BE WISE

JUNE 20TH

Text: Psalm 53:1-3 King James Version (KJV)

1.    The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good.

2.    God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God.

3.    Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

It is true that life is full of a lot of unexpected twists and turns, but often than not, it is our preparation ahead of such challenge that determines our victory or defeat. When the evil one desires to cut off a Christian from the place of victory, he will often cut them off those who will keep them from misbehaving. This is often when things seem difficult and people come to the conclusion that it is useless serving the Lord with a holy life. We must be careful how we draw conclusions because of certain ugly situations in our lives.

God’s word has assured us that all things, be they good or bad, will eventually work out for our good. But many have forgotten that we do not belong to the same kingdom with unbelievers, even though it may look like they are prospering in sin. We must remember that we belong to a different kingdom and that our Lord will always come through for us. The real blessing of God is His grace released upon your life, not the house, or car you own. As long as you have His grace, you can overcome anything, no matter the opposition. Don’t fall for a cheap blackmail by the enemy to depart from God and godly people because of hard times. Go beyond the shallow waters in your walk with the Lord and in no time God will overwhelm you with His blessings.

Deciding to live outside the word of God, is equal to walking away from the protection and blessing meant for you. Be wise and make the right choice. 

HYMN – CHRIST AROSE

JUNE 19TH

TEXT: MATTHEW 27:5-66; JOHN 19:41, 42:1; 1 CORINTHIANS 15:4
Memory Verse: Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with Him. For we know thar since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. (Romans 6:8, 9)

“Alleluia, he is Risen!” “Alleluia, he is Risen Indeed!” If you and I had been living during the early Christian era, this undoubtedly would have been our greeting to one another as believers on a Easter Sunday. For the past century, however, many evangelical churches have been inspired anew in celebrating this triumphant day by singing “Christ Arose”, written and composed by Robert Lowry in 1874.
Robert Lowry is a highly respected name among early gospel hymn writers. He served for a time as a professor of literature at Bucknell University, pastored several important Baptist churches in the East, and then became the music editor of the Biglow Publishing Company. It has often been said that the quality of Lowry’s numerous publications did much to improve the cause of sacred music in this country.
During the Easter season of 1874, while having his devotions one evening, Robert Lowry was impressed with the events associated with Christ’s resurrection, especially with these words recorded in Luke 24:6, 7:
He is not here, but he is risen; remember how He spoke unto you when He was in Galilee, saying, the Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and the third day rise again.
Soon Robert Lowry found himself seated at the little pump organ in the parlor of his home, and in a very spontaneous fashion, the words and music of “Christ Arose” gave expression to the thoughts that had been uppermost in his mind. The hymn was published the following year and has been an inspirational favourite with God’s people ever since.
Low in the grave He lay – Jesus, my Saviour! Waiting the coming day – Jesus, my Lord!
Vainly they watch His bed – Jesus, my Saviour! Vainly they seal the dead – Jesus, my Lord.
Death cannot keep his prey – Jesus, my Saviour! He tore the bars away – Jesus, my Lord!
Chorus: Up from the grave He arose, with a mighty triumph o’er His foes; He arose a Victor from the dark domain, and He lives forever with His saints to reign: He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!

ACTION POINT: Allow the truth of Christ’s resurrection to thrill your new life. Sing with triumph as you go
TAKEN FROM “AMAZING GRACE; 366 INSPIRING HYMN STORIES FOR DAILY DEVOTION”

THE FRAGRANCE OF HIS PRESENCE (PART 2)

JUNE 18TH

Text: Numbers 6:22-27 King James Version (KJV)
22. And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,
23. Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them,
24. The Lord bless thee, and keep thee:
25. The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:
26. The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.
27. And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel, and I will bless them.

I once heard Benny Hinn say what I am about to share with you. He said in a particular Christian conference, a man came up in the morning session to sing a song titled “The Lord is My Shepherd” and when he was done, the ovation was thunderous. During the evening session, an older man came up to do the same song, by the time he was through, there was serious weeping all over the hall and people could not understand, because it was the same song they both sang. When the older man was asked why the difference, he said the other man knows the song, but he knew the Shepherd.

CONTEMPLATION
When people spend time with you what do they leave with? Do you think they got better or worse? It is true that you can’t give what you don’t have, and only the original will last. By the fragrance of God, many like Noah, Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Elijah and others, were able to positively affect their generation for God. If you are able to spend quality time in the presence of God on a continuous note, you are bound to accomplish great things to His glory. It is in the presence of God your abilities and grace to excel are released upon you. Don’t look for excuses, just do it.

PRACTICAL ISSUES
When Daniel and his friends denied themselves the meat that was dedicated to the gods of Babylon, they consecrated themselves to God and became outstanding in their generation. What do you need to give up to carry the fragrance of glory?

