PASS A DECREE

“...when the wrath of king Ahasuerus was appeased, he remembered Vashti, and what she had done, and what was decreed against her.”
(Esther 2: 1)

That is the Focal Scripture of Streams of Joy Devotional today.

In Esther 1, Queen Vashti disobeyed the instructions of King Ahasuerus; she committed an offence against the kingdom. Vashti represented negativity in the kingdom. Because she was deposed, she belonged to the past in the kingdom. Her reign as queen belonged to the past. Vashti belonged to the past.

Ahasuerus passed a decree against Vashti, and that ruled out the possibility of her comeback as queen. Because a decree was passed against her, she lost the chance to repeat what she did wrong in the past. Because of the king’s decree, the negativity in the past could not happen again.

Friend, pass a decree against every negativity and every challenge that happened in the past; pass a decree against every opposition and every wickedness that came against your destiny in time past; pass a decree against every past that you don’t want to see again in your life; pass a decree against the rejections of the past.

If you have given your life to Christ, then your decrees on earth will be honoured by heaven. If you decree a thing concerning the health challenges, the spiritual wickedness, decline/losses in your enterprise, etc, heaven will honour your proclamation. Your declaration is your tool for dominion.

If you don’t pass a decree against past negativity, your future might become a replica of your past. Get into prophetic prayers, pass a decree against every past negativity that must not happen again, and it won’t happen again.

Matthew 18 vs. 18 says: “Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

Declaration: Lord, I pass a decree against every negativity in my past; it will not happen again, in Jesus’ name! Amen

OTHER MEN'S IDEAS

“Then said the king's servants that ministered unto him, Let there be fair young virgins sought for the king:”
(Esther 2: 2)

That it the Focal Scripture of Streams of Joy Devotional today.

Our Focal Scripture introduces the servants of King Ahasuerus who brought the idea on how the next queen should be selected. Their idea was an ingredient that aided Esther's rise to royalty. God used their suggestions to elevate Esther; God used their ideas to take Esther to the throne; they did the thinking, and Esther got the position.

Friend, God will inspire men with ideas that will take you to your next level; people unknown to you will bring ideas that will aid your promotion; people will bring policy suggestions that will push you higher; God will raise men who will speak for you without knowing that you are the beneficiary; God will raise men in the corridors of power whose words will orchestrate your next level.

Esther did not know the servants who suggested the procedure for selecting a new queen, the servants didn't have her in mind, but it worked in her favour. God says, people who don't know you and people you don't know, will be inspired with ideas that will open doors for you. Stranger will bring ideas that will uplift you and position you for greatness.

Decree that strangers will speak for you in places where you are not aware of; command people in high places to unleash ideas that will make room for you; command people in power to receive ideas and suggestions that will open doors for you.

Remember, strangers unknown to Esther spoke, and God used their idea to open the door of greatness. Strangers are about to speak, and God will use their words to work for you.

Isaiah 60 vs. 10 says: “And the sons of strangers shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister unto thee...”

Declaration: Lord, men shall bring ideas and policies that will open doors for me, in Jesus’ name! Amen

STAY PURE

“...and let their things for purification be given them:” (Esther 2: 3)

That is the Focal Scripture of Streams of Joy Devotional today.

In our Focal Scripture, the servants of King Ahasuerus suggested that young maidens be sought, and that they be given their things for purification. Those servants suggested the criteria for someone who would become queen, and they included the process of purification; so purification was one of the criteria that led to Esther's elevation.

Friend, your next level is making a demand for your purification. Yours may be a demand for increase or multiplied finances, but God says, make a commitment for purity. Stay pure in your activities and conversations; stay pure in your dealings with others; maintain the highest level of purity in your thought processes. It’s not enough to maintain outward purity; be pure within.

The process of purification did not kill Esther; it only watered the ground for her elevation. Purity is not a punishment from God; it simply waters the ground for your own elevation. You serve a pure God, and your purity brings you on the same page with Him. Any impurity in you is a roadblock on your way to greatness.

Impurity is synonymous with unrighteousness; so put away everything in you that is unacceptable to the King you serve; put away every garment of sin and immorality; put away every appearance of sin and evil. Put away relationships that defile your spirit man. Put away attitudes that don't glorify God.

You have the power to live a pure and righteous life. Righteousness is God's gift to you; purity is God's expectation from you. Stay pure; it is a preparation for your elevation.

2 Corinthians 6: 17 says: “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,”

Declaration: I live in the consciousness of the gift of righteousness God has given me. I walk in Purity in Jesus name. Amen

A NEW IDENTITY

“And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther...” (Esther 2: 7)

That is the Focal Scripture of Streams of Joy Devotional today.

