2021
Standing On God’s Promises
“And because of His glory and excellence, He has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share His divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.” (2 Peter 1:4, NLT).
Apostle Peter in the above scripture stated that God’s promises are great and precious. We are partakers of God’s divine nature through these promises. We can live the God-kind of life here on earth when we believe and are able to operate with His promises. Below are some points to consider:
Seek the promise(s): God’s promises cover every challenge life poses to mankind. And we operate as gods (supernatural deities) when we hold tenaciously to these promises and actualize them. There is the need to seek for the divine promise that relate or speak to our situations. Attorneys in the law court will always seek for relevant authorities, references or precedents to buttress their points. Once they find similar cases from the past that furthers their cause, they have found a strong point of persuasion to tender before the judge. The Bible enjoins us to present our case and bring forth strong reasons for our justification (Isaiah 41:21).
Take the promise: After seeking and locating the divine promise(s) that speak to our situation, the next thing is to own them. There is a difference between how people treat the cars they own vis a vis the car they rent. A rental car is not treated too well because it will be returned to the rental shop. There is a marked difference between ownership and rentalship. We are responsible for the things we own. God wants us to own His promises and embrace them as ours. Joseph the patriarch in his dying moment got his kinsmen in Egypt to promise him they will take his body out with them to Canaan (the promised land). He was so assured that the promise God made to Abraham was going to come to pass, and that Egypt was not the final destination of his people.
Activate the promise(s): To activate something means to give life to the thing. The mother hen sits on her eggs providing warmth to the eggs until they hatch to become chickens. The mother hen makes life happen by providing the right environment for the eggs. We give life to God’s promises when we create the right environment by wrapping our minds around His promises and meditating on them regularly. David said in Psalm 39, verse 4, “my heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned, then I spoke with my tongue”. There is a right environment for God’s promises to thrive.
Nullify contrary opinions and views: Satan is overly concerned about stealing God’s word in our hearts. He knows that as we embrace the promises and muse over them God will always respond. The enemy uses everything possible to stop the process when he sees that we are on course. He will use logical arguments, persons close to us, contrary circumstances, etc just to stop us in our tracks. David had to turn away from his oldest brother Eliab when he confronted him as he was about to face Goliath in battle (1 Samuel 17:29-30). We are to take contrary thoughts captive and submit our minds to God when we are being opposed. This is how we fight the good fight of faith.
Declare His promises: Faith in God boldly declares the word and promises of God. David, standing before Goliath, boldly declared that the battle is the Lord’s and God will give Goliath into the hands of the Israelites. We are enjoined to boldly declare that God is our Helper and we shall not fear what man can do (Hebrews 13:6). David said because of his meditation in God’s promises the fire of expectation and possibilities burned within him, and he spoke as a result. There is a timid declaration of His promises which happens when we are not persuaded of the promise(s); and there is a bold declaration of the Word and promises.
CONCLUSION: Receive fresh grace to stand on the Word of God. God’s promises are Yes and Amen through Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 1:20).
