1 Kings 17:12-14
“So she said, “As the LORD your God lives, I do not have bread, only a handful of flour in a bin, and a little oil in a jar; and see, I am gathering a couple of sticks that I may go in and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it, and die.” And Elijah said to her, “Do not fear; go and do as you have said, but make me a small cake from it first, and bring it to me; and afterward make some for yourself and your son. For thus says the LORD God of Israel: ‘The bin of flour shall not be used up, nor shall the jar of oil run dry, until the day the LORD sends rain on the earth.”
INSIGHT
-Faith can be classified in various ways. As the disciples asked Jesus to increase their faith, we learn that there are different levels of faith. Abraham had strong faith (Romans 4:20), there is weak faith (Romans 4:19) and shipwreck faith (1 Timothy 1:19). When the Brook Cherith which runs into the river Jordan dried, the Lord commanded Elijah to go to Zeraphath where a widow would provide for him. The widow only had a little oil and flour for herself and her son, which according to her they would eat and die. This shows her weak faith as she was almost giving up. Sometimes we worry to much and miss God’s blessings in our lives. The widow could have denied Elijah his request for a small cake; given her desperate situation, but she was rewarded for her little faith. Her jar of oil never ran dry and her flour was not used up, until it rained again. God had a better plan for the widow and her son. His plan was for supernatural increase and sustenance which she never anticipated. Most times, God’s blessings surprise us for the exceed our expectations. God calls us to trust in Him with all our hearts, and lean not on our own understanding, but in all our ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct our paths (Proverbs 3:5-6). Sometimes we feel like giving up when things are tough like the widow of Zeraphath. But God reminds us that He is our ever present help in times of need. He has promised that He will never leave us nor forsake us and will see our through whatever challenges we are going through. We should look to God and have faith in Him even when we feel like giving up, and He will deliver us from all our fears.
PRAYER
Abba Father we thank You for making us see this new day in perfect peace. Thank You for the gift of life and the air that we breath. Thank You for watering our land with rain. Thank You for being present in our lives even when we were at the verge of giving up. Thank You for being our ever present Help in times of need. We look to You only; our Lord and Savior deliver us merciful Father from all our troubles. We look to Your cross Jesus where we find forgiveness for our sins. We look to Your throne of grace Jesus where we obtain mercy and grace to help us in times of need. Thank You Jesus for Your saving grace upon our lives. It is by grace that You have saved us through faith; and not by our works. Thank You for Your grace upon our lives, families, churches and nation. What can we do without You Jehovah. Touch the hearts of all those who are depressed and have lost hope in life we humbly ask You, and visit them at their points of need merciful Father; like You did for the widow of Zeraphath. Resurrection their hope in You Lord as You resurrected the widow’s son. Bless all those who are sick and suffering including the widows and orphans that You may provide for all their needs. Remember with mercy all the street families Lord that You may give them hope and a better future. We cast all our burdens and cares unto You Jesus for You care for us. Increase our faith in You and deliver us from unbelief. Fill our jars with oil and bins with flour that we may never lack. May Your supernatural blessings be ever present in our lives, families, businesses, work, callings, institutions, churches, government and nation, and make our cups run over in all seasons. Thank You Jesus for redeeming us with Your precious blood and making us Your children. Thank You Jesus for Your saving grace upon our lives. Thank You Jesus for You have always been good to us and Your love for us endures forever. Amen
Genesis 12:1-4
“Now the LORD had said to Abram: “Get out of your country, From your family And from your father’s house, To a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” So Abram departed as the LORD had spoken to him, and Lot went with him. And Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran.”
