Alive To The Mysteries Of The Kingdom - Saturday, November 15th .

Pastor Chris

Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:11).

Why did the Apostle Paul make such a bold statement in our opening verse? He says count yourself dead to sin, but alive to God. This is because in the mind of justice, when Jesus died, you died in Him. But something happened afterwards: God raised Jesus from the dead, and you were raised together with Him.

That was what happened when you were born again; you were awakened to God; you came alive in the spirit. Now you can understand the realities of God’s Kingdom; you can know the things of God, because you're alive to Him. The one who isn't born again isn’t alive to God; he's dead spiritually. He isn't awakened to the realities of life in God’s realm. But it's not so with you. The Lord Jesus said you’ve been given the power to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of God (Luke 8:10). So it's your lot; it's your heritage to understand the things of God, because you're born again, and you have the life of God in you. Halleluiah!

There isn’t any spiritual reality you can’t understand. Never say, “You know, I really don't understand the things of God”; rather, you ought to say, “I’m alive to God; therefore, I have an understanding heart; I understand the things of God.” Say this repeatedly until it takes a hold of your being.

You don’t have to walk in darkness or ignorance concerning the Kingdom-life, your inheritance, rights, benefits and privileges in Christ Jesus.

The Bible says, “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God” (1 Corinthians 2:12). What an awesome blessing: the Holy Spirit is in you to teach you all things and unveil the mysteries of life to you.

Prayer...
Dear Father, thank you for granting me the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of you; the eyes of my understanding are enlightened to the realities and truths of your glorious Kingdom. And now, I know the hope of your calling, and the riches of the glory of your inheritance for me in Christ, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study:
1 Corinthians 2:7-10
7But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. ; 

Matthew 13:10-11
And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? 11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Hebrews 12:1-13, Ezekiel 11-12
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 John 2:15-29, Ezekiel 46

The Quality Of Your Personality -Sunday, November 16th .

Pastor Chris
…For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was (James 1:22-24).

Our opening scripture isn’t dealing with the image, in terms of the external form or representation of the man who looks at himself in the mirror, but with the “manner” or “kind” of man. A doer of the Word doesn’t forget the “manner” of man he is: the quality of his personality.

You’d understand this better if we read from the eighteenth verse; it says, “Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures” (James 1:18).

God gave birth to us by the Word of truth; that is, the Gospel of Christ, so that we should be a kind or type of firstfruits of His creatures. That’s awesome! What's the meaning of firstfruits? It means the first and the best of God’s creatures.When you were born again, you came up with a new kind and quality of life—the God-life. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “...If any man be in Christ, he is a new creation...” As a new creation in Christ Jesus, you're the perfection of beauty, and the best of everything God made. You’re superior to Satan.

Thus, when a Christian says, “I need deliverance from the devil,” it’s because he has forgotten what “manner” or “type” of man he is. How could you need deliverance from Satan when you're superior to him?

The Bible says you’re seated together with Christ in the heavenly realms, far above all principality and power. You occupy the place of the highest authority in Christ Jesus, far above Satan and everything that’s connected to him.

Get to know the quality of your personality. It’s the reason we bring the Word of God to you everyday on different platforms, to enlighten you on who you are in Christ.

Prayer...
Dear Father, I thank you for making me the first and the best of everything you created. I’m the perfection of beauty, fashioned for excellence. My life is the manifestation of your glorious and majestic splendour; I display your perfections and unveil your multifaceted wisdom to the world, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study:
Romans 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. ; 

Ephesians 2:10 AMP
For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Hebrews 12:14-29, Ezekiel 13-15
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 John 3:1-12, Ezekiel 47

Replenish And Subdue -Monday, November 17th .

Pastor Chris

And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth (Genesis 1:28).

God made this world, and gave Adam the authority to run it. He placed all things under him, and gave him dominion, to be in charge of everything, living and non-living (Genesis 1:26). When He said to man, “Replenish the earth,” the word “replenish” brings to mind some very important thoughts. The beautiful world God created had become a chaotic mass, and He blessed man and charged him to replenish it. To replenish mean store fill, refurbish, replace, repair, or restore.

That means something had gone wrong; there was a devil out there who had ruined things, and man was given the opportunity and responsibility to fix it. That’s the beautiful life to which we’ve been called in Christ: a life of dominion, authority, blessings, and control over the world in which we live. We’re to tame this world and subdue it.

However, God didn't charge us to subdue one another, in the earth. What He wants from us concerning one another is to walk in love. 1 John 4:7-8 says, “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and everyone that love this born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.”

As you walk in dominion and authority over the world and its elements, over the vagaries of nature, He says, “Love one another.” Don’t exert undue dominion over others because each one of us is made in the image and likeness of our heavenly Father.

Prayer...
Dear heavenly Father, I thank you for the honour and privilege of the beautiful life I've been called into: a life of dominion, authority and blessings; a life of control over the world, the forces of nature and the elements of this world. I effectively reign over the circumstances of my life, to the glory and praise of your Name, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.Further Study:

Matthew 8:26-27
26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.
27 But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him! ; 

Mark 11:23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. ; 

Luke 10:19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Hebrews 13, Ezekiel 16
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 John 3:13-24, Ezekiel 48

Gombs:
Replenish And Subdue -Monday, November 17th .

Pastor Chris

And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth (Genesis 1:28).

God made this world, and gave Adam the authority to run it. He placed all things under him, and gave him dominion, to be in charge of everything, living and non-living (Genesis 1:26). When He said to man, “Replenish the earth,” the word “replenish” brings to mind some very important thoughts. The beautiful world God created had become a chaotic mass, and He blessed man and charged him to replenish it. To replenish mean store fill, refurbish, replace, repair, or restore.

That means something had gone wrong; there was a devil out there who had ruined things, and man was given the opportunity and responsibility to fix it. That’s the beautiful life to which we’ve been called in Christ: a life of dominion, authority, blessings, and control over the world in which we live. We’re to tame this world and subdue it.

However, God didn't charge us to subdue one another, in the earth. What He wants from us concerning one another is to walk in love. 1 John 4:7-8 says, “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and everyone that love this born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.”

As you walk in dominion and authority over the world and its elements, over the vagaries of nature, He says, “Love one another.” Don’t exert undue dominion over others because each one of us is made in the image and likeness of our heavenly Father.

Prayer...
Dear heavenly Father, I thank you for the honour and privilege of the beautiful life I've been called into: a life of dominion, authority and blessings; a life of control over the world, the forces of nature and the elements of this world. I effectively reign over the circumstances of my life, to the glory and praise of your Name, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.Further Study:

Matthew 8:26-27
26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.
27 But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him! ; 

Mark 11:23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. ; 

Luke 10:19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Hebrews 13, Ezekiel 16
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 John 3:13-24, Ezekiel 48

Gombs:

Gombs:

Gombs:

Gombs:

Just thought to share some of your 'love' on your favourite thread

SOME MORE

Gombs:

Gombs:

Gombs:

will copy and paste every gif you use on every sensible thread you struggle to ruin

It’s Of The Spirit…Not The Mind!-Tuesday, November 18th .

