Shaila Touchton's Prayer Ministries Bible Study Blog

A Message of Hope and Encouragement We've all been there - feeling angry or upset with our loved ones. It's normal to experience frustration, but it's how we respond that matters. As Christians, we're called to respond in love, even when it's hard. In Ephesians 4:31-32, it says: "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." This scripture reminds us to let go of negative emotions and instead choose kindness, compassion, and forgiveness. Practicing Patience and Understanding In Proverbs 14:29, it says: "Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly." This verse encourages us to practice patience and understanding when dealing with our loved ones. By taking a step back and seeking to understand their perspective, we can respond in a more loving and cons...

Something to think about:  In marriage anger is a wasted emotion. Never go to bed angry, always solve the issue or forget about it and move on.  Always practice advance forgiveness, even when he doesn’t apologize. So that your prayers for him will not be hindered.  Always remember you don’t quench fire with fire. Always remember a soft answer turns away wrath. Money is a major necessity in marriage. Correct me if I’m wrong but I don’t believe that any marriage can be truly happy without the basic necessities of life. As much as I would like to tell you that love is all you need to sustain a marriage; that would be a lie. Love doesn’t pay school fees, the house rent or medical bills. I also need to stress that one of the areas the enemy attacks men the most is in their finances. No matter how anointed a man is, if he is struggling financially, he will be frustrated and in turn frustrate you. So you need to pray that there will be a free flow of finances in his life; that he will m...

The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, who convicts us of our sinful lives, guides us into all truth, and empowers us to live a life that honors God. In this sermon, we will explore three aspects of the Holy Spirit's work in our lives: conviction of sin, filling, and intercession. Conviction of Sin The Holy Spirit convicts us of our sinful lives, revealing our need for salvation and repentance. Here are three examples: 1. John 16:8-11: Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. 2. Acts 2:37-38: When Peter preached on the day of Pentecost, the crowd was convicted of their sin and asked, "What shall we do?" Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized." 3. 1 Corinthians 14:24-25: The Holy Spirit can convict unbelievers of their sin through the prophetic ministry of believers. Being Filled with the Holy Spirit To be filled with the Holy Spirit means to be controlled and empowered by Him. Here are thre...

As believers, we are called to seek wisdom, understanding, knowledge, revelation, prophecy, dreams, and visions from God. However, we must be careful not to confuse Godly wisdom with worldly wisdom. In this sermon , we will explore the differences between these two types of wisdom and examine biblical examples that illustrate the contrast. Godly Wisdom Godly wisdom is rooted in the fear of the Lord and is characterized by humility, obedience, and a desire to please God. It is wisdom that comes from above, as described in James 3:17: "But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere." Godly wisdom is not limited to intellectual knowledge, but involves a deep understanding of God's character, His ways, and His Word. It is wisdom that enables us to navigate life's challenges with faith, hope, and love. Worldly Wisdom Worldly wisdom, on the other hand, is rooted in h...

I am created in God's image, and I reflect His glory and goodness in my life." (Genesis 1:27) I am fruitful and multiplying in every area of my life, just as God commanded." (Genesis 1:28) I am delivered from the bondage of sin and set free to serve the living God." (Exodus 6:6-7) I am protected by God's presence, which goes before me and surrounds me." (Exodus 33:14-15) I am holy and set apart for God's purposes, just as He has called me." (Leviticus 20:26) I am committed to walking in God's ways and following His commands." (Leviticus 18:4) God's presence goes with me wherever I go, guiding and protecting me." (Numbers 9:15-23) I am faithful and trustworthy, just as God is faithful and trustworthy." (Numbers 23:19) I am loved by God with an everlasting love, and He delights in me." (Deuteronomy 7:7-8) I am chosen and blessed by God to be a blessing to others." (Deuteronomy 7:6-7) I am strong and courageous, just a...

