A RUDE SURPRISE!!

TEXT: 2 Kings 5:14-24.

It is amazing that some Christian take their faith and relationship with God for granted. Some Christians can lie! They will even lie when it is very obvious that it is foolish to. Their life is not at stake, neither do they need to prove anything, yet they choose to lie. Why? It is so foolish to lie because on the long run your conscience will not be at peace, then you have to look for a way to confess that lie and that is if you have the time to. Sometimes, the consequences of lies leave no time for you to amend your wrong. Gehazi, Ananias and Sapphira are enough examples to us all (See Acts 5:1-10). The fact that someone got away with it in the eyes of men does not mean they are free.

Sometimes we lie because we want people to think we are what we are not. That is why people add lies to their testimony. They want people to believe they are more spiritual and are closer to God than they really are. They do not want to pay the price of getting close to God, but they want to enjoy the glory that goes with it and so they are also stealing. Some people deny their background, parents, family members, home town, and even their name just to be seen as important, but this is foolishness. Your testimony cannot be complete if you distort the facts. God is not glorified when you lie; you have given the glory to the devil, the father of all liars. A liar succeeds in identifying with the devil as his/her father; what an identity! If you won the argument through lies you have made your brother and heaven sad. If the truth makes you free, lies make you bound.  The shame or embarrassment you suffer for telling the truth cannot be compared to the torture you receive for telling lies. Devotional 2013 by Rev. Igho L.Y: The Glorious Fountain Ministries.

MAKING THE LIST

TEXT: Mark 3:14.

 

The passion of every visionary is the fulfillment of a vision; hence they become engrossed and sometimes obsessed with an extraordinary drive to accomplish the vision. It is in the process of the pursuit of their vision that they win the admiration of others, who then seek to identify with them. Such people end up being the leaders to those who gather around them. But in the midst of this crowd, every leader with a vision continually seeks for those who will help make the vision a reality. Hence, the value of a follower is not in the length of time they have been with the leader, but how much of themselves they have given to the vision. The leader is continually looking to see the degree and depth of understanding a follower carries about the vision. Lip service and eye service are a waste of time because in no time they will be tested in real situations and circumstances. It takes much more than flowery words to make the list. A leader consciously and unconsciously compiles a list of those he believes will help make things happen. They are the ones he believes will make the difference when it matters most. Sycophants and busy bodies have no place in this list. This list is beyond a job title or position. People are able to make the making list when they demonstrate exceptional qualities.  When you speak, he seeks for the heart of the vision in your speech. When you act he is concern about how much of your action is profitable to the vision. When he expresses a desire, a committed follower seeks to make it a reality (see 2 Sam 23: 14-17).  This is where some are able to carve a niche for themselves by seeing into the unuttered desires of their leader and acting accordingly, because they share in his burdens and are accurately proactive to the admiration of their leader. In no time it is only natural for their leader to become attached to them as he sees the need to give them a place among the inner caucus (see 2 Sam. 23:8-12). There was no election conducted before Peter, James and John found a place in the inner caucus of Jesus’ ministry. Every leader is in dire need of faithful friends among his followers, and it often takes much more than tribal, racial, or any other sentiments to find them. The greatest disappointment of most leaders is the scarcity of truly committed followers.  Who are you? Where do you fit in? Can you be trusted? Do something to upgrade your value and relevance and you will be amazed the glory that shall be yours. Devotional 2013 by Rev. Igho L.Y: The Glorious Fountain Ministries.

THE PURPOSE AND CALLING OF GOD (Part 1)

TEXT: Genesis 12: 1-3.

When the Lord called Abraham, it was clear from the beginning what is required of him and the blessings that will follow. Too many are doing what they do not have divine understanding about and that’s why they are confused, frustrated and unfulfilled. A careful examination of the scripture for today will reveal to you certain things that are very important in understanding and fulfilling the call of God for your life. The first thing God told him to do was to leave his kindred and his father’s house. If you will be able to do the will of God then you must walk away from every sentimental attachment to your family. When you are among your kindred you can become distracted by the various demands and activities. Sometimes, over familiarity will make some make a mockery of what you are saying or doing. They will tell you your life history and the reason why you should not aspire beyond your family achievements. When you are surrounded by your kindred, you may become passive about your pursuit because you know if things become hard you can run to one of them close by. But if you know that it may not be possible to get anyone to sympathize with you, you will be forced to sit up.  When God told him to move, he also told him that he should look out for what he will show him. God may not require you to relocate from one town to another but he expects you to relocate in the way you think. If you limit yourself to the norm you will slow down or hinder the supernatural upgrade of your life. If you keep your eyes on Him you will be amazed how far He will take you. Walk by faith and follow wherever and however He leads you and you will not lack the glory. There is more in store for you this year than your physical eyes can see, go after God and your part will be filled with glory.  Devotional 2013 by Rev. Igho L.Y: The Glorious Fountain Ministries.