DON’T FRUSTRATE GOD’S PROMISE FOR YOUR LIFE

JUNE 17TH

Text:Deuteronomy 28:1-2 King James Version (KJV)
1. And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth:
2. And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God.

1 Samuel 2:27-30 King James Version (KJV)
27. And there came a man of God unto Eli, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Did I plainly appear unto the house of thy father, when they were in Egypt in Pharaoh's house?
28. And did I choose him out of all the tribes of Israel to be my priest, to offer upon mine altar, to burn incense, to wear an ephod before me? and did I give unto the house of thy father all the offerings made by fire of the children of Israel?
29. Wherefore kick ye at my sacrifice and at mine offering, which I have commanded in my habitation; and honourest thy sons above me, to make yourselves fat with the chiefest of all the offerings of Israel my people?
30. Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.

Whenever we read or hear about a promise from the word of God, suddenly our hope rises and we begin to look forward to the fulfillment of that promise in our lives. Many will go on to continually confess that word over their life and circumstances but only a few take time out to ensure that nothing frustrates that from becoming a reality. Some times, divine decrees and prophetic declarations have been cut short from some lives because we allowed some other persons to toil with our destinies. There are lot of such cases in the Bible, a pathetic example is that of Eli and his sons. Eli was blessed to be from the Levitical family of Aaron, and as the high priest of Israel he had the honour to approach the presence of God. This honour was also extended to his sons who were automatically made priest by reason of the divine decree of God. But it is unfortunate that they threw away the opportunity. Even though God had promised that Eli and his family would serve Him forever, when they refused to live according to His word, God cut them off from His service (as in 1 Samuel 2:27-30).
God has placed us here on earth to serve His own purpose and we must not ignore this. Beloved, you are not here by chance, God has a plan for your life. God will always do what He has promised, and will bless us if we will do our own part as touching that promise.
It is amazing that it was not the sin of Eli that led to his untimely death, but the sins of his children. But the truth is that the failure of Eli to carry out God’s instruction of rebellious children was actually his own sin against the Lord (read 1 Sam 2:15-17 and Leviticus 22:2-3). By the passage from Leviticus, the penalty for the actions of Eli’s sons was death, but he did not carry it out hence the prophecy against him in our text for today.
Many have suffered as a result of the sins of others that were under their authority. When Saul failed to ensure that the command of God to destroy the Amalekites was well obeyed by his men, he paid dearly for it. One of the greatest challenge of spiritual leaders and fathers is the issue of discipline of those under them. Refuse to allow those under you bring the judgment of God upon your life. Stand firm for the word of God always and you will position yourself to see every one of God’s promise concerning your life become a great reality.

ACTIVATING A WORD OF PROPHECY

JUNE 16TH

Text: Deuteronomy 28:1-8 King James Version (KJV)
1.     And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the Lord thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth:
2.    And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God.
3.     Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field.
4.     Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy cattle, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep.
5.    Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store.
6.     Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out.
7.    The Lord shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee to be smitten before thy face: they shall come out against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways.
8.    The Lord shall command the blessing upon thee in thy store houses, and in all that thou settest thine hand unto; and he shall bless thee in the land which the Lordthy God giveth thee.

It is always a thing of great joy to receive a word of prophecy promising us great and glorious things, but not many of us know how to position ourselves to see it come to pass.
When someone gets a prophecy, what he does between that time and the supposed time of its fulfillment, does play a crucial role in its fulfillment or not. So, it is not just enough to say “Amen” to a prophetic declaration. After the declaration, it is time to align your life with the conditions in the word of God that will activate the fulfillment of that prophecy in your life.

From our text for today, we are introduced into the glorious blessing our heavenly Father has in store for his children. These promises are so weighty and reassuring but we need to pay attention to the opening statements of this text. A closer look at verse 1 and 2 will reveal to you that there are conditions attached to these blessings. The word “if” there tells you that there are conditions that you have to meet to become eligible for these promises.
We are expected to listen diligently to the voice of the Lord and become very observant to see that we do all his commands. This is where most people miss it. When they heard the prophecy, they went to sleep thinking because it has been declared it will come to pass no matter what.
Please be wise. When you get a word of prophecy for your life, it is time to get to work. Do everything to keep watch over your heart and become sensitive to be able to line up with heaven’s agenda.
God has great and glorious promises waiting to be made manifest for you, don’t let them go unfulfilled by your carelessness. Stand on the promises of God and keep standing and you will see every one of them become a great reality.

GRACE FOR THE RACE

JUNE 15TH

Text: Psalm 31:13-16 King James Version (KJV)
13.   For I have heard the slander of many: fear was on every side: while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life.
14.   But I trusted in thee, O Lord: I said, Thou art my God.
15.   My times are i thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me.
16.   Make thy face to shine upon thy servant: save me for thy mercies' sake.

