Tag: reward of faithfulness

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UNHOLY RICHES ARE THE ROOT OF ALL EVIL – Luke

True Christians Should Avoid Unholy Means To Becoming Wealthy

(Passage: Luke 16)

Jesus Christ cautioned and warned his disciples not to be involved in unjust riches, but seek pure wealth that glorify God. Jesus said,

“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own? “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” (Luke 16:10-13).

Unholy Pursuit Of Wealth Goes Against God’s Will

The pursuit of clean riches is not evil, but the pursuit of unclean riches is evil. Hence, Christians must not pursue riches at the expense of holiness. As children of God, we must evaluate our ambitions, and we must ensure that God’s rules are not violated. We must also, strive to be involved in only careers that glorify God. It is important to note that God keeps records of our activities, and he will duly reward us in this life, and in heaven also.

Don’t be a hypocrite!

Life is all about money now. As a matter of fact, it has become a social construct where the amount of money you have equals your importance. However, as true believers of Christ, you should know the devil can gain access through any means. The greatest? Unholy riches? Stay away from devious means of making money and God will bless the little you have today.

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Prayer To Be Disciplined Against Unholy Riches

God gives grace to the needy; pray!

O my God, I want to be rich, but I do not want to go to hell fire! Help me pursue clean riches, and let me honor you with my resources. Let me utilize my riches to serve you and meet other people’s needs. Do not let me be punished, but let me be duly rewarded on earth and in heaven also. For in the name of Jesus Christ, I make my requests. Amen.

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PROMISES MADE TO GOD MUST BE FULFILLED – 1 Samuel

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Good Christians Must Fulfill All Promises Made To God To Avoid His Wrath

(1 Samuel 1:11)

Hannah was barren; she prayed and asked God for a child, and she promised to dedicate any first child she has to him. Hannah said in her prayers,

“LORD Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the LORD for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head” (1 Samuel 1:11).

God answered Hannah’s prayer, and she gave birth to a son called Samuel! The lady honored her promise and brought Samuel to God. She approached God’s prophet and said,

“Pardon me, my lord. As surely as you live, I am the woman who stood here beside you praying to the LORD. I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the LORD. For his whole life he will be given over to the LORD” (1 Samuel 1:26-28).

A Promise Is A Debt; It Must Be Fulfilled

Anyone who promises God anything is under an oath; he or she must fulfill whatever is promised. Jehovah does not take our promises as a joke; he will surely wait for the fulfillment of all promises! No child of God should be too complacent with his or her success and forget to fulfill any needed debt to God. Meanwhile, some people make special promises to God when they were in trouble. They might have said; “God, if you can help me in this situation, I will do so and so for you.” However, they soon forgot their promises once their prayers are answered. God will definitely not be happy with this situation. He wants his children to honor their promises and be grateful to him. He may decide to delay future blessings until his children honor him. Therefore, all people must respect God, and fulfill their promises to him.

Have you ever been in a very bad situation and made a promise to God if he helped? Did you fulfill your promise? It is important to know that if you didn’t, you owe God. Once you make a promise to God, you have to fulfill it. I urge you to search yourself and if you find yourself owing, pray to him for forgiveness.

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Redeem your pledges to God as soon as possible!

Prayer For Forgiveness & Grace To Redeem Pledges

Pray for the strength to keep your promises.

Dear God, I am sorry if I have failed to honor my promises to you. I repent today, and I am determined to mend my broken relationship with you. I redeem all my pledges, and I will make you happy with my offerings. In fact, I will bring a special thanksgiving offering to you, and I will share the testimony of your goodness in my life to all people. Please grant me the grace to fulfill all my promises, and let me remain your favorite child. For in the name of Jesus Christ, I make my requests. Amen.

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GOD RESPECTS AN AGREEMENT – Judges

True Believers Must Be Aware Of Their Promises

(Passage: Judges 11)

Judge Jephthah found himself between a rock and a hard place by making an irrevocable vow to God. He promised to offer an important sacrifice to God if he could help him overcome his enemies. Jephthah said,

“Whatever comes out of the doors of my house to meet me, when I return in peace from the people of Ammon, shall surely be the Lord’s, and I will offer it up as a burnt offering” (Judges 11:31).

