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Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Sunday, August 7, 2011
LIKE SHEEP
Memorise: "Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture" (Ps 100:3)
Read: Psalm 100:1-3
"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want" (Psalm 23:1). An example of a good shepherd is David. A shepherd is someone who caters for the sheep. He identifies and satisfies the needs of the sheep. By virtue of their make-up, every sheep has these basic needs: To sustain its life, it needs food, good food. It needs guidance. The average sheep looks foolish and so would require the shepherd to lead the way by being in front. That means sheep follow more by example - looking on to the shepherd to guide on how to do things. It also needs lots of water. Occasionally when it strays, it may not be able to retrace its way. If the shepherd fails to go after it, that could be the end of that sheep; it will be lost.
Read: Psalm 100:1-3
"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want" (Psalm 23:1). An example of a good shepherd is David. A shepherd is someone who caters for the sheep. He identifies and satisfies the needs of the sheep. By virtue of their make-up, every sheep has these basic needs: To sustain its life, it needs food, good food. It needs guidance. The average sheep looks foolish and so would require the shepherd to lead the way by being in front. That means sheep follow more by example - looking on to the shepherd to guide on how to do things. It also needs lots of water. Occasionally when it strays, it may not be able to retrace its way. If the shepherd fails to go after it, that could be the end of that sheep; it will be lost.
LIFE OR DEATH?
Memorise: "For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged" (1 Cor 11:31)
Read: 1 Cor 11:28-31
There is a difference between eaters and non-eaters of the Holy Communion. A line of demarcation is drawn the moment you partake of it. When you read Exodus 12:11- 12, you will observe this difference on the night the Israelites partook of this meal. When God's glory descended, the Egyptians experienced a 'passing through' while the Israelites experienced a 'pass over'. When God's glory descends, it will pass through the enemy. When the wind is blowing and something stands on its way, it will be uprooted. What is that token of the liar that has been standing in God's way in your life? It is uprooted now. It was Passover for the Israelites. To pass over is to pick from one place and move to another location. A meal that can kill or heal should be feared and handled with extreme caution. When the Israelites and the Egyptians went to bed that night, both experienced different things. While the former experienced unlimited joy, the latter experienced unlimited sorrow. While the former were given what was denied them for over 400 years, the latter lost the most important members of their families - the first born - both of animals and human beings. As you partake of this meal this season, all your enemies will encounter great losses.
Read: 1 Cor 11:28-31
There is a difference between eaters and non-eaters of the Holy Communion. A line of demarcation is drawn the moment you partake of it. When you read Exodus 12:11- 12, you will observe this difference on the night the Israelites partook of this meal. When God's glory descended, the Egyptians experienced a 'passing through' while the Israelites experienced a 'pass over'. When God's glory descends, it will pass through the enemy. When the wind is blowing and something stands on its way, it will be uprooted. What is that token of the liar that has been standing in God's way in your life? It is uprooted now. It was Passover for the Israelites. To pass over is to pick from one place and move to another location. A meal that can kill or heal should be feared and handled with extreme caution. When the Israelites and the Egyptians went to bed that night, both experienced different things. While the former experienced unlimited joy, the latter experienced unlimited sorrow. While the former were given what was denied them for over 400 years, the latter lost the most important members of their families - the first born - both of animals and human beings. As you partake of this meal this season, all your enemies will encounter great losses.
WHEN TREES FIGHT
Memorise: "For the battle was there scattered over the face of all the country: and the wood devoured more people that day than the sword devoured" (2 Sam 18:8)
Read: 2 Samuel 18:6-17
In Revelation 22:16, the link of the Lord Jesus with plants, vegetation and trees was established by His title Root of David. Another benefit of having Jesus as your root is that He can mobilize trees to fight for you. David was a beneficiary of this. In 2 Samuel 18:5-15, when Absalom revolted against his father and sought hard after his life, he thought he had everything. He really had all the details. He knew his father's strengths and weaknesses. He turned one of his father's greatest strengths - Ahithophel against him. The only missing aspect in his battle strategy was that he forgot that his Father had roots. That day, the Root of David simply mobilized all the trees in the bush and told them it was time to display their war talents as His army. Boy! You wouldn't believe how valiantly the trees fought human soldiers! 2 Samuel 18:8 puts it this way: "For the battle was there scattered over the face of all the country: and the wood devoured more people that day than the sword devoured".
Read: 2 Samuel 18:6-17
In Revelation 22:16, the link of the Lord Jesus with plants, vegetation and trees was established by His title Root of David. Another benefit of having Jesus as your root is that He can mobilize trees to fight for you. David was a beneficiary of this. In 2 Samuel 18:5-15, when Absalom revolted against his father and sought hard after his life, he thought he had everything. He really had all the details. He knew his father's strengths and weaknesses. He turned one of his father's greatest strengths - Ahithophel against him. The only missing aspect in his battle strategy was that he forgot that his Father had roots. That day, the Root of David simply mobilized all the trees in the bush and told them it was time to display their war talents as His army. Boy! You wouldn't believe how valiantly the trees fought human soldiers! 2 Samuel 18:8 puts it this way: "For the battle was there scattered over the face of all the country: and the wood devoured more people that day than the sword devoured".
THE LIFE GIVER
Memorise: "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep" (John 10:11)
Read: John 10:9-11
The Prince of Peace can give you victory over the battles of life. He can perform wonders materially and maritally. Never say you are too old to conceive. Sarah said so but got a shocker. Recently, in one of my visits to America, I heard this testimony: There was this lady who had been barren for years. I went to minister in their parish. From the hotel where I lodged, I went for church service but forgot my offering envelope. So I sent for an usher who incidentally was the husband of the lady in question, to go to my hotel room to bring my offering envelope. On his way, his wife asked where he was going and he told her. She screamed that her opportunity had come at last. She pleaded that she should have access to the envelope for a few minutes before he dropped it into the offering basket. She rubbed the envelope on her stomach before it was dropped and that month she became pregnant. The Prince of Peace who gave her victory over barrenness will give you victory this season over barrenness of whatever kind that is operating in your life.
Read: John 10:9-11
The Prince of Peace can give you victory over the battles of life. He can perform wonders materially and maritally. Never say you are too old to conceive. Sarah said so but got a shocker. Recently, in one of my visits to America, I heard this testimony: There was this lady who had been barren for years. I went to minister in their parish. From the hotel where I lodged, I went for church service but forgot my offering envelope. So I sent for an usher who incidentally was the husband of the lady in question, to go to my hotel room to bring my offering envelope. On his way, his wife asked where he was going and he told her. She screamed that her opportunity had come at last. She pleaded that she should have access to the envelope for a few minutes before he dropped it into the offering basket. She rubbed the envelope on her stomach before it was dropped and that month she became pregnant. The Prince of Peace who gave her victory over barrenness will give you victory this season over barrenness of whatever kind that is operating in your life.
HONOUR AND DESTINY
Memorise: "Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed" (1 Sam 2:30)
Read: 1 Samuel 2:29-30
When you are privileged to see the end from the beginning, it empowers you to achieve in a significant way. As I searched the Scriptures, I discovered that those whom God showed something concerning their goal or future victory but who still failed to reach it were very few. The fact you have this negligible few shows that it is possible to see the goal and not reach it. It is possible to be shown the goal in a match and never be able to score. The Lord will count you out of those with frustrated destinies in Jesus' Name. Among those who saw the goal but could not reach it was Eli. 1 Samuel 2:30 says, "Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed". God had planned to raise priests from Eli's immediate and extended family. God showed him a future of priestly succession that would have immortalized his name forever but at some point he began to misbehave. God warned him several times but he had grown deaf to God. Eventually, God changed the plan. Honour and destiny are linked.
Read: 1 Samuel 2:29-30
When you are privileged to see the end from the beginning, it empowers you to achieve in a significant way. As I searched the Scriptures, I discovered that those whom God showed something concerning their goal or future victory but who still failed to reach it were very few. The fact you have this negligible few shows that it is possible to see the goal and not reach it. It is possible to be shown the goal in a match and never be able to score. The Lord will count you out of those with frustrated destinies in Jesus' Name. Among those who saw the goal but could not reach it was Eli. 1 Samuel 2:30 says, "Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed". God had planned to raise priests from Eli's immediate and extended family. God showed him a future of priestly succession that would have immortalized his name forever but at some point he began to misbehave. God warned him several times but he had grown deaf to God. Eventually, God changed the plan. Honour and destiny are linked.
EFFECTIVE AGREEMENT PRAYERS
Memorise: "How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, except their Rock had sold them, and the LORD had shut them up?" (Deut 32:30)
Read: Deut 32:29-30
"How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, except their Rock had sold them, and the LORD had shut them up?" (Deut 32:30).
There is power in agreement prayer. When you have made singular prayer efforts that have failed to yield the expected result, team up with somebody - your spouse, pastor or prayer partner to agree with you and it shall be done. Agreement prayers can take care of 70% of prayer needs of the average family. Some couples hardly pray together. In fact, some tell their spouse, 'I don't agree with you' on very crucial issues. As long as there is no meeting of the minds on an issue, such a couple could suffer for long and be at the receiving end of demonic manipulations. For agreement prayer to work, you must be born again and in right relationship with God. Also, there must be cordial relationship between the parties to the agreement. Your request concerning that issue must be one and the same. You must not be asking for a male child while the other is asking for a female. Eradicate all areas of conflict and disagreement. Create time to discuss and agree on what would benefit your family the most. Openly confess your agreement with your mouth to each other, saying for instance; 'We both agree that stagnancy has come to an end in our family'. Convey your point of agreement to God in prayer. Back up your agreement with the seal of God's promises on agreement prayers. Thank God for answers. Never accept anything contrary to your agreement. Expect it to be established. Wait on it even when time flies. It shall be so.
Read: Deut 32:29-30
"How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, except their Rock had sold them, and the LORD had shut them up?" (Deut 32:30).
There is power in agreement prayer. When you have made singular prayer efforts that have failed to yield the expected result, team up with somebody - your spouse, pastor or prayer partner to agree with you and it shall be done. Agreement prayers can take care of 70% of prayer needs of the average family. Some couples hardly pray together. In fact, some tell their spouse, 'I don't agree with you' on very crucial issues. As long as there is no meeting of the minds on an issue, such a couple could suffer for long and be at the receiving end of demonic manipulations. For agreement prayer to work, you must be born again and in right relationship with God. Also, there must be cordial relationship between the parties to the agreement. Your request concerning that issue must be one and the same. You must not be asking for a male child while the other is asking for a female. Eradicate all areas of conflict and disagreement. Create time to discuss and agree on what would benefit your family the most. Openly confess your agreement with your mouth to each other, saying for instance; 'We both agree that stagnancy has come to an end in our family'. Convey your point of agreement to God in prayer. Back up your agreement with the seal of God's promises on agreement prayers. Thank God for answers. Never accept anything contrary to your agreement. Expect it to be established. Wait on it even when time flies. It shall be so.
WORKING RIGHT
Memorise: "I therefore so run, not as uncertainly, so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:" (1 Cor 9:26)
Read: John 21:1-6
The one who would flourish must find grace in God's sight. Also, the fellow must be prepared to work hard. When God has opened the door, it is not time to sleep, but time to work. In addition to these, to flourish, you must work right. Working hard is not as important as working right or else, labourers would have been the richest people on earth. Although Peter fished all night, he caught nothing because he was in the wrong place. He had to be guided on the right location and timing so that his hard work would yield a good harvest. Today, many people are working with all their heart and might in a wrong place, job or business hence, no harvest. When at the wrong job, your efforts virtually go down the drain. In any way you are labouring at a wrong location, the Lord will guide you to your appropriate place of harvest in Jesus' Name.
Read: John 21:1-6
The one who would flourish must find grace in God's sight. Also, the fellow must be prepared to work hard. When God has opened the door, it is not time to sleep, but time to work. In addition to these, to flourish, you must work right. Working hard is not as important as working right or else, labourers would have been the richest people on earth. Although Peter fished all night, he caught nothing because he was in the wrong place. He had to be guided on the right location and timing so that his hard work would yield a good harvest. Today, many people are working with all their heart and might in a wrong place, job or business hence, no harvest. When at the wrong job, your efforts virtually go down the drain. In any way you are labouring at a wrong location, the Lord will guide you to your appropriate place of harvest in Jesus' Name.
THE COMMUNION DEMARCATES
Memorise: "For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins" (Matt 26:28)
Read: Exodus 8:22-23
Some thousands of years ago, a particular meal was eaten by an enslaved people and it brought down the glory of God. Whenever God's glory descends, it has different effects on people. For instance, on that fateful night, when the glory of God came down after that meal, it brought death to the house of their captors. None was exempted. On the other hand, that same meal brought freedom, deliverance, healing, financial breakthrough and promotion to the Israelites who ate the meal. As you take the Holy Communion this season, it will give you life and bring death to every token of the liar in your life- oppression, loss, sorrow, etc. A particular man battled with insomnia for weeks. He took sleeping pills based on medical advice yet, could not sleep. After meeting his pastor for prayers one day, he was able to sleep for about two hours; after which he stared at the ceiling throughout the night. Eventually, he was invited to partake of the Holy Communion Service. He later testified that immediately after that meal, insomnia was gone and he resumed his normal sleep. Have you been battling with insomnia or any health condition? As you go in faith to the Lord's table this season, you will be healed.
Read: Exodus 8:22-23
Some thousands of years ago, a particular meal was eaten by an enslaved people and it brought down the glory of God. Whenever God's glory descends, it has different effects on people. For instance, on that fateful night, when the glory of God came down after that meal, it brought death to the house of their captors. None was exempted. On the other hand, that same meal brought freedom, deliverance, healing, financial breakthrough and promotion to the Israelites who ate the meal. As you take the Holy Communion this season, it will give you life and bring death to every token of the liar in your life- oppression, loss, sorrow, etc. A particular man battled with insomnia for weeks. He took sleeping pills based on medical advice yet, could not sleep. After meeting his pastor for prayers one day, he was able to sleep for about two hours; after which he stared at the ceiling throughout the night. Eventually, he was invited to partake of the Holy Communion Service. He later testified that immediately after that meal, insomnia was gone and he resumed his normal sleep. Have you been battling with insomnia or any health condition? As you go in faith to the Lord's table this season, you will be healed.
NECESSARY CHALLENGES
Memorise: "Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us." (Rom 8:37)
For certain reasons, while telling us about the end, God reserves the real nitty-gritty to His chest. David is one example here. In 1 Samuel 16:11-13, David was anointed as king of Israel by that nation's authentic king maker - prophet Samuel. God did not tell him that he would have to wait for long before ascending the throne. He did not tell him of the intense persecution awaiting him to the point of going on exile. God did not tell him of the lion, bear, Goliath, king Saul, or cave at Adullam. Suffice it to say that between where you are and where God is taking you to, are several bus stops which come with their different challenges. Whether pleasant or not, each of such experiences has an important part to play in your life or destiny. You will not be taken through courses you do not need in the university of suffering. God has a place for every course. Jesus went through all and emerged with excellent grades. There is a place for you to be persecuted or denied. There is a place for you to be marginalized and made to feel very unimportant. There is a place for confronting your giants, lions and bears. All add up to prepare you for your destiny, without which you will be unfit for that place.
Another important thing here, is that those who would end up happier at last, start by facing the worst. Those who would be very wealthy start from extreme poverty. Have you been facing rejection, marginalization and denials? It could be because God is taking you to a place of prominence where nobody can afford to ignore you. David was rejected. He was sidelined yet, he was chosen to be king. To get the best of gold, you must take it through the fire. For your best devotion, commitment, love and service to come up, you must go through fire. Stop grumbling about that Goliath because he is an assignment that you must take care of on your way to the throne. There are battles to fight and rivers to cross and some of them are fiery, yet, you are assured of His presence. If you do not go through such tough situations, your preparation will be incomplete. You cannot become a general without facing war. Everything you go through in life is necessary for you to become what God wants you to become if you are in His will. The greater the challenges, the higher your destination. Ask God for grace to handle your challenges appropriately in order to deliver the right dividend to you.
The fellow who is not adequately prepared for a journey will suffer beyond measure. Ask God to prepare you for the task ahead.
For certain reasons, while telling us about the end, God reserves the real nitty-gritty to His chest. David is one example here. In 1 Samuel 16:11-13, David was anointed as king of Israel by that nation's authentic king maker - prophet Samuel. God did not tell him that he would have to wait for long before ascending the throne. He did not tell him of the intense persecution awaiting him to the point of going on exile. God did not tell him of the lion, bear, Goliath, king Saul, or cave at Adullam. Suffice it to say that between where you are and where God is taking you to, are several bus stops which come with their different challenges. Whether pleasant or not, each of such experiences has an important part to play in your life or destiny. You will not be taken through courses you do not need in the university of suffering. God has a place for every course. Jesus went through all and emerged with excellent grades. There is a place for you to be persecuted or denied. There is a place for you to be marginalized and made to feel very unimportant. There is a place for confronting your giants, lions and bears. All add up to prepare you for your destiny, without which you will be unfit for that place.
