"The KEY"

Matthew 16:19

“And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven” (KJV)

THIS IS THE DAY THAT THE LORD HAS MADE AND WE SHALL REJOICE!!

OOOH PRAISE GOD!! ITS A NEW DAY, IN SPITE OF WHAT WE MIGHT BE FACING; GOD IS ABLE!!

We're grateful to the Lord God Almighty for all that He has and is doing in our daily lives.

Let us continue to encourage and pray for one another. Paul the Apostle, while in prison, gave thanks, rejoiced and prayed for the people of God. Paul said in Ephesians 1:15-16 “Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the lord Jesus and your love for God’s people everywhere. I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly”. Prayer is the Key to grant us direct access to experience God’s presence.

According to Cambridge dictionary, the word Key means: a piece of metal that has been cut into a special shape and is used for opening or closing a lock, starting a car engine, etc... Although, there are various definitions of the word "key"; It’s important to know, the key is symbolic for access, and entry. The key, not only can open a door but close the door to deny one access from entering in.

Prayer is a vital part of Christian living because it’s our way of communicating with God. It’s the “key" used to give us access to Gods will for our lives. People of God, in order to spiritually survive, we need to pray! It’s the very air that we breathe in order to survive in this lost world. The Bible tells us from the beginning, God breathe into the nostrils of man and made Him a living soul (Genesis 2:7). In Genesis, we see for the first time, the Holy Spirit in action; moving upon the earth that was empty. For nothing existed before God!

John 1:1-4 declares, “In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone”. Therefore, it’s vital that we acknowledge the creator of the universe who is Jesus, the One and only. We were created for communion with God, intimacy and closeness with Him; therefore without His Spirit there is no life.

In Ephesians 4:4-6 (NLT), Paul said, “For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all, in all, and living through all". The Lord desires for all to experience His presence as we seek Him in prayer. We gain access to the marvelous work of the Holy Spirit, when we submit to repentance, the “one baptism” in Jesus’ name, and the Gift of the Holy Ghost one will receive as mentioned in Acts 2:38. As Christians, we are responsible to follow the Apostles doctrine (who were sent by Jesus Christ to teach others his teachings) which is the foundation for Christian living and conduct. Jesus taught His disciples the importance of prayer, but He also had an expectation for all men to live a Holy life (1 Peter 1:15).

At my Church (Faith Apostolic Ministries), we have been studying on the topic “SHEMA~ The Lord our God is one!”. According to our studying lessons, by Pastor Kemoah Wray: “Doctrine is defined as “a body of principles in a system of beliefs- which is found in an unyielding book- the Bible”. In the lessons, it further explains the advantage of studying doctrine as noted below:

· Doctrine keeps us from spiritual error. (1 Timothy 4:1, 13-16; II Timothy 4;1-4)

· Doctrines will help settles us as Christians. (Ephesians 4:14-16)

· Reveals God’s eternal plan. (I Corinthians 10:1-2, Romans 11:25, I Corinthians 12:1, 1 Thessalonians, II Peter 3:8,10).

· Doctrinal study helps to bring God’s approval to us. (II Timothy 2:15)

· A strong doctrinal foundation will help us stand during the challenges of the end times. (Matthew 24; II Timothy 4:1-3).

Once we have made a covenant with God, prayer keeps our relationship consistently growing, with truth and doctrine as our foundation. There is a lasting joy that comes from seeking God in prayer and studying His Word. Just like communicating with a friend, the Lord longs to hear what our heart desires, our worries and thankfulness unto Him. Many times, people might say, I don’t know how to pray, but God doesn’t require us to come with large words or fancy language. Matthew 6:6 declares, "But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you."(NLT).

The Word also tell us, in Romans 8:26, "And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will"(NLT). Jesus came to die for you and me, that we can receive the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. As we seek the Lord in prayer, let us desire to obey the Biblical teachings Jesus taught His Apostles. “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, But the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 14:12, KJV).

Let’s choose life today, for tomorrow is not promised.

Are you struggling with a consistent prayer life? Or desire a closer walk with God?

JD&L Mission encourages you today, don’t loose hope! The Word of God promised, “If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me” (Jeremiah 29:13, NLT).

(Please take the time to read the scripture throughout).