Before Esther became queen, her name was already Esther. The name ‘Esther’ means ‘star’. So even before Esther got to the throne, stardom was already hovering around her. Before she attained royalty, greatness was already in her. her present identity was her future reality. The throne didn’t make her a star; the star in her brought the throne.

One strategy of the enemy is to make us take on the identity of our negative circumstances. Like in the case of blind Bartimaeus, he wants you to be known by what is not working in your life. The enemy would probably have wanted Esther to be known as a slave rather than a future queen; the enemy would have wanted her to be known by her past or present, but not by her future.

Friend, take your identity from God’s word; tell yourself what God’s word says about you; proclaim God’s word into your life, family, marriage, ministry, career, business, etc; even when your circumstances are not good enough, take your identity from what God says about you; keep speaking positive words to yourself even if you are still in obscurity; keep holding on to what God says about you no matter what your situation says.

Instead of taking on the identity of where you are coming from, take on the identity of where you are going to; instead of being known for what went wrong in your life, be known for what is about to happen in your favour. Call yourself positive names; shower yourself with encomiums even if no one else will.

Remember, Esther was called a star, and a star she became. She attracted what she was called. Run away from those who prefer to identify you wrongly, insist on a positive identity and you will attract what you are called.

Declaration: I refuse every negative identity; I take my identity from God's word, in Jesus’ name! Amen

BE YOURSELF

“And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther... the maid was fair and beautiful...”
(Esther 2: 7)

That is the Focal Scripture of Streams of Joy Devotional today.

Our Focal Scripture describes Esther as being fair and beautiful. The young maidens who were being sought for the position of queen were expected to be fair. So Esther already looked like the position she was about to step into; her personality mould fitted into her destiny purpose. She was already crafted in the mould of her future greatness.

Friend, God often designs your miracle based on who you are, and you will be making a mistake if you repackage yourself contrary to your God-given identity. You were crafted the way you are to suit a divine purpose; there is a reason why you have unique qualities and core values that others don’t have; there is a reason why you have strengths that others don’t have. There is a reason why God made you the way you are.

Foolishness is when you prefer to be someone else rather than who God already made you to be; if you remodel yourself to suit other people’s expectations while missing out on your destiny package, you will end up the biggest loser. If you change your God given identity, just maybe the angel with your divine package won’t recognize you and deliver what is yours to you.

Discover the identity God gave you and stay true to it. Be comfortable in your own skin; stay within your destiny size; don’t become someone that you are not; don’t be in a hurry to imbibe values that are contrary to your positive, deep convictions; increase your positives and relinquish the negatives. Improve yourself, but don’t stay unique.

Most times, being the best is just being yourself; don’t over-package yourself out of relevance.

Psalm 139 vs. 14 says: “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made...”

Declaration: I am wonderfully and fearfully made; I love who I am, in Jesus' name! Amen

FIGHT YOUR BATTLES

“And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle's daughter... whom Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter.”
(Esther 2: 7)

That is the Focal Scripture of Streams of Joy Devotional today.

Our Focal Scripture speaks of Mordecai who brought up Esther. One of the meanings of ‘Mordecai’ is ‘warrior’. So a ‘warrior’ brought up Esther; ‘Warfare’ brought up Hadassah until she was transformed into Esther. 'Warfare' was the environment in which Esther grew from being a slave to being a queen.

Friend, warfare is your tool for the enforcement of the victory you already have in Christ. You do not fight because you want to win; you fight because you already won through Christ. In warfare, you don't seek new victories; you simply enforce the one you were already given free of charge by Jesus Himself. In warfare, you use your words to affirm your already guaranteed victory.

Pass a decree against everything that is contrary to the victory you have in Christ; pass a decree against any issue that is encroaching into your liberty; pass a decree against negativity; pass a decree against the forces of economic recession; pass a decree against anything that is against your health, family, marriage, finances, etc, and don't allow the enemy to have an upper hand.

Mordecai kept checking on Esther while she was already in the palace, waiting for her turn to meet the king. He did not take chances; 'Warfare' did not take chances. In warfare, you don't take chances; you don't allow the enemy to set a war against you; you scatter it right away because you already have victory in and through Christ.

Next time you want to make warfare prayers, remember, you are not fighting to win, you are only fighting because you already won.

