OVERCOMING OBSTACLES TO WORSHIP PT.4.

MAR. 31ST.     

TEXT: Matthew 15:1-11King James Version (KJV)
1.  Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying,
2.  Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.
3.   But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?
4.   For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.
5.   But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me;
6.   And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.
7.   Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying,
8.   This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
9.  But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
10.  And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand:
11. BNot that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.

Thank God for the ministry and personality of the Holy Spirit. He is your only guarantee for a life of divine intimacy.
Thank God for the assurance of greater glory in your walk with Him.

CONTEMPLATION
“When our worship is more of a performance act than an encounter with divinity, it leaves people wondering about the relevance of a religious community. Furthermore, the lifestyles of worship leaders and other key players that are not compatible with the teachings of the Holy Book, makes the whole thing look like a joke.” P.38 FFPW.
People only see the need to return to worship in a place whenever their expectations are surpassed by what they have encountered. In a dry and thirsty land, the only place with water does not need to cajole people to come. They will have problems finding room for all. When an individual overflows with the fountain of God he/she attracts unusual favours. If we do not allow the Holy Spirit to show us what we must do, something very important will be missing, and all our efforts and sacrifices will become futile. The only reason you look forward with great expectation to meeting with anybody is the importance you attach to that individual. Until you are able to see the awesome glory and blessing that is released upon you in your fellowship with God, worship becomes some form of drudgery. 

PRACTICAL ISSUES
The degree of passion, anticipation and excitement expressed as we look forward to a meeting, is proportional to the degree of our expectations.
The amount spent on publicity does not amount to the number of souls attracted, or the success of the event. The anticipated impart and degree of the manifestation of God from the onset makes a lot of difference.
Those who depend on the Holy Spirit for help never get disappointed.

OVERCOMING OBSTACLES TO WORSHIP PT.3.

MAR. 30TH

TEXT: Matthew 15:1-11King James Version (KJV)
1.  Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying,
2.  Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.
3.  But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?
4.  For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.
5  But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me;
6.  And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.
7.  Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying,
8.  This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
9.  But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
10.   And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand:
11.   Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.

Can you remember any worship experience that was so awesome you were not in a hurry to leave? What do you think is the reason behind such glorious manifestations? Take some time to ask the Father to cause His will to manifest on earth as it is in heaven as we worship.

CONTEMPLATION
It is unfortunate that the presence of God has been limited to special programs and events. The presence of God is in short supply over many gatherings because, most of the time we are busy doing our own thing.
All through His earthly ministry, Jesus wanted the glory and presence of the Father to be seen, but each time Jesus showed up, the religious leaders in the days of His earthly ministry were ready for a showdown (see Matt. 15:1-6). It is the desire of the Lord to overshadow us again and again with His awesome presence, but some of us have reduced worship encounters to academic exercises or some philosophical opinions. The opinion of Karl Max which gave birth to Communism and anti-Semitism, is one ugly result of mere religious form devoid of the power and presence of God. We are responsible for the degree of glory made manifest in our generation. Until we are ready, the glory of our God is veiled to our generation (see John 4:23b and Ezekiel 22:30).

PRACTICAL ISSUES
The name of a denomination over a place of meeting is not a guarantee that you will encounter the glory of God. The glory is made manifest wherever the heart of men cry out in sincere hunger and thirst to God (John 7:37-39).
We often overemphasis our tradition and method of worship because we lack the true fire that stirs the soul to worship, and if it is not working, we begin to threaten and curse those who do not comply. This is an error.

OVERCOMING OBSTACLES TO WORSHIP PT.2.

MAR. 29TH.     

TEXT: Mark 7:5-13King James Version (KJV)
5 Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?
6 He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.
7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
8 For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.
9 And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.
10 For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death:
11 But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free.
12 And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother;
13 Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.

Thank God for disappointing every attempt of the enemy to frustrate your spiritual growth.
Give thanks to God for every worship leader who contributes to the planning and leading of worship. Ask God to divinely inspire them.
Think about any significant spiritual encounter in your life and thank God for that opportunity.

CONTEMPLATION
“Sometimes the religious arena can be very intricate, bearing traces of the coup d’état. In a place where everyone appears to be innocent, friendly, and spiritually inclined, it is so difficult to imagine the presence and degree of frenzy on display. The quietude notwithstanding, it may not take that long for you to realize you have walked into a battlefield. ”p. 29 FFPW.
Before anyone comes to a place where they express a sudden outburst of anger, there has been a cold war all this while which is often covered by religious and hypocritical actions and words. Whenever the hidden selfish motives of our hearts are allowed to guide our decisions in a place where the Holy Spirit seeks to glorify Jesus, there will be problems (see Gal. 5:17). When we seek to be seen, heard, and recognized, we are more desperate to winning the favour of people with sugar-coated words than in influencing them for the kingdom purpose. This is the Absalom spirit of rebellion and coup d’état (see 2 Sam. 15:1-5). The word of God admonishes us to guard our hearts with all diligence (Prov. 4:23). 
When you suddenly become lukewarm and passive in supporting anyone assigned to kingdom duties, chances are that you are gradually drifting away into error.

PRACTICAL ISSUES
When there is acrimony, strife, segregation, faction, and discrimination in a place, the potentials there cannot be fully realized. Those who can no longer stand the fighting and evil scheming will either opt for a more peaceful and passive stand or quietly leave the church.
See Romans 12:8, 14:19 and Hebrews 12:15.

OVERCOMING OBSTACLES TO WORSHIP PT. 1.

MAR. 28TH

TEXT: Mark 7:5-13 King James Version (KJV)
5.    Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?
6.   He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.
7.   Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
8.    For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.
9.    And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.
10.   For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death:
11.    But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free.
12.   And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother;
13.   Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.

As you begin this time of fellowship with God, please take out some time to thank Him for granting you the wisdom and grace to overcome every crafty and subtle agenda of the enemy.
Acknowledge and celebrate every ally God has positioned to help you accomplish divine agenda.

CONTEMPLATION
Be aware of this truth; spiritual hunger is common to people of every race, tongue, and tribe. Nobody has a spiritual advantage over another because of their geographical location.
The manifestation of the Holy Spirit is not limited to churches in America. God is no respecter of persons (see Acts 10:34-35) God is not a racist, neither is He partial. A mighty cathedral with a well-planned order of worship is not a guarantee of the manifest presence of God.  Be careful when the obsession and motivation of a place is more about proving the superiority of their liturgical position than in creating the right atmosphere for worship, dead tradition is not far away. Those who become overzealous about their denominational position and pride, subtly drift away from a true passion for the Lord. Those who allow their denominational bias dominate their minds often prevent themselves from being blessed by God’s servants from other denominations. They have become insensitive to the voice of the Holy Spirit.