God answered Jephthah’s prayer, but lo and behold, it was her only child who came to welcome him to his door-post when he returned from the battle. He found himself in a situation that he had to give up her only daughter. (Please note: This type of sacrifice is no more relevant today!). The scripture reported,

“When Jephthah came to his house at Mizpah, there was his daughter, coming out to meet him with timbrels and dancing; and she was his only child. Besides her, he had neither son nor daughter. And it came to pass, when he saw her, that he tore his clothes, and said, “Alas, my daughter! You have brought me very low! You are among those who trouble me! For I have given my word of the Lord, and I cannot go back on it.” So she said to him, “My father, if you have given your word to the Lord, do to me according to what has gone out of your mouth, because the Lord has avenged you of your enemies, the people of Ammon” (Judges 11:34-36).

Jephthah decided to honor his promise despite the magnitude.

Be Watchful; God Cannot Be Cheated

God deserves to be respected at all times. We must respect him, and we must keep our promises to him. Meanwhile, believers must understand that we cannot be rash in our promises to God. We must be careful not to make ambiguous promises when we are in the presence of God. We must weigh our words and consider their magnitudes – since God does not respect jokes! He will not hesitate to register our promises and ask for their fulfillment.

God will keep asking us for his rights (promise) until we fulfill them. Therefore, believers must be careful not to make empty promises to God.

God will bless anyone who duly fulfills his promises to him. He will ensure the person is blessed so that he or she can be motivated to keep the practice of honoring his/her promises.

God is fair. God doesn’t cheat and has never failed in fulfilling all promises made to us. We, as Christians, owe him the same. Do not run away or forget your promises to him after he has come to your aid. Fulfill all promises and he will reward you in ways you cannot imagine.

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Prayer For Grace To Fulfill All Promises

Dear God, please help me respect you through my words and actions. Let me fulfill my promises to you. Let the fulfillment of my promises open doors of opportunities in my life, and let me enjoy your goodness in the land of the living. For in the name of Jesus Christ, I make my requests. Amen.

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TRUSTING GOD PAYS – Judges

trusting god

True Christians Should Focus On Carrying Out God’s Plans

(Passage: Judges 20)

Trusting God pays off in the end. The tribe of Benjamin rebelled against the remaining eleven tribes of Israel, and they instigated the civil war. The eleven tribes who remained united asked God for a strategy to use against their rebel brothers, and he gave them some specific instructions. Meanwhile, the Israelites lost the battle, because they failed to closely follow their God-given strategy; however, they were not discouraged but trusted God. The people did not stop asking God for directions. On their third attempt, after duly following God’s order, the united Israelites conquered Benjamin’s tribe. They conquered their leaders, and they brought the whole tribe to its knees. The scripture reported how the Israelites eventually conquered the revolting Benjamin Tribe. It is reported;

“But when the flame began to arise up out of the city with a pillar of smoke, the Benjamites looked behind them, and, behold, the flame of the city ascended up to heaven. And when the men of Israel turned again, the men of Benjamin were amazed: for they saw that evil was come upon them. Therefore they turned their backs before the men of Israel unto the way of the wilderness; but the battle overtook them; and them which came out of the cities they destroyed in the midst of them. Thus they inclosed the Benjamites round about, and chased them, and trode them down with ease over against Gibeah toward the sunrising. And there fell of Benjamin eighteen thousand men… So that all which fell that day of Benjamin were twenty and five thousand men that drew the sword; all these were men of valour…” (Judges 20:40-46 KJV).

Following God’s Instructions Would Lead You To Victories

Trusting God has enormous benefits.