INSIGHT
-Abraham the father of faith was obedient and mature in faith. When the Lord ordered him to move from Haran to Canaan, a place where he did not know. Abram did not ask questions nor hesitate but he obeyed. God tested his faith once more where He instructed Abraham to go to mount Moriah and sacrifice his only son Isaac which again he did not hesitate but was faithful to God. The Lord provided a ram as a substitute in place of his son, and he called the place “The Lord will provide” (Genesis 22:1-19). Because of his faithfulness, God blessed Abraham mightily in the land, making him the father of a great nation and giving him many descendants like the stars and sand of the sea shore, victory to his offspring over their enemies, from whom we are blessed and have an eternal inheritance through Jesus Christ. In the same way Jesus humbled Himself and was obedient unto death on the cross, and the Lord exulted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:8-11). Obedience to God’s word matures our faith in Him. Like Abraham who was ready to sacrifice his son to God; whom he waited for, for a long time, let us also be obedient to God’s word and be faithful to Him and we shall walk in His light and obtain our eternal inheritance through Christ Jesus. Humility comes before honor let us humble ourselves before the Lord and He will lift us up.
PRAYER
You are the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last, all glory and honor belongs to You Jesus. You are the Lion of Judah, the King of kings and Lord of lords, we magnify Your holy name in all the earth. All creation praises You in all the heavens and the earthy, for only You are worthy to be praised. We thank You Jesus for You are faithful and Your faithfulness endures forever, help us to be faithful to Your word always. Fill our hearts with the fruit of humility Holy Spirit so that we may humble ourselves before You and be obedient to all that You have You commanded us. May we decrease as You increase Jesus. Increase our faith Jesus so that we may be obedient like Abraham. Help us to love You deeply and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Give us the grace Jesus to forgive all those who have offended us and forgive our trespasses to. Thank You Jesus for Your sacrifice on the cross which gave us victory over the power of sin causing death. Thank You for giving us and all our descendants the gift of salvation. You are seated at the right hand of the throne of God the Father Jesus, all glory and honor belongs to You. You are highly exulted Jesus and at Your name, every knee should bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ You are Lord, to the glory of God the Father, forever and ever. Amen
Hebrews 11:5-6
“By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, “and was not found, because God had taken him”; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”
INSIGHT
-This entire chapter documents hero’s of faith and their contribution to edifying the body of Christ. Enoch diligently sort the Lord and was considered as one who pleased the Lord. He received a great reward for he did not face death but was taken straight to heaven. I’m sure it is the desire of all of us to go to heaven one day. In Matthew 16:28 Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.” Some among us desire to be taken like Enoch one day and others predict that Jesus will come before they die etc. Such matters are better placed in the hands of the Lord for only Him knows our beginning and end. We find from Genesis 5:22; that Enoch walked faithfully with God for 300 years. We can therefore equate faithfulness to diligence. From the parable of the talents we see that, three people were given talents by their master. The two who multiplied their talents were applauded as good and faithful servants and were given the right to enter into the joy of the Lord. They were faithful in little and were given charge of much. On the other hand, one buried his talent and suffered shipwreck faith. He did not keep a good conscience and was not faithful in the little that was entrusted to him. He was also rewarded. He lost it all and was cast into the outer darkness where there is mourning and weeping. It is critical to note that each one should take good care of what God has entrusted to us. To multiply, subdue and fill the earth; as mandated by God. We are called to fight the good fight, keep the faith and finish the race as God calls each one of us, so that we can receive our crowns of righteousness (2 Timothy 4:7-8).
PRAYER
Praise the Lord, all nations, extol Him, all peoples. For great is His steadfast love toward us and His faithfulness endures forever. Help us Holy Spirit to be faithful in all the things that You have entrusted unto us. Give us the wisdom to be productive, multiply our talents, subdue and fill the earth as You have called us. Grant our children wisdom so that they may never depart from Your ways. Fill our political and church leaders with wisdom so that they may only do Your will. Holy holy holy are You Lord God Almighty, who was who is and who is to come. Jesus You reign in our lives, families, churches, nation and the whole world. All glory, honor, power, riches and praise belongs to You. Help us to always trust in You Lord and do good so that we may dwell safely in the land and befriend faithfulness. We delight ourselves in You Lord, give us the desires of our hearts we humbly implore You. We commit all our ways to You Lord and put all our trust in You, guide us to diligently seek You. Give us the grace to fight the good fight and keep the faith so that we may finish the race as You have called us Holy Spirit, and give us our crowns of righteousness according to Your merciful love. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now and forever more. Amen
Matthew 9:20-22
“And suddenly, a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years came from behind and touched the hem of His garment. For she said to herself, “If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well.” But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, “Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And the woman was made well from that hour.”