PRACTICAL ISSUES
Acknowledge that you have the same access to God like any other person anywhere in the world.
Refuse to die in a beautiful edifice where your spirit man is gradually starving to death. God is not limited to certain places.  Acts 10:34-35.
It is better to lose your favour with a particular congregation than to lose favour with God.

HYMN - TRUST AND OBEY

MAR. 27TH.     

Memory Verse: But Samuel replied, “Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as must as in obeying the voice of the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. “(1 Samuel 15:22).
TEXT: Psalm 37:3-5; John 8:31; John 14:23; James 2:14-26; 1 John 2:6

Life can often be a restless, disrupted existence until we give ourselves wholeheartedly to something beyond ourselves and follow and obey it supremely. Such implicit trust in God’s great love and wisdom with a sincere desire to follow His leading should be every Christian’s goal. Our willingness to trust and obey is always the first step toward God’s blessing in our lives.
In 186 Daniel B. Towner, director of the music department at Moody Bible Institute, was leading the music for evangelist D.L. Moody’s series of meetings in Brockton, Massachusetts. A young man rose to give a testimony, saying, “I am no quite sure – but I am going to trust, and I am going to obey.” Mr. Towner minister and later a teacher at moody, who wrote the present five stanzas.
Salvation is God’s responsibility. Our responsibility is to trust in that salvation and then to obey its truths. “Trust and Obey” presents a balanced view of a believer’s trust in Christ’s redemptive work, and it speaks of the resulting desire to obey Him and do His will in our daily lives. Then, the only them, do we experience real peace and joy.
When we walk with the Lord in the light of his word, what a glory he sheds on our way! While we do His good will he abides with us still, and with all who will trust and obey.
Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies, but His smile quickly drives it away; not a doubt nor a fear, not a sigh nor a tear, can abide while we trust and obey. But we never can prove the delights of His live until all on the altar we lay, for the favour He shows and the joy He bestows are for them who will trust and obey.
Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet, or we’ll walk by His side in the way; what he says we will do, where he sends we will go – never fear, only trust and obey
Chorus: Trust and obey – for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus – but to trust and obey.
Experience the glory and abiding presence of Christ as you determine to trust Him more completely and obey his leading more dully in all that you do.
TAKEN FROM “AMAZING GRACE; 366 INSPIRING HYMN STORIES FOR DAILY DEVOTION”

A GLORIOUS HUSH

MAR. 26TH.     

TEXT: Psalm 46:10King James Version (KJV)
10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

The hymn “In the Garden” has the following words as the first stanza;
I come to the garden alone when the dew is still on the roses;
And the voice I hear, falling on my ear the Son of God discloses.
Chorus:
And He walks with me and He talks with me and He tells me I am His own.
And the joy we share as we tarry there, None other has ever known.

CONTEMPLATION
“There is something beyond description about the manifest presence of the Lord. When He shows up, without a word, He is able to communicate so much to our souls. But when He does speak, it is always too beautiful and glorious to describe. His words are so powerful they reach deep down to every fiber of our being. The host of heaven and earth have to be in a perfect hush to comprehend what He has to say.” P24 FFPW.
It is only a fool and the spiritually dead that keeps on speaking when the Almighty is speaking. When a man is panting for air to stay alive, it is foolish for him to keep struggling when all he needs to do is to put on the oxygen mask by him. The word of God is the very breath we need to live. Every soul without the word of God continually pants for air until they choke and die (see John 1:1-4).

PRACTICAL ISSUES
The difference between mere religious form and an intimate relationship with God is the life giving and awe inspiring breath of God.
When you are truly connected to God, you carry a glorious fountain on your inside that continually springs out to nourish everyone and everything around you.
Make effort to receive the grace of God meant to sustain you each day, and the glory realm will become a continual reality.

UNDER GOD’S GLORY (PART 5)

MAR. 25TH

Psalm 126:1-3 King James Version (KJV)
1. When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.
2. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them.
3. The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.

Beloved, there is nothing as glorious as a life dwelling under the glory of God. When Adam was created, his dwelling place was under God’s glory. When God created the whole world, He took time to design a special place for man called Eden. Any man dwelling outside the covering of God’s glory is in captivity.
But if we will cry out to the Lord, He has the power to restore us to the Eden He has created for us. When you are in need, do not complain, simply ask God for help and I am confident He will certainly help you. If you have been in the place of lack, our God is willing to provide and satisfy you beyond your imagination, but this is only possible under His glory. In the glory of His presence, abundance will flow out of the most impossible and difficult situations. Stand in faith and you will see God work things out for you.
Nothing may have happened all this while, but supernatural supply is coming. Some things will have to shift to make way for your lifting. Don’t be afraid to make your plans big, because it is impossible for you to fail under the glory of God.
When the Lord turned again the captivity of Israel, it was like a dream. God brought them forth with great joy and resettled them in their land again.
This is for somebody, right now, it may look like there is no hope for you, but I want you to know that our God is the God of a second chance. He will make a way for you again. Victory is coming for you.
Whatever is standing in your way is hurled out in Jesus name. The Bible says, whatever is born of God overcomes the world. Your faith shall be supernaturally rewarded this season in Jesus name. Divine providence with strong evidence is yours.
Don’t be afraid, God will honour His word for you. Thank the Lord for victories, deliverance, and for frustrating every plan of the enemy against your life. He is making a way for you were there seems to be no way.
Shalom!

UNDER GOD’S GLORY (PART 4)

MAR. 24TH

Psalm 126:1-3 King James Version (KJV)
1.   When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.
2.   Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The Lord hath done great things for them.
3.   The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.

When a man walks away from under the covering of God he suffers, but when he returns, the grace and glory of God follows him.
When Israel returned and cried to God, things began to change. Some of the Israelites were born into slavery and even died in it, but when God was ready to deliver them, He told them to get ready for a journey, and after they ate the Passover meal, they saw the mighty hand of God as He brought them out of bondage.
Because of the mighty hand of God upon their lives, they became a terror to their oppressors, and when they asked for gold, they got more than they asked for as a result of unusual favor.
The Bible says promotion comes from God and He is the Judge; He lifts one up and brings another down. No matter what you have been going through in life, as you bring yourself under the covering of His glory, everything will begin to work in your favour.
It is true that the times are hard, but not for those under God’s glory.
I sense that from this season, so many people will come crashing down, there will be supernatural exchange by divine providence. God is opening doors for His people and will give you access to places you have never imagined. You will walk into it in Jesus name. Something is erupting in the spirit in your favour, and it will soon manifest in your life in Jesus name.
Don’t give up, your redemption is closer than you can imagine. God bless you.

UNDER GOD’S GLORY (PART 3).

  MAR. 23RD.    

Psalm 126:1-3King James Version (KJV)
1.    When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.
2.    Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The Lord hath done great things for them.
3. N The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.

