Mar 31 – Faith Thrives On Knowledge – Pastor Chris

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God ( Romans 10:17)

There’s a strong sense of strength that is derived from an intimate understanding of the power, resources and authority of the God we represent. That knowledge and consciousness is what makes us worship the Lord in a special way because we recognize His greatness.

We see the effect of this kind of knowledge and its impact in the life and ministry of the man Moses. The story of Moses is such an interesting and inspiring one. He had his first intimate encounter with God at Mount Horeb, in the flame of fire (Exodus 3:2). There, God spoke to him and commissioned him to deliver the children of Israel from their servitude to Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. However, God sent him, with the promise that He, Jehovah, will be with him (Exodus 3:12).

To know that God will be with him was all Moses needed and on the basis of that knowledge he proceeded with extraordinary boldness to confront Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. At this time, Egypt was the biggest empire that dominated the world and the Pharaoh was the world ruler; he exercised absolute authority and was dreaded. This was the personality that Moses had to confront face to face, with the message “ Let my people go,” as ordered by a God, whom Pharaoh himself did not recognize.

What accounted for Moses’ audacity of faith? How come he wasn ’t intimidated by the awesome power the Pharaoh wielded at that time? The answer is simple: He had come to know God and believed when God said to him, “I will be with you!” So, Moses was conscious that a greater than Pharaoh was with him, and that energized his faith and emboldened his confidence. Thus, Pharaoh was nothing in his eyes than just a man. Moses was enabled by his intimate knowledge of the Personality that sent him to accomplish his mission.

This is what you need today; a rich knowledge of God, through His Word! This is indispensable to you if you must live and fulfill the will and purpose of God for your life. No wonder the Apostle Paul admonished Timothy to study God ’s Word (2 Timothy 2:15). We all need to develop an intimate understanding of God and His great power that ’s at work on our behalf. This is what gives the needed impetus to faith.

Prayer

Dear Father, I thank you for the revelation of your greatness and power as I get to know you more through your Word! My faith today is strengthened, and by your Spirit I approach my world with victory and dominion in my spirit, in Jesus ’ Name! Amen.

Further Study:

2 Peter 1:2-3

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING:

1 Year Bible reading plan:

Luke 8:40-56;Joshua 7-9

2 Year Bible reading;

Matthew 26:57-68:Exodus 40

Mar 30 – Transformation ByThe Word – Pastor Anita

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 ( Romans 12:2).

You might have heard some folks say concerning a Christian who perhaps did something wrong, “But I thought he said he was born again, why is he acting that way ?” Well, the truth is, he may be born again alright, but the reason he ’s acting that way is that his mind still needs to be renewed by the Word of God, and he ’s still learning to walk in the newness of life.

Man is a spirit; he has a soul and lives in a body; it ’s your spirit that’s born again, not your soul. However, there’s a transformation that takes place in your soul, and it ’s the Word of God that makes it happen. That ’s why James 1:21 admonishes that you “receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. ” The engrafted word is the Word of God you receive into your spirit; it transforms your life.

The process of this transformation is explained to us in 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.” The more and longer you study God ’s Word, the more you’re transformed and literally transfigured into the image that you see in the Word. After a while, your attitude, mindset and belief systems will change. You ’ll realize that you’re different; your life and character have been improvedand you ’ve become more spiritual. That ’s because God’s Word has transforming power.

When your mind is renewed with the Word, God ’s thoughts become your thoughts, and you learn to exchange your ideas for His. This gives you a new mindset, as your outlook on life and ways of relating to things around you change.

Prayer
I thank you dear heavenly Father for the entrance of your Word that enlightens my spirit and renews my mind. As i meditate on your Word today, I’m transformed and positioned for glory, in Jesus ’ Name. Amen.


FURTHER STUDY;
Ephesians 4:20-24; Colossians 3:9-10

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING:
1 Year Bible reading plan;
Luke 8:22-39;Joshua 5-6

2 Year Bible reading plan;
Matthew 26:47-56:Exodus 39

Mar 29 – The Lord Our Shepherd – Pastor Chris

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want ( Psalm 23:1).