Declaration: I enforce my victory through warfare, I win every battle, in Jesus’ name! Amen

BE PREPARED

“…for so were the days of their purifications accomplished, to wit, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odours, and with other things for the purifying of the women”
(Esther 2: 12)

That is the Focal Scripture of Streams of Joy Devotional today.

Our Focal Scripture speaks of the beauty treatment that Esther needed to go through before her appointment with the king. Esther needed to go through one year of preparation just to get a chance of a few moments with the king. It was one year of preparation for a brief event; it was an extensive preparation for one make-or-mar opportunity.

Isn’t it tragic that sometimes, we crave for the spotlight without being prepared for it? Sometimes, we are more interested in being seen by all, despite the fact that we have not really done our best to be prepared for the manifestation we so badly desire.

Friend, glean some wisdom from Esther: prepare for your next level; prepare for the excellence you desire; put in intense preparations to be the best in your career or business; put in the best possible preparation you can muster to come out tops in everything you do; do your best to prepare for the greater heights you desire; prepare for the stage before you get there; prepare for greatness before it beckons on you.

Showing forth without preparation is a disaster in waiting. Showing forth without preparation is a perfect recipe for mockery and embarrassment; an unprepared man is a disappointment waiting to happen. Poor preparation or lack of preparation will cause you to suffer losses, sooner than later.

Don’t be counted among those who went forth without being prepared. Prepare for greatness, no matter how long it takes you, and you will shine like Esther did.

Proverbs 12 vs. 24 says: “The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.”

Declaration: I consistently stay prepared for greatness, in Jesus’ name! Amen

SPEAK THE FUTURE

“Esther had not shewed her people nor her kindred: for Mordecai had charged her that she should not shew it.”
(Esther 2: 10)

That is the Focal Scripture of Streams of Joy Devotional today.

Our Focal Scripture reveals that Mordecai told Esther not to reveal her people or kindred. A new queen was being sought for King Ahasuerus, Esther was a captive, and Mordecai instructed her to hide her background. Her background was not so good, where she was coming from was not fantastic, and she kept it from the public. She didn't speak of her past.

Friend, God says, forget the past. Forget what went wrong in time past. Forget the disappointments and losses you suffered in time past; forget the wickedness and betrayals you suffered in the past; take your mind away from the dysfunctional background you may have come from; let your mind rise above the negativity in your background; don’t speak too much about your past.

Esther’s background was her past; the throne was her future. She was to contest for the throne; she was to speak of, and push for the future. God says, instead of speaking of the past, speak of your future. Instead of speaking of where you are coming from, speak of where you are going to. Speak of the miracles that are yet to come; speak of the greatness you are yet to attain.

Esther hid her background, and it was not used against her. She hid her background, and her future turned out better than her background. If you keep your past under lock and key, it will not come back into your future. If you stop talking about your past, your future will be better and more resplendent.

Speak your future, and in a matter of time, it will overtake your background. Speak the future, and in time, your future will become your reality.

Declaration: I speak the future and not the past, in Jesus’ name! Amen

WAIT FOR YOUR TURN

“12. …for so were the days of their purifications accomplished, to wit, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odours…16. So Esther was taken unto king Ahasuerus into his house royal in the tenth month…”
(Esther 2: 12, 16)

That is the Focal Scripture of Streams of Joy Devotional today.

After Esther spent one year preparing for her meeting with the king, she waited for her turn to be with the king. Esther later met the king in the tenth month; she was prepared but she had to wait; she was ready for the crown but it did not come immediately, she waited for it. Esther's wait wasn’t a waste of time.

Friend, God says, even when you are prepared for the top, wait for your turn. Even when you know you can get the job done, wait till it becomes your job; even if you are prepared to do better than those currently ahead of you, wait patiently until it is your time to manifest. Be patient as you await the next level you are already prepared for.

You may not always get your chance the moment you get prepared, you may even be better prepared than those who got their chance already, but your chance is coming. Don’t let the delay in getting your chance make you lose touch with the preparation you already made. Stay ready while waiting for your turn.

Those who went ahead of Esther missed the chance, but when it was her turn, she took the chance and became the queen. It doesn't matter if people are ahead of you; when it is your turn, you will get what they have been struggling for, and if the chance is yours, they can’t take it though they went ahead of you.

Waiting is not wasting; be patient, wait for your time, and God will make all things beautiful when your time comes.

Hebrews 10 vs. 36 says: "For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise".

Declaration: I have patience to wait for my turn, in Jesus' name! Amen

FAVOURED AND GRACED

“And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen...”
(Esther 2: 17)

That is the Focal Scripture of Streams of Joy Devotional today.