Pastor Chris

God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth (John 4:24).

1 Corinthians 2:14 says, “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” This is because Christianity is beyond the senses! The lack of understanding of this truth accounts for the frustrations many experience in their faith-walk. God contacts your spirit, not your mind. Faith emanates from your spirit and not your mind; it's the response of the human spirit to the Word of God. It has nothing to do with the senses.

Our senses weren’t designed to perceive God; we walk with Him from our spirit; we serve Him with our spirit, and understand spiritual realities through the Spirit. Our minds weren't fashioned for that; only our spirit can relate with God. And then, based on that relationship, we condition our minds from our spirit to go in the same direction, and control our senses to serve our purpose.

That means, the character that we express outwardly will always be dependent on the condition of our spirit—who we are inside.

That’s why we need the Spirit of God to guide us from within. He alone can get deep into the human nature to effect the changes that God wants in us—changes in terms of growth and development—from one level of glory to another. He alone can guide our minds to think toward God, think like God, and to think from God.

Prayer...
Dear Father, I thank you for guiding me by your Spirit, to think like you and see things from your perspective, and not merely from the natural standpoint. As I walk in the light of your Word, I experience supernatural growth from glory to glory, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study:
Romans 12:2
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. ; 

Ephesians 4:23-24
23And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: James 1, Ezekiel 17-19
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 John 4:1-14, Daniel 1-2

Gombs:


Good questions

I measure impact from the number of emails I get, plus, the nu ber of views per day. I resurrected the ROR thread and had 6 views per day, today, I get an average of 150views per day plus countless testimonies and prayers. You can view the thread for more details.

That thread has suffered alot of attack, especially in the heat of the divorce brouhaha, now, a deranged NL, has taken my cool gifs there, thinking I'd get angry. He like others will fsde with time, and the ror thread will keep moving. My gifs made alotta folks mad bro!

Now, that's Impact. The thread has suffered persecution, but stood. Why, God no dey sleep. Same with this thread. Now compare this thread with that of WoF created by a select few.

Gotta run bro, IPPC next session is 7:55am- I am not a pastor o, but Meeeehn, seeing Rev Tom and Evangelist Owase in close proximity is very thrilling. Catch you boys later.

PS: I know who's invading the ror thread, he infact is helping the thread stay up...meaning, more views, more readership, more impact. I am not moved, he'd fade with time. Makes me remember what Paul wrote
[NLT] Philippians 1:17 Those others do not have pure motives as they preach about Christ. They preach with selfish ambition, not sincerely, intending to make my chains more painful to me.
[NLT] Philippians 1:18 But that doesn’t matter. Whether their motives are false or genuine, the message about Christ is being preached either way, so I rejoice. And I will continue to rejoice.

Now we are making progress. you've finally seen yourself and friends for what you are when you were running riot with the gifs: deranged NLders

If you find the gifs cool, why not add it as spice to your daily uploads here? well i'm helping you out. I promise not to do more than what you people do. that is, i will not dump on here (and similar threads) anything other than what you pollute sensible threads (including the good ones you open like the Midas touch thread) with.

I find it repulsive ruining good discussions with these dog's vomit and i hope you find them repulsive here too. In any case, what you do (wrt gifs) on good threads, gifsCEC will replicate here and on similar threads. You won't find me post anything if you continue your abstinence from 'em gifs. gifsCEC was solely created for this purpose and nothing more. nice you know me because i also know myself. gifsCEC will surely fade with time as long as your obsession with those tools of distraction also fade with time.

long may you enjoy updating your devotionals.

gifsCEC:


Now we are making progress. you've finally seen yourself and friends for what you are when you were running riot with the gifs: deranged NLders

If you find the gifs cool, why not add it as spice to your daily uploads here? well i'm helping you out. I promise not to do more than what you people do. that is, i will not dump on here (and similar threads) anything other than what you pollute sensible threads (including the good ones you open like the Midas touch thread) with.

I find it repulsive ruining good discussions with these dog's vomit and i hope you find them repulsive here too. In any case, what you do (wrt gifs) on good threads, gifsCEC will replicate here and on similar threads. You won't find me post anything if you continue your abstinence from 'em gifs[b]. gifsCEC was solely created for this purpose and nothing more. nice you know me because i also know myself. gifsCEC will surely fade with time as long as your obsession with those tools of distraction also fade with time.[/b]

long may you enjoy updating your devotionals.

See negotiations na! Be my guest buddy!

Cast Out Devils!-Wednesday, November 19th .

Pastor Chris

And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him (Mark 1:25-26).

Mark 16:17 says, “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils….” Every Christian has the ability to cast out devils! It’s not a question of how “strong” or “spiritual” you are; what’s important is that Jesus has given you His authority; you walk in His Name.

Satan has no right to run things in your life, or in your home or in the lives of your loved ones. Exercise your authority in Christ against him.You can cast out devils any day, anytime and anywhere, simply by using the Name of Jesus. Don’t negotiate with him; cast him out!

You might want to ask, “How do I know the devil is out when I cast him out?” That’s simple. Jesus said when you ask the devils to go, they’d go. His Word settles it. Your role is to cast the devil out, and the devil’s responsibility is to oblige.

However, there’re occasions when the devils literally manifest and cry out loud as they leave the one from whom they're being cast out. An example is what we read in our opening verses. We also see an instance of this in Acts 8:6-7 as Philip preached Christ to the people: “…unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them….”

Thus, in casting out devils, the evil spirits could shriek and shout in torment as they go; and then the literal change in the expressions of those from whom the spirits came out would immediately reveal that there’s been a difference.

Besides, it makes no difference whether the devils shriek or shout when you cast them out; what’s important is what Jesus said, “…In my name shall they cast out devils…” (Mark 16:17). That's absolute reality, and should form the basis for your faith. Therefore, when you cast out devils, they have only one option—to flee.

Prayer...
Dear Father, I thank you for the authority you’ve vested in me to cast out devils in the Name of Jesus. The devil and his cohorts have no place in my home, body, job and finances. I exercise my authority in Christ to keep them where they belong—under my feet—in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study:
Luke 10:18-19
18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.
19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

Acts 16:16-18
16 And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying:
17 The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation.
18 And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: James 2-3:1-13, Ezekiel 20-21
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 John 4:14-21, Daniel 3-4

The Miracle Of His Love - Thursday, November 20th .

Pastor Chris

And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us (Romans 5:5).

Each time I think and meditate on God’s Word and contemplate the greatness of the Lord, I’m awed to realize that He actually put it in the heart of man, His own creature, to love Him. It’s an amazing miracle. I don’t know if you've ever thought about the fact that He made you.

You know, it’s easy for us to relate with Him without immediately realizing that the One we’re dealing with actually made us: everything we are, and knows everything about us. His greatness is beyond description.

It’s therefore too humbling, and boggles the mind to think that He’d put in our hearts to follow after Him and love Him. To think that He made it possible for us to know Him, and want to know more about Him, as part of His work in us, is such an amazing reality.

