Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Renew Your Thinking With The Word!

Renew Your Thinking With The Word!

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind … (Romans 12:2).

Your spirit is recreated when you’re born again, making you a brand new person – a new species of being without a past (2 Corinthians 5:17). However, though your spirit is born anew you may still find unwholesome thoughts coming to your mind. This is because your mind isn’t renewed just yet. It’s your responsibility to renew your mind – your thinking – with the Word of God.

Someone rightly said you may not be able to prevent a bird from flying over your head, but you certainly can prevent it from roosting on it. Though some negative thoughts and ideas you used to have before you were born again may still occasionally come to your mind you must refuse to dwell on them. Thoughts of weakness, wickedness, sickness and sin may dominate your thinking if your mind is not renewed by the Word. To overcome this, you’ll have to renew your thinking with the Word; you’ll have to meditate on the Word daily. Feed your spirit and mind with the Word.

When your mind is renewed with the Word, you’ll think on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, excellent and praiseworthy: “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Philippians 4:8). This is a call to think on the Word, for nothing can be more excellent and praiseworthy true, honest, just, pure, lovely and of good report that the Word of God.

So determine to meditate on the Word, not just today, but everyday. Through meditation, the Word goes through your mind into your spirit, and your thinking is renewed. The Bible says as a man thinks in his heart so he (Proverbs 23:7).Your life will always go in the direction of your thinking, because your thinking is what inspires your talking, which in turn engineers your actions. Thus, when your thinking is renewed with the Word your mindset will be transformed and you will walk in God’s will and purpose for your life.

Confession
As I meditate on the Word today, my mind is renewed, and my mindset is transformed to think victory, health, success, prosperity and success only! I’m constantly being changed into the image of Him that created me, through the knowledge of Christ, and His Word that fills my heart! Amen.

Further Study
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Psalm 119:30
I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me.

Daily Scripture Reading
1 Year Bible 1 Thessalonians 1-2:16
Reading plan Isaiah 35-37

2 Year Bible Hebrews 5:1-14
Reading Plan Ezekiel 5-6

Monday, October 11, 2010

Look Inside

Look Inside

Weary not yourself to be rich; cease from your own [human] wisdom (Proverbs 23:4 AMP).

Some people believe the reason they’re suffering or poor is because of the kind of work they do. That’s not true! The problem isn’t in the kind of work they do; rather it’s in their minds. Many of them think their success in life is hinged on making money through hard work, so they struggle and struggle till they get frustrated.

When I was much younger, I knew I would never be poor. Not just because of what I knew from the Word of God, but because there were three things I had learnt to do properly: I could shine shoes, wash cars, and sew clothes. I remember when I started sewing; my dad had just given me a shirt which was way bigger than my actual size. So I had to amend it to be able to wear it, and I did, using my mum’s sewing machine. Of course, it looked funny by the time I was through, but I achieved something! I saw abilities within me.

As time went on, I learnt how to cut properly and I got better until I became convinced that if I had to be a tailor, I would be the best. You have the capacity for great creative ideas; therefore look inside for them. Those ideas, if properly harnessed, are more valuable than money. If you nurse your ideas long enough and discipline yourself in their direction, you’ll become very good at what you do after a while and money will eventually come to you, for money is a slave of ideas.

Your success, prosperity and greatness are not determined by your geographical location or by the economy of the nation where you function. Rather, your mind is what determines what you become, for with your mind you can change everything else. You can change the state of your nation and the economy; you can change anything if only you’ll have the right thoughts in your mind.

Prayer
Dear Father, I thank you for giving me a creative mind from which inspiring ideas are born. As I discipline myself in the direction of my God-given ideas today, my skills are improved and I get better at what I do, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study
Proverbs 22:29
Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.

1 Corinthians 2:16
For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ.

Daily Scripture Reading
1 Year Bible Colossians 4:2-18
Reading plan Isaiah 33-34

2 Year Bible Hebrews 4:1-16
Reading Plan Ezekiel 4

Pray For Peace In Our Cities!

Pray For Peace In Our Cities!

…The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working] (James 5:16 AMP).

From our opening scripture, it’s evident that you can change anything through prayer, because the divine power necessary to cause that change is in you; it was deposited in you the moment you received the Holy Spirit into your life: “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you…” (Acts 1:8) Through prayer, we can activate the power of God and effect changes in the realm of the Spirit. We can bring that power to bear on situations and circumstances we want changed.

For example, we can put a stop the recurrent spate of wars, natural disasters and violence that result in wanton destruction of lives and property as experienced in many parts of the world today. Through our effectual, fervent prayers, we can implant lasting peace in war-torn, disaster-ravaged and terrorism-prone countries in our world. We’ve been mandated to do this: “And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the Lord for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace” (Jeremiah 29:7).