When a man forgets where the Lord took him from, he begins to misbehave and in the process brings himself into captivity. Israel went into Egypt by the favour of God, but when they became full of themselves and forgot God, they brought themselves into captivity. So Israel became slaves, but the story did not end there. A time came when they realized their error and began to call upon God for help. When they prayed and were able to get the attention of God, He came down to deliver them from bondage. This is the reason why He raised up Moses and sent him back to Egypt.
When they started calling on God, the Lord’s favour returned and they were once more covered under His glory. Under the glory of God, no plague brought upon the land of Egypt got to their dwelling. Under the mighty hand of God, their enemy released them after 430 years of bondage, and God did not allow them leave Egypt without their wages for those years they worked as slaves.
Have you been under some bondage for some time? Well, I have good news for you. Your enemies are about to pay you your wages for all those time they held you captive. If you were once in bondage and you left without any compensation, I want you to begin to make your demand for those years of bondage right now and you will be amazed what will follow. Whatever you worked for and you have not been paid for, I command your enemies to pay now in Jesus name.
Whatever blessing of yours that has been tied down, is released in the name of Jesus. Strange and unusual liftings will begin to locate you in Jesus name

UNDER GOD’S GLORY (PART 2)

MAR. 22ND

TEXT: Psalm 121Amplified Bible (AMP)
The Lord the Keeper of Israel.
A Song of [a]Ascents.
1.   I will lift up my eyes to the hills [of Jerusalem]—
From where shall my help come?
2.     My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.
3.    He will not allow your foot to slip;
He who keeps you will not slumber.
4.    Behold, He who keeps Israel
Will neither slumber [briefly] nor sleep [soundly].
5.     The Lord is your keeper;
The Lord is your shade on your right hand.
6.     The sun will not strike you by day,
Nor the moon by night.
7.     The Lord will protect you from all evil;
He will keep your life.
8.     The Lord will guard your going out and your coming in [everything that you do]
From this time forth and forever.

There is nothing like living life under  glory. So many people depend on their strength, wisdom, connections and different achievements in life, only to end up disappointed and miserable.
Take your eyes away from any human ability and fix them on Jesus. Look up to God as your source and help, and you will be amazed what He will do with your life. 
A careful study of the Bible will reveal to you that each time the children of Israel showed their dependence on God, their enemies were kept at bay, but when they departed from the way of the Lord, they began to live at the mercy of their enemies.
When Israel went to Egypt, they went as a people dependent on God and became highly favoured. But somewhere along the line they missed it. It is possible they missed it because they became too comfortable in Egypt. Sometimes, when people travel from places like Africa and Asia to the western world, they do so by prayer and a lot of faith in God, but after a while, when many have become comfortable, they forget about the God who brought them through tough times. This has been the undoing of many.
If you once had a faith and a strong relationship with God that has become cold due to some comforts of life, it is time to return before it is too late.
The children of Israel thought they had everything under control until they became slaves in the place where they once had favour. If you are enjoying the favour of God through somebody or an organization, be careful. Many have missed the purpose of God for their lives by allowing the comforts of life to hold them captive.
When things are working in your favour, don’t forget, it is the Lord your God that gives you the power to get wealth. Keep your eyes on Jesus.
Shalom!

UNDER GOD’S GLORY (PART 1).

MAR. 21ST.  

TEXT: Psalm 117King James Version (KJV)
1.   O praise the Lord, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people.
2.    For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the Lord endureth forever. Praise ye the Lord.

The greatest blessing you can have in life is the presence of God. A life without the presence of God is an expensive risk. When a people or nation is blessed with the presence of God, they dwell on high. It is impossible to walk with the Most High and be a nonentity. 
When you have Him you have everything.
This is one reason why the nation of Israel remains a wonder to many other nations of the world. The reason is not difficult to find. They believe that they are a nation raised up by God himself and that they are the people of God. For many generations they have remained a wonder to many due to the great things they are able to accomplish with very little or nothing. Many of the time, against all odds, they have been able to overcome bigger and more powerful nations in circumstances that reveals a divine covering over them.
Another nation that once acknowledged God as their covering is America. At their beginning, they so depended on God that He was acknowledged in every part of their life and government. God was everywhere. In their pledge, they openly acknowledged that they are “One nation under God” and that led to the glorious years of the country which became the Promised Land to many. But when they began to depart from their dependence on God, and even went as far as fighting against God being mentioned in the various aspects of their lives and government, things began to turn upside down.
It is a great mistake for anybody or group of people to become too confident of themselves to the point that they begin to act like they don’t need God. This is often the reason why many great nations and individuals fall from grace to grass.
If you don’t want to live in disgrace, then keep your life under the grace and covering of God.

HYMN - LEANING ON THE EVERLASTING ARM

MAR. 20TH

Memory Verse: The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. (Deuteronomy 33:27)
TEXT: Psalm 17:8; Psalm 57:1 psalm 91:2; Proverbs 14:26; 1 John 1:7

When close friends or family members turn to us for comfort in their grief following the loss of a loved one, often we find it difficult  to express just the right words of consolation. One day successful author, business man, and devout Presbyterian layman Anthony J. Showalter received sorrowful letters from two different friends, telling him of their recent bereavements. In sending messages of comfort to them, Mr. Showalter included Deuteronomy 33:27
“The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms….”
As he concluded his letters the thought occurred to him that this verse would be a fine theme for a hymn. Almost spontaneously he jotted down the words and music for the refrain of this soon-to-be favorite.

Feeling that he should have some assistance in completing a text based on this comforting verse from Deuteronomy, Mr. Showatler asked his friend “Elisha A. Hoffman, a pastor and author of more than 2,000 gospel songs, to furnish the stanzas. The hymn then was published in 1887 in the glad Evangel for Revival, Camp and Evangelistic Meetings Hymnal
It is not surprising that “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms with its assurance of god’s steadfast care and guidance and the peace that is ours as we enjoy the intimacy of his fellowship, has been another of the gospel song favorites enjoyed by all ages. Each day we need to relearn the truth s of these words:
What a fellowship, what a joy divine, leaning on the everlasting arms; what blessedness, what a peace is mine, leaning on the everlasting arms.
O how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way, leaning on the everlasting arms; O how bright the path grows from day to day, leaning on the everlasting arms. What have I to dread, what have I to fear, leaning on the everlasting arms? I have blessed peace with my Lord so near, leaning on the everlasting arms.
Chorus: Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms; leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.

KEY POINT:When the events of today seem difficult or even overwhelming, apply the lesson of leaning on “those everlasting arms,” as you lean to rest and relax in His loving care. Share the truth of Deuteronomy 33:27 with another needing encouragement.

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

THE PLACE OF YOUR ABODE

MAR. 19TH

TEXT: Hebrews 11:5-6King James Version (KJV) march 19th
5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.
6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

The place of your dwelling is not by circumstances, it is by choice.