When you think of those who don’t know Him, think how fortunate you are that you know Him, not because you found out about Him, but because He put it in your heart to know Him. Best of all is, He’s now made you His partner in winning the lost.

He could get them to know Him without involving you, because He’s God; He’s all-powerful and can do all things. However, He chose to make us apart of His business of bringing others to salvation; what a miracle! What an honour!

Prayer...
Dear Father, how happy I am to know that you not only love me with an everlasting love, but also put it in my heart to love you, my Lord and maker. My heart is bowed in worship, for your greatness, and for the honour and privilege to know, love, and serve you. I’ll celebrate and sing of your greatness and love all of my days, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study:
Psalm 8:4-6
4 What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
5 For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.
6 Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet: ; 

Ephesians 1:5 AMP
For He foreordained us (destined us, planned in love for us) to be adopted (revealed) as His own children through Jesus Christ, in accordance with the purpose of His will [ because it pleased Him and was His kind intent] ;

1 John 3:1
Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: James 3:14-4:1-12, Ezekiel 22-23
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 John 5:1-21, Daniel 5-6

Joy Has Expressions!- Friday, November 21st .

Pastor Chris

For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. And there was great joy in that city (Acts 8:7-.

Our opening text is an account of events in Samaria when Philip, the evangelist, preached Christ in the city. The power of God’s Word prevailed mightily, such that many were healed and set free from demons. The result was that the city erupted in joy. The Bible specifically records that there was great joy in that city.

How do you know that someone is joyful? Through their expressions! Joy has expressions. Laughter is an expression of joy. Praising God—being exultant and exuberant with praise to Him—is an expression of joy. Singing songs of praise in thanksgiving is an expression of joy. The Bible says, “Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms” (James 5:13).Express your joy in the Lord.

Joy is one of the fruits of the recreated human spirit (Galatians 5:22); therefore, your joy as a child of God should be independent of circumstances. It shouldn’t be based on what's happening to you or around you; it shouldn't have anything to do with what others say or do to you. You can be joyful in the midst of trouble.

Paul and Silas were cast into prison, persecuted for preaching the Gospel. Nevertheless, “At midnight,” (it doesn't get darker than it gets at midnight), they prayed and sang praises to God, and the other prisoners heard them (Acts 16:25).

They expressed their joy, and the result was a supernatural jail break. God shook up the prison, broke their bands and flung the gates open. They remained joyful in adversity, and gave expression to their joy.

You must learn to give expression to your joy. Always be cheerful and exuberant with praise, knowing that it takes a joyful and happy person to make others joyful and happy. If you're not joyful, you can’t effectively preach the Gospel and win others to Christ.


Prayer...
I thank you Father for making my life a bundle of joy and happiness. Your joy in my heart is my strength, and with joy, I draw out prosperity, peace,success, health and other blessings from deep within me today, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study:

Job 5:22
At destruction and famine thou shalt laugh: neither shalt thou be afraid of the beasts of the earth. ; 

2 Chronicles 20:22
And when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten. ; 

Isaiah 12:2
Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: James 4:13-5:1-20, Ezekiel 24-26
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: 2 John, Daniel 7-8

Two Kinds Of Destiny -Saturday, November 22nd .

Pastor Chris

Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified (Romans 8:30).There’re two destinies for every man.

There’s the natural destiny and there’s the divine destiny. Natural destiny is controlled by such factors as the family in which you were born, your country of birth, the people you’re associated with, the information you’ve received or education, etc. All of these have an impact on your natural destiny.

For example, there’re some who are rich, not by virtue of any achievement of their own, but because of the family to which they were born. That’s their natural destiny.

Natural destiny, however, does not exclude the divine mighty hand of God; He has the generic involvement in the world. The world belongs to Him. But some in the world are His creatures, while some others are His children. He has a good will for all His creatures—everyone in the world—but more specifically, He has a divine destiny for His children—everyone who’s born again.

The divine destiny for any man only begins when he’s born again. That’s when God becomes your Father and starts leading you. That’s when He sends His Holy Spirit to live in you and to guide you. The Holy Spirit then takes residence in the quarters of your heart.

You’re thus different from the world. Like Jesus said in John 15:19, “…I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.” Everyone that’s born again is not of this world. You’ve been chosen out of this world by Jesus. He’s got His mark on you.

How can you tell whether a man is fulfilling natural destiny or fulfilling divine destiny? It's simple: who gets the glory in his life? In the things he does, who gets to be honoured? Who receives the praise? Whose power is behind what he does? For whom does he live? If all the answers turn out to be the Lord, then that's divine destiny, according to the Bible.

Confession...
My life is for the glory of God! I was born to give Him honour, and show forth His virtues and perfection in this world. Your wisdom, grace, and righteousness are revealed, as you make manifest the savour of your knowledge through me in every place; this is my destiny: living for the One who loved me and gave Himself for me!

Further Study:

2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Jeremiah 1:5
Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. ; 

Ephesians 1:11
In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Peter 1:1-21, Ezekiel 27-28
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: 3 John, Daniel 9-10

It Pays To Be Loyal - Sunday, November 23rd .

Pastor Chris

Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him (Job 13:15).

The above statement of trust and loyalty represents Job's affirmation of faith in God, in the face of daunting challenges. He was terribly afflicted; his condition got so severe and hopeless that his wife, in sneering aversion to his troubles, said to him, “...Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die” (Job 2:9).

But Job, the Bible says, maintained his trust and integrity in the Lord, and wouldn't sin against God. His condition didn’t provoke him to make the wrong confessions (Job 2:10); how admirable.

Then in Job 13:15, despite his limited understanding and knowledge of God, he made a rather thought-provoking statement, saying, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.” Job’s attitude teaches that no matter how critical or uncomfortable your condition might be, remain trusting and loyal to the Word. For the tenacity of his trust and loyalty to God, the Bible says God “...blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning...” (Job 42:12).

Consider also the loyalty of Peter and the other disciples who chose to remain with Jesus after some of His disciples took offence at His teachings and stopped following Him. These rebellious disciples felt uncomfortable with some of the things they heard the Master say and reacted, “...This is an hard saying; who can hear it...” (John 6:60)? They thus walked away from Him.

Jesus then turned to Peter and the other disciples and asked, “Will you also go away?” Peter answered, “No Lord. We're with you for life, because we believe your message; we believe you're the Christ.”

He and the other disciples remained with Jesus. Guess what? Before the Lord ascended, He said to them, “...I appoint to you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed to me; That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Luke 22:29-30).

It pays to be loyal. When things seem difficult and challenging, don’t join those who look for other options or the easy way out. Remain loyal and trust the Lord to turn things around in due time.

Prayer...
Dear Father, I thank you for giving me a heart that’s loyal, faithful and steadfast in your service and to your Word. Irrespective of daunting challenges and difficulties, I remain unperturbed, conscious that you perfect all that concerns me, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study:
Colossians 3:23
And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

Numbers 12:7 My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Peter 1:22-2:1-25, Ezekiel 29-30
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Jude 1:1-11, Daniel 11-12

The Three Cardinal Gifts Of God -Monday, November 24th .

Pastor Chris

According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue (2 Peter 1:3).