Psalm 100:3 says, “Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. ” What comfort, inspiration and joy to know that the Lord, He is God; and that we ’re His people, and the sheep of His pasture. That means He ’s the Lord our Shepherd; the One who protects, nurtures, nourishes and guides us in the path that we should go. He ’s our great provider. This understanding was what inspired David to say “The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. ”

David understood what it meant to be a shepherd, having been one as a young lad. In his discussion with King Saul, he said “…Thy servant kept his father’s sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock: And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him ” (1 Samuel 17:34-35). He knew that a shepherd was charged with the responsibility to protect, lead, and provide the right pasture, water and shelter for his sheep.

Thus, it’s the Lord’s primary responsibility as your shepherd, to nurture, guide, protect and provide for you. You need to know and relate with the Lord as your shepherd. That way, you won’t need to struggle through life, trying to make things work by your own ability. All you need do is follow His leading, guidance and instructions and He ’ll guide you into everything you require for the good life!

In John 10:11 Jesus described Himself as the good Shepherd: “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. ” Your Good Shepherd loved you enough to die for you, and He lives in your heart today, guiding you by the Holy Spirit in the path of God ’s destiny for your life. Always, be conscious that the Lord is your Shepherd, and He cares about you. He ’s more willing and enthusiastic about your success, progress and prosperity than you could ever be!

Prayer

Dear Father, I rejoice today, knowing that you ’re with me, shielding and protecting me from all evil and guiding me to streams of peaceful waters. Your kindness, love, mercy and grace encompass me round about, and I’ll live forever under your divine protection, for you’re my refuge, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:

John 10:14; Hebrews 13:20-21

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING:

1 Year Bible reading plan;

Luke 8:1-21:Joshua 3-4

2 Year Bible reading plan;

Matthew 26:36-46:Exodus 38

Mar 28 – The Lordship Of Jesus Settles It All – 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).

There’s no rationale or scriptural basis for the belief in certain Christian circles that as believers, we need deliverance from satanic bondage, witchcraft, ancestral or generational curses, etc. Colossians 1:13 says, we’ve been delivered, from the power of darkness, and have been translated into the Kingdom of God ’s dear Son. Ignorance of this truth is the reason many are still so deliverance conscious.

Yes, the Bible teaches in Ephesians 2:12 that the situation of man before the advent of Christ was one of utter hopelessness. He was estranged from God, a doomed sinner, completely enslaved to satan. But God, because of His love-nature sent Jesus to save us from sin and satan. Jesus came to earth, bore the penalty of sin, broke its power and was raised from the dead in triumph over satan and sin.

Consequently, when you made Jesus your Lord, you received the very life and nature of God and became a new creation: “…..if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: ” (2 Corinthians 5:17). This new man is not at all subject to satan. You’ve been delivered from the power of satan and have been made superior to him. So, if you ’ve made Jesus your Lord, you’re now subject to Christ, and in Christ Jesus you ’ve defeated satan and therefore cannot be subject to him. Thus, it doesn ’t matter whether you came from anidolatrous background or a family that practiced voodoo or witchcraft; you ’re now a new creation in Christ! All the old contact and connections with the forces of evil in the past have been destroyed! The power of Christ, through the Lordship of Jesus has broken all of the power, influences and manipulations of the forces of darkness over your life. Thus, you can no longer be under the spell of generational or so-called ancestral curses; you don’t need deliverance from them.

What you need now is to make the Word of God the final authority in your life. Study the Word, get accurate teaching of the Word, so that you can increase in knowledge and be able to deal with the affairs of life as God would have you do.

Confession

I ’m a new creation in Christ Jesus; I’ve got the life and nature of God working in me! I ’m thus more than a conqueror, I live in dominion over satan and this world for greater is He that ’s in me than he that’s in this world. I experience victory in every area of my life today! Amen.

FURTHER STUDY;

John 8:32; John 8:36

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING:

1 Year Bible reading plan:

Luke 7:36-50;Joshua 1-2

2 Year Bible reading plan;

Matthew 26:26-35:Exodus 37

Mar 27 – A New Identity; A New Way of Life! – Pastor Anita

Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him ( Colossians 3:9-10).

2 Corinthians 5:17 (ISV) says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. Old things have disappeared, and-look!-all things have become new !” It’s a new identity, and a new way of life for the one who ’s born again. The old lifestyle, old ways of thinking and of doing things have been supplanted. This is why as a new creation you can choose not to do wrong.