Ade(Gboyega) ESAN
2021
Break In, Break Out, and Breakthrough
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“So, David came to Baal-perazim, and he defeated them there, and said, “The Lord has broken through my enemies before me, like a breakthrough of water.” So he named that place Baal-perazim (master of breakthroughs)” – (2 Samuel 5:20) |
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A dictionary meaning of breakthrough is to overcome something and have an achievement. All the incredible things in different spheres of human endeavors are because of numerous breakthroughs. In the scripture above, David had just been made king over all of Israel. The Philistines, the arch enemy of the Israelites, mobilized all their forces to make war against him. They reasoned it was a vulnerable moment for David and wanted to take advantage of him. By divine direction David prevailed over the Philistines and achieved victory over them. Below are some things to consider. Break in: A wise man said for us to break out we must first and foremost break in. The challenges, obstacles and difficulties that we face in life are not just external, but they are also internal. Saul and the armies of Israel were held bound for 40 days by Goliath and would not attempt to fight because they were defeated within them. They were so overtaken with fear within that they did not even make any attempt towards Goliath. When David got on the scene, and on hearing the threats of Goliath tried to fight him. David was able to fight Goliath because he had a different mindset from the others. The self-image David had within him was that of a Giant Killer. The struggles we face most times are as a result of our beliefs and the image we carry within. We must first breakthrough within in order to breakthrough without. Break out: A rut is a long deep track made by the repeated passage of the wheels of vehicles. On muddy and bad roads like we usually have in some developing nations, the first vehicle that passes on the muddy road creates a track (or rut) and subsequent vehicles will follow the track. And because of repeated passage on the same spot, the road gets deeper and deeper and at some point in time vehicles will get stuck in the rut. A person stuck in a rut is locked in a behavior (usually bad) that is not allowing them to overcome and have breakthroughs. To have breakthroughs we must break out of unproductive and destructive ruts, and take on good, productive and habitual behaviors that will make us overcome and achieve. Breakthrough: The victory and breakthrough of David in Baal-perazim was possible because of divine direction. It was also possible because of the mighty men of David. Some four hundred men who were in distress, debt and discontented had gathered around David in the wilderness when he was running from King Saul. He became captain over them. It was these undesirable men that David groomed and developed to become mighty warriors. Thirty-seven out of the four hundred had incredible dossier and they were called the mighty men of David (2 Samuel 23:8-39). David was able to transform low lives to mighty men by providing leadership and modeling what a good leader should look like. He transformed their thinking by helping them to breakthrough the limitations within them. He transformed them by helping them to break in and break out. These men in turn never allowed David to lose any battle. He was able to let loose the giants within them. CONCLUSION: To have breakthrough, our minds must be regularly renewed, and we must cultivate behaviors that make possible the outcomes we desire. God will only help us to the degree that we cooperate with Him in thoughts, words and deeds. Have a month full of breakthroughs in Jesus’ name. |
2021
Power Of Testimonies
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“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.” – (Revelation 12:13, NKJV) |
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A testimony in Christian parlance is simply an evidence or proof given by a person who experienced firsthand the power and miracle of God. Below are some points to note about the power of testimonies viz: Testimonies tell of God’s acts: “O God, You have taught me from my earliest childhood, and I constantly tell others about the wonderful things You do” (Psalm 71:17). Testimonies are praise reports of what God has done. Testimonies are tools of witnessing the good news and reports of the Almighty God. Joshua was instructed by God to bring out of the Jordan River 12 stones and set them up as a memorial in Gilgal to testify to succeeding generations how God gave them passage by parting the Jordan River (Reference: Joshua 4). God wants us to testify of His good deeds. Testimonies encourage others: “He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us” (2 Corinthians 1:4, NLT). The aforementioned scripture says one of the crucial reasons God delivers us from trouble is for us to relay to others going through similar challenge how God delivered and comforted us. Many have triumphed over challenging situations because of the encouragement they received from others who have gone through same. Testimonies beget testimonies: A brother in our church lost his job unexpectedly. He pleaded his case with the organization and surprisingly he was recalled back within a week. He shared his testimony in church. Not too long after, another brother lost his job and based on the strength of the previous brother’s testimony he believed God and got the exact job back. Testimonies ignite faith in the hearts of the hearers, and what God has done before He is willing to do again. Testimonies eliminate grumbling and complaining: Many people do not see grumbling and complaining as sins. A close look at the scriptures show that they are sins that God detests so much. We are admonished not to complain and