Thursday, December 23, 2010

The God Of All Comfort!

The God Of All Comfort!

Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort… (2 Corinthians 1:3).

What a beautiful description of our heavenly Father; He’s the Father of mercies. And the God of all comfort. It reminds of the beautiful description of the Holy Spirit as our Comforter (John 14:16-17). Thus, it doesn’t matter what situation you’re in right now, our God is the Father of mercies, and God of all comfort; He’ll comfort you.

God comforts you with the Word, by reminding you of who you are, your inheritance in Christ, the special place you occupy in Him, your abilities in Christ and the glorious victories you’ve won in the past. He never likes it when you’re forlorn or downcast. He wants you happy all the time. That’s why He never condemns you, even when you’ve blown it, or done something wrong. He corrects you in love, and urges you on. Always, He assures you of His love for you and His indwelling and abiding presence.

Some years back, somewhere around 1981, I left unhappy and didn’t quite know why. I prayed about it, but the more I prayed the more I felt like I needed the Lord to comfort me. I was just unhappy, and if you had asked me what was wrong, I wouldn’t have been able to tell you. I took my Bible, hoping that God would say something to me, and when I opened it, I came across this scripture, “Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the LORD; awake, as in the ancient days, in the generations of old. Art thou not it that hath cut Rahab, and wounded the dragon? Art thou not it which hath dried the sea, the waters of the great deep; that hath made the depths of the sea a way for the ransomed to pass over?” (Isaiah 51:9-10).

I jumped out of bed after reading it. As far as I was concerned the Lord was talking to me; He was talking about the last few months prior to that time. I had done a lot of beautiful things and had preached in many crusades, healing the sick, casting out devils, with many souls giving their hearts to Christ. Now, the Lord was encouraging me and telling me, “Son,” you did that before. Come on, rise up; you can do more. That brought me comfort, and I was strengthened and encouraged.

So, if lately, you’ve felt unhappy or even depressed about certain things that are going on around you, the Lord is saying to you today, don’t be depressed; put on strength! Think about all the glorious things you did in the Name of the Lord throughout the year, and then wake up, for there’s more! There’re more victories for you in the coming year; so be encouraged, for the Lord is with you! He’ll yet do great and mighty things with your life. So awake, be comforted and put on strength!

Prayer
Dear Father, I thank you because you’re my comforter and helper. Indeed, you’re the God of all comfort, and I rejoice exceedingly because you have brought me into your rest, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

Isaiah 51:11
Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.

Daily Scripture Reading
1 Year Bible Revelation 11
Reading plan Daniel 3-4

2 Year Bible Revelation 16:1-10

Reading Plan Zephaniah 1-2

Trust Is A Gift

TRUST IS A GIFT

Love isn’t selfish or quick tempered. It doesn’t keep a record of wrongs that others do. Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil. Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting (1 Corinthians 13:5-7 CEV).


Just right after I said to someone once “Trust is not just given to you; you earn it,” the Spirit of God interrupted me and said, “No, son, you’re wrong. You don’t earn trust; trust is a gift.” I was surprised because, prior to that time, I thought trust was earned. But here was God saying no man could earn trust. The Lord then guided me through the Scriptures and I saw things I didn’t realize and came to the conclusion that trust was indeed a gift as He had taught me.

No man in himself deserves to be trusted no matter how trustworthy he seems. If you’re honest to yourself, you’ll discover that even you are not totally trustworthy. For example there may have been times when you said you were going to pray for someone, and you didn’t. What if that one’s life for whom you were to pray depended solely on your prayers at that time? But God, nevertheless, has chosen to trust you with the Gospel (2 Corinthians 5:18).

The Bible says the glorious Gospel of the blessed God has been committed unto our trust (1 Timothy 1:11), not because we earned it but because God chose to trust us to take His message of salvation to the ends of the earth. When I think about this, I’m touched by the love of God. He paid such a price for our salvation by sending His Son to die, and after wards committed the Gospel into the hands of men and women who didn’t deserve to be trusted. Nevertheless He counted us faithful, and entrusted us with the Gospel, why? It’s because trust is a gift!

This is something that friends, co-workers, and spouses need to learn. People don’t qualify for your trust. You trust them because you love them and you expect the best of them. The man who can trust another is greater than the one he trusts, because trust helps him gain a level of faith to make provisions for the errors of others.

Those who can’t trust others are men of small minds. When you begin to see the way God sees, you’ll start learning to trust people and not rate them according to who they are and what they do (2 Corinthians 5:16), but according to your expectation of them.

Prayer
Dear Father, thank you for giving me your trust as a gift. I operate in this high level of life today by choosing to trust others, whether or not they deserve it. I make provisions for their errors and see them with the eyes of love, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study
Luke 22:31-34

And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
32But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
33And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.
34And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.

Matthew 16:17-19
And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.


Daily Scripture Reading
1 Year Bible Revelation 12
Reading plan Daniel 5-6

2 Year Bible Revelation 16:11-21

Reading Plan Zephaniah 3

There’s A Greater Glory

There’s A Greater Glory

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before (Philippians 3:13).

It’s been a great year. We’ve achieved so much in our ministry and in our evangelical work around the world by the power of God’s Spirit. We’re so grateful to the Lord for the outpouring of His supernatural grace upon us – to enable us to achieve so much – far beyond our goals and dreams. Now, we look forward to the coming year with faith, confidence and assurance, knowing that the glory ahead shall by far outweigh the victories of yesterday and triumphs of today: “The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the Lord of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the Lord of hosts” (Haggai 2:9).

So I urge you, look to the coming year with hope, faith and confident assurance that you’d win on every count! There’s a greater glory ahead. Forget the failures, weaknesses, and disappointments you may have experienced in the outgoing year, and set your focus on the present and future glories, successes, victories and triumphs the Lord has set before you.

Maybe at the beginning of the year, you outlined so many things you wanted to achieve by the end of the year. But now, taking stock, not much of those things pulled through for you; don’t be discouraged. Find out where you missed it! Find out what you ought to have done to help you achieve those goals you didn’t attain, and then make up your mind not to repeat the same mistake in the coming year.

