HYMN - BE STILL, MY SOUL

 FEB. 7th

TEXT: Psalm 46:10 King 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.

Memory Verse: Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. (Psalm 46:10)

Spiritual revivals throughout history had always been accompanied by an outburst of new song. This was especially true of the 16^th century reformation movement when, following centuries of dormancy during the middle Ages, Congregational singing was rediscovered. However, by the 17^th century the church was once more cold and non-evangelistic. Again God lit the fires of revival in the latter half of that century with a movement known as the Pietistic Revival in Germany, which was similar to the puritan and Weslegan movements in England. The Pietistic movement also gave birth to many rich German hymns one of which incorporates the contributions of three persons.

Katharina Von Schlegel was the outstanding woman of this revival movement little is known of her other than that she was a Lutheran and may have been the canoness of an evangelical women’s seminary in Germany. However, we do know that she contributed a number of lyrics to a collection of spiritual songs published in 1752.

Approximately 100 years after it was written, this hymn text was translated into English by Jane Borthwick, a scholar noted for her fine work in translating German texts. This hymn tune is an arrangement of one arrangement of one movement from Jane Sibelius’ “Finlandia. “Sibelius was Finland’s best – known composer, and his music is general characterized by a strong nationalistic fervor.

God has used the talents of these three individuals from different lands to provide His people with a hymn that teaches so well the biblical truth that we all need to relearn daily: “they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength……. “(Isaiah 40:31).

Be still, my soul – the Lord is on thy side! Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain; leave to thy god to order and provide – in ev’ry change He faithful will remain. Be still, my soul – thy best, they heav’nly friend thru thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Be still, my soul – God doth undertake to guide the future as he has the past; thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake – all now mysterious shall be bright at last. Be still, my soul – the waves and winds still know His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below.

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

CALL YOURSELF TO ORDER (PART 1)

 GLORY REALM DEVOTIONAL BY REV. IGHO L. Y.

FEB. 6^TH.

TEXT: Hebrews 3:1-4, 6-12, 16-19, 4:1-2 King James Version (KJV).

3 Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;

² Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house.
³ For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house.

⁴ For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God.

Hebrews 3:6-12King James Version (KJV)

⁶ But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.
⁷ Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice,
⁸ Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:
⁹ When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years.
¹⁰ Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways.
¹¹ So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.)

¹² Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.

Hebrews 3:16-19King James Version (KJV)

¹⁶ For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses.
¹⁷ But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness?
¹⁸ And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not?

¹⁹ So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.

Hebrews 4:1-2King James Version (KJV)

4 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.

² For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.

When the children of Israel came out of Egypt, they danced and praised God with musical instruments and singing. But it did not take too long before they began to complain about everything, and soon, unimaginable disobedience followed. It is so unfortunate that we easily forget the faithfulness and mercies of God. Many like the children of Israel, quickly forget where God took them from. It is amazing how people will beg for an opportunity today with sugar-coated words, only to end up abusing the privilege tomorrow. The man who came in very humble and respectful suddenly begins to speak and act with insolence and lack of respect.  After the mighty deliverance and the parting of the Red Sea, Heb. 3:9 says the children of Israel tested God even after they saw His works for forty years, and He stood their test.

If miracles alone account for transformation and maturity, the children of Israel would have been transformed more than any other people on the face of the earth. They saw the hand of God; His glory and power, yet they missed it. They were not able to enter the rest of God because their unbelief and rebellion shut them out of His glory. May you not be shut out of God’s grace. Heb. 4:1-2 makes us see that it is important to take advantage of the promises of God while we still have the opportunity. The year is still early and young for you to make amends, you can still do something to make you qualify for power and glory. Act now before it is too late!

OVERCOMING HINDRANCES OF PROGRESS (PART 6)

GLORY REALM DEVOTIONAL BY REV. IGHO L. Y.

FEB. 5^TH

TEXT: Revelation 12:10-11 King James Version (KJV).