grumble like the Israelites in the wilderness (1 Corinthians 10:10). Many of them were destroyed in the wilderness because they kept complaining against Moses and God. A habit of regular testifying of the acts of God will reduce and eliminate complaining in our lives. Testimonies silence the devil: Our main text tells of how Angel Michael and other angels overcame the devil when war broke out in heaven (Revelation 12:7-12). They overcame by the blood of the Lamb and the words they spoke. The same way they overcame, we will also overcome. Satan is the accuser of the brethren, and one sure way to counter his accusations is by the words of our mouth and our testimonies. By going forth and telling of God’s goodness to us, we silence the voice of accusation raised against us (Isaiah 54:17). Testimonies are confession of faith that silences the devil. CONCLUSION: Testifying about God’s acts also includes regularly speaking of His wonders as elucidated in the scriptures. As we tell of how He parted the Red Sea, brought down the walls of Jericho, stayed the sun for 24 hours nonstop, etc, our faith in Him will grow and personal testimonies of His gracious acts will be enormous in our lives. Have a testimony filled month in Jesus name. |
2021
2021: Year Of Rising
– (Exodus 19:3-4, NKJV) |
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The highlighted scripture above tells us how God caused the Israelites to rise above the challenge of the Red Sea. In this year, like all others, there will be challenges. Some people will be overwhelmed and overcome by these challenges, while others will ride and glide over the challenges 2021 will present to them. It is my prayer you will be among the latter group. Below are some things we need to do in order to rise over 2021 challenges, viz: |
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Repent: Repentance is simply turning to God and doing works befitting of repentance (Acts 26:20). Repentance has to do with the exercise of the mind. In Yoruba language (spoken in Western Nigeria, Togo, Benin, some parts of Brazil and Cuba), the word repentance means deep introspective thinking that leads to a change in behavior. Many of the challenges faced by mankind are caused by sin, poor choices and being far from God. Repentance upgrades our lives and is antidote to the sin challenge which bedevils mankind. |
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Inspire yourself: Mary, the mother of Jesus ran to the house of her relative Elizabeth after the Angel Gabriel announced she was going to conceive supernaturally. The moment Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby in her womb leaped and she was filled with the Holy Spirit and she began to prophesy to Mary (Luke 1:39 -45). What an account! Inspiration causes a stirring in our hearts that leads to the delivery of purpose and destiny. To rise in 2021, be regularly inspired by the teaching, preaching and personal study of the Word of God. |
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Sanctify yourself unto God: As believers in Christ, God has set us apart to Himself for a holy purpose (Ephesians 1:4-5). The second leg of sanctification is that we must yield to God and further separate ourselves from the world. The more sanctified we are, the more we will see divine manifestations. The clear instruction Joshua gave the Israelites before they overcame the Jordan River challenge was that they sanctify themselves (Joshua 3:5). |
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Innovate: The pandemic and the new world order has thrown up new challenges that require new approaches. Innovation is creativity that has to do with new ways of doing things. A new wineskin (animal skin used to hold wine) with elasticity is required to accommodate a new fermenting (and expanding) wine. An old rigid, hard and inflexible wineskin cannot accommodate a new wine (Matthew 9:17). Just as the world is becoming overly complex and complicated so also are the challenges of the present time. There is need to regularly pray to God for new insights, new anointing and approaches to tackle the challenges of the 21st century. |
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Negotiate with the Word of God: A dictionary meaning of negotiate is to obtain or bring about by discussion or by conference. Negotiation include two-way communication, persuasion, strategizing and cooperating. All the aforementioned are ingredients of a good and effective prayer that obtain results from God. In negotiation two parties arrive at an agreement or consensus based on terms of the contract that is favorable to each party. If the terms are not favorable to either party, there will not be a contract. The Word of God reveals the mind of God and shows us what is acceptance to the Divine. To rise in 2021, we must align with God’s will as shown in His Word. (Scripture reference: Isaiah 41:21, Amos 3:3). |
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Grow exponentially: Exponential means rapid increase. Because the challenges we see today are daunting and unprecedented ordinary growth may not suffice anymore. We must be deliberate to grow mentally, spiritually, socially, financially, etc. To grow exponentially, we must increase our capacity and devour more. And growth in all forms is usually a function of exposure. Exposure to the right information, association and location. Isaac was able to overcome the challenge of the Philistines contesting with his inherited wells because of the grace of God and an enlarged capacity and he outgrew his challenges as a result. (Scripture reference: Genesis 26: 15-30).CONCLUSION: Receive grace to rise in 2021. Have a blessed new year in Jesus’ name. |
2021
Faith Appropriates
“And He said to her, daughter your faith has made you well. Go in peace and be healed of your affliction” (Mark 5:34, NKJV).