There’re three cardinal gifts of God in Christ Jesus, given to us through the Gospel. These are the gift of eternal life, the gift of righteousness, and the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 6:23 tells us that, “…the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Eternal life is the God-life given to you when you are born again. This life isn’t the same as the human life; it’s the very life of God. You can’t work hard enough to attain eternal life; you can’t get it by paying any price for it; it's a gift from God. Without eternal life, you won't have the same nature with God; there'll be no fellowship, and therefore no relationship.

Righteousness is also a gift. Romans 5:17 says, “…they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.” Righteousness is the nature of God that describes His rightness: It’s His nature and ability to always be right. He is never wrong; and when He imparts that nature and ability to your spirit, you can walk in consistency with His will and please Him with your life, and you can stand in His presence without a sense of condemnation, inferiority or guilt.The Holy Spirit is also God’s gift to us. The Apostle Peter said in Acts 2:38, “…Repent, and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” The Holy Spirit is God at work in us. As a Christian, you need the Holy Spirit to live victoriously in Christ. That’s why the Lord Jesus said, “...I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter…” (John 14:16).

The Holy Spirit came to help you live the Christian life because no ordinary person can live the Christian life. The Holy Spirit gives you the understanding of God’s Word, awakens you to the fatherhood of God, and reveals the will of the Father to you and through you. The Holy Spirit gives you supernatural abilities to glorify God, and boldness to make Jesus Christ known to your world.

These three gifts are very important to us as Christians, because they represent the fulfilment of God’s will and purpose in Christ Jesus. Study the Word and learn more about them.

Confession...
I thank you Lord for blessing me with the gifts of eternal life, righteousness, and the Holy Spirit. I’m conscious of these gifts at work in me; I know I can do all things, through Christ that strengthens me. Halleluiah!

Further Study:
2 Corinthians 1:21-22
21 Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God;
22 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.

Romans 5:17
For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)

1 John 5:11-12
11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Peter 3, Ezekiel 31-32
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Jude 1:12-25, Hosea 1-2

The Condition Is To Be In Christ - Tuesday, November 25th .

Pastor Chris

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new (2 Corinthians 5:17).

The above scripture is God’s announcement and unveiling of the new man through the Apostle Paul. Let's analyse the verse carefully. First, it says “if any man be in Christ…,” which means “anybody,” irrespective of who he is, once in Christ, is a new creation. The environment of the new man is Christ. Notice it doesn’t say, “He will be a new creation,” or “He shall be a new creation”; rather, it says, “…he is a new creation….” This isn’t a promise; it's a statement of fact.

The word “is” is a “now” verb, showing a present-hour occurrence or reality. If you’re in Christ, you're a new creation NOW. You’re not a reworked, renewed, or refurbished creation; you were born anew, without a past! You’ve been baptized into the body of Christ, by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:13). It makes no difference whether or not you feel so. This is God’s picture of you; this is His declaration about you: you’re a new creation in Christ.

Your human spirit, through faith in Christ Jesus, has been recreated, and you're now the righteousness of God in Him.

As a result, you can now stand boldly in God’s presence without guilt, inferiority or condemnation, because you have the same life and nature with Him; you’re born of His Spirit (John 3:6). 1 John 4:17 says, “…as he is, so are we in this world”; you’re not going to be like Him, you're already like Him, and you’re in Him, and He’s in you. Together, you’re one divine creation. Blessed be God!

Confession. ..
I’m a new creation; old things are passed away, and all things are new in me! I’m an heir of God, and joint-heir with Christ. I’ve been freely and gratuitously justified to have right standing with God, by His grace, which was bestowed on me in Christ Jesus. Glory to God forever more!

Further Study:
Romans 6:4
Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. ; 

Galatians 3:27-29
27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
29 And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.;

Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Peter 4, Ezekiel 33-34
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Revelation 1:1-20, Hosea 3-4

The Holy Spirit—Our Indispensable Helper! - Wednesday, November 26th .

Pastor Chris

And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever (John 14:16).

The Holy Spirit is an extraordinary gift to us God’s children (Acts 2:38). He, in the parlance of computer science, is like the “downloader.” It takes the Holy Spirit to “download” heavenly files, and bring heavenly materiality into the human system.

He alone, for example, can help you accept the virgin birth of Jesus Christ, His sacrificial death,triumphant resurrection, and His glorious ascension into heaven. Only the Holy Spirit can convince you that the blood of Jesus Christ was adequate for the salvation of humanity. So when you find that you can understand and accept these spiritual realities, it means the Holy Spirit has unveiled them to you; He’s working in your life.

When Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do men say I am?” only Peter spoke rightly, and said, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). The Master’s response to Peter was, “…Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 16:17). Peter wasn’t guessing; he certainly didn’t know this in his head; the knowledge of who Jesus is was imparted tohim by the Holy Spirit. There’re no human parameters that can help you comprehend spiritual realities.

Even in preaching and ministering salvation to others, you must understand that the Gospel that we’ve been given and charged to take to the nations of the world, is a Gospel that can’t be humanly explained and accepted. Consequently, we need the Holy Spirit to minister through us, and to help bring the understanding of the message to those to whom we minister. His help is inevitable in everything we do.

Never find yourself doing anything or building anything by your own natural strength or human wisdom; it'll fail. Psalm 127:1 says, “Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it....” Perhaps you’re a minister of the Gospel, don’t try to build the Church by your own strength; don’t rely on your natural abilities, for that alone won’t work. Depend on the Holy Spirit. Take advantage of His glorious ministry in your life. He’s in you to help you live the triumphant Christian life and be successful in all that you do, to the glory of the Father. He’s your indispensable Helper!

Prayer...
I thank you Father for filling me with the Holy Spirit, who continually reveals Christ Jesus to me, and grants me insight into mysteries and secrets of the Kingdom. I’m mightily helped by Him today to live triumphantly, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study:
Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. ;

1 Corinthians 2:10-11 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.

John 14:16 AMP And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby), that He may remain with you forever.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Peter 5, Ezekiel 35-36
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Revelation 2:1-12, Hosea 5-6

All Creation Has Intelligence ! - Thursday, November 27th

Pastor Chris

And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, Peace, be still: and the wind ceased, and there was a great calm (Mark 4:39).

All of creation, both living and non-living, has intelligence. This is so clear in the Word of God. Jesus talked to the wind, to water, to bread, to fish, and even to a tree! In the valley of dry bones, the Lord instructed Ezekiel to prophesy to the bones. When he did, the Bible says there was a noise, and the bones came together, bone to its bone (Ezekiel 37:1-7). So, not only did the bones hear words, they had the intelligence of memory, such that even though they had been detached from each other for a long time, at the word of the prophet, every bone knew exactly which bone to connect to. No bone belonging to A, went to B. Every bone went to its original owner; that’s some intelligence!

If you study the first chapter of Genesis, you’ll understand why everything has intelligence. In the third verse, the Bible says, “And God said....” That’s the key! Throughout the chapter, we find many instances where God gave the Word and everything He said came to be, and retained intelligence. For instance, when He commanded the water to bring forth fishes from the sea, the water retained the “programming,” and produced the fishes. Thus, both the water and the fishes that came out of it were connected to the programming of God’s Word.