CONTEMPLATION
It is the will of God that we dwell in the riches of His glory, but it is the choice of a man that determines the place of his abode in the realms of life.  The word of God reveals the ideal place of our habitation from the declaration of the apostle Paul as found in Acts 17:28, but it is only when a soul is completely yielded to God that this declaration becomes applicable to him. There is a glory realm for you to live and walk in, but by the desires of the flesh, mankind, from Adam, have settled for less again and again. The power of sin is the only weapon capable of alienating man from the glory realm. Man becomes mentally retarded and spiritually disoriented once the fellowship with the Father is broken. Inspiration and extraordinary ideas are the fruits of a life in communion with divinity. This is the place where spiritually inclined people excel their contemporaries in their various fields. When a soul is confused, it is as a result of partial or permanent disconnection from the source of life.  It begins to function like an electronic device with contact problem. The yearning of the soul of man can only be truly satisfied by the help of the Holy Spirit, who the Lord Jesus promised us will teach us all things (see John 14:26). Under the Old Testament era, a few persons like Enoch, Abraham, Moses, Elijah, David and others, were able to walk in exceptional testimony, because they had an intimate walk with God.  If you are willing to go an extra mile in your thirst for God, you somewhere stumble into the glory that will change your story.

PRACTICAL ISSUES
Those who deliberately practice the presence of God activate the glory of God upon their souls.
Until you are able to hush your flesh, your spirit man cannot access the glorious voice of the Lord.
It is useless chasing after anointed men of God to lay hands on you when you lack the hunger to sustain the anointing in a place of personal communion with God.

ATTITUDE FOR DIVINE BLISS (PART 4).

MAR. 18TH

TEXT: Psalm 105:17-22 (JPS Tanakh version)
17.    He sent a man before them;
Joseph was sold for a servant;
18.    His feet they hurt with fetters,
His person was laid in iron;
19.    Until the time that his word came to pass,
The word of the LORD tested him.
20.    The king sent and loosed him;
Even the ruler of the peoples, and set him free.
21.    He made him lord of his house,
And ruler of all his possessions;
22.    To bind his princes at his pleasure,
And teach his elders wisdom.

When the hand of God is upon the life of a man, He has the power to raise him from the dust to the throne. Don’t be quick to give up on your dreams. God is able to turn your present ugly situation in your favour.
The above scripture tells us of the man Joseph, who was taken into Egypt as a slave, but was able to rise to the highest place of honour in Egypt as the second in command. His authority and power was so great that the Scriptures says he was able to bind the princes of Egypt at his will because he constantly reverenced God. This tells us of the authority that Joseph had and what he did. He did not focus on the fact that he was a slave, sold into slavery by his own family, instead, he continued to serve God.
Like Joseph, you may not be in a place where you are seen as somebody important, but it is only a matter of time. In the fullness of time, you will walk in so much authority that you will be able to bind princes at your will. Joseph was able to give the interpretation of Pharaoh’s dream, which no astrologer could give, and so when he spoke, they listened to him.
Sometimes, some of the problem you thought came to destroy you were actually designed to bring you out of obscurity to the place of prominence. Whatever ugly situation you may be going through right now is only a phase, it is not permanent. So don’t give up now because there is something glorious ahead of you. Just prepare your heart so God can lead you into your moment of glory.

ATTITUDE FOR DIVINE BLISS (PART 3)

MARCH 17th

Psalm 105:1-5 Amplified Bible (AMP)
1. O give thanks to the Lord, call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the people.
2. Sing to Him, sing praises to Him;
Speak of all His wonderful acts and devoutly praise them.
3. Glory in His holy name;
Let the hearts of those who seek and require the Lord [as their most essential need] rejoice.
4. Seek and deeply long for the Lord and His strength [His power, His might]; Seek and deeply long for His face and His presence continually.
5. Remember [with awe and gratitude] the wonderful things which He has done, His amazing deeds and the judgments uttered by His mouth [on His enemies, as in Egypt],
The things we talk about and meditate on are often empowered and magnified in our lives.

Our text for today admonishes us to talk about God’s marvelous deeds and not our problems. As we talk about His marvelous deeds we proclaim His power and faithfulness and as we do so, He will take care of our problems.
A careful study of the Bible will reveal to you something fascinating. Any time the children of Israel praised God for His mighty works and
deliverance, something unusual and glorious will happen. Verse 3 of our text tells us to “Glory in His holy name: let the heart of those rejoice who seek and require the Lord [as their indispensable necessity] (Amp. version).”

When we talk about His marvelous works, it is important that we give all the glory to Him. In addition, recognize, acknowledge and celebrate the Lord and rejoice by testify to the glory of His name. Don’t be like those who would make so much noise about their problem before God
once they have their breakthrough, you won’t find them again. Glory in His
name and let everyone know that He is your indispensable necessity. An
attitude of gratitude guarantees divine bliss. Stay grateful.

ATTITUDE FOR DIVINE BLISS (PART 2)

MAR. 16TH

TEXT: Psalm 105:1-5
1. O GIVE thanks unto the Lord, call upon His name, make known His doings among the peoples!
2. Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; meditate on and talk of all His marvelous deeds and devoutly praise them.
3. Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those rejoice who seek and require the Lord [as their indispensable necessity].
4. Seek, inquire of and for the Lord, and crave Him and His strength (His might and inflexibility to temptation); seek and require His face and His presence [continually] evermore.
5. [Earnestly] remember the marvelous deeds that He has done, His miracles and wonders, the judgments and sentences which He pronounced [upon His enemies, as in Egypt].

When the blessing and glory of God is upon a life, it results in heavenly bliss upon that soul. There is more to the glory and goodness of God than we can ever imagine. The Psalmist in Psalm 105 was obviously overwhelmed with the goodness of God when he wrote these words,
“Sing to Him, sing praises to Him: meditate and talk of all His marvelous deeds and devotedly praise them”.
Only a heart that has encountered the glory of God can pen down such beautiful words. It is obvious that the psalmist understood clearly the wonders of God’s hand, and the connection of praise with the miraculous.

The amazing thing is that even the man that has not encountered such glory, when he begins to praise God like the Psalmist, at some point, God will manifest His presence to this fellow.
Don’t let anybody stop you from encountering the glorious wonders of God by dissuading from singing praises to Him. Talk about His marvelous works and along the way you will begin to see them manifest in your life. I can relate with this. You know, before I saw any manifestations of God’s power and glory, I believed in it and talked about it. Then like a dream it began to happen. If you will talk about it and sing about it, one day you will testify about it

Sing and talk about it again and again, and as you do, great and glorious things are bound to follow. Don’t let circumstances and situations stop you, rather confront those circumstances and situations in faith as you sing, and you will see God turn everything around in your favour.
God has something glorious for you on the other side of your praise. Don’t give up.