One of the dictionary meanings of the word appropriate is to take for one’s own use, typically without the owner’s permission. And some of the synonyms of appropriate is to seize, commandeer, arrogate, take over, lay claim to and acquire. The story surrounding the scripture above is that of a woman who had been hemorrhaging for 12 years and could not get a cure. When she heard that Jesus was passing, she said to herself that if I touch His garment, I will be well. Though there was a crowd thronging Jesus, she managed to reach Him and touched Him. Immediately she was healed and simultaneously Jesus felt some anointing leaving Him. She is a typical case of faith appropriation. She took her healing by simply believing. She did not ask for special prayers nor Jesus’ permission before she received her miracle. Below are some points to consider:
Faith appropriates what Grace has made available: GRACE is acronym for God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. The glorious riches available for the Christian was made available by Christ through His finished work on the Cross of Calvary. Jesus paid fully for the redemption of mankind. He paid the debt of sin and the ultimate penalty of sin which is death. This is the basis of the New Testament and the framework by which we receive God’s best. Real faith acknowledges what Jesus has done and rests entirely in it.
Faith appropriates by forgetting the past: The Israelites that God delivered from Egypt never had a closure on Egypt. Though they left physically, but mentally and emotionally, they were still in Egypt. They kept on remembering the cucumbers and garlics and the relative serenity Egypt offered them. They preferred to remain permanently in Egypt as slaves to the temporary discomfort of the wilderness on their way to the Promised land. They complained and murmured incessantly to Moses and God about taking them out of Egypt. Because of their attitude and not letting go of Egypt they perished in the wilderness. Dwelling in the past will not allow us to have faith in the present and hope for the future. The past, if not carefully dealt with, will rob us of the future.
Faith appropriates by unbroken focus: “Now when the time was almost come for Jesus to be received up (to heaven), He steadfastly and determinedly set His face to go to Jerusalem” (Luke 9:51). Jesus on His way to Jerusalem to be crucified needed to pass through Samaria but the Samaritans refused Him passage. Because He was resolute and focused on Jerusalem, He found another way. The woman in our introductory verse was resolute about getting well. A magnifying glass focused on a combustible object under the rays of the sun will invariably spark a fire and cause the object to be burnt. Faith and focus are Siamese twins. For faith to appropriate the grace of God, focus must be in place.
Faith appropriates by obedience: Christians are intended by God to be highfliers. A pilot flies an aircraft in very high altitudes simply by obeying a code of instructions. Failure to comply totally to instruction means disaster and destruction. Appropriating God’s best is always at the other side of obedience. Jesus told the paralytic man “take up your bed and walk” (Mark 2:11). He told the man who was sick for 38 years after healing him, to go and sin no more (John 5: 14). Faith and obedience (corresponding action) work together. Faith is not stand-alone. Both general and specific instructions from God are critical for faith to harvest and sustain Heaven’s blessings.
Faith Appropriates by Thanksgiving: The first thing Jesus did when He was about to raise Lazarus was to give thanks (John 11: 41). He taught His disciples in the Lord’s prayer to first praise and worship God. He was modelling Heaven’s protocol for us. For a transaction to be complete there must be offer and acceptance. God has offered us His best through Jesus Christ; the way to receive His innumerable blessings is through incessant and effusive thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is the receiving hand of faith.
CONCLUSION: May your faith and confidence in God soar in these uncertain times in Jesus’ name. Have a blessed month.