God still leads people today; he leads his children to take appropriate steps that will benefit their lives. However, things may sometimes go contrary to God’s plans when we do not follow his instructions to the letter. Notwithstanding, we should not be discouraged when we do not get the expected results, rather we should summon the courage to understand God’s instructions well, and adherently follow them.

Christians must not hesitate to consult God over and over again until we have our expected solutions. Our heavenly Father will definitely respond to our cries. He will answer our prayers and guide us into victories.

There are certain times when God speaks and we don’t listen. If you think back to a past experience that fits this description, you would realize it didn’t work out right. Trusting in God’s plan for you would help you in making the right decisions.

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Prayer For Grace To Follow God’s Instruction

Dear God, please teach me how to duly follow your instructions, so that I can have my expected victories over life situations. When you lead, let me follow; and when I follow, let me prosper. Let me have victory today, tomorrow, and throughout the days of my life. For in the name of Jesus Christ, I make my requests. Amen.

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GOD’S PLANS ARE ALWAYS GOOD – 1 Samuel

God's plan

All Christians Must Put Their Ultimate Trust In God

(Passage: 1 Samuel 9)

Saul was committed to his family and was busy searching for his father’s missing horse, but God had a bigger plan for him. God instructed Prophet Samuel to anoint Saul and ordain him as the first king of Israel. The remarkable event unfolded thus,

“… Now the Lord had told Samuel in his ear the day before Saul came, saying, “Tomorrow about this time I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin, and you shall anoint him commander over my people Israel, that he may save my people from the hand of the Philistines; for I have looked upon my people, because their cry has come to me.” So when Samuel saw Saul, the Lord said to him, “There he is, the man of whom I spoke to you. This one shall reign over my people.” “Then Samuel took a flask of oil and poured it on his head, and kissed him and said: “Is it not because the Lord has anointed you commander over His inheritance?” (1 Samuel 9:15-17; 1 Samuel 10:1).

Allow God to lead you, and you will never go astray James Taiwo Click to tweet

God Has Our Best Interests At Heart

God’s way is not always the same as ours; he may decide to surprise us in the way we least expected. No human being can contain God in a box, and we cannot limit him by our limited thoughts. God will do whatever he has determined to do, and nothing can change his plans. Meanwhile, God’s thoughts towards his children are always good. He stated,

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11).

However, God’s plans may not be fully fulfilled in our lives if we work contrarily to his commandments. We must follow God’s agenda, and we must satisfy him before we can enjoy his ultimate goodness. Therefore, every believer must endeavor to satisfy God so that he or she can enjoy his tremendous grace and goodness to the fullness.

As Humans, sometimes, we feel we have it all figured out. We think we know it all, however, God’s perceptions supersede ours and must be trusted. Trust His process and watch every aspect of your life fall in place.

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Prayer For Grace To Trust God

Pray for empowerment to stay within God’s plan

Dear God, please help me to stay within your plans so that I can enjoy your grace and goodness in my life. Enable me with the strength to satisfy you always, and let me remain fit for your blessings. Please, remember all your promises over me and let them materialize fully. For in the name of Jesus Christ, I make my requests. Amen.

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CHRISTIANITY DOES NOT PROMOTE SIN – Judges

sin

True Believers Of Christ Must Keep Away From Sin To Have God’s Constant Protection

(Passage: Judges 10)

The Israelites became inconsistent with God after the death of Joshua, despite several judges who attempted to call them to order. They proceeded with their sinful routines until God was fed up and punished them. He withdrew his protection from them and allowed them to suffer. This made them easily accessible by the enemies until they repented. They eventually realized their mistakes and cried to God for help. The scriptures recorded that they lamented and said;

“And the children of Israel cried unto the Lord, saying, We have sinned against thee, both because we have forsaken our God, and also served Baalim. And the Lord said unto the children of Israel, Did not I deliver you from the Egyptians, and from the Amorites, from the children of Ammon, and from the Philistines? The Zidonians also, and the Amalekites, and the Maonites, did oppress you; and ye cried to me, and I delivered you out of their hand. Yet ye have forsaken me, and served other gods: wherefore I will deliver you no more. Go and cry unto the gods which ye have chosen; let them deliver you in the time of your tribulation. And the children of Israel said unto the Lord, We have sinned: do thou unto us whatsoever seemeth good unto thee; deliver us only, we pray thee, this day” (Judges 10:10-15 KJV).