The Bible says to everything there is a season.  May you not miss your season of blessing in Jesus name. I sense that this is a season of great opportunity to rise to greatness, the economy notwithstanding. Make up your mind to rise up and shine.
By the favour of God upon your life, where you have been rejected, they will be waiting to celebrate you. Just don’t give up. Dogged faith will cause men to look up to you where they have looked down on you.

Most times, the enemy makes use of delay to cause us to miss our divine timing. He would place people against you who will slow you down and delay the manifestation of your blessing if he cannot stop you. But right now, there is divine enablement for you to overtake by the grace that releases supernatural speed upon our lives.
Whatever the enemy has done to disfavour you, it is replaced right now with the divine favor in the name of Jesus.
People may have talked about you to make you feel less important. They may even slander you, but today God is turning all around in your favor.
 It will become obvious that His goodness is great over your life. From now on, the enemy will wait in vain to see you fall. You will succeed because great is the goodness of the Lord towards us.
It is the dawn of a new beginning for you. Your soul has escaped like the bird out of the snare of the fowler. Your testimony will manifest in full and the Lord will give you multiple manifestations of the miracles you desire in Jesus name. Congratulations!

RUN WITH THE GLORY

JUNE 14TH

TEXT: Numbers 6:22-27 (KJV)
22.   And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,
23.   Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them,
24.   The Lord bless thee, and keep thee:
25.   The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:
26.   The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.
27.    And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel, and I will bless them.

Success in life is much more than your abilities, skills and experience. Let the grace of God decorate your life on every side. When God’s face shines on you, you receive His favour that is beyond explanation. Too many people spend their time struggling to succeed but what they truly need is grace.
When God told Moses to bless the children of Israel, He instructed him to pray, decreeing the face of God to shine upon them. This is to ensure that they do not step out to face the challenges of life in their own power. By reason of this decree, they carried the glory of God everywhere they went.
If you truly want to excel in life never step out without the release of the blessing upon your life. Don’t start the business before you ask God’s servant to release the blessing upon you. When you step out with the release of this blessing upon your life, strange favours will greet you everywhere you go because the Lord’s face will shine.
When His face shines on you, you cannot be defeated or rejected. Your enemies cannot have an edge over you, ensure His favor and glory is with you.

 When the Lord’s face is shinning on you, wherever you go, you will see limitations and stronghold crumble. Instead of your face, people will see His glory upon you and His dread will come upon them that are against you.

This is for somebody, you have been desperately waiting for so long for your breakthrough, please be patient and keep your focus on Jesus. Refuse to follow or depend on man, something is about to break forth and you will see it if you will just trust the Lord.
God is sending your rescue and salvation. Refuse to give up because your times are in His hands.

WINNING LIFE’S BATTLES

JUNE 13TH

Text: Psalm 31:9-16 King James Version (KJV)

9.   Have mercy upon me, O Lord, for I am in trouble: mine eye is consumed with grief, yea, my soul and my belly.

10.  For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing: my strength faileth because of mine iniquity, and my bones are consumed.

11.  I was a reproach among all mine enemies, but especially among my neighbours, and a fear to mine acquaintance: they that did see me without fled from me.

12.  I am forgotten as a dead man out of mind: I am like a broken vessel.

13.  For I have heard the slander of many: fear was on every side: while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life.

14.  But I trusted in thee, O Lord: I said, Thou art my God.

15.  My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me.

16.  Make thy face to shine upon thy servant: save me for thy mercies' sake.

There is nothing as dangerous as missing divine timing. Some people’s lives have been put on hold and manipulated by the devil due to their insensitivity to the leading of the Holy Spirit. 

The Psalmist in verse 15 of our text for today says our times are in the hands of the Lord. Whatever has been programmed in the realm of the spirit to keep you in one spot or cause you to experience retrogression is destroyed in Jesus name. I decree that your time and season are liberated right now in Jesus name. By God’s mighty hand, you are moving forward.  May you receive sensitivity to go from glory to glory. There is a time designed by God for you to take care of certain areas of your life so you can achieve certain things in your life. There is the time for you to blossom and bloom. But if the enemy succeeds in manipulating you to give room to procrastination, you will miss such opportunities and this is how many are left behind in life. May this not be your portion. 

It is so important for us to cry out to God when we begin to sense some unnecessary delay. This is when we must cry out to the Lord like the Psalmist did by saying, Lord, my times are in your hands.  Ask Him to deliver you from the hands of the powers and circumstances that are working against you and you will find divine help.

Whatever manipulation is against you in the realm of the spirit to keep you in one spot or to take you backwards in life cannot succeed when your times are in God’s hands. 

