Thursday 31 December 2015

Day One Miracle - Friday 1 January, 2016

Day One Miracle - Friday 1 January, 2016

Memorise: And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. - Genesis 1:3

Read: Genesis 1:1-5 (KJV)

1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.

4 And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.

5 And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.

Bible in One Year: Psalms 144; Numbers 16-17

MESSAGE:

We read in the Book of Genesis that God created the heaven and the earth in six days. Going by the account of the book of Genesis, we can assuredly say that the miracle of the universe was performed in six days! I pray for someone using this devotional; by the time you go through the first six days of this year, listening to God through this devotional, the everlasting miracles you need for the rest of your life shall be yours in Jesus’ name.

 The first challenge that confronted the universe was darkness, and this was the first thing God dealt with. When an individual gropes in darkness, he is likely to fall into a ditch and thereby end his life. In other words, darkness is potentially harmful. This is why there must be light; and there will be light in your life today in Jesus’ name. God said in Genesis 1:3:

“Let there be light: and there was light”


One lesson we must learn here is that it was when God spoke His Word that the miracle of light occurred. Many people do not know what they lose when they refuse to allow the Word of God to penetrate their lives. Those outside the Church do not allow the Christian witnesses and evangelist going around their neighbourhood to preach them with the Word of God that will liberate them from darkness. Even, ‘modern day Christians’ close up their hearts to the Word of God. This is the reason why many have been in the Church for years and their lives have remained the same. They came sick and they have remained sick; they came poor and they have remained poor; they came bound and they have remained bound. What a waste of opportunity. My prayer for someone using this devotional is that the Word of God will penetrate your life forcefully today, and you will have the miracle of the light of the Living God.

When there is darkness, there will be no activity. God knows this, and that’s why He first tackled the problem of darkness which the devil brought upon the earth when he was cast down.

“Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhibiters of the earth and of the sea! For the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.” - Revelations 12:12

When there is darkness, stagnation is inevitable. Also, we should take note of this phrase in the above scripture; “because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.” It simply reveals that the devil works round-the-clock to get his victims before they discover the light of God in Christ. So, if you are reading this devotional and you have not come into the light of God in Jesus Christ, today is your day of salvation; now is the acceptable time (2 Corinthians 6:2). I decree the miracle of the first day into your life in Jesus’ name.

Prayer Point: Father, send Your Light into darkness of my life today in Jesus’ name.

Wednesday 30 December 2015

God's War Instrument - Thursday 31 December, 2015

God's War Instrument - Thursday 31 December, 2015

Memorise: Thou art my battle axe and weapons of war: for with thee will I break in pieces the nations, and with thee will I destroy kingdoms: -Jeremiah 51:20

Read: Isaiah 41:14-16 (KJV)

14 Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.

15 Behold, I will make thee a new sharp threshing instrument having teeth: thou shalt thresh the mountains, and beat them small, and shalt make the hills as chaff.

16 Thou shalt fan them, and the wind shall carry them away, and the whirlwind shall scatter them: and thou shalt rejoice in the LORD, and shalt glory in the Holy One of Israel.


Bible in One Year: Song of Solomon 5-8; Jude 1

MESSAGE:

Because holiness is the nature of God, living a holy life makes you a partner with God in His work. 2 Corinthians 6:1 says:

"We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain."

What a great privilege this is! When you have the same nature as God, He will not look at your limitations; rather, He will lift you up so that He can relate with you. God wants to partner with you. He wants to be able to seek your opinion on issues; not because He does not know what to do, but just to make you know that you count before Him (John 6:5-6). Living a holy life makes you count before God, and it gives you relevance before Him (Genesis 18:17-19).

Moreover, holiness empowers you to plead your cause before God. As a sinner, you cannot stand before God, because your sins have disqualified you to begin with. But when you approach Jesus and accept Him as your Saviour, His blood washes you clean and He stands as your lawyer to plead your cause (1 John 2:1). Thereafter, as you imbibe His holiness and allow His nature to express itself through you, you are empowered to plead your own cause before God (Hebrews 4:16). Holiness also qualifies you to plead for others. Are you living a holy life? How well are you pleading your cause and that of others before heaven's court?

Similarly, living a holy life makes you God's sharp battle axe: you become a fighting instrument in His hands (Jeremiah 51:20). A life of holiness is a declaration to the kingdom of darkness that you are on God's side permanently. You therefore become a very useful instrument in God's hands. Isaiah 41:15 says:

"Behold, I will make thee a new sharp threshing instrument having teeth; thou shalt thresh the mountains; and beat them small, and shalt make the hills as chaff."

One of my sons once had a dream where he saw his hands being exchanged with iron hands. Even though he tried to resist what the angels were doing, he could not stop them. Thereafter, the Lord used him mightily against the kingdom of Satan and is still using him today. The more you live a life of holiness, the more likely it is that God will use you to do greater things and to fight bigger battles. Are you living a holy life?

Prayer Point: Father, make the Body of Christ a sharp battle axe in your hands in these last days.

Yield to God - Wednesday 30 December, 2015

Yield to God - Wednesday 30 December, 2015

Memorise: Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. - Romans 6:13

Read: 2 Chronicles 30:8-9 (KJV)

8 Now be ye not stiffnecked, as your fathers were, but yield yourselves unto the LORD, and enter into his sanctuary, which he hath sanctified for ever: and serve the LORD your God, that the fierceness of his wrath may turn away from you.

9 For if ye turn again unto the LORD, your brethren and your children shall find compassion before them that lead them captive, so that they shall come again into this land: for the LORD your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn away his face from you, if ye return unto him.

Bible in One Year: Song of Solomon 1-4; 3 John 1

MESSAGE:

God has a unique plan for your life. In all that you do, never let this escape your mind. Note however that there is a difference between desire and purpose. There is also a difference between ambition and purpose. Your joy can only be full when you find your purpose in life. Until you get to this point, life will be such a struggle, full of stress and pressures. It is good to have ambition, but it is better to seek God's purpose for your life, and having known it, make that your life's ambition. You will be happier for it.

Moreover, having carved out His purpose for your life, God gives you the gifts and abilities that will enable you fulfil that purpose. God's calling on your life is in line with His divine purpose. Where a conflict exists between God's plan for your life and your own plans, there will always be problems. For instance, if God wants you to be a missionary in a particular country and you plan to be a doctor in another part of the world, there will be great conflict. If you fail to yield to His will, you will be disrupting His plan. It is either a person is brought to a halt over his personal ambition that is making God's will secondary, or God will alter His plan for that person by moving someone else into his place. If your pursuit runs contrary to God's plan for your life, God expects you to do something fast. When Peter's fishing business got in God's way, he was called out of traditional fishing into fishing for men. As we speak, there are several people who refuse to yield to God over His plan for their lives. They have continued to struggle with God's will. Resisting God's will regarding His plan for your life can be frustrating. It can lead to labouring without commensurate harvest, afflictions, disappointments, great loss of valuables and much more. If you remain adamant after repeated attempts to bring you back in line, God may have to replace you. When God replaces a person, he or she is left alone to pursue his or her ambitions, which will lead nowhere. Are you struggling with God? Is God calling you into His service or into full-time ministry and you are resisting? Stop resisting Him today!

Prayer Point: Father, I yield my life to You today; make out of my life what You desire for it.