Maybe part of your goal at the beginning of the year was to spend more time studying and learning the Word of God more than you had ever done, but you didn’t quite achieve your desired objective. You can choose today to do it right in the coming year by applying some more discipline to it. Its ten days to the end of the year, and if in these last ten days, you consciously discipline yourself to spend at least an hour to study God’s Word everyday, you’re going to begin the coming year in glory! It won’t be difficult for you to carry on that culture, and by the help of God’s Spirit sustain it throughout the New Year.

Take this seriously; be determined for growth! Be determined for progress; be determined for the greater glory that lies ahead! Your path is like the shining light that shines brighter and brighter unto the perfect day (Proverbs 4:1). You’re born to reign, rule and win in the coming year!

Prayer
Dear Father, I thank you for my path is as the shining light that shines brighter and brighter into the perfect day; thank you for elevating my understanding to grasp and pursue the greater glory that lies ahead, in Jesus Name. Amen.

Further Study
Proverbs 4:18
But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.

Isaiah 43:18
Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.

Daily Scripture Reading
1 Year Bible Revelation 13:1-10
Reading plan Daniel 7-8

2 Year Bible Revelation 17:1-10

Reading Plan Haggai 1

Don’t Faint In The Day Of Adversity!

Don’t Faint In The Day Of Adversity!

If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small (Proverbs 24:10).

Christianity is a bed of roses, with tests, trials and challenging times in our journey of faith. Such challenging times are what the Bible refers to as “the evil day” (Ephesians 6:13), or “the day of adversity” as read in our opening verse. Some believers dread such periods and specifically pray to God never to allow them go through trials and challenges. To avoid situations that challenge your faith is to checkmate your chances of promotion.

James 1:2 says, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations.” Why would God admonish you to rejoice when tests and challenges come at you on all sides? It’s because He knows that victory is in your spirit. Having been born again, you’ve become an overcomer and more than a conqueror. Consequently, no situation that you face should overwhelm you.

God knows what stuff your made of, that’s why He said “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13). You have what it takes to overcome any trial, temptation or adversity. So you must not cower, give in or faint under any pressure whatsoever. Be tough. Jesus was tough. He withstood and triumphed over all the contrary winds that came His way (Hebrews 12:2).

There’re things that make you tough as a Christian, and if you don’t welcome them, you’d remain at the same level of faith and maturity. Therefore, your adversaries are important in the toughening process, so never pray against them, no matter what troubles, problems and difficulties they bring your way. Welcome the as necessary challenges to strengthen your faith-muscles and you’ll discover they’re the agents for your promotion.

Do you remember Joseph, and how he managed the adversities that came his way? He overcame all the troubles he faced after his brothers sold him into slavery, and rose to become the Prime minister of Egypt. He would later tell his brothers in Genesis 45:5: “…be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life.”

I have known only one journey in life: upward and forward. I don’t have ups and downs. That doesn’t mean challenges don’t come, but I always win. So welcome challenges; welcome troubles, because they’re the contrary winds that help to drive your roots deeper. And the more the wind blows against you the higher you’ll fly. Hallelujah!

Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for helping me see through your Word how the challenges that come my way strengthens my faith and results in my promotion, as I handle them with the right attitude. I’m fully convinced of my eternal victory over satan, the world and every adversity: therefore, I rejoice, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study
Romans 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Ephesians 6:10-13
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12For 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.
13Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Daily Scripture Reading
1 Year Bible Revelation 13:11-14:20
Reading plan Daniel 9-10

2 Year Bible Revelation 17:11-18

Reading Plan Haggai 2

The Divinity Of Jesus

The Divinity Of Jesus

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him (John 14:6-7).

“Is Jesus really God?” This is one question many still ask today. They believe He was a great prophet and teacher, but find it difficult to accept that He is Himself God, but He is. The Bible says “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). That “Word” that the Bible says “was God” became flesh – Jesus – and dwelt among us: “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).

Now, the prophecy that came forth before the birth of Jesus also foretold His divinity: “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” It was Jesus who walked the streets of Galilee, as “Emmanuel – God with us.” When people saw Him, the mighty miracles and great signs and wonders that He did, notice what they said: “God has visited His people” (Luke 7:16). The Bible tells us that the fullness of the Godhead bodily dwells in Jesus. So, when you see Jesus, you wouldn’t need to look out for the Holy Spirit or the Father; He is the complete embodiment of Deity.

When Philip, one of the disciples asked Jesus to show them the Father, Jesus said to him, “…Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father…” (John 14:9). No wonder Colossians 1:19 says “…For it pleased the Father that in him should all fullness dwell.” Jesus is the outward expression of the Godhead. When we get to heaven, we won’t find the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost sitting on different thrones; we’ll only find one seated in the fullness of God on the throne, and His name is Jesus (Revelation 7:17).

So in celebrating Christmas, we’re celebrating the divinity of Jesus; His Lordship and rulership over our lives. He’s the joy of heaven and hope of the earth. He’s the Most High, the King of kings and the Lord of lords, who alone is worthy of all praise, worship and adoration. If you’re born again, happy are you, for “…ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power” (Colossians 2:10). You’re identified with the most awesome and sublime personality that there is.

Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus, I thank you for the awesome privilege of being identified with you. It’s a great honour to know you, serve you, worship you and live for you. I boldly confess today that you’re my Lord and Master, the Monarch of the entire universe. You’re my everything, and the reason for my existence. I thank you for revealing yourself to me through me today. Amen.

If you have never made Jesus the Lord of your life, I would like to extend this invitation to you today to pray the following prayer from your heart and Jesus will come and make His home in your heart:

"O Lord God, I come to You in the Name of Jesus Christ. Your Word says, "...whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Acts 2.21)
I ask Jesus to come into my heart to be the Lord of my life. I receive eternal life into my spirit and according to Romans 10:9 "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved,"
I declare that I am saved; I am born-again; I am a child of God! I now have Christ dwelling in me, and greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world! (1 John 4:4)
I now walk in the consciousness of my new life in Christ Jesus. Hallelujah!"