Release everything to Him and proclaim Him Lord over your life, and you will see the glory of God.

HYMN – CHRIST THE LORD IS RISEN TODAY

JUNE 12TH

TEXT: MATTHEW 28:1-9, ACTS 2:24-28; 1 CORINTHIANS 15:4, 20; 55-57

Memory Verse: I am the first and the Last, I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! (Revelation 1:17, 18)

            What a glorious triumph to ponder-Jesus is not the “Great I WAS” but rather the “Great I AM!” He is not only a historical fact but a present-day, living reality. The whole system of Christianity rests upon the truth that Jesus Christ rose from the grave and is now seated at the father’s right hand as our personal advocate.

“Christ the Lord is Risen Today” has been one of the church’s most popular Easter hymns since it was first written by Charles Wesley just one year after his “heart-warning” experience at the Aldersgate Hall in London, England, in 1738. The first Wesleyan Chapel in London was a deserted iron foundry. It became known as the Foundry Meeting House. This hymn was written by Charles for the first service in that chapel.

Following his Aldersgate encounter with Christ, Charles began writing numerous hymns of every phase of the Christian experience, some 6,500 in all. It has been said that the hymns of Charles clothed Christ in flesh and blood and gave converts a belief they could easily grasp, embrace with personal faith, and if necessary, even die for.

If all our eternity is to be realized on this side of the grave, we are hopeless and to be pitied (1 Corinthians 15:19). But for the Christian, the resurrection assures us of God’s tomorrow. This anticipation makes it possible to live joyfully today, regardless of life’s circumstances.

                Christ the Lord is ris’n today, Alleluia! Son of men and angels say: Alleluia! Raise your joys and triumph high, Alleluia! Sing, ye heav’ns and earth reply: Alleluia

                Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia! Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia! Dying once He all doth save, Alleluia! Where thy victory, O grave? Alleluia!

                Love’s redeeming work is done, Alleluia! Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia! Death in vain forbids Him rise, Alleluia! Christ has opened Paradise, Alleluia!

                Soar we now where Christ has led, Alleluia! Foll’wing our exalted Head, Alleluia! Made like Him, like Him we rise, Alleluia! Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!

                Chorus: Jesus paid it all, all to him I owe. Sin had left a crimson stain – He washed it white as snow.

ACTION POINT: The message of the resurrection is to “come and see” –to personally experience the transforming power of the living Christ. Then –“to see and tell.” Carry this hymn of triumph with you

TAKEN FROM “AMAZING GRACE; 366 INSPIRING HYMN STORIES FOR DAILY DEVOTION”

THE FRAGRANCE OF HIS PRESENCE (PART 1)

JUNE 11TH

Text: Numbers 6:22-27 King James Version (KJV)

22. And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,

23. Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them,

24. The Lord bless thee, and keep thee:

25. The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:

26. The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

27. And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel, and I will bless them.

There is something special about some individuals that make you so comfortable and relaxed when you are with them. They seem to stir up your hope, dreams and destiny. By the time you are through with them, you seem to have a sense of purpose, clarity and direction. 

CONTEMPLATION

One of the root meaning of the word anoint is “to rub off”; it paints a picture of one staying long enough in a place to carry the content of that atmosphere. So when we say someone is anointed, we are saying this person has stayed long enough in the presence of Jesus to carry the fragrance of His presence (see Acts 4:13). When a man stands up to worship, you are encountering the measure of the fragrance of Jesus that is on him. Those who never leave His presence have access to be able to hear and see what He is doing, therefore they are able to bring healing, deliverance and transformation to many.

“It is in this place the power of the flesh and the dominion of sin are crippled. Burdens are lifted and darkness becomes light. There comes an illumination too great for ignorance to remain, and the soul is liberated as our spirit soars on the wings of the Spirit.” FFPW p116-117.

There is no exclusive access to the anointing, the difference is the degree of hunger upon a soul. 

PRACTICAL ISSUES

If you think you are so anointed and people cannot put up with you, there is need to reconsider that anointing. Some people spend time to study and copy those they adore, but spend little or no time in the presence of the Lord.

REFUSE TO GIVE UP, NO MATTER WHAT

JUNE 10TH

Text: 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 King James Version (KJV)

3. For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:

4. (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

5. Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

6. And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

God is looking for men and women who will be kingdom warriors, people that are ready to take over territories to his praise and glory. The enemy will always be on the offensive until we upgrade in God to the place of authority. Everything designed to stop your advancement is only potent because you have not yet discovered a higher dimension of operation in Christ. Great and awesome things will happen this year in a way that we do not know. 