Another important thing here, is that those who would end up happier at last, start by facing the worst. Those who would be very wealthy start from extreme poverty. Have you been facing rejection, marginalization and denials? It could be because God is taking you to a place of prominence where nobody can afford to ignore you. David was rejected. He was sidelined yet, he was chosen to be king. To get the best of gold, you must take it through the fire. For your best devotion, commitment, love and service to come up, you must go through fire. Stop grumbling about that Goliath because he is an assignment that you must take care of on your way to the throne. There are battles to fight and rivers to cross and some of them are fiery, yet, you are assured of His presence. If you do not go through such tough situations, your preparation will be incomplete. You cannot become a general without facing war. Everything you go through in life is necessary for you to become what God wants you to become if you are in His will. The greater the challenges, the higher your destination. Ask God for grace to handle your challenges appropriately in order to deliver the right dividend to you.
The fellow who is not adequately prepared for a journey will suffer beyond measure. Ask God to prepare you for the task ahead.
DOUBT TERMINATES ABUNDANCE
Memorise: "He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;" (Rom 4:20)
Read: 1 Kings 17:8-16
When you make the Prince of Peace your ally, you have lots of things to benefit from. Today's reading tells us of a widow with a son and all they had was a meal. Her situation was beyond hopeless. But when she made the God of Elijah her ally, things took a dramatic turn. She moved from abject poverty into superfluous provision. The food that was just enough for one meal refused to finish; it lasted throughout the period of famine! Do you know such things still occur to those who have the Lord as their ally? When my father in the Lord started the RCCG, things were very tough. He will be praying at home while his wife sell empty bottles in the market before they could eat. On several occasions, when she was unable to sell any bottle there would be no food at home. One day, the Lord said to my father in the Lord, "Tell your wife to be dishing from that pot of soup without looking inside". Mama began to dish out from the pot and out came assorted meats, fish, chicken. This continued for one week, two weeks, and after about one month, mama in her curiosity decided to peep into the pot to see the secret of such endless bountiful provision and the soup dried up. There is a user of this Devotional who will enter into a season of limitless supernatural provision this season. When it comes, abide by divine instructions and give God the glory.
Read: 1 Kings 17:8-16
When you make the Prince of Peace your ally, you have lots of things to benefit from. Today's reading tells us of a widow with a son and all they had was a meal. Her situation was beyond hopeless. But when she made the God of Elijah her ally, things took a dramatic turn. She moved from abject poverty into superfluous provision. The food that was just enough for one meal refused to finish; it lasted throughout the period of famine! Do you know such things still occur to those who have the Lord as their ally? When my father in the Lord started the RCCG, things were very tough. He will be praying at home while his wife sell empty bottles in the market before they could eat. On several occasions, when she was unable to sell any bottle there would be no food at home. One day, the Lord said to my father in the Lord, "Tell your wife to be dishing from that pot of soup without looking inside". Mama began to dish out from the pot and out came assorted meats, fish, chicken. This continued for one week, two weeks, and after about one month, mama in her curiosity decided to peep into the pot to see the secret of such endless bountiful provision and the soup dried up. There is a user of this Devotional who will enter into a season of limitless supernatural provision this season. When it comes, abide by divine instructions and give God the glory.
YOU WILL BE SOUGHT AFTER
Memorise: "The sons also of them that afflicted thee shall come bending unto thee; and all they that despised thee shall bow themselves down at the soles of thy feet; and they shall call thee, The city of the LORD, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel" (Isa 60:14)
Read: 1 Samuel 22:1-2
The new anointing can be so powerful. It can repeat whatever it has done for your spiritual father. It can re-open closed doors and turn the mocked into a celebrity. Similarly, the new anointing can turn a nobody into one who is much sought after. In 1 Samuel 16:11-13, when Samuel came to the house of Jesse shopping for a kingly candidate, nobody presented David. His father did not. Not even his brothers considered him for such an honourable office. It took Samuel to ask specifically for him before his name could be mentioned with ignominy. But in 1 Samuel 22:1-2, after David was anointed and went on exile to cave Adullam, the same brothers who saw nothing good in him initially came to submit themselves under his authority to become their captain. Have people written you off as a nobody? Do they marginalize, deny you your rights and consider you unfit for any meaningful position? The anointing will reverse that situation in your life this season. You that the builders and king makers have rejected will soon become the chief corner stone in Jesus' Name. You will be sought after. You will be transformed into a very important personality by the anointing.
Read: 1 Samuel 22:1-2
The new anointing can be so powerful. It can repeat whatever it has done for your spiritual father. It can re-open closed doors and turn the mocked into a celebrity. Similarly, the new anointing can turn a nobody into one who is much sought after. In 1 Samuel 16:11-13, when Samuel came to the house of Jesse shopping for a kingly candidate, nobody presented David. His father did not. Not even his brothers considered him for such an honourable office. It took Samuel to ask specifically for him before his name could be mentioned with ignominy. But in 1 Samuel 22:1-2, after David was anointed and went on exile to cave Adullam, the same brothers who saw nothing good in him initially came to submit themselves under his authority to become their captain. Have people written you off as a nobody? Do they marginalize, deny you your rights and consider you unfit for any meaningful position? The anointing will reverse that situation in your life this season. You that the builders and king makers have rejected will soon become the chief corner stone in Jesus' Name. You will be sought after. You will be transformed into a very important personality by the anointing.
AGREEMENT PRAYERS
Memorise: "Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven" (Matt 18:19)
Read: Matthew 18:19-20
There is power in prayer. There is much power in agreement prayers. In Luke 1:37, the angel Gabriel told Mary that conceiving a baby boy without having sexual intercourse with Joseph was not an impossibility with God. Most things that are done on earth come in different stages. God can skip one or more stages to effect what He wants and nobody can challenge Him. When Jarius was told that his sick daughter has died, Jesus simply told him not to fear (Mark 5:35-42). What is that evil news that was delivered to you? The Lord is saying to you, 'Fear not. It shall be well with you'. God's Word must be taken seriously. My father in the Lord once went to conduct a revival service in our church in Ilorin, Nigeria. During the meeting, he was moved by the Holy Spirit to ask those who were trusting God for the fruit of the womb to go shopping for baby's things. A woman heard this, believed the man of God and agreed with his prophetic declaration. As she got home, she bought a baby cot and clothes for a baby boy and kept them in a conspicuous place for all to see. Not long after, she became the laughing stock of the community. Undeterred, she held on to the pronouncement of the man of God. Exactly nine months later, when the baby boy was born, it was now her time to laugh. Have you become an object of ridicule? Sorrow not! It is your turn to laugh.
Read: Matthew 18:19-20
There is power in prayer. There is much power in agreement prayers. In Luke 1:37, the angel Gabriel told Mary that conceiving a baby boy without having sexual intercourse with Joseph was not an impossibility with God. Most things that are done on earth come in different stages. God can skip one or more stages to effect what He wants and nobody can challenge Him. When Jarius was told that his sick daughter has died, Jesus simply told him not to fear (Mark 5:35-42). What is that evil news that was delivered to you? The Lord is saying to you, 'Fear not. It shall be well with you'. God's Word must be taken seriously. My father in the Lord once went to conduct a revival service in our church in Ilorin, Nigeria. During the meeting, he was moved by the Holy Spirit to ask those who were trusting God for the fruit of the womb to go shopping for baby's things. A woman heard this, believed the man of God and agreed with his prophetic declaration. As she got home, she bought a baby cot and clothes for a baby boy and kept them in a conspicuous place for all to see. Not long after, she became the laughing stock of the community. Undeterred, she held on to the pronouncement of the man of God. Exactly nine months later, when the baby boy was born, it was now her time to laugh. Have you become an object of ridicule? Sorrow not! It is your turn to laugh.
MAXIMIZING OPENINGS
Memorise: "Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men" (Prov 22:29)
Read: Ephesians 4:26-28
The one who will flourish will need God's favour. That fellow will also need to be hard working because God cannot prosper the lazy. I have seen several people who want to flourish but they don't want to work hard. Sometimes, when I go round in the Redemption camp at 10 am, I see some church workers lazying around and eating. Those who will flourish are early risers. They work while others are asleep. To excel or reach the top, you must know how to effectively channel your energy towards work. Hebrews 11:6 says for God to reward you, you must first demonstrate diligence in seeking Him. Proverbs 22:29 says God has one place for the diligent - the top.
Read: Ephesians 4:26-28
The one who will flourish will need God's favour. That fellow will also need to be hard working because God cannot prosper the lazy. I have seen several people who want to flourish but they don't want to work hard. Sometimes, when I go round in the Redemption camp at 10 am, I see some church workers lazying around and eating. Those who will flourish are early risers. They work while others are asleep. To excel or reach the top, you must know how to effectively channel your energy towards work. Hebrews 11:6 says for God to reward you, you must first demonstrate diligence in seeking Him. Proverbs 22:29 says God has one place for the diligent - the top.
COMMUNION AND ETERNITY
Memorise: "For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come " (1 Cor 11:26)
Read: 1 Corinthians 11:24-30
Since man is a tripartite being comprising spirit, soul and body, challenges equally come to him from those areas. Two major challenges that will confront man in the spirit realm are spiritual bondage and eternity. Concerning spiritual bondage, you will notice that immediately after Israel ate the Passover meal in Exodus 12:33, an end came to their slavery of over 400 years. Those who held them and had vowed to hold them forever began to beg them to leave. They were in a hurry to let them off. They could not stand them any more, not even for a second! John 8:36 says, "If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed". One major avenue for accessing freedom from bondage is through the Holy Communion. As you take the next Communion with the Lord, everything holding you bound will let you go in Jesus' Name
Read: 1 Corinthians 11:24-30
Since man is a tripartite being comprising spirit, soul and body, challenges equally come to him from those areas. Two major challenges that will confront man in the spirit realm are spiritual bondage and eternity. Concerning spiritual bondage, you will notice that immediately after Israel ate the Passover meal in Exodus 12:33, an end came to their slavery of over 400 years. Those who held them and had vowed to hold them forever began to beg them to leave. They were in a hurry to let them off. They could not stand them any more, not even for a second! John 8:36 says, "If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed". One major avenue for accessing freedom from bondage is through the Holy Communion. As you take the next Communion with the Lord, everything holding you bound will let you go in Jesus' Name
ANOINTED FOR A PURPOSE
Memorise: "The spirit of the LORD is upon me, because He hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised" (Luke 4:18)
Read: Isaiah 61:1-3
According to Isaiah 61:1-3, there is a purpose for anointing to come on an individual. You are not anointed to wear flamboyant clothes and begin to globetrot. You are not anointed to make merchandise of the gifts and calling of God on your life. On the contrary, the anointing is for healing the sick, setting the captives free, making the barren fruitful, replacing sorrow with joy and moving the impoverished into prosperity so that the One who anointed you may be glorified. To what extent does the anointing on you impact those in need of it? In 1 Samuel 1:17, prophet Eli made a simple pronouncement on Hannah's request. He said, 'May your request be granted'. It was the anointing on him that brought that pronouncement into reality. Similarly, when confronted with the generous rich woman of Shunem whose 'but' was a long standing case of barrenness, Elisha simply said, 'This time next year, you will embrace a son'. Although she expressed doubt, he however did not waste his time trying to convince her of the power in his decrees because he knew that pronouncement would be effected by the power of the double portion anointing on him. Today, by the anointing of God upon my life, I decree that it shall be well with you.
Read: Isaiah 61:1-3
According to Isaiah 61:1-3, there is a purpose for anointing to come on an individual. You are not anointed to wear flamboyant clothes and begin to globetrot. You are not anointed to make merchandise of the gifts and calling of God on your life. On the contrary, the anointing is for healing the sick, setting the captives free, making the barren fruitful, replacing sorrow with joy and moving the impoverished into prosperity so that the One who anointed you may be glorified. To what extent does the anointing on you impact those in need of it? In 1 Samuel 1:17, prophet Eli made a simple pronouncement on Hannah's request. He said, 'May your request be granted'. It was the anointing on him that brought that pronouncement into reality. Similarly, when confronted with the generous rich woman of Shunem whose 'but' was a long standing case of barrenness, Elisha simply said, 'This time next year, you will embrace a son'. Although she expressed doubt, he however did not waste his time trying to convince her of the power in his decrees because he knew that pronouncement would be effected by the power of the double portion anointing on him. Today, by the anointing of God upon my life, I decree that it shall be well with you.
THE UNLIMITED ALLY
Memorise: "And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham" (Matt 3:9)
Read: Matthew 3:7-9
"But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members" (Romans 7:23).
In Romans 7:15-25, Paul talks of the ongoing battle he was caught up in. Inside him was an ongoing war. It was a winner takes all situation. If he lost, he would be enslaved to his flesh permanently. But thank God he was able to get a reliable ally - the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave him the victory. Are you having problems with the flesh? Run to the Lord today!
Read: Matthew 3:7-9
"But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members" (Romans 7:23).
In Romans 7:15-25, Paul talks of the ongoing battle he was caught up in. Inside him was an ongoing war. It was a winner takes all situation. If he lost, he would be enslaved to his flesh permanently. But thank God he was able to get a reliable ally - the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave him the victory. Are you having problems with the flesh? Run to the Lord today!
CASTING LOTS?
Memorise: "Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge" (Heb 13:4)
Read: Acts 1:15-26
"Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge" (Heb 13:4).
Marriage is an honourable thing. God created it so. But when the honour in marriage is lost, what is left becomes a thing of shame. Today, the homes of many are left in shameful ruins. Two major ways of destroying the most important virtue of the marriage institution are: premarital sex- especially during courtship and extra- marital sex which is having sexual relations with one who is not your lawfully wedded spouse; either way, your honour is eroded and your marriage left in shame. If you keep your bed undefiled before or after marriage, you are not doing anyone a favour except yourself. Sins committed during courtship always hinder prayers after marriage. The devil will ask: 'With what mouth are you asking?' The scourge of HIV/AIDS does not even put fear in the hearts of some people. Like an advert says, AIDS does not show on the face. You do not know if that person asking you to sleep with him is about to deliver that dreaded disease and ruin your beautiful future. Be warned!
Read: Acts 1:15-26
"Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge" (Heb 13:4).
Marriage is an honourable thing. God created it so. But when the honour in marriage is lost, what is left becomes a thing of shame. Today, the homes of many are left in shameful ruins. Two major ways of destroying the most important virtue of the marriage institution are: premarital sex- especially during courtship and extra- marital sex which is having sexual relations with one who is not your lawfully wedded spouse; either way, your honour is eroded and your marriage left in shame. If you keep your bed undefiled before or after marriage, you are not doing anyone a favour except yourself. Sins committed during courtship always hinder prayers after marriage. The devil will ask: 'With what mouth are you asking?' The scourge of HIV/AIDS does not even put fear in the hearts of some people. Like an advert says, AIDS does not show on the face. You do not know if that person asking you to sleep with him is about to deliver that dreaded disease and ruin your beautiful future. Be warned!
DOUBLE DESCENT
Memorise: "But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world" (1 Cor 11:32)
Read: Judges 16:20-21
Samson rose from fornicating with an harlot and the anointing kept flowing. He kept violating God's laws without any obvious repercussion until his cup was full. If you are defaulting in tithes and your business appears booming, fear! If you are lusting after the opposite sex, harbouring unclean thoughts or possessing an unforgiving spirit yet everything appears normal, fear! It could be that God has abandoned you like Ephraim. "But the Philistines took him, and put out his eyes, and brought him down to Gaza, and bound him with fetters of brass; and he did grind in the prison house" (Judges 16:21). This scripture describes what happens to the one forsaken by God. First, the fellow becomes a captive of the enemies. If Christ is no longer your Lord, Satan will take over the government of your life. And Satan is the worst slave driver ever known. Are you in your enemy's net? How did you get there? It is possible you were captured because of your persistently descending into sin and disobedience. If you once had something to live for, the moment you descend into sin, it will no longer be your priority. Spiritual goals will be abandoned. Sometimes, even secular, material or academic goals could be abandoned. Sin is the greatest robber of vision and spiritual sight! Do you have a vision for your life?