Tuesday 29 December 2015

Effective Tracking Device - Tuesday 29 December, 2015

Effective Tracking Device - Tuesday 29 December, 2015

Memorise: Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: - Matthew 7:7

Read: Daniel 10:10-14 (KJV)

10 And, behold, an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands.

11 And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright: for unto thee am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling.

12 Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words.

13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.

14 Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days.

Bible in One Year: Ecclesiastes 8:14-12:14; 2 John 1

MESSAGE:

From the experience of Daniel in our Bible reading today, we understand that praying effectively makes it impossible for your blessings to pass you by. When you pray, your blessings are branded with your name, and as you continue in prayer, a heavenly courier is sent with your package. When you pray some more, the courier will deliver the package to you. Do you know that there are blessings which were released from Heaven but which never got to their owners? One likely way of losing your blessing is to stop praying about them. If you stop, by the time they are being sent, they could get missing in transit. So many blessings have been lost due to a lack of follow-up prayers.

Let us look at Daniel's experience. He had a burden to unravel a particular mystery; so he set out to fast and seek God's face on the matter. A day passed, a week passed, and another week passed, but he kept on praying. It was after three weeks that the answer came. The angel who brought the answer told him that from the day the request was made, it was heard and an answer was sent, but certain forces of darkness delayed him until Angel Michael came to assist him. This tells us that the battles in heavenly places are real. No wonder Ephesians 6:12 says:

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."

These forces exist and they are out to delay or deny you your blessings. If you lose faith and stop praying, the enemy might divert them.

It is one thing to pray and have the answer released, but it is another thing to receive the answer. Today, it is possible to send something by post and track its movement from country to country up to its destination through the internet. Prayer is the spiritual tracking device you need to track your blessing from Heaven until it arrives in your hands. Once you start praying on a particular issue, don't stop. Keep on praying until the answer gets to you. In addition, it is necessary to specifically pray against every spiritual agent of hindrance. Paralyse every diversionary agent of darkness. Pray against blessing thieves and hijackers, and envelope your blessing in the Blood of Jesus.

Key Point: Prayer is like a hook with a rope tied; with it you can catch your blessing, and pull it until it gets to you.

Monday 28 December 2015

The Exclusive Door - Monday 28 December, 2015

The Exclusive Door - Monday 28 December, 2015

Memorise: I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. - John 10:9.

Read: John 14:1-6 (KJV)

1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.

2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.

5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?

6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Bible in One Year: Ecclesiastes 5:1-8:13; 1 John 5

MESSAGE:

Jesus Christ is the door to finding everlasting peace. Peace is so vital to human existence that people search for it in many ways. Some people even do all sorts of abominable things to get peace, but the more effort they put in, the more they realise that they are far from having the peace of God. Jesus is the only door through which true peace is guaranteed. Because Jesus is the door, whatever you need to access in life can only be done effortlessly through Him. As the door, He does not need a door to come in, nor does He need a door to go out. For everything you desire in life, there are doors for accessing them. There are doors of financial breakthrough, academic excellence, marital bliss, spiritual endowment and health. All these doors are enclosed in the original Door - Jesus. There is none of these doors that Jesus Christ cannot open. Nothing can deny any child of God access to these doors as long as they are in Christ.

Are you in search of promotion, fruitfulness and breakthrough? Then come to Jesus. He will give you access to all the closed doors in your life. There is no need for worries or panic, because Jesus will give you permanent victory over the challenges confronting you. If you want Jesus to be your access through the journey of life, you must give Him full access into your life. You must always allow the Lord to be before you. Psalm 16:8 says:

"I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved."

If you want to have Jesus as your exclusive way, you must allow Him take the lead while you follow. You need to always look up to Him and let Him be your focus. If you can do this, you will realise that those things you have been running after for many years will begin to come to you. As long as you have Jesus, you cannot be limited. All you need to do is open your heart to Him. What are those things you worry yourself about? Trust in the exclusive door. He will lead and guide you. The moment Jesus becomes your door, everything will begin to respond to you. There are many people who are not yet blessed because they have shut the door of their heart to the Lord. The moment the door is opened for Him to come in, the lines will begin to fall in pleasant places for you. Jesus is the only true door. Other doors will fail, but Jesus can never fail.

Prayer Point: Father, as I open up the door of my heart to Jesus, help me to always hear Your voice.

Sunday 27 December 2015

Are You Industrious? - Sunday 27 December, 2015

Are You Industrious? - Sunday 27 December, 2015

Memorise: Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread. - Proverbs 20:13

Read: Proverbs 31:10-13 (KJV)

10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.

Bible in One Year: Ecclesiastes 1-4: 1 John 4

MESSAGE:

In the school of life, those who are prone to giving excuses end up as failures. Greatness in life is not for the slothful but for the diligent. It is not for men of theoretical faith, but for those who can put their faith into action. There are many people walking around blind to opportunities. They always complain about the economic situation of their country, and for this reason, they have refused to take their destinies in their own hands. Nothing moves until you move. There are opportunities all around you, but if you can't see them, they will not translate into tangible results. To be industrious is to be hardworking, conscientious, diligent and productive. John 15:16 says:

"Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you."

God expects His children to be productive and be creative in their thinking. The fact that you belong to God should make you see solutions to issues where others only see problems. The spiritual controls the physical; this is why you need to ask God to open your spiritual eyes. You need to see the good things coming your way from afar off, so that as they come, you can tap into them. There are many people sitting and living around opportunities without exploring them. There is no future for lazy fellows.

The life God expects from the industrious is a life of fruitfulness in every area. Fruitfulness is a covenant benefit of God's children. If you are still in school, you need to be industrious in order to graduate with excellent grades. If you are serving in God's ministry, you need to be industrious, so that you can access the anointing required for doing spiritual exploits. If you are engaged in business, you need to be hard-working to make more profits and access greater business opportunities. If you are in the corporate world, being industrious will put you on the cutting edge of your career. You need to keep growing. You need to develop yourself for the glorious future you see ahead of you. You must not be distracted with those things that will not enhance the quick actualization of your God-given dreams. There is no need losing your head over what you don't have. What you have is more than enough for your breakthrough. Never be afraid of starting small. Ask the Lord to open your eyes so that you can multiply the seed in your hands to become a forest.

Key Point: Whatever you don't value can never add value to you.

Saturday 26 December 2015

Attracting greater love Saturday 26 December, 2015

Attracting greater love Saturday 26 December, 2015

Memorise: For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. - Hebrews 2:10

Read: Genesis 22:15-18 (KJV)

15 And the angel of the LORD called unto Abraham out of heaven the second time,

16 And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son:

17 That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies;

18 And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.

Bible in One Year: Proverbs 27:23-31:31; 1 John 2:28-3:24

MESSAGE:

Your love for God is something you must prove to be genuine. God is not satisfied with verbal affirmations only. He is not satisfied with promises to love surrounded by procrastination. He wants to see your love for real; hence, 1 John 3:18 says:

"My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth."

Have you been able to prove your love for God beyond words? One beautiful truth here is that whenever you demonstrate your love for God, it will attract greater love from Him. This principle can also be seen in the natural world. If I smile at you, unless you are angry with me, you will return the smile. Every time you prove to God that you love Him, He will reciprocate by showing you greater love. In Acts 20:35, Apostle Paul echoed the words of our Lord Jesus Christ that it is better to give than to receive. Many people find it hard to understand this. Simply put, it is better to give because when you give, you automatically open the door to receive more than what you gave.