However, God decided to show kindness to his children; he forgave their sins, and he restored them.

God Never Rewards Sin

We Christians are God’s children and we are his most precious creation, which is why we enjoy his benefits greatly. God loves us so much and will not be satisfied if we entertain sinful habits. He may lessen his benefits in our lives until we repent of our sins. Therefore, all believers are challenged to faithfully walk with God, so that we can enjoy his measureless grace and goodness.

Sin comes in different forms. In recent years, a lot of things that weren’t accepted socially before have been romanticized. Do not be deceived. Do not conform, because, at the end of the day, you will face judgment alone. Flee from sin and God’s presence will never depart from you.
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Sin Separation From God by James Taiwo at BLOG

Pray And Promise To Serve God Faithfully

Pray for the strength to be steadfast with God

Dear God, I have decided to faithfully serve you. I repent from my sins, and I have completely turned my back against sinful habits. Henceforth, I will make you happy by living an acceptable life before you. Please give me the grace to keep my promises, and let me receive your benefits. For in the name of Jesus Christ, I make my requests. Amen.

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BELIEVE IN YOURSELF AND THE POWER OF GOD INVESTED – Judges

believe

Trusting Your Own Strengths Can Help You Conquer Trials And Tribulations

(Passage: Judges 4)

Mrs. Deborah Lapidoth was a prophetess and an Israelites’ judge that did what other women did not do during the bible years. She encouraged Barak to mobilize a nationwide war against their oppressive neighboring country, and she also accompanied a fearful general to the battlefront. During this period, they were no match for their enemies, because they were few in numbers.

In fact, Barak, the army leader, confessed his skepticism and insisted not to launch any offense – except Prophetess Deborah accompanies him. Therefore to ensure the Israelites’ deliverance, Deborah acted against their tradition and accompanied Barak to war. The scriptures reported,

“Barak said to her, “If you will go with me, then I will go; but if you will not go with me, I will not go!” (Judges 4:8).

Deborah believed the power of God invested in her and went to war alongside Gideon to defend their nation, and they won the battle (Judges 4:23-24).

Have self-confidence; believe that you’re not an ordinary person, and you will witness the demonstrative power of God. James Taiwo Click to tweet

Be Fully Aware Of The Strength That Lies Within

Believers must understand their positions as “unbeatable children of God!” We (Christians) have the Spirit of God residing in us, and we must consider ourselves to be unbeatable! We must understand that God’s presence is with us at all times, and his presence will remain with us in all situations. Meanwhile, God’s presence should not be considered recessive in believers lives. We must publicize his strength during difficult situations.

Also, we must stand up to defend his standard of righteousness when no one else would do. Of course, our pious efforts will provoke Satan the enemy to raise his ugly head, but whatever scenario he creates will yield God an opportunity to glorify his name. That is, God will appear during our challenging moments to prove himself strong. However, what else should be said? Should we say that God will fail people who stand up for his standard of righteousness? Absolutely not. Jehovah will surely defend his name in every situation to honor his children and glorify himself. Therefore, believers ought to maintain firm trust in God, and keep confessing his promises in every situation of life.

Do you know the Bible says we are created in God’s image? This doesn’t imply only physical attributes, but also in the ability to handle situations. No matter your struggles, tap into your divine strength and don’t forget to pray for help.

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Prayer For Courage To Face Trials Of Any Form

Dear God, please give me the courage to faithfully declare your standard of righteousness at all times. Empower me through the Holy Spirit to stay focused, and keep flying your banner of righteousness by sharing your gospel. Give me a relentless faith that will not cave in for worldly and sinful pressure. Also, do not let my faith subside to accept defeat during challenges, but let me keep confessing your righteousness until I triumph to testify to your goodness. For in the name of Jesus Christ, I make my requests. Amen.