Read: Judges 16:20-21
Samson rose from fornicating with an harlot and the anointing kept flowing. He kept violating God's laws without any obvious repercussion until his cup was full. If you are defaulting in tithes and your business appears booming, fear! If you are lusting after the opposite sex, harbouring unclean thoughts or possessing an unforgiving spirit yet everything appears normal, fear! It could be that God has abandoned you like Ephraim. "But the Philistines took him, and put out his eyes, and brought him down to Gaza, and bound him with fetters of brass; and he did grind in the prison house" (Judges 16:21). This scripture describes what happens to the one forsaken by God. First, the fellow becomes a captive of the enemies. If Christ is no longer your Lord, Satan will take over the government of your life. And Satan is the worst slave driver ever known. Are you in your enemy's net? How did you get there? It is possible you were captured because of your persistently descending into sin and disobedience. If you once had something to live for, the moment you descend into sin, it will no longer be your priority. Spiritual goals will be abandoned. Sometimes, even secular, material or academic goals could be abandoned. Sin is the greatest robber of vision and spiritual sight! Do you have a vision for your life?
RELEASING PENDING BENEFITS
Memorise: "And the LORD gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they lent unto them such things as they required. And they spoiled the Egyptians" (Exodus 12:36)
Read: Exodus 12:35:36
The Holy Communion can bring healing to your sick body. Besides physical sickness and pains, man also faces material challenges. Proverbs 10:15 says poverty destroys. This means that the poor is already being destroyed. This is why God did not allow the children of Israel to leave Egypt empty handed; freedom without wealth is meaningless. The rich will always rule over the poor. No matter how many times the poor proclaims his freedom, he remains a slave of the rich. Proverbs 13:22 says the wealth of sinners are reserved for the righteous. In Exodus 12:35-36, the Bible records that the spoilers became the spoiled. After taking that uncommon meal, the wealth of the Egyptians was forcefully transferred to the Israelites and the wages of 430 years were paid up. Are you being owed some money? Did you execute a contract and up till now you have not been paid? Do you know that taking the Holy Communion could compel your debtors to pay you? As you go for the next Communion, key into this and ask that all your pending salary arrears, contract payments, and benefits be released to you immediately. Have you retired and the government has not paid you your entitlement? Do not fight them physically; take it to the Lord's table and release your faith during this Supper and all your entitlement will be forcefully released to you. Whoever is owing you will lose sleep, peace, rest or even good health after that meal until full payment is made to you. The Lord is about to give a user of this Devotional a testimony in this direction this season.
Read: Exodus 12:35:36
The Holy Communion can bring healing to your sick body. Besides physical sickness and pains, man also faces material challenges. Proverbs 10:15 says poverty destroys. This means that the poor is already being destroyed. This is why God did not allow the children of Israel to leave Egypt empty handed; freedom without wealth is meaningless. The rich will always rule over the poor. No matter how many times the poor proclaims his freedom, he remains a slave of the rich. Proverbs 13:22 says the wealth of sinners are reserved for the righteous. In Exodus 12:35-36, the Bible records that the spoilers became the spoiled. After taking that uncommon meal, the wealth of the Egyptians was forcefully transferred to the Israelites and the wages of 430 years were paid up. Are you being owed some money? Did you execute a contract and up till now you have not been paid? Do you know that taking the Holy Communion could compel your debtors to pay you? As you go for the next Communion, key into this and ask that all your pending salary arrears, contract payments, and benefits be released to you immediately. Have you retired and the government has not paid you your entitlement? Do not fight them physically; take it to the Lord's table and release your faith during this Supper and all your entitlement will be forcefully released to you. Whoever is owing you will lose sleep, peace, rest or even good health after that meal until full payment is made to you. The Lord is about to give a user of this Devotional a testimony in this direction this season.
COMBINING FAITH WITH SEED
Memorise: "But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?" (James 2:20)
Read: Romans 8:27-28
A brother had some dollars which he had purposed to use for something. He kept the money in the inner pocket of one of his jackets. Later, while going for a special church service, he 'mistakenly' put on the jacket he had planned not to use. During offering time, a call was made for a special offering. Everyone was asked to give their best. As he dipped his hand into his inner pocket, he brought out the dollars. He almost screamed as he realized his 'mistake'. While attempting to return the money, the Lord asked him to drop it. That was a hard buy! After moments of struggling, he finally dropped all the dollars into the offering, blaming himself for the mistake. A few days later, he got a financial breakthrough that exceeded his expectations. He immediately by the witness of the Holy Spirit traced the harvest to that offering. Then he thanked God for his 'mistake'. The mistake that will compel you to enter into your harvest, the Lord will cause you to make this season in Jesus' Name.
If you sow in tears, you will reap in joy (Psalm 126:5). If you combine your seed with your faith, you will achieve a good outcome. Sometime ago, I went to visit our missionaries in Ghana. After the visit, they accompanied me to the airport. Since my driver will be waiting for me at the airport at Ikeja, Lagos, I decided to give all I had to the missionaries. Moments later, it was announced that the airbus that should take us to Nigeria will first stop over in Sierra Leone. Suddenly hunger pangs hit me hard. I was not fasting and now I had no money to buy some food. At some point it occurred to me to make a decree. So I decreed that the officers of Ghana Airways will not rest until I left Ghana. Five minutes later, all the officers rushed to us upstairs and asked if those of us going to Nigeria were hungry. They served us cake and soft drinks and gave me double portion. Before I was through with the meal, it was announced that the airbus taking us would now first stop over in Nigeria before heading for Sierra Leone. While about to board the plane, I reversed my earlier decree and said the airline officials can now have their peace. If your sacrificial seed is backed by faith, it can work wonders for you.
Faith without a seed delivers scanty or empty harvest but faith backed by a sacrificial seed yields great results.
Read: Romans 8:27-28
A brother had some dollars which he had purposed to use for something. He kept the money in the inner pocket of one of his jackets. Later, while going for a special church service, he 'mistakenly' put on the jacket he had planned not to use. During offering time, a call was made for a special offering. Everyone was asked to give their best. As he dipped his hand into his inner pocket, he brought out the dollars. He almost screamed as he realized his 'mistake'. While attempting to return the money, the Lord asked him to drop it. That was a hard buy! After moments of struggling, he finally dropped all the dollars into the offering, blaming himself for the mistake. A few days later, he got a financial breakthrough that exceeded his expectations. He immediately by the witness of the Holy Spirit traced the harvest to that offering. Then he thanked God for his 'mistake'. The mistake that will compel you to enter into your harvest, the Lord will cause you to make this season in Jesus' Name.
If you sow in tears, you will reap in joy (Psalm 126:5). If you combine your seed with your faith, you will achieve a good outcome. Sometime ago, I went to visit our missionaries in Ghana. After the visit, they accompanied me to the airport. Since my driver will be waiting for me at the airport at Ikeja, Lagos, I decided to give all I had to the missionaries. Moments later, it was announced that the airbus that should take us to Nigeria will first stop over in Sierra Leone. Suddenly hunger pangs hit me hard. I was not fasting and now I had no money to buy some food. At some point it occurred to me to make a decree. So I decreed that the officers of Ghana Airways will not rest until I left Ghana. Five minutes later, all the officers rushed to us upstairs and asked if those of us going to Nigeria were hungry. They served us cake and soft drinks and gave me double portion. Before I was through with the meal, it was announced that the airbus taking us would now first stop over in Nigeria before heading for Sierra Leone. While about to board the plane, I reversed my earlier decree and said the airline officials can now have their peace. If your sacrificial seed is backed by faith, it can work wonders for you.
Faith without a seed delivers scanty or empty harvest but faith backed by a sacrificial seed yields great results.
IT IS WAR
Memorise: "But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members" (Rom 7:23)
Read: Romans 7:15-25
Life is full of battles. What determines whether you would be a victim or victor in the battles of life is who you choose as your ally. May the Prince of Peace be your ally. Take sickness as an example: In Mark 5:25-34, we read about a woman with the issue of blood. She went through a lot in her battle with that sickness. If sickness is fun to you, just ask for stomach pain for just one hour then you will know it is war. Every agent of sickness fighting against your health shall be destroyed. Poverty is also war. Proverbs 10:15 says, "The rich man's wealth is his strong city: the destruction of the poor is their poverty". This means that poverty destroys. The poor is a victim or captive of the spirit of poverty. The poor who refuses to fight the spirit of poverty will die poor. Besides, poverty makes your relations to hate or look down on you (Pro 14:20). That means if you refuse to fight against poverty, those who should have become your friends will turn enemies. If you do not want to lose your loved ones, you must win the battle against poverty. Poverty shuts you up. It robs you of your right to freedom of speech. The foolish ideas and opinions of the rich are heard at the roof tops while the most brilliant ideas of the poor are unheard. In anyway poverty has shut you up, the Lord will help you silence that spirit.
Read: Romans 7:15-25
Life is full of battles. What determines whether you would be a victim or victor in the battles of life is who you choose as your ally. May the Prince of Peace be your ally. Take sickness as an example: In Mark 5:25-34, we read about a woman with the issue of blood. She went through a lot in her battle with that sickness. If sickness is fun to you, just ask for stomach pain for just one hour then you will know it is war. Every agent of sickness fighting against your health shall be destroyed. Poverty is also war. Proverbs 10:15 says, "The rich man's wealth is his strong city: the destruction of the poor is their poverty". This means that poverty destroys. The poor is a victim or captive of the spirit of poverty. The poor who refuses to fight the spirit of poverty will die poor. Besides, poverty makes your relations to hate or look down on you (Pro 14:20). That means if you refuse to fight against poverty, those who should have become your friends will turn enemies. If you do not want to lose your loved ones, you must win the battle against poverty. Poverty shuts you up. It robs you of your right to freedom of speech. The foolish ideas and opinions of the rich are heard at the roof tops while the most brilliant ideas of the poor are unheard. In anyway poverty has shut you up, the Lord will help you silence that spirit.
ERODING YOUR VALUE?
Memorise: "For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's " (1 Cor 6:20)
Read: 1 Corinthians 6:13-20
Marrying an unbeliever is no option for anyone who has truly believed in Jesus Christ. If your partner is already making life unbearable during your courtship, go back and pray before it is too late. In addition, do not agree to choose somebody just because he says he has been born again for three or more years. Check out the fruit! Why? Many people give being born again different meanings. This is why I employ you to choose believers within the Body of Christ so that you can speak the same spiritual language. Today, there are some armed robbers who claim to be born again but still engage in their nefarious activities. There are fraudsters who make a lot of money through internet scams yet claim to be born again. It is possible that because of their financial backing, their pastors have refused to investigate their sources of income but rather placed them in positions of leadership. Beware! Some years ago, in one of the universities where I taught and fellowshipped, we declared a fast. During this spiritual exercise, one of the lecturers who claimed to be born again came out to testify. He said he used to smoke 17 sticks of cigarettes per day but now smokes only 15. Reduction in sinful indulgence is not the same as salvation. It is a complete overhaul of your spirit man. In Genesis 24:1-4, Abraham warned his servant not to choose a wife for Isaac from among the Canaanites but from his people. Avoid the Canaanites even in your church!
Read: 1 Corinthians 6:13-20
Marrying an unbeliever is no option for anyone who has truly believed in Jesus Christ. If your partner is already making life unbearable during your courtship, go back and pray before it is too late. In addition, do not agree to choose somebody just because he says he has been born again for three or more years. Check out the fruit! Why? Many people give being born again different meanings. This is why I employ you to choose believers within the Body of Christ so that you can speak the same spiritual language. Today, there are some armed robbers who claim to be born again but still engage in their nefarious activities. There are fraudsters who make a lot of money through internet scams yet claim to be born again. It is possible that because of their financial backing, their pastors have refused to investigate their sources of income but rather placed them in positions of leadership. Beware! Some years ago, in one of the universities where I taught and fellowshipped, we declared a fast. During this spiritual exercise, one of the lecturers who claimed to be born again came out to testify. He said he used to smoke 17 sticks of cigarettes per day but now smokes only 15. Reduction in sinful indulgence is not the same as salvation. It is a complete overhaul of your spirit man. In Genesis 24:1-4, Abraham warned his servant not to choose a wife for Isaac from among the Canaanites but from his people. Avoid the Canaanites even in your church!
Saturday, August 6, 2011
SPENDING LAST GRACE?
Memorise: "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? " (Romans 6:1)
Read: Romans 6:1-2
"But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons" (Heb 12:8).
There is a pit of error many are falling into without realizing it. When you claim to be a child of God yet commit sin but do not get disciplined, and you are beginning to think that God is overlooking your sin, you are in error! You have descended from sonship into bastardhood. Samson fell into that pit. In Judges 16:1-3, Samson went to commit fornication with an harlot, yet on rising, the anointing was still there to uproot the enemy's gate and carry it to a hill. Some people are doing all sorts of abominable things today and it seems like they are getting away with it. Some are stealing and cheating and still performing miracles. In fact, some have turned the vestry into a brothel. They don't need to go out; they turn some female counselees into prostitutes and from there mount the podium to preach. Yet, it appears the anointing is still flowing like Samson, they continue in their descent into the pit of sin until they exhaust God's grace. If you continue in sin and you are not being disciplined, you are facing the most dangerous scenario of your life. There are some men who will divorce their wives and remarry someone else, yet things appear better for them
Read: Romans 6:1-2
"But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons" (Heb 12:8).
There is a pit of error many are falling into without realizing it. When you claim to be a child of God yet commit sin but do not get disciplined, and you are beginning to think that God is overlooking your sin, you are in error! You have descended from sonship into bastardhood. Samson fell into that pit. In Judges 16:1-3, Samson went to commit fornication with an harlot, yet on rising, the anointing was still there to uproot the enemy's gate and carry it to a hill. Some people are doing all sorts of abominable things today and it seems like they are getting away with it. Some are stealing and cheating and still performing miracles. In fact, some have turned the vestry into a brothel. They don't need to go out; they turn some female counselees into prostitutes and from there mount the podium to preach. Yet, it appears the anointing is still flowing like Samson, they continue in their descent into the pit of sin until they exhaust God's grace. If you continue in sin and you are not being disciplined, you are facing the most dangerous scenario of your life. There are some men who will divorce their wives and remarry someone else, yet things appear better for them
GLORY ABSORBS REPROACH
Memorise: "And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not" (John 1:5)
Read: 2 Kings 5:1-14
Glory is the opposite of shame, failure, and defeat. Glory is also the opposite of reproach. Reproach is a 'but' in the life of someone. It is something that causes grief whenever you remember it. Reproach is something that causes people to hang their heads in shame even when every other thing appears to go well. It is that thing that rubbishes every good thing you have. In 2 Kings 5:1-14, we read about Naaman with such outstanding credentials but he had the most notorious disease in their day - leprosy. A reproach is that thing that makes you to wonder if your God is alive (Psalm 115:1-3). The Lord is bringing an end to that 'but' in your life this season. For a user of this Devotional, the Lord is bringing an end to the pain and sorrow caused your family by that impossible child. The Lord is turning your reproach around in Jesus' Name. Other things that are opposites of glory are loneliness, curse, fear, barrenness, poverty, etc. In whatever way these have manifested in your life, an end has come to them today.
Read: 2 Kings 5:1-14
Glory is the opposite of shame, failure, and defeat. Glory is also the opposite of reproach. Reproach is a 'but' in the life of someone. It is something that causes grief whenever you remember it. Reproach is something that causes people to hang their heads in shame even when every other thing appears to go well. It is that thing that rubbishes every good thing you have. In 2 Kings 5:1-14, we read about Naaman with such outstanding credentials but he had the most notorious disease in their day - leprosy. A reproach is that thing that makes you to wonder if your God is alive (Psalm 115:1-3). The Lord is bringing an end to that 'but' in your life this season. For a user of this Devotional, the Lord is bringing an end to the pain and sorrow caused your family by that impossible child. The Lord is turning your reproach around in Jesus' Name. Other things that are opposites of glory are loneliness, curse, fear, barrenness, poverty, etc. In whatever way these have manifested in your life, an end has come to them today.
FAVOURED
Memorise: "But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD" (Gen 6:8)
Read: Genesis 6:5-8
My first trip from Nigeria to Canada was on board a Nigeria Airways airbus. It was billed to take me to London and from there, I would connect a flight through British Airways. By the time the Nigeria Airways airbus arrived London, the British Airways had left. We were late. Being my first trip outside Nigeria, I was at a loss. However, the lady at the British Airways counter dismissed my fears, noted a few things, booked me into a hotel, gave me a meal ticket and led me to where to catch the bus to my hotel. I thanked her and while collecting the materials she handed to me, she placed a call to Nigeria Airways informing them of the hotel reservation she had made for me. An argument ensued between her and the fellow she was speaking with so I quickly took my leave. The following morning, on return to the airport, I got to know that everyone who missed the British Airways plane like myself slept at the airport. God simply singled me out for favour.