CONGRATULATIONS!!

You are now a child of God, if you would like any materials to help you to grow as a Christian, you can log onto www.christembassy.org

Further Study
Revelation 1:12-18
Hebrews 1:3

Daily Scripture Reading
1 Year Bible Revelation 15
Reading plan Daniel 11-12

2 Year Bible Revelation 18:1-12

Reading Plan Zechariah 1-2

Manifest God’s Love

Manifest God’s Love

And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him (1 John 4:16).

God is love, and as His children, we’re to love as Christ loves us: “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.” Hatred for anyone, irrespective of what they may have done against you is unacceptable to God. Jesus showed us a good example by loving everyone He met. He loved even His accusers—those who put Him on the cross. We ought to emulate the Master by loving everyone, no matter the circumstances.

Hatred is of the devil, and the Bible describes it as one of the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-20). But love is a fruit of the recreated human spirit (Galatians 5:22). Also, Romans 5:5 says “the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost.” The Christian life is a life of love, freely given us of God. Manifest that same love to your world. It’s Christmas time, and what an excellent opportunity to manifest the love of Christ to everyone around you!

Love makes you give of yourself to others without thinking of what you’ll get in return. It makes you think of others and accept them just as they are. They don’t have to act to deserve your love, for love is unselfish and doesn’t seek its own. It breaks the barriers of race, ethnicity and social status. It makes it possible for you to see the beauty in others and appreciate them for who they are.

Take some time to appreciate those around you and do something definite to show someone the love of Jesus this Christmas season. Let someone experience the love, care and touch of Jesus through you today! Let God’s love in you come alive; it will lift you to a new level of life and you’d be glad this happened.

Prayer
Dear Father, I thank you for putting your love in my heart. Hatred and malice have no place in me, for the love of God fills my life to overflowing, having been shed abroad in my heart by the Holy Spirit. That love radiates through me today, and I manifest it to everyone in my world in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study
Galatians 5:19-21
Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,

Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

Ephesians 5:1-2
Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

Daily Scripture Reading
1 Year Bible Revelation 10
Reading plan Daniel 1-2

2 Year Bible Revelation 15:1-8

Reading Plan Habakkuk 3

You Can Have Faith For Others To Be Healed

You Can Have Faith For Others To Be Healed

Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour (Matthew 8:13).

The Bible tells several inspiring stories of people who had faith for others to be healed. They couldn’t bring their loved ones to Jesus for one reason or the other, yet they got a miracle. This means therefore, that you can have faith for someone else to receive a miracle.

A certain Centurion whose dear servant was sick and ready to die is one of such. When he heard of Jesus, he sent the elders of the Jews to beseech Him that He would come and heal his servant. Jesus agreed and followed them. But just before they got to the Centurion’s house, the Centurion sent a message to Jesus and said, “Lord, don’t trouble yourself; for I’m not worthy that you should enter under my roof; neither do I consider myself worthy to come to you, but just give the word, and my servant shall be healed” (Luke 7:2-7).

When Jesus heard the words of the centurion He marvelled at his faith and turned to those that followed Him and said, “I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.” By the time the messengers got back to the Centurion’s house, they found the hitherto sick servant perfectly healed and made whole (Luke 7:9-10). The faith of his master prevailed and he (the servant) got a miracle!

If the Centurion could demonstrate great faith on his servant’s behalf and get a miracle, you too can have faith to receive a miracle today for your loved ones – your spouse, siblings, parents, or children. You can intercede or meditate for a miracle for your office, school, or community. Like the Centurion, all you need is a word from the Master, and that word has already been given, He said ‘…in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full (John 16:23-24).

So the question is: What do you want? The centurion was very clear about what he wanted for his servant and he was convinced that the Master’s words were potent enough to give him a miracle. The same applies to you today! Stand in the gap for others who are weak and helpless by asking the Father, in the Name of Jesus, for a miracle on their behalf, and it will be done unto you!

Prayer
Dear Father I thank you for the ability you’ve given me to stand in the gap for others by demonstrating my faith in your Word on their behalf. I pray today for those who are sick and in hospitals, especially those amongst them who are preachers and ministers of the Gospel, that your healing power will mantle them, breaking the stronghold of sickness and disease off them, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study
Mark 7:25-30
For a certain woman, whose young daughter had an unclean spirit, heard of him, and came and fell at his feet:
26The woman was a Greek, a Syrophenician by nation; and she besought him that he would cast forth the devil out of her daughter.
27But Jesus said unto her, Let the children first be filled: for it is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it unto the dogs.
28And she answered and said unto him, Yes, Lord: yet the dogs under the table eat of the children's crumbs.
29And he said unto her, For this saying go thy way; the devil is gone out of thy daughter.
30And when she was come to her house, she found the devil gone out, and her daughter laid upon the bed.

Hebrews 11:35
Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:

Daily Scripture Reading
1 Year Bible Revelation 9
Reading plan Ezekiel 47-48

2 Year Bible Revelation 14:11-20

Reading Plan Habakkuk 1-2

Salvation Is For The Living

Salvation Is For The Living

For the grave cannot praise thee, death cannot celebrate thee: they that go down into the pit cannot hope for thy truth. The living, the living, he shall praise thee, as I do this day: the father to the children shall make known thy truth (Isaiah 38:18-19).

Some people have asked if Christians could intercede on behalf of a person who died without receiving Christ, so such a person could go to heaven instead of hell. The answer is NO. Anyone who didn’t receive Christ while on earth stands condemned. In John 3:18, Jesus said, “…but he that believeth not is condemned already…” So, the one who dies without knowing Christ, died in condemnation, and it would be of no use praying for such a one to go to heaven because the choice of whether to make heaven or not is a personal one.

