up in the night take advantage of it to pray. Who knows what you could be addressing in the spirit realm. 

adeyiga awomuti

Express Your Love

It is quite understandable why many of us have a little challenge in spending time to pray. The demanding nature of work, coupled with many other distracting things that calls for our attention like entertainment shows on TV, family responsibilities, time limit, amongst many others are all legitimately responsible. Most times when we take out time to communicate with God it appears to be when there is a problem perhaps resulting from a threat, conflict, needs, etc. Ranking top on the list is ‘needs’. For some others, why we spend time to pray is for a smooth sail of the day, or thanks to God for something done. Bottom line, pockets of motivation and especially external ones are responsible for 90% of time we spend praying. It was discovered that once these motivations are out of it, we seem to get easily disinclined to pray. At such time, we end up reciting the Lord’s Prayer of Matthew 6:10, and Luke 11:2.

We need not be motivated or put on our heels like we are for our jobs with pay perks and promotions. I studied the motivation behind Christ death for humanity, perhaps there are some hidden reasons aside the ones I know. I discovered that the motivation is still love, which as many as will accept it will be translated from eternal condemnation to life, and equally worship him eternally. Interestingly, that worship refers to having a feeling of profound love and admiration for Him.

Beyond these motivations that we occasionally experience, there is a fundamental lifestyle expected of us to express; it is our Agapao (Love) life. Love saw us in the miry clay, brought us out and set our feet on the rock to stand. Love gave us a new name and filled our lives with that very nature of God (Love). If our lives consist of this, it is therefore natural for us to express it. A rose expresses its nature which is its beauty and fragrance. A parrot expresses its nature which is talking. We are love beings let us express it.

It is not in mouth proclamation or expression of carnal lust, but in duties and responsibilities. Love took Christ to the cross and earned him a sit at the right hand of God interceding for us (Romans 8: 34). Love should make us be appreciative of these gestures and live up to our responsibilities. Paul in Romans 15: 30-32, entreated the believers at Rome to strive together with him in prayers for Christ sake and the love of the Spirit.

Friends let us gain mastery over all forms of distraction that will not count before God when we are giving account of our lives spent here on earth. Let’s minimize their influence in discharging our duties towards the body of Christ. For Christ sake and the love of the Spirit, I charge us to spend time relating with God in prayers.

- adeyiga awomuti

Praying to Yield Results - 12

Start enjoying your privileges now!

Catherine Kuhlman was a woman who was mightily used of God in her time with many outstanding miracles. It was reported that over 200 people stood up from wheel chairs at the same time in one of her revival meetings. There was a particular controversial trait that was noticed in her. It was discovered that her lips were always moving as though she was always muttering some words even when she was walking or all alone. When she was asked why she is always fond of that, she said that she is always praying in other tongues and that is the secret of her outstanding Christian success.

I once read of a man who traveled to a town and lodged in a hotel room. After sometime, he began to pray and in his words; he spent time praying in other tongues. Some few hours later when he got out of his hotel room, he was shocked to hear that a baby just came back to life within the same hotel premises. This baby belongs to a woman who also lodged in the hotel but suddenly found out that there was no more life in her child. After she raised an alarm, people around implored all medical skills to raise the baby to life but it was to no avail. Just after it was concluded that nothing else could be done, the baby came back to life. The man who was in another room never knew that raising of the dead child was one of the issues he was moved in the spirit to address.  

There is this experience that took place in the days of my high school that I can never forget. In the early morning hours of the day, a lady was challenged by another student who accused her of halting their operations the previous night. Though she was astonished by such accusation but when asked what she did during the night, she replied and said she can’t remember except that she was moved by the Spirit to pray in other tongues.

Friends I encourage you to keep strong in this Christian faith of ours and make good success of it. There are so many testimonies that can be shared but I desire that you will also share yours next. Pray in other tongues anywhere, anytime, and in any posture. When driving, walking, meditating, about to seal a contract, bathing, etc. pray and pray very well in other tongues. It is a privilege and honor accorded us by God.

- adeyiga awomuti

Praying To Yield Results – 11

Inglorious spots that hinders results

There will be no justice done to our discussion on praying to yield results with emphasis on praying in other tongues without highlighting the grey areas Paul took time to shed light on in I Corinthians 14.  He addressed the problem of misconception that trailed the manifestation of the Spirit in the church at Corinth. The bulk of the abuse was on speaking with other tongues and lots of controversies were generated. His core message was on the purpose of praying in other tongues bearing in mind that whenever purpose is not well defined abuse becomes inevitable.

In I Corinthians 14, Paul dedicated the whole chapter to Praying in other tongues and prophecies in the church, stressing the need for church edification. He never meant to insinuate that praying in other tongues was less superior to prophecies only that he drew a comparison between the two in view of church edification. As a matter of fact, if he meant it was less superior, then he would not have said in vs. 18 that he thank God because he prays in tongues more than all of them in the Corinth church. For this same purpose of church edification, he said in verse 5 ‘I would prefer that you prophesy than pray in tongues because greater is he that prophesies than he that prays in tongues’. Though he had earlier stated in verse 4 that, he who prophesies edifies the church but he who prays in tongues edifies himself.  On this very note, he then reiterated in verse 12 that everyone should endeavor to edify the church. His opinion was that prophecies will edify the church congregation rather than when someone comes out and all he is doing is to speak in an unknown language. This will definitely turn such individual to a statute to behold because the entire congregation will most likely be lost.

However, Paul admonished that if it becomes unavoidable that someone speaks in tongues during a church meeting, the interpretation of tongues as mentioned in verses 13 & 27 becomes necessary for the purpose of church edification. Notwithstanding, in the case where someone speaks in tongues while the church listens and no one interprets, then it means he is  actually communicating to God and himself in which case the church members listening to him will obviously be lost. It is the same scenario he likened prophecies to in verse 19 that teaching through prophecies would not need an interpretation though it could be said in five words rather than a thousand words in tongues.