Read: Genesis 6:5-8
My first trip from Nigeria to Canada was on board a Nigeria Airways airbus. It was billed to take me to London and from there, I would connect a flight through British Airways. By the time the Nigeria Airways airbus arrived London, the British Airways had left. We were late. Being my first trip outside Nigeria, I was at a loss. However, the lady at the British Airways counter dismissed my fears, noted a few things, booked me into a hotel, gave me a meal ticket and led me to where to catch the bus to my hotel. I thanked her and while collecting the materials she handed to me, she placed a call to Nigeria Airways informing them of the hotel reservation she had made for me. An argument ensued between her and the fellow she was speaking with so I quickly took my leave. The following morning, on return to the airport, I got to know that everyone who missed the British Airways plane like myself slept at the airport. God simply singled me out for favour.
HEALING POSSIBLE
Memorise: "But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you" (Rom 8:11).
Read: Exodus 12:30-33
"And the Egyptians were urgent upon the people, that they might send them out of the land in haste; for they said, We be all dead men" (Exodus 12:33).
One meal that can force your captors to release you in haste is the Holy Communion. It is a victory meal. The night the children of Israel ate it, they became instant winners. The enemies who had enslaved them for 430 years could not keep them a second longer. As you take the Holy Communion this period, everything thing tying you down will let go of you in Jesus' Name. According to 1 Thessalonians 5:23, man is a trinity comprising spirit, soul and body. As a result of this, man faces challenges in those three realms - spirit, soul and body. In the body, man can have challenges in two aspects - physically and materially. The body could be physically burdened with sickness, pain, etc. Luke 13:11-13 talks of a woman who suffered from a spirit of infirmity for 18 years. The spirit of infirmity is a demon that attacks the body. But through the power of the Holy Communion, that demon can be defeated.
Read: Exodus 12:30-33
"And the Egyptians were urgent upon the people, that they might send them out of the land in haste; for they said, We be all dead men" (Exodus 12:33).
One meal that can force your captors to release you in haste is the Holy Communion. It is a victory meal. The night the children of Israel ate it, they became instant winners. The enemies who had enslaved them for 430 years could not keep them a second longer. As you take the Holy Communion this period, everything thing tying you down will let go of you in Jesus' Name. According to 1 Thessalonians 5:23, man is a trinity comprising spirit, soul and body. As a result of this, man faces challenges in those three realms - spirit, soul and body. In the body, man can have challenges in two aspects - physically and materially. The body could be physically burdened with sickness, pain, etc. Luke 13:11-13 talks of a woman who suffered from a spirit of infirmity for 18 years. The spirit of infirmity is a demon that attacks the body. But through the power of the Holy Communion, that demon can be defeated.
SOWING IN TEARS
Memorise: "They that sow in tears shall reap in joy" (Psalm 126:5)
Read: Psalm 126:5-6
Sowing can be a very challenging thing to do. Psalm 126:6 says, "He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him". One thing you will note from today's passage is that you may need to sow in tears so as to change your life. The seed that will move you to your next level may bring tears to your eyes. God asks hard and gives without limits. If you keep sowing without parting with your Isaac, you may not receive your desired harvest, or it may take you so long to get there. With most believers, the problem is not in being ignorant of what to give but in being able to make the sacrifice. If God tells you what to give but you refuse, do not expect to leave where you are in a long time. Isaiah 1:19 says you must combine willingness with obedience if you must enter your harvest. Has God showed you what to give in order to relocate to the next level? Does the price appear too costly? Simply obey in tears. Sow in tears and you will reap in joy. A minister who had been anointed and used of God to a level wanted to move to the next level. Then the Lord told him to sow five hours of prayers into every message before going to the pulpit but he considered it too much a price to pay and remained on his former level for long.
Read: Psalm 126:5-6
Sowing can be a very challenging thing to do. Psalm 126:6 says, "He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him". One thing you will note from today's passage is that you may need to sow in tears so as to change your life. The seed that will move you to your next level may bring tears to your eyes. God asks hard and gives without limits. If you keep sowing without parting with your Isaac, you may not receive your desired harvest, or it may take you so long to get there. With most believers, the problem is not in being ignorant of what to give but in being able to make the sacrifice. If God tells you what to give but you refuse, do not expect to leave where you are in a long time. Isaiah 1:19 says you must combine willingness with obedience if you must enter your harvest. Has God showed you what to give in order to relocate to the next level? Does the price appear too costly? Simply obey in tears. Sow in tears and you will reap in joy. A minister who had been anointed and used of God to a level wanted to move to the next level. Then the Lord told him to sow five hours of prayers into every message before going to the pulpit but he considered it too much a price to pay and remained on his former level for long.
WHO'S YOUR ALLY?
Memorise: "What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?" (Rom 8:31)
Read: Romans 8:30-33
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6).
In life, things come in twos: A day is incomplete without the presence of day and night (Gen 1:31). You cannot have two days without a night in-between. You have joy and sorrow, war and peace. At the delivery of a baby, there is the presence of two - the baby and the placenta. The former is embraced while the latter is discarded. It is no news that life is war. Right from birth we are at war. The birth pangs and travails of child birth prove this. When you were born, you were in a pool of blood. You were not laughing but crying. Some children may not even survive that delivery. Some who were safely delivered may not survive the war for a week. Thank God you survived to see this day.
At birth, everyone came into this world naked irrespective of their antecedents. No one came with some money in his hands. So for you to make a success out of life, you must fight. Besides success, sickness is war. You would have to fight to remain healthy. Poverty is another fight you must win. So also is marriage. If everyone is born naked and physically empty, how come some end up rich while others are poor, some great while others ordinary? Some people think it's all a matter of luck or a game of chance. This is not true! Those who win the battles of life only succeed because they have a good ally. Why do you think your parents wanted you to go to the best school? It is because they wanted the best teacher to be your ally so that you can win the battle to the top. All those who believe you will never amount to anything will receive the greatest shock of their lives. You will not only become something, but also be what God has planned for you to be. What is that battle currently engaging you? The Lord will give you victory this season in Jesus' Name. According to Romans 8:31, if you are rightly connected to God, you will be sure of winning the battles against your life. Every enemy that has lifted weapon, voice or hands against you shall be truncated. The Lord will show up as your ally and take over the battles of your life. It shall be well with you.
Father, thank You for being my greatest ally. As I go through the battles of life, fight for me.
Read: Romans 8:30-33
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6).
In life, things come in twos: A day is incomplete without the presence of day and night (Gen 1:31). You cannot have two days without a night in-between. You have joy and sorrow, war and peace. At the delivery of a baby, there is the presence of two - the baby and the placenta. The former is embraced while the latter is discarded. It is no news that life is war. Right from birth we are at war. The birth pangs and travails of child birth prove this. When you were born, you were in a pool of blood. You were not laughing but crying. Some children may not even survive that delivery. Some who were safely delivered may not survive the war for a week. Thank God you survived to see this day.
At birth, everyone came into this world naked irrespective of their antecedents. No one came with some money in his hands. So for you to make a success out of life, you must fight. Besides success, sickness is war. You would have to fight to remain healthy. Poverty is another fight you must win. So also is marriage. If everyone is born naked and physically empty, how come some end up rich while others are poor, some great while others ordinary? Some people think it's all a matter of luck or a game of chance. This is not true! Those who win the battles of life only succeed because they have a good ally. Why do you think your parents wanted you to go to the best school? It is because they wanted the best teacher to be your ally so that you can win the battle to the top. All those who believe you will never amount to anything will receive the greatest shock of their lives. You will not only become something, but also be what God has planned for you to be. What is that battle currently engaging you? The Lord will give you victory this season in Jesus' Name. According to Romans 8:31, if you are rightly connected to God, you will be sure of winning the battles against your life. Every enemy that has lifted weapon, voice or hands against you shall be truncated. The Lord will show up as your ally and take over the battles of your life. It shall be well with you.
Father, thank You for being my greatest ally. As I go through the battles of life, fight for me.
NOTHING TO OFFER
Memorise: "And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?" (2 Cor 6:15)
Read: 2 Corinthians 6:14-18
The Bible has warnings to prevent intending couples from derailing their trip to marriage. For every single and searching brother or sister, care must be taken on the issue of choice in marriage. First, you must never choose an unbeliever as your life partner. Believing that you can convert him later is the greatest gamble and deception you could get yourself into. You may say He is very nice and a complete gentleman just that he is not born again. Or, that she is a very pleasant, polite and courteous lady only that she is not born again. The fact that she is not born again makes all the difference! If you are able to get hooked to the right partner, your heaven has started on earth: but if you marry the wrong partner, you will start burning in hell on earth before you go there. As a believer in Christ, you are standing on the rock. But that unbeliever is on sinking sand or miry clay, and if you attempt to pull him up, you have a 50 - 50 chance of succeeding or failing. According to today's reading, you have no communion, concord, part, agreement, or fellowship with an unbeliever. The unbeliever cannot offer you any of these in marriage so you are only wasting your time but digging a grave for yourself. Break that relationship today!
Read: 2 Corinthians 6:14-18
The Bible has warnings to prevent intending couples from derailing their trip to marriage. For every single and searching brother or sister, care must be taken on the issue of choice in marriage. First, you must never choose an unbeliever as your life partner. Believing that you can convert him later is the greatest gamble and deception you could get yourself into. You may say He is very nice and a complete gentleman just that he is not born again. Or, that she is a very pleasant, polite and courteous lady only that she is not born again. The fact that she is not born again makes all the difference! If you are able to get hooked to the right partner, your heaven has started on earth: but if you marry the wrong partner, you will start burning in hell on earth before you go there. As a believer in Christ, you are standing on the rock. But that unbeliever is on sinking sand or miry clay, and if you attempt to pull him up, you have a 50 - 50 chance of succeeding or failing. According to today's reading, you have no communion, concord, part, agreement, or fellowship with an unbeliever. The unbeliever cannot offer you any of these in marriage so you are only wasting your time but digging a grave for yourself. Break that relationship today!
NOT THE ULTIMATE
Memorise: "Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God" (Heb 6:1)
Read: Acts 2:41-43
"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth" (Acts 1:8).
After the Early Church received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the disciples did not go to sleep. They sought God and obeyed Him and this was why the Pentecostal fire continued to burn. However, in today's church, it is assumed that once you are born again and baptized in the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues, you have attained the greatest spiritual height. No wonder they go into spiritual slumber! Now to ask yourself: Why is it that the Early Church received the Holy Spirit and was full of signs and wonders but today's Church receives the same Holy Spirit yet we hardly see any sign or wonder? Could it be that the Holy Spirit they received then is not the One we receive today? Or is it that God is partial by favouring the Early Church above the Latter Church?
Read: Acts 2:41-43
"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth" (Acts 1:8).
After the Early Church received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the disciples did not go to sleep. They sought God and obeyed Him and this was why the Pentecostal fire continued to burn. However, in today's church, it is assumed that once you are born again and baptized in the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues, you have attained the greatest spiritual height. No wonder they go into spiritual slumber! Now to ask yourself: Why is it that the Early Church received the Holy Spirit and was full of signs and wonders but today's Church receives the same Holy Spirit yet we hardly see any sign or wonder? Could it be that the Holy Spirit they received then is not the One we receive today? Or is it that God is partial by favouring the Early Church above the Latter Church?
WHAT GLORY IS NOT
Memorise: "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed" (Isa 53:5)
Read: Isaiah 53:1-8
From personal experience, it is a bit difficult to examine glory. Let us attempt to have an understanding of this subject by looking at what glory is not. Proverbs 3:35 says, "The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools". It is obvious from this scripture that glory is the opposite of shame. The best way to understand shame is by experiencing it. Joel 2:26-27 says God's people shall never be ashamed. You were divinely absolved of shame when Jesus went through that experience (Isaiah 53:1-8). His bruised and beaten body is the receipt for your shame. Every plan of the enemy to bring you to shame shall be disappointed and frustrated. Failure is also opposite of glory. If you fail in your examination, you cannot be celebrating on your way home. Every cause of failure in your life is terminated in Jesus' Name. In areas you have failed, the Lord will give you success from today.
Read: Isaiah 53:1-8
From personal experience, it is a bit difficult to examine glory. Let us attempt to have an understanding of this subject by looking at what glory is not. Proverbs 3:35 says, "The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools". It is obvious from this scripture that glory is the opposite of shame. The best way to understand shame is by experiencing it. Joel 2:26-27 says God's people shall never be ashamed. You were divinely absolved of shame when Jesus went through that experience (Isaiah 53:1-8). His bruised and beaten body is the receipt for your shame. Every plan of the enemy to bring you to shame shall be disappointed and frustrated. Failure is also opposite of glory. If you fail in your examination, you cannot be celebrating on your way home. Every cause of failure in your life is terminated in Jesus' Name. In areas you have failed, the Lord will give you success from today.
COMMITTED TO SERVE
Memorise: "Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth " (Eph 4:28)
Read: 1 Kings 19:19-21
Elisha's response to the call to service is an outstanding case study in commitment, loyalty and faithfulness. The day Elijah threw his mantle on him, he left everything and went after the man of God. Although he was of rich parents, he never allowed the wealth of his parents to stand in his way. Today, what separates some people from God's call is their wealth, possession, position or achievements. They would wonder: 'How can I leave my safe haven for the unknown? How will I take care of my family and give them qualitative education if I go into full time ministry?' But they have forgotten that the One who has called them is the Creator of Heaven and earth, the Owner of silver and gold who has their future already figured out. Are you resisting God's call on your life because you have no physical assurance? Fear not! Those children you are bothered about are not yours but God's. You cannot care more for another man's child than the biological parents. The Lord will make a way for you! If you refuse to heed God's call on your life, you are walking in unbelief. That act of unbelief is an insult to the Most High and can land you in trouble.
Read: 1 Kings 19:19-21
Elisha's response to the call to service is an outstanding case study in commitment, loyalty and faithfulness. The day Elijah threw his mantle on him, he left everything and went after the man of God. Although he was of rich parents, he never allowed the wealth of his parents to stand in his way. Today, what separates some people from God's call is their wealth, possession, position or achievements. They would wonder: 'How can I leave my safe haven for the unknown? How will I take care of my family and give them qualitative education if I go into full time ministry?' But they have forgotten that the One who has called them is the Creator of Heaven and earth, the Owner of silver and gold who has their future already figured out. Are you resisting God's call on your life because you have no physical assurance? Fear not! Those children you are bothered about are not yours but God's. You cannot care more for another man's child than the biological parents. The Lord will make a way for you! If you refuse to heed God's call on your life, you are walking in unbelief. That act of unbelief is an insult to the Most High and can land you in trouble.
THE ROOT OF DAVID
Memorise: "In him was life; and the life was the light of men" (John 1:4)
Read: Job 14:7-9
Jesus Christ is the Root of David. One reason He bears this title is so as to guarantee your stability. Apart from this, the root is the source through which a tree feeds. All the nutrients, minerals and water that a tree receives come from the roots. Everything that keeps a tree alive comes from its roots. John 1:4 says, "In him was life; and the life was the light of men". Jesus Christ is man's source of life. If you do not have Him, you cannot access divine life. He remains the channel through which we receive our blessings from God (Gal 3:14). Do you go to receive a daily measure of life from the One who is The Life?
Another implication of Jesus as root is that He gives us hope of rejuvenation. It is not easy to kill a tree. When a tree is cut down, as long as it retains its roots, every effort will be geared towards its come back. Hence, Job 14:7 says, "For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease". Are you a believer but were knocked down by the problems of life, the satanic host or the flesh? You are coming back! Don't give up! A tree has hope. As long as Jesus is your root, you have hope for a comeback. There is hope for you! Were you defeated several times in your bid to achieve a particular goal? Don't lose hope! As long as you are still connected with the Root, you will make it.
Read: Job 14:7-9
Jesus Christ is the Root of David. One reason He bears this title is so as to guarantee your stability. Apart from this, the root is the source through which a tree feeds. All the nutrients, minerals and water that a tree receives come from the roots. Everything that keeps a tree alive comes from its roots. John 1:4 says, "In him was life; and the life was the light of men". Jesus Christ is man's source of life. If you do not have Him, you cannot access divine life. He remains the channel through which we receive our blessings from God (Gal 3:14). Do you go to receive a daily measure of life from the One who is The Life?
Another implication of Jesus as root is that He gives us hope of rejuvenation. It is not easy to kill a tree. When a tree is cut down, as long as it retains its roots, every effort will be geared towards its come back. Hence, Job 14:7 says, "For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease". Are you a believer but were knocked down by the problems of life, the satanic host or the flesh? You are coming back! Don't give up! A tree has hope. As long as Jesus is your root, you have hope for a comeback. There is hope for you! Were you defeated several times in your bid to achieve a particular goal? Don't lose hope! As long as you are still connected with the Root, you will make it.
