Communicate your Fear in Prayer

HIS VOICE DAILY DEVOTIONAL
TUESDAY, 30TH JANUARY 2024
TOPIC: COMMUNICATE YOUR FEAR IN PRAYER

TEXT: 2KINGS 19:1
And it came to pass, when king Hezekiah heard it, that he rent his clothes, and covered himself with sackcloth, and went into the house of the LORD. KJV

You do not express your fear and worries before your challenges that stood as mountain. That is the wrong tactics. The word of God clearly instruct that in exercising faith, you speak to the challenges (mountain). “Whosoever shall say to the mountain, be thou removed and cast into the sea, and shall believe in his heart and will not doubt, it shall be done unto him/her” (Mark 11:23). The power of faith against challenges is to speak your desire, not respond in fear or to the magnitude of the challenge.

King Hezekiah instructed his people not to respond to the threats of Rabshakeh. When they brought the news of all his words of threats to the ears of the King, he didn’t panic before the enemy, rather he went to the temple (the house of God) and pour out his fear. He didn’t stop there, he sent his executives to the Prophet Isaiah, asking that he joined them in prayer. There are two great lessons to learn here.

You are not an Island in prayer or exercising faith. Learn to seek for helping hearts and hands, who can stand in faith alongside with you. Also, cultivate the habit of shutting out the voice of fear and shutting in the door to pray and express your greatest worry before God. Not in murmuring and complaining, but in declaration of your absolute faith in God and reliance on his help. This is exactly what King Hezekiah did. I love the content of his message to the prophet Isaiah, let’s read;

And he sent Eliakim the palace administrator, Shebna the court secretary, and the leading priests, all dressed in burlap, to the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz. They told him, “This is what King Hezekiah says: Today is a day of trouble, insults, and disgrace. It is like when a child is ready to be born, but the mother has no strength to deliver the baby. But perhaps the Lord your God has heard the Assyrian chief of staff, sent by the king to defy the living God, and will punish him for his words. Oh, pray for those of us who are left!” 2 Kings 19:2-4 NLT

King Hezekiah described the state of his strength in the Lord as a woman who is to deliver but had no strength to labour. What a sensitive and helpless state! However, he didn’t display this before the enemy but before God, who is able to help and before the prophet of God whose hands the Lord can wrought miracle. Learn to channel your weakness before the Lord, he alone can send help from his sanctuary.

PRAYER

Thank you, Father because you are not intimidated by my fears, rather your desire is that my fears do not become the basis of my responses, where I am supposed to exercise faith and trust in your power. I cry unto you today Lord, teach me how to fight the good fight of faith and help me to be bold against the wiles of the enemy, resisting the tactics of the enemy steadfastly by faith in Jesus’ name. Amen

Written by: Mopelola Oyeniran

Learn from Hezekiah – God Honours your Desire

HIS VOICE DAILY DEVOTIONAL
WEDNESDAY, 24TH JANUARY 2024
TOPIC: LEARN FROM HEZEKIAH – GOD HONOURS YOUR DESIRE

TEXT: 2KINGS 20:2
Then he turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto the LORD , saying, KJV

I beseech thee, O LORD , remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore. 2Kings 20:3 KJV

King Hezekiah’s desire was to stay alive. He went unto the Lord in prayer and declared the sentence above in prayer. This further establish the lesson we have learnt about faith as the ability to speak or voice out ones desire. Faith will always call for action and the spirit of faith speaks. Hezekiah acted out what he desired. He took the step to pray and rehearse before the ears of the Lord his need to stay alive. He wept and poured his heart before God.

The Lord honored his desire and sent the prophet Isaiah back immediately: let’s read;
And it came to pass, afore Isaiah was gone out into the middle court, that the word of the LORD came to him, saying, Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people, Thus saith the LORD , the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the LORD . 2 Kings 20:4-5 KJV

And I will add unto thy days fifteen years; and I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria; and I will defend this city for mine own sake, and for my servant David’s sake. 2 Kings 20:6 KJV

Instead of death as earlier delivered as message to him, the Lord added fifteen more years to his life span on earth. His desire was honoured, he received according to his faith because he respond appropriately.