By talking to those elements, God communicated and programmed energy into them, and they retained it. Now you can understand why we must speak by the anointing of the Spirit, because the Holy Spirit helps to programme the right meaning into our words. Speak to your body, your car, your business, and everything connected to you—for they all have intelligence. Speak what you want to see, and what you want them to bring forth, and it shall be so. Remember, your mouth was given to you to chart your way in life, to programme your life from victory to victory and from glory to glory.

Confession...
I declare that health, peace, joy, prosperity, victory and the glorious life are my present-hour possessions in Christ Jesus. Everything about my life is perfected in Christ! I walk in dominion and success today. Halleluiah!

Further Study:
Proverbs 18:21
Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

Mark 11:23
For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.

Daily Scripture Reading

1 Year Bible Reading Plan: 2 Peter 1 Ezekiel 37-38
2 Year Bible Reading Plan: Revelation 2:13-29 Hosea 7-8

"All You Have Is All You Need” - Friday, November 28th .

Pastor Chris

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you (Hebrews 13:5 NIV).

What our opening scripture is saying is that your lifestyle should be one that’s void of covetousness; don't lust after what belongs to others. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t dream or desire to attain greater levels of success; rather, it emphasizes being content with what you have, because what you have is enough to get whatever else you might need. All you have is all you need!

When God asked Moses, “What is that in thine hand?” Moses replied, “…A rod” (Exodus 4:2). He could have tossed that rod from his left hand to the right and say, “Nothing!” but he was smarter than that! He knew he had something in his hand that God could use; so he answered correctly. That rod was all Moses needed to accomplish God’s purposes at the time. With the rod, he performed miracles and brought the children of Israel out of Egypt.

In the New Testament, Jesus asked His disciples a similar question. He taught a large crowd, about five thousand men (women and the children not counted). Some of the disciples then requested that He should send the multitude away so they could buy food for themselves, having been with Him in the desert for long. However, the Master declined and rather asked the disciples, “What do you have?”

“There's a little boy who has five loaves of bread and two fishes,” they answered. The Master knew that all they had was all that was needed. He then took the little boy’s lunch, blessed it, and gave them back to His disciples to share to the people. Jesus didn’t put them down to multiply for everybody to see; no! He gave the same five loaves of bread and two fishes back to the disciples.

Trusting and having faith that something had happened, the disciples, with boldness, started distributing the bread and fish to the multitude. The more they distributed, the more they had to distribute. When they were through, not only had everyone been fed, they had twelve extra baskets full of miracle bread and fish (Luke 9:11-17).

In your life, never think, “If I only had this or that, my life would be wonderful.” No. What you have is all you need, and you have Christ. Christ is everything. He’s all you need to produce whatever else you think you might require.

Prayer...
Dear Father, I thank you, for every good and perfect gift is from you; and by your Holy Spirit, my spiritual eyes are continually opened to recognize those resources, gifts and talents you've placed at my disposal, so I could be a solution provider, both in my life and in the life of God’s people, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study:
Exodus 4:2-3
2 And the Lord said unto him, What is that in thine hand? And he said, A rod.
3 And he said, Cast it on the ground. And he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from before it.;

2 Kings 4:2-7
2 And Elisha said unto her, What shall I do for thee? tell me, what hast thou in the house? And she said, Thine handmaid hath not any thing in the house, save a pot of oil.
3 Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, even empty vessels; borrow not a few.
4 And when thou art come in, thou shalt shut the door upon thee and upon thy sons, and shalt pour out into all those vessels, and thou shalt set aside that which is full.
5 So she went from him, and shut the door upon her and upon her sons, who brought the vessels to her; and she poured out.
6 And it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said unto her son, Bring me yet a vessel. And he said unto her, There is not a vessel more. And the oil stayed.
7 Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, Go, sell the oil, and pay thy debt, and live thou and thy children of the rest.;

Matthew 14:15-21
15 And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals.
16 But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat.
17 And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes.
18 He said, Bring them hither to me.
19 And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.
20 And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full.
21 And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: 2 Peter 2, Ezekiel 39-40
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Revelation 3:1-10, Hosea 9-10

Born Victorious . - Saturday, November 29th .

Pastor Chris

For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith (1 John 5:4).

There’s a higher life in Christ—a spiritual life to which we've been called, as Christians. We’re not ordinary. We were made to look like God, and to function like Him. We’ve been built with possibilities within our system. We‘re not in this world as victims; we were born victorious.

In Genesis, when God made man, the Bible says He gave him dominion over all things (Genesis 1:28). He gave us a life that’s superior, not only to the circumstances of life and the forces of nature, but also to spiritual beings of evil—Satan and his cohorts. Why then do some Christians still live as ordinary men,instead of living victoriously everyday? The reason is their ignorance of the Word: “They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness….I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High” (Psalm 82:5-6).

Thanks be unto God. Jesus said, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). The truth is, now that you're born again, now that you're in Christ, you're a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). Whereas you were defeated and lived as a victim before you came to Christ, all that is history now. Today, with Christ alive in you, nothing can put you down; you’re a victor for life!

It doesn’t matter what your experience in life has been; it doesn’t matter how long you might have suffered or been in darkness; light has come to you now. Truth has been unveiled: the truth about what God has done for you, in you, and with you in Christ Jesus. Get to know who you are in Him.

Study, meditate on, and keep proclaiming, the Word, because the Word of God unveils our victorious life in Christ. You were born a victor. You were born to have dominion. You were born to live the superior life, and live triumphantly everyday.

Confession...
Dear Father, I thank you for giving me a life that’s superior to Satan, the circumstances of life, the economic conditions of this world and other problems that ruin people’s lives. I was born to have dominion, and to live a superior life, because the greater One lives in me. I’m a victor in Christ Jesus, now and always. Halleluiah!

Further Study:
1 John 4:4
Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. ;

Luke 10:19
Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: 2 Peter 3, Ezekiel 41-42
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Revelation 3:11-22, Hosea 11-12

Follow His Examples - Sunday, November 30th .

Pastor Chris

For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps (1 Peter 2:21).

Jesus came to demonstrate to us the supernatural life that God has called us to live. When He walked this earth, His life and ministry were an absolute demonstration of the righteousness of God, and dominion of the Spirit. He had a different mind-set—one of absolute mastery. He wasn’t subject to the depravities and corrupting influences of this world. He ruled over nature and lived above it; His triumphant life on earth was an example for us to follow.

Since we have the same life and nature with Him, we also can live triumphantly everyday, with dominion over circumstances. The Bible says as He is, so are we in this world (1 John 4:17). Jesus walked on water, opened blind eyes, unstopped deaf ears, made the lame to walk, restored speech to the dumb, raised the dead, and literally transcended natural laws.

When the winds billowed against the ship as He sailed with His disciples, with audacity, He commanded the winds and the waves to be calm. His disciples, who were present, were awe struck and exclaimed, “…What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him” (Matthew 8:27)!