MOCKERY TO CELEBRATION
Memorise: "For your shame ye shall have double; and for confusion they shall rejoice in their portion: therefore in their land they shall possess the double: everlasting joy shall be unto them" (Isa 61:7)
Read: Mark 10:46-52
When the new anointing comes, it will repeat what it has done in the life of your father. It can open doors that had been long shut and even frustrate internal enemies. Many years ago, a man came in company of his wife to our church at Ebute Metta, Lagos. Not long after, we noticed he was coming alone. Disturbed, we decided to follow up his wife. When we met her, she said she had to stop coming because since she started coming to our church, at night when she was about to fly to their meeting, she would hit the roof and fall back. The new anointing on you will expose and frustrate every internal enemy in your life this season.
Read: Mark 10:46-52
When the new anointing comes, it will repeat what it has done in the life of your father. It can open doors that had been long shut and even frustrate internal enemies. Many years ago, a man came in company of his wife to our church at Ebute Metta, Lagos. Not long after, we noticed he was coming alone. Disturbed, we decided to follow up his wife. When we met her, she said she had to stop coming because since she started coming to our church, at night when she was about to fly to their meeting, she would hit the roof and fall back. The new anointing on you will expose and frustrate every internal enemy in your life this season.
IN THE SPIRIT?
Memorise: "But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his" (Rom 8:9)
Read: Revelation 1:12-13
"And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks" (Rev 1:12).
In today's reading, John the Beloved wrote that when he heard a voice, he turned to see the voice. Literally, it is impossible to see a voice: you can only hear a voice. However, in certain unusual circumstances, the impossible becomes possible. For instance, when you are in the Spirit like John was, you will be able to see what was invisible. When God was about to deliver the Ten Commandments to the Israelites at Mount Sinai, it is recorded that they not only heard but saw the noise of trumpets (Exo 20:18). One lesson here is that your spiritual state has a lot to do with your ability to receive from God. If you are in the Spirit - that is, you have subdued your flesh to the point that your spirit man is alert and most receptive, invisible things can take visible forms before you. The greatest hindrance of believers living the successful Christian life is not Satan but the flesh. A domineering flesh shuts the door to the supernatural and prevents the spirit man from accessing clear divine revelations. This is why you must be hard on your flesh; never yield to its sinful advances. The longer you stay in the Spirit, the more the invisible and inaudible things take on material forms
Read: Revelation 1:12-13
"And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks" (Rev 1:12).
In today's reading, John the Beloved wrote that when he heard a voice, he turned to see the voice. Literally, it is impossible to see a voice: you can only hear a voice. However, in certain unusual circumstances, the impossible becomes possible. For instance, when you are in the Spirit like John was, you will be able to see what was invisible. When God was about to deliver the Ten Commandments to the Israelites at Mount Sinai, it is recorded that they not only heard but saw the noise of trumpets (Exo 20:18). One lesson here is that your spiritual state has a lot to do with your ability to receive from God. If you are in the Spirit - that is, you have subdued your flesh to the point that your spirit man is alert and most receptive, invisible things can take visible forms before you. The greatest hindrance of believers living the successful Christian life is not Satan but the flesh. A domineering flesh shuts the door to the supernatural and prevents the spirit man from accessing clear divine revelations. This is why you must be hard on your flesh; never yield to its sinful advances. The longer you stay in the Spirit, the more the invisible and inaudible things take on material forms
LOVE IS FIRM
Memorise: "Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word " (Psalm 119:67)
Read: Psalm 119:71-72
After picking the early signs of a child's destiny, parents should follow up. God has several ways of communicating with parents, only that many are not sensitive enough. In raising up your children, discipline is important. A disciplined child will bring honour and praise to the family name while an indisciplined child is bound to bring shame to the family name. You must be firm with your children. Increasingly, children of the Western Hemisphere are becoming a law to themselves because of their permissive societies. No child must be left on his own. Today, children of leaders are increasingly turning to crime because they were left in the care of house helps and neighbours. Their parents were too busy to keep an eye on them. As a result, some of the people in whose care they were left introduced them to destructive habits - illicit sex, masturbation, lying, stealing, drug abuse, etc. What do you know about those who are minding your children? If your wife would need to become a full time house-wife in order to raise your children in God's way until they grow up, so be it. There is no sacrifice that is too much for your children. Moses' parents risked their lives for Moses. But if money is most important to you, you will gain money and lose your children to wolves
Read: Psalm 119:71-72
After picking the early signs of a child's destiny, parents should follow up. God has several ways of communicating with parents, only that many are not sensitive enough. In raising up your children, discipline is important. A disciplined child will bring honour and praise to the family name while an indisciplined child is bound to bring shame to the family name. You must be firm with your children. Increasingly, children of the Western Hemisphere are becoming a law to themselves because of their permissive societies. No child must be left on his own. Today, children of leaders are increasingly turning to crime because they were left in the care of house helps and neighbours. Their parents were too busy to keep an eye on them. As a result, some of the people in whose care they were left introduced them to destructive habits - illicit sex, masturbation, lying, stealing, drug abuse, etc. What do you know about those who are minding your children? If your wife would need to become a full time house-wife in order to raise your children in God's way until they grow up, so be it. There is no sacrifice that is too much for your children. Moses' parents risked their lives for Moses. But if money is most important to you, you will gain money and lose your children to wolves
ROLE OF GRACE
Memorise: "I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain" (Gal 2:21)
Read: Ephesians 2:4-9
"For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry" (Habakkuk 2:3).
Several years after prophet Samuel anointed David as king, he became a state governor and later the president of Israel. He went through the process. Has the Lord given you a promise or promises that appear far-fetched? Are you becoming discouraged and thinking of giving up on your dreams? Don't! The delay is not because God cannot fulfil His promise but simply because you must follow Heaven's due process. Hold on to your dream like Joseph did. He too went through the same process. He was sold into slavery after God had given him the vision of greatness. He was locked up in prison. He was forgotten. But when His day came, Heaven remembered him and fulfilled his life-long dream. When your day comes, Heaven will remember you and fulfil your God-given dream. Don't lose hope or drop out of the faith!
Read: Ephesians 2:4-9
"For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry" (Habakkuk 2:3).
Several years after prophet Samuel anointed David as king, he became a state governor and later the president of Israel. He went through the process. Has the Lord given you a promise or promises that appear far-fetched? Are you becoming discouraged and thinking of giving up on your dreams? Don't! The delay is not because God cannot fulfil His promise but simply because you must follow Heaven's due process. Hold on to your dream like Joseph did. He too went through the same process. He was sold into slavery after God had given him the vision of greatness. He was locked up in prison. He was forgotten. But when His day came, Heaven remembered him and fulfilled his life-long dream. When your day comes, Heaven will remember you and fulfil your God-given dream. Don't lose hope or drop out of the faith!
ARE YOU SERVICEABLE?
Memorise: "And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant " (Matt 20:27)
Read: Matthew 20:20-28
The primary reason you were called to be a servant of God is so that you can be in the Lord's company. We enjoy the company of the ones we love; however, the greatest companion you can keep is the Lord Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, many ministers of God are too busy to retain Christ's company. Like the parents of Jesus, they get so carried away with religious activities they did not know when they left Jesus behind. If you are not careful, you can be so carried away with religious activities that you will lose track of His presence. One thing that must be part of your daily routine is regularly checking to ensure He is still with you. Is He still in your company? Or you assume He is? From the experience of Joseph and Mary, anyone who loses the presence of the Lord is bound to be in sorrow. Is the sorrowful situation you are experiencing as a result of losing His companionship? Even if you lose everything else, you must retain Christ's companionship for life.
Read: Matthew 20:20-28
The primary reason you were called to be a servant of God is so that you can be in the Lord's company. We enjoy the company of the ones we love; however, the greatest companion you can keep is the Lord Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, many ministers of God are too busy to retain Christ's company. Like the parents of Jesus, they get so carried away with religious activities they did not know when they left Jesus behind. If you are not careful, you can be so carried away with religious activities that you will lose track of His presence. One thing that must be part of your daily routine is regularly checking to ensure He is still with you. Is He still in your company? Or you assume He is? From the experience of Joseph and Mary, anyone who loses the presence of the Lord is bound to be in sorrow. Is the sorrowful situation you are experiencing as a result of losing His companionship? Even if you lose everything else, you must retain Christ's companionship for life.
LEAVING YOUR SLUM?
Memorise: "Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye" (Prov 7:2)
Read: Luke 5:1-11
There are infallible divine principles that will definitely lead you into your financial breakthrough if followed. As long as you are walking in the path of righteousness and observing these principles, your destination is sure. In 2 Kings 4:1-8, the widow observed them and moved from obscurity into limelight. First, there is help for the desperate. Until you get to a of point desperation, you may never see a change. Also, God would always respond to the urgent needs of thanks givers and vow payers. Another divine principle is that divine change is usually precipitated upon divine direction. For the widow to move from extreme lack to abundance, the man of God gave her at least eight specific instructions. Similarly, in Luke 5:1-11, Jesus gave Peter at least four definite instructions that moved him from zero catch to boat-sinking catch. If you fail to hear what Heaven is saying on how to solve a particular problem, there could be no breakthrough. Irrespective of the configuration or nature of your present challenge, Heaven has clear cut guidelines that can help you tackle it. May you be disciplined enough to receive them before you run. Running without those instructions leads to a waste of time and valuable resources. It is worth tarrying until you receive these instructions.
Read: Luke 5:1-11
There are infallible divine principles that will definitely lead you into your financial breakthrough if followed. As long as you are walking in the path of righteousness and observing these principles, your destination is sure. In 2 Kings 4:1-8, the widow observed them and moved from obscurity into limelight. First, there is help for the desperate. Until you get to a of point desperation, you may never see a change. Also, God would always respond to the urgent needs of thanks givers and vow payers. Another divine principle is that divine change is usually precipitated upon divine direction. For the widow to move from extreme lack to abundance, the man of God gave her at least eight specific instructions. Similarly, in Luke 5:1-11, Jesus gave Peter at least four definite instructions that moved him from zero catch to boat-sinking catch. If you fail to hear what Heaven is saying on how to solve a particular problem, there could be no breakthrough. Irrespective of the configuration or nature of your present challenge, Heaven has clear cut guidelines that can help you tackle it. May you be disciplined enough to receive them before you run. Running without those instructions leads to a waste of time and valuable resources. It is worth tarrying until you receive these instructions.
DEFERRED KNOWLEDGE
Memorise: "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us" (Eph 3:20)
Read: Ephesians 3:19-21
For strategic reasons, while showing you His planned destination for your life, God may hold back the unpleasant details. If Joseph were privy to the unpleasant experiences he was to go through, he could have abandoned his dream. God has a purpose for all the bus stops you may have to visit in life. This is why you should give Him thanks in every situation - adverse or not: all will work in your favour one way or another. By the time Joseph finally arrived at his destination, he was shocked; it was far bigger than he imagined. All along, he thought he was only going to be greater than his brothers and at best his family, but now, he was to rule over the world. While he was in charge of all the servants of Potiphar, he thought he had arrived until trouble came. You are not where you are by mistake. God is at work in your life if you have truly given your life to Him and allowed Him full control of it. Where you are is not the ultimate place God is taking you. Don't think you have arrived. You are far from reaching Heaven's goal, you will get there, however.
Similarly, when God called Moses at the age of 80 to go and rescue the enslaved Israelites, He did not tell him that Pharaoh will reject his message. He did not tell him about the Red Sea. He did not tell him of the thirst they were going to face. Moses was not told of the wilderness of Sin. When God tells you that you are going to become a General Overseer of a church, He will not tell you how many ungrateful pastors and workers you will have. He may not tell you of those who will be plotting your fall while you are busy fasting and praying for their good. God did not tell Moses that Miriam and Aaron would pitch tent against him. Even when He declines to tell you of the challenges that will confront you on your journey, He will not fail to be by your side. He does not want your heart troubled. There is no challenge or difficulty too great or too bad for God to fix. What are the challenges confronting you today? Simply turn them over to the Lord of Host. He will give you permanent victory. And when you get to your final destination, you will see that it is bigger, greater, better and far beyond your expectation.
ACTION POINT
When you have access to know something before due time, it could lead to abuse. Ask God to help you to know what you need to know at the right time.
Read: Ephesians 3:19-21
For strategic reasons, while showing you His planned destination for your life, God may hold back the unpleasant details. If Joseph were privy to the unpleasant experiences he was to go through, he could have abandoned his dream. God has a purpose for all the bus stops you may have to visit in life. This is why you should give Him thanks in every situation - adverse or not: all will work in your favour one way or another. By the time Joseph finally arrived at his destination, he was shocked; it was far bigger than he imagined. All along, he thought he was only going to be greater than his brothers and at best his family, but now, he was to rule over the world. While he was in charge of all the servants of Potiphar, he thought he had arrived until trouble came. You are not where you are by mistake. God is at work in your life if you have truly given your life to Him and allowed Him full control of it. Where you are is not the ultimate place God is taking you. Don't think you have arrived. You are far from reaching Heaven's goal, you will get there, however.
Similarly, when God called Moses at the age of 80 to go and rescue the enslaved Israelites, He did not tell him that Pharaoh will reject his message. He did not tell him about the Red Sea. He did not tell him of the thirst they were going to face. Moses was not told of the wilderness of Sin. When God tells you that you are going to become a General Overseer of a church, He will not tell you how many ungrateful pastors and workers you will have. He may not tell you of those who will be plotting your fall while you are busy fasting and praying for their good. God did not tell Moses that Miriam and Aaron would pitch tent against him. Even when He declines to tell you of the challenges that will confront you on your journey, He will not fail to be by your side. He does not want your heart troubled. There is no challenge or difficulty too great or too bad for God to fix. What are the challenges confronting you today? Simply turn them over to the Lord of Host. He will give you permanent victory. And when you get to your final destination, you will see that it is bigger, greater, better and far beyond your expectation.
ACTION POINT
When you have access to know something before due time, it could lead to abuse. Ask God to help you to know what you need to know at the right time.
THY KINGDOM COME
Memorise: "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven" (Matt 6:10)
Read: Matthew 6:9-13
Satan loves to disgrace his followers. He leads them to the battle front assuring them of victory only to tactically withdraw when they are not looking. Why? He loves to clothe people with shame. Every plan to clothe you with shame this season shall come to naught. Are you in control of your life? Or is Satan dominating you? One cry that could bring you out is, 'Let your Kingdom come'. In the Lord's prayer, Our Lord Jesus Christ taught us to say, "Thy kingdom come". Why? It is because apart from self government and Satan's government, there is divine government. Until you come under the authority of this Heavenly government, you cannot have a fulfilled life. If Satan or self is in charge of your life, you must cry: Thy kingdom come!
Read: Matthew 6:9-13
Satan loves to disgrace his followers. He leads them to the battle front assuring them of victory only to tactically withdraw when they are not looking. Why? He loves to clothe people with shame. Every plan to clothe you with shame this season shall come to naught. Are you in control of your life? Or is Satan dominating you? One cry that could bring you out is, 'Let your Kingdom come'. In the Lord's prayer, Our Lord Jesus Christ taught us to say, "Thy kingdom come". Why? It is because apart from self government and Satan's government, there is divine government. Until you come under the authority of this Heavenly government, you cannot have a fulfilled life. If Satan or self is in charge of your life, you must cry: Thy kingdom come!
REPLAYING YOUR FATHER'S EXPERIENCE
Memorise: "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father" (John 14:12)
Read: 2 Kings 2:13-14
What are the possibilities of the new anointing? The new anointing can do for you what it has done for your father. In 2 Kings 2:13-14, when Elisha came to river Jordan, he struck the waters with the mantle of Elijah and said: "Where is the Lord God of Elijah?" In other words, he was saying, 'Lord, if it is true that I have received the new anointing, let it part the river into two like it did for my spiritual father Elijah'. The result was instant! If you are my spiritual son or daughter, what the new anointing has done in and through my life can be reproduced in and through you. Why this is different from what people get is that many are too lazy to pay the price that Heaven expects; while some fail to even take a step of faith. As you key into this knowledge and pay the price, the Lord will reproduce in your life the great things He has been doing in me in Jesus' Name. To benefit from this grace, you must be a bona fide spiritual son. Another possibility of the new anointing is that it can reopen ways: It can cause doors that were shut to others to open to you. When others were heading for a location beyond the Jordan, they terminated their journey at the brink of river Jordan.