In I cointhians.14: 21-22 the idea of tongues being a sign for them that believe not is that through that they will hear some things that they naturally would not have expected to hear from such individual (i.e. what is being said in strange language is understood by the unbeliever); which implies that it is a medium for them to be blessed by the messages communicated through tongues. But prophesy is a sign to be manifested for the purpose of believers who upon hearing the messages being passed across find the relevance of such to themselves. In a similar development, while fellow believers are being exhorted by prophesies, any unbeliever that comes in and hears this same message, gets convicted because of the secrets of his heart that are made manifest. This was further stated as a continuation in verses 23-25.

His summary to cap the addressing of these misconceptions is that all things be done decently and in order, stressing the fact that when it has to do with congregating, seeking to edify the church should be the priority. All these he emphasized in verses 39 & 40 that they should covet to prophesy and also forbid not to speak with tongues. If we must pray in a church setting where people are gathered to worship then it is most appropriate to pray in our understanding i.e. pray in a language people will understand so that they can say amen when appropriate. This is the very reason Paul said I will pray with the spirit and I will pray with the understanding also…I Corinthians 14: 15.

- adeyiga awomuti

Praying To Yield Results – 10

Benefits of words reserved for the initiated...

Most times in life in a bid to show our deepest appreciation of what God has done for us, we go in search of words, acronyms and beautiful names. I often discover that at the end of the whole session of praises and prayers we run short of words considering the enormous privileges and achievements we have received in Christ so we conclude by saying “you are too beautiful for words to describe”.

If you have any time feel pressed that you should give praise to God in an unlimited way without running short of words, then praying in tongues will be sufficient. This and many other advantages are inherent on the pages of the scriptures.

At the first experience ever recorded in bible where they spoke with other tongues (Acts 2: 11), the onlookers heard them speak the wonderful works of God. They gave thanks to God and spoke of His wondrous works uncontrollably. Paul also in I Corinthians 14: 17 also established the same fact that anyone who prays in other tongues actually gives thanks very well. 

Another advantage you surely stand to benefit when praying in other tongues is that you are building yourself on your most holy faith. It is a form of exercise that ensures spiritual growth in the believer- Jude: 20, and I Corinthians 14: 4. Have you being seriously desiring spiritual growth? I encourage you not to study the bible alone but to also take out time to pray well in the spirit.

Each time a Christian prays in an unknown tongue it is his spirit born after the Spirit of God that actually prays, all that he says can’t be reasoned by his human wisdom except the Lord enables him or her to interpret (I Corinthians 14: 14). In the real sense of it he is exercising himself in a purely spiritual activity. This action is considered to be directed towards God because he speaks unto God and not man thereby uttering words that are only revealed to the initiated (i.e. God and the new creature’s spirit) which is referred to as mysteries in bible (Greek word – moos-tay-ree-on) I Corinthians 14: 2.

Above all, praying in other tongues affords the privilege of not praying like the hypocrites and heathens. In Matthew 6: 7-8, Jesus said "But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him”. In all sincerity and truth, most times when we have bothering issues on our mind we keep mentioning and rephrasing words in order to draw God’s attention thereby violating this verse and another Jesus statement in Matthew 21: 22 where He said “And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive”. This implies that faith requires us to mention that situation once and straightaway believe that God has taken control already. When we pray in other tongue, words spoken a times may sound like some kind of repetitions which bores you but the bible reveals that you are speaking mysteries unto God. Speaking in other tongues may sound repetitive sometimes but you are definitely not saying the same thing in the realm of the spirit.

For example, Daniel in the Old Testament would probably have handled the issue of the delay to his prayers if he had the privilege of praying in tongues during his time.  “Then he said, "Daniel, don't be afraid. God has heard your prayers ever since the first day you decided to humble yourself in order to gain understanding. I have come in answer to your prayer. The angel prince of the kingdom of Persia opposed me for twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief angels, came to help me, because I had been left there alone in Persia” Daniel 10: 12-13. It was not revealed that the angel prevailed because Daniel continued for 21 days but it is evident that he never in his wildest imagination thought that there could be a delay. However this is not to say that the Christian should not exercise himself in such spiritual activity for as long as 21 days or more, only that when he is doing so he should gainfully utilize his time rather than spending it in vain repetitions.

These and many more are benefits we stand to enjoy in God each time we pray in the spirit or rather pray in other tongues. Remember your length of coverage cannot be limited.

- adeyiga awomuti

Praying to Yield Results - 9

Seeking results? God is willing…

As dear and lovely a treasure is to you, much more are you to God. He treasures the lovely package freely made available to you through the death and resurrection of Christ Jesus. God desires to see all His children freely and rightly communicate with Him in prayers. It is not just enough to say I pray, but to say I PRAY WELL. Praying well entails praying in the right way and direction. As it has been emphasized in previous editions of this message, the very best way with a guaranty of reaching the heart of the father is to pray in the Spirit. One of the reasons is because the Spirit searches the heart and knows what is in the heart of the father so he will surely communicate to God better in your interest.

It is the Holy Spirit that gives utterances or enables the Christian to speak in other tongues as revealed in Acts 2: 4. You do not need to pay attention to the articulation of someone else in order to speak with other tongues. The enablement or utterances will come as the Spirit wills. All you need do is be willing to open your mouth and allow these utterances to flow. Likewise, this amounts to the reason why the believer can have a form of control on his praying in tongues because he can choose to close his mouth though the utterances want to flow.

There was an amazing experience that happened in Acts 10:44-46, “While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit came down on all those who were listening to his message. The Jewish believers who had come from Joppa with Peter were amazed that God had poured out his gift of the Holy Spirit on the Gentiles also. For they heard them speaking in strange tongues and praising God's greatness. Peter spoke up…” These are people who never had the experience before or ever heard anybody speak in other tongues, so it was not that they learnt to speak by repeating what some people had said. It is amazing to note that while Peter was still preaching; those who heard the word i.e. those who were coming to terms and believing what Peter was saying caught the fire. The manifestation of God’s spirit to speak with other tongues is demonstrated in the believer’s willingness. One thing that was evident in them is that they had a ready and willing heart which prompted them to anxiously wait for Peter; remember that it is while Peter was still preaching that the Holy Spirit started moving in them and they began to speak with other tongues.

