Prayer and/or Character

This is a well articulated article https://www.google.com/amp/s/guardian.ng/saturday-magazine/you-cannot-get-by-prayer-what-you-should-get-by-character-and-obedience/amp

Initially when I read the article, I was offended and can't help but felt that it underminds prayer.

To me, Man are made to pray. Prayer simply means to communicate and fellowship with God. It doesn't have to be a "wish list". It can even be a sigh or a groan.

But through Pastor Joseph Prince, the truth, portrayed gently and beautifully has set me free.

God has revealed himself as the God of Abraham (imputed righteousness and faith, friend of God), Isaac (the heir of blessings - unmerited favour), Jacob (character building).

I've been asking to be closer to God, this latter rain season/year. Yet life, as of Feb 2019, has been throwing curve balls, one after another.

The whole of yesterday I was asking God how to be in faith and maintain my faith - then this video came up top of the YouTube list!

It's really encouraging that when Abba was building Jacob's character, he never rebuked Jacob. Instead, at Bethel, God said, "I am with you." 💪🏻

https://youtu.be/MJPaq6_oiMI - (watch Pastor Joseph Prince's eloquent elaboration on character)

Simon Peter

Simon in Greek means "reed" a weak, flimsy plant that bends and break. Peter in Greek means "rock", a large, huge foundational rock.

Only Jesus has faith to call me by the name that has yet to be. Only the faith of Jesus is perfect.

Only Jesus will see me, at my best. Even though I'm far from being decent, far from being capable of anything.

As much as I rest in the Lord, mindfully rest upon the firm foundation of His revelations. I feel that circumstances, and the lies of the evil one, can still cause me to sway, like a weak and loose reed. Listening to sermons and praying in tongues can still be striving, can still be superficial. Being in the house of the Lord, may mean a mere casual attendance, akin to checking in to a temporary stay. God has reminded me to unpack my bag, dwelve deeper, make my Father's house into my home, my shelter, refuge and hiding place. Repentance of the mind is just a start, there must be core renewal of the heart. This can only be achieved with deep dwelling, coming real and stripping every iota of "I", "me", "self" and coming bare before the Lord. Only then, His presence can overwhelm, and not merely a exterior touch.

Flee From Flesh

"For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.*
Romans 8:5‭-‬8 ESV

Lord I pray that You remind me through the Holy Spirit, through my thoughts on Christ and through angels and saints to set my mind on the spirit, live according to the Spirit. Let my purpose in life, goals and definition of success be spirituals ones, and not fleshly ones.

The flesh is temporal, and whilst the spirit is eternal. How are we setting our life goals/purpose? How are we perceiving our circumstances?

When I saw a sports car pass by, it evokes fleshly jealousy and unrighteous envy. If only, I have a car like that, I would be successful, and can surround myself with "important people". That was how I used to define success, but now, I rather let God use me to be a testimony, and an inspiration.

Instead of striving for material wealth, and trying to feed my fleshly desires -  I yield and cast all these desires at the cross, and I rest in the Lord.

God has been putting the right people, at the right time and right place. This is my new prayer, "Lord, I rest in You. Only You can cause growth, supernatural growth. Reveal more of Your glory and goodness to me. Reveal to me how You desire to use me today, to be a testimony."

Topical - Wise, Wisdom, Faithful, Faithfulness

Youversion link: http://bible.com/r/2zE (1 of 6)

Matthew 25:1-13

Lord, may you grant me wisdom (Proverbs 9:10), in my service to you, in my workplace, and in everything that I do. Lord I pray for the Holy Spirit to go before me (Deut 31:8, Deut 1:30).

Lord, I desire to be so sensitive to Your Holy presence. Like the oil in the lamp, I pray that You will always fill me, I'll always be in tune with You, and not run out of Your mercy and grace. Lord, be my supplication and provision.

In Jesus' name, I ask and I receive. Amen