You cannot afford to sleep on whatsoever you detest in your life. Don’t pamper the situation or agree with whatever pattern that have show forth in your family or lineage. You are a faith born person, rise and turn to the Lord in prayer. Weep before him who can wipe your tears with joy. Give accurate response to your faith in the Lord. Show forth your work that is needed to back up your faith and voice out your desire unto the Lord. He will honour it, yes he will.

PRAYER

Thank you, Father. I cry unto you by faith, knowing that it’s not the gravity of the situation or circumstances that matter but my response to faith. Lord, attend to my heart cry and honour my desire in accordance to your will in Jesus’ name. Amen

Written by: Mopelola Oyeniran

Deliverance by Faith

HIS VOICE DAILY DEVOTIONAL
SUNDAY, 14TH JANUARY 2024
TOPIC: DELIVERANCE BY FAITH

TEXT: JAMES 5:15
and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. KJV

Haven learned of the ways of Jesus, the disciples understood all that the deliverance from sickness and diseases entails. James, one of the servant and Apostle of the Lord Jesus, wrote to all the twelve tribes of Israel that were scattered abroad and have become saints in the Lord on practical steps and instruction to take. He spoke largely about faith and works, which we will learn later, however, I will like us to draw understanding from his instruction as inspired by the Lord.

Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. James 5:14-15 KJV

He established that if there is anyone sick, the prayer of faith should be made for such a person, while he or she is anointed with oil in the name of the Lord. He said such prayer of faith will save the one who is sick and if he has committed any sin, he will be forgiven. Again, we see faith, healing and forgiveness of sins being expressed in deliverance.

The emphasis that the Lord is willing to save anyone who express faith in him is vivid throughout the scriptures. And if such is sick, there is an instantaneous forgiveness of sins even when forgiveness might not be the focus. But we see that whenever sickness or diseases exist, and faith is being expressed, forgiveness of sins comes with it. Thus, the working of God is a complete package of wholeness that intends not to just deal with the sickness but uproot its roots.

This doesn’t mean that sin is the cause of most sicknesses, but it does point to the fact that sickness can be a bondage in relation to sin. The power of God express by faith will always deal with the bondage and unleash grace for perfect wholeness. Just like the man who was sick of palsy, carried by his four friends for healing before Jesus and he received healing alongside forgiveness of sin.

Such is the prayer of faith made on behalf of the sick. He will be healed, and his sins will be forgiven. Always remember this phrase The prayer of faith shall save the sick and the Lord shall raise him up and if he had committed sins, they shall be forgiven. Henceforth, do not hesitate to express your faith even for others and pray for healing, the Lord is committed to honour your faith and perform his wonder working power of deliverance. Faith brings God on the scene of events.

PRAYER

Thank you, Father, for the privilege to pray by faith. Open the eyes of my understanding to behold the depth of deliverance locked up in my ability to express faith by praying in Jesus’ name. Amen

Written by: Mopelola Oyeniran

Faith in he Who is in You I

HIS VOICE DAILY DEVOTIONAL
MONDAY, 27TH NOVEMBER 2023
TOPIC: FAITH IN HE WHO IS IN YOU I

TEXT: JOHN 14:16
And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; KJV

Your faith as a child of God is based on the truth that there is the Spirit of God that dwells in you. This is not true for many other belief system and religion. But for the Christian faith, salvation hinges on the reality of the Spirit of God that regenerates the heart of a man and bring him to experience God with strong convinction.