It’s important to realize that the salvation message is for the living and not the dead. You can only receive Christ as Lord and Saviour in response to the Gospel while you’re still in the earth. Jesus said, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16:15-16). Only the living can believe and be saved.

The Bible says whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved (Romans 10:13); only the living can make that call. But “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?” This is the reason God has sent you to be the preacher to take the message of Christ’s salvation to those in your world – your friends, associates and loved ones, so they could hear the message, believe and be saved before its too late.

For anyone to neglect and not respond positively to the salvation message while still on earth amounts to willful rejection of the Lord’s free offer of salvation. The consequence for this rejection is condemnation: “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God” (John 3:19-21).

Thus, we ought to keep spreading the message of the Gospel around the world with great passion and urgency. We have to give men the opportunity to be saved and become citizens of heaven while they’re here on earth, for they’ll have no opportunity afterwards.

Prayer
Dear Father, I thank you for your Word and its power in my life. Thank you for bringing me into your kingdom of light and making me a partaker of the inheritance of the saints in light. I pray that the light of your salvation may arise upon the unsaved and deliver them from the blindness of darkness to the effect that your salvation is made real in their lives, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study
Hebrews 2:3
How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;

Daily Scripture Reading
1 Year Bible Revelation 8
Reading plan Ezekiel 45-46

2 Year Bible Revelation 14:1-10

Reading Plan Nahum 2-3

Confession Launches You Into Salvation

Confession Launches You Into Salvation

For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned (Matthew 12:37).

Did you know that a man could believe that Jesus died and was raised from the dead for his justification, and still end up in hell? That’s because to merely believe that He died and was raised from the dead isn’t enough to guarantee salvation. The Bible says even the devils believe and tremble (James 2:19), but that doesn’t make them saved. There’s more required for salvation than just believing. We must confess the Lordship of Jesus over our lives to be saved!

The word “confess” is the Greek “Homologia” which means to declare openly by way of speaking out freely a deep conviction of facts. Thus when we make confessions, we’re proclaiming that which God has said concerning us in His Word. Romans 10:9-10 says: “…if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”

In other words, when God’s Word comes to you, and you believe it, your heart is made right with God. But confessing the Lordship of Jesus over your life is actually what launches or catapults you into salvation. This is when you come to the realization that Jesus Christ is Lord of your life and that you belong to Him.

Confession however doesn’t end with receiving salvation from sin alone, for salvation is an all-inclusive word. It refers to your preservation, prosperity, peace, health, victory, success and all the wonderful benefits that ensue from the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In fact, Christianity itself is referred to as the “great confession.” It’s a life where you get what you say. So you have to be a talking-Christian. You have to confess God’s Word and see it come to pass in your life, health, job, family and finances.

The Lord Jesus emphasized this in Mark 11:23, when He said “…he shall have whatsoever he saith.” So declare God’s Word concerning everything that pertains to you today, and you’d definitely see the results in your life!


Prayer
Dear Father, I thank you for the wonderful benefits of salvation that I enjoy today and forever as I continually declare your Word concerning me. I’m making progress today in my family, health, job, and finances, in the mighty Name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study
Romans 10:9
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

Mark 11:23
For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.

Daily Scripture Reading
1 Year Bible Revelation 7
Reading plan Ezekiel 43-44

2 Year Bible Revelation 13:11-18

Reading Plan Nahum 1

Get Your Spirit Charged At All Times

Get Your Spirit Charged At All Times

But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly (Matthew 6:6).

Some people engage in prayers only when they’re in some form of trouble or predicament, but that’s not the way it ought to be. You ought to get your spirit charged at all times by spending time in fellowship with the Lord though prayer. God wants us to be bold and stirred ever before we come against adverse circumstances. He wants you fired up by the anointing ever before you hit the streets, so that when you come out, you’re already dressed with the power of the Holy Ghost; drenched in the unction.

If you make this a consistent practice, nothing and no one will ever be able to successfully withstand or defeat you, for the anointing makes you invincible. When the anointing in you is stirred, having spent quality time in your closet charging up your spirit, people might not immediately recognize it on you when you come out; because you’re calm, well dressed and got a smile on. But the opportunity to manifest the anointing presents itself when you find yourself in a tight situation. No matter what kind of situation it is, you’ll know it’s a done deal because you already settled it in your closet.

The Bible tells us how a deadly viper fastened itself on Paul’s hand one time when he was making a fire. All Paul did was to shake the venomous beast off into the fire and continued doing his thing. (Acts 28:4-5). How come he didn’t fall down and die from the viper’s venom as the onlookers expected? He was already full of the anointing before the incident! Paul shares the secret of how he was able to do this and many other supernatural feats when he said in 1 Corinthians 14:18 “I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all.”

Speaking in tongues is one sure way to get your spirit charged at all times and stir up the anointing in you. Consciously practise this every day! Before you go out, get your spirit charged; stir up the anointing in you by speaking passionately and fervently in other tongues. Having stirred up the anointing in your closet, when you step out, the challenges you face will be bread for you.

Confession
The power of God is resident in my spirit, and as I stir it up today by speaking in other tongues, that unction wells up from within me and overwhelms me, thus making me impregnable to every negative force. Hallelujah!

Further Study
James 5:17-18
Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.

Micah 3:8
But truly I am full of power by the spirit of the LORD, and of judgment, and of might, to declare unto Jacob his transgression, and to Israel his sin.

Daily Scripture Reading
1 Year Bible Revelation 6
Reading plan Ezekiel 41-42

2 Year Bible Revelation 13:1-10

Reading Plan Micah 7

Monday, December 13, 2010

The High Priest Of Our Confessions

The High Priest Of Our Confessions

Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus (Hebrews 3:1).

Back in the Old Testament, the Lord said to Moses, “take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest’s office…” (Exodus 28:1). By that directive, God instituted the priesthood, with Aaron as the first high priest. He and his sons were ordained to receive the animal sacrifices and gifts offered to God. However, God wasn’t satisfied with those sacrifices of animals, because true sacrifice is spiritual, as man is a spirit and God is a spirit.