PROMOTING THE VISION (Part 3)

TEXT: 1 Chronicles 12:24-32.

The degree of speed and success of any vision or organization is tied to the number of people who understand it and are willing to run with it. If the visionary is hundreds of kilometres away from his people in understanding, he is most likely to be frustrated in accomplishing his task.

In the passage of today, we find in verse 32 a revelation unveiling the secrets behind the success of David.  As important as the gift of the rest tribes of Israel was, without an understanding of the divine will of God for them they could have laboured or embarked on a battle that would have ended up in defeat. Those who understand the time and are able to run with it are a delight and a blessing to any leader and the vision. Now, because they have proven time and time again their usefulness to the vision, they become so relevant and important to the leader that he cannot do without them. With them he knows the job is done but with some others he is not even sure of what they will do because of their incompetence.

 It is very painful to any leader when he knows someone has valuable talents or potentials but is functioning below expectation. Any wise person will always work to be at least in sync with the demand and expectation of the hour, but he becomes much more treasured when he is able to function ahead of a given target or time. For this fellow, the organization does not determine when they are promoted; they determine the time to facilitate their promotion. A man struggles to get promoted when he has not been able to establish his relevance. Keep working on making impact and in no time you will smile. Devotional 2013 by Rev. Igho L.Y: The Glorious Fountain Ministries.

PROMOTING THE VISION (Part 2)

PROVERBS 15:18, 22:10-11. 

If a boss has any need to choose between a sycophant and the obnoxious fellow, which of them do you think he will consider helpful in promoting the vision? If he settles for the obnoxious fellow, due to his unfriendly countenance people will not want to have anything to do with the vision; but with the sycophant, it is much likely that he will attract a lot of attention to the vision, even though he is doing it because of his personal benefit.

It is dangerous for your superiors to consider you an obnoxious fellow. Why in the world must you for any reason put up an unfriendly countenance in your relationship with your boss on the job? Even when it is obvious that you are being oppressed or victimized it is a display of lack of wisdom for you to react by showing disrespect or anger either in his presence or behind him. Remember, the walls have ears and the wind will can carry what you have said to him.

Have you considered the possibility of that oppression or victimization being a test to see if you qualify for a promotion? This is where a sycophant is wiser than many. Even when it comes to the knowledge of the boss that this fellow is actually flattering him, there is more hope for him than an obnoxious fellow. An obnoxious person creates tension and causes division in the hearts of people, but, a sycophant promotes the vision and draws the attention of many to the vision. Though the sycophant may be doing this for selfish purposes, yet his superiors will most likely have him around them than the obnoxious man. You are expected to do better than a sycophant but do not be an obnoxious fellow. Devotional 2013 by Rev. Igho L.Y: The Glorious Fountain Ministries.

THE GLORY OF A TRUE SERVANT (PART 1).

TEXT:  Matthew 8:5-13.

Every one of us has been called to serve one way or the other. The rich and the poor, those in the seat of power and those under them are called to serve one way or the other. From our passage, it was the centurion who was serving his servant at that very moment. There must have been something extraordinary about the servant of the centurion that made his master take the pain to go seek the favor of Jesus when he was sick. It is obvious that this was not his only servant, yet he left every other engagement to make sure that this particular one lives. It would have been easy for him to get another servant to do his job but it would not be easy to find another servant with the same heart, passion and commitment. We live in a world where true and sincere commitment is becoming increasingly scarce. There are people who serve under their boss and before long the business of their boss crumbles while they within a short time start theirs with the money they craftily stole while under their boss. But they have forgotten that whatsoever a man sows that shall he also reap (See Galatians 6:7).

There is a reward for true loyalty. It may not come when you think, but it will come when it is most needed. When you serve with a truly sincere and loyal heart, you make those you serve become indebted to you. The servant in our passage for today would have died in his sickness but because of his usefulness, his master went an extra mile for him.  If our presence or absence is not highly valued by those we serve then we are only busy bodies and most unfortunate. Devotional 2013 by Rev. Igho L.Y: The Glorious Fountain Ministries.

PROMOTING THE VISION (Part 1)

TEXT: Proverbs 22:28-29.