The act of giving is subject to the law of harvest; therefore, everyone who gives receives something much more than what was given, because the harvest is usually greater than the seed sown. Hebrews 2:9-10 tells us that when God gave His only begotten Son, He brought many more sons into glory. God gave one Son and now has millions of sons and daughters from different parts of the world. There are some desires that you may not receive until you give. There are certain great requests that may appear illusive until you give your best seed. For you to be able to receive all your requests, you must first be prepared to pay any price by giving anything God wants you to. What you are prepared to give determines the extent to which God is compelled to give to you in return. Are you ready to pay the ultimate sacrifice? Sacrificial giving never goes unrewarded. After Jesus laid down His life for the sins of the world, He was rewarded with the Name above every other name (Philippians 2:8-11). Similarly, after Abraham demonstrated his love for God, the Lord swore to bless Abraham and his children beyond measure, promising to multiply his generations like the sand on the seashore. What are you doing to prove your love for God today?

Key Point: Every act of love towards God is a seed sown on the best soil,which will definitely generate a great harvest of love.

Friday 25 December 2015

He came to seek the lost - Friday 25 December, 2015

He came to seek the lost - Friday 25 December, 2015

Memorise: For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. - Luke 19:10

Read: Luke 19:1-10 (KJV)

1 And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.

2 And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich.

3 And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature.

4 And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.

5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house.

6 And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.

7 And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.

8 And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.

9 And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.

10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

Bible in One Year: Proverbs 24:23-27:22; 1 John 2:7-27

MESSAGE:

While on earth, Jesus demonstrated the nature and character of God to man (John 14:8-11).There was no one who came in contact with Him that did not testify of His goodness. Why was this always the case? It is because Jesus knew the purpose of His coming to earth. When the purpose of a thing is not known, abuse is inevitable. Because Jesus knew why He was here, He never wasted any opportunity. He was so committed to the business of seeking the lost that He even became the guest of sinners. There is so much potential being wasted today, because very few people are committed to the business of wining souls; whereas this is the global mandate given to every believer by the Lord. There is no one in Jesus' cabinet that is useless. Before He came into their lives, they might have been ordinary men, but after they became citizens of His kingdom, they became valuable instruments in the hands of God.

Anyone could be lost, irrespective of their position, titles or academic achievement. Even if you are a renowned professor, as long as you do not have Jesus in your heart, you are lost. There is no one who Jesus cannot receive. He is waiting earnestly for everyone to come to Him. In our Bible reading today, a chief sinner came to Jesus, and he got his salvation. This is the beauty of salvation: all you need to do is come to Jesus and receive Him as your Lord and Saviour. Salvation is for all. No matter how terrible you have been, just try Jesus, and He will make sense out of your life. He will not only receive you to Himself, He will polish away your rough ends to the point where you become a testimony to the entire world. All you need to do is make straight your crooked ways. Even if you have backslidden, He is waiting to accept you back by His love. To be lost in sin is a terrible thing. Sin has wages, and the wages of sin is death. It is sin that produces sickness, affliction, bondage and distress; but the moment you are found by the Lord through salvation, you begin to enjoy good health, abundant life and the peace of God, and live a holy life that counts to His glory. When you allow yourself to be found by the Lord, you can be assured that in your salvation lies your breakthroughs and victory. I was formerly lost, but when Jesus came into my life, everything changed. This can be your testimony too. Your past will no longer matter to God; He will only use it as a testimony of His faithfulness.

Prayer Point: Father, please save all those who are lost in my family.

Thursday 24 December 2015

Debtors of Gratitude - Thursday 24 December, 2015

Debtors of Gratitude - Thursday 24 December, 2015

Memorise: Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: - Psalm 103:2

Read: Psalm 103:1-14 (KJV)

1 (A Psalm of David.) Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.

2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;

4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;

5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.

6 The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.

7 He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.

8 The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.

9 He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.

10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.

11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.

12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.

13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.

14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.

Bible in One Year: Proverbs 21:2-24:22; 1 John 1:1-2:6

MESSAGE:

Everyone on earth is indebted to the Almighty God. Irrespective of your many needs that are yet to be met, you must still remember that the breath of life you have is not a function of your power. If you can think deeply within you, and look at all that is happening around you, you will give ceaseless praise to God. The reason why some people do not think they should thank God is because they are looking at those things they do not yet have, but they forget to look at those things they have right now. Some would even say they have nothing. Such people are unmindful of the fact that it is with life that things are produced, and when you have life you have all things. The Scripture in Psalm 68:19 says:

"Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation."

The implication of this is that there is nothing we need that the Lord has not provided for. What to eat, what to drink, where to live, the car to drive, the person to marry are all examples of His benefits.

When the Psalmist followed the multitude into God's house, he went with joy without being forced (Psalms 42:4). Why then do we wait for people to motivate us to praise God? Why do we behave as if there is nothing in our life to thank God for? The mercy of the Lord towards us is everlasting (Psalms 100:5). With this assurance, we should be singing and praising His Name. You are to bless the Lord for all He has done in the past, all He is doing in the present and all He is yet to do. As you do this, He is committed to doing more. One of the greatest lessons on gratitude I learnt was from my mother. Any time my mother wanted to collect my school fees from my father, she would draw up a strategy of praising and eulogising my father. She would call him great names he did not bear. She would mention great feats and achievements far above his profile and credit him with them. Even before she was done, he would give her what she wanted. This strategy worked every time. If this can work for a mortal man full of limitations, how much more the immortal God who has no limitations? For all the blessings and protection of the Almighty God, you can never praise Him enough. When you praise God adequately and magnify His various Names, He is moved, and once God moves on your behalf, you can expect the miraculous. You can also expect Him to ambush your enemies and open doors in all aspects of your life.

Action Point: Praise the Lord that you are alive.

Wednesday 23 December 2015

Check your desires - Wednesday 23 December, 2015

Check your desires - Wednesday 23 December, 2015

Memorise: And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul. - Psalm 106:15

Read: Psalm 106:13-18 (KJV)

13 They soon forgat his works; they waited not for his counsel:

14 But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert.

15 And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul.

16 They envied Moses also in the camp, and Aaron the saint of the LORD.

17 The earth opened and swallowed up Dathan, and covered the company of Abiram.

18 And a fire was kindled in their company; the flame burned up the wicked.

Bible in One Year: Proverbs 17:19-21:1; 2 Peter 3

MESSAGE:

In the plan of God for you as a child of destiny, both those who love you and those who hate you have a part to play in bringing about the fulfilment of your destiny. For example, in the case of Joseph, his father loved him but his brothers hated him. Ideally, Joseph would have preferred that his brothers loved him like his father did. But if that had happened, how would he ever have arrived at the place of his destiny? His brothers, provoked by envy, provided the free transportation that took him to his place of destiny. If they had known that their evil intentions towards their younger brother would fast-track his dreams coming true, would they have sold him into slavery? I doubt it. This simply tells us that the enemy does not see the bigger picture. God only allows the enemy to see how they can hinder you, while He hides from them how their actions will benefit you. Believe it or not, as long as you are in God's will, every negative move your enemy makes will work towards your good. May the Lord open your eyes to see the good in the bad actions of your enemies in Jesus' Name.