2021
Mindset Of Dominion
“For You have made him a little lower than the angels, and You have crowned him with glory and honor. You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands. You have put all things under his feet.” – (Psalm 8:5-6)
Dominion simply means overseeing something and having rulership over it. God delegated authority to man after creating him to take charge of the earth and rule over His creation (Genesis 1:26-28). Adam, the first man, disobeyed God and lost the authority and rulership. Jesus, the God incarnate, had to become man in order to restore dominion back to man. Dominion has been restored by Jesus but in order to exercise authority and operate as gods on this earth, we have to take on the mindset of dominion. Below are some of the mindsets:
The Mindset of Possibility: The Apostle Paul said in Philippians 4, verse 13 that “I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me.” He possessed the can-do attitude, and also acknowledged that Christ working vibrantly in him is his ability. This mindset helps the possessor of it to be willing to take on challenges and not to buckle in the face of overwhelming odds and seemingly impossible situations. Joshua and Caleb were the only two leaders out of the twelve spies who believed they could possess the land of Canaan.
The Mindset of Sonship: Born again Christians are those who have consciously accepted Jesus into their hearts as Lord and Savior (John 1:12). The acceptance of Jesus makes them sons and daughters of God (Galatians 3:26). Sons are different from hired servants. Sons have a sense of ownership; servants do not. Sons have a sense of their right to inheritance, whereas slaves do not. Sons are not afraid of being disowned or fired from the family; hired servants can be fired anytime. Sons carry the family name and DNA; servants do not. The DNA of God’s family is the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit every child of God has in common and He is the Principal Agent of dominion. To walk in dominion the mindset of sonship must be ingrained in us.
The Mindset of Submission: One of the most profound scriptures in the Bible is found in Philippians Chapter 2, verses 5 to 8. It talks about the mindset of Jesus. Though He was God, He still submitted to the authority of God the Father in Heaven. He obeyed God the Father by agreeing to become a man in order to redeem mankind. And once again, He (Jesus) submitted to the will of God the Father and died a criminal’s death on the cross. Because of His total submission, God exalted Him and made Him the head of all principalities and powers. Submission to the right authority confers power and authority. A submissive wife to a godly husband is powerful. A submissive Christian to God will be highly anointed. It is the meek that will inherit the earth. Submission is not weakness; rather it is wisdom.
The Mindset of Enthusiasm: King David is an example of an Old Testament saint who truly dominated. He never lost any battle, and he overcame and outlived his enemies. God testified of him that he (David) is a man after His heart. He knew how to touch God and move Him through praises. David wrote most of the Psalms. David knew how to encourage himself despite his many challenges. David knew how to draw strength from God by praising and worshipping him regularly. David knew how to turn bad situations around and make lemonade out of lemons. He was an exceptional person because he sought to see his challenges from divine perspective, and this made him to always cheapen serious challenges and oppositions.
Mindset of Compassion: Many Christians do not realize love is a weapon. Anyone walking in love cannot be overcome or conquered. Love is a force as strong as death (Songs 8:6). Because of Jesus’ compassion He healed and delivered many from sicknesses and demonic spirits (Matthew 14:14). He wrought miracles every time He was moved by compassion. Evil is conquered by good. Light dispels darkness. Love overcomes hatred. Forgiveness trumps revenge. By feeding an unrepentant enemy the Bible says you are heaping coals of fire on his head (Romans 12:20). We should imitate our God who has a bowel of compassion on His creation.
CONCLUSION: It is God’s will we dominate fear, demonic forces, failure and stagnation, sicknesses, poverty, the Adamic nature, negative emotions, etc. We are more than conquerors through the love of God shed in our hearts. Have a blessed month!
2021
Free Indeed
“Therefore, if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed” (John 8:36, NKJV).
Freedom can easily be defined as a release from something unpleasant. There are many unpleasant things besieging human beings that Jesus came to deliver us from. Such unpleasant things include bondage to sin, sicknesses, poverty, demons, untimely death, shame, rejection, inhumane treatments, slavery, injustices, etc. Jesus came to the world to destroy the works of the devil and purchase freedom for all who will put their trust in Him. This write-up seeks to elucidate some of the ways by which we can enforce total freedom in our lives and in the world viz:
Freedom is internal: Jesus said, “if you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32, NKJV). The truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ makes us free. There is a difference between being set free and being made free. A prisoner can be set free from prison but the captivity of the sin that took him/her to jail may still be intact within him/her. Until the sin or crime is dealt with within the prisoner, he remains a captive to the crime. The Passion translation of the Bible says in John 8:32, “for if you embrace the truth, it will release true freedom into your lives.” The gospel of Jesus Christ can change us from within.