ATTITUDE FOR DIVINE BLISS (PART 1)

MARCH 15TH

TEXT: Psalm 105:1-5 (JPS Tanakh version)
1. O give thanks unto the LORD, call upon His name;
Make known His doings among the peoples.
2. Sing unto Him, sing praises unto Him;
Speak ye of all His marvellous works.
3. Glory ye in His holy name;
Let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.
4. Seek ye the LORD and His strength;
Seek His face continually.
5. Remember His marvellous works that He hath done,
His wonders, and the judgments of His mouth;

In life, we consider it a normal thing to spend our precious time on those things that bring us anxiety. We worry over almost everything. We all need to learn how to spend more time on those things that will help make life more glorious and beautiful.
This is why the Psalmist in Psalm 105 started by saying,
“O give thanks unto the LORD, call upon His name,
Make known His doings among the peoples!”

The Psalmist encouraged us to approach life with the attitude of gratitude unto God our creator. When we live a life of gratitude unto God, we immediately demonstrate that we recognize His goodness and kindness unto us. Those who are quick to acknowledge the Lordship of the Lord in their lives with gratitude often position themselves for a greater glory.
The Psalmist then went on to say, “…call upon His name,
make known His doings among the peoples!”

When the scripture talks about us calling upon His name, it is actually because this individual has come to know the awesome privilege and honour of having access to God by reason of a divine relationship. It speaks of the need to make the most of an intimate fellowship with the most powerful being. As we call upon His name we also call His attention to our lives, and whenever a man gains the attention of the Almighty God, he positions himself to attract more divine favour.
This is why that verse goes on to say, “make known His doings among the peoples!” The man who has attracted the loving attention of God cannot lack the manifestations of God’s goodness in his life. Go after God with all your heart and you will be amazed the glory that will follow your life.
Shalom!

DIVINE STRATEGIES FOR UNCOMMON SUCCESS (Part 3)

MAR. 14TH
TEXT: Genesis 18:17-19King James Version (KJV)
17 And the Lord said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do;
18 Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?
19 For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.

In life, not many people consider themselves to be important for God to take notice of them, but they are wrong. Such persons find it very hard to believe when a child of God says, The Lord told me, or showed me so and so. It is too strange for them to comprehend.  But the truth is that the Lord does commune with man. It is as a result of such divine communion that people are able to receive divine strategies to succeed in life. If you really want to excel in life, then grow your fellowship with God. 
From our passage, we can see that God does make known His agenda to mortal man. So you may want to ask, why will the Almighty God see the need to talk to a mortal man?
It is simply because He loves us so much that he created us in His image and likeness (See Psalm 8:4-5). You are very important to God and he wants you to succeed in life. He has said, “My plans for you are good not evil, plans to bring you to your expected end.”
God wants you to succeed, but there is a wicked devil out there who is walking about like a roaring lion seeking for whom to devour. God’s plan is to bless you, but the devil’s plan is to make your life miserable. In the book of John chapter 10 verse 10, Jesus said, the devil, the thief has come to steal, kill and destroy. He has no good plan for you. But Jesus said, I have come that you may have life, and have it more abundantly.
Grow your work with Jesus and you will be amazed the glory that will follow.  

HYMN - O HOW I LOVE JESUS.

MAR. 13TH. 
Memory Verse: We love because He first loved us. (1 John 4:19).
TEXT: John 14:23; Philippians 2:9-11; 1 Peter 1:8; 1 John 4:7-21; Jude 21
This simply stated, lilting musical testimony has been another of the Sunday school favorite since it was first published in leaflet form in 1855, it has since been translated into various languages and has been included in numerous evangelical hymnals.
The words express so well the response of believers of any age as we reflect on all that Christ has done and continues to do for us daily. Indirectly, the hymn also exalts the written word, for it is only through the study of the revealed written word that we gain a true knowledge of the living word.
The text originally included eight stanzas several interesting verse not found in present hymnals include these worlds:
It tells me of a father’s smile that beams upon His child.
It cheers me through this little while, through deserts waste and wild.
It bids my trembling soul rejoice, and dries each rising tear.
It tells me in a still small voice, to trust and not to fear.
The author, Frederick Whitfield, was in Anglican Church clergyman. He is credited with more than 30 books of religious verse. The anonymous tune is a typical 19th century American folk song used in the campground meetings of that time
Even a century after they were written, these ageless words are still appropriate for expressing our love and devotion for Christ:
There is a name I love to hear; I love to sing its worth; it sounds like music in mine ear, the sweetest name on earth.
It tells me of a saviour’s love, who died to set me free; it tells me of His precious blood, the sinner’s perfect plea.
It tells me what my father hath in store for ev’ry day, and tho I tread a darksome path, yields sunshine all the way. It tells of one whose living heart can feel my deepest woe, tho in each sorrow bears a part that none can bear below. Chorus: O how I love Jesus, O how I love Jesus, O how I love Jesus – because he first love me!
PRAYER POINT: Breathe a prayer expressing your love to Christ for all that He means to you. Thank Him for initiating His love on your behalf. Thank Him also for the daily sunshine He gives. “AMAZING GRACE; 366 INSPIRING HYMN STORIES FOR DAILY DEVOTION”

DIVINE FELLOWSHIP

MAR. 12TH. 

TEXT: Ephesians 3:9-12King James Version (KJV)
9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:
10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,
11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:
12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.

“Before the fall, the voice and presence of God in the garden was the joy and satisfaction of man’s desire. Man could not wait to enjoy the loving embrace of the Father. Each encounter with the Father was the most exciting and blissful experience of the day. The encounter, no matter how long, seemed but a few minutes. Adam was continually fascinated by the awesomeness of God’s presence and glory. Lost in deep admiration of his Maker and Father, he would lie there prostrate in worship. His soul was flabbergasted by the glory of the Father, who loved him so dearly He created him in His own image and likeness. And to know that the Father has made him the crown of His magnificent creation was an honor too hard to imagine, but it was real. ”FFPW p.21.

CONTEMPLATION
Whenever a man finds himself struggling for words in less than 30mins of our time in worship, chances are that our fellowship in the spirit is faulty.  You are designed to be able to commune with God with your spirit. This is where the Lord imparts our souls with unfathomable ecstasy and power. This is where a man receives the grace to excel ahead of others who are in the ordinary realm. When a soul is in communion with the Father of light, it will certainly be flooded with light that will make him outshine those who are far from this light (See Eph. 1:18 amplified). He will not walk in confusion because he has divine enlightenment. A man who is in deep fellowship with the Father is a wonder to the angelic beings (Eph 3:9-12). If you are very attentive to God, the world will stop and pay attention to you.

PRACTICAL ISSUES
The answer to the challenge of every day is revealed in the moments of intimate fellowship with the Father, don’t rush out into the world in your own strength; wait on the Lord.
Divine light from God upon a soul sparks divine fire and enthusiasm to accomplish destiny.
The only darkness the sun cannot dispel is the one that overshadows a soul dwelling outside the light of God. Where are you?