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SPIRITUALITY ENTAILS FOCUSING ON THE RIGHT THINGS – Psalm

righteous

True Christians Must Focus On Only What Glorifies God

(Passage: Psalm 73)

A psalmist almost collapsed in despair when he saw how wicked people prospered effortlessly. He confessed,

“But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong” (Psalm 73:2-4).

However, the reality of life was dawned on the psalmist when God showed him what the end of wicked people would be. He stated,

“When I tried to understand all this, it troubled me deeply till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny. Surely you place them on slippery ground; you cast them down to ruin. How suddenly are they destroyed, completely swept away by terrors! They are like a dream when one awakes; when you arise, Lord, you will despise them as fantasies” (Psalm 73:16-20).

The Righteous Will Always Be Rewarded Eternally

Children of God should focus their energy on receiving blessings from God, and not on being envious of wicked people. Wicked people may prosper today, but their prosperity remains temporal. However, the prosperity of righteous people will last a lifetime, and they will also be available in heaven. In addition, the prosperity of righteous people will be transferable from one generation to another; the descendants of righteous people will not suffer! Therefore, everyone who chooses to serve God should aim for righteous riches that have no bitter ending.

Ever wondered why God, let evil things take place sometimes? It’s almost unbelievable considering the fact that he is the almighty. However, ponder less and focus more. Focus on serving him, because in his time he will right every wrong. Trust him today and always.
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Prayer For The Grace To Prioritize Wisely

Dear God, please give me the grace to pursue righteous riches that will last a lifetime. Give me the grace to follow your righteous path, and not envy the wicked people. Help my services be acceptable before you, and let me receive your blessings in this present life, and in heaven also. For in the name of Jesus Christ, I make my requests. Amen.

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HUMILITY IS AN IMPORTANT FACTOR FOR SERVING AS A CHRISTIAN – Job

True Believers Of Christ Should Embody His Humble Trait

(Passage: Job 1)

Job, in the Bible, was a rich man who portrayed a godly example for all wealthy people to emulate. Job could be described as a billionaire of his time, yet he did not allow his wealth to distract him from being a righteous person. Job served God faithfully, as the Bible reported;

“There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil. And seven sons and three daughters were born to him. Also, his possessions were seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen, five hundred female donkeys, and a very large household, so that this man was the greatest of all the people of the East. And his sons would go and feast in their houses, each on his appointed day, and would send and invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them. So it was, when the days of feasting had run their course, that Job would send and sanctify them, and he would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, “It may be that my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” Thus Job did regularly” (Job 1:1-5).

Humility Is Deeply Connected To Receive God’s Blessings

God does not hate the rich people; he loves both poor and rich people alike. Anyone (irrespective of his or her status), who faithfully serves the Lord will receive his favor. Rich people ought to learn how to be godly from Job in the Bible (Job 1:1-5). The man was humble, and he complied with the laws of God throughout his life. Job also taught his children how to fear and faithfully serve God. Job prayed for his children and ask for their forgiveness.

Meanwhile, besides the fact that Job was godly and raised in a righteous family, he also humbly related to both his neighbors and his servants. There was no record that Job mistreated anyone around him. In fact, Job’s lifestyle was so pure to the extent that it caught the attention of God in heaven!

Christians must understand that it is not sinful to desire riches, but it is sinful to desire riches with a wrongful mindset. Christians who desire to be successful on earth must assess his or her motivation, whether it is godly or not. The question we should ask ourselves is; is the motivation for riches based on an attempt to gratify worldly desires, or it is based on an attempt to glorify God?

Christians’ pursuit of success must be solely based on positive perception. It must be based on the goal to satisfy God and benefit the lives of others! A Christian whose heart is pure will receive God’s blessings beyond his or her wildest dream!

Humility – The real virtue for the Christians!