The enemy has been cheating us, but this cannot continue any more. If the enemy has been attacking your life and heart, it is simply because he is trying to cause you to be slack concerning the promises of the Lord for your life. This is the time you need to increase your fire in your walk with the Lord. Refuse to give up your place of divine assignment because that is your place of glory. 

It takes the heart that is really intimate with God to stand strong in the day of trouble. If you love God, even when the whole world turns upside down you will still be standing because you know that, all things will work for you good. 

If you go after God with all your heart, you cannot be stranded. Just put your faith in God and watch Him decorate your life with glory. Shalom! 

TRUE GREATNESS REQUIRES GREAT RISKS (PART 2)

JUNE 9TH

Text: 1 Chronicles 11:9, 16-19 King James Version (KJV)
9.  So David waxed greater and greater: for the Lord of hosts was with him.

16. And David was then in the hold, and the Philistines' garrison was then at Bethlehem.
17. And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem, that is at the gate!
18. And the three brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: but David would not drink of it, but poured it out to the Lord.
19. And said, My God forbid it me, that I should do this thing: shall I drink the blood of these men that have put their lives in jeopardy? for with the jeopardy of their lives they brought it. Therefore he would not drink it. These things did these three mightiest.

The degree of respect and regard we have for a vision or individual will determine the degree of risk we are willing to take to make it succeed. When the three servants of David risked their lives to grant his desires, they showed the degree of respect they have for him and what he represent.
Just as there are ranks in any army, there are also ranks and file in the spirit realm. Nobody is elevated until they distinguish themself.
We are all called to minister as servants of the Lord, but some of us are trying to play smart. You cannot love the Lord and front your own agenda. In the process of serving God, He will bless you, because He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
When God calls you to serve Him, do it gladly and as you do, He will give you the privilege to walk where only few persons have access.
Do not serve God because of selfish benefits, but rather serve because you count it as a great honour and privilege. There are things that we do because we know we have to do them. People don’t need to notice or commend us to make us feel good, because we know that our God is a Rewarder and He is not unrighteous to forget our labour of love.
It is such a wonderful privilege to be counted worthy by God to serve, and once He calls you to serve, He will grant you the divine enablement (Job. 32:8). When you labour for God, you get rewarded in divers ways. Healing and good health can be connected to our service to  God.
Some people are erroneously pursuing money, looking for personal gain instead of making the most of every opportunity to bring glory to His name. God brought you to earth for a purpose, please do all you can to live a fulfilled life.

TRUE GREATNESS REQUIRES GREAT RISKS (PART 1)

JUNE 8TH

Text: 1 Chronicles 11:9-12 King James Version (KJV)

9.    So David waxed greater and greater: for the Lord of hosts was with him.

10.  These also are the chief of the mighty men whom David had, who strengthened themselves with him in his kingdom, and with all Israel, to make him king, according to the word of the Lord concerning Israel.

11.  And this is the number of the mighty men whom David had; Jashobeam, an Hachmonite, the chief of the captains: he lifted up his spear against three hundred slain by him at one time.

12.  And after him was Eleazar the son of Dodo, the Ahohite, who was one of the three mighties.

This is the year of power and glory and I believe there is coming a greater dimension of glory than we have ever seen because our God is ready to do great things. One significant indication that God is about to do something unusual in our midst is the release of the gift of men. It is true that God would often give visions to just one person but often than not, that person would need others to work with him to accomplish that vision.  

With every elevation in life, comes one challenge or the other and this is often when certain people or gifts are added to enable us overcome every challenge that will confront us. That notwithstanding, if we fail to ask God for the required wisdom to know how to engage such gifts, we will not get to the expected result. 

When the Lord established David, he prospered because the Lord gave him the wisdom to appoint his men into the position of leadership over small and large groups. These captains were given the responsibility of overseeing the various groups and as a result of this there was great level of discipline and accountability. These captains were mighty men who have distinguished themselves as faithful and loyal servants of David over time. They were warriors tested and proven in battle.

The hallmark of a place with great impact is a combination of a visionary leader and passionate and selfless follower. Such was the case of David and the men around him. These guys were ready to risk their lives to grant even the casual wish of their leader. Many who claim to be committed to a vision find it hard to carry out their main responsibility and it is obvious such persons are unwilling to stress themselves over what is not their original duty. But the truth is that such persons who are focused in doing only that which is required of them hardly attract the favor that causes others to rise to a place of prominence. 

Every great accomplishment requires great visionaries and great followers who are ready to inconvenient themselves to take the required risk to achieve success. There is no place for the faint hearted in this place. Where do you belong? 