DIVINE STRATEGIES FOR UNCOMMON SUCCESS (Part 2)

MAR. 11TH. 
TEXT: Genesis 18:17-19King James Version (KJV)
17 And the Lord said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do;
18 Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?
19 For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.

This is the season of divine providence and evidence and it is the time for all those things you talked and prayed about to manifest. If you are looking at the physical realm, you will be confused and miss divine timing.
Divine timing will not appear as BREAKING NEWS broadcast on the T.V or Radio. It takes somebody who has access into the realm of the spirit to be able to download it.
When it gets to the point where people mock you and the God you serve, it is time for something to happen. When people have to doubt and make fun of you, it is time for God to answer them.
Sometimes it is good for men to mock you because it may be what you need for heaven to speed up your breakthrough. When it finally comes to pass, it will happen in such an unusual way that all the glory will easily go to God. Beloved that is divine providence.
Divine providence takes care of unforeseen needs, providing unequaled care and guidance that can last for the rest of your life.
This is for somebody, I want you to know that God cares so much for you. He is about to cause the lines to fall for you in pleasant places. You are not the one trying to make things happen by your efforts or your intellect. It is simply because your steps are being ordered by God, and He has gone ahead of you to make your paths straight. Just keep your walk with the Lord. Shalom!

DIVINE STRATEGIES FOR UNCOMMON SUCCESS (Part 1).

MAR. 10TH. 
TEXT: Genesis 18:17-19King James Version (KJV)
17 And the Lord said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do;
18 Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?
19 For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.

Sometimes, it can be very difficult to tell how you will make it out of hard times or certain challenges. At such times, when it seems like you have come to the end of all options and nothing is working, that is when you need to humble yourself so you can learn from those who have gone ahead. When a man is part of the discuss between God and his servant, he begins to gain insight on how to succeed in life. There is really nothing new under the sun. That particular challenge you are facing has been conquered by some divine strategy given by God to somebody. By such divine leading He has provided a way out for His people. When you walk with God with an open and sincere heart, you become positioned to receive divine strategies to excel in life. 
There is an agenda for every moment and season. Our God does speak again and again, but you must be attentive to hear.  One of the ways of knowing if what you heard is really from God, is for you to find out what God is saying to others who are known to be true servants of His.
It is true that anyone can have access to God but don’t forget that some people have a closer walk that has made them divine favourites. Our text for today reveals to us that God hold some people dear to his heart. 
You do yourself a great disservice by not taking serious what God is saying through certain servants of His. If someone really has a communion with God, he has a clue on what heaven is doing at a particular time.
When you have an active walk with God, if He tells you something in secret, you will see others saying the same thing in public. Don’t forget, the Bible says; out of the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established. If you are wise and sensitive, you will find divine strategies for uncommon success in life. May God find you useful in Jesus name. Amen.

DIVINE PROOF (Part 3)

MAR. 9TH. 
TEXT: Romans 4:17-18King James Version (KJV)
17 (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.
18 Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.

I have found out that whenever God gives us an assignment or a vision, it is often what we cannot accomplish ourselves, it is what only He can do.
But don’t be afraid, He the one who called you has already concluded how He will see you through. Just keep your eyes on Him and do only what is needful. Stay just where He placed you, don’t try to be smart trying to work things out your own way.
Each time people try to help God, they end up making things more difficult for themselves. When Sarai decided to help God, she ended up compounding the problem. She could not imagine her slave making life miserable for her, but that was what happened. Once Hagar became pregnant, she despised Sarai so much that she could not stand it (see Genesis 16:4). Never you make the mistake of trying to help God. Just keep on believing and in due season, He will make a way for you. Whatever God promised you will certainly come to pass. Remember, He makes all things beautiful in its time. Wait for your time. Don’t allow the victory and testimonies of others weigh you down. Your set time of favour will certainly come. I sense in my spirit that this is the season and the time for divine providence and evidence for somebody right now. Just hold on and your change will come.
Shalom!

GLORY REALM DEVOTIONAL BY REV. IGHO L. Y.

DIVINE PROOF (PART 2)

MAR. 8TH. 
TEXT: Romans 4:17-18King James Version (KJV)
17 (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.
18 Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.

Beloved, I want you to know that whenever God speaks to our hearts especially from His word, all you need to do is just believe. Believe, because each time He speaks, it is as though whatever He said was already done before you heard it. But it is important that you believe without waiving because your faith is actually the withdrawal check by which His promises are released on earth. So many people are very rich in their heavenly bank account, but the only problem is that they have not been able tender that check by faith.
If we will only look away from the natural reality and choose to believe the heavenly reality, great and glorious things will happen for us. This is the reason Abraham was able to get the promise of God for his life become reality. Verse 20 of the same passage tells us that he staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief. This goes to show that unbelief is a neutralizer of faith. If you must enter into the plan of God for your life, then you must have an undaunted faith in God.   
There should be something in your life that calls peoples’ attention to the God you claim to serve. There should be divine evidences to show that you are walking with Him.
When I resigned from my former place of assignment to follow God’s leading for my life, some people thought I was crazy because they could not see immediate result.
The Lord took me through an irrational path that made it look like I did not hear from Him. For two years, it looked as though I was a joke. Human beings will not take you seriously until they see proof.
May God release tangible evidences upon your life to shut the mouths of those making jest at you.  While trusting to see the promises of God during those two years, some people thought that I made a stupid mistake. But suddenly, something started happening, and it happened in such an unusual way that to dumbfound many.
I pray that the Lord will grant you similar proofs that will dumbfound those looking down on you in Jesus name.
Beloved, don’t ever give up on your dream. Only believe and you will see the glory of God.
Shalom!

DIVINE PROOF (Part 1).

 MAR. 7^TH.

TEXT: Romans 4:17-18King James Version (KJV)

¹⁷ (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.

¹⁸ Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.

I wish to start off today by telling you that there is great hope for you. The fact that you are a part of this devotional message is an indication that heaven has something more for you.  The Lord wants you to know that His plans for you are good and not evil. If some things are not working out as you expect, all you need to do is to calm down. Don’t jump into conclusions. Fix your eyes on Jesus as you open your heart to obey the word of God. If you will do that, in no distant time, you will begin to see things fall in place. You will begin to see proofs of obvious divine assistance.

From our scriptural text for today, we learnt that Abraham was able to obtain the promise of God for his life because he refused to give up on God’s promises for his life. Verse 18 tells us that he believed in hope against hope that he will become the father of many nations.

 Beloved, God wants you to live a life full of supernatural results. Don’t make the mistake to act like many religious people in the church without any evidence of God in their lives.  Many claim to be spiritual but they lack divine proofs. They can only argue about their belief but they have nothing to show. Please make up your mind to trust God like Abraham did. Believe until you see the glory of God made manifest, and you will be amazed the supernatural manifestations that will follow. Whatever God spoke to your heart is very possible. Even when it seems to be useless before others, just believe. Remember, God calls those things that be not as though they were. 