Titus 3:3-7 explain the transformation that occur to every man in Christ Jesus. Let’s read; For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; that being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. KJV

However, the participation of the Holy Spirit that saved us as we express our faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus, continues even after salvation. Jesus spoke expressly about the need and greater advantage associated with his death and resurrection to the Holy Spirit. He said, I will give you another comforter that he may abide with you forever. Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not neither knoweth him; but you know him; for he dwells with you, and shall be in you. (John 14:16-17)

The Holy Spirit dwells in you. It’s not a fallacy! It’s an astounding truth that the man who have faith in Jesus must hold true at all times. The Holy Spirit is the gift for the Christian, not for the world. The world cannot receive him, it doesn’t see him nor know him. But you know him, he orchestrated your salvation. He dwells with you as you believe in Jesus and confess him as your Lord and saviour and shall be in you.

The phrase He shall be in you was to the disciples then a future occurrence which took place in Acts chapter two. But for you, who received the love of God and become saved afterwards, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit isn’t a future occurrence. The Holy Spirit has an assignment in your life because you are saved and he’s willing to take you over to the brim for the same reason.

Thus, if you feel empty as a believer, your need is the Holy Spirit. He is with you and in you. You might just need to turn your attention to him and ask that he takes you over completely. Express your faith in his presence as one with the Father and the Son, Jesus Christ.

PRAYER

Thank you Father for the gift of the Holy Spirit. I believe in Jesus, the son of God and I believe in the Holy Spirit, who is one with the Father and the Son. Precious Spirit of God, take me over even as I have faith that you are in me in Jesus’ name. Amen

Written by: Mopelola Oyeniran

The Hope of the Gospel VII

HIS VOICE DAILY DEVOTIONAL
SATURDAY, 7TH OCTOBER 2023
TOPIC: THE HOPE OF THE GOSPEL VII

TEXT: ROMANS 8:26
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. KJV

The Spirit of God envelopes the entire reality of the gospel. Though, we are saved by hope yet God made a down payment that we belong to him and all that the message of the gospel of Christ entails will come to pass now and entirely later. The Spirit of God in the believer is the hallmark of eternity. We are certain that we belong to him because he gave us of his Spirit.

1John 4:13-15 says; Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. KJV

God gave us of his Spirit and because we have confess Jesus as the son of God and believed in him, God dwells in us and we in him. Thus, the Spirit is the presence of God’s glory as seen in the face of Jesus Christ. All of God is expressed by the Spirit of God. This is what makes you a new creation in Christ Jesus. God’s Spirit indwelling you.

However, God didn’t give his Spirit to only express that he is in us, he gave his Spirit to supply the greatest need of man_ HELP. Man is created to need the help of God. And in the new creation, man was totally helped by God to stand firm in him and be sustained by him. Much more, the Spirit of God bears the infirmities (weaknesses, frailty) of the believer. To the extent of directing our hearts on worship, praise and prayer before God.

Indeed, God testified that the Spirit makes intercession for the saints in accordance to the will of God. This doesn’t mean that the Holy Spirit do your prayers for you. Not at all. It simply says that by the help of the Holy Spirit, you are able to gain strength, capacity and the ability to pray rightly and with the right words. The Spirit of God sustains you in the presence of God. How great is his steadfast help in you! Hallelujah!

Thus, the hope of the gospel is the message of the blessing of God’s spirit. In that you are not who you used to be. You are changed and transformed being possessed by the Holy Spirit, with the ability to remain under his influence by walking in the Spirit daily. There is nowhere where a man receives the hope of a consistent help but in Christ Jesus. You are not helpless, the spirit of God is your helper. Face life with this hope.