This is the Jesus that we follow, and whose life and nature we have. Every step He took and every word He spoke were outflows of the supernatural! We're exactly like Him and ought to live the supernatural life twenty-four hours a day. Divinity is at work in you. Blessed be God!

Confession...
I refuse to condescend to this earthly plane of life because as Jesus is, so am I in this world. He’s the effulgence of God’s glory; therefore, my life is full of His glory, power and might. I live triumphantly, irrespective of the circumstances of this world. Halleluiah!

Further Study:
Ephesians 5:1 AMP
Therefore be imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father].

1 John 4:17
Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 John 1-2:1-14, Ezekiel 43-44
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Revelation 4:1-11, Hosea 13-14

Take Up His Concerns - Monday, December 1st.

Pastor Chris

Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you (John 20:21) .

Each one of us has a divine responsibility in Christ, to take the Gospel to the ends of the earth. We’re the ones expected to win the world for Jesus Christ, and we have to do everything necessary to make that happen. Jesus said in Matthew 28:19-20, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

His concerns must be our concerns. What He cares about is what we should care about; otherwise, our lives will be empty. Life is nothing without God’s purpose. Think about it: your forebears were here, but they’re gone; then the next ones came and now they’re gone also, and the list is endless, until it finally got to you. So, the question is, “What are you doing here?” Jesus said, “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Mark 8:36-37).

Your purpose for life is very important; God’s purpose for your life is primarily for you to be His agent of salvation and partner in winning others to Christ. Be definite about this. Livenfor this cause. Most people live their lives without ever discovering why they were born; they just walk through life and all they think about is themselves. There isn’t a worse life than that of a selfish man who only thinks of himself.

Your prayers shouldn’t be only about you, your family, your job, your needs, and everything else that has to do with you. Take up the Lord’s concerns and intercede for lost souls. The Bible says He wishes not that any person should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). This can only be if you take up your role as a soul-winner and an intercessor.

Prayer...
Dear Father, I thank you for giving me a purpose in life. My heart burns with passion for the Gospel. I’m dedicated to a life that’s meaningful, a life directed to impact others with the power of your Word, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study:
1 Corinthians 9:16
For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!

Romans 1:16
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

Daily Scripture Reading

1 Year Bible Reading Plan:1 John 2:15, 1 John 3:1-10 Ezekiel 45-46
2 Year Bible Reading Plan: Revelation 5:1-14 Joel 1

Stand Up For The Gospel - Tuesday, December 2nd .

Pastor Chris

...He died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again (2 Corinthians 5:15).

There’s no better time to reflect on the vicarious sacrifice of Christ, than Christmas time. In the midst of all the celebrations and joyful preparations, take some time to think of the purpose of His birth, life, death, and resurrection. He’s given us such an extraordinary life of glory and righteousness, not just so we could enjoy it and keep it to ourselves, but so we could bring others into this life, even when it isn't convenient to do so. You have to stick out your neck for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Apostle Paul was persecuted more than the other apostles, because of His convictions about the Gospel. When he went to Jerusalem to visit, the other apostles called him aside and told him how so many Jews had become believers, and how devoted they all were to the Law. Paul must have wondered why they should be full of zeal for the Law when Christ already abolished the Law through His death, burial, and resurrection (Ephesians 2:15). The other apostle didn't want to “provoke the Jews,” as it were, so they told Paul to act in accordance with the Law.

Somebody recognized Paul, screamed and said, “...Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all men everywhere against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place” (Acts 21:28). The crowd seized Paul and would have killed him because of his message, but for the intervention of the soldiers (read the entire reference in Acts 21:18-32).

Be bold to preach Christ, even when you're persecuted for so doing. As we strategize and try to convert people into the Kingdom, we must not lose our confidence in Christ.

Prayer...
Dear Father, I thank you for the special privilege granted me to be a custodian of the Gospel of Christ, and declare it boldly in every place, at all times, in spite of oppositions, thereby liberating those in satanic bondage into the glorious liberty of the sons of God, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study:
1 Timothy 1:11
According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust. ;

Mark 16:15
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 John 3:11-24, Ezekiel 47-48
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Revelation 6:1-10, Joel 2

Be Strong In The Grace That’s In Christ Jesus - Wednesday, December 3rd .

Pastor Chris

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might (Ephesians 6:10).

Being strong in the Lord doesn’t mean being strong in your physical might or muscles; no! It means to be strong in the grace that’s in Christ Jesus; to take advantage of His grace. The Apostle Paul said to Timothy, “Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 2:1). Not everybody is strong in the grace that's in Christ Jesus, but God's Word says to take advantage of His grace. So it's something you have to do for yourself. Understand what that grace has brought to you and take advantage of it.

For example, the grace of Jesus Christ has brought us divine health in the Gospel; take advantage of that grace and stay in divine health. Refuse to be sick. His grace brought us prosperity as well; therefore, refuse to be poor: “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9). His grace has ushered us into a life of righteousness: “...They which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:17). Grace reigns by righteousness. Therefore, take advantage of His grace and keep reigning in life.

Understand what it means to be endowed with God’s grace; it means God has given Himself to you, thereby giving you all that He has. By grace, you received His life and nature of righteousness, with dominion to rule over the devil, sickness, disease, the world, and its systems. Blessed be God!

Refuse to be swayed by the adversities of life; take advantage of the grace of God in Christ Jesus. Live the Word; that's what it's all about. Study the Word to know more about your heritage in Christ. You can’t take advantage of His grace until you know what His grace has done for you, given to you, and made you. No wonder He says in 2 Peter 3:18, “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ....”

Prayer...
Dear heavenly Father, I’ve received an overflowing of your grace. That grace working in me is the power of promotion, unending success, and an extraordinary life of excellence, victory, and dominion. I take advantage of it now and always. I refuse anything and everything that's inconsistent with your perfect will for my life, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study:
John 1:17
For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. ;

Hebrews 4:16
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 John 4, Daniel 1-2
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Revelation 6:11-17, Joel 3

A master of Words - Thursday, December 4th .

Pastor Chris

It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life (John 6:63).

Genesis 1 tells us how in the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth. He did it with words! When Jesus ministered, He ministered with words; He changed things with words. Every word He spoke came to pass. When He spoke to blind eyes, they opened; when He commanded deaf ears, they were unstopped. Once, He said to a man with a withered arm, “Stretch forth thine hand”; the man did, and his withered arm was perfectly restored (Matthew 12:13). Even when He raised the dead, He did it with words; He was a master of words. He knew what to do with words.

His extraordinary use of words captivated even the soldiers that were sent to arrest Him. When they got to Him, they probably forgot their mission and stood listening to Him instead, overwhelmed by the power, and excellence of His words. They just couldn’t arrest Him. When the chief priests and Pharisees asked them, “Why have you come without him?” The officers said, “…Have you heard the way he talks? We've never heard anyone speak like this man” (John 7:46 MSG).

When the people listened to Jesus, they didn't want to leave His presence. Mark 12:37 says “…And the common people heard him gladly.” They came by their tens of thousands; the multitude thronged Him. The Word reports how, they were with Him in the desert and wouldn’t go home for three days, forgetting also that they hadn’t eaten, as they listened to the Master speak words of life.