INSIGHT
-The woman with the issue of blood was desperately in need of help. She sort for healing from many physicians and spent all she had but her condition worsened (Mark 5:26). She interrupted Jesus journey when He was going to heal Jairus daughter. She believed that when she touches the hem of Jesus garment, she would be healed, and true to fact a miracle happened in her life. Jesus then said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction” (Mark 5:34). During this time of COVID-19 and before, many have suffered situations like that of this woman. Some suffer serious health issues, other have lost their jobs, received pay cuts, closed down their businesses, churches have been closed, lost their loved ones, suffered separation and divorce, lost an year or semester off-school, encountered challenges due to a corrupt government and a myriad of challenges. Sometimes we carry heavy burdens in our hearts and minds which might have overweighted on us for many years. These circumstances deplete our faith in God and unbelief creeps in. They squeeze our strength dry and sometimes we fail to pray thinking to ourselves, why are we even praying? Does God really hear our prayers? For twelve years some of us have sort for physicians for better health, others sort for magicians for better financial strength, marriage issues and political strength, but God has promised us better. In Matthew 19:26 Jesus said, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Like the woman who had the issue of blood, God calls us to look to Him only and our faith in Him will make us well. Let us cast all our burdens unto the Lord and touch the hem of His garment and He will deliver us from all our troubles. God calls us to give thanks to Him in all situations, which is a statement of faith and He will always deliver us from any form of darkness, and give us the light of His salvation.
PRAYER
I sought the Lord and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Jesus You are merciful and Your mercies endures forever. Thank You for Your saving grace upon us. Heal our hearts and minds from all anxiety and deliver us from unbelief. Forgive us from unbelief Jesus and wash us with Your precious blood. Like the women who suffered for twelve years from the issue of blood, heal us from every issue that we are suffering from in our lives, families, schools, churches, jobs, businesses, leadership, economy, nation and entire world, and make us whole dear Jesus. May Your peace that surpasses all understanding take over our hearts and minds, and all these areas through You Christ Jesus. We cast all our burdens and cares unto You Jesus for You care for us. Let us rest secure in You and heal all our wounds; we humbly ask You. Take over our lives and every situation Holy Spirit and increase our faith. All things are possible with You Lord. May Your praises be always on our lips for only You are our Deliverer and Strength. May the light of Your salvation touch all people and nations, and we shall dwell in Your house forever. Our Father who art in heaven; hallowed be Your name; Your Kingdom come; Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptations but deliver us from evil; for thine is the Kingdom the power and the glory; forever and ever. Amen
Matthew 17:20
“So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.”
INSIGHT
-Jesus spoke to the disciples and encouraged them to have faith in Him. Although sometimes they were anxious and unbelief took over their hearts, He knew that they needed faith in their mission. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. If the word of God says that we need faith as little as mustered seed to move mountains, let us believe. Faith builds up confidence within ourselves and because it is based on God, we can conquer any giant through Him who gives us strength. When the Philistine giant Goliath mocked the Israelites for forty days, David believe that God would deliver them. David did not consider Goliath’s sophisticated battle clothing, sword quality nor the size of body, but he put his trust in the Lord. David did not have a helmet or sword, shield or armor on his chest and legs and did not consider that he was the last born in his family. As Goliath drew by the Israelites armies, they were dreadfully afraid and fled in terror. Saul had given an offer to give anyone who would destroy Goliath, great riches, his daughter and give his father’s house exemption from taxes in Israel (1 Samuel 17:25). David acknowledged the Israelite soldiers as the army of the living God and he believed in his heart that he would kill Goliath like he killed the lion and bear which posed a threat to his fathers flock. “Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied” (1 Samuel 17:45). The Lord gave the Israel victory, their enemies scattered and David was rewarded for putting his faith in God. Through such faith we build our own faith and despite the mountains that we face in life, God will deliver us. Like David and the disciples who put their trust in God in their mission, let us hold fast our faith in God and nothing will be impossible for us.