God is always willing to manifest in Christians but the question is - are we also willing to yield? If God the giver of this gift is willing to manifest it through us so that we can maximally enjoy the largesse, why should we not jump at it to take the advantages therein? In the next edition, we shall be examining other infallible benefits of praying in other tongue. Till then, keep praying in the spirit.

- adeyiga awomuti

Praying to Yield Results - 8

Heavenly tongues with amazing results

“And these signs shall follow them that believe; in my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues” Mark 16: 17. This is a statement credited to Jesus when He was on earth shortly after His resurrection from the dead. Though little did those who heard the statement knew that it is a weapon in their arsenal as Christians, until their experience in the upper room on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2). When Pentecost was fully come, there was an unforgettable event that took place. Aside the sound like a mighty rushing wind and the appearance of cloven tongues like fire, they made utterances that were startling to the conventional human listening pleasure. “They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to talk in other languages, as the Spirit enabled them to speak... When they heard this noise, a large crowd gathered. They were all excited, because all of them heard the believers talking in their own languages. In amazement and wonder they exclaimed, "These people who are talking like this are Galileans! How is it, then, that all of us hear them speaking in our own native languages? …yet all of us hear them speaking in our own languages about the great things that God has done!" Amazed and confused, they kept asking each other, "What does this mean?"…”

They out rightly spoke in languages they had never spoken before, but notice that it is as the Spirit enabled them to do so. As far as the believers that were speaking in other tongues were concerned, utterances were given to them to speak but never knew that they were speaking some other people’s language; it was actually those that were around that realized they were saying things reasonable to them. Those that spoke with other tongues only manifested in what the Spirit of God will have them do just like Apostle Paul highlighted in his summary of the benefits of praying in other tongues in 1Corinthians 14: 21 In the Scriptures it is written, "By means of people speaking strange languages I will speak to my people, says the Lord. I will speak through lips of foreigners, but even then my people will not listen to me."

Speaking in other tongues is not a sin but an asset you have received from God. Although some Christians kick against it by saying it is demonic, well if Jesus could say it is a sign that will follow those that believe in Him then you have the right to ignore any derogatory statements about it. Exercise yourself in this unlimited opportunity of exploring the riches in Christ Jesus and behold the amazing occurrences that will accord it.

- adeyiga awomuti

Praying to Yeild Results - 7

Why expected results can’t fail

If we are given two similar things but with one having a better function or greater advantage compared to the other, I know we will go for the better one. Likewise in our relationship with God, we are offered a seemingly automated way of getting to the father’s heart fast, better and always sure, compared to another way that does not really have assurance of getting it right all the time.

I Corinthians 2: 11 amazes me each time I read it – “For who among men knows the things of a man except the spirit of man within him? So also no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God.”  For the singular reason that only the spirit of God knows the things or mind of God should build confidence in us to always desire to follow after the admonition in Romans 8: 26. At the place of prayer, God searches and rather looks out for the intention of the heart. The first thing which is of interest to Him is to discover in such a heart if there is a spirit that looks like that of His i.e. the spirit that has been given life by His own Holy Spirit (born after His own Spirit). Upon finding this, God analyses and understands what is in the mind of the spirit, though this is only made possible because it is only such spirit born after Him that has a resemblance, link or flow with God.

I so much love how the sentence was concluded in verse 27 of Romans 8, “…because he maketh intercessions for the saints according to the will of God.” Are you still wondering why God will just understand what your spirit born after His own spirit is saying when you pray in other tongues? It’s simply because he surely must pray in accordance to God’s will. Since that spirit is no longer a dead spirit as it used to be, you need not worry because it is now redeemed and belongs to God alone. It has been eternally imparted by God and it has a full understanding of God even the mind of God.

It is certain that whenever you pray in the spirit or in tongues, you surely will pray in accordance to God’s will, you can never miss it. It is a spiritual exercise that involves His spirit who knows and understands His mind, and surely knows what God’s will is.

In no doubt, you are like God here on earth and you know all things because your spirit is born after God (I John 2: 20, I John 4: 17). I wish you fruitful and result oriented prayer as you take your place and exercise your privileges in prayer.

- adeyiga awomuti

Praying To Yield Results - 6

Getting results from groaning in prayer

It is not uncommon to hear varying types of deep sighs of agony and displeasure of heart in prayer rooms especially when we suddenly run short of words. And most times, we assume that God understands what we are unable to say in words, which is very true. But this does not imply that Paul was referring to such sighs when he wrote to the Roman church.

Whenever someone make low inarticulate sound as e.g. of pain or sorrow; or indicate pain, discomfort, or displeasure, they are still utterances and expressions. But Romans 8: 26 speaks of groaning which can not be uttered or too deep for words. Could it be that it is referring to something else? Yes it is.

Contextually, it suggest that the second phrase in verse 26 of Romans 8, speaks of praying in a way or form that human words can express and understand; and we have rightly discussed in previ0us editions of this topic, that the best of our articulation in prayer is still not the best way we ought to pray. Therefore, the third phrase reveals what the groaning of the Holy Spirit means; that is to express oneself in a language which can not be understood by the human mind. In essence, human grammatical constructions, word phrases and articulation does not play any part in this. This must be praying in another language which is different from that of men. It surely must be a language that is heavenly not earthly.

When a Christian prays in other language or other tongue as it is popularly referred to, it is not an expressible exercise in human understanding. I do not mean praying in another tribe language, but in the heavenly language. I Corinthians 14, “for if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful”. It is my spirit born after the spirit of God, and given life by the Spirit of God that prays. In as much as this is not like the initial dead spirit, then it means it has been given what it needs to fellowship with God Himself. The understanding that is unfruitful describe the inability of the human mind or sense of reasoning to be able to grasp the idea of what is being said when praying in other tongues.

As a matter of fact, when praying in other tongues, you most likely will pray about some issues that ordinarily you would not have mentioned if you were to pray in your known language. This is purely as the Spirit wills, and we will find out in the next edition about the “spiritual background” operations that makes this possible. 