From our opening Scripture, we see that under the New Testament, Jesus is our High Priest, meaning He is the one ordained by God to receive the sacrifices we have to offer: “By him (Jesus) therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name” (Hebrews 13:15). Through Him, Jesus, we offer the calves of our lips, giving thanks to His Name. This is the sacrifice God expects us to offer today, the calves of our lips, not bulls and calves on a physical altar. Hosea 14:2 says “Take with you words, and turn to the LORD: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips.”

The expression “giving thanks to His name” in Hebrews 13:15 quoted above is translated from the Greek word “homologeo,” which means “to make confessions to His Name.” It means “to say the same things in agreement with God, to the glory of His Name. For example, when you say, “I’m more than a conqueror through Christ Jesus,” or “Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world”; you’re making confessions of the Word to His Name.

Take advantage of the Lord’s ministry as the High Priest of your confessions and offer good sacrifices unto God today by declaring what His Word says about you. Remember, your faith-filled confession is the victory that overcomes the world; they are the materials the Masterbuilder, our High Priest, presents before the Father, with which your life is built.

Prayer
Dear Father, I thank you for ordaining the Lord Jesus Christ to be the High Priest of my confessions. By Him I offer today, the calves of my lips, making confessions to His Name, declaring that I’m a new creation in Christ Jesus, holy and sanctified unto the Lord! I’m an associate of the God-kind, having been made a participator in the divine life. I reign and rule in life today as a king in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study
Hebrews 4:14-15
Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

Hebrews 8:1-3
Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man. For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer.

Daily Scripture Reading
1 Year Bible 1 John 5
Reading plan Ezekiel 20-21

2 Year Bible Revelation 7:1-10
Reading Plan Amos 3-4

The Holy Spirit Can Unveil Mysteries To You

The Holy Spirit Can Unveil Mysteries To You

Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his… He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him (Daniel 2:20-23).

King Nebuchadnezzar once had a dream that got him depressed and distressed. So he gathered all his wise men together to help unravel the mystery behind the dream. “If you don’t tell me both the dream and its meaning, I’m going to kill you all” he fumed. The wise men shuddered in fear at this strange request and wondered how in the world he expected them to tell him his own dream. In their response, they said to the king “…There is not a man upon the earth that can shew the king’s matter: …there is no king, lord, nor ruler, that asked such things at any magician, or astrologer, or Chaldean. And it is a rare thing that the king requireth, and there is none other that can shew it before the king, except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh (Daniel 2:10-11).

This response made Nebuchadnezzar realize that what was demanded of his magicians was humanly impossible, thus he became furious. He then issued a decree that all the wise men and magicians in Babylon be executed, including Daniel and his three friends (Daniel 2:12-13). However, Daniel boldly stepped forward and asked the king to give some time. He got his friends together and they fasted and prayed and God showed him the king’s dream and its interpretation. When Daniel revealed the king’s dream and interpreted it, the king corroborated and acknowledged Daniel’s interpretation. Forthwith, everyone began to say about Daniel that he had an excellent spirit.

The Holy Spirit, who is the Spirit of wisdom, is that excellent spirit. He’s the one who grants us insight into realities, mysteries and secrets. He gives us even the ability to know and tell the future: “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come” (John 16:13). With the Holy Spirit, you’ll never walk in darkness, confusion or uncertainty as to what job to apply for, which school to attend, whom to marry, or what projects to embark on.

The Bible says, “The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever…” (Deuteronomy 29:29). But this was in the Old Testament, before the Holy Spirit took up His abode in the quarters of our hearts. Jesus said “Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God” (Luke 8:10). Acknowledge the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life and He’ll guide you into all truth. He’ll unveil mysteries to you and illuminate your mind, granting you extraordinary amplitude to comprehend, discern and interpret all mysteries.

Prayer
Dear Father, thank you for the abiding presence of your Spirit who illuminates my mind with the Word, and grants me quick understanding in all things, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study
Daniel 6:3
Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.

1 Corinthians 2:7-10
But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

Daily Scripture Reading
1 Year Bible 2 John
Reading plan Ezekiel 22-23

2 Year Bible Revelation 7:11-17
Reading Plan Amos 5-6

You Must Receive The Holy Spirit

You Must Receive The Holy Spirit

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth (Acts 1:8).

Many believe that being born again and filled with the Holy Spirit is for a certain sect of Christians called Pentecostals. That’s not true. Every Christian needs the Holy Spirit. No one can live the authentic Christian life without the Holy Spirit. Little wonder, Jesus told His disciples, “…you shall receive power (ability, efficiency, and might) when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea and Samaria and to the ends (the very bounds) of the earth (Acts 1:8 AMP).

After the disciples who initially were afraid of the Jewish authorities received the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, they began to preach the Word of God openly and with much boldness. They had been endued with supernatural power to preach the Gospel. That’s what happens when you’re filled with the Holy Spirit; the words you speak become impregnated with divine power to save and deliver those in darkness.

The Holy Spirit is the power of God. He’s the one who makes you bold to preach the Gospel, and fills you with power to live the successful life. His presence in the life of Jesus made Him different from everyone else. Until the Holy Spirit came upon Him at the Jordan River (John 1:32-33), He didn’t perform a single miracle. The anointing of the Holy Spirit upon His life was what made Him “the Christ” and gave him the ability to do the mighty works He did.

Also, to do anything that will be acceptable to God, it must be sanctified of the Holy Spirit. Jesus had to offer Himself through the Holy Spirit (Hebrews 9:14). So if you haven’t received the Holy Spirit yet, ask Him to come into your life today, and He will. His presence in you will make all the difference!

Prayer
The Holy Spirit living in me has made me more than a man and brought the glory of God into my life, thus enabling me to live the supernatural life naturally. I can now do all things through that anointing of the Spirit that indwells me, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study
Acts 2:38-39
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call.

1 John 2:27
But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

Isaiah 10:27
And it shall come to pass in that day, that his burden shall be taken away from off thy shoulder, and his yoke from off thy neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing.

