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A Man Named ‘Manaen’
Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. Acts 13:1, NIV In this verse, a man named Manaen was mentioned. He was someone who grew up with Herod the tetrarch. This was the same Herod who beheaded John the Baptist. Imagine, they grew up together, but they lived a totally different life. Herod became selfish and prideful about his position. But here comes Manaen, who became a Christian and followed the ways of Jesus. Sometimes, we believe that people who grew up in the same environment will have…
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When You Find It Hard To Believe That God Answers Your Prayer
“You’re out of your mind,” they told her. When she kept insisting that it was so, they said, “It must be his angel.” Acts 12:15, NIV When Peter was arrested by King Herod, the early church fervently prayed for Him. Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared to Peter and set him free from prison. Peter then went to the house where the Christians gathered and to their surprise, they didn’t believe what the servant named Rhoda said. She recognized Peter’s voice and said to the disciples that he was knocking at the door. They won’t believe her that they even said to the servant that she’s out of her…
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Let’s Not Focus On The Pain And The Bad Things That Happened
Then the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out. “Go, stand in the temple courts,” he said, “and tell the people all about this new life.” At daybreak they entered the temple courts, as they had been told, and began to teach the people. Acts 5: 17-21, NIV When the apostles were arrested, God sent an angel to rescue them. After that, they were instructed to continue preaching…
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Dear God, Please give me the strength to hold on to your Promises
This life is not easy, Lord. Many times, I’m easily tempted to give up, especially when I experience pain in life. I am not a superhero who can solve all my problems. But even if I have limitations, I know that I can ask for some strength from you. So this is the cry of my heart. Please teach me how to hold on to your words, especially in the midst of the storm. I just find it so difficult to believe in your promises when negative things surround me. It seems so impossible. But even if I can’t see them yet, please give me the courage to still believe.…
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Prepare yourself First for the Things that you Prayed for
You won’t be able to value God’s blessings if you don’t know how to properly steward them. You still need to grow and learn so many things. Allow God to mold your character so that when He answers your prayers, you won’t be easily destroyed by the responsibility that you will carry along the blessings that He will give. Humble yourself in His presence and seek His wisdom. Patiently go through the process. This won’t be easy because there will be moments when God will take away the roots of your negative thoughts. Your life will appear messy in a certain season, but if you will just hold on and…
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Your Prayer is more about What you See than what you Say
Prayers are not just asking God to do what we want but more about believing in God’s grace and glory. It is about believing in His immeasurable power and wisdom. Our prayers are powerful. They hold our connection with the Father. However, it is not just a one-way dialogue. It is a communication wherein you need to listen. Prayers are not just for provisions. It is more than that. It is about how we grow in the presence of the Father and how we will obey Him. He listens to us genuinely. He understands why we utter the words that we did, what is living in our hearts, and what…
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Dear God, Please comfort those who are Crying in Silence
I may not know their names Lord, but I pray that you will continue to touch their hearts. Make them more sensitive of your presence. Open their eyes and heart so that they can welcome your healing. Give them a humble heart to accept your ways. They may not understand what’s going on in their lives, but I pray that your grace will continue to sustain them until they overcome this season. People don’t see them, Lord. Only you know the real condition of their hearts. They may find it hard to describe the pain inside, but I pray that you will give them the assurance that they need. Please…
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Good Things are Happening in your Life Right Now
Remember how you earnestly prayed to reach the point where you are at the moment? Every time you look back on how long and far you’ve gone through, you will realize that you are already living one of your prayers. Just take a pause and count your blessings. You will recognize that you have received many good things in life more than the bad ones. The fact that you are still alive right now is already a great thing. You can reach this stage after all the battles you have conquered and the victories you have received. That alone shows that you can do all things through God’s help. If…
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It’s important to have an Intimate Conversation with God
Talk to God and share with Him your heart. If you are sad and in pain, then cry out to Him. If you are scared and nervous, then tell Him all your worries and cares. Do not pretend as if everything is going fine. You can trust God. He will never disappoint or betray you. You can be so vulnerable to Him. He will never turn His back on you. He will rejoice in your victories, and He will cry with you when you are down. Release what you feel to Him, and He will listen. Make it your priority. Let your intimate conversation with Him lead you closer to…
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Don’t be Afraid to ask Someone to Pray for you
For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them. – Matthew 18:20 As God’s people, we are meant to declare blessings to others and pray for them. So if you are struggling right now and you badly need help, then look for someone who can pray for you. Do not be afraid because a true Christian loves to pray for his brothers and sisters. Jesus said that two or three gathered in His name, then He will be in the midst. This is how powerful corporate prayer is. Some of our prayer requests are too personal, so you must look for someone that you can…