LET THE LORD REIGN IN YOU

JUNE 7TH

Text: 2 Timothy 3:1-4 King James Version (KJV)

1.  This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

2.  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

3.  Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

4.  Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

As children of God we do not operate by the rules of the world, but by the rules of the Bible. Jesus cannot be the Lord of your life and you are operating by the lordship of the world. His precepts, laws and commandments are the laws you live by. If you do not know how to die to self, you cannot be a lover and pleaser of God, for Rom 8:7-8 tells us that those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

Some Christians are only motivated to act for God when they are going to have benefits for themselves. But if there is no immediate gain, then there is nothing strong enough to motivate them. It is no wonder they loose their joy so easily. If you desire to be happy, there is only one way, you have to trust and obey Jesus. The Scripture tells us that at night when men slept, the enemy came and sowed tares.

When a man truly encounter the Son of God, His joy and life will flow from within that soul like fountains of living water. In John 4, Jesus said to the Samaritan woman that the water is has to give is the one you drink from and never thirsty again. If you drink of the river of life, your life can never be the same again.

You cannot be a lover of the world and be a lover of God. When you pitch tent with the world you say goodbye to God. 

REFUSE TO SETTLE FOR LESS

JUNE 6TH

Text: Isaiah 40:28-31 King James Version (KJV)

28.  Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.

29.  He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.

30.  Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:

31.  But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

All through the scripture, the mountain top has always been a place of divine encounter and elevation, but the valley seem to represent the opposite. This is one reason why there are not many significant supernatural manifestations in the valley. Our God want us to be mountain-top Christians. He wants us to soar with wings like the eagle as we reign with Him on high.

 In the valley the flesh is amplified but on the mountain God is glorified. You can only hear from Him on the mountain top, because on the mountain top, the flesh is crucified. It is amazing that some of us Christians who God wants to take to higher levels are spending time visiting the world in the valley.

 Getting to the mountain top is by choice. A choice many of us are not willing to make, because it is a difficult one. As you climb, your bones and muscles begin to ache but those who desire greater result will not be discouraged.

 When it is time for the eagle to renew its strength, it leaves the valley and head for the mountain-top. The eagle will begin to go through a painful process of transformation. This is when the eagle is most vulnerable and this is the reason it does not stay in the valley. There is a lesson for us here. May you not be found in the valley in your most vulnerable moments. 

 When the eagle is going through this stage of its life, it is in complete isolation from others, but once the process is complete, everything about the eagle becomes sharper and stronger than before that experience. Once it is over, from the mountain top it will soar with new strength to live a victorious life. 

 If you can make it to the mountain top, you will make it to your moment of glory. Refuse to dine in the valley with other dirty birds like the vulture. Make your way to the mountain top, where the eagle dwell and you will begin to dwell on high. This is the reason why the Bible tells us that "they that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles". God has something glorious for you. Don’t settle for less.

HYMN- THE STRIFE IS O'ER

JUNE 5TH

 

TEXT: ISAIAH 25:7-9; ROMANS 1:4, 6:9-10; REVELATION 19:1, 2

Memory Verse: Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your string? The string of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:55, 56, 56)
The thrilling news from the empty tomb is that life has triumphed over death! This is the message that dispels our fears and gives us the sure hope that because Christ lives, we shall live also (John 14:19). Alleluia!
This inspiring Easter hymn first appeared anonymously in a Jesuit collection, Symphonia Sirenum, published in Cologne, Germany, in 1695. It was more than 150 years after its writing, however, before this hymn was used by English-speaking churches. In 1859 the translation was made by Francis Pott, an Anglican minister. The music is an adaptation from the “Gloria Patri”, published in 1591 by Palestrina, the great 16^th century Catholic composer and director of the performing choir at St. Peter’s church in the Vatican. This musical arrangement was made by Dr. William H. Monk for inclusion in the well-known Anglican hymnal Hymns Ancient and Modern, 1861 edition. In making this musical adaptation from Palestrina’s work, Dr. Monk used the first two phrases, repeated the first phrase and added original alleluias for the beginning and the end. (Alleluia is a Latin form of the Hebrew Hallelujah, which means “praise the Lord!”). It is interesting to note the  interplay between the statements of fact related to Christ’s resurrection that are contained in the first half of each stanza and the personal response to these factual truths as expressed in the last half of each verse, concluding with the jubilant “Alleluia!” 
                The Strife is o’er-the battle done, the victory of life is won; the song of triumph has begun: Alleluia!
                The pow’rs of death have done their worst, but Christ their legions hath dispersed; let shouts of holy joy outburst: Alleluia!
                The three sad days have quickly sped; He rises glorious from the dead; all glory to our risen Head: Alleluia!
                He closed the yawning gates of hell; the bars from heav’n high portals fell; let hymns of praise His triumphs tell: Alleluia!
                Lord, by the stripes which wounded Thee, from death’s dread sting Thy servants free, that we may live and sing to Thee: Alleluia!