When speaking God's Word, it's not uncommon for others to react defensively or even aggressively. This reaction can stem from various reasons, and it's essential to understand the underlying causes to navigate these situations effectively. Here are few examples and explanations to help you comprehend the potential reasons behind others' negative reactions: 1. Conviction of Sin When God's Word is spoken, it can convict people of their sin (John 16:8). This conviction can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and defensiveness. Instead of acknowledging their sin and repenting, they may lash out at the messenger. This reaction is often a result of the person's inner struggle to come to terms with their wrongdoing. As messengers of God's Word, it's crucial to approach these situations with empathy and compassion, while still conveying the truth. 2. Exposing Darkness God's Word is light, and it exposes the darkness (Ephesians 5:13). When people are living in ...

The Bible teaches that our outward appearance is a reflection of our inner heart and motivations. In 1 Samuel 16:7, God says, "The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." Therefore, our primary concern should be to please God, not people. Examples of Dressing to Please God or Man 1. Modesty vs. Vanity • God-pleasing: "I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God." (1 Timothy 2:9-10) • Man-pleasing: Dressing to draw attention to oneself, seeking praise and admiration from others. 2. Humility vs. Pride • God-pleasing: "All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, 'God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.'" (1 Peter 5:5) • Man-pleasing: Dressing to s...

As Christians, we are called to live according to God's Word, but it's easy to fall into the trap of cherry-picking scripture to justify our own desires and sins. This approach to biblical interpretation is not only misleading but also dishonouring to God. In this sermon, we'll explore few examples of how cherry-picking scripture can lead us astray. 1: Justifying Divorce Some people might quote Matthew 19:8, where Jesus says, "Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning." However, they might ignore the preceding verse, Matthew 19:7, where Jesus emphasizes the importance of marriage, saying, "Haven't you read...that at the beginning the Creator 'made them male and female,' and said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh'?" Cherry-picking scripture can lead to justifying divorce, rather t...

The Bible teaches that God is a loving and forgiving Father, willing to pardon sins and restore relationships with humanity. However, there is one sin that the Bible describes as unforgivable, a sin that can sever one's relationship with God irreparably. This sin is often referred to as the "blasphemy against the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 12:31-32, Mark 3:28-30, Luke 12:10). What is the Unforgivable Sin? The unforgivable sin is not simply a matter of committing a single sinful act, but rather a state of heart and mind that deliberately rejects the work of the Holy Spirit. It involves attributing the work of the Holy Spirit to Satan or demonic forces, thereby slandering the divine nature of God's Spirit. Examples of the Unforgivable Sin While the Bible does not provide an exhaustive list of examples, the following scenarios illustrate the kind of heart attitude and actions that can lead to the unforgivable sin: 1. Attributing Jesus' miracles to Satan: In Matthew 12:22-...

The Bible is clear: repentance is a necessary step towards salvation. In this sermon, we'll explore the biblical concept of repentance, its importance, and the consequences of ignoring this call. What is Repentance? Repentance is a heartfelt turning away from sin and towards God. It involves recognizing one's sinful nature, acknowledging the need for forgiveness, and making a conscious decision to change one's ways. The Bible describes repentance as a spiritual transformation, where the old self is replaced by a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). Biblical Examples of Repentance 1. The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32): The prodigal son's repentance is a classic example of turning away from sin and towards God. After squandering his inheritance, he recognizes his mistakes, returns to his father, and is welcomed back with open arms. 2. David's Repentance (Psalm 51): After committing adultery and murder, King David repents and cries out to God for forgiveness. His...

The concept of Satan attending church may seem paradoxical, but it's essential to understand the biblical context. Satan, also known as the adversary or accuser, is a fallen angel who seeks to oppose God's will. While Satan may not physically attend church, his influence can be present through various means. Biblical Examples: 1. Job 1:6-7: Satan appears before God in heaven, among the "sons of God." This passage illustrates Satan's access to heavenly realms and his ability to accuse believers. 2. 1 Peter 5:8: Peter warns believers to be vigilant, as Satan prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking to devour them. This verse highlights Satan's ongoing efforts to attack and deceive Christians. 3. 2 Corinthians 11:14-15: Paul warns the Corinthian church that Satan disguises himself as an angel of light, and his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. This passage emphasizes the importance of discernment in recognizing Satan's agents. 4. Matthew 4:1...