- adeyiga awomuti

Praying To Yield Results - 5

Help that will never fail…

I know there are times we sit back to consolidate on our gains and often tell ourselves that this is too wonderful. I refer to periods that we can not help but praise ourselves for having diligently unraveled a mystery or achieved something. But have you ever encountered someone who seemingly makes a nonsense of all we claim to have achieved, I mean he promises to offer something far better than what oour widest imagination considered possible.

For example, have you ever prayed sweating and believing that you have c0vered all grounds possible? Or you prayed and imagined what else could you have prayed about or mention? Better still, you just finished praying and thought in your mind that how best could you have phrased your sentences and sequentially relay your prayer points? In all these our achievements, Romans 8: 26, states that “… for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: …” or as we should.

It amazes me that the best of our articulation, words composition, mind thinking, and grammatical constructions can not be compared to what we are offered in Romans 8: 26. This verse did not say what we mention when we pray is nonsense or bad, but it says the best of what we say can not be compared with what the help of the Holy Spirit can do. In a simple way, it says the best of how we pray are still not how we ought, or should. Paul further stressed that this is a weakness on our part or an infirmity, so he concluded by saying that the Holy Spirit stretches forth his helping hand to save us from such a predicament.

“But the Spirit it self maketh request for us with sighs, which cannot be expressed” or with groaning which can not be uttered connotes how the spirit helps our weaknesses in prayers. It is still a form of prayer but obviously different from what we may be used to or what we feel are best ways of communicating with the father. When we pray in the right way especially as proposed in Romans 8: 26, we certainly can not determine the extent of the impact such can have alongside the far reaching width and length of coverage we surely can achieve. For example, you might have been scheduled for a job interview or a business contract awarding interview and in your widest imagination prayers offered were for favour, outspokenness, etc. ; but suddenly a day before the appointment date some natural disasters like hurricanes, and storms erupts or a fire disaster and displaces the company. All these you might not have thought of to mention while praying but what is proposed by Paul in Romans 8: 26 will certainly take care of that.

We would establish in the subsequent edition of this message what it means for the Holy Spirit to help us with sighs which can not be uttered, and how he does this.

- adeyiga awomuti

Praying to yield result - 4

Empowered to yield results…

“And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter that he may abide with you for ever; … But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you” (John 14: 16 & 26). “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (II Timothy 1: 7). All these verses of the holy bible gives some form of insight into what the spirit that abides within a spiritual worshiper does.

He is the spirit from the God head, dwelling within the Christian till eternity. He can not be scared away like the dove either by sin or the devil, because Jesus said he will abide with us forever (John 14: 16). The Holy Spirit comforts, gives insight into obscure things, reveals things to come, gives boldness, etc. Since he is the spirit of truth, he broadens the revelation of God in our heart. He stands in place of our weaknesses and proves himself so strong when the best of our fathomable expressions have been heightened and reached its peak. In essence, when a man accepts the truth (i.e. Jesus Christ as the full revelation of God) he also automatically receives the Spirit of God to dwell with him permanently and this mean you are well positioned to approach God without any hindrance.

Apostle Paul gave an insight into an unmatched work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer with respect to prayers. “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what to pray as we ought: but the Spirit it self maketh request for us with sighs, which cannot be expressed. But he that searcheth the hearts, knoweth what is the meaning of the Spirit: for he maketh request for ye Saints, according to the will of God” (Romans 8: 26-27 Geneva edited).

Beloved, have you ever desired to know and pray according to the will of God? Then you are on the right path, but don’t forget that it is not just the desire to know but you must actually find it out, establish the truth and stay with it by practically living it day by day.  The mission of the Holy Spirit in our lives can not be overemphasized. We have been empowered by the Spirit of God to have result oriented prayers whenever we pray. I encourage us to utilize this God given gift residing in us.

adeyiga awomuti

Praying To Yield Results – 3

Getting set to obtain results in prayer

“God is a Spirit and they that worship Him must worship Him in Spirit and in truth”. This was Jesus response to the Samaritan woman He met at the well in John 4: 24. By the word "spirit" Jesus meant the nature of the Godhead, and not the third person in the Trinity. This declaration is fundamental. Since he is Spirit, he must receive spiritual worship.

In the world history, it has never been recorded that light produces darkness. Whenever light shines, it disperses darkness, even if such light is produced by a very small candle, it will still shine as light and not darkness. Since God is spirit, and it is required of those that will worship Him to do so in the spirit, that means in the first instance, they must possess the same nature that can produce such spiritual worship. No other nature apart from the spiritual can produce “spiritual worship”, for he is an infinite Spirit! This God can be pleased only with that which resembles him.

In resembling God, I must possess what makes Him who He is, which is eternal life (Greek word- Zoe). This is a truthful revelation John never overlooked - I John 4:17 “Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the Day of Judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.”  Anyone who possesses God’s life has His nature and therefore is entitled to offering a spiritual worship to Him.

Worship or prayer that will get to the heart of the father must surely be void of canal or physical ideologies. God is a Spirit. As a spirit, he dwells not in temples made with hands (Acts 7:48), neither is he worshipped with men’s hands as though he needed anything, seeing he gives to all life, and breath, and all things, (Acts 17:25). A pure, holy, and spiritual worship, therefore, is such as he seeks - the offering of the soul rather than the formal offering of the body - the homage of the heart rather than that of the lips. Our obligation and what is expected of us goes far beyond what earthly musical instruments can play but that which the musical instruments of our heart can make in melody to God. This is from a rightful heart unto a rightful throne; this is spiritual worship.

As many as are partakers of God’s life have been made to drink of the spirit with God.  1Co 12:13  “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.”  This is the Holy Spirit given to us as a seal of being redeemed from the claws of sin (Ephesians 1: 13). Before a man is saved on earth, he used to have a spirit that is dead unto God, but at the point of salvation that same spirit receives the life of God and is instantaneously made alive unto God. And He has made you alive, who were once dead in trespasses and sins… (Ephesians 2: 1).