HYMN- DARE TO BE A DANIEL.

MAR. 6TH.
Memory Verse: But Daniel resolved not to defile himself…….. (Daniel 1:8) TEXT: Daniel 6:7, 10,16,22,23; Psalm 27:14; Ephesians 6:11
Doubt sees the obstacles – faith sees the way.
Doubt sees the darkest night – faith sees the day.
Doubt dreads to take a step – faith soars on high.
Doubts questions, “Who believe?” – Faith answers, “I”.
The book of Daniel is really a textbook of instruction and an example of how God’s people can live in difficult conditions and come through victoriously. Even as the Jewish people were living in Babylonian captivity, so Christians today are pilgrims and sojourners in a foreign culture. We like Daniel and his lives. We took must resolve in advance that we will not be defiled by the world. And whether our God delivers us or not from the fiery furnace, we will remain faithfully to Him (Daniel 3:17, 18).

Daniel and his friends also personify for us Christian courage at its best – not merely a desperate type of courage for some emergency situation, but a quiet steadfast courage that enables us to live in a Christ-like manner each day. It takes courage to be an unpopular minority when truth and right are involved. It take courage to defend God’s name when everyone else is using it in blasphemy. It takes courage to be another Daniel in a godless society. This is another of the fine Sunday school songs by Philip P. Bliss, one of the truly important contributors to both early gospel hymnody and the rise of the Sunday school movement. Bliss, like many other Christian leaders, realized the unusual potential of teaching our youth spiritual truths through appropriate songs. Standing by a purpose true, heeding God’s command, honour them, the faithful few! All hail to Daniel’s Band! Many mighty men are lost, daring not to stand, who for God had been a host, by joining Daniel’s Band! Many giants, great and tall, stalking thro’ the land, headlong to the earth would fall, if met by Daniel’s Band! Hold the gospel banner high! On to vict’ry grand! Satan and his host defy, and shout for Daniel’s Band! Refrain: Dare to be a Daniel; dare to stand alone! Dare to have a purpose firm! Dare to make it known.

KEY POINT: God is still seeking people who by faith will dare to prove His greatness and will represent him courageously – regardless of the circumstances.

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

AN ACTIVE CONNECTION TO THE SOURCE

MAR. 5TH. 
TEXT: Acts 17:23-28King James Version (KJV)
23 For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, To The Unknown God. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.
24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;
25 Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;
26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;
27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:
28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.

The Holy Spirit is a personality like God the Father and Son, have you spoken with Him today?

CONTEMPLATION
You need more than a place with an attractive and powerful name to keep an active walk with God.  A lot of religious houses have only compounded the frustration of many as they try to reach God.  The true longing of your soul is deeper and stronger than mere vocabulary and poetic rhyme. 
Don’t be deceived, energetic acrobatic display does not translate into the all important presence and power of God which transforms the soul. Make up your mind not to settle for dry religious forms and activities. Go deeper than the surface into the deep riches in the presence of God.
If you must pray, let your heart seek and pant for the person and will of God, and you will see the extraordinary made manifest. By your union with Christ, you belong to a realm far from the ordinary (Eph. 2:6). Until you attempt to step out in the spirit, you will never discover the limitless and expressive life in the spirit that is yours.
In Christ, you have a new identity and potentials which are far greater than what you were accustomed to. Keep reaching out in your new life and identity, until your talk, expectations and actions conform to the life of the new man in Christ. 
As a man walking in the spirit, you can put an end to confusion and frustration by simply stepping up into the realm of the Spirit (see Isaiah 26:3 and Revelation 4:1-2).
The place of your true freedom and joy is in the place of your intimate communion and fellowship with the Lord. Locate it and stay there.

PRACTICAL ISSUES
Any man has the ability to access the realm of the spirit and accomplish great things for God if only they will choose to obey the word of God.
Be careful what you open up your spirit to, so you will not have to regret the experience that will follow. Remember, you are more of a spirit being than a physical being.
The only spirit that has power over you is the one you have empowered over your life. Let God lead.

ACCESS BY THE BLOOD

MAR. 4TH

TEXT: Hebrews 4:11-16 King James Version (KJV)
11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Please look for a quiet place to spend the first five minutes of your personal devotion to appreciate God for the sacrifice of His son Jesus.

CONTEMPLATION
 In Africa, often than not, whenever worship is initiated, it is first and foremost with the consciousness of man trying to get the attention of certain deities or divine personalities. In order to get the full attention and favor of this deity, certain rituals are often employed. This is often because there is this sin consciousness in man and a need to appease an angry deity. Some have been able to accomplish this by offering the sacrifice of chicken, goat, ram, or any other thing to appease the gods. But the truth is that the efficacy of any sacrifice is often determined by the degree of impact it makes after the whole experience.
Some years back, a woman told me that she once visited a powerful witch doctor to help intervene so that her daughter who was facing immigration problems in Europe, would not be repatriated. She was told to get some items for a special ritual to be performed to help her attract the favor of the gods. The items included a very big he-goat, the biggest sizes of yam tubers, cooking oil and some other things.
 In Nigeria, the prices of such items are normally very expensive during the Christmas festive season. To worsen the whole thing, she was financially down, yet she was able to borrow some money to add to the little she had in order to get it done. Right before her eyes, the goat was slaughtered and used with the other items to prepare a sumptuous meal. She said, just when the food was ready, they told her to leave. She said it was difficult for her to leave because she was hungry, but then she consoled herself with the hope that the sacrifice would work wonders. Unfortunately, before long, her daughter was parceled back to Nigeria.
Those who trust in powerful men to help them get results will always be disappointed. Access to God’s presence is available to all who come in faith by the atoning blood of Jesus. No other sacrifice is acceptable to bring you into the presence of God.  Ignorance and lack of understanding is the reason we fail to obtain favor from God, Hebrews 11:6. The invisible God is reachable. Refuse to settle for the shadow.

PRACTICAL ISSUES
By the fall of the first man Adam, we inherited the sin nature, but by the atonement of the second Adam, Jesus, we have eternal redemption Eph 2:13-14
By the atonement of Jesus we have been given the Holy Spirit as the assurance of our restoration and communion with the Father
By our access through the blood and fellowship with the Spirit, the soul of man can now encounter heaven on earth. The choice is yours.

BEYOND RELIGIOUS FORM

MAR. 3RD.
TEXT: 2 Timothy 3:1-5King James Version (KJV)
3 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;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

Spirituality is more than religious associations and rituals. There is much more to it than meets the eye.