Revelation knowledge is necessary: The knowledge of the truth makes us free (John 8:32). The Greek word for now/knowledge in the scripture is the word “Ginosko”. And this word means a personal, intimate and experiential knowledge of something or someone. It has to do with a vibrant relationship. It is possible to know about someone but not have an intimate knowledge of them. The one who has a “Ginosko” knowledge of them is the one who has a relationship with them. Many know about Jesus, but they do not know Him. They do not have a revelation knowledge of Him. It is my ardent prayer that Jesus will reveal Himself to us all in Jesus’ name.
Emancipation is to be proclaimed: Emancipation is the freeing of someone from slavery. Jesus said in His mission statement in Luke 4, verse 18 that the anointing is upon Him to proclaim liberty to the captives. Believers in Christ are to regularly proclaim that they are free and delivered in Jesus’ name. In 1863, Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. He declared that all slaves in the Confederate states are free and therefore must be released. That became a major shift in the freeing of slaves worldwide. The declaration was Biblical and prophetic. We must regularly declare our freedom from unpleasant situations, while we stay away from such.
Emancipation is to be worked out: The Apostle Paul enjoined us to work out our salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12). No captor releases his captive willingly. Many of the slaves in the confederate states had to take their destinies in their hands by fleeing from their slave masters to the Northern states where slavery had been abolished. Many others remained in captivity in the Southern confederate states even after the Emancipation Proclamation. Many third world countries years after gaining political independence from their colonial masters remain subservient and tied to the apron strings of the colonialists. This is because they have refused to work out and chart their own course for growth and development. To remain free indeed we must continue to work out our salvation.
Conclusion: My birth nation is 60 years today. I join several others on this day to declare freedom and emancipation over Nigeria. We decree and declare the nation Nigeria will rise from all unpleasant things and begin to fulfill her glorious destiny in Jesus’ name.
Have a blessed month.
2021
Fruitfulness By The Word
“But these are the ones sown on good ground, those who hear the word, accept it, and bear fruit, some thirty-fold, some sixty, and some a hundred.” (Mark 4:20, NKJV).
The word of God is a seed (Luke 8:11). A seed is a source of development and growth. A seed is the beginning of something that continues to grow. A seed has the ability within itself to reproduce after its kind (Genesis 1:12). The fruit is packed within the seed. An orchard is packed within an apple seed. The fruit of a godly character is embedded in the seed of God’s word. God established the seed principle because that’s how life is transmitted and perpetuated.
The word of God is a spiritual seed capable of reproducing the life of God in humans who accept and receive it. The Word of God is an incorruptible and imperishable seed (1 Peter 1:23). Other seeds, such as that of human or plant, can be corrupted and capable of being destroyed, but certainly not the Word of God. It is alive and active and carries the potential to fulfill God’s counsel here on earth if well utilized. Our text above tells us God’s word will bring fruitfulness to anyone who accepts it to the measure of what has been sown. Below are ways of working the Word of God for better yield and results:
Receive the Word: Every born-again child of God had an encounter (or intercourse) with the Word of God (1 Peter 1:23). Nobody comes to Christ without first encountering His Word. The Bible says those who receive Christ (the Word of God), He empowered to become the children of God. But the Word must be received in a good environment of a good and noble heart. The Bible enjoins us to receive the implanted Word of God with meekness because it is able to save our souls (James 1:21). For any seed to produce and bring forth it has to be planted in the right environment. The right environment for the Word of God to germinate is a good heart that is childlike and devoid of hypocrisy. We should always pray for a cultivated, childlike and circumcised heart (Ezekiel 36:26). With childlike faith, the Virgin Mary received the message from Angel Gabriel that she will conceive supernaturally.