Before the next edition of this message, I want us to ponder on this; could it be that the Holy Spirit was given so that I can just go round town and keep saying it, or are there some wonderful things I stand to benefit from this?

- adeyiga awomuti

Praying To Yield Results - 2

The only truth needed when praying

One very important thing that characterized the worship of God many years ago was a regular visit to the Mountains and Jerusalem, where people congregationally lifted up their voices. The activities embarked upon ranged from praises, supplications, intercessions and requests. In John 4: 19-20 the Samaritan woman thought that the status quo of worship was still relevant, so she proudly and confidently made known her stand to Jesus. “The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet. Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship”. But Jesus answered and said to her “God is a Spirit and they that worship him must worship Him in Spirit and in truth” (vs. 24).

A fundamental truth and pathway to the father’s heart is being revealed in this statement by Jesus. Relating with God requires TRUTHFUL and SPIRITUAL intensions. Any other thing outside this can not help in drawing God’s attention. You may be on the roof top, highest mountain, in the deepest hole or in the auditorium of the most beautifully built church, once your devotion or prayer to God is not done truthfully and spiritually you can not be heard by God.

To worship in truth simply means to worship in sincerity and verity of heart; and sincerity of heart stems from a wealth and depth of knowledge concerning who God is. This is referred to as truthful worship. This simply means a sincere worship from an open heart, not concealing anything. Better still, it is a pouring out of one’s heart in totality and submissiveness. I make bold to say again that this can only be done with an understanding of who God is. In John 14: 6, Jesus says He is the way, the truth and life. He actually meant He is the revelation and effulgence of God, the glory of God without concealing anything at all. I am the way to the father means I am the path, i.e. the way to reaching, understanding and relating with God.

In acknowledging and accepting Jesus as the truth, we are actually accepting God, and also accepting the true revelation of who God is as it is evident in Christ. This same fact is reiterated in II Corinthians 4: 6 “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ”.

The father is desirous of such people that walk and dwells in this depth of knowledge as manifested in Jesus and revealed in our hearts by the Holy Spirit.  Such in-depth understanding of God stirs the right prayers in the right direction and all these you will find revealed in bible. Beloved I welcome you to the revelation of God’s will for you when you worship or pray, as we study together in the subsequent edition of this message that is titled “Getting set to obtain results in prayer”. 

- adeyiga awomuti

Praying To Yield Results - 1

The soccer world cup is one of the most contested tournaments by different nations of the world. Spectators of over 35,000 and millions of television viewers are thrilled to highest peak of excitement. While spectators enjoy the feel of the game, the players on the field and their technical crew have just one goal in mind which is to win the cup and go home proud. The players throughout the competition run up and down the field of play sweating profusely chasing just one small oval shape object called a ball in order to gain its possession.

The journey of winning the cup starts from the technical crew of each country making the right team selection that will be called to camp. In addition, they embark on intensive training, perfecting different winning plans and strengthening the players’ fitness level. Also, instilling a high level of discipline in the players is not left out, while sponsors are also being sought for the team. All these are done in bid to position the team well for the desired results, i.e. wining the cup.

When we pray, we surely always have desired results set in our minds. Either the purpose of our prayer is to praise God, make a request, express our displeasures or grief about a situation etc; it is still specifically targeted towards something.

Though we are desirous of hitting our targets in prayer, we often forget or neglect the right path and channels to be followed. You could be sure that a step towards the south, while you intend to reach the north as a destination is a deceitful and wrong move. For example, expecting to pass an examination without sitting for that particular exam or without answering over 60% of the questions provided will result in an elated failure.

Let’s take a look at this scripture together, “You ask and don’t receive because you ask wrongly, so that you may spend it on your desires for pleasures” James 4: 3 (HSBC). Have you ever wondered why some times your prayers seem not answered? Most likely you’ve concluded wrongly that there are some people well positioned than you are, who constantly draw God’s attention. This assertion is not true, because God does not show favoritism (James 2:1). Perhaps you have prayed wrongly. Praying wrongly is like not praying at all. Once a means to an end is ignored, then the end can not be met. When at the end of the football competition a winner emerges we should not fail to remember that if they had not played according to the rules of the game, the victory would not have been clinched.

For the next couple of weeks, we shall be discussing praying according to God’s will or pattern with the topic “Praying to yield results”. I have no doubt in my mind that this serial message will challenge and provoke to go back to kneel and achieve a result oriented prayer.

adeyiga awomuti

In your darkest hours ...

The value and worth of an asset may not necessarily be well appreciated at first instance. Most time, the long term value and usefulness is considered and it engulfs ones mind to the point that no degree of present “low performance” affects our trust in its future relevance. For example, if we treasure an ability, strength or gift in ourselves, we keep exploring it; i.e.  In all that we do we keep up the diligent work because of our confidence in the potentials and vast opportunities available. We do not give up even if we don’t seem to be reaping the benefits now. We don’t stop saying to ourselves that someday I will be there or I will achieve the desired result.

Likewise in our lives, we are not expected to give up praying just because we presently cannot lay hold on tangible evidences to justify such consistent labor. Better still, we should build a lifestyle of consistent loneliness with God in prayer like Jesus did. Although, bible might not have recorded all the periods Jesus spent praying alone with God (e.g. Mark 1: 35), but I have no doubt in my mind that He kept praying irrespective of the challenges that came His way. Jesus’ day to day confrontation with the Jewish elders and the outright rejection by people at certain times did not discourage Him either. At certain periods that He was supposed to question the worth of time spent praying due to unpleasant situations, He persistently committed himself to prayers. Perhaps Jesus kept at the back of His mind that His labor is not in vanities.

If in our academic pursuits or businesses for example, we do not mind peoples’ failures and business wind up, then it beholds us not to mind the present challenges that stares us in the face despite our persistent prayer. I have never heard anybody who says I won’t go to school again because people are failing or the graduates are not sound intellectually but rather I hear people say I know I can do better so they forge ahead.

Remember, it is when you are about to get to the end of the tunnel that it surely gets darker, the reason is because you are far from the entrance of the tunnel since you have come a long way and there’s no more ray of light; you are also getting close to the end where the ray of light is about to shine.