Unlike the unregenerate man, who sin is intrinsic in his nature, those of us who are born again have the nature of God, which is the nature of righteousness; we have a new life and a new identity. People may still call you names as they did before you received Christ, however the Bible says, “ And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God ” (1 Corinthians 6:11).

Notice it didn’t say “and such are some of you…”, rather it says, “And such were some of you.” Because you now have a new identity and a new life, having been severed and cleansed from the mess associated with the life you had before you were born again! Now, you’ve been separated from sin unto God, and declared righteous, in the Name of the Lord, and by the Spirit of our God!You have to recognize this as your new identity; see the picture of the new you and live that way.

God has brought you out of darkness into the Kingdomof light; the Kingdom of His dear Son (Colossians 1:13). Therefore, you must let go of any attitude that ’s not consistent with your new identity as the righteousness of God in Christ.

How important it is for you to recognize that you ’re not the same man or woman who existed before you were born again. The old life of sin was supplanted with God ’s nature of righteousness. So your conduct must now reflect your new identity and personality in Christ Jesus.

Confession

I have in me the incorruptible life of God! This life is in every fiber of my being, and today, I walk in the reality of the new life of righteousness which I ’ve received in Christ, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:

Ephesians 4:24; 2 Corinthians 5:17

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING:

1 Year Bible reading plan;

Luke 7:1-35; Deuteronomy 33-34

2 Year Bible reading plan;

Matthew 26:14-25;Exodus 36

Mar 26 – No Excuse For Failure – Pastor Chris

And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified (Acts 20:32).

The Word of God is the building block we need as Christians to shape up our lives and become all that God has planned for us to be. This is because the Word has inherent ability to produce what it says. In Joshua 1:8, ever before Joshua could embark on the mission of leading the Jews into the Promised Land, God instructed him to meditate on the Word regularly and keep the Word in his mouth. He was to have the Word in his heart and in his mouth, and be completely taken over by the Word. That way, he would be careful to do the Word.

This was necessary because God had premised Joshua ’s success on meditating on the Word. If this was true for Joshua, it ’s all the more true for us today as Christians. The Word of God is what we need to build a successful and prosperous life. Thus, no Christian has an excuse for failure in life! It doesn’t matter how good and nice those excuses might sound, they ’re still not tenable. God has given us His Word that ’s able to make us successful, prosperous and victorious. Our responsibility is to think God ’s thoughts; speak and live according to the Word.

God’s Word is our sure road map to a life of unending success. So if as a Christian you ’ve been experiencing consistent failures rather than victories in your life endeavours, what you need do is a Word-check. It mightmean that you ’re not living according to God’s Word. Now, that doesn’t mean you’re necessarily doing something wrong. It does mean however that there ’re some important things you’re not doing. An example could be proper meditation on the Word; it’s a sure recipe for success.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for giving me your Word that ’s able to build me up, and make me successful and prosperous. Your Word indeed is my sure road map to an unending life of success, so as I meditate and speak forth your Word today, my life is catapulted from glory to glory in Jesus ’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:

James 1:2; Joshua 1:8

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING:

1 Year Bible reading plan;

Luke 6:17-49: Deuteronomy 31-32

2 Year Bible reading plan:

Matthew 26:1-13;Exodus 35

Mar 25 – The Holy Spirit Is Not Optional – Pastor Chris

But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man has not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his ( Romans 8:9).

A young Christian lady asked me one time if a Christian without the Holy Spirit could still go to heaven. Such a question clearly reveals the fact that there are believers who are yet to fully appreciate the ministry of the Holy Spirit and its importance in our lives as Christians.

The presence of the Holy Spirit in the life of a Christian is not an option; it ’s a necessity. The Word of God clearly commands us to be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). So the question of whether we should or should not have the Holy Spirit doesn ’t arise. The presence of the Holy Spirit in a Christian is compulsory and therefore not a subject for debate. You can ’t live a true Christian life without the Spirit.