Retain the Word: It takes time for the seed to germinate in the soil. Every farmer will continue to tend the seed planted in the soil until it sprouts and full harvest is attained. A woman goes to prenatal clinics and sessions until she puts to bed. In developed countries nothing is left to chance in catering for the seed (embryo) in the womb of the woman. For the Word of God to be productive in any one’s life it has to be established and well rooted in such a life (Colossians 2:6-7). Jesus Christ said if we continue in His Word then we are His disciples indeed (John 8:31-32). To retain means to abide, dwell, meditate, muse and apply the Word all the time. It takes patience (staying ability) for the Word of God to produce faith, courage, holiness, love, etc. in our lives. It is only those who endure that will be saved.
Release the Word: The Word of God and God are one and inseparable. In creation, God spoke creation into manifestation. When He wanted to create plants, vegetation and animals He spoke to the ground (Genesis 1:11,12,24). He spoke to the waters when He wanted to create sea creatures (Genesis 1:20-21). The sun, moon and the stars appeared in the sky when God called them into being (Genesis 1:14-17). And He sustains the universe and mankind through His Word (Hebrews 1:3). We release the Word of God when we speak it diligently in faith and obedience. The Word spoken, in turn, marshals the forces of Heaven to act accordingly (Psalm 103:20). The angels of God do His word and hearken to the voice of His word.
CONCLUSION: May we all experience fruitfulness in the work of our hands, our minds, spirit man and reproductive organs in Jesus’ name. And may we develop greater capacity to receive, retain and release the Word of God in Jesus’ name. Have a blessed new month!
2021
The Secret Of Diving Lifting
“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God (set aside self-righteous pride), so that He may exalt you (to a place of honor in His service) at the appropriate time” (1 Peter 5:6, AMP).
Humility is the secret of divine lifting. Humility is associated with the word ‘humus’ which means coming from the earth. Human beings were made by God from the dust of the earth, and in comparison to God we are nothing. In His magnanimity, He chose to share His glory with man by breathing into him His breath and making him the zenith of His creation. Below are some truths on humility:
Humility is Simplicity: The book “Good to Great” by Jim Collins researched companies who transformed from ordinary companies to extraordinary companies. The book highlighted that all the CEOs of these Good to Great companies were executives who combined humility with professional will. Because of their humility and simplicity, they were able to motivate their work force to take the companies to higher heights. They were not charismatic or larger-than-life personalities. King David in the Bible was well loved and accepted because he was a simple and accessible leader (1 Samuel 22:2).
Humility is Meekness: Meekness is power under submission. The horse is a very powerful animal that was and is still used to drive carriages, wagons, etc. Motor vehicles’ capacity is called horsepower. An untamed or unsubdued horse is very dangerous. For horses to be useful and serve worthily, it has to be tamed, subdued and submitted to the will of the owner. Jesus Christ though very powerful submitted to the will of God the Father in Heaven and on earth. Because of His submission He was raised to the right hand of God and given a name higher than all names. Before honor comes humility. (Scripture reference: Philippians 2:5-11).
Humility is not thinking less of oneself; it is thinking of yourself less: People usually equate humility with low self-esteem. Humility is not low self-esteem; humility is low self pre-occupation. The difference between a proud person and a humble person is that the proud is very self-centered. The proud is very quick to brandish their achievements, wealth, knowledge, pedigree, etc. and leave God out of the equation of their success. The mantra of the humble is “everything I am I owe to God.” The Bible says, “For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?” (1 Corinthians 4:7, NKJV).
Humility is having regard for the lowly, despised and non-consequential: The humble regards all humans as God’s creation made in His image and likeness. The Bible says, “Though the Lord is on high, yet He regards the lowly, but the proud He knows from afar” (Psalm 138:6, NKJV). God is not class nor race conscious. He regards people who society despises and disregards because every man was made in His image. The humble person sees all humanity with the lenses of divinity. Though God is the Most High, yet He has regard for the lowliest of the low.