ACTION POINT: Allow your soul to vibrate with the resounding “Alleluias” for all that the empty tomb means to you. Use this fine hymn to help realize  

TAKEN FROM “AMAZING GRACE; 366 INSPIRING HYMN STORIES FOR DAILY DEVOTION”

TRANSFORMED BY LOVE (PART 2)

JUNE 4TH

Text: James 2:14-18 King James Version (KJV)

14.  What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?

15.  If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,

16.  And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?

17.  Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

18.  Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

God is so real and reachable, let’s not complicate the issue.

 “Our legalistic approach to worship is one reason why some people see God as a stern, unapproachable, and unappeasable being. The Father’s arms have been stretched wide open all the while to welcome them into the family, but they could not see it because some sanctimonious folks got in the way.” FFPW p 107.

CONTEMPLATION

 It is an opportunity for any one of us to demonstrate God’s love to many who feel unworthy and condemned. Many who have distanced themselves from God and the church would have turned out to be worshippers with great passion if we would just let them know God’s love. You have the privilege to correct their misconceptions about God by simply giving them a welcoming reception.  It is wonderful to stand up and preach to the crowd, but it is possible a good number are there because somebody has helped to create an irresistible atmosphere conducive for worship. You don’t have to be given an office or position to positively influence others to become hungry for God. 

 A few of the most outstanding manifestations of the move of God I have seen have been stirred up and sustained in an atmosphere saturated by love. It only takes somebody determined to walk in love with a strong contagious influence to take a whole place for Christ.

PRACTICAL ISSUES

Most people are running around looking for a place saturated with the love and the presence of God, but the last thing they want to do is sit down to help create that atmosphere.

If after a fellowship of believers everybody hurries away, then true love and fellowship is missing in that place.

STAY AWAY FROM THE VALLEY

JUNE 3RD

 

Text: Exodus 32:6-8 King James Version (KJV)
6. And they rose up early on the morrow, and offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play.
7. And the Lord said unto Moses, Go, get thee down; for thy people, which thou broughtest out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves:
8. They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them: they have made them a molten calf, and have worshipped it, and have sacrificed thereunto, and said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. 

When Moses went up the Mountain to get the Ten Commandments, Joshua followed him till he could not go further. But the people were in the Valley and after they waited for some time, they rose up to play. If you can’t get to the mountain top, please don’t stop and stay with others at the valley.

 We are living in a time where people are looking for substitute to fellowship with God, and are increasingly craving to have fun in church. 

 Only people who have spent quality time with God can tell the difference between fleshy pleasure and quality fellowship. When Moses met Joshua on his way down the Mountain of divine encounter with God, Joshua told him that there was the sound of war in the camp, but Moses told him it was the sound of a people who had departed from God. Are you in the camp of a people who are far from God or with those who have a glorious walk with God?

When the Israelites made the golden calf, they wanted something that would help them have fun, so they began to defile themselves and do all kinds of nonsense.

The enemy will give you a lot of reasons to stay in the valley, but I advice you to refuse to cooperate with him. Aim for the mount of God like Joshua did and you will be delivered from the plague of the valley. I remember my experience during one of my trip to mount Sainai. 

 

During that trip, I had an allergy. I was reacting to any strong smell like the fumes of the vehicles, perfumes and other strong smells. This made me sick and weak, and when we got to the Sinai region, we were told that those who are not fit to climb should stay back to rest in the valley. But when it occurred to me that that was where the children of Israel sinned against God by pleasing their flesh, I refused to stay back. I said to myself, at least I should make it to the middle of the mountain like Joshua did. But the amazing thing is that once I got to the mountain, I made it to the top, and when I got back from that trip, I discovered that I was totally healed of that affliction. 

Refuse to rot in the valley with others, make your way to the mountain and you will be amazed what the Lord will do in and for your life. Go after God with all your heart. 

LIVING IN POWER AND GLORY (PART 7)

JUNE 2ND 

Text: Ezekiel 1:1-3 King James Version (KJV)

1.  Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, in the fifth day of the month, as I was among the captives by the river of Chebar, that the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God.

2.  In the fifth day of the month, which was the fifth year of king Jehoiachin's captivity,

3.  The word of the Lord came expressly unto Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar; and the hand of the Lord was there upon him.

Every moment of prayer is an opportunity to access divine empowerment. When we pray, we get fueled up so we can burn for the Lord, and if we continually get fueled up, we will never get to the point where we will burn out. Some of us burn out because we do not have a continual fellowship with the Holy Spirit.

Not everyone in the place of prayer is able to rise into the realm of glory. While some are interested in entering into the realm of the spirit, others are interested in attaching themselves to certain individuals for personal gain.

But a man who is sensitive to God would become like Ezekiel among the captives by the river of Babylon. While others were wondering and crying, how can we sing the Lord’s song in Zion, he was carried by the Spirit into Zion itself.