Moreover, there is a difference between desire and God's purpose. It is possible for you to have a desire which tallies with God's plan and purpose for your life. In this scenario, your desire and God's purpose will harmonise to move you into your destiny. However, it is also possible to desire what contradicts God's purpose for your life. In such a scenario, if your desire is granted, it could delay, distort, modify or even cancel God's plan for your life. For example, God may want you to live and serve Him in a particular country - say your homeland, whereas you may desire to go to a more developed country for greener pastures. If God loves you, He will not grant your desire, so that you can remain in His plan for your life. Although Jesus in Mark 11:24 promised to deliver to you your requests made in faith, yet, as a child of destiny, you must be careful what you ask for, lest you ask outside of God's will, and He sends leanness into your soul (Psalm 106:15). Every time you desire what God does not want for you, it amounts to working against your God-given destiny. Stop working against God's plan for your life. From today, harmonise your plan with God's purpose for you. Any personal plan that does not blend with God's plan must be discarded.

Prayer Point: Father, cause the activities of all those who are deliberately working against me to work for my good.

Tuesday 22 December 2015

Not Ordinary Hands - Monday 21 December, 2015

Not Ordinary Hands - Monday 21 December, 2015

Memorise: I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. - 1 Timothy 2:8

Read: Exodus 17:8-13 (KJV)

8 Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim.

9 And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: to morrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand.

10 So Joshua did as Moses had said to him, and fought with Amalek: and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill.

11 And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.

12 But Moses' hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.

13 And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.

Bible in One Year: Proverbs 11:16-14:25; 2 Peter 1

MESSAGE:

Several people at one point or the other have drawn God's attention to themselves by lifting up their hands to Heaven. This is a symbolic way of saying, "Lord I trust you totally with my life." You are telling God that unless He helps you, there is nothing you can do about your situation. One person who did this several times was Moses. At the Red Sea, God commanded him to lift his hands, and you know the end of the story. There is something highly significant about the hands of Moses; they were very special. Even in the battle between the children of Israel and the Amalekites, the war was won simply by Moses raising his hands up to heaven. Anytime you lift up your hands to God, you are showing your reliance and total dependence on Him. There are people struggling through life. They wake up very early and return home very late, and yet there is nothing significant to show for all their efforts. It requires more than human effort to succeed in life. You need the divine support of the Almighty God. Never trust in your position, because position is never permanent. Never trust in your intellect, because no matter how much you know, your intellect is too small to comprehend the ways of God. Never trust in your money, because money can develop wings and fly away. Put your total and absolute trust in God.

The more you look up to God, the more victories He will deliver into your hands on a platter. If anyone who is of God raises his hands to bless you, you can rest assured that you are blessed. You need to also pray to God that through your hands, there will be manifestation of signs and wonders. Apostle Paul did so many exploits with his hands. Your hands are very significant to the fulfilment of your destiny. This is why you cannot afford to toy with sin. You must be willing to engage your hands in doing things that are pleasing to God. When you serve a man of God with your hands, you are automatically transferring grace to yourself. Don't allow your hands to be lazy. Engage your hands in soul-winning and setting the captives free. Anytime you need empowerment from God, go to His presence as an empty vessel that is waiting to be filled and empowered. Lift up your hands to him so that He will know you have come to exchange your weakness for His strength. Never go before the Almighty God with the notion that you have it all. Expose all your frailties, weaknesses and failings to Him and you can be sure that before you leave His presence, you would have been filled, and whatever you lay your hands upon will begin to prosper. May that be your portion in Jesus' Name.

Prayer Point: Father, as I present my hands to You, let every dead thing my hands touch begin to receive life.

Whose voice? - Tuesday 22 December, 2015

Whose voice? - Tuesday 22 December, 2015

Memorise: And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.  - Isaiah 30:21

Read: Ezekiel 14:1-5 (KJV)

1 Then came certain of the elders of Israel unto me, and sat before me.

2 And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

3 Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their heart, and put the stumblingblock of their iniquity before their face: should I be enquired of at all by them?

4 Therefore speak unto them, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Every man of the house of Israel that setteth up his idols in his heart, and putteth the stumblingblock of his iniquity before his face, and cometh to the prophet; I the LORD will answer him that cometh according to the multitude of his idols;

5 That I may take the house of Israel in their own heart, because they are all estranged from me through their idols.

13 And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.

Bible in One Year: Proverbs 14:26-17:18; 2 Peter 2

MESSAGE:

Children of God who are not sensitive in these last days will have themselves to blame. You have to be prayerful, careful and sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit, particularly because there are mixed multitudes all around the Church today. There are even churches that belong to Satan but have the appearance of belonging to Jesus Christ. There are also demonic agents prowling around and deceiving people. If you are not very watchful, you will become one of their victims. That will not be your portion in Jesus’ Name. Although God wants His children to hear from Him and get His best, one factor inhibiting this is the fact that they have idols in their hearts which prevent them from hearing from Him clearly. You can be seeking God’s face for direction but also be hoarding idols in your heart. If you really want the Almighty God to guide you, you have to eradicate all forms of idols from your life. There are many single in the Body of Christ today who are not yet married even though they are of age. Some of them have allowed idols in their hearts for so long a time that they have not been able to look in the direction God is leading them to. For a user of this devotional trusting God for a marriage partner, the Lord will direct your steps in Jesus’ Name. You can never get anything better than what God has in store for you. You will observe that after the Lord made Eve out of Adam, Adam had no difficulty recognising his wife (Genesis 2:22-23). Once your spirit man is highly sensitive, you will always receive God’s signals on the right thing to do each time. (Isaiah 42:16)

There are many homes experiencing frustration today. It is because they have not allowed the voice of God to speak to them. God has spoken, but they have all along been listening to the idols in their heart. Not all that glitters is gold. Not all open doors are opened by God. If you really want the blessings of God in your life and home, you have to eradicate the voice of all the idols in your heart. Even if you are totally blind, as long as you depend on God for direction, His promises for your life will lead you to where you will find rest for your soul. I prophesy into your life that you will not miss your way in Jesus’ Name. Wherever God is taking you, you can rest assured that you are heading for a glorious destiny. He will lead you so clearly that you will be so sure of where you are going. He will lead you so convincingly that you can guarantee the outcome of your choice even before you embark on it. There is nothing as safe as allowing God to direct you in every sphere of life. If you hear well from Him, you will end well.

Action Point: Measure the expectations of your heart against the standard of God’s word.  Discard all expectations that don’t align with God’s word.

Sunday 20 December 2015

Bearing false witness II - Sunday 20 December, 2015

Bearing false witness II - Sunday 20 December, 2015

Memorise: A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish - Proverbs 19:9.

Read: Genesis 39:7-20 (KJV)

7 And it came to pass after these things, that his master's wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me.

8 But he refused, and said unto his master's wife, Behold, my master wotteth not what is with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand;

9 There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?

10 And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her.

11 And it came to pass about this time, that Joseph went into the house to do his business; and there was none of the men of the house there within.

12 And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out.

13 And it came to pass, when she saw that he had left his garment in her hand, and was fled forth,

14 That she called unto the men of her house, and spake unto them, saying, See, he hath brought in an Hebrew unto us to mock us; he came in unto me to lie with me, and I cried with a loud voice:

15 And it came to pass, when he heard that I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment with me, and fled, and got him out.