Humility is purging oneself regularly before God: Just like the body purges itself from toxins and contaminants, so does the humble purges his/her soul before the Almighty God. The Apostle Paul, a very humble man says that even though he walks in a clear conscience that does not mean he is entirely innocent before God (1 Corinthians 4:3-5). He acknowledges God as the Judge and the Person to whom he is answerable to. The humble doesn’t seek to always justify themselves. The prayer of the humble is, “search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life” (Psalm 139:23-24).
CONCLUSION: There are several other things humility is besides the aforementioned. Humility and pride are both attitudes and issues of the heart. Issues of the heart are usually difficult to decipher. Only God can adequately judge the heart of men. The Bible admonishes us to cloth ourselves in humility. It is a garment that attracts God to us. Pride on the other hand repels God from us. Receive fresh grace for humility in Jesus name.
2021
The Kingdom In You
“Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God does not come by observation; nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ FOR INDEED, THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS WITHIN YOU” (Luke 17:21, NKJV).
The root word for Kingdom in the Greek language is Basileia, which means authority, rule, kingship especially of God both in the world and in the hearts of men. The kingdom of God is distinct from the kingdom of Heaven. The kingdom of God is God’s influence in the earth, it is God’s sovereign will being done on earth through men. The Great Britain colonized about a quarter of the entire world, changing cultures and establishing the will of the Queen in several major countries. This colonization was done by agents of the British colony. God wants to spread His will and the culture of Heaven to the earth through His children who are His agents and are empowered by the Holy Spirit (the Main Agent) (Matthew 6:10). Below are some ways we help extend His kingdom on earth:
The Greatness within: Every child of God carries greatness within them. God put in us inherent abilities when we were born, and also gave us spiritual endowments and gifts when we became born again. For instance, God put in Gideon the ability to deliver Israel from their strong enemies (the Midianites and Amalekites). Gideon never realized the greatness he carried within until it was revealed to him. Greatness is a seed resident in the child of God. Greatness has to be connected to purpose for it to fully manifest. To unleash the greatness within is to serve humanity with the gifts and endowments of God (Acts 13:36). Greatness done within the will of God glorifies God and furthers His agenda on earth. How well are you serving the world with your God-given gifts?
The Anointing within: The anointing is the power and influence of the Holy Spirit resident in the child of God (1 John 2:20,27). It is usually defined as the yoke-destroying and burden-removing power of God. It is God’s power exclusively given to His children to solve human problems. A story was told of John G. Lake, a missionary to South Africa in the early 1900s. While he was serving there, the bubonic plague, a deadly plague was on rampage, killing many people. He was quoted to have said, “As long as I walk in the light of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus, no germ will attach itself to me.” He requested that the germs be placed in his palms and under a microscope, it was seen that the germs died in his hands and he was never infected. He had a revelation of the working and operation of the anointing within that also flows out through him. When the anointing is displayed the influence of the kingdom increases. Jesus said unless people sees signs and wonders they will not believe; in other words, they will not allow the kingdom of God in their hearts. The anointing is displayed as we become intentional and careful with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30).
The Righteousness within: Righteousness is being right with God and doing right with His help. God’s kingdom is founded on righteousness and justice (Psalm 89:14). Righteousness is a force that exalts and impacts positively on society. Righteousness is a seed implanted in the heart of the believer when he/she gets born again (1 John 3:9). We are to allow the seed of righteousness within to grow and impact our world for the better. The more righteous people there are in a society, the better for the society. The twin cities of Sodom and Gomorrah was destroyed because God couldn’t find ten righteous people there (Genesis 18:16-33). Righteous people practicing righteousness further the cause of God on the earth.
CONCLUSION: Everything in its raw state has little or no value. As we begin to nurture and allow the treasures within (as exemplified above) to find expression through us we, further the kingdom of God here on earth. This should be our focus because then and only then does our life become impactful and significant.