1Th 5:16-18 “Rejoice evermore.  Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

adeyiga awomuti

Bad Companies, Bad Prayers ...

Reasons trail most actions in the world, except for few ones in which case the person in question is suspected for insanity, though I feel that an insane person believes there are reasons for his actions despite his mental derailment. When we take a closer look at what our friends, relations, acquaintances etc do and their actions seems to interest us we often decide to act likewise. To emulate someone’s character or lifestyle is not bad but we rarely determine in our heart to weigh and assess properly the pros and cons of their actions. It is not uncommon to see someone act like a friend just did. For example, somebody just decided to reduce the time spent praying due to tight schedules or present challenges, and after being observed by a friend sometime later, such an attitude becomes the status quo for that friend also.

There is a similar instruction in bible that encourages us to give room for external influence but it is with a caution note; Gal 4:18 “But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you”. I understand that bible definition of ‘a good thing’ is quite different from that of so many of us. Notwithstanding, let God be true and all men be liars (Romans 3: 4). Neither relenting on our efforts can be called ‘good’; nor can acting contrary to our initial conviction in God’s scriptural truth be called ‘good’. For instance, telling of lies instead of the truth is slanderously called ‘holy lie’, while stealing as of today is referred to pilfering.

No matter how we beautify and justify our decaying spiritual retrogression, it is still wrong in the sight of God. Faithfulness in God is not supposed to be for a while but till we are done with our assignment here on earth.

Awake from that SLUMBER and SLOTHFULNESS, stand upright and PRAY. Remember 2Co 10:12 “For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise”.

- adeyiga awomuti

Open Wonders of Secret Prayers

We should not think it anything strange with God to hold unto His principles on issues that pertains to our faith. It is just because His ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts. If we have principles that we apply to issues in life, why do we think God should not?

One of the few principles Jesus emphasized in His time is service to God without hypocrisy. This simply means our devotion to God without deceit or guile. In Mathew 6: 5-6, Jesus spoke of prayer that has rewards instantly without anything to show for it, and another that has a great reward resulting from loneliness with God. And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

In bible, I see this characterizing the impact Jesus had on His generation. As many as came in contact with Him were not left without being blessed. At a time when Jesus disciples could no longer bear their inability to spontaneously bless the lives of those that came their way, they asked Him what could possibly be the cause. Jesus replied them in Mark 9: 29; And He said to them, this kind can come out by nothing except by prayer and fasting.

Jesus, having exercised himself well in prayers Mark 6: 46 (And taking leave of them, He went away to the mountain to pray) had the following credentials attached to His historic walk in bible:

• Jesus calmed the storm (Mark 6: 51) that troubled the disciples in vs. 48.
• He opened the eyes of the blind man in Mark 8: 25.
• Also, He sent out the evil spirit in the boy in Mark 9: 25-27, and healed his deafness and dumbness, etc.

In similar events, after Jesus spent time praying in Luke 6: 12, the following were some of the miracles attributed to Him:

• He healed the Centurion’s servant in Luke 7: 9-10.
• Jesus raised the dead in Luke 7: 14-15.
• Also, He healed the withered hand in Luke 6: 9-10.

All these Jesus did knowing fully well that the possibility of such open wonders that beats people imaginations comes by PRAYER; I mean a lonely time with God, a secret time indeed.

- adeyiga awomuti

Watch and Pray

Some logical reasoning has crept into the church unaware, and our minds are so accustomed to these ideas that we accept them without asking questions. Just as it is commonly practiced in choosing a life partner, we have been told to watch while we pray to find the bone of our bone, and the flesh of our flesh. In fact it is also commonly reported that, if you pray without being on the look out you will most likely loose out on the right person i.e. you will not know when he or she pass by you. Much as “watch and pray” is directly attributed and linked to Jesus statement to His disciples at the garden of Gethsemane, it is obvious that there is serious misunderstanding, most likely due to the King James English translation of the bible.

Matthew 26: 41 in HSBC version states “stay awake and pray, so that you won’t enter into temptation. The Spirit is willing but the flesh is weak”. What has been translated as “watch” by the King James translators and commonly used in churches today means to stay on guard, alert or be awake. This was because in verse 40 after Jesus prayed for a while, He found that His disciples were sleeping and did not join Him praying. So He had to tell them to stay awake and pray just as He was doing.

If you believe that what Jesus meant is that each time we pray specifically about a situation we should also rely on our senses to get the results, then it means we are no longer relying on Him to handle the situation we are praying about, then the question is why do we pray if our senses can do the job? It is possible that God communicates His will about what we are praying for through our senses but this will purely be as He wills, in essence, God has a way of  working through us (For it is God who works in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure {Philippians 2: 13}). The best of what our senses produces is still referred to as our decisions, except God has worked through it; God’s will and workings is irrespective of our senses. Next time we pray, we should not be mindful of looking for what it will look like. We should pray with alertness of mind towards God not “pray-sleeping” or “pray-mind traveling”.

-adeyiga awomuti

While You Wait for an Answer

The desire to speedily surmount a mountainous problem sometimes drives us to pray. As much as one would expect to see a miraculous breakthrough, we would also not mind to spend so long a time praying. When we feel satisfied within us that we have sought it out with God, we immediately stop the prayers and watch to see changes. Interestingly, we most times feel disappointed when days, weeks, and months rolls by without any significant change.