Daily Scripture Reading
1 Year Bible 3 John
Reading plan Ezekiel 24-26

2 Year Bible Revelation 8:1-13
Reading Plan Amos 7-8

Don’t Excuse Sickness!

Don’t Excuse Sickness!

And the inhabitant shall not say, I am sick: the people that dwell therein shall be forgiven their iniquity (Isaiah 33:24).

Some people have a hard time accepting the supernatural life Christ made available for everyone who believes in Him. They find it strange to think and accept that it’s actually possible to live on earth without being sick. Some even buttress their claims with what Paul said in 2 Corinthians 12:7-9: “…there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

Many have interpreted Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” to be a kind of sickness, and use it as an excuse to say, “If Paul could be sick, then, it’s normal for any Christian to be sick.” However, that’s not what the Bible teaches. “Thorn in the flesh” doesn’t necessarily refer to a problem in the flesh; it’s a figure of speech used to express something that causes pain or discomfort, a troubling or perplexing situation.

If you study Paul’s writing in context, you’ll discover he wasn’t referring to any kind of sickness or infirmity of the body. The 10th verse lets us know he was referring to the batterings he experienced from the persecutions, reproaches, distresses and adversities he faced for the sake of the Gospel. He never for once rejoiced about being sick or excused sickness.

Understand that Jesus came, not just to die for us and save us from sin, or to heal our sick bodies, but also to give us Zoë, the God-kind of life. That life is what you received when you were born again, and it can’t be destroyed by sickness, disease and infirmity. Sadly, many haven’t understood what this life is all about, so they suffer ignorantly with sickness (Hosea 4:6). But as you take a hold of this truth today and live by it, you’ll begin to experience the joy of living in divine health.

Confession
I refuse to be sick because it’s not in my nature. I’m a new creation in Christ Jesus; old things are passed away, and all things have become new. The man that could get sick is dead; the “me” that’s alive today has Zoë – the supernatural life of God that makes me invincible and impregnable to sickness, disease and infirmity.

Further Study
John 1:12-13
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Daily Scripture Reading
1 Year Bible Jude
Reading plan Ezekiel 27-28

2 Year Bible Revelation 9:1-10
Reading Plan Amos 9

We Believe To Receive

We Believe To Receive

Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them (Mark 11:24).

In Christianity, believing is a means to an end, not an end in itself; you believe to receive. So many people believe in Jesus, but they aren’t conscious of what their “believing” is supposed to produce for them. Thus, their believing only translated to religion because they got nothing out of it. To believe without receiving something is mere religion, and Christianity is not a religion.

You don’t just say, “I believe,” and the receive nothing. If you truly believe, the necessary result of your believing is to have; our believing brings us possession: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16).

Most have emphasized only on the believing part, and have never thought of the result of their believing. When you believed in Christ something happened; you received eternal life into your spirit. Jesus said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life” (John 6:47). You’re not supposed to believe for nothing; you believe to have. Our consciousness of what we receive because of our believing is important. Jesus said in John 11:40 “If you believe, you will see the glory of God” Romans 10:10 (WNT) says “For the heart men believe and obtain righteousness and with the mouth they make confession and obtain salvation.”

Prayer
Dear Father, I thank you for the revelation of your Word to me today. Not only do I believe the things you’ve said concerning me in your Word, I receive and endorse them, and like faithful Abraham, I’m the possessor of all things, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study
Matthew 8:13
And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.

John 17:8
For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.

Daily Scripture Reading
1 Year Bible Revelation 1
Reading plan Ezekiel 29-30

2 Year Bible Revelation 9:11-21
Reading Plan Obadiah 1

God’s Unconditional Love For You

God’s Unconditional Love For You

But God put his love on the line for us by offering his Son in sacrificial death while we were of no use whatever to him. Now that we are set right with God by means of this sacrificial death, the consummate blood sacrifice, there is no longer a question of being at odds with God in any way (Romans 5:8-9 MSG).

God’s love for you is unconditional, eternal and perfect. He’s not going to love you more when you get to heaven than He already does today. The Bible says “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Consequently, there’s nothing you could do today, having been born again, that’ll make God love you more or less, for His love for you is perfect, and you can’t improve on perfect.

Why I’m sharing this with you today? It’s so you can have faith and confidence in the Father’s unconditional love for you. He didn’t love you because you were so holy and never did anything wrong; He loves you because that’s His nature! As Pastor Chris often says, “He cannot “not” love you!” When you’re conscious and confident of the Father’s love for you, your faith will be more productive, for faith works by love (Galatians 5:6). More so, there’s no fear in love, for perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18).

When some Christians make mistakes they find it difficult to accept that God would forgive them. So even after asking for His forgiveness, out of ignorance, they think God still holds their sin against them, and as a result, some have lost faith and have stopped going to church altogether. If you’re in such a situation you need to understand who God is; He is not a man, and He doesn’t count your sins against you because He loves you unconditionally.

Think about it: If God so loved you while you were yet a sinner, and sent Jesus to die for you, how much more will He shower His love on you now that you’ve received abundance of grace, and His wonderful gift of righteousness (Romans 5:17). Therefore, instead of wishing the world would come to an end because you did something wrong, just receive His forgiveness and continue in your journey of faith! 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all righteousness.”

You need to understand how God deals with His children when they make mistakes. A man might impose strict penalties on an offender, but God totally blots out all the records of your wrongs when you receive His forgiveness (Isaiah 1:18). He holds nothing against you. In fact, to Him, you never did anything wrong; you’re as perfect as Jesus is because your righteousness is the righteousness of Jesus Christ.

Prayer
Precious Father, how you have loved me unconditionally! I trust in your love and walk in the light of it today as you’re in the light. Hence, I know there’s therefore now no condemnation for me! I belong to you forever, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study
Isaiah 1:18
Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

Daily Scripture Reading
1 Year Bible Revelation 2:1-17
Reading plan Ezekiel 31-32

2 Year Bible Revelation 10:1-11
Reading Plan Jonah 1-2

Christ Is A Place

Christ Is A Place

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new (2 Corinthians 5:17).