PRAYER

Thank you Father. I am helped by the Spirit of God. I have a sustained strength and grace is supplied to me daily. I am not alone for the Spirit of God inside me is all of God. I have hope in the help of God that energize and strengthens me to pray and fellowship with the Father. Amen

Written by: Mopelola Oyeniran

Cry Unto the Lord III

HIS VOICE DAILY DEVOTIONAL
SUNDAY, 3RD SEPTEMBER 2023
TOPIC: CRY UNTO THE LORD III

TEXT: PSALMS 22:16
For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; Neither hath he hid his face from him; But when he cried unto him, he heard. KJV

What great relief to know that when a man cry to God for help and deliverance, God will hear. We serve a God who isn’t like any other God. He positioned himself to be far above and different from the other gods. We don’t have to live in denial that by the power of darkness some gods exist who intend to prove that they are the real God. However, scattered in the scriptures, we see how God proved over and over again that He is not like them and can never be compared to them. He is the only living and true God.

Clearly in Psalms 115:2-8 the supremacy of God over every other ones who positioned themselves as powerful and eternal was seen. It says;

Wherefore should the heathen say, where is now their God? But our God is in the heavens: He hath done whatsoever he hath pleased. Their idols are silver and gold, The work of men’s hands. They have mouths, but they speak not: Eyes have they, but they see not: They have ears, but they hear not: Noses have they, but they smell not: They have hands, but they handle not: Feet have they, but they walk not: Neither speak they through their throat. They that make them are like unto them; So is every one that trusteth in them. KJV

Our God is in heaven, he is living and alive forever more! Hallelujah! Therefore, it is spiritually sensible for us to cry unto him because we are his children and he will always hear our cry. Our main text says that God, will not despise nor abhor the affliction of the afflicted, neither hath he hid his face from him. But when he cried unto him, he heard. If you will but cry unto the Lord, you can be certain that he will hear and answer.

Again we can learn from the afflictions of the children of Israel in the land of bondage, in Egypt. Exodus 1:14 says; and they made their lives bitter with hard bondage, in morter, and in brick, and in all manner of service in the field: all their service, wherein they made them serve, was with rigour. KJV In this situation, the people cried unto God.

They had no power to fight back; and even if they had, they couldn’t have resisted the powers in Egypt. But there was a steady helper, the Lord of host is his name. They cried unto him. Don’t be quiet even at this time, choose to turn to him who can help. Cry unto the Lord, he hears!

PRAYER

Lord God Almighty, I choose to lift my voice unto you alone who has power to redeem me from every form of affliction and trouble. You who is able to give rest round about. I know you are able to save to the uttermost for I trust in your holy name. Have your way over my life in Jesus’ name. Amen

Written by: Mopelola Oyeniran

A Life Time Responsibility

HIS VOICE DAILY DEVOTIONAL
THURSDAY, 31ST AUGUST 2023
TOPIC: A LIFE TIME RESPONSIBILITY

TEXT: LUKE 18:1
And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; KJV

We can trace the commitment of Jesus in teaching his disciples about prayer and he also used parables to communicate its importance. Scattered in the scripture from Genesis to Revelation is a consistent message that prayer is essential and a basic pillar of the Christian faith. Moreover, there are two pillars that uphold the life of faith, it is Prayer and study of God’s words.

I will like to state that the content of prayer is as important as the act of prayer. Many believers failed in receiving response to their prayer because it was nothing but murmuring, complaining and vague utterances before the Lord. Do you desire to pray rightly? Simply learn to pray God’s words. For example;

Psalms 23:1 says; The Lord’ is my shepherd, I shall not want. You can pray this text of scripture and declare before the lord that “,It is written that the Lord is my shepherd and I shall not want, therefore I acknowledge you Lord as my Shepherd and I shall not want”. This simple line of prayer, prayed over and over again in simple terms as you understand is more powerful than saying something that goes thus_ “Lord, I know that you are up in heaven, and you can see how my life is, won’t you do something about me and my life?, Please send me help ooo, and provide for me, destroy anyone who is making my life difficult in Jesus’ name”.

Though, God is merciful and will work by his act of grace and kindness however, the content of this kind of prayer is wrong. Prayer must be based on God’s words and directed by the knowledge of his will. This is the power that is embedded in prayer. 1John 5:14-15 says that when we pray in accordance to God’s will (which is his words), we are confident that he hears us and we can have assurance that what we ask, the Lord will do for us.