The canal man cannot go beyond his human limitation but the man of the spirit is a wonder to many. Those around him may be involved in several activities, but the man sensitive to the Holy Spirit will have his eyes open to see and his ear open to hear glorious things from God.

If somebody is leading you astray and drowning your spiritual life, walk away, cut off from him or her. It is time to walk into the glory that is meant for your life. No more delay, refuse to give up, for the glory of God will not wait nor tarry for long. Whatever you are struggling with that is cutting off the glory from your life, ask God to deliver you from it and divine help will come. Ask Him to cloth you with such glory and power and no evil agenda will be able to succeed against your life.  God has something much more glorious for your life. Are you ready?

LIVING IN POWER AND GLORY (PART 6)

JUNE 1ST

 

Text: Acts 10:37-38 King James Version (KJV)

37.  That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;
38.  How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

There is a great difference between a man full of the presence and power of God and those who do not. When a man full of the anointing walks into any place, if there are other powers in that place, they begin to take their leave because when the light walks in, darkness is dispelled. How much of the glory and power of God can men access through your life? So many have traded the glory for insignificant things, settling for fleshy aggrandizement. Many are only looking for opportunities to promote their own propaganda forgetting that the privilege of coming in contact with the one who is power Himself is an opportunity to fulfill divine purpose.

Ask God to cloth you in His power and gory and you will be amazed the glory that awaits you.

Beloved, you cannot have glory and rest except you are anointed with the Holy Ghost and power.  This was what made the difference in the life and ministry of our Lord and Saviour Jesus; the Holy Ghost and power. This was why He went about doing good.

Ask the Lord to strip off the hindrance of the flesh from your life and release His glory upon your life and watch to see the difference.

It is time to be clothed in the power and glory of the Most High God, for thus says the Lord God Almighty, the time and hour is now. God wants to raise a people clothed in power and glory.

We are about to see a tunnel of glory formed by souls that are on fire for the Lord. His glory is about to be revealed through unlikely vessels and we are about to see evidences of His power like never before.  Are you ready?

LIVING IN POWER AND GLORY (PART 5)

MAY 31ST

Text: Acts 3:1-8 King James Version (KJV)

1. Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.

2. And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;

3. Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms.

4. And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us.

5. And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.

6. Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.

7. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.

8. And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.

The major reason the church is being ignored today is the absence of tangible manifestation of the supernatural in the lives of many Christians.

From our text for today, Peter was simply saying to the crippled man, I may not have money in my pocket, but what I do have, I give unto you. When he said so, he was so confident and went on to demonstrate it. So, what do you have?

This is the truth, if you have the anointing you would know you do. The anointing has nothing to do with skill. Peter said, such as have, I give to you. If you do not have the anointing, you cannot give it. Peter and John did not come to prayer looking for it, they had it before they came.

Some people only come to prayer to get, while others come to release, just like Peter and John. When Peter said, in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up, it is obvious that the crippled did not respond. But because they have no time to waste, he took him by the hand and raised him up.

When he did this, the power that was on the inside flowed and came upon the crippled man and his feet and ankles suddenly received strength and he began rejoice leaping, shouting and praising God. The place of prayer is the place of authority. There should be power when you pray. Power backed prayers produce results because there is a God in heaven who hears and responds to voice of his people. It is time to for us to walk in power and glory. Get out of the flesh realm and you will begin to see God glorify his name in and through your life. 

TRANSFORMED BY LOVE (PART 1)

MAY 30TH

Text: James 2:14-18 King James Version (KJV)

14. What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?

15. If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,

16. And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?

17. Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

18. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

One outstanding factor common to every individual with extraordinary impact upon the lives of many, is love. Mother Theresa, Billy Graham, Oral Roberts and many others touched the lives of many because they were motivated by love. What is your motivation?

CONTEMPLATION

Buried in the heart of every man is the desire to be recognized and celebrated, but not many are willing to pay the price of self-denial. The truth is that if you would let the Lord express His love for others through you, you will dwell in abundant grace, blessings and power. That you are approachable, friendly and lovely, does not make you unholy or less anointed. Many houses of worship want to rise to prominence but only few bother to create the atmosphere that will make the difference.

“In an atmosphere saturated with love you are not motivated by religious sentiments but by intimacy with God. In an atmosphere of intimacy people reach out to God (in a vertical flow) and to man (in a horizontal flow) as they worship joyfully and willingly.” FFPW p106.

There is more that the Father desires to accomplish through us and sometimes the only hindrance to us walking in this realm of glory is our unwillingness to love at all cost. Your life can be sweeter and better if you are willing to do something about it.

PRACTICAL ISSUES

Consider and list out the lessons on love from James 2:14-18.