¹⁰ And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

¹¹ And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

As we conclude on this series, it is important to mention that we do not overcome because we know how to quote scriptures, but that this is only possible because we have a covenant by the blood Jesus shared to bring us into the kingdom of God. It is that empowerment that qualifies us to decree by the testimony in the word of God. You do not overcome because you shared a testimony of healing or deliverance, but because you have and know your right of standing before God to decree your blessings, and a covenant right in the word (the promises of God for His own in the Bible).  

I sense that God is about to do some things that are impossible for His people, and cause a shifting that will put things back in place in our lives. If you will walk with the Lord, whatever has placed a dent on your testimony, the Lord will take away, and He will cause something to happen in your life which all people will see. All you have to do, is be the person God called you to be. Don’t bring ridicule to the body of Christ by just quoting and decreeing scriptures when it is obvious that you are not measuring up in your responsibilities. Play your role in the eyes of men, be above reproach, and the Lord will be too glad to vindicate you.  Don’t forget, we bear the mark of Christ upon our lives as His children.

There will be a change of status and identity, as the Lord delights to cause things to turn in the favour of His people, so that others will not be able to despise our faith. He has promised us glory, and everything that brings shame and has made people to ask you, where is your God? will soon receive divine attention. He will prove to them that He is your glory and the lifter up of your head. This year, people will join you to celebrate. It will come to pass in the mighty name of Jesus. But please, play your part.

See to it that no man takes away your crown, for there is no king without a crown. The crown of the king is his glory. When you crown God as Lord of your life, He will crown your efforts with success, and put His hand upon your life, and all that will follow will be glory. Let God lead.

OVERCOMING HINDRANCES OF PROGRESS (PART 5)

GLORY REALM DEVOTIONAL BY REV. IGHO L. Y.

 FEB. 4^TH

TEXT: Revelation 12:10-11King James Version (KJV)

¹⁰ And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

¹¹ And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

When the glory of God comes upon your life, it brings rest from every shame, harassment and all that has brought you ridicule. There are some persons who are looked down on due to certain challenges, but by the grace and power of God, those persons will be amazed the glory that will soon be made manifest in their lives. It is a waste of time dwelling on what people have said and done, consider it a distraction and focus on your business. Purpose driven people are very passionate about their assignments that is why while others are busy trying to run them down, the best way they answer such persons is by producing intimidating results. What do you preoccupy yourself with?

 When a focused man suffers some defeat, it is only a temporary setback. God has a greater plan to outsmart their enemies and the devil. God will often use these setbacks to cause unusual testimonies to unfold for such individuals as they stay focused.

Purpose driven people will always bounce back, no matter the set back. If you are serious, you will make unusual impact in your generation. There is a divine endowment in you that empowers you with the grace to become what God destined you to be.

This year, God’s glory upon your life will terminate everything standing in your way and make you a wonder to many. 

What God has started for and in you, He will complete. Do not be afraid, it will come to pass if you stay in the path of grace. The promises of God will be activated in your life and you will be amazed what God will do for you. You may have had some short comings, but you have opportunities to make amends, and as you do, God will lift you up. Arise! Live the life God destined for you.

OVERCOMING HINDRANCES OF PROGRESS (PART 4)

FEB. 3^RD

TEXT: Revelation 12:10-11 King James Version (KJV)

10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

The closing part of verse 11 tells us that “They loved not their lives unto the death.” Those who love their lives too much end up struggling to please God with their lives. That is why Jesus said, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow me”. Self denial is a must in order for one to see the glory of God. Those who cannot deny themselves are not ready to encounter true life and glory. 

Joseph could not have become the Prime Minister of Egypt if he had settled for Potiphar’s wife. He knew where his vision was taking him to, and he also knew that he was carrying God’s glory on his inside. This was the reason he would rather be imprisoned than have Potiphar’s wife as his “sugar mummy.” As he stayed with the purpose of God for his life, the day finally came where he stood before Pharaoh and gave the answer that nobody else could give. It was the same glory that he preserved on his inside when he refused to compromise that activated the answer for him. If he had corrupted himself with the pleasure of his flesh, he would have shut down his access to the glory. 