Read: 2 Kings 2:13-14
What are the possibilities of the new anointing? The new anointing can do for you what it has done for your father. In 2 Kings 2:13-14, when Elisha came to river Jordan, he struck the waters with the mantle of Elijah and said: "Where is the Lord God of Elijah?" In other words, he was saying, 'Lord, if it is true that I have received the new anointing, let it part the river into two like it did for my spiritual father Elijah'. The result was instant! If you are my spiritual son or daughter, what the new anointing has done in and through my life can be reproduced in and through you. Why this is different from what people get is that many are too lazy to pay the price that Heaven expects; while some fail to even take a step of faith. As you key into this knowledge and pay the price, the Lord will reproduce in your life the great things He has been doing in me in Jesus' Name. To benefit from this grace, you must be a bona fide spiritual son. Another possibility of the new anointing is that it can reopen ways: It can cause doors that were shut to others to open to you. When others were heading for a location beyond the Jordan, they terminated their journey at the brink of river Jordan.
REJOICE IN TRIBULATIONS
Memorise: "Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake" (Matt 5:11)
Read: Revelation 1:9-11
"I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ" (Rev 1:9).
One common practice with believers of old was their ability to accept and rejoice in tribulations, sufferings, shame and discomfort that came as a result of their faith in Christ. They had an understanding that the moment they publicly declared for Jesus, they became targets of persecution. Unlike us, they did not cry, whip up emotions or engage in self pity as they suffered for Christ; but instead rejoiced exceedingly for being counted worthy to partake in Christ's suffering (Acts 5:40-42). Persecution did not terminate the Gospel during the Early Church, rather it made those who were spiritually asleep to wake up and preach the Gospel. According to Acts 4:18-31, threats could not stop the disciples; rather it doubled their courage to declare the Gospel they were warned never to preach again even without any threat. Many of us have stopped preaching. Even when there is no serious persecution, we manufacture excuses for not continuing with the Word. Are you truly a companion in tribulation?
Read: Revelation 1:9-11
"I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ" (Rev 1:9).
One common practice with believers of old was their ability to accept and rejoice in tribulations, sufferings, shame and discomfort that came as a result of their faith in Christ. They had an understanding that the moment they publicly declared for Jesus, they became targets of persecution. Unlike us, they did not cry, whip up emotions or engage in self pity as they suffered for Christ; but instead rejoiced exceedingly for being counted worthy to partake in Christ's suffering (Acts 5:40-42). Persecution did not terminate the Gospel during the Early Church, rather it made those who were spiritually asleep to wake up and preach the Gospel. According to Acts 4:18-31, threats could not stop the disciples; rather it doubled their courage to declare the Gospel they were warned never to preach again even without any threat. Many of us have stopped preaching. Even when there is no serious persecution, we manufacture excuses for not continuing with the Word. Are you truly a companion in tribulation?
EARLY SIGNS
Memorise: "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it" (Proverbs 22:6)
Read: Exodus 2:1-4
It may be easy bringing a child into this world, but the responsibility of raising up that child to become somebody of repute, laden with the right character, attitude and response to God, men and environmental factors is far higher and more demanding. Proverbs 22:6 says, "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it". To be able to raise up godly seeds for God's Kingdom, parents must be of godly stock. The trainer must be firmly rooted in Christ. You cannot give your child what you don't have. You also must have the right values. If your value system is weak or faulty, it will definitely reflect in your children's upbringing. If you have weak morals, your children's will even be worse. To train a child requires paying careful attention to his or her needs. Children manifests early signs or traits that can help to determine what they become. But if parents are not paying attention, they would miss it. Do you know athletes manifests signs of what they would be within their first six years? You would know a child who will be caring, or be in the ministry of helps, be a doctor or one who will get involved in a technical or engineering profession as early as six.
Read: Exodus 2:1-4
It may be easy bringing a child into this world, but the responsibility of raising up that child to become somebody of repute, laden with the right character, attitude and response to God, men and environmental factors is far higher and more demanding. Proverbs 22:6 says, "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it". To be able to raise up godly seeds for God's Kingdom, parents must be of godly stock. The trainer must be firmly rooted in Christ. You cannot give your child what you don't have. You also must have the right values. If your value system is weak or faulty, it will definitely reflect in your children's upbringing. If you have weak morals, your children's will even be worse. To train a child requires paying careful attention to his or her needs. Children manifests early signs or traits that can help to determine what they become. But if parents are not paying attention, they would miss it. Do you know athletes manifests signs of what they would be within their first six years? You would know a child who will be caring, or be in the ministry of helps, be a doctor or one who will get involved in a technical or engineering profession as early as six.
GOD'S COMPANION?
Memorise: "And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach" (Mark 3:14)
Read: Mark 3:13-15
Israel was a nation that upheld the virtues of chastity. A lady was expected to remain a virgin until marriage. In fact, on the first night of their honeymoon, the bridegroom was expected to verify the claim of virginity of his wife. And if the proof was not there, that marriage was regarded as a fraud. The issue of virginity was beyond the family. It was of national importance. Today, most nations of the world do nothing to encourage virginity. Rather, they allow very permissive and liberal laws that ensure that at the end of the day, no virgin is left. In some countries, the statistics of rape is rather alarming. Imagine having a rape victim out of every four ladies, age not withstanding. Why won't it be so when ladies are allowed to dress suggestively and sometimes completely nude? Christian leaders, families and Christian communities must not only rise and condemn this madness in the guise of fashion, but also ensure that everyone under their power of influence are brought up to rebel against it
Read: Mark 3:13-15
Israel was a nation that upheld the virtues of chastity. A lady was expected to remain a virgin until marriage. In fact, on the first night of their honeymoon, the bridegroom was expected to verify the claim of virginity of his wife. And if the proof was not there, that marriage was regarded as a fraud. The issue of virginity was beyond the family. It was of national importance. Today, most nations of the world do nothing to encourage virginity. Rather, they allow very permissive and liberal laws that ensure that at the end of the day, no virgin is left. In some countries, the statistics of rape is rather alarming. Imagine having a rape victim out of every four ladies, age not withstanding. Why won't it be so when ladies are allowed to dress suggestively and sometimes completely nude? Christian leaders, families and Christian communities must not only rise and condemn this madness in the guise of fashion, but also ensure that everyone under their power of influence are brought up to rebel against it
HE RESPONDS
Memorise: "And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me" (Psalm 50:15)
Read: Psalm 50:14-15
The widow of 2 Kings 4:1-8 cried desperately before her turnaround came. Until you cry out over that unpleasant situation, Heaven may not consider your need for change. The common mistake is to assume that since God is all-seeing and all-knowing, He will bring about a desired change when He deems fit. Sorry to disappoint you. Heaven does not change what you can tolerate or endure. If you can endure or 'manage' that sickness, sorrow, poverty, failure or retrogression, you cannot get something better from Heaven. What you cannot stand will definitely be an item for change. The reason many people will die in their undesired state is because they are not fed up with it. If your attitude towards a negative trend is silence, then that's proof that you are still enjoying it. Expect the devil to increase the load. The only proof that you are fed up of that bad situation is by rebelling against it; not accommodating it for a second more. Are you truly fed up with that situation you have been complaining about?
Read: Psalm 50:14-15
The widow of 2 Kings 4:1-8 cried desperately before her turnaround came. Until you cry out over that unpleasant situation, Heaven may not consider your need for change. The common mistake is to assume that since God is all-seeing and all-knowing, He will bring about a desired change when He deems fit. Sorry to disappoint you. Heaven does not change what you can tolerate or endure. If you can endure or 'manage' that sickness, sorrow, poverty, failure or retrogression, you cannot get something better from Heaven. What you cannot stand will definitely be an item for change. The reason many people will die in their undesired state is because they are not fed up with it. If your attitude towards a negative trend is silence, then that's proof that you are still enjoying it. Expect the devil to increase the load. The only proof that you are fed up of that bad situation is by rebelling against it; not accommodating it for a second more. Are you truly fed up with that situation you have been complaining about?
WE KNOW IN PARTS
Memorise: "For thou art my hope, O Lord GOD: thou art my trust from my youth" (Psalm 71:5)
Read: Genesis 37:5-10
In Luke 22:31-32, when Satan fixed his gaze on Peter, intending to use him to betray the One he loved, Jesus interceded on his behalf. In anyway the devil is planning to use you against the Lover of your soul - the Lord Jesus Christ, that plot shall fail in Jesus' Name. The One who prayed for Peter will pray for you. When you know that the Lord loves you to the point of not allowing Satan's plan concerning you to prosper, you will be at peace. Isaiah 26:3-4 assures those who trust in God of peace. You can live in peace when you know that God is in control. God knows the end from the beginning. However, when God tells you the end of a matter at a very early stage, He may likely keep the details to Himself. I believe that is superior wisdom. If some of us were open to all the challenges we were going to face from the time we were saved till we see Him in glory, we could backslide. If the Lord had told me shortly before my salvation that I would end up as the General Overseer of a large organization like the RCCG, I might never have been born again. It was after I became born again that He informed me of what I was going to pass through on my journey to Heaven. On the other hand, if He shows you the glorious future ahead of you, you would be excited and look forward to it. If God shows you your rewards in Heaven like He showed me mine, there is nothing anybody would do to make you go back to the world. May the Lord reveal your eternal bliss to you in Jesus' Name
Read: Genesis 37:5-10
In Luke 22:31-32, when Satan fixed his gaze on Peter, intending to use him to betray the One he loved, Jesus interceded on his behalf. In anyway the devil is planning to use you against the Lover of your soul - the Lord Jesus Christ, that plot shall fail in Jesus' Name. The One who prayed for Peter will pray for you. When you know that the Lord loves you to the point of not allowing Satan's plan concerning you to prosper, you will be at peace. Isaiah 26:3-4 assures those who trust in God of peace. You can live in peace when you know that God is in control. God knows the end from the beginning. However, when God tells you the end of a matter at a very early stage, He may likely keep the details to Himself. I believe that is superior wisdom. If some of us were open to all the challenges we were going to face from the time we were saved till we see Him in glory, we could backslide. If the Lord had told me shortly before my salvation that I would end up as the General Overseer of a large organization like the RCCG, I might never have been born again. It was after I became born again that He informed me of what I was going to pass through on my journey to Heaven. On the other hand, if He shows you the glorious future ahead of you, you would be excited and look forward to it. If God shows you your rewards in Heaven like He showed me mine, there is nothing anybody would do to make you go back to the world. May the Lord reveal your eternal bliss to you in Jesus' Name
HEAD UNDER SIEGE?
Memorise: "But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head" (Psalm 3:3)
Read: Mark 5:1-5
When God is in control of your life, it will be evidenced by the fruit of the Spirit and tremendous peace in storms. When self is in charge, it will show through the works of the flesh (Gal 5:19-21). Moreover, there is another government - that of Satan. When the devil rules the life of an individual, there would be confusion. 1 Corinthians 14:33 says God has nothing to do with confusion. When the devil takes over the head of a man, everything will be upside down. Instead of wearing clothes, he will walk about naked. Instead of wearing decent clothes, he will put on rags. The one who finds it uncomfortable wearing decent clothes capable of covering his or her nakedness surely has gone nuts. Such a fellow cannot put on trousers until it has been torn in shreds or is adorned with dirt.
Read: Mark 5:1-5
When God is in control of your life, it will be evidenced by the fruit of the Spirit and tremendous peace in storms. When self is in charge, it will show through the works of the flesh (Gal 5:19-21). Moreover, there is another government - that of Satan. When the devil rules the life of an individual, there would be confusion. 1 Corinthians 14:33 says God has nothing to do with confusion. When the devil takes over the head of a man, everything will be upside down. Instead of wearing clothes, he will walk about naked. Instead of wearing decent clothes, he will put on rags. The one who finds it uncomfortable wearing decent clothes capable of covering his or her nakedness surely has gone nuts. Such a fellow cannot put on trousers until it has been torn in shreds or is adorned with dirt.
PURPOSE OF THE ANOINTING
Memorise: "How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him" (Acts 10:38)
Read: Isaiah 61:1-7
The anointing has potentials for growth. Like a new born babe, it can be developed to a point of maturity. When the anointing newly came on Peter, and after decreeing his healing he had to grab the lame man and pull him up before the miracle took place. But later, he did not need to support his decrees with hands anymore because his anointing grew to the level of healing the sick by his shadow. When I first began to pray for the sick, I used my children as experiment. When on reaching home, they complain of headaches, I ensured there was aspirin at home. I would pray for five minutes, but if it persisted, I would give them aspirin. My faith was small but the anointing was fresh and God met me at my level of faith. God never put my little faith to shame. When I realized that it was working for the children, I began to extend it to my friends. By His grace, today, I can pray for the sick anywhere.
Read: Isaiah 61:1-7
The anointing has potentials for growth. Like a new born babe, it can be developed to a point of maturity. When the anointing newly came on Peter, and after decreeing his healing he had to grab the lame man and pull him up before the miracle took place. But later, he did not need to support his decrees with hands anymore because his anointing grew to the level of healing the sick by his shadow. When I first began to pray for the sick, I used my children as experiment. When on reaching home, they complain of headaches, I ensured there was aspirin at home. I would pray for five minutes, but if it persisted, I would give them aspirin. My faith was small but the anointing was fresh and God met me at my level of faith. God never put my little faith to shame. When I realized that it was working for the children, I began to extend it to my friends. By His grace, today, I can pray for the sick anywhere.
TITLED?
Memorise: "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever" (Heb 13:8)
Read: Revelation 1:8-9
A man is usually unknown until he is introduced. The process of introduction helps to uncover certain myths, remove cloaks or covers and eradicate the shadows or darkness hovering over such individual or subject matter. Until God introduces Himself to an individual, that fellow remains in the dark. Introductions can be very powerful in the quest to discover a thing or person. The extent of the introduction determines or sets boundaries on what may be known concerning the person or subject. What you know about the one being introduced will spell out the opportunities available for you as you interact with the person. May the Lord introduce Himself to you in a personal way this season.
Read: Revelation 1:8-9
A man is usually unknown until he is introduced. The process of introduction helps to uncover certain myths, remove cloaks or covers and eradicate the shadows or darkness hovering over such individual or subject matter. Until God introduces Himself to an individual, that fellow remains in the dark. Introductions can be very powerful in the quest to discover a thing or person. The extent of the introduction determines or sets boundaries on what may be known concerning the person or subject. What you know about the one being introduced will spell out the opportunities available for you as you interact with the person. May the Lord introduce Himself to you in a personal way this season.
DISCIPLINED?
Memorise: "Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul" (Proverbs 29:17)
Read: Proverbs 29:15-19
The type of relationship existing between God and you will determine whether you will be disciplined or not, and how it will be done. Attached to every right or privilege is some responsibility. When a servant misbehaves, you may ignore his offence but when a son commits the same offence, he will not get away with it. It is the goal of every reasonable father to ensure that his children are better versions of himself. On the other hand, some parents are extreme; they may want to crush their up and coming children.
I heard of a man who killed his daughter just because she was becoming too fervent. Being high handed is applying discipline the other way round. Matthew 5:48 says, we should be as perfect as our Heavenly Father. God wants us to be as good as Himself. Jesus, the Prince of Peace wants us to be even better hence, He says we will do greater works than He did. My joy as the General Overseer of this Mission is in seeing my spiritual children excel and achieve greater heights than I.
Read: Proverbs 29:15-19
The type of relationship existing between God and you will determine whether you will be disciplined or not, and how it will be done. Attached to every right or privilege is some responsibility. When a servant misbehaves, you may ignore his offence but when a son commits the same offence, he will not get away with it. It is the goal of every reasonable father to ensure that his children are better versions of himself. On the other hand, some parents are extreme; they may want to crush their up and coming children.
I heard of a man who killed his daughter just because she was becoming too fervent. Being high handed is applying discipline the other way round. Matthew 5:48 says, we should be as perfect as our Heavenly Father. God wants us to be as good as Himself. Jesus, the Prince of Peace wants us to be even better hence, He says we will do greater works than He did. My joy as the General Overseer of this Mission is in seeing my spiritual children excel and achieve greater heights than I.
EVIDENCE OF DIVINE GOVERNMENT?
Memorise: "For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost" (Rom 14:17)
Read: Isaiah 9:6-7
Psalm 110:3 talks about people submitting in the day of God's power. The day of God's power refers to when the Lord is in control of the life of an individual and this starts on the day Jesus Christ is accepted as Lord and Saviour. There are three basic kingdoms: God's, self and satan's. When God is ruling your life, it will be characterized by peace. If you lack peace, it could mean that you are yet to have the Prince of Peace as your head. Self-government is another kingdom which refers to a time when you are in charge of your life. You are free to do anything, go anywhere, spend your money as you like it. You can eat or drink what you like, have as many boy friends or girl friends as you desire because God is out of the equation. In Judges 17:6, when there was no king in Israel, everyone became lawless. This is very dangerous.