To be able to successfully promote any vision there are certain key players. These are often human elements that occupy strategic positions that are important to the realization of the vision. Their importance is not related to their job title or position but their passionate commitment to the realization of the vision.  They make things happen with little or no stress. Any serious leader is not so concerned about your certificates or qualifications; he is concerned about the degree of impact you make to actualize the vision. The attitude with which such key players carry out their assignment is an encouragement. For them, the actualization of the vision gives a strong sense of fulfillment. Any serious leader will do anything to encourage and keep a passionate, enthusiastic and optimistic fellow, as they make the burden lighter and easier. If a subordinate is more enthusiastic than you are, you are giving a wrong signal to your superior. Promote the vision and you will be promoted along. Devotional 2013 by Rev. Igho L.Y: The Glorious Fountain Ministries. 

GRATITUDE (PART 1)

TEXT: 2 Samuel 23:13-17

The attitude of gratitude is an important attribute that can accelerate a man to a new altitude. Those who forget to be grateful have only succeeded in planting seeds of disbelieve and disappointment in the hearts of those one who were instrumental to their fortune. If you leave disappointment in the hearts of those you should be grateful to, by your actions, you have cancelled your next appointment with favour. If that fellow is ever in the position to help make things better for you, he would prefer giving the opportunity to someone who has shown more gratitude. Even when you think certain things are your right, it is still very important to show appreciation. Some people have lost their job or a contract because of ingratitude. If you get a job through somebody, it is only wise for you to do something to appreciate the person once in a while. Words of appreciation are good but not good enough. Even if you think the individual would not need it because he has more than enough, the fact that you tried your best to show gratitude will make him feel indebted to favour you. Such actions of gratitude will help secure your next appointment with destiny.

David was unquestionably a man of gratitude in his relationship with God but he was also a man full of gratitude with men. (See 1 Samuel 30:26 - 31).There are many Christians who have worked for years with their boss without thinking of getting him/her an unusual and unsolicited gift. Gratitude will induce actions and decisions in your favor, this is not the same as a bribe because bribes is given to pervert judgment (see Proverbs 21:14, 19:6). If in the past 6 months you have not shown gratitude to your superiors you are an ingrate. If after you got that job or contract you did not go to show gratitude after you got your first salary, you are an ingrate. If you are not an ingrate, once in a while, when he needs something that may be as insignificant as a bottle of drink, you would be glad to pay for it with your own money. If you have asked for transport fare every time he/she sends you on an errand, even when it is a short distance, you are an ingrate. Are you an ingrate? 

PRACTICAL LESSONS

1.       If you are lacking in the expression of gratitude do something about it ASAP.

2.       Refuse to allow pride and shame lead you to a complete defeat, take steps to make up for every debt of gratitude you owe. Devotional 2013 by Rev. Igho L.Y: The Glorious Fountain Ministries. 

THE MISTAKE OF LOT (Part 1).

TEXT: Genesis 13:1-11.

Not many people know how to treasure the opportunity of learning and growing under somebody who help to put them on the pathway of success. One mistake we often make is to begin to think that we were able to make the progress we have made because we are strong or smart. We have forgotten where we started from and we subtly become arrogant. When Abraham took Lot with him there was nothing outstanding about him and it was obvious that he had nowhere else to go and was so glad Abraham allowed him to follow him. From Genesis 12:4 it is obvious it was not Abraham who was desperate to take him along, it was Lot who joined him because he had nowhere to go. It says “and Lot went with him...”

This is why it is unfortunate that Lot became disrespectful after he has been able to accomplish a few successes. All of a sudden he became a big boy and the thing got into his head. It was so bad that when his men became unruly and quarrelsome with Abrahams’ men he did not see the need to call them to order. It is possible part of the reason Lot had the boldness to deal with Abraham the way he did is because he thought he was more fortunate than Abraham. Since he had everything Abraham had, wife, servants and material blessings, it is possible he felt he was better than Abraham because his wife bore him children and Sarah had none. He thought there was nothing special about Abraham any more. This is the problem of many who think success is in the money they have made and the abundance of material things they possess. The true blessings of life are not material things; they are virtues that are timeless and priceless. They include humility, peaceful disposition, love, kindness, contentment, patience, diligence, wisdom and the likes. Are you walking in the mistake of Lot?. Devotional 2013 by Rev. Igho L.Y: The Glorious Fountain Ministries.

THE GIFT OF WORK

TEXT: Genesis 2:7-8 and 15. Proverbs 6:4-11.