In John 14:2-3 Jesus said “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. 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.” Many misinterpret this portion of Scripture to mean that when someone gives his life to Christ, God starts building a mansion for him (or her) in heaven. That’s not true. In the verse above, Jesus wasn’t talking about heaven. He was referring to our place in Christ.

There’re no mansions being built in heaven for anybody. The Bible says all the works in heaven and in the earth were finished from the foundations of the world (Hebrews 4:3).The angels aren’t building structures in heaven. Heaven is a beautiful place, and it’s already been built. The place Jesus went to prepare for us is our place in the right hand of the Father, where we now sit with Him in the heavenly realms, far above all principalities and powers. That place is also called Christ.

So, not only is Christ a Person, He’s also a place. That’s what the Apostle Paul alludes to in our opening scripture. We are in Christ. We’ve been made to sit together with Him in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6); that the place Jesus went to prepare for us and we’re there now. You came into Christ when you were born again; it’s a heavenly realm called Zion, the city of the living God. That’s the city of our habitation: “But ye are come unto mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels” (Hebrews 12:22).

In Christ there’s no sin, sickness, disease, failure, poverty, defeat, weakness or death; all you have is health, joy peace, success, strength, prosperity, beauty and life forevermore! That’s your place of inheritance; it’s the place of divine authority and power, where you reign and rule over satan and the cohorts of darkness.

So when you say “I’m in Christ,” you ought to understand the import of that statement, for it means that’s where you live; your address is Christ! Therefore, view the world from there.

Prayer
Dear Father, I thank you, in the Name of Jesus, for raising me up and making me to sit together in heavenly places in Christ! Not only does Christ live in me, I’m in Christ, and I function from the heavenly realms of glory, as the heavenly man in Christ. Hallelujah

Further Study
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Daily Scripture Reading
1 Year Bible Revelation 2:18-3:6
Reading plan Ezekiel 33-34

2 Year Bible Revelation 11:1-10
Reading Plan Jonah 3-4

The True Essence Of Prayer

The True Essence Of Prayer

Confess your faults one to another, and pray for one another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much (James 5:16).

Many often chastise themselves for not being able to pray for long hours. What is the significance of long prayer times? you might want to ask. Well, God never said we must spend long hours in prayers for Him to hear us. He never told us how long our prayers should be and doesn’t demand from us many hours of prayers as the definition of time by some is. But if you spend long hours, that’s great. Remember, He lives in eternity; therefore, He’s not regulated by minutes and hours as we are in the earth. So, in a sense, the significance or essence of prayer is not in its protraction in terms of the number of hours spent praying. It’s not “how long” you pray that really makes an impact; it’s “how right” you pray.

Many spend long hours in prayer, saying the wrong things, hence their lives are unfulfilled, being void of the spiritual results and impact of prayer. They have missed the true essence of prayer, which is fellowship and communion with the Lord. That communion not only builds your relationship with Him, but also helps transform your personality from glory to glory.

What God wants is for you to spend quality time alone with Him, away from everything else. For example, you’d be amazed how much impact a fifteen or thirty minute time alone with the Lord, spent praying intensely in the Spirit, will produce in your life.

Of course, it’s desirable and advisable to spend longer periods with the Lord in fellowship. All that’s required is discipline. You have to learn to stay at the place of prayer. Lately, we’ve been observing intense moments of prayer regularly, as I notify those following on Twitter. And many who have been disciplined enough to participate in the prayer times have shared testimonies of how they were able to go beyond the regular fifteen minutes of prayer to twenty or thirty minutes, and some others to even an hour. This happened, not because they were hitherto doing it but because they found they had so much more to say to the Lord during such blissful atmosphere of fellowship.

The significance of prayer is therefore not its length, especially in the eyes of others; it’s the beauty of fellowshipping with the Most High, away from everything else. That fellowship enriches and strengthens your spirit, while improving your life in a tremendous way.

Prayer
Dear Father, I love you and appreciate every opportunity I have to fellowship with you in prayer. I thank you because those moments I spend alone with you are significant in improving my life and shaping my destiny as I get synchronized with your perfect will for my life, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

You can follow Pastor Chris on twitter and join in the prayer times at http://twitter.com/#!/PastorChrisLive


Further Study

Matthew 6:5-8
And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

Daily Scripture Reading
1 Year Bible Revelation 3:7-22
Reading plan Ezekiel 35-36

2 Year Bible Revelation 11:11-19
Reading Plan Micah 1-2
It’s a Day Of Joy And Thanksgiving!

By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name (Hebrews 13:15).

Jesus taught on the importance and benefit of worship and thanks giving using the story of the ten lepers: And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off: And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed. And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole” (Luke 17:12-19).

He commended the one who returned to give glory to God, and said unto him, “Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.” By coming to thank God for his miracle, he got something more than healing; he was made whole. Everything he had lost as a result of the leprosy was completely restored. As you take stock of the year, it’s not a time to complain, grumble, or reminisce over the failures and disappointments of yesterday! Rather, let it be a time of gratitude, praise, joy, and thanksgiving. Let it be a time to count your blessings and worship the Lord specially and passionately from your spirit.

So today, as you review your experiences and achievements for the year, it’s important that you count your blessings and rejoice over what the Lord has done for you. Celebrate His goodness and many blessings upon your life throughout the year. Appreciate and worship Him from the very depths of your heart, for His great love, kindness, mercy and grace experienced this year. Celebrate Him for His goodness and wonderful works in your life. Give Him the sacrifice of true worship, make confessions to His Name. Show Him how grateful you are for leading and guiding you through the year in safety, health, victory, success, and prosperity!

Express yourself lavishly in worship and praise to the Lord today as you count your blessings in the outgoing year, and contemplate the greater blessings He has in store for you in the coming year. Rejoice and be glad, for it’s a day of joy and thanksgiving.