Even the Lord Jesus couldn’t do without the Holy Spirit. He became “the Christ” only after He had received the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:38), and needed Him to carry out His ministry. It therefore follows that everyone who truly believes in Jesus must receive the Holy Spirit. The Lord underlined the indispensability of the Holy Spirit to the believer when He commanded His disciples to “…wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me ” (Acts 1:4).

Also, from the parable of the ten virgins which Jesus told in Matthew 25:1-12, we can understand that the presence of the Holy Spirit in a Christian ’s life is a necessaryrequirement for the rapture. He said the five foolish virgins missed the bridegroom because they didn ’t have extra oil for their lamps, and oil, in that parable, signifies the presence of the Holy Spirit. So having the Holy Spirit is so important for everyone who wants to live the authentic Christian life, in anticipation of the rapture of the Church.

Prayer

Thank you dear Spirit of God for your presence, power, and ministry in my life; you ’re the one at work in me, causing me both to will and to do of your good pleasure. Thank you for bringing so much beauty and colour into my life, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:

1 Corinthians 1:9; 1 John 1:3

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING:

1 Year Bible reading plan;

Luke 5:17-39:Deuteronomy 28

2 Year Bible reading plan;

Matthew 25:14-30:Exodus 33

Mar 24 – A Glorious Union By Grace – Pastor Anita

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen ( 2 Corinthians 13:14).

Communion derives from the Greek word “koinonia,” which means companionship, company, partnership, friendship, oneness or association. It refers to the state of being a fellow or associate; the quality or state of being comradely. It connotes an activity that takes place between two people on the same level.

The apostle Paul had this in mind in his epistle to the Romans, unveiling how we ’ve been brought into a legal union, and are contractually associated as joint principals with divinity: “ And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ ” (Romans 8:17). Our partnership with Christ means we ’re in Him, and He’s in us, as one indivisible entity! Everything He owns belongs to you as much as they belong to Him. Ours is an inseparable union that has brought us into oneness with divinity.

Not only was your spirit recreated when you were born again, you were also immersed into Christ; you became one with Him! The Bible says, “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit ” (1 Corinthians 12:13). You’ve been made to drink into one Spirit; you’ve become inter-mingled with the Spirit of God as one divine creation.

God has brought us to His level by bringing us into union with Himself, and with His Son (1 John 1:3). He brought you into this glorious union by His grace, not of your works! We didn ’t ask for it; it was God’s choice: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God ” (Ephesians 2:8).

Prayer
Blessed be God, whose faithfulness endures forever, and by whom I’ve been called into fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ! I declare that the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and fellowship of the Holy Spirit rests and abides with me today, and forever, in Jesus ’ Name. Amen.


FURTHER STUDY:
1 Corinthians 1:9; 1 John 1:3

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING;
1 Year Bible reading plan;
Luke 5:17-39:Deuteronomy 28

2 Year Bible reading plan:
Matthew 25:14-30:Exodus 33

Mar 23 – The Name Of Jesus Works By Faith – Pastor Chris

And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you ( Matthew 17:20).

There are Christians who can ’t understand why the Name of Jesus doesn’t seem to produce desired results for them. So, often, in frustration, they complain and say, “I tried using the name of Jesus to change things, but it didn ’t work, why?”

It brings to mind the experience Jesus had with His disciples in Matthew 17:14-21. The disciples, had been trying to cast the devil out of a young guy, and it didn ’t work, until Jesus showed up and asked what the matter was. At that point, the father of the boy who had the devil spoke up and said “Master, I brought my son to your disciples to cast the devil out and they couldn ’t. If you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us. ” Then Jesus cast the devil out of the little boy. Afterwards, the disciples came to Him privately and asked “Master, why couldn’t we cast the devil out?” Then, Jesus answered and said, “ Because of your unbelief.” Jesus identified their problem as unbelief. The same unbelief accounts for why the name of Jesus seems not to work for certain believers today. They use the name in unbelief.

For the Name of Jesus to be effective in your mouth, you ’ve got to know the power behind that Name. And when you speak in the Name of Jesus, you should expect things to change. Don ’t go observing circumstances andwondering whether they ’ll change or not; only consider the Word, and the awesome power and authority behind that Name. That ’s how to keep your faith steady and strong to apprehend your heart desire, using the Name of Jesus.

