Single-Layered

We have come to the end of a week, which defies all words of description, as all that we think to say, pales before what we have received. All I can do is offer my needy, seeking life to our Jesus, to be quickened by our Holy Ghost, whom He has already given to you, me and all who by faith, have received and in whom we have remained.

Whatever our responses have been, I ask, seek and knock in the Name of Jesus.

May the Holy Ghost take full reign in our lives of service to our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.  Amen!

May we be as the Twelve, empowered, obedient and gone forth in the Name of Jesus, to be prayer and live prayer, without fear, doubt, questioning and excusing. Amen!

May the Holy Ghost, continue to bring learning, wisdom and understanding to our quickened hearts and minds. Amen!

I have been very conscious of the compound word, single-layered, as has been given to me to describe the Twelve. This phrase has been liberally used to describe the disciples of our Lord whom He has sent on mission. This term or phrase, single-layered, is easy to see and understand, because it is a human fact, one that we ourselves have experienced. Many of you, who live in colder climates, wear layers of clothing, to protect yourselves from the cold. Suffice it to say that I have seen some daring youngsters, clad in just a t-shirt. in weather where other people are wearing shirt and coat. Even in tropical climates, when it can get beastly hot, we see gardeners and cane cutters, for example, double-layered to protect them from the harmful rays of the sun. The point being made is that being single-layered is something that is visible and tangible to the human eye. 

So how does it relate to you and me in prayer? Let’s walk this path again, with openly and clearly exposed steps.

Jesus has called the Twelve, to go and preach in His Name. Jesus has called us to go and pray in His Name.

Jesus has, first and foremost, given them His Authority and Power over any kind of injurious and wicked evil forces, whether human – flesh and blood, or demonic – evil spirit, not of flesh and blood. Jesus has given us His Almighty Spiritual Power against all kinds of evil forces.

Jesus has instructed His disciples to wear one tunic, which means that they are to go out into uncertain weather, wearing but one shirt. They all, every single one of the Twelve, obey. This is most visible to the human eye, as they go from place to place preaching. Jesus has also instructed us to wear one tunic or one coat and this is where I had been stuck. Have you been stuck here also? Thanks and praise to the Holy Ghost, who does not leave us in ignorance.

Here is a fact. How can you obey that which you know nothing about?  What is our Master instructing us to wear in this work of prayer? Our single-layered tunic is faith, and faith is seen, most visible, to the human eye. After we have received Jesus’ Power, Purpose and Promise, we will never be able to obey and receive His already given Produce, if we are not single-layered in faith. If we are not wearing faith and faith alone, we will never know victory in all we put our hands to, in His Name.

Many of us shout and tell of God’s goodness, love and tender mercies to us, but do we see that our lives are void of the Produce in Prayer, the Promised victory, which Jesus Himself has made known to us?

When one goes in the obedience of faith, then nothing else and no one else accompanies our faith. There’s no backup; absolutely unthinkable for single-layered faith. There’s nothing about, just in case of; definitely unheard of for single-layered faith. There’s nothing about helping faith; undeniably ridiculous, for single-layered faith helps us, we don’t help faith.

Single-layered faith is faith that stands firm and fast on the Word of our Lord. When He sends you and me to go and pray, and sends us out clad in faith and faith alone, know that He is rejoicing in us and for us and He will bear all His desired fruit in us.