Consequently, the onus is on us to seek the peace of our cities. We’re to pray to the Lord for it. You should pray today, and for as long as it takes for peace to mantle the nations of the earth and rule the hearts of men all over the world. Pray fervently in other tongues and declare that God’s angels of peace are released into every hitherto troubled region in the earth, to cause the peace of God to garrison the hearts of men and women domiciled therein.

With authoritative words, rebuke satanic forces and break the stronghold of evil, wickedness and violence over the Middle East and Gulf Region. Declare that satan’s dominion over Europe, Asia, the Americas and other parts of the world, and his desire to foment and insight nations to war is broken! Affirm that his manipulative tendencies to lure men into acts of terrorism are thwarted.

Set yourself to pray like this often – earnestly, fervently, passionately and intensely for peace on earth, and there’ll surely be greater peace and prosperity all over the globe.

Prayer
Dear Father, your Word reveals Christ as the only hope for peace in the earth, for His birth brought peace on earth and goodwill to all men. I pray for the impact and greater influence of that peace in the hearts of men today, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study
1 Timothy 2:1-2
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
Psalm 122:6
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.

Daily Scripture Reading
1 Year Bible Colossians 3:1-4:1
Reading plan Isaiah 31-32

2 Year Bible Hebrews 3:12-19
Reading Plan Ezekiel 3

Let Others Benefit From Your Prosperity!

Let Others Benefit From Your Prosperity!

And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work (2 Corinthians 9:8).

There’re different levels of prosperity at which God’s people function. Some are in the first level, where they have just enough to get by. Some however are on the next level where they have more than enough to take care of themselves, their family and a few others. Then, there’re those who are in the arena of abundance, where they can do so much for themselves and for many others.

However, God’s desire for you is that you move from the realm of abundance into the realm of super-abundance, where you’re financially strong enough to do whatever you want to do that’s good for God and for people, whenever you want to do it, however you want to do it! This is the level of prosperity you should strive to function in; where you’re able to help others. Our world needs more of such men and women today; who are willing and able to bring succour and relief to the less-privileged amongst us.

There’re many orphans, widows, and other needy people that could benefit from your prosperity. The Bible says in Proverbs 19:17 “He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.” Also, the Bible says the generous man is blessed for giving to the poor (Proverbs 22:9). Our opening scripture describes God’s commitment to you, when you dedicate yourself to a lifestyle of giving; He (God) “…is able to make all grace (every favor and earthly blessing) come to you in abundance, so that you may always and under all circumstances and whatever the need, be self-sufficient [possessing enough to require no aid or support and furnished in abundance for every good work and charitable donation]” (2 Corinthians 8:9 Amp).

God’s resources are limitless; His wealth is infinite. As His kids, we’re His heirs; all that He has belongs to us. Therefore choose to function at the level of super-abundance. The way to press into this realm of prosperity is through giving: “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom…” (Luke 6:38). Through giving, you multiply riches and wealth. Keep looking out for opportunities to be a blessing to others, and the Spirit of God, apart from helping you increase your capacity to give more, will cause you to dwell in the realm of super-abundance, where others will benefit from your prosperity.

Confession
Through my giving, mighty harvests of financial blessings are coming to me, and my capacity to give is increased today by the power of God’s Spirit. I’m a big-time sponsor of the Gospel! The Kingdom of God is moving forward because of me. Hallelujah.

Further Study
Isaiah 60:5
Then thou shalt see, and flow together, and thine heart shall fear, and be enlarged; because the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee, the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee.

Job 22:24-25
Then shalt thou lay up gold as dust, and the gold of Ophir as the stones of the brooks. Yea, the Almighty shall be thy defence, and thou shalt have plenty of silver.

Daily Scripture Reading
1 Year Bible Colossians 2:6-23
Reading plan Isaiah 29-30

2 Year Bible Hebrews 3:1-11
Reading Plan Ezekiel 1-2

Let Others Benefit From Your Prosperity!

Let Others Benefit From Your Prosperity!

And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work (2 Corinthians 9:8).

There’re different levels of prosperity at which God’s people function. Some are in the first level, where they have just enough to get by. Some however are on the next level where they have more than enough to take care of themselves, their family and a few others. Then, there’re those who are in the arena of abundance, where they can do so much for themselves and for many others.

However, God’s desire for you is that you move from the realm of abundance into the realm of super-abundance, where you’re financially strong enough to do whatever you want to do that’s good for God and for people, whenever you want to do it, however you want to do it! This is the level of prosperity you should strive to function in; where you’re able to help others. Our world needs more of such men and women today; who are willing and able to bring succour and relief to the less-privileged amongst us.