When someone has God’s glory in his life, it opens doors and brings recognition. The Bible says in Isa. 60:3, that nations shall come to your light and kings to the brightness of your rising. This year expect something good to happen to you. Stay in your walk with God and He will give you divine ideas and directions that will cause you to prosper (Isa. 60:22). Believe God for this in your life, and He will use you to shock your world. 

Job 32:8 tells us that the spirit of intelligence and the breath of God gives man understanding. When the breath of God is upon your life, unusual results will follow you. I decree, by the hand of God upon your life, you will accomplish some strange and glorious things this year in Jesus name. Whatever God has promised you will come to pass in Jesus name. Just wait on the Lord.

OVERCOMING HINDRANCES OF PROGRESS (PART 3)

FEB. 2ND

TEXT: Revelation 12:10-11King James Version (KJV)

10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

Life, the way God designed it, is not meant to be difficult, but often than not, our decisions take us away from the glory and blessings of life. Success is predictable and can be achieved if one will follow certain divine instructions and principles given to us by God through His word. Your success in life is not owing to luck. The decisions you take and the principles you honour and apply, play a key role in determining your ascent in life. God’s principles are timeless, even if the world turns upside down, not one dot of His word will go unfulfilled. 

When a man lives a righteous life, he has confidence with God, and when he prays, he does not wonder if he will receive the answers or not. A sinner does not pray with confidence, but wonders if his requests will be granted. If you want to pray and have results, you have to live a life of righteousness. As much as it depends on you, do all you can to strive for righteousness. When someone falls into sin, even though he had made some progress spiritually, he suffers some setback. He would need to climb back up again from where he has fallen, and this depends on how far he fell. If you are sensitive to the Holy Spirit, you will know when He is aggrieved; you begin to feel like a fish out of water, and you would want to make amends asap. 

When you are living the righteous life, you have boldness and can handle any situation confident of God’s presence and power. This is why the Bible says, the effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man, avails much. Beloved, you loose more when you walk in sin, and it is often much more than you can ever imagine. Live for God, and you will see the glory.

OVERCOMING HINDRANCES OF PROGRESS (PART 2)

FEB. 1ST 2016

TEXT: Revelation 12:10-11. 1 John 1:8-9. King James Version (KJV)

Revelation 12:10-11King James Version (KJV)

10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

1 John 1:8-9King James Version (KJV)

8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Life is full of battles. Praying does not eradicate battles from life, it only equips and empowers the one praying to overcome them. But much more than fasting and praying, is for a fellow to walk in obedience to the commandments, laws and instructions of God. Lack of understanding of the word of God makes a soul easily fall prey to the plans of the enemy.

One of the reasons people continue in sin is because they lack understanding of the divine exchange that takes place. The person who sins losses a lot. You only have access to the blessings of God’s kingdom because you have right standing with Him. Psalms 24:4 says the one to stand in God’s presence is he who has clean hands and a pure heart. So, the person who sins has been cut off already from this divine access by reason of his own actions. You may not have been caught or disgraced, but you have lost something greater than any other thing, which is access into God’s presence and the boldness to talk to Him. 

If you know that sin cuts off the glory God has for your life (see Romans 3:23), you will give up its pleasures. The Bible says the pleasure of sin is for a moment. Why settle for the temporal and for that which will make life so difficult, when you have access to the eternal and limitless blessings of God ? 

Some of us have shut the doors of heaven against ourselves by our sins. Nevertheless, the Lord is so merciful and kind, and He wants to bring you back. You can save your life from wherever it is right now, and rise from one level of glory to another. All you have to do is simply turn anew by taking the bold decision to live wholly for God.