In Acts 27, Paul experienced the same thing, but his story seems to be a little different and I feel it is worthy of emulation. In verses 1-18, the first two days of their voyage, was a challenging one with serious sea turbulence and a tempestuous wind called Euroclydon. Following this, precisely on the third (3^rd) day, all hope that they should be saved was dashed (Acts 27: 19-20). I have no doubt in my mind that both the soldiers and prisoners in the sea would have prayed earnestly for their safety because it was evident that death was knocking at the door. Paul who also must have being in the Spirit praying, spoke of the revelation the Lord showed him; “For an angel of God, whose I am and whom I serve, stood by me this night, Saying: Fear not, Paul, thou must be brought before Caesar; and behold, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall so be, as it hath been told me”. (Acts 27: 23-25)

Despite this heart consoling revelati0n, there was no evident ray of hope for surviving since everywhere was still dark and the storm was still strong. Again, this brings to mind one of the many numerous ways of man, which is preparing for an alternative when it seems as though the Lord is slow concerning His promise. The owners of the ship treacherously planned to run away and leave the soldiers and prisoners to die in the troubled ship and sea (Acts 27: 30-31). You may say one can’t really blame them because it was over ten days they were promised hope of surviving and nothing to show for it yet. Likewise, Paul himself should have been discouraged because his integrity and trust in God was at stake, but he refused to be. He did not waver in faith towards God (“…For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea, which is moved and carried about by the wind. Therefore let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord”; James 1: 6-7); so he confidently told them that we are still on course, I know the God I serve, He is never late, I am used to Him (Wherefore I pray you to take some meat: for this is for your health: for there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you; Acts 27: 34). I strongly desire that we all be like Paul in trusting God each time we wait on Him for a miracle; for with God nothing shall be impossible (Luke 1: 37).

- adeyiga awomuti

When am I supposed to cry?

Human experiences reveal that various emotional expressions accompany our numerous challenges in life. For example, shock accompanies a bitter experience while joy certainly accompanies a pleasing experience. It is naturally not possible for someone to put on a joyful countenance when he/she has just been overtaken by an unpleasing event rather, moodiness, regrets and even curses emanates from him/her.

One event that seems to have contradicted this natural law of expression is in Acts 16: 20-33, when Paul and Silas were arrested and remanded in prison for preaching the gospel. (They told the officials, "These Jews are upsetting our city! They are telling us to do things we Romans are not allowed to do." The crowd joined in the attack on Paul and Silas. Then the officials tore the clothes off the two men and ordered them to be beaten with a whip. After they had been badly beaten, they were put in jail, and the jailer was told to guard them carefully. The jailer did as he was told. He put them deep inside the jail and chained their feet to heavy blocks of wood. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing praises to God, while the other prisoners listened. Suddenly a strong earthquake shook the jail to its foundations. The doors opened, and the chains fell from all the prisoners. When the jailer woke up and saw that the doors were open, he thought that the prisoners had escaped. He pulled out his sword and was about to kill himself. But Paul shouted, "Don't harm yourself! No one has escaped." The jailer asked for a torch and went into the jail. He was shaking all over as he knelt down in front of Paul and Silas. After he had led them out of the jail, he asked, "What must I do to be saved?" They replied, "Have faith in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved! This is also true for everyone who lives in your home." Then Paul and Silas told him and everyone else in his house about the Lord. While it was still night, the jailer took them to a place where he could wash their cuts and bruises. Then he and everyone in his home were baptized [CEV]). Just like any other person, one would have expected that they spend that night crying, wailing, regretting and blaming themselves for yielding the call to preach or rather casting aspersion and curses on their maker who seemingly was not at their rescue at that moment; instead, He, their maker watched while they were being led to the prison yard.

Against all odds, a heart of worship was noticed in them, and they began to SING & PRAY, very strange and unbelievable reactions in the face of persecution. Obviously, when an earthquake occurred, the gates were thronged open and the soldiers were thereafter saved, it became clearer what can be achieved when we neglect norms and conventions to exercise ourselves in spiritual activities like praying and worshiping God.

Have you lately been accused wrongly? Do your challenges at work show hatred and plot against you? Is your business suffering from poor patronage & bad sales? Do you consider the frequency of unpleasing news coming to you as unbearable? Is your academics presently threatened by peer grades, lack of understanding? You don’t have to be cast down & cry, rather take time to pray and worship God. You will be shocked He will speak the way out to you during the process of praying.  

- adeyiga awomuti

Next Time You Are Hungry

It is commonly said that a hungry man is an angry man, a little wonder why most people’s actions during the period of hunger suddenly become unapproachable. For some married men, all you will be telling them at home at such periods certainly will have to fall into the dunghill. While some just suddenly begin to find fault, others remain unnecessarily quiet, calm, and weak as though they just lost a battle. Mostly, we create an uneasy environment for people around us just because they are trying to help.

In Acts 10: 9-10, members of Peter’s household were just at the nick of time trying to help him pacify his hunger. I try to imagine how fast and swift they must have been doing this, but I suddenly discovered that the hungry man (Peter) made a historical move against convention and norms. Instead of shouting, wailing, finding faults, complaining, and lamenting, he simply moved to a lonely place such as the roof top to do something unimaginable at the heat of hunger, (TO PRAY). “The next day, as they were on their way and coming near Joppa, Peter went up on the roof of the house about noon in order to pray. He became hungry and wanted something to eat; while the food was being prepared, he had a vision” (GNB).

Prayer is always the last thing people think of when hungry. As a matter of fact, people only pray at such times when they are financially broke and there is no means of finding solution to the problem on ground; then their pray will certainly be for God to provide a means of supply to them. Instead of creating funny scenarios and making everyone around you feel uncomfortable because you are hungry, why not take out time to pray, perhaps you could come out from the place of prayer with great revelations beneficial to someone and yourself if you do so. Jesus likewise did the same thing in John 4: 6-8, when he turned the period of hunger which made His disciples to go buy food to a time of blessing the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well. “Jacob's well was there, and Jesus, tired out by the trip, sat down by the well. It was about noon. A Samaritan woman came to draw some water, and Jesus said to her, "Give me a drink of water." (His disciples had gone into town to buy food.)” (GNB)

Please the next time you are hungry, find a corner to pray, it could the golden opportunity you need to hear from God and receive a revelation on what is about to take place. 

-adeyiga awomuti

Stay convinced!

It is not difficult to differentiate in a Christian gathering the older ones in the faith and the upcoming ones. The difference is always clear because the younger ones are always vibrant, industrious and versatile while the older ones act slowly, steadily, and calmly. This is not comparison between the aged and the youths but length of relationship duration with God; i.e. how long the older ones have been serving as Christians in comparison with the how long the younger ones have been serving as Christians irrespective of the age.