Prayer

Heavenly Father I’m so grateful to you for teaching me your Word and showing me how I can effectively put the awesome Name of Jesus to use. I make progress in life today, and every day as I effect changes in the circumstances of my life through faith in the Name of Jesus. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:

Hebrews 11:6; Acts 3:16

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING;

1 Year Bible reading plan:

Luke 5:1-16:Deuteronomy 25-27

2 Year Bible reading plan;

Matthew 25:1-13;Exodus 32

Mar 22 – The Holy Spirit Makes The Difference – Pastor Chris

And the Spirit of the LORD will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man ( 1 Samuel 10:6).

The importance of the Holy Spirit ’s ministry in the Church can never be over emphasized. He is the boss in the Church today! We talk about Jesus and the Father but the Holy Spirit is the one that ’s with us here (John 16:17). He reveals the Father and Jesus to us. You can’t understand the Father or Jesus except through the Holy Spirit. No wonder the Lord Jesus Christ commanded His disciples to remain in Jerusalem until they were endued with the power of the Spirit (Acts 1:4). They needed the power of the Holy Ghost to be effective witnesses of the Gospel of Christ.

In the Old Testament, when the Holy Spirit came on the prophets of old, He made the difference in their lives and ministry. Also, the apostles of the Lord were transformed the instant the Holy Ghost came on them. As we read in our opening scripture above, Saul, the son of Kish was transformed and turned into another man when the Holy Spirit came on him. And he not being a prophet was enabled by the power of the Spirit to Prophesy in company of other prophets, such that those who saw him wondered in amazement and asked “…is Saul also among the prophets ?” (1 Samuel 10:11).

Likewise, the apostle Peter, who in timidity and fear, denied the Master, before a young girl became so bold after he had been endued with the power of the Spirit. When the opportunity came to testify about Christ, he boldly declared to the leaders and elders of the Jews that the name of Jesus is the only name whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12). By the power of the Spirit, Peter preached and won three thousand souls to Christ at once: “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls ” (Acts 2:41). The Holy Spirit made the difference in his life!

This same Holy Spirit is all you need for a successful and fruitful journey in your walk with God and through life! He ’ll make the difference in your life if you’ll learn to recognize Him and walk with Him! He ’ll take you all the way, and become to you what you need Him to be!

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, I’m so grateful for the privilege and boundless blessings of your Spirit in my life. Thank you for the power of the Spirit that ’s so mightily at work in me today, making me an able and effective minister of the Gospel, in Jesus ’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:

Acts 1:8; John 14:16

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING;

1 Year Bible reading plan;

Luke 4:14-44; Deuteronomy 22-24

2 Year Bible reading plan;

Matthew 24:45-51;Exodus 31

Mar 21 – Be Your Brother’s Keeper! – Pastor Anita

And the Lord said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother ’s keeper? (Genesis 4:9).

How important it is for us to learn to be our brother ’s keeper, and by that I mean looking out for one another. Hebrews 13:1 says “Let brotherly love continue.” Then in Romans 12:10, we’re urged to be “kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love ….” If you study in the book of Acts, you ’ll see that the early Church was a model of Christian brotherhood. The Bible says “The multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common” (Acts 4:32). They looked after one another; there was no in-fighting or animosity, they provided for one another and were always there for each other! That ’s the way God desires it to be.

The Church of Jesus Christ is one big family and we all need to recognize this fact and then choose to honour, accept and celebrate one another! The Lord places far greater importance on our inter-personal relationship as brothers and sisters in Christ than most people realize. That ’s why He says to us to “…be kind to everyone and especially to our Christian brothers ” (Galatians 6:10TLB). That means we ought to give preference to our brothers and sisters in Christ and hold them in the highest regard.

It’s your responsibility to look out for your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. If there ’s been a brother or sister that you know, who seems to have strayed from the truth, instead of gossiping about it, get on your knees before the Lord and intercede for that one. Continue in prayer until he or she is restored back to fellowship with the Lord.

You must have that brotherly affection towards your brothers and sisters in Christ. Esteem them highly. Use kind and pleasant words to address them. remember, brotherly love is one of the virtues God says to add to your faith in other to live an effective Christian life (2 Peter 1:5-8).