Humility should be a staple for Christians all over the world. Akin to Job in the Bible, God blessed those who are humble and faithful to his words. Be humble and serve adequately and doors of opportunities shall be opened unto you.

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Pray For God’s Grace To Not Get Distracted By Worldly Riches

Christ, please help me to have a good motivation for success. Once I am blessed, please keep me humble to honor you with my riches! Give me the grace to promote godliness with my riches so that I can continue to be prosperous. Please let my lifestyle glorify your name, and please turn my life to become an embodiment of testimony to the glory of your name. For in the name of Jesus Chris Christ, I make my requests. Amen.

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CALEB TRUSTED GOD AND GOT HIS REWARD AS PROMISED – Joshua

True Children Of God Must Trust His Process And Believe His Word

God fulfilled his promise made to Caleb in the wilderness; he granted him an opportunity to own a landed property in Canaan. Indeed, it was a pay-day for Caleb since only he and Joshua brought good reports to Moses in the wilderness. Others compared themselves as grasshoppers against the giants, but Caleb and Joshua confidently declared that God was able to help them possess the Promised Land. The bold declarations of Caleb (and Joshua) made God promise that he would grant them an opportunity to possess the Canaan land. (God disallowed the ten pessimist spies who brought bad reports to Moses and Israelites in the camp – Numbers 14:24).

Caleb, who demonstrated courage at the border of Canaan Land also showed courage, as he was about to witness the fulfillment of God’s promise. Caleb, at a very old age of 85 years, requested that Joshua granted him the portion of the promised land that was occupied by the giants. Caleb told Joshua;

“I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the Lord sent me from Kadesh-barnea to scout the land of Canaan, and I brought a report back to him as it was in my heart. My brothers (fellow spies) who went up with me made the heart of the people melt with fear; but I followed the Lord my God completely. So Moses swore an oath to me on that day, saying, ‘Be assured that the land on which your foot has walked will be an inheritance to you and to your children always, because you have followed the Lord my God completely.’ And now, look, the Lord has let me live, just as He said, these forty-five years since the Lord spoke this word to Moses, when Israel wandered in the wilderness; and now, look at me, I am eighty-five years old today. I am still as strong today as I was the day Moses sent me; as my strength was then, so is my strength now, for war and for going out and coming in. So now, give me this hill country about which the Lord spoke that day, for you heard on that day that the giant-like Anakim were there, with great fortified cities; perhaps the Lord will be with me, and I shall drive them out just as the Lord said.” So Joshua blessed him and gave Hebron to Caleb the son of Jephunneh as an inheritance. Therefore, Hebron became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite to this day, because he followed the Lord, the God of Israel, completely. The name of Hebron was formerly Kiriath-arba city of Arba; for Arba was the greatest man among the giant-like Anakim. Then the land had rest from war” (Joshua 14:7-15KJV).

Trust And Faith Work Hand In Hand

Impossibilities will become possibilities for someone who has an absolute trust in God. The person may face some challenges, but the ever-strong God will come to his or her aid. Jehovah will not allow his children who cast their confidence in him be put to shame.

It is important that all children of God understand that they have an obligation to trust God in their situations. No restriction applies, Christians must not consider any situation as insignificant to be treated with faith.

Faith application can relate to our day-to-day activities. Also, faith application can be relative to situations such as bill payment, healing expectation, job provision, marriage resolution, and children’s growth. In other words, believers must trust God for all our businesses! As believers trust God for our situations, we will witness the signs and wonders of God. Faith declarations and expectations will make us have significant testimonies!

God never lies. Every word he has ever spoken has and will always come to pass. Trust, obey and have faith in his promises for every aspect of your life. Remember, even faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains.

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grace

Ask The Lord For The Grace To Have Faith In His Words

Dear God, please give me an ability to have resolute faith in you! Help me to demonstrate courage during adversity. Give me the ability to apply faith to all my situations so that I can enjoy your unfiltered benefits! Please be my confidence, be my comfort, and be my testimony! For in the name of Jesus Christ, I make my requests. Amen!