Read: Isaiah 9:6-7
Psalm 110:3 talks about people submitting in the day of God's power. The day of God's power refers to when the Lord is in control of the life of an individual and this starts on the day Jesus Christ is accepted as Lord and Saviour. There are three basic kingdoms: God's, self and satan's. When God is ruling your life, it will be characterized by peace. If you lack peace, it could mean that you are yet to have the Prince of Peace as your head. Self-government is another kingdom which refers to a time when you are in charge of your life. You are free to do anything, go anywhere, spend your money as you like it. You can eat or drink what you like, have as many boy friends or girl friends as you desire because God is out of the equation. In Judges 17:6, when there was no king in Israel, everyone became lawless. This is very dangerous.
BENEFITING FROM THE UNCTION
Memorise: "But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things" (1 John 2:20)
Read: 1 John 2:20, 27
The new anointing is most powerful. It can do what ordinarily cannot be done. It breaks boundaries, opens new doors and moves the anointed to new levels. The new anointing is dynamic, forceful and intoxicating. Ephesians 5:18 says, "And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit". Here, the one who is full of the Holy Spirit is compared with a drunk. Judges 13:24-25 says the Spirit of God moved Samson at certain times. Some doubting Thomases would find it easier to believe the prophecies the Lord gives me if I can shout or engage in dramatics before I prophecy. In spite of not shaking, the Holy Spirit prompts me because the anointing is forceful and pushy. I pray that very soon you will be drunk in the Spirit
Read: 1 John 2:20, 27
The new anointing is most powerful. It can do what ordinarily cannot be done. It breaks boundaries, opens new doors and moves the anointed to new levels. The new anointing is dynamic, forceful and intoxicating. Ephesians 5:18 says, "And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit". Here, the one who is full of the Holy Spirit is compared with a drunk. Judges 13:24-25 says the Spirit of God moved Samson at certain times. Some doubting Thomases would find it easier to believe the prophecies the Lord gives me if I can shout or engage in dramatics before I prophecy. In spite of not shaking, the Holy Spirit prompts me because the anointing is forceful and pushy. I pray that very soon you will be drunk in the Spirit
CRUCIFYING CHRIST?
Memorise: "If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame" (Hebrew 6:6)
Read: Hebrews 6:4-6
Although the first stage of the second advent of Christ will be sudden and unannounced, the second stage however will come with fanfare, noise and much publicity. The whole world will be aware of Christ's physical return. Revelation 1:7 says all eyes shall see Him. One lesson here is that secret preparation always provokes public proclamation. There is always a place for secret preparation and charge-taking. If you fail to do the right thing in secret, the expected public result will not follow. Many people want Heaven to publicly proclaim them like it happened to the Lord Jesus twice in His life time, yet, they fail to make the necessary preparation. God will not proclaim the one He does not know. The one who has not made a mark in Heaven through effective and concerted prayer life, wholesome and consistent life of thanksgiving, unrestricted Spirit-led praise and worship, Heaven-touching giving, or consistent soul-winning cannot be proclaimed by God. You have to touch God's heart before His mouth would open. If you are yet to be publicly proclaimed by God (not men, and definitely not by advertising yourself), it is because you have a price to pay. Unlike earth where just anything goes, Heaven is a place of order hence, it will respond only to your steps. Have you paid the price?
Read: Hebrews 6:4-6
Although the first stage of the second advent of Christ will be sudden and unannounced, the second stage however will come with fanfare, noise and much publicity. The whole world will be aware of Christ's physical return. Revelation 1:7 says all eyes shall see Him. One lesson here is that secret preparation always provokes public proclamation. There is always a place for secret preparation and charge-taking. If you fail to do the right thing in secret, the expected public result will not follow. Many people want Heaven to publicly proclaim them like it happened to the Lord Jesus twice in His life time, yet, they fail to make the necessary preparation. God will not proclaim the one He does not know. The one who has not made a mark in Heaven through effective and concerted prayer life, wholesome and consistent life of thanksgiving, unrestricted Spirit-led praise and worship, Heaven-touching giving, or consistent soul-winning cannot be proclaimed by God. You have to touch God's heart before His mouth would open. If you are yet to be publicly proclaimed by God (not men, and definitely not by advertising yourself), it is because you have a price to pay. Unlike earth where just anything goes, Heaven is a place of order hence, it will respond only to your steps. Have you paid the price?
BENEFITS OF SONS
Memorise: "Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God" (Ps 92:13)
Read: Psalms 92:12-14
You can be anything you want before the Almighty God. You can be just a creature, a dog or a cow. You can go beyond being a mere creature to becoming a servant. Being a servant gives you more personal access to God. But you could go yet another step - to becoming a son of God. Sons have tremendous opportunities that servants do not have. As a son of God, you become a co-heir with Christ. That means all God has jointly belongs to Jesus and you. Besides, John 8:35 says sons abide in the house forever. No wonder David in Psalm 23:6 says, "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever". He could say so because he had a sonship relationship with the Lord. For such sons, even after leaving planet earth, Jesus promises to prepare His Father's house for them to stay throughout eternity (John 14:1-3). Sons have eternal right to God's house. Are you a son of God?
Read: Psalms 92:12-14
You can be anything you want before the Almighty God. You can be just a creature, a dog or a cow. You can go beyond being a mere creature to becoming a servant. Being a servant gives you more personal access to God. But you could go yet another step - to becoming a son of God. Sons have tremendous opportunities that servants do not have. As a son of God, you become a co-heir with Christ. That means all God has jointly belongs to Jesus and you. Besides, John 8:35 says sons abide in the house forever. No wonder David in Psalm 23:6 says, "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever". He could say so because he had a sonship relationship with the Lord. For such sons, even after leaving planet earth, Jesus promises to prepare His Father's house for them to stay throughout eternity (John 14:1-3). Sons have eternal right to God's house. Are you a son of God?
VIRGIN ENOUGH?
Memorise: "My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not" (Prov 1:10)
Read: 1 Peter 5:8-9
The virgin is not only pure, undefiled and of the highest moral standards, but also highly disciplined. To be disciplined means you must have a trainer, a training manual and the grace to hear and comply with instructions. Similarly, you must have the humility to take correction and punishment when you err. Without these, you cannot go far as a virgin. You must be hard on your flesh. When Job's eyes were getting him into trouble too frequently, he took a decisive and informed decision never to lust after a maid (Job 31:1). That takes discipline! It means he could no more afford to stare for long at any lady especially the ravishing ones. For some believers, anything goes. Like their mentor Solomon, anything their eyes see they must have (Ecc 2:10). There is no slavery like being a slave to your desires. If you cannot dictate to your eyes what it should or shouldn't see, you are not yet ready for the Heavenly Kingdom.
Read: 1 Peter 5:8-9
The virgin is not only pure, undefiled and of the highest moral standards, but also highly disciplined. To be disciplined means you must have a trainer, a training manual and the grace to hear and comply with instructions. Similarly, you must have the humility to take correction and punishment when you err. Without these, you cannot go far as a virgin. You must be hard on your flesh. When Job's eyes were getting him into trouble too frequently, he took a decisive and informed decision never to lust after a maid (Job 31:1). That takes discipline! It means he could no more afford to stare for long at any lady especially the ravishing ones. For some believers, anything goes. Like their mentor Solomon, anything their eyes see they must have (Ecc 2:10). There is no slavery like being a slave to your desires. If you cannot dictate to your eyes what it should or shouldn't see, you are not yet ready for the Heavenly Kingdom.
CONTINUE SOWING
Memorise: "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not" (Gal 6:9)
Read: 1 Kings 8:62-64
Galatians 6:9 enjoins us not to be weary in doing well. One good thing we must not be tired of is sowing. To access your greatest financial harvest, continuous, consistent quality sowing is required. Your first seed may open the door to blessings, but keeping that door open requires persistent sowing. Are you already calling it quits with sowing just because you cannot quantify the returns of previous seeds? Don't! You may be closing the door it took you much effort to open! In the case of the widow of Zarephath, it took the sacrificial cake she gave on meeting Elijah the first day to open her door to abundance. If she had stopped at that, her miracle would have expired long before the end of the famine, but she did not. She kept the door permanently open by making cakes for Elijah daily for the entire period. Your first seed must have the backing of other seeds if you will experience your ultimate financial breakthrough. Some people have pegged their blessings or limited the space through which their blessings come.
Read: 1 Kings 8:62-64
Galatians 6:9 enjoins us not to be weary in doing well. One good thing we must not be tired of is sowing. To access your greatest financial harvest, continuous, consistent quality sowing is required. Your first seed may open the door to blessings, but keeping that door open requires persistent sowing. Are you already calling it quits with sowing just because you cannot quantify the returns of previous seeds? Don't! You may be closing the door it took you much effort to open! In the case of the widow of Zarephath, it took the sacrificial cake she gave on meeting Elijah the first day to open her door to abundance. If she had stopped at that, her miracle would have expired long before the end of the famine, but she did not. She kept the door permanently open by making cakes for Elijah daily for the entire period. Your first seed must have the backing of other seeds if you will experience your ultimate financial breakthrough. Some people have pegged their blessings or limited the space through which their blessings come.
WIELDING REAL POWERS?
Memorise: "Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauty of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth" (Ps 110:3)
Read: Psalm 110:1-3
Whether a subject will subject himself or herself to the authority of the controlling kingdom or not would be determined by the level of authority borne by the king of that kingdom. Today's passage tells us one or two things about this. Psalm 110:3 says, "Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauty of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth". Revelation 1:6 says we have been made kings and priests unto God. The truth is, our sphere of influence and dominion over our kingdom varies from one person to another. Kingship and kingdoms are of various sizes. The governor of a state is a king with power of influence spanning a particular state. On the other hand, the president of a country is a far greater king with dominion spanning all the federating states of that country.
Read: Psalm 110:1-3
Whether a subject will subject himself or herself to the authority of the controlling kingdom or not would be determined by the level of authority borne by the king of that kingdom. Today's passage tells us one or two things about this. Psalm 110:3 says, "Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauty of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth". Revelation 1:6 says we have been made kings and priests unto God. The truth is, our sphere of influence and dominion over our kingdom varies from one person to another. Kingship and kingdoms are of various sizes. The governor of a state is a king with power of influence spanning a particular state. On the other hand, the president of a country is a far greater king with dominion spanning all the federating states of that country.
POWER OF THE NEW ANOINTING
Memorise: "Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts" (Zech 4:6)
Read: Judges 16:1-3
Just as you have the old, so also you have the new anointing. Drunkenness, lust, anger and the use of mind-bending substances are trade marks of the old anointing. But the new anointing has to do with the Word of God and the Spirit of God. One reason new wine breaks old bottles is because it wants to express itself. While the new wine is bubbling and wants out of its container, the old bottle says it is going nowhere; hence, the new wine rebels and breaks the bottle. Every limitation standing in your way to the next level will give way this season in Jesus' Name. The elders say, The rope that says the elephant should not climb the mountain will have to go with the elephant. In Judges 16:1-3, when the gates were shut to prevent the anointed Samson from entering Gaza, he lifted and took them with him to the mountain. Every gate of Gaza that has been shut to hinder your entry into that next level shall be lifted. Watch it! The enemies are about losing their gates.
Moreover, the anointing makes the anointed a pacesetter. It empowers him to do what nobody else has ever done. In Acts 8:5-8, Philip - an anointed evangelist went to Samaria to preach Christ to them. Until then, there was a wall of partition between the Samaritans and the Jews. They had nothing in common: but when this anointed man got there, he had an overwhelming success. Have you been failing in any vital area of life? As you stir up the anointing in you today and step out in faith, you will obtain a record-breaking success. They had nothing in common when this anointed man got there, however, he had overwhelming success. Have you been failing in any vital area of life? As you stir up the anointing in you today and step out in faith, you will obtain a record-breaking success. The new anointing changes your confession. Where people are saying 'Never', you will be saying 'Ever'; when people are saying 'Impossible', your cry and experience would be 'Possible'. When we were starting the model parish experiment, many people could not be convinced. They were asking: 'How can you plant a church in a hotel where people drink and smoke? It is never done!'. But the new anointing in us said it could be done. Today, that experiment has blossomed into success. What is that impossibility in your life? It is giving way right now. Provoke the anointing by being filled with God's Word, worshipping and praising God effusively and pleasing the Lord in all you do. Then make a demand on the anointing and it will find expression in you.
Action Point
Lord, by your new anointing on me, help me to uproot the gates of my enemies today.
Read: Judges 16:1-3
Just as you have the old, so also you have the new anointing. Drunkenness, lust, anger and the use of mind-bending substances are trade marks of the old anointing. But the new anointing has to do with the Word of God and the Spirit of God. One reason new wine breaks old bottles is because it wants to express itself. While the new wine is bubbling and wants out of its container, the old bottle says it is going nowhere; hence, the new wine rebels and breaks the bottle. Every limitation standing in your way to the next level will give way this season in Jesus' Name. The elders say, The rope that says the elephant should not climb the mountain will have to go with the elephant. In Judges 16:1-3, when the gates were shut to prevent the anointed Samson from entering Gaza, he lifted and took them with him to the mountain. Every gate of Gaza that has been shut to hinder your entry into that next level shall be lifted. Watch it! The enemies are about losing their gates.
Moreover, the anointing makes the anointed a pacesetter. It empowers him to do what nobody else has ever done. In Acts 8:5-8, Philip - an anointed evangelist went to Samaria to preach Christ to them. Until then, there was a wall of partition between the Samaritans and the Jews. They had nothing in common: but when this anointed man got there, he had an overwhelming success. Have you been failing in any vital area of life? As you stir up the anointing in you today and step out in faith, you will obtain a record-breaking success. They had nothing in common when this anointed man got there, however, he had overwhelming success. Have you been failing in any vital area of life? As you stir up the anointing in you today and step out in faith, you will obtain a record-breaking success. The new anointing changes your confession. Where people are saying 'Never', you will be saying 'Ever'; when people are saying 'Impossible', your cry and experience would be 'Possible'. When we were starting the model parish experiment, many people could not be convinced. They were asking: 'How can you plant a church in a hotel where people drink and smoke? It is never done!'. But the new anointing in us said it could be done. Today, that experiment has blossomed into success. What is that impossibility in your life? It is giving way right now. Provoke the anointing by being filled with God's Word, worshipping and praising God effusively and pleasing the Lord in all you do. Then make a demand on the anointing and it will find expression in you.
Action Point
Lord, by your new anointing on me, help me to uproot the gates of my enemies today.
HEAVENLY CLOUD
Memorise: "God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect" (Hebrews 11:40)
Read: Daniel 7:13-14
The One who ascended into Heaven will soon descend to take those who are precious to Him unannounced. May you be counted worthy! Revelation 1:7 says He is coming with clouds, not in the clouds. In other words, the clouds that would accompany Him in His second advent are not the literal clouds adorning the skyline, but a special cloud. One person who got this revelation many years before Christ was born was Daniel. This patriarch was an exceptionally gifted prophet. In today's reading, Daniel saw Jesus coming with the clouds of Heaven. There is a cloud in Heaven. This is not a water-configured, vapour-like cloud, but blood-washed, holy and spiritually living saints of God. Hebrews 12:1 calls them a cloud of witnesses:
Read: Daniel 7:13-14
The One who ascended into Heaven will soon descend to take those who are precious to Him unannounced. May you be counted worthy! Revelation 1:7 says He is coming with clouds, not in the clouds. In other words, the clouds that would accompany Him in His second advent are not the literal clouds adorning the skyline, but a special cloud. One person who got this revelation many years before Christ was born was Daniel. This patriarch was an exceptionally gifted prophet. In today's reading, Daniel saw Jesus coming with the clouds of Heaven. There is a cloud in Heaven. This is not a water-configured, vapour-like cloud, but blood-washed, holy and spiritually living saints of God. Hebrews 12:1 calls them a cloud of witnesses:
KINGDOM RELATIONSHIPS
Memorise: "And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together" (Rom 8:17)
Read: Romans 8:16-17
Revelation 22:15 says dogs are outside. No matter how lovable a dog is, it will end up outside. All who engage in sexual immorality are spiritually secluded from God's inheritance. The next level to dogs or creatures is the level of servants. It is great to be a servant of the Most High God but ordinarily, that level has its limitations. In Job 1:8-12, the Lord asked Satan if he has considered Job His servant. At the end of that discussion, Job became a target of Satan's attacks. If there is serious security challenge in a village, they will gather the servants to form vigilante groups while the master's children are safely kept in the inner chamber. Hence, Isaiah 54:17 talks of servants' need for protection. Also, John 8:35 says servants do not remain in their master's house forever. John 15:15 says it is possible to move higher to the level of friends. That means servants need promotion. Are you a servant? The Lord will promote you to the next level.