16 And she laid up his garment by her, until his lord came home.

17 And she spake unto him according to these words, saying, The Hebrew servant, which thou hast brought unto us, came in unto me to mock me:

18 And it came to pass, as I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment with me, and fled out.

19 And it came to pass, when his master heard the words of his wife, which she spake unto him, saying, After this manner did thy servant to me; that his wrath was kindled.

20 And Joseph's master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king's prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison.

Bible in One Year: Proverbs 8:1-11:15: 1 Peter 4:12-5:14

MESSAGE:

"And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;" - Revelation 3 : 14.

In the above Scripture, Jesus Christ is called the Faithful and True witness. Because He is the Truth, He hates lies. A false witness is a liar. It therefore implies that Jesus hates the bearing of false witness. If you are a false witness, your nature is at variance with that of Jesus who is the Faithful and True witness. If you claim you belong to Him and yet you bear false witness, you lie, and the truth is not in you. If you lied against someone and got the fellow into trouble before you were saved, although God has forgiven you your sins at the point of salvation, you still need to make right that wrong deed. It is very worrisome to hear that false witnesses exist in the Body of Christ today. It is reported that some people arrange for some fellows to testify against particular individuals in order to discredit them or their ministry. Such testimonies have ridiculed and even disqualified some people from a particular office, position or imminent promotion. If you are guilty of such act, you must be prepared to restitute to the fellow you lied against. Yes, it could be humiliating, but you have to do it.

Another area where people are guilty of bearing false witness in the body of Christ today concerns the issue of sexual harassment. There are ladies who, for one reason or another, decide to blackmail a servant of God. They may come to that servant of God with an issue, arrange a scenario of compromise, and then allege that he was about to rape them. They are like Potiphar's wife, who consistently tried to entice Joseph into adultery, but he kept resisting her. Eventually, when all her antics had failed, she falsely accused him of trying to rape her. Joseph went to prison because of that lie. Some pastors have lost their ministries to false witnesses. Some people have been demoted because someone lied against them. Some families are suffering because of the lies a member of the extended family told against them. Some church leaders are fighting some innocent workers and ministers because of the lies told by somebody. Are you a false witness? God can expose your evil deeds. Go and straighten your crooked path or else, the journey you thought would lead you to Heaven will end in Hell.

Action Point: Are you a victim of false witnesses? Ask God to vindicate you and restore whatever you have lost.

Saturday 19 December 2015

Mission Accomplished - Saturday 19 December, 2015

Mission Accomplished - Saturday 19 December, 2015

Memorise: So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David. - 1 Samuel 17:50

Read: 1 Samuel 17:45-50 (KJV)

45 Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.

46 This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.

47 And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD'S, and he will give you into our hands.

48 And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew nigh to meet David, that David hasted, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine.

49 And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth.

50 So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David.

Bible in One Year: Proverbs 4-7; 1 Peter 3:8-4:11

MESSAGE:

A mission is a special assignment commissioned by a higher authority. Generally speaking, missions are known to involve some level of difficulty and challenges. Therefore, they are generally identified with uncertainty, opposition, criticism, anxiety, risk and fear. This fact is evident in all those who were commissioned for one assignment or the other in the Bible. Noah as a man on a mission experienced all these. Nobody believed him until the word of the Lord came to pass (Luke 17:27). Abraham's experience was the same. At a point, he risked losing his beautiful wife because of the fear of the unknown (Genesis 20:2-3). The assignment of Moses was especially marked with difficulties that made him experience negative conditions on a much higher level. Other important figures in the Bible like Joseph, Joshua, Daniel, Nehemiah, and David were not left out; they all had terrible encounters on their mission to fulfil their assignments, but by the grace of God, they all accomplished their missions successfully. I therefore decree over your life: no matter how difficult your assignment is, and no matter what you are passing through on the assignment, your mission will be accomplished successfully in Jesus' Name.


A person on a mission is usually misunderstood, especially when he or she is being controlled by the Holy Spirit. This is usually because the fellow receives divine instructions which are guaranteed to bring success, but are usually at variance with human understanding. David, as a man on a divine mission, accomplished his mission in grand style by taking some specific steps. He did not allow opposition and criticism to discourage him, but remained focus on his assignment. David identified with the Almighty God and relied on the power in the word of God as the ultimate weapon of war. He trusted completely in God for victory to the point of boasting about it. He was ill-equipped for battle because he had no sword, yet he confidently approached his assignment with boldness, and God crowned his efforts with resounding victory. Do you have a mission, vision, or idea that has become a passion in you? Are you in anyway handicapped because of lack of money, human connection, or assistance? Are you in a disadvantaged position because of your family background or upbringing? My friend, do not fret over your situation. Put your trust in God, and your mission will be accomplished in due time in Jesus' Name.

Prayer Point: Father, accelerate the accomplishment of my goals in life by the wisdom of Your Spirit.

Friday 18 December 2015

Mission Discovered - Friday 18 December, 2015

Mission Discovered - Friday 18 December, 2015

Memorise: And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause? - 1 Samuel 17:29

Read: 1 Samuel 17:28-30 (KJV)

28 And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle.

29 And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause?

30 And he turned from him toward another, and spake after the same manner: and the people answered him again after the former manner.

Bible in One Year: Proverbs 1-3; 1 Peter 2:13-3:7

MESSAGE:

In today's Bible reading, we see what seems to be a subtle undertone in Eliab's unprovoked anger against David. Let's take a closer look at what was actually going on. David happened on the battle scene by accident, because he was only there on an errand to deliver his father's message to his brothers and the captain of their unit. It is therefore interesting that David was able to identify his mission in the midst of an affair which appeared to be none of his business. He found his purpose in a remote and indirect call to duty. This is a very good example of how the purpose of God becomes manifest in a person's life. Despite the fact that Eliab railed accusations of pride and naughtiness of heart against David, he did not deny them or defend himself; he only asked this rhetorical question: "Is there not a cause?" A cause is a very important element of purpose, which usually develops into a passion for an objective, making it worth dying for. David so quickly reached the conclusion that confronting Goliath was a cause he was prepared to die for (1 Samuel 17:32).

Looking at the sequence of events in this story, I have a feeling that David was acting under the influence of a power that was far beyond his control. I sincerely believe that he was very conscious of this fact, and he yielded himself to the control of the awesome power of God. The power that moved David to overcome Goliath is the same power that moved Samson to tear up a lion with his bare hand. I pray that you will receive that power now in the Name of Jesus. David did not only discover his assignment, he also quickly identified with the One who predetermined the whole process. Let's consider a few of the steps taken by David. First of all, He ignored and discarded all forms of discouragement that came his way through his brother, Eliab, and through King Saul (1 Samuel 17:28 & 33). In addition, he testified and boasted in the Lord of all the wonderful things God had accomplished in his life (1 Samuel 17:34-37). Furthermore, being sure of God's support, he refused to rely on human technology (1 Samuel 17:39). Beyond all this, he went ahead to identify with God by presenting himself as an emissary of the Lord of hosts. 1 Samuel 17:45 says:

"Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied."

Are you pursuing a cause? Are you a man or a woman with a purpose? If you are ready to identify with the Lord of hosts and employ the same strategy David used, success will be yours.