Confession

Dear heavenly Father, I’m glad that your love has been shared abroad in my heart by the Holy Ghost! I ’m full of that love and affection today, for my brothers and sisters in Christ! I thank you for the life you ’ve given us, and the unity that we share, in Jesus ’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:

Psalm 133:1; 1 Thessalonians: 4:9

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING;

1 Year Bible reading plan:

Luke 4:1-13; Deuteronomy 18-21

2 Year Bible reading plan;

Matthew 24:34-44;Exodus 30

Mar 20 – Your Sure Guide – Pastor Chris

When the Holy Spirit, who is truth, comes, he shall guide you into all truth …He will tell you about the future ( John 16:13 TLB).

No one can live the authentic Christian life without the Holy Spirit. Many haven ’t taken advantage of His presence in their lives, so they walk on in confusion; beaten down by the challenges of life. Some even live their lives in “trial and error,” not knowing what the future holds. But Jesus told His disciples He would send them another comforter who would help them navigate their way through life victoriously: “When the Holy Spirit, who is truth, comes, he shall guide you into all truth …He will tell you about the future” (John 16:13 TLB).

 In the Old Testament, during the sojourn of God ’s people from Egypt, the Bible records that “GOD went ahead of them in a Pillar of Cloud during the day to guide them on the way, and at night in a Pillar of Fire to give them light; thus they could travel both day and night” (Exodus 13:21 MSG). That was the Holy Spirit! He was their sure guide at every instance, and He does the same for us today. He knows how to take you through life ’s journey and make you a success for He sees the end from the beginning.

So refuse to be anxious about the future. The man without the Holy Spirit is the one who should be uncertain about his future; such a person is walking in darkness, without a sense of direction: “They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness: all the foundations of the earth are out of course ” (Psalm 82:5). But yours is as the Psalmist declared: “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore ” (Psalm 16:11).

The Holy Spirit has come to lead you into the path of life. He is your sure guide, who directs you and leads you in the path of God ’s destiny for your life. Don’t rope in uncertainties about your life and the future; the Holy Spirit, your sure guide, is in you, and He shows you things to come. Submit to His ministry today and develop an intimacy with Him through fellowship. Apportion regular times in the day to spend with Him, and He ’ll reveal mysteries to you concerning your life, future, family, job, finances and everything else related to you.

Prayer
Precious Holy Spirit, I thank you for your ministry in my life. I thank you for opening my eyes to see the sure paths you ’ve prepared for me to walk in. Thank you for opening my heart to receive visions from you as I yield myself completely to your guidance, counsel and wisdom in Jesus’ Name. Amen.


FURTHER STUDY;
Romans 8:14; Acts 2:17; Isaiah 48:17

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING;

1 Year Bible reading plan;
Luke 3;Deuteronomy 16-17

2 Year Bible reading plan;
Matthew 24:23-33:Exodus 29

Mar 19 – Never Criticize Something You Desire! – Pastor Chris

For wrath killeth the foolish man, and envy slayeth the silly one ( Job 5:2).

Often times, people get critical and envious of others instead of seeing the good done by them; it ’s an ugly spirit! Never allow it in your life. This ugly attitude was what moved Saul to try to kill David after David killed Goliath: “And Saul sought to smite David even to the wall with the javelin; but he slipped away out of Saul ’s presence, and he smote the javelin into the wall ….” (1 Samuel 19:10).

Saul was envious of David’s success, because of how others praised him: “And the women answered one another as they played, and said, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands ” (1 Samuel 18:7). I’ve often said that the fact that someone else is succeeding doesn ’t mean you’re failing; you measure your success by what God has called you to do. So when you see those who are doing well, and are being praised for their work, rejoice with them! Be genuinely excited for them! Rather than become bitter or critical, look out for what you can learn from them!

People become jealous and envious only when they are inordinately desirous of another ’s advantages. If you walk in love, you’ll never be jealous of anyone, for you know you couldn ’t ever be disadvantaged in any way!

As members of the same body of Christ, the success of one is the success of all; when one wins, he wins for us all! That ’s because God’s desire is for every one of us to prosper and excel! Thus, instead of being threatened by the prosperity of others, be happy for them, and never criticize them for it.