You would often find the older Christian tell the younger ones that it’s because they have not had any experience, which in most cases means they have not had any disappointment in the faith. If only they’ve had any, their vibrancy would have died. This was exactly the same attitude put up by the older Christians when they gathered to pray in Acts 12 for the release of Peter. Apart from the fact that Peter was released despite their actions, faithless expressions and multitude of words, they almost killed the vision, and vibrancy of a young Christian lady. (Peter now realized what had happened, and he said, "I am certain that the Lord sent his angel to rescue me from Herod and from everything the Jewish leaders planned to do to me." Then Peter went to the house of Mary the mother of John who’s other name was Mark. Many of the Lord's followers had come together there and were praying. Peter knocked on the gate and a servant named Rhoda came to answer. When she heard Peter's voice, she was too excited to open the gate. She ran back into the house and said that Peter was standing there.  "You are crazy!" everyone told her. But she kept saying that it was Peter. Then they said, "It must be his angel." But Peter kept on knocking, until finally they opened the gate. They saw him and were completely amazed.)

The elders did not only disbelief and said she was mad but further doubted and said it must be his angel. All we need in our day and age where lukewarmness is the order of the day and where some older Christians pose as sources of discouragement is to maintain our fervency in the lord. They had every reason to have acted the way they did. They could have said to themselves that from experience Peter should have died or be on his way to the point of slaughter just like it happened to James.

Whenever you pray and you are convinced that God is at work please stay with your conviction. Under no circumstance and guise should you allow the so called experiences pollute your conviction in what God is able to do. STAY CONVINCED.

- adeyiga awomuti

Praying or playing?

A failure to ask ourselves some pertinent questions that are expected to challenge us into progress in life, results in age long self deceit and outright retrogression. (2Co 13:5) Be testing yourselves, if you are in the faith; be examining yourselves. You yourselves know that Jesus Christ is in you, do you not?-unless you fail to meet the test (ALT).  Just as the speech of Peter gave him away to reveal his insincerity, empty boast and commitment to Jesus (Matthew 26: 73), many of our speeches in prayer, give us away in the face of our faith and trust in God.

In Acts of Apostles 12: 1-17, after Herod successfully killed James and saw that it pleased the Jews, he decided to proceed and kill the other Apostles one after the other. His next target, Peter, was arrested and locked up waiting for the day to be excommunicated. The church in their wisdom and fear (thinking that it was because they did not pray that made it possible for James to be killed) decided to gather to intercede on behalf of Peter. One would have thought that the whole of Roman empire should experience earthquake, since only Paul and Silas shook the prison yard (Acts 16: 25-26) but alas, the unbelief of those that assembled to pray was revealed, just as their speech gave them away. They said to the young maid that went to open the door for Peter “you are mad”. Both their speeches at prayer and the phrase you are mad gave them away because, out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks (Matthew 12: 34).

Deep down in their heart, it was obvious that they didn’t believe in what they were praying about, since when the miracle happened they did not believe but said the lady was mad. This implies that they were expecting something else perhaps, the news of his death.

I submit with all respect that they were playing all the while because they summarized the expectation of all they’ve been praying about in one phrase ‘you are mad’ (perhaps they never believed in the process). When Jesus finished praying at the tomb of Lazarus, (John 11: 41-43) He commanded him to come out. When Jesus finished praying on the mount (Matthew 14: 19) He broke the bread and it multiplied. When the Apostles finished praying in (Acts 4: 21-31) they preached the more with boldness. When Jesus finished praying at the garden of Gethsemane, He said nevertheless at thy will, and told the soldiers, I am he that you are looking for (Mathew 26: 39-42, John 18: 4-5). None of their speeches or actions after these prayer sessions shows betrayal of speech or unbelief, better still they acted knowing fully well that it is done.

Next time you want to pray, ask yourself if you believe God? After prayer, be desirous to know if you just finished praying or playing. Your subsequent actions and speeches will reveal what you just did.

-adeyiga awomuti

The troubled mind - Part II

It is uncommon to see people who are troubled in mind comporting themselves, rather, they move about with gloomy and moody faces. As a matter of fact, it’s difficult to find such people comforting, encouraging, or attending to peoples’ needs.

When Jesus met the multitude of people after He was told of the beheading of John the Baptist, He did not send them away giving the excuse of His mind state. The fact that His forerunner (John), who proclaimed His coming and also doubles as a relation has been beheaded, was enough a reason to dismiss the crowd. Rather, He was moved with compassion (Matthew 14:14) and healed their infirmities. He didn’t need to go for days of fasting and prayer to reposition His mind, but He knew He was made for such occasions. Jesus did not only heal their sicknesses, but also put smiles on their faces by feeding them all.

Does the thought of putting smile on peoples faces cross your mind when troubled, or rather people should put smile on your face? Don’t forget that the Christian is a packaged solution to the world’s problems. Discharge your duties faithfully, even when you don’t feel like doing it, remember it goes beyond your momentary feelings.

adeyiga awomuti

The troubled mind – Part 1

May I be free to ask what we do about the sorrowful news we hear at certain periods in life? How many hours, days, or weeks do we spend thinking about the news? At such times, our minds can’t just stop being perturbed over the fact that, ‘why is this happening now’, ‘why me’, ‘why friends or relations?’ Most times, we get off such thoughts when they are overtaken by some other events, or we’ve just listened to some music appealing to the mind based on our moods. Despite these conventional options that characterises our painful moments, I think we can detach ourselves from such, by learning from Christ.

In Matthew 14:13, when Jesus heard of the beheading of John the Baptist, He immediately withdrew to a desert place. He did not do that because of fear or that he may go to weep. We’ll find out in verse 23 the main reason for his withdrawal, though He was temporarily halted by His passion for some sick and hungry people, vs. 13-21.

Instead of Jesus complaining, crying or thinking excessively about the sorrowful news of John the Baptist, He was determined to go and pray. Would you choose to follow after Jesus exemplary life, or you would like to continue in the conventional way of freeing one’s mind from troubling news?

- adeyiga awomuti