CONTEMPLATION
Most people who have been able to discern that the true need of their soul is spiritual, often end up in a religious form and it is most unfortunate to call that worship.
“That which is unable to quench the thirst of the soul is not qualified to be called worship. If it is simply rules and regulations without a divine intimate relationship that transforms the soul, it is not worship." (P. xviii).
If it is more than religion, when it is all over you will have clarity and true satisfaction. Mere religion offers temporal escape from troubles, but true worship reveals the way out. 
Religious devotion is motivated by fear, hence the endless rituals and activities to avoid the anger of a deity, but true worship is motivated by an intimate relationship which stirs up songs of adoration and all kinds of prayer.

PRACTICAL ISSUES
What is the motivation behind your worship? Is it a mere religious affiliation or an intimate relationship with God?
Is your worship experience impactful enough to satisfy the true craving of your soul or is it just another religious routine?
If the experience keeps coming to your heart long after you left the place of the meeting, that is an indication that what you have is more than a mere religion. It was an encounter with your maker and your God.

MORE THAN SILVER AND GOLD

MAR. 2ND.   

TEXT: Proverbs 2:1-8King James Version (KJV)
2 My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;
2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;
3 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding;
4 If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;
5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.
6 For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.
7 He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.
8 He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints.

“When people come to the end of their personal achievements and pursuits, it suddenly dawns on them that there is something much more. They have gotten all they set out to achieve, yet they are not fulfilled. By the time they got to the pinnacle of their obsession, it only reveals to them how empty the whole thing has been, and like a mirage, it disappears just when it seems to be within their reach.” (p. xvii)
CONTEMPLATION
There is more to life than money, fame and accolades. Some things only have seasonal value, but there are a few that should be highly sought after because they are relevant in and out of season. Our preoccupation in life depends on what we hold dear in our hearts.
“Any accomplishment devoid of the true longing of our spirit will always leave in us a feeling of dissatisfaction and vainness.” (P. Xviii.) The latest car, fashion, building design, electronics, etc will soon loose its glamour and fame.   But a heart continually flooded with the glory of God is always the envy of all because it dwells in true peace and prosperity (see Isaiah 26:3).
Whatever decision of life you are contemplating, it is an error to jump to conclusion without asking if it will help fulfill the purpose of God in your life. When the heart of a man is very desperate for fame and fortune, it will often ignore the various warning signs flashing before him, as he will only want to listen to just what he wants to hear (Proverbs 16:25).
PRACTICAL ISSUES
Is it true that at the end of your present pursuit you will feel fulfilled?
How many people do you know that has true fulfillment at the end of a similar pursuit?
At the end of this pursuit, do you think anybody will still see God glorified?  If all that will be noticed is your fame, fortune and accolades, please think again.

SATISFY YOUR INNER CRAVING

MAR. 1ST.  

TEXT: Psalm 63:1-8King James Version (KJV)
63 O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;
2 To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary.
3 Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.
4 Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name.
5 My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips:
6 When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches.
7 Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.
8 My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.

Every one of us have inner cravings but only few know what that craving really is. Please, do all you can to identify it.

CONTEMPLATION
A life devoted to religious form does not translate into the true satisfaction of the soul. The craving deep down in the soul is capable of leading that soul to its true purpose and destiny when carefully attended to. 
The body need physical food produced from the earth to keep it alive because the earth is it’s source. But the source of our soul is God. It was when God breathed on the clay he made that man became a living soul.
For a soul to be able to find enough enthusiasm to fulfill the purpose of life, it must continually go back to God, it’s source to draw inspiration and life. When a soul truly understands this, prayer will no longer be a difficult religious form, but the breath you need to live.
The soul of a car is the fuel in it’s tank. If the car keeps on running without refueling, it will soon breakdown by the side of the road. This is what happens to every soul lacking divine fellowship with God.  A soul that is continually in touch with God cannot breakdown or become stranded in the road of life (see Psalm 92:10).
David the great king of Israel said, “He leads me beside the still water. He restores my soul...” (Psalm 23:2-3). The longing of your soul for the word of God is actually the leading of the Lord to bring you beside the still water. Water is symbolic of the word of God (Ephesians 5:26) keep drinking it and you will never lack true life and abundance. 

PRACTICAL ISSUES
Natural problem have natural solutions that is why spiritual problems can only be solved by spiritual approach. Please take some time out to re-examine your approach to the issues of life.
If certain things in your life seem not to be working out in your favor, you need to find some time to be with God until He breathes the breath of life upon you to restore your soul.
It is wiser and better to live in the constant presence and supply of God than in procrastination and empty zeal.

THE KABOD ENCOUNTER.

FEB. 29TH.  
TEXT: Psalm 91King James Version (KJV)
91 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.
7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.
8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.
9 Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;
10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.
11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.
12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.
14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.
16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.
The true longing of our souls cannot be satisfied by religious forms, devotion to rituals, pilgrimages and countless religious activities. Deep down in the heart of every man is an undaunted craving for a divine cuddle. But for our predetermined purpose and pursuit it would have been easier to access the readily available kabod of the Father.
CONTEMPLATION
When a soul dwells under the shadow of the Almighty, it becomes overwhelmed with the glory of God. This soul becomes overwhelmed with the weightiness of the glory of God that is real and tangible. This actually reveals to us an encounter of the Kabod of God. It is in the place of our fellowship with the Lord that He wraps us in a shield of His glory and divine favour (See Psalm 3:3). The kabod of God upon any life is the greatest protection any man can enjoy. This is the place where the enemy surrenders to you without you lifting a finger (Exodus 14:14). It is the place of divine results and unfathomable testimonies. As you pant after God, you shall not be disappointed, you will get there in Jesus name, Amen.
Often when we become encumbered by the demands of life and we become famished, it is natural and easier to rush in some food into our stomach, but we seldom consider the need to revitalize our spirit man. Whatever you love, you feed, and whatever you feed will grow. The eye is believed to be the window of the soul so be careful what you feed your soul.
It is only the ear that is attentive to God that can receive continual update from God on how to live and stay victorious in life. This is the reason why after the prolonged fasting and temptation of Jesus, He went straight to the temple; and as he read from Isaiah 61 He made known his mandate (see Luke 4).
Each time we allow the craving of the flesh to determine our actions we trivialize our eternal destiny.  Right here the man Esau comes to mind; by the satisfaction he got from a plate of food he despised his birth right (Genesis 25:29-34).
Every now and then we are presented with the options of taking refuge under the shadow of His wings and taking solace in certain canal pleasures, but only a spiritually hungry fellow will be able to make the right decision.  Where a man’s treasure is, there his heart will always be (Mat 6:21). What is your treasure?

PRACTICAL ISSUES
Take out time today to make a sincere evaluation of your life and pursuit.
Outline possible weak points and problems.
Take time to sincerely ask God to help you order your priority right.
Write down possible solutions impressed in your heart and ask for divine help.
Ask for the help of the Holy Spirit to develop a heart passionate for God
Thank God by faith and make up your mind to obey His leading and you will be better.