Seek to pray rightly by giving yourself to the study of God’s words and learn how to communicate rightly with God, who is your Father and also receive the accurate manner to worship him at all times.

Furthermore, men ought always to pray and not to faint, says Jesus. Prayer is the believer’s responsibility that start from conversion till the end of time. It is expected in accordance to God’s purpose that we are men and women of prayer. At any time, you should be a walking and living prayer. Your life must exude the fragrance of the Father’s presence. Be committed and devoted to praying, this is God’s will for your life.

PRAYER

Lord, thank you for the knowledge of your words. I ask that you pour your grace upon me to act upon your word by praying in the right manner and for the right reasons. I submit myself under your mighty hand that I might become strengthened and empowered to live a life devoted to prayer in Jesus’ name. Amen

Written by: Mopelola Oyeniran

Refuse Weariness in Prayer

HIS VOICE DAILY DEVOTIONAL
WEDNESDAY, 30TH AUGUST 2023
TOPIC: REFUSE WEARINESS IN PRAYER

TEXT: 1KINGS 18:41
And Elijah said unto Ahab, Get thee up, eat and drink; for there is a sound of abundance of rain. KJV

Just as Elijah received God’s instruction to send rain, he boldly decreed before the King that there is a sound of abundance of rain even before it manifested physically. It is important that we believe the word of God beyond what is happening before us and what we see with our natural eyes. Prayer is an act of faith, thus it takes a man convicted by faith in God’s word to pray earnestly.

The beautiful part of Elijah’s trust in the word of God was seen in his action afterwards. After he declared to the King a sound of abundance of rain, Elijah, went up and prayed for that which the Lord had declared that he will do.

Just as we learned yesterday, God said it so that we will pray. He only revealed his intention that we might give room for its manifestation as we pray. Let’s learn for how Elijah prayed:

So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he cast himself down upon the earth, and put his face between his knees, and said to his servant, Go up now, look toward the sea. And he went up, and looked, and said, there is nothing. And he said, Go again seven times. 1 Kings 18:42-43 KJV

Elijah took a very distinct position in prayer, putting his face in-between his knees. This doesn’t seems like a gentle and mild manner of prayer to me. Elijah proved to have learnt how to pray in times like this. Break out of gentle and mindless manner of praying. Throw yourself outrightly before God and learn to pray with all sincerity.

The rain didn’t come up, not until Elijah tarried in the place of prayer, putting his head in between his knees consistently for a while. By the seventh time which he asked his servant to go and check for a handful of gathered cloud, his prayer gave room for God’s will to prevail in the earth. By now, you should know that praying once and giving up is not God’s will for you. Weariness or tiredness is not God’s will for you in prayer. Don’t give up until you see the handful of cloud gathered in the sky. Wrestle in prayer, it’s like a woman in labour. Learn to travail till your desires are met.

PRAYER

Thank you Father for you hear and answers prayer. In this I rejoice and give you all the glory. I receive strength to pray and not get tired or weary as you bare me up by the power of your Spirit. I travail in prayer by the strength of the Holy Spirit, I am not alone for God is with me as a mighty terrible one in Jesus’ name. Amen

Written by: Mopelola Oyeniran

Pray Again

HIS VOICE DAILY DEVOTIONAL
TUESDAY, 29TH AUGUST 2023
TOPIC: PRAY AGAIN

TEXT: JAMES 5:18
And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit. KJV

There is a consistent pattern of earnest prayer recorded in the life of Elijah, the Tishbite. We learned yesterday that he prayed for the rain to cease from falling. When it was time for God to send rain, the word of the Lord came to him in 1Kings 18:1 saying;
And it came to pass after many days, that the word of the LORD came to Elijah in the third year, saying, Go, shew thyself unto Ahab; and I will send rain upon the earth. KJV

He received the instruction from God and Elijah sprang into action. God has revealed his intention to send rain after three years and six months, therefore rain is expected to fall in accordance to his will. However, it is evident to note that the rain fell by prayers. Elijah prayed again!