There’re many orphans, widows, and other needy people that could benefit from your prosperity. The Bible says in Proverbs 19:17 “He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.” Also, the Bible says the generous man is blessed for giving to the poor (Proverbs 22:9). Our opening scripture describes God’s commitment to you, when you dedicate yourself to a lifestyle of giving; He (God) “…is able to make all grace (every favor and earthly blessing) come to you in abundance, so that you may always and under all circumstances and whatever the need, be self-sufficient [possessing enough to require no aid or support and furnished in abundance for every good work and charitable donation]” (2 Corinthians 8:9 Amp).

God’s resources are limitless; His wealth is infinite. As His kids, we’re His heirs; all that He has belongs to us. Therefore choose to function at the level of super-abundance. The way to press into this realm of prosperity is through giving: “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom…” (Luke 6:38). Through giving, you multiply riches and wealth. Keep looking out for opportunities to be a blessing to others, and the Spirit of God, apart from helping you increase your capacity to give more, will cause you to dwell in the realm of super-abundance, where others will benefit from your prosperity.

Confession
Through my giving, mighty harvests of financial blessings are coming to me, and my capacity to give is increased today by the power of God’s Spirit. I’m a big-time sponsor of the Gospel! The Kingdom of God is moving forward because of me. Hallelujah.

Further Study
Isaiah 60:5
Then thou shalt see, and flow together, and thine heart shall fear, and be enlarged; because the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee, the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee.

Job 22:24-25
Then shalt thou lay up gold as dust, and the gold of Ophir as the stones of the brooks. Yea, the Almighty shall be thy defence, and thou shalt have plenty of silver.

Daily Scripture Reading
1 Year Bible Colossians 2:6-23
Reading plan Isaiah 29-30

2 Year Bible Hebrews 3:1-11
Reading Plan Ezekiel 1-2

Friday, October 8, 2010

Suffering Is Unnecessary

Suffering Is Unnecessary

For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world (Hebrews 4:3).

Everything required for your success has already been provided by God. The works were finished from the foundation of the world. Now, when the Bible says the works were finished from the foundation of the world, as in the scripture above, it means you don’t have to struggle in life, for everything concerning your success, health and prosperity has been taken care of. You’ve entered God’s rest; you’re not called to suffer defeat in life.

You don’t have to be defeated or give up hope. You don’t have to struggle for anything. Everything you need for success and prosperity has been made available: “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us unto glory and virtue” (2 Peter 1:3).

For the Christian, suffering is absolutely unnecessary. If you’d pay attention to God’s Word, and make certain to do what He says, you’d live a fulfilled life. Believe and receive this truth today with faith. You’ve been established on the path of success and victory. God did it ever before you came on the scene. He made you a success and ordained your prosperity before you were born. Nothing in this life is too good for you, for you’re the seed of Abraham, called to a life of power, glory and virtue.

Prayer
Dear Lord and Father, I praise you and rejoice at your Word that has made me realize your eternal plans of success, prosperity, progress and victory for my life. I’m grateful to know that you’ve already ordained me to a life of victory and triumph, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study
2 Peter 1:3
According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

Hebrews 4:10
For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.


Daily Scripture Reading
1 Year Bible Colossians 1:1-23
Reading plan Isaiah 25-26

2 Year Bible Hebrews 2:1-9
Reading Plan Lamentations 3

Work To “Make A Giving,” Not A Living

Work To “Make A Giving,” Not A Living

Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with this hands the things which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth (Ephesians 4:28).

There’re many who believe the reason they should work is so they can make ends meet, or earn a living. But that’s not what the Word of God teaches. Our opening scripture reveals that the reason you ought to work is so you would have to give; you work to “make a giving,” not a living. Some people live as though the Bible says “My God shall supply all your needs according to how much you’re paid at your place of work.” You need to look to the Lord as your source of income and livelihood, and not to your job. He supplies all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).

Natural circumstances may try to force you to believe that your job or business is the only means by which you can receive money, but refuse to let such a thought rule your life. The Bible didn’t say “Work, that you may have money”; rather, it says, “Work that you may have to give.” Your job is a medium or channel through which you bless others and in so doing, you also are rewarded.

Giving is God’s established medium to prosper you financially. Therefore, it doesn’t matter how much you’re paid at your job or business, never take it as your source of income. This doesn’t in anyway mean that you handle your job with levity. Do your job with excellence and shun mediocrity, and the Lord will promote you.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, I recognize you as my source of wealth and prosperity. I rejoice to know that I can always rely on you to supply all my needs according to your riches in glory by Christ Jesus! I look up to you today, and always for my promotion and prosperity. Amen.

Further Study
Psalm 23:1-5
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Psalm 121:1-2
I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.


Daily Scripture Reading
1 Year Bible Colossians 1:24-2:5
Reading plan Isaiah 27-28

2 Year Bible Hebrews 2:10-18
Reading Plan Lamentations 4-5