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The Monday DEVOTION:Giving Time to Prayer & Study of the Word.

Friends, greetings in Jesus Name! Today I will be sharing with you on what I title, “Giving Time to Prayer & Study of the Word.”

There is a drought of bible reading among Christians today. I am sorry to say that many Christians today are empty and highly uninformed in the word of God. As a result, they pray empty prayers not backed by power. Listen, the place of prayer and giving attention to God’s word cannot be overemphasized. “In those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, it is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; but we will give ourselves Continually to PRAYER and to the ministry of the WORD” (Acts 6:1-4). From the above scripture, you can see that the secret behind the power of the early disciples were their continual prayer and ministering of the word. As a child of God, we are commanded to “Pray without season” (1 Thessalonian. 5:17); and also admonished in Joshua 1:8 that, “This book of the law – bible – should not depart out of our mouth. But we should meditate in it day and night”. There is power in prayer and in the word. Hebrew 4:12 says that, “The word of God is Powerful”. It is the word of God that can build your faith, and help you resist the devil. When you are full of God’s word, then you become one with the word, pray with authority, and a threat to the devil. Prophet Elijah said, “As the LORD God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word” (1 Kings 17:1). This is the kind of prayer you pray when you embrace God’s word. You see, the level of God’s word in you quenches the taste for sin and worldly living. Joseph was able to look at Potiphar’s wife and say to her face: “How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9). Joseph could not imagine himself coming so low from his exalted position to commit sexual immorality. He knew it will cost his destiny. I remember many years ago, when I gave my life to Christ. I made a vow to God on that very day that I will not go near a woman until I get married. Afterwards, I left for South Africa, where I got admitted to study in the university. I spent over six years in South Africa without sex or girlfriend. It was few years after my return to Nigeria that I got married. The question is: Did I ever get tempted to violate the vow I made? What kept me going like Joseph? Really, I had countless opportunities to have violated the vow. In some instances, I had to run like Joseph to save the situation. But in all, God’s grace kept me, as I rely daily on His word and prayers. You know what? You attract God’s grace by your lifestyle. It’s a choice! The word of God, prayer, and constant fellowship with God is your key to victory in all life’s circumstances. The Psalmist asked: “How can a young man cleanse his way? By paying heed to your word” (Psalm 119:9). The word of God is a major antidote to sin. Psalm 119:11 says, “Your Word have I hid in my heart, that I may not sin against You.” Unfortunately, some people try by their strength to overcome sin. No! It doesn’t work that way. Remember, “For by strength shall no man prevail” (1 Samuel 2:9). It is when you embrace Christ by His word that victory over the works of the flesh becomes a daily occurrence. As a believer, the moment you see yourself always declining towards the temptation to sin – especially lust – then check your word and prayer level; and also the kind of environment you expose yourself to. You may have to do some quick adjustments in those areas. So what do you at such times? Cut down on certain things (movies, social media, entertainments, etc.), change friendships that are not healthy, and then get fired up in the spirit as you daily study the word and pray in the spirit. The bible declares in Galatians 5:16, “Walk in the spirit and you will not fulfill the lust of the fresh”. “For they that worship God must worship Him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24), and not in the flesh. As you go this week, be fired up in Prayer and in God’s Word. With love, Elvis!