Prayer
Dear heavenly Father, I worship you today from the bottom of my heart, for your love, kindness, grace and tender mercies! You're glorious and worthy to be praised; may your Name be glorified forever in my life and in all the earth, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study
Philippians 3:3
For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

Psalm 68:3-4
But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice. Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name JAH, and rejoice before him.


Daily Scripture Reading
1 Year Bible Revelation 4
Reading plan Ezekiel 37-38

2 Year Bible Revelation 12:1-10
Reading Plan Micah 3-4

Rhapsody of Realities Pastor Anita Oyakhilome

We trust that you have been blessed by this devotional. If you have never asked Jesus to come into your life, we invite you to make Jesus Christ the Lord of your life by praying the following:

"O Lord God, I come to You in the Name of Jesus Christ. Your Word says, "...whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Acts 2.21)

I ask Jesus to come into my heart to be the Lord of my life. I receive eternal life into my spirit and according to Romans 10:9 “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved,”
I declare that I am saved; I am born-again; I am a child of God! I now have Christ dwelling in me, and greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world! (1 John 4:4)
I now walk in the consciousness of my new life in Christ Jesus. Hallelujah!

CONGRATULATIONS!!

You are now a child of God, if you would like any materials to help you to grow as a Christian, please get in touch with us through any of the contact numbers below:

United Kingdom South Africa
Tel +44(0) 1303 270970 +27 11 3260971
+27 113260972

Nigeria USA
+2348137788908,+234-8023324188 +1-972-255-1787
+234-8052464131 +1-704-780-4970
+1-281-759-5111
Canada +1-281-759-6218
1 647-341-9091
Tel/Fax +1-416-746 5080

Or you can visit our website www.christembassy.org
Life Without Limits!

And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life (1 John 5:11-12).

Society may place limits on you; your family background, the nation where you live, your education, job description, business, or finances could place limits on you. But there’s a life without limits; that’s the life Jesus brought to us; it’s the transcendent life of glory where there are no limitations.

Many know nothing about this kind of life, and so they think it doesn’t exist. That they know nothing about it doesn’t make it unreal; after all, there was a time people thought it was impossible to fly an airplane, but that, however, has become common place today. The Word teaches of a life without limits, and that’s the life to which everyone who’s born again has been called. A life unlimited by sickness, disease, failure, the devil or anything!

Jesus proved it was possible to live this triumphant life when He walked the earth. He lived a life that was greater than anything that existed on the terrestrial plane. He refused to be limited by the circumstances of this world. He tamed nature. The Bible tells us how He defied the laws of nature by walking on water (Matthew 14:25), and hushing the sea to sleep (Mark 4:39).

Not even satan, death, or the grave could limit Him. When He died, the Bible says through that death, He paralyzed him that has the power of death, that is, the devil (Hebrews 2:14). Thereafter, He rose triumphantly from the grave. This is the life to which you’ve been called where nothing can hinder or place limits on you. According to our opening scripture, you received this life when you were born again.

Now that you have this life in you, refuse to function according to your natural human abilities and take up God’s limitless power that’s been deposited in your spirit! The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 3:5, “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God…” The word “sufficiency” is translated from the Greek, “hikanotes,” which means ability or competence. Thus, your ability to perform is of God; that means it’s unlimited. God gave you His ability so you won’t have to function with your own limited abilities but with His limitless and exhaustible strength.

Confession
I’m born again; therefore, I’m not ordinary. As the Father has life in Himself, even so has He given me to have His kind of life; life without limits. Thus, I function with supernatural strength and abilities today; nothing and no one can hurt or harm me for my sufficiency is of God! Hallelujah.

Further Study
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

John 10:10
The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Daily Scripture Reading
1 Year Bible Revelation 5
Reading plan Ezekiel 39-40

2 Year Bible Revelation 12:11-17
Reading Plan Micah 5-6
Life Without Limits!

And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life (1 John 5:11-12).

Society may place limits on you; your family background, the nation where you live, your education, job description, business, or finances could place limits on you. But there’s a life without limits; that’s the life Jesus brought to us; it’s the transcendent life of glory where there are no limitations.

Many know nothing about this kind of life, and so they think it doesn’t exist. That they know nothing about it doesn’t make it unreal; after all, there was a time people thought it was impossible to fly an airplane, but that, however, has become common place today. The Word teaches of a life without limits, and that’s the life to which everyone who’s born again has been called. A life unlimited by sickness, disease, failure, the devil or anything!

Jesus proved it was possible to live this triumphant life when He walked the earth. He lived a life that was greater than anything that existed on the terrestrial plane. He refused to be limited by the circumstances of this world. He tamed nature. The Bible tells us how He defied the laws of nature by walking on water (Matthew 14:25), and hushing the sea to sleep (Mark 4:39).

Not even satan, death, or the grave could limit Him. When He died, the Bible says through that death, He paralyzed him that has the power of death, that is, the devil (Hebrews 2:14). Thereafter, He rose triumphantly from the grave. This is the life to which you’ve been called where nothing can hinder or place limits on you. According to our opening scripture, you received this life when you were born again.

Now that you have this life in you, refuse to function according to your natural human abilities and take up God’s limitless power that’s been deposited in your spirit! The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 3:5, “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God…” The word “sufficiency” is translated from the Greek, “hikanotes,” which means ability or competence. Thus, your ability to perform is of God; that means it’s unlimited. God gave you His ability so you won’t have to function with your own limited abilities but with His limitless and exhaustible strength.

Confession
I’m born again; therefore, I’m not ordinary. As the Father has life in Himself, even so has He given me to have His kind of life; life without limits. Thus, I function with supernatural strength and abilities today; nothing and no one can hurt or harm me for my sufficiency is of God! Hallelujah.

Further Study
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

John 10:10
The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Daily Scripture Reading
1 Year Bible Revelation 5
Reading plan Ezekiel 39-40

2 Year Bible Revelation 12:11-17
Reading Plan Micah 5-6