Prayer Point: Father, I don't want to wander through life without a mission; guide me to the cause in life which You have created and equipped me for, in Jesus' Name.

Thursday 17 December 2015

Persistence Brings the Answer - Thursday 17 December, 2015

Persistence Brings the Answer - Thursday 17 December, 2015

Memorise: Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? - Matthew 7:9

Read: Luke 18:1-8 (KJV)

1 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

2 Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:

3 And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.

4 And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;

5 Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.

6 And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.

7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?

8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

Bible in One Year: Psalm 144-150; 1 Peter 1:13-2:12

MESSAGE:

There are many inventors in life whose names are never heard about because they gave up on the verge of their discoveries. Life is about persistence, and one man who was very persistent in his pursuit of greatness was Elisha (2 Kings 2). Elisha kept following Elijah ardently and many people thought he was wasting his time. Elijah moved from Bethel to Jordan and from there to Jericho, yet, Elisha would not let go. He was desperate for greatness, and his persistence in the pursuit of greatness paid off. You need to understand that you have a great role to play if you will ever get answers to your prayers. Also, understand that sometimes, there is a place of waiting before a prayer is answered. Some problems have a required number of hits they must receive before they become levelled. Naaman had to dip in the water seven times before He could get his cleansing. Thank God he did not stop at the sixth dip when he discovered there was still no change. It takes persistence to get the miracles you desire from God.

From the account of the woman in today’s Bible reading, it is apparent that she continued to persuade the judge to assist her. There might have been many things the judge said which were sufficient to discourage her from returning to him, but she did not succumb. She persisted in her visits and cries for justice until she got the attention of the judge on her case. There is no problem in life without an expiry date. The faint in spirit cannot get anything significant from life. They give up at the point when they are so close to their blessing. God is a God of plan and purpose. He does everything according to His timetable. Some people conclude that their miracle is taking too long to come; they become impatient and begin to look for alternatives that will not give them the kind of joy they desire. Do not be like such people. You need to keep your hope alive. You need to push until you get what you want out of life. There are people who are so passive in life. They think life will automatically give them what they deserve just by speaking in tongues. No, it doesn’t work that way! You have to involve your body, soul and spirit in the pursuit of your dreams. That woman in our Bible reading continued to press the unjust judge. Everywhere this judge went, he saw the woman there, pleading passionately that her case be looked into. Her appearance began to constitute a problem for him; so much so that he decided to grant her petition. In the Name of Jesus, you will get that which will glorify the Name of the Lord. Let your anchor of hope remain intact in Jesus Christ. Never allow the winds of adversity, doubt and fear deny you of your divine inheritance.

Prayer Point: Father, help me not to give up before my day of visitation.

Wednesday 16 December 2015

Persistence Brings the Answer - Thursday 17 December, 2015

Persistence Brings the Answer - Thursday 17 December, 2015

Memorise: Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? - Matthew 7:9

Read: Luke 18:1-8 (KJV)

1 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

2 Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:

3 And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.

4 And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;

5 Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.

6 And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.

7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?

8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

Bible in One Year: Psalm 144-150; 1 Peter 1:13-2:12

MESSAGE:

There are many inventors in life whose names are never heard about because they gave up on the verge of their discoveries. Life is about persistence, and one man who was very persistent in his pursuit of greatness was Elisha (2 Kings 2). Elisha kept following Elijah ardently and many people thought he was wasting his time. Elijah moved from Bethel to Jordan and from there to Jericho, yet, Elisha would not let go. He was desperate for greatness, and his persistence in the pursuit of greatness paid off. You need to understand that you have a great role to play if you will ever get answers to your prayers. Also, understand that sometimes, there is a place of waiting before a prayer is answered. Some problems have a required number of hits they must receive before they become levelled. Naaman had to dip in the water seven times before He could get his cleansing. Thank God he did not stop at the sixth dip when he discovered there was still no change. It takes persistence to get the miracles you desire from God.

From the account of the woman in today’s Bible reading, it is apparent that she continued to persuade the judge to assist her. There might have been many things the judge said which were sufficient to discourage her from returning to him, but she did not succumb. She persisted in her visits and cries for justice until she got the attention of the judge on her case. There is no problem in life without an expiry date. The faint in spirit cannot get anything significant from life. They give up at the point when they are so close to their blessing. God is a God of plan and purpose. He does everything according to His timetable. Some people conclude that their miracle is taking too long to come; they become impatient and begin to look for alternatives that will not give them the kind of joy they desire. Do not be like such people. You need to keep your hope alive. You need to push until you get what you want out of life. There are people who are so passive in life. They think life will automatically give them what they deserve just by speaking in tongues. No, it doesn’t work that way! You have to involve your body, soul and spirit in the pursuit of your dreams. That woman in our Bible reading continued to press the unjust judge. Everywhere this judge went, he saw the woman there, pleading passionately that her case be looked into. Her appearance began to constitute a problem for him; so much so that he decided to grant her petition. In the Name of Jesus, you will get that which will glorify the Name of the Lord. Let your anchor of hope remain intact in Jesus Christ. Never allow the winds of adversity, doubt and fear deny you of your divine inheritance.

Prayer Point: Father, help me not to give up before my day of visitation.

Tuesday 15 December 2015

Comprehensive Insurance - Tuesday 15 December, 2015

Comprehensive Insurance - Tuesday 15 December, 2015

Memorise: Thou shalt come to thy grave in a full age, like as a shock of corn cometh in in his season. – Job 5:26

Read: Psalm 91:10-16 (KJV)

10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.

11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.

14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.

15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

Bible in One Year: Psalm 127-136; James 5

MESSAGE:

All-round security is of utmost importance to human beings. From a human viewpoint, the issue of security starts from concerns over the inner peace of an individual, to security issues within the family, and then to the safety of life and property in the larger society. In every society, people invest huge amounts of money on security and insurance, as a means of guaranteeing protection or safety. Some even invest in expensive offerings and sacrifices to appease the devil for protection and security. Yet, man has not been able to check the tide of natural disasters and tragedies of different categories for two major reasons. First, Revelation 12:12b says:

“Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! For the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.”

The vicious anger of the devil is clearly seen in his determination to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10). I decree that as the devil continues to unleash his wrath on the earth, you will be securely protected under the shadow of the Almighty in the Name of Jesus.

Secondly, security is of the Lord, the Omnipotent and Omniscient God, the Lord of hosts himself. That is why Psalm 127:1 says:

“Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.”

All power belongs to God, and He has deployed His power to watch over his people. God is ever ready and nothing can escape His notice or happen with His knowledge (Psalm 121:4). God’s promises regarding security and insurance are so vast that they cover virtually every area of life (Psalm 121:8). Besides protection against natural disasters, weapons of your enemies and plans of the devil, God’s promises on security also guarantee longevity for your life (Psalm 91:10-11). This season, the Lord will keep your soul, and every plan of your enemies shall be frustrated in Jesus’ Name. The Lord will satisfy you with long life and you will not die before your time. However, you must meet with certain conditions in order to claim these wonderful promises for your life. You must first be born-again; this puts you on the same side with God (John 3:3). You must continually dwell under the shadow of the Almighty (Psalm 91:1). Also, you must love Him above every other thing and obey Him completely in all things.

Prayer Point: Father, please let Your wonderful promises of peace and security be fulfilled in my life.