Prayer

Dear Father, I thank you for the assurance I have in your love for me. I have no reason to be envious or desrious of another ’s success for I know that I have a peculiar calling and destiny to fulfill in you! I demonstrate your life to others today, and rejoice with them as they make progress, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:

Proverbs 14:30; Romans 12:15

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING:

1 Year Bible reading plan:

Luke 2:21-52; Deuteronomy 13-15

2 Year Bible reading plan;

Matthew 24:12-22;Exodus 28

Mar 18 – Products Of His Eternal Love – Pastor Anita

In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him ( 1John 4:9).

God loves you more than you can ever imagine! He proved this by sending Jesus to die in your place even while you were yet to know Him. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. ” We’re products of His eternal and unfailing love.

Think about it: God gave heaven ’s best for you. His love pulled you out of darkness into His marvelous light where you have dominion over the circumstances of life. Now, nothing can separate you from that love (Romans 8:35-39), not even sin: “For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life ” (Romans 5:10).

God’s love for you never diminishes; the power of His love never wanes. His love for you is both perfect (1 John 4:16-18), and eternal (Jeremiah 31:3). It’s important that you’re confident in God’s love for you, for that awareness and consciousness will help you reign in life and exercise dominion over sin, sickness, poverty, failure, and death. It will give you the mentality of a king! You’ll stand boldly without fear, intimidation or inferiority because you know nothing can separate you from His eternal love.

You’re a product of God’s eternal love. The reason He saved you, gave you eternal life, filled you with His Spirit and beautified your life with His glory and grace is because He loves you. This should awaken in you a new confidence to live life to your full potentials. Nothing can stop you, for God ’s love has made you a champion and a wonder.

Prayer

Dear Father, I thank you for demonstrating your great love for me, thus making me a victor and a champion in life. I recognize my true value today in the light of your love, and I function in this knowledge today, in Jesus ’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:

Romans 8:35-39; 1 John 3:1

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING;

1 Year Bible reading plan:

Luke 2:1-20;Deuteronomy 11-12

2 Year Bible reading plan;

Matthew 24:1-11; Exodus 27

Mar 17 – Don’t Keep Quiet! – Pastor Chris

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! ( 1 Corinthians 9:16).

The Lord Jesus made a profound statement in Matthew 5:15, He said, “Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. ” At the beginning of the year, the Spirit of God unveiled to us that 2011 is our year as a burning and a shining light. Thus, we ’re all supposed to burn and shine for the Lord with unquenchable zeal in manifesting His glory through the preaching of the Gospel to everyone in our world.

This means you can’t keep quiet. You must do something with what you’ve heard. Like Paul, necessity is laid upon you to preach the Gospel. You ’ve got to tell somebody else about the glorious life in Christ. The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 5:19, “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. ” This ought to be your motivation for personal evangelism. This should spur you to go anywhere and do anything to preach the Gospel.

This was my inspiration many years ago, that made me go to hamlets, villages, cities, hospitals, schools etc., to preach the Gospel; and it ’s still my motivation today. I ’ve got to tell the untold about Jesus and the extraordinary life that He has made available to us. The supernatural life thatHe brought didn ’t end with His death, burial, resurrection and ascension to heaven. He ’s alive today, and reigns and rules in the affairs of men. You ’ve got to tell it around the world. Wake up every day with the fire of God burning in your bones to tell the whole world that Jesus is alive, and He wants all men saved, well and sound! Let this be a burden in your heart!

Nothing else in the world should matter to you more than the preaching of the Gospel. Don ’t keep the revelations of the Gospel that you ’ve received to yourself. Tell it everywhere. Make it known. Many in the world today still don ’t know anything about Jesus. A lot of those who do, only know the history told them by some theologians, and not the spirit of it; this is one more reason we must keep preaching the Gospel, and not be quiet.

Prayer

Necessity is laid upon me to make known to everyone in my world the power of God unveiled through the Gospel! I step out today as an able minister of the Gospel, not of the letter, but of the Spirit that gives life. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:

Jeremiah 20:9; Acts 18:9-11

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING:

1 Year Bible reading plan;

Luke 1:57-80 Deuteronomy 8-10

2 Year Bible reading plan;

Matthew 23:23-39; Exodus 26