When He cast out devils in the synagogue, the Bible says the people present were “…all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out” (Luke 4:36). The Pharisees talked about the demons, but Jesus talked to the demons with authority. Halleluiah! He inspires me; I’m turned on by His love, and by His example. He was a master of Words.

Prayer...
Dear Father, I thank you for giving me your Word to live by, I utter words of faith continually, knowing that my words are filled with power to produce results for your glory, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study:
Mark 11:23
For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. ;

James 3:13
Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 John 5, Daniel 3-4
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Revelation 7:1-10, Amos 1-2

Beneficiaries Of His Supernatural Favour - Friday, December 5th .

Pastor Chris

Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Zion: for the time to favour her, yea, the set time, is come (Psalm 102:13).

Noah presents us with a good example of a man who walked in favour with God. Genesis 6:8 tells us that, “...Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD”; thus, when God decided to destroy the earth by flood, He instructed Noah to build an ark to protect him from the deluge. As it rained, it didn't matter the extent of the flood, and the destruction it left in its wake for the people of the world; the same waters bore Noah’s ark up. He didn’t have to bother about the flood, because he was in favour with God.

Romans 5:17 lets us know that God has granted us abundance of grace; meaning we’re in favour with Him. Accordingly, you’re expected to live and walk with the consciousness of one who’s favoured of the Lord. No matter what happens in the world, refuse to fret; you're not of the world. Maintain this consciousness or otherwise you’ll be walking against the Word of God without realizing it, thereby exposing yourself to unnecessary challenges, difficulties and frustrations, because you're not living in the consciousness of God's favour.

Walking in favour doesn’t mean that the flood will not come. Remember, He warned Noah ahead of the flood, and instructed him to build an ark and stay in the ark. It would have been foolish for Noah to pray against the water, instead of acting on the Word to build and stay in the ark. Live in the ark of God—His Word—and you'll never be disadvantaged in life, because you've found favour with the Lord.

There’re some who think that if everything is all right, then they’ll find favour with God; no. It’s the favour of God on your life that makes everything all right, and not the other way round. God wants you to have the consciousness; the awareness that nothing is designed to work against you! No matter what happens, you can always win, because you're the object of God's overwhelming love and supernatural grace.

Confession. ..
The favour of God is functioning in and through me. I've received abundance of grace; therefore, I walk in righteousness and dominion! I’m the object of God's supernatural grace and unfailing love. Blessed be God!

Further Study:
John 1:16
And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. ;

2 Timothy 2:1
Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: 2 John, Daniel 5-6
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Revelation 7:11-17, Amos 3-4

Connect With The Word - Saturday, December 6th .

Pastor Chris

Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me (Hebrews 13:5-6).

In Mark 7:13, the Lord Jesus reprimanded the Jews for “Making the word of God of none effect through their tradition.” Can you imagine making the Word of God, which created the universe, of none effect? Sadly, that's the way it is in the lives of many. The Word doesn’t work in their lives because they don’t connect with it. They hold on to their traditions against the Word.

Each time you study, or hear the Word preached and taught, connect with it, with the right attitude. Respond to the Word. This doesn’t mean to just memorize and recite the Word; no! God didn't give us His Word just so you can quote it. He gave us His Word to use and to live by. There has to be a response from you; if there’s no response, the Word returns without actions and it's unprofitable to you.

How do you respond to the Word? The answer is in our opening scripture: you boldly say what God has said! He gave you His Word so that you may boldly respond to it, and your response must be consistent with what He said. For example, He has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you”; that means you'll never lack anything, be afraid of anything or anybody, because the Lord is with you. Therefore, no matter what happens, you’ll always win.

Now, you connect with that Word by responding accordingly; you say, “The Lord is my helper, and I shall not fear what man shall do unto me.” When you speak God’s Word in agreement with Him, you're responding correctly. This is how you connect with the Word, and make it effective in your life.

Prayer. ..
Precious Father, I thank you for showing me the way to a fruitful and glorious life. As I respond to your Word in agreement, my life is lifted above the crippling principles of this world, and I'm catapulted from victory to victory, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study:
James 1:22-25
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. 23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: 24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. 25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

Romans 10:10
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.;

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: 3 John, Daniel 7-8
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Revelation 8:1-13, Amos 5-6

Keep Expressing Righteousness - Sunday, December 7th .

Pastor Chris

But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption (1 Corinthians 1:30).

Righteousness is the nature of God in you, producing in you the rightness of God: the ability to do right and fulfil the will of the father. God is always right; it’s His nature to be right. This nature of righteousness is at work in us. So in our Kingdom, we do righteousness; we walk in righteousness and do works of righteousness; we manifest the goodness of God to the world.

It was for the same reason that the Pharisees and Sadducees had a problem with the good works that Jesus did; they misunderstood Him. If in your place of work, for example, you did something you thought was good and required commendation, but instead you found yourself being persecuted for your good works, don't feel bad about it.

Just because you're good and doing the right thing doesn't mean everybody is going to be cheering you on. There might be those that'll resist you, and try to make you swerve from your path; they might even call you evil, in spite of your good works; maintain your composure. Refuse to change. Stay the course with the Word of God in your heart and in your mouth.

Remember, you're the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus; therefore, it's your calling to express His righteousness. See yourself that way, regardless of the pressures and challenges that may tend to provoke you to compromise. See yourself just as the Word says: “...greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4); this means that you're greater than your adversaries, detractors and persecutors. You’re a victor forever.

Stay in the Word, and keep manifesting His righteousness, no matter the criticism, and you'll always win. Halleluiah!

Prayer..
Dear Father, I thank you for making me a victor for life, and granting me the grace to reign in life and live for your glory. Righteousness and goodness are the hallmarks of my life; therefore, I do righteousness and walk in your perfect will today, and always, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study:
Isaiah 54:17
No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord. ;

2 Corinthians 5:21
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Jude, Daniel 9-10
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Revelation 9:1-10, Amos 7

He Gives Supernatural Ability

Monday, December 8th - Pastor Chris

Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God (2 Corinthians 3:5).

The Spirit of God can bestow on you
supernatural ability, and then suddenly, you’ll discover there’re certain things you’re able to do; you’ll supernaturally exhibit talents, skills, or proficiencies in areas you never knew you could.

We’ve received such testimonies about certain people who were never formally schooled, but somehow, by the supernatural ability of the Spirit, they picked up the Bible and could read
and understand it. Some others found themselves functioning with
extraordinary wisdom of the Spirit in ability, understanding, intelligence, knowledge, and in all kinds of craftsmanship, to devise skilful and artistic works. Someone may ask, “How's that possible?” It's by the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

You know, so much happens when we minister the Word of God; so much is transferred and imparted through the power of God’s Spirit. In Christ, we do have the ability to cause something supernatural to happen for others. In Luke 5, Peter had toiled in vain, trying to catch some fish. But Jesus told him, “...Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught” (Luke 5:4). Simon, who was a professional fisherman, answering him, said, “...Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net” (Luke 5:5). He and his colleagues caught such a great multitude of fishes, so much so that their net began to tear (Luke 5:6).