Monday 14 December 2015

Limitless Possibilities - Monday 14 December, 2015

Limitless Possibilities - Monday 14 December, 2015

Memorise: Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. – Isaiah 43:19

Read: Isaiah 43:15-19 (KJV)

15 I am the LORD, your Holy One, the creator of Israel, your King.

16 Thus saith the LORD, which maketh a way in the sea, and a path in the mighty waters;

17 Which bringeth forth the chariot and horse, the army and the power; they shall lie down together, they shall not rise: they are extinct, they are quenched as tow.

18 Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.

19 Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.

Bible in One Year: Psalm 119:113-126:6; James 3:13-4:17

MESSAGE:

Jesus is the way into the very presence of God (John 14:6). Though Him, we have access to the blessings of the Abrahamic covenant (Galatians 3:14). How much of these blessings have you received? Jesus Christ is also the way forward in life; He is the way where none exists. After the children of Israel left Egypt, at God’s command, they stopped at the Red Sea. While they were by the Red Sea, the Egyptians came chasing hard after them. From the look of things, they had reached their wits’ end. They could not go into the sea, and they could not turn back either (Exodus 14:1-18). They began to cry to Moses, and Moses cried to God. The Lord told them to go forward. He became the way across the sea, and they went through. Are you stuck like the Israelites? Do you feel you have exhausted all known avenues and possibilities? Does it appear there is no other way into your destination? Rejoice! There is still a way in! Jesus is the way that can take you to your destination where all else has failed. He will surely take you into your place of joy, blessing and favour.

It is amazing to know that the Lord can go as far as creating new things in old situations in order to make a way that takes you to your place of desire. He gave His word of assurance on this in Isaiah 43:19:

“Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.”

As long as the Way works in your favour, be prepared to see new things. If you desire to access promotion, but all existing seats on your next level are occupied, invite the Way in. He can create a new position for you. He can give you superiors the idea of a new department and move you into it. There is no limitation to the new things He can create just to make a way for you. Have the enemies blocked the way into your expected desire? The Lord will create a fresh way for you. He will do a new thing that will accommodate your good desires. As long as you have the Way with you, there are limitless possibilities for you.

Prayer Point: Father, I thank You for the limitless opportunities at my disposal, and for always making a way for me in all situations.

Sunday 13 December 2015

Bearing False Witness I - Sunday 13 December, 2015

Bearing False Witness I - Sunday 13 December, 2015

Memorise: Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. – Exodus 20:16

Read: Deuteronomy 19:15-21 (KJV)

15 One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established.

16 If a false witness rise up against any man to testify against him that which is wrong;

17 Then both the men, between whom the controversy is, shall stand before the LORD, before the priests and the judges, which shall be in those days;

18 And the judges shall make diligent inquisition: and, behold, if the witness be a false witness, and hath testified falsely against his brother;

19 Then shall ye do unto him, as he had thought to have done unto his brother: so shalt thou put the evil away from among you.

20 And those which remain shall hear, and fear, and shall henceforth commit no more any such evil among you.

21 And thine eye shall not pity; but life shall go for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.

Bible in One Year: Psalm 119-112; James 2:14-3:12

MESSAGE:

“Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?” - Isaiah 58:6

This Scripture summarises the fundamental nature of restitution. Restitution is the undoing of an evil deed. Bearing false witness against a person, family, community, institution, state or nation is an evil deed that can have devastating effects. If you have been involved in this, you need to restitute your ways.

Some time ago, a man died under some mysterious circumstances in a polygamous setting. Driven by hatred for the deceased’s first son, the deceased’s younger brother compelled the deceased’s daughter to falsely accuse her step-brother (the first son) of killing their father, before a magistrate court. She yielded to this evil uncle because he had threatened her, saying that if she did not tell the lie, the whole family would desert her. In spite of this evil frame-up, the accused was discharged. However, his uncle did not let the matter rest; he had his nephew arrested again. Following this, the matter was escalated to the high court. Again, the step-sister of the accused was among the witnesses called against him. In fact, she was the prime witness of the prosecution.

Shortly before the commencement of proceedings in the case, those connected to the case were asked to step outside. The lady went out, and her uncle met her to rehearse the lies she should say before the judge. Thereafter, her step-brother, who was her age mate and a born-again Christian, also came outside the courtroom, and they got talking. He used this opportunity to lead her to Christ. After she had accepted to receive Jesus Christ as her Lord and Saviour, and as he was about to lead her through the sinner’s prayer, the judge sent for her to return to the courtroom and give her sworn testimony. However, contrary to the plans made with her uncle, she told the truth that the accused was innocent to the death of his father, because she was under the conviction of the Holy Spirit. That is restitution. Although she faced a lot of persecution from those who wanted her to sustain the lie, she stood firm and straightened her crooked path. Do you know that a lot of innocent people are languishing in prison because a false witness testified against them? if you have testified falsely against anybody in the past, you need to undo that wrong. If it is a sensitive matter, seek God’s face by praying and fasting, and see your pastor for counselling and guidance on the best way to go about it.

Action Point: Pray that God will cause confusion in the camp of those planning evil against God’s people.

Saturday 12 December 2015

Love is Sometimes Tested - Saturday 12 December, 2015

Love is Sometimes Tested - Saturday 12 December, 2015

Memorise: No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father. – John 10:18

Read: Genesis 22:1-3 (KJV)

1 And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am.

2 And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.

3 And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son, and clave the wood for the burnt offering, and rose up, and went unto the place of which God had told him.

Bible in One Year: Psalm 111-118; James 1:19-2:13

MESSAGE:

The presence of love can be perceived when it is demonstrated through giving. Love does not only give, it gives its best. It also gives sacrificially and willingly. God did not give His only begotten Son to the world because He was forced to; He gave Him because He wanted to (John 3:16). When He came into this world, the Son followed the example of the Father. In John 15:13, He said:

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

Even after the Son accepted to become a man, nobody compelled Him to die. He voluntarily laid down His life. He willingly did this as proof of His love for God and man (John 10:17-18).

If you go through the Scriptures, you will definitely come across passages where God demanded that those who professed love for Him should prove it. One of such cases can be found in today’s Bible reading. The word “tempt” used in Genesis 22:1 is actually “test” in the original Hebrew text. God does not tempt people, but Satan does (James 1:13). However, God can test His children to evaluate the quality of love they have for Him. Although it is on record that Abraham was a friend of God, God still wanted to know if he would give Him his best sacrificially and willingly. God therefore asked Abraham ton sacrifice his only son to Him. Abraham did not argue; he immediately set out on a journey to perform God’s request. God took him on a three-day journey to the mountain where the sacrifice would be carried out, to find out if he would change his mind along the way. To show his willingness to give without obstruction, Abraham did not tell his wife or Isaac about the sacrifice God demanded from him. If he had done so, Sarah would have stopped him from fulfilling what God wanted. It is also possible that if Isaac had known about God’s request ahead of time, he would have run away. Today, when God demands something sacrificial from some people as proof of their love for Him, what He gets is excuses. Such people would tell their spouses about God’s demand, fully aware that they would vehemently resist it. They do this because they never wanted to give what God was asking for in the first place. Thereafter, they would tell God that although they were willing to obey His instruction, they had to back out because their spouse’s disagreement with it could negatively affect their home. What an excuse! Do you think that God does not see into your heart to know what actually led to your refusal of His request other than what you claim?