Read: Romans 8:16-17
Revelation 22:15 says dogs are outside. No matter how lovable a dog is, it will end up outside. All who engage in sexual immorality are spiritually secluded from God's inheritance. The next level to dogs or creatures is the level of servants. It is great to be a servant of the Most High God but ordinarily, that level has its limitations. In Job 1:8-12, the Lord asked Satan if he has considered Job His servant. At the end of that discussion, Job became a target of Satan's attacks. If there is serious security challenge in a village, they will gather the servants to form vigilante groups while the master's children are safely kept in the inner chamber. Hence, Isaiah 54:17 talks of servants' need for protection. Also, John 8:35 says servants do not remain in their master's house forever. John 15:15 says it is possible to move higher to the level of friends. That means servants need promotion. Are you a servant? The Lord will promote you to the next level.
WHEN SMALL IS BETTER
Memorise: "But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;" (Eph 5:3)
Read: Ephesians 5:1-4
A virgin is pure and undefiled. According to 2 Peter 1:4, corruption is a major cause of spiritual defilement. Whenever you seek, pursue or crave to be what God has not designed you to be, you cannot avoid being defiled. If you want to get rich overnight, there is no way you will not dabble into something that can destroy your Christian testimony. When you want promotion before its time, you might be made to sell your birthright. Any 'blessing' Satan gives always comes at the cost of your salvation. This is one way of knowing whether an opportunity or open door is of God or not. If you would have to sin against God or break your relationship with Him in order to enjoy that benefit, it is not from God; It is from the pit of hell! Engaging in things of the flesh will defile your garment of righteousness. Galatians 6:8 says, if you sow to the flesh it cannot deliver a spirit-filled yield to you. If you want to keep off defilement, watch your tongue and keep your heart from evil thoughts (Matt 15:18, James 3:6). The problem of defilement is that the defiled calls for divine hammer. Also, whatever the fellow touches automatically becomes defiled. How undefiled are you?
Read: Ephesians 5:1-4
A virgin is pure and undefiled. According to 2 Peter 1:4, corruption is a major cause of spiritual defilement. Whenever you seek, pursue or crave to be what God has not designed you to be, you cannot avoid being defiled. If you want to get rich overnight, there is no way you will not dabble into something that can destroy your Christian testimony. When you want promotion before its time, you might be made to sell your birthright. Any 'blessing' Satan gives always comes at the cost of your salvation. This is one way of knowing whether an opportunity or open door is of God or not. If you would have to sin against God or break your relationship with Him in order to enjoy that benefit, it is not from God; It is from the pit of hell! Engaging in things of the flesh will defile your garment of righteousness. Galatians 6:8 says, if you sow to the flesh it cannot deliver a spirit-filled yield to you. If you want to keep off defilement, watch your tongue and keep your heart from evil thoughts (Matt 15:18, James 3:6). The problem of defilement is that the defiled calls for divine hammer. Also, whatever the fellow touches automatically becomes defiled. How undefiled are you?
IS YOUR HARVEST RIGHT?
Memorise: "Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: " (Prov 3:9)
Read: Haggai 1:4-11
The correct knowledge of how a harvest works is important for the one who wants to maximize his or her harvest. It is one thing to take in a harvest and another thing to benefit maximally from it. When your harvest begins to come, remember to put God first? Proverbs 3:9 says God must be honoured with your substance and firstfruits. The first salary or profit in the year is your firstfruits. Honour God with it. The first salary on a new job is your firstfruits. The first profit of a new line of business is your firstfruits. The difference between your old salary and the new salary after an increase has taken place is your firstfruits. What do you do with your firstfruits? It is simply meant for honouring God. If you refuse to honour God with your firstfruits, you may have a harvest but waste the proceeds. Without honouring God with your firstfruits, you may not be able to obtain maximum benefit from your harvest.
Read: Haggai 1:4-11
The correct knowledge of how a harvest works is important for the one who wants to maximize his or her harvest. It is one thing to take in a harvest and another thing to benefit maximally from it. When your harvest begins to come, remember to put God first? Proverbs 3:9 says God must be honoured with your substance and firstfruits. The first salary or profit in the year is your firstfruits. Honour God with it. The first salary on a new job is your firstfruits. The first profit of a new line of business is your firstfruits. The difference between your old salary and the new salary after an increase has taken place is your firstfruits. What do you do with your firstfruits? It is simply meant for honouring God. If you refuse to honour God with your firstfruits, you may have a harvest but waste the proceeds. Without honouring God with your firstfruits, you may not be able to obtain maximum benefit from your harvest.
WHAT REPORT?
Memorise: "Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil" (1 Tim 3:7)
Read: 1 Timothy 3:1-7
There is an approved attire in which believers should be clad: This is Heaven's dress. God expects you to be clothed with salvation, honour, righteousness and humility. According to David's request, it is possible to be clothed with shame and dishonour (Psalm 35:26). Every garment of shame and dishonour the enemy has dressed you with shall be burnt in Jesus' Name. In Matthew 17:1-2, when Jesus was transfigured, His robe was as white as light. White represents several things. First, it represents purity. This is one reason wedding gowns are white, as the ladies were in the olden days expected to be virgins. According to His personal testimony documented in John 14:30, our Lord Jesus Christ wore purity as a dress. White is also a symbol of perfection. Scientists say white is a combination of seven colours. The number seven is the number for perfection. When Jesus asked us to be perfect like our Heavenly Father in Matthew 5:48, He meant that we should wear perfection as a dress. Are you clad in purity and perfection?
Read: 1 Timothy 3:1-7
There is an approved attire in which believers should be clad: This is Heaven's dress. God expects you to be clothed with salvation, honour, righteousness and humility. According to David's request, it is possible to be clothed with shame and dishonour (Psalm 35:26). Every garment of shame and dishonour the enemy has dressed you with shall be burnt in Jesus' Name. In Matthew 17:1-2, when Jesus was transfigured, His robe was as white as light. White represents several things. First, it represents purity. This is one reason wedding gowns are white, as the ladies were in the olden days expected to be virgins. According to His personal testimony documented in John 14:30, our Lord Jesus Christ wore purity as a dress. White is also a symbol of perfection. Scientists say white is a combination of seven colours. The number seven is the number for perfection. When Jesus asked us to be perfect like our Heavenly Father in Matthew 5:48, He meant that we should wear perfection as a dress. Are you clad in purity and perfection?
WANT GOD DEAD?
Memorise: "Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing" (Rev 5:12)
Read: Revelation 5:11-13
"For mine own sake, even for mine own sake, will I do it: for how should my name be polluted? and I will not give my glory unto another" (Isaiah 48:11).
God is prepared to share His love and power but not His glory. No glory thief can escape God's judgement. The way some ministers of God are running their ministries leaves much to be desired. You would think they were the ones who employed God and not the other way round. If a miracle takes place through their ministry, the whole world would know it was their intense prayer, not God, that was responsible. When some people come to testify of what they claim God did for them, at the end of the day, it will be glaring that it was their prayer, fasting, zeal or faith, and not God that brought about the miracle. Are you a glory thief? You are playing with fire and will definitely be burnt unless you repent.
Read: Revelation 5:11-13
"For mine own sake, even for mine own sake, will I do it: for how should my name be polluted? and I will not give my glory unto another" (Isaiah 48:11).
God is prepared to share His love and power but not His glory. No glory thief can escape God's judgement. The way some ministers of God are running their ministries leaves much to be desired. You would think they were the ones who employed God and not the other way round. If a miracle takes place through their ministry, the whole world would know it was their intense prayer, not God, that was responsible. When some people come to testify of what they claim God did for them, at the end of the day, it will be glaring that it was their prayer, fasting, zeal or faith, and not God that brought about the miracle. Are you a glory thief? You are playing with fire and will definitely be burnt unless you repent.
EXPRESSING THE ANOINTING
Memorise: "Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved" (Matt 9:17)
Read: Acts 13:6-12
"Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved" (Matthew 9:17).
The vessel that will carry the anointing is of paramount importance to God. Right from the beginning, everything was done after an order - grasses, fruit-bearing trees, animals and then men reproducing after their kind (Gen 1:11-12). There was no criss-crossing of kinds or breaking the order of kinds. Similarly, in Ephesians 4:22-24, we are commanded to put off the old man and put on the new man. This is necessary because it is impossible to receive the new anointing in an old body. If you ask the Spirit of God or the anointing to come upon the body of a sinner, you are asking God to violate the law of kinds. You have the old wine and the new wine. When you are drunk with the old wine, you will be motivated to exhibit the works of the flesh. You will be intoxicated and not only misbehave, but also sin against God. But according to Colossians 3:16, when you are drunk with the new wine, it manifests in the fruit of the Spirit and in all spiritual graces. But if you seek to receive the Holy Spirit and His anointing in your defiled vessel, He will work against you and you could lose your health, peace, joy or even life. It is a very dangerous thing to ask for divine graces while in secret or open sin. This is responsible for some incurable or unexplainable sicknesses in the lives of some so-called Christians.
The new anointing is as strong as new wine. It is not only strong but also aggressive. Any hindrance brought before it will be resisted aggressively. We find an example in Acts 13:6-12. While preaching to a governor, a sorcerer tried to stand in the way of Paul and the anointing in him began to boil. He simply decreed that agent of darkness be blind for a period and it was so. Fresh anointing can clear any obstruction out of its way. Are you born again, Spirit-filled and sanctified? Nothing can resist the Holy Spirit that is at work in you. Arise and reel out decrees against every opposition on your way and they shall be established. Put a demand on the Anointing in you or it will remain dormant. The power to rule your world was deposited inside you the day you received Jesus Christ into your heart. Is that new wine finding expression?
Action Poin
Expressing the anointing is an act of faith. Bottling it up is an act of unbelief. Provoke the Spirit into action today.
Read: Acts 13:6-12
"Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved" (Matthew 9:17).
The vessel that will carry the anointing is of paramount importance to God. Right from the beginning, everything was done after an order - grasses, fruit-bearing trees, animals and then men reproducing after their kind (Gen 1:11-12). There was no criss-crossing of kinds or breaking the order of kinds. Similarly, in Ephesians 4:22-24, we are commanded to put off the old man and put on the new man. This is necessary because it is impossible to receive the new anointing in an old body. If you ask the Spirit of God or the anointing to come upon the body of a sinner, you are asking God to violate the law of kinds. You have the old wine and the new wine. When you are drunk with the old wine, you will be motivated to exhibit the works of the flesh. You will be intoxicated and not only misbehave, but also sin against God. But according to Colossians 3:16, when you are drunk with the new wine, it manifests in the fruit of the Spirit and in all spiritual graces. But if you seek to receive the Holy Spirit and His anointing in your defiled vessel, He will work against you and you could lose your health, peace, joy or even life. It is a very dangerous thing to ask for divine graces while in secret or open sin. This is responsible for some incurable or unexplainable sicknesses in the lives of some so-called Christians.
The new anointing is as strong as new wine. It is not only strong but also aggressive. Any hindrance brought before it will be resisted aggressively. We find an example in Acts 13:6-12. While preaching to a governor, a sorcerer tried to stand in the way of Paul and the anointing in him began to boil. He simply decreed that agent of darkness be blind for a period and it was so. Fresh anointing can clear any obstruction out of its way. Are you born again, Spirit-filled and sanctified? Nothing can resist the Holy Spirit that is at work in you. Arise and reel out decrees against every opposition on your way and they shall be established. Put a demand on the Anointing in you or it will remain dormant. The power to rule your world was deposited inside you the day you received Jesus Christ into your heart. Is that new wine finding expression?
Action Poin
Expressing the anointing is an act of faith. Bottling it up is an act of unbelief. Provoke the Spirit into action today.
GOOD ENOUGH FOR THE THIEF?
Memorise: "For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night" (1 Thess 5:2)
Read: Revelation: 1:7-11
"Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen" (Rev 1:7).
The King is coming. The Creator of the Heavens and the earth who once came as a baby, will return as the King of kings. However, His return will be in two stages. At the first stage, He will come unannounced - like a thief in the night (1 Thess 5:2). He will be coming to 'steal away' the precious ones whom He has redeemed by His blood. "Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garment, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame" (Rev 16:15). In that advent, only the prepared ones like the five wise, holy and vigilant virgins will go with Him. Many who are rising and falling in their Christian walk will be so engrossed with whatever they deem more important that they would not know when Jesus comes as a thief. For such people, shame, sorrow and disgrace are inevitable.
Read: Revelation: 1:7-11
"Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen" (Rev 1:7).
The King is coming. The Creator of the Heavens and the earth who once came as a baby, will return as the King of kings. However, His return will be in two stages. At the first stage, He will come unannounced - like a thief in the night (1 Thess 5:2). He will be coming to 'steal away' the precious ones whom He has redeemed by His blood. "Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garment, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame" (Rev 16:15). In that advent, only the prepared ones like the five wise, holy and vigilant virgins will go with Him. Many who are rising and falling in their Christian walk will be so engrossed with whatever they deem more important that they would not know when Jesus comes as a thief. For such people, shame, sorrow and disgrace are inevitable.
THE VISION WILL SPEAK
Memorise: "For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry" (Hab 2:3)
Read: Habakkuk 2:1-3
Holiness is a key to realizing our life's goal. In Genesis 39:7-9, when Portiphar's wife tried to lure Joseph to sleep with her, he asked: "How can I do this evil and sin against God?" He knew how paramount holiness was in achieving his life-long dream. Many people have traded their glorious destiny for momentary pleasures. Anyone who tries to lure you into sin is sporting for your failure. No matter how close, the fellow wants you doomed. Always look beyond that attractive, promising sinful offer as underneath lies the worst form of destruction. Usually, even after God makes a promise, you will need to wait in righteousness until it comes to pass. Most life-long promises may almost take a third, quarter or half of a lifetime to fulfil. They may not be immediate!
Read: Habakkuk 2:1-3
Holiness is a key to realizing our life's goal. In Genesis 39:7-9, when Portiphar's wife tried to lure Joseph to sleep with her, he asked: "How can I do this evil and sin against God?" He knew how paramount holiness was in achieving his life-long dream. Many people have traded their glorious destiny for momentary pleasures. Anyone who tries to lure you into sin is sporting for your failure. No matter how close, the fellow wants you doomed. Always look beyond that attractive, promising sinful offer as underneath lies the worst form of destruction. Usually, even after God makes a promise, you will need to wait in righteousness until it comes to pass. Most life-long promises may almost take a third, quarter or half of a lifetime to fulfil. They may not be immediate!
DOGS ARE OUTSIDE
Memorise: "For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie" (Rev 22:15)
Read: Revelation 22:14-15
All houses appear to have great foundations and promise of strength until they go through the test of storms. In Matthew 7:24-27, the Lord talked of two houses - one built on the rock and the other on sand. Both appeared quite strong and promising until the floods came, one collapsed while the other stood firm. In the day of storm, you and whatever you have built on the Lord Jesus Christ will stand the test of time. Many have lost marriage, careers or businesses to the storms of life because they refused to pay the initial attention required of them during foundation laying. You shall not be a victim of faulty foundation in Jesus' Name!
Read: Revelation 22:14-15
All houses appear to have great foundations and promise of strength until they go through the test of storms. In Matthew 7:24-27, the Lord talked of two houses - one built on the rock and the other on sand. Both appeared quite strong and promising until the floods came, one collapsed while the other stood firm. In the day of storm, you and whatever you have built on the Lord Jesus Christ will stand the test of time. Many have lost marriage, careers or businesses to the storms of life because they refused to pay the initial attention required of them during foundation laying. You shall not be a victim of faulty foundation in Jesus' Name!
UNDEFILED?
Memorise: "Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD" (Psalm 119:1)
Read: Psalm 119:1-3
One very touchy and remarkable parable the Lord taught is the parable of the Ten Virgins. This parable is so profound that no Heaven-bound saint can afford to ignore it. Generally speaking, a virgin is someone who has never engaged in sexual relations with the opposite sex. Even when some people make a claim on virginity, the token of virginity is there to prove them right or wrong. In spiritual parlance, there are certain characteristics found in virgins. The first is purity. God is so much in love with holiness that He ordered that every item to be used in the temple must be made from pure materials (Lev 24:2-7). To this end, His altar must be overlaid with gold of the purest form. Pure olive oil must light the temple lamps (Exo 27:20). His servants also must be pure
Read: Psalm 119:1-3
One very touchy and remarkable parable the Lord taught is the parable of the Ten Virgins. This parable is so profound that no Heaven-bound saint can afford to ignore it. Generally speaking, a virgin is someone who has never engaged in sexual relations with the opposite sex. Even when some people make a claim on virginity, the token of virginity is there to prove them right or wrong. In spiritual parlance, there are certain characteristics found in virgins. The first is purity. God is so much in love with holiness that He ordered that every item to be used in the temple must be made from pure materials (Lev 24:2-7). To this end, His altar must be overlaid with gold of the purest form. Pure olive oil must light the temple lamps (Exo 27:20). His servants also must be pure
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