Many people are praying for a job surfing the web and combing the land so as to get something worthwhile to engage in, but there are many others who are dragging their feet to their places of work and this is unfortunate. If you happen to be among the latter, you need help before it is too late. Do you know that there are many who will be overwhelmed with joy to have the opportunity to be employed in your place? They will be too glad to wake up by 5:00AM, leave home and resume work.  If you have tasted the stress of idleness you will bless God for the stress of work (See Proverbs 13:4). May God not grant you an answer to your grumbling over the work you have the opportunity to do (See Prov. 20:4).  It is dignifying to say Mr X is a hardworking man than to earn the reputation of a sluggard. A diligent and hardworking man earns the respect of his family and neighbours but a sluggard is a nuisance to others and a problem to his generation (Proverbs 10:4). It is quite unfortunate when someone concludes that life is not fair because he thinks his neighbor’s job is more lucrative than his.  If you know how to celebrate the gift of work you will before long become the envy of many.   In the words of Rev Andrew Esemudje, “hard work is the only escape from hard life.”  There is hardly an outstanding person who is not given to work. It is someone with the sluggard mentality that will shout out “Thank God it is Friday!” because Friday is the escape from work. Such persons are only passionate about two things, the close of work and the end of the month’s payment, their true passion is not the work, therefore they are a setback to accomplishing any serious vision. Those who dread hard work, remain the slaves of circumstances and situations (See Proverbs 22:13, 26:13). Devotional 2013 by Rev. Igho L.Y: The Glorious Fountain Ministries.

REJECT THE SPIRIT OF REBELLION (PART 1)

TEXT: 1 Samuel 15:17-23.  

The absence of true obedience and humility is the beginning of rebellion. A rebellious heart thinks he has a better idea and does not need the validation of his superior. A rebellious heart misinterprets stubbornness for boldness. The spirit of rebellion is bold to ignore the person and position of the leader. A spirit of rebellion is encouraged in the heart of the rebellious when he/she finds people to front their rebellious agenda and like Saul, they now have some excuse for their rebellious actions (see 1 Samuel 15:20-21). The truth is that it was in their hearts to rebel ever before they found someone to agree with them. When people agree to disobey their superior they come up with crafty ways to carry to do so, and this is nothing but witchcraft. If you wish to enjoy life and more favour from above, run away from every appearance of rebellion. Refuse to join their witchcraft meetings. If you have a problem with your boss, go to him and air your views, but if you choose to grumble and spread bitterness in the hearts of others you are manifesting witchcraft. If you are stifling the joy of a place with your resentful and unfriendly countenance, you creating the darkness that rebellion and witchcraft thrive in.  Those who are ready to carry out rebellious acts are attracting judgment on themselves. You do not have to be rebellious to become important. If you cannot help being rebellious, just honorably leave the place so as to avoid bringing judgment and disfavor on yourself. Devotional 2013 by Rev. Igho L.Y: The Glorious Fountain Ministries.

THE HEART OF MAN (PART 1).

TEXT: Genesis 6:5-7.

If the Almighty God himself got to the point where he felt disappointed about the heart of the man he created, then it is really true that the heart of man is wicked. Our passage of today says “that God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth”. If a man wants to be great, why should it be in wickedness? It is strange. It went on to say “...every imagination of the thought of his heart was only evil continually”. Are there no other things to occupy ourselves with? Why must it be evil? It was not even evil for a while, it was continually evil. This is really wickedness. What is in your heart? Will God be happy with the content of your heart?

 When God created man he celebrated his handwork; he saw man and said “it was very good” (Gen. 1:31) but not long after, that which was very good became “only evil continually”. This is an abuse of purpose, an error of the highest order. Wickedness is first and foremost a sin against God because it is a corruption of his divine agenda. If a man can choose to disobey his creator then there is nothing he cannot do. Do not allow your heart to be the breeding ground where the devil manufactures evil. Fill your mind with the word of God and there shall be no room for wickedness.  Devotional 2013 by Rev. Igho L.Y: The Glorious Fountain Ministries.

THE GLORY OF GOD’S PRESENCE (PART 1) Psalm 16:11

“There are realms of glory we may never walk in until we

learn some of the secrets of the way of the Spirit. There

is a path designed to usher us from one degree of glory to

another. The further you travel on this road, the greater will be the

Manifestation of God’s glory upon your life. The closer you are

to the Lord, the more sensitive you become to locate the way.” FFPW pg. 166.

CONTEMPLATION

Today many want to walk in the glory of God without a sincere desire to bring God glory. They are interested in the attention and recognition that comes with it. Any man who will walk in the full manifestation of the glory must have a heart that is passionate and intimate with the Lord. If we do not care about the feelings and longings of His heart why should the Lord entrust us with things that are very precious to Him? Those who are desperate after Him more than his blessings are those that are easily released into the realms of deeper glory. The amazing thing is that they also end up with the blessings of God. In the glory of His presence every sick will be healed and the afflicted set free. There is more in the presence of God.

PRACTICAL ISSUES

Have you gotten a fresh revelation from God in the past two days as you spent time alone with the Lord? In His presence there is no stagnation. Devotional 2013 by Rev. Igho L.Y: The Glorious Fountain Ministries.