SUMMARY
Our faith in God always has a reward. Faith is classified as either; strong faith, weak faith or shipwreck faith. Abraham had strong faith and he obeyed the Lord despite the weight of the instructions. When he was commanded to go to Moriah in Jerusalem and sacrifice his son Isaac, he did not hesitate even though he had waited for the boy for twenty five years. When he was faithful to God’s instructions, he was rewarded and became the father of a great nation, inherited Canaan and all people were blessed through him. The widow of Zarephath had weak faith, she planned to eat her last meal with her son and die. Elijah requested her to prepare a small cake for him first, and when she obeyed, the Lord blessed her with supernatural increase. Sometime our prayers requests seems too high to be achieved but God is able to do a miracle in our lives, like He did for the widow of Zeraphath. Jesus was also obedient unto death on the cross and He died for the sins of the world. God exalted Him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name that at His name, every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. We are called to be obedient to God which is a sign of faithfulness to His word. Enoch also had strong faith in God. With his faith he please God and was considered faithful, and the Lord took him straight to heaven at the age of three hundred and sixty five years; for he did not die. From the parable of the talents, we see the reward of faithfulness. The two servants who were faithful in little were given charge of much and were welcomed into the heavenly kingdom. The one who was unfaithful with one talent had shipwreck faith and was cast into the outer darkness. It is important to note that we should be diligent in whatever God has entrusted to us. Be it our talents, abilities, callings, purposes, jobs, education, ministries, tithe and offering, positions of power and any other responsibility for each one will give an account for his/her deeds. The woman with the issue of blood also had strong faith in Jesus, and by touching the hem of His garment, she was healed. Jesus said to her “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction” (Mark 5:34). Her faith made her well. We are also called to have strong faith in the Lord and He will deliver us from any situation that seems like a mountain or a stumbling block in our lives. Without faith we cannot please God, and God rewards those who diligently seek Him. Let us also give thanks to the Lord and rejoice in Him despite the situations that we might be faced with, which is a statement of strong faith in Him, for we know that He has conquered the world. Lastly, when we believe in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, we shall receive an eternal reward.
PRAYER
Thank You God for have always been faithful to us even when we have become faithless. You have said in Your word that we should not fear for You are with us. We should not be dismayed for You are our God and You will strengthen us, help us and uphold us with Your righteous right hand, we believe in You. Grant us strong faith and help us to diligently seek You always Lord. We proclaim that You have been good to us despite the challenges that we might be going through during this period of COVID-19. We rejoice in You Holy Spirit always for You are our Helper, Comforter, Guide, Intercessor and Strength. Intercede for us with groaning that cannot be uttered Holy Spirit and deliver us from all the plans of the evil one. No weapon formed against us shall prosper and every tongue which rises against us in judgment is condemned for this is our heritage and our righteousness is from You Jesus, thank You for loving us. We present our prayers, petitions, intercessions and thanksgiving to You Lord, for only You are our Lord and Savior. You have protected us from COVID-19 and all other diseases, You provided for us, sustained us, preserved us, guided our steps and given us the gift of salvation Jesus Christ, have mercy on all tongues, tribes, people and nations, we humbly ask You. God You are good and Your love endures to all generations. We praise You and magnify Your holy name, now and forever. Amen