We must understand and accept the truth about the workings and dealings of God on earth. God is confided within the conference of our prayers. Whatever he will do on earth, he will stir up his people to pray and demand for it before the physical manifestation. Every act of God finds expression as an answer to prayers. Please, debunk the mindset that all things happen as God wants it. Not at all! As a matter of fact many things happen contrary to how God wants it. Believers have the responsibility to cause God’s kingdom to thrive on earth by the power of earnest prayer.

Begin to view Prayer as the meeting place, through which the children of God allows the will of God to become a reality on earth. Whatever you desire to change either negatively or positively will take place not until you have prayed. It is true that there is the significant hands of God upon his people but it is only to stir us to pray, equip us with the ability to wait on him and direct our heart to the understanding of his will through his word as we pray.

Prayer is the only means to bring God on the scene of matters and issues on earth. Before you accuse God of being silent over your life, ensure that you have prayed earnestly and you are doing this with the knowledge of his word. Thus, it is not enough to have a one time record of prayer, but a life time consistent and persistent record of prayer. You have prayed yesterday, to be able to pray again today. You pray today to be able to pray again tomorrow. This chain cannot be broken.

PRAYER

Lord, please teach me to pray effectively and efficiently by the power of your spirit. Help me to submit my pride and arrogance to the will of prayer. Let it be evident in my heart that the only offensive and defensive weapon I have as your child is prayer. Help me to honour your will by a worthy devotion to prayer in Jesus’ name. Amen

Written by: Mopelola Oyeniran

Earnest Prayers

HIS VOICE DAILY DEVOTIONAL
MONDAY, 28TH AUGUST 2023
TOPIC: EARNEST PRAYERS

TEXT: JAMES 5:17
Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. KJV

An example of earnest prayer is described by the manner at which Elijah, the prophet prayed to God to cease the rain. Before we consider how he prayed, let’s turn our attention to the description of his personality. ‘Elijah was a man subject to like passion as we are’_ what does this means? The Amplified version will help us a great deal here, let’s read;

Elijah was a man with a nature like ours [with the same physical, mental, and spiritual limitations and shortcomings], and he prayed intensely for it not to rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months. James 5:17 AMP

Did you read that carefully? Elijah, though a prophet of God was not an extra ordinary believer in the sense that he shared the same physical, mental, spiritual limitations and short comings as we are in this present day. Therefore, it is wrong to picture Elijah, as a special kind of person, who has greater merit before God. This isn’t to relegate the truth that he was God’s prophet but to bring our minds to the possibilities deposited in us by God as his children.

If Elijah, with those limitations and short comings can pray to God asking that it might not rain and God heard him and do as he demanded then, we can pray and God will hear and act upon our petition in accordance to his will. There is a great beauty when we fully understand our right in the Lord and give ourselves to its power in greater measure. Let’s read how Elijah declared his request before the Lord;

And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, As the LORD God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word. KJV

Behind this declaration and affirmation was his earnest prayer. He didn’t just have the boldness to make the decree of no rain before the King, Elijah had prayed earnestly, after which he declared to the King that there won’t be rain just as he has said.

The secret to bold declaration and astute conviction is an earnest prayer. It’s time to stop approaching prayer in a casual and insignificant manner. Let your spirit be alive in prayer. Engage the help of the Holy Spirit as you pray, and most importantly, pray with God’s words on your lips. The result is boldness and an undeniable conviction that will enable you to stand and decree God’s will on earth.

PRAYER

Lord, help me to maximize the privilege in prayer. Pour upon me the spirit of grace and supplication that I might stand in the place of prayer with great conviction by the power of your word and working of your spirit in Jesus’ name. Amen

Written by: Mopelola Oyeniran