Even now, the Spirit of God is ministering special abilities into your life; you can receive now! The Bible says, “He giveth more grace…” (James 4:6). There’re certain things you'd find that from today, you're able to do, which hitherto, you weren't able to do; the
ability has been granted to you supernaturally, by the Spirit of God. That ability will cause you to prosper in your job, business, academics— in all areas of your life, in the Name of Jesus!

Prayer...
Dear Father, I thank you for granting me supernatural abilities, so I can be more effective in the ministry of reconciliation. I rejoice to have the Holy Spirit living in me, granting me increased grace and wisdom to
show forth your righteousness, and unveil your glory to the world, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.


Further Study:
Colossians 1:29
Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

Isaiah 40:29
He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.

Daily Scripture Reading

1 Year Bible Reading Plan: Revelation 1:1-20 Daniel 11-12
2 Year Bible Reading Plan: Revelation 9:11-21 Amos 8-9


Gombs said antispambot has him held, and them mods refused fixing it since 6pm yesterday

^^
Thanks Sis!

No Limitation For Words - Tuesday, December 9th .

Pastor Chris

By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth (Psalm 33:6).

The human body is a limitation of divinity. Let me explain this to you. When Jesus was tabernacled in human flesh, there were things He couldn’t do, because He was in the human body, even though He’s Himself God. For example, He couldn't continue every day, every hour, without getting tired; He had to sleep. Once, He was in the boat, and fell asleep, because He was tired.

How Jesus wanted to be free from that body, through the Holy Ghost! That's what He got for us, letting the Spirit loose in us. He couldn't even minister beyond Israel, as much as He loved the whole world; He was limited because He was a Jew. Even the Samaritan woman wouldn’t want to listen to Him. She said, “How can you ask me for water! You’re a Jew and I'm a Samaritan; we have no dealings with each other...” (Read John 4:9). Think about the Romans; they would have treated Him in like manner.

The limitation of the human body is the limitation of divinity in you. Jesus was the Word; yet, when He was sleeping, the “Word” wasn’t sleeping. The only reason He had to sleep was that the body was tired; the body needed rest. So what does that mean? It means that the essence of the human spirit—the human personality—is not the physical body, because of the body's obvious limitation.

God, however, designed divinity to be released through words! Words are illimitable, because they go into the realm of the spirit. You can speak from where you are and have things happen all over the world. That’s the power of words! You can speak from your closet, and it will have impact in Heaven.

Words! How important your words are! When your spirit is in sync with the Holy Spirit, your words become spirit and life, like the words of Jesus. So, when you have a situation to deal with, when you have changes to effect, meditate on the Word; soak your spirit in the Word until only the Word comes out of your mouth!

Confession...
I’m strong and courageous! I see glory, victory, success and triumph all around me. I see with the eyes of the Spirit, through the Word, my glorious heritage in Christ. My heart greatly rejoices, for in Christ I see my salvation, strength, courage, victory, and righteousness! Halleluiah!

Further Study:
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged 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. ;

Isaiah 55:11
So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Revelation 2:1-17, Hosea 1-2
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Revelation 10:1-11, Obadiah 1

Christ Jesus—The ONLY Mediator - Wednesday, December 10th .

Pastor Chris

For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all…(1 Timothy 2:5-6).

Our opening scripture is about the man, Christ Jesus: who He is, our conviction of His personality, origin, and purpose. There’s no other way for human beings to receive salvation and be reconciled to God except by Jesus Christ. He’s the one who bridges the gap and makes friendship and peace between God and men. This is our conviction about Christ; it’s enough motivation to preach the Gospel.

Acts 4:12 says, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” My conviction of this motivates me to preach the Gospel around the world. I’m convinced that there’s no salvation in any other, and I'm inspired and stirred by that thought. Man is doomed without Jesus; therefore, we can't be quiet or pretend as though there's another way. We can't wait too long to save souls, for there's no other way.

Man had become alienated from the life of God through Adam's transgression, but Jesus has reconciled us with the Father in the body of His flesh through death, and presented us holy, blameless and above reproach to the Father. He gave Himself as the payment for us; He paid what I owed, that I could never pay. He did the same for everyone in the world, but many still don't know it. That's why we must keep preaching the Gospel, because until they hear it, they can't believe it. And if they don't believe it, they'll never be saved.

Make soul-winning your life’s passion; let it be your greatest and most important goal in life. Having reconciled you to Himself by Jesus Christ, God has given you the ministry of reconciliation—the task of making others His friends. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 says, “And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.”

Prayer...
Dear Father, I thank you for the extraordinary love and affection you displayed towards me, through the vicarious death of Jesus, so as to bring me into an inseparable union with you. Thus, I live in glory, fully committed to leading men and women into the warmth and affection of your salvation and grace, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study:
Colossians 2:13-14
And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; 14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; ;

2 Corinthians 5:18
And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Revelation 2:18, Revelation 3:1-6, Hosea 3-6
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Revelation 11:1-10, Jonah 1-2

The Holy Spirit And Fire - Thursday, December 11th .

Pastor Chris

I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire (Matthew 3:11).

Many Christians have asked, “Having been baptized in the Holy Ghost, when does one get baptized with fire?” You have to understand the language of the Scriptures and the style of writing of the writers of the Gospels and of the Epistles. Matthew as John or Paul, often used two images to express a character of the one presented.

This is exactly what Matthew did in our opening verse when he said, “The Holy Ghost and fire”; he was referring to the same thing. He wasn’t saying you’ll first be baptized with the Holy Spirit, and then with fire; no! When you're baptized with the Holy Spirit, you're baptized with fire, because the Holy Spirit is the fire of God. One of the ways He manifests Himself is by fire.

On mount Carmel, when Elijah prayed and called upon God, He sent down fire that consumed the water in the trench dug around the altar, and burnt the sacrifice and wood on the altar (1 Kings 18:24-38). When God revealed Himself to Moses, He used a burning bush to get his attention. You might say, “Well, that was in the Old Testament; how about today?” In the New Testament, when the Holy Spirit came on the disciples in Acts 2:1-4, the Bible says, “...Cloven tongues like as of fire appeared unto them and sat upon each of them.” When this happened, they were all filled with the Holy Spirit.

Having been born again, and having received the Holy Spirit, He’s in you with all of His “fire-power.” You don't have to see Him with your physical eyes, but He goes with you and in you everywhere. Halleluiah!

When you go out to preach the Gospel and bear witness to His resurrection power, be conscious that you're not alone. As you speak under His authority, the words from your mouth will be as fire, and people’s hearts will burn within them as they listen, and they’ll be turned to the Lord.

Prayer...
Dear Father, I thank you for the Holy Spirit who lives in the quarters of my heart; He's the fire and power of my life. His light blazes intensely in my heart, making God's presence real to me, His passion aglow, and His purity aflame in my spirit, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study:
Acts 2:3-4
And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Luke 24:32
And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Revelation 3:7-22, Hosea 7-10
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Revelation 11:11-19, Jonah 3-4