SCRIPTURE: If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Iniquity in the heart hinders God from answering your prayer.
Our anchor Scripture reveals that godly character is critical for answered prayers. If God is to answer your prayers, you must uphold godly character.
Turning away from iniquity compels God to look on you from heaven, but remaining in iniquity makes God to look away from you.
This is why Psalm 66:18 says,
If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.
Iniquity in the heart hinders God from answering your prayer, but uprightness of life compels God to answer your prayers.
Answered prayer is at risk where godly character is out of place. Prayer becomes an effort in futility without godly character.
It is also important to understand that ungodly character invites the activity of the devil, the accuser of the brethren.
That was what happened to Joshua the high priest in Zechariah 3:1-3:
And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him. And the LORD said unto Satan, The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan; even the LORD that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire? Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel.
Even though Joshua was in God’s Presence, Satan stood to resist him because he wore a filthy garment.
Beloved, always know that your prayer is at the risk of not securing answer from God where godly character is out of place. Make up your mind to live righteously so your prayers can be answered by God.
Remember this: Iniquity in the heart hinders God from answering your prayer.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- Trust God to repent of all ungodliness so you can confidently approach God in prayers.
- Always approach the Throne of Grace with purity of heart and conscience to get the attention of God.
PRAYER: Lord, I ask that You purge me from every sin and iniquity by the precious Blood of Jesus. Help me to live in holiness so I can stand boldly in Your Presence, Lord in Jesus’ Name.
FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: THE NECESSITY OF GODLY CHARACTER (PART TWO)
QUOTE: Someone looks at a lady, and he is wishing that there could be an opportunity for them to commit sin together. He has not committed the sin actually, but the only reason why he has not gone into the sin is the lack of opportunity. God considers the sin committed. That is what makes many people guilty. Culled from the book, “WHO ARE YOU?” by Dr Paul Enenche.
DAILY READING: Psalm 79-81.
AMAZING FACT: Scientists estimate that the nose can recognise a trillion different scents!
PROPHETIC WORD (DECLARATION): The hold and grip of iniquity be broken off your life right now, in Jesus’ Name.
