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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?
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