Action Point: Ask God for grace never to fail the tests He puts you through.

Friday 11 December 2015

Divine Visitation - Friday 11 December, 2015

Divine Visitation - Friday 11 December, 2015

Memorise: Then spake Joshua to the LORD in the day when the LORD delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon; and thou, Moon, in the valley of Ajalon. – Joshua 10:12

Read: Luke 1:26-33 (KJV)

26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,

27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.

28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.

29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.

30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.

31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.

32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:

33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

Bible in One Year: Psalm 107-110; James 1:1-18

MESSAGE:

A visit to a person can be classified as causal, ordinary, occasional, special or divine, depending on the identity of the visitor and purpose of the visit. One reason why visitation is desired is the fact that it usually involves the exchange of pleasantries, good ideas, vital information and gifts. Visitation brings joy to those in need, especially the fatherless and widows. The sick and bereaved are also encouraged and strengthened through it. People generally desire a special visitation by someone of a far higher social, political or financial status, because such august visitors are known to bless people with quality ideas, information and gifts commensurate to their status. Presidents give presidential pardons, handshakes and gifts, while kings and royals offer royal appointments, gifts and blessings. Beyond these, divine visitation is an unusually privilege that God doles out to show special love, uncommon grace and high favour. I prophesy to you that heaven will pay you a divine visit today in the Name of Jesus.

Divine visitation is greatly rewarding and therefore highly sought after. Whenever God steps into a situation, natural laws become suspended, and supernatural laws take over immediately. This is evident in our memory verse. Israel was in the middle of a battle with the Amorites when Joshua suddenly recognised the presence of God. The Lord of hosts himself decided to pay the armies of Israel a visit. Knowing that such a divine visitation had launched him into the realm of the supernatural, Joshua immediately grabbed the opportunity by asking for the impossible. Like Joshua, the presence of the Lord will launch you into the realm of the supernatural today in Jesus’ Name. Divine visitation brings immediate fulfilment of long standing prophecies, as it happened to Sarah (Genesis 21:1). Job testified that in his affliction, with his body terribly battered, it was divine visitation that preserved his spirit (Job 10:12). Also, in Zephaniah 2:7, the Bible reveals that the visitation of the Lord turns away captivity. Every time the manifest presence and glory of God is with His people, they ushered into the realm of the supernatural. In this atmosphere of miracles, all challenges and problems turn to testimonies. This is your season of divine visitation! Praise God and tap into it.

Prayer Point: Father, please grant me the privilege of a divine visitation today, in Jesus’ Name.

Thursday 10 December 2015

Ye Are My Witnesses - Thursday 10 December, 2015

Ye Are My Witnesses - Thursday 10 December, 2015

Memorise: Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. – Isaiah 43:10

Read: 1 Kings 18:36-39 (KJV)

36 And it came to pass at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near, and said, LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that thou art God in Israel, and that I am thy servant, and that I have done all these things at thy word.

37 Hear me, O LORD, hear me, that this people may know that thou art the LORD God, and that thou hast turned their heart back again.

38 Then the fire of the LORD fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench.

39 And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces: and they said, The LORD, he is the God; the LORD, he is the God.

Bible in One Year: Psalm 105-106; Hebrews 13

MESSAGE:

A witness is an observer, who having witnessed the occurrence of an event, gives a full and accurate account of what happened. God emphasises the role and importance of witnessing. He has also given detailed instructions about the conduct of witnesses, whether in evangelism, legal processing or in general affairs of the church. In several passages of the Bible, God repeatedly called on us to be His witnesses (Isaiah 43:12b, Luke 24:48). Mostly importantly, Jesus in Acts 1:8 said this to His disciples:

“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 Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”

This confirms that one of the roles of the Holy Spirit is to equip and empower the Body of Christ for the purpose of witnessing. Therefore, witnessing is a major assignment of the Church. The role of Christians as witnesses is not limited to our immediate community; rather it extends to the uttermost parts of the earth.

Why is witnessing so important that God lays so much emphasis on it? First and foremost, it is to prove Him as the only true God who created all things by His wisdom and determines the course of all things (Acts 17:24-28). Whenever God says “ye are My witnesses”, it is to prove Him as a covenant keeping God who always brings His words to pass in the life of His people (Numbers 23:19). The emphasis on witnessing is also to prove that human disobedience is always as a result of unbelief and unwarranted stubborn rebellion. So, we are to constantly testify or witness about sin and righteousness to ourselves as believers, and against the ungodly people of this world (Isaiah 59:12, Mathew 24:14).

Finally, the emphasis on witnessing may also indicate a systematic build-up of evidence against those who refuse to accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour. Jude 1:15 reveals that heaven will present convincing evidence against the ungodly on the day of judgement. Be warned, Jesus is coming soon!

Prayer Point: Father, I surrender all to You today, please wipe away all evil reports that testify against me, and help me to live holy from this day onward in Jesus name.

Sunday 6 December 2015

Undefeatable? - Sunday 6 December, 2015

Undefeatable? - Sunday 6 December, 2015

Memorise: What should we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? - Romans 8:31

Read: 1 Samuel 17:45-49 (KJV)

45 Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.

46 This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.

47 And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD'S, and he will give you into our hands.

48 And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew nigh to meet David, that David hasted, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine.

49 And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth.

Bible in One Year: Psalm 81-87; Hebrews 10:19-11:3

MESSAGE:

To be defeated is to be overcome by a physical, spiritual or circumstantial enemy. It could also mean failure to succeed or win in a war, contest, game or temptation. Defeat is usually accompanied with regret, sorrow, pain, shame and even death. It could also result in the loss of freedom, position, title, money and power. When Adam and Eve were defeated by Satan in the Garden of Eden, they lost their lives spiritually, lost their relationship with God, and their exalted position was gone. Out of deep regret and shame, they tried to hide themselves from the presence of the Almighty (Genesis 3:8). Defeat is such a terrible experience that it can cause the defeated to conclude that death is better than life. When Samson, the champion of Israel, was defeated, he lost everything including his confidence and will to survive; so much so that he opted to die (Judges 16:30). In defeat, Ahithophel, the great counsellor, committed suicide (2 Samuel 17:23). I pray that you will never suffer defeat again in Jesus’ Name.

Meanwhile, defeat can be avoided by trusting in the Lord (Isaiah 26:3) and wearing the spiritual armour prescribed in the word of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). The story of Daniel and Goliath is a good example of what a Christian can do to become undefeatable (1 Samuel 17). David took a casual walk into the camp of the Israelites to deliver some bread and cheese to his brothers and the captain of their unit. He was not a trained warrior, neither was he in anyway prepared for the battle ahead. He only happened to hear the boastings of Goliath and was challenged by his offensive statements against the Lord. David’s state of mind as he approached the battle is revealed in 1 Samuel 17:47:

“And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD’S, and he will give you into our hands.”

David defeated Goliath by trusting in the Lord and by relying on the power of His word. In 1 Samuel 17:45b, David declared:

“…..I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.”

In essence, David was saying: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” Are you living a victorious life or wallowing in defeat? Do you want to remain undefeated? Give your life to Jesus now, trust in the Lord with all your heart and be assured that as long as God is on your side, no one can be against you.

Prayer Point: Father, please don’t let me ever suffer any kind of defeat again, in Jesus’ Name.