Esther wasn't necessarily more beautiful than the other women who contested for the position of queen. She was pretty but others were pretty too. She was fair but others were fair too. She was as qualified as others. She was even a Jew, and that could have worked against her.

Esther obtained grace and favour in the sight of the king, and she was chosen as queen in place of Vashti. She was not necessarily the best but she was chosen. Favour spoke for her; grace made room for her. What she couldn’t give herself, favour and grace gave it to her.

Esther was a Jew, she was among those who had a covenant with God, and that covenant seemed to evoke grace and favour that took her to her next level.

Friend, if indeed you have a covenant relationship with God, then get set: your next level will be delivered unto you by favour and grace. When you are as qualified as other persons who want the same position, grace will cause you to be preferred. Favour will push you forward; grace will make room for you; even when you are on the same level as others, favour and grace will lift you higher.

Esther didn't only find favour and grace in the sight of the king; she was given the royal crown. Grace and favour ushered her into her next level. God says, favour and grace will usher you into your next level; grace and favour will bring you profitable relationships; grace and favour will lift you higher.

John 1 vs. 16 says: "And of his fullness have all we received, and grace for grace".

Declaration: Favour and grace shall speak for me and take me higher, in Jesus’ name! Amen

Good evening Ma. May God bless you for all your wonderful work on this thread. I've tried Servant Vic number several times cos I'd like to come for deliverance. I've faced a lot in my life and can't continue like this. Please what to I do

WORK YOUR PURPOSE

“And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment:”
(Matthew 9: 20)

That is the Focal Scripture of Streams of Joy Devotional today.

Our Focal Scripture speaks of the woman with the issue of blood and the journey she undertook in order to touch the hem of Jesus’ garment. Her purpose was to touch the hem of Jesus' garment and get healed. Hers was a journey of purpose. She did what she did on purpose; she acted in line with her purpose.

Friend, life is not about your personality or possessions; life is all about purpose. Your ultimate purpose is what God wants you to accomplish in life and the steps you take towards such accomplishment.

Have you truly discovered your purpose? Do you know why God brought you to where you are? Do you know why God gave you the gifts and skills He gave you, and are you truly using them to fulfill His agenda? Are you in the journey and pursuit of your life’s purpose?

God says, discover and work your purpose; get busy with that thing that is God reason for bringing you on earth. Take actions that will make your goals a reality. Even when it seems impossible, give your purpose a shot and your impossibility will be possible. Let your efforts be in line with purpose.

When you are on the journey of purpose, you won’t have time for everything or every relationship, you won’t find any fascination in the distractions that attract others, and you would have a higher premium for your time.

The journey of the woman with the issue of blood was the bridge between her suffering and healing. Her purpose was the bridge between her present and future. If you stay on your purpose, it will transit you from your present to your future. Working your purpose can bring you fame and take you to higher levels.

Declaration: I must fulfill my life’s purpose, in Jesus’ name !Amen

YOU'LL BE CONSIDERED FIRST“And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment:”(Matthew 9: 20)That is the Focal Scripture of Streams of Joy Devotional today.Before the woman with the issue of blood came to touch the hem of Jesus’ garment, there was a ruler who already came to seek Jesus' intervention. That man cried to Jesus for help before the woman with the issue of blood came; he came first, he made his efforts first. He began the process of receiving help first.The woman with the issue of blood got her healing before Jesus even went to the residence of the man who invited him to raise his daughter from the dead. She came later than the ruler, but she got her miracle before him. She came late, but she was the first to testify; she came late, she should have waited a while, but she was considered first.Friend, hear God’s prophetic word; you will be considered first. There may be people who began making huge efforts before you, but you will get your results before them; some people may have begun the race of greatness before you, but you will outrun them and hit your target before them. You will overtake people ahead of you.You will rise above people who started their careers/businesses before you; you will rise above those who started seeking for positions and opportunities before you; in places where you are lagging behind, get ready to overtake; in places where you are in a queue, God will miraculously give you your portion before others get theirs.When grace speaks on your behalf, you need not be the first to start, but you will be considered first.Psalm 90 vs. 14 says: “O satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.”Declaration: I shall always be considered first, in Jesus' name! Amen

IT IS HIDDEN“And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment:”(Matthew 9: 20)That is the Focal Scripture of Streams of Joy Devotional today.When the woman with the issue of blood came to Jesus, she touched the hem of His garments, and was made whole. The hem of a garment is an insignificant part that is found at the fringe of a garment. So where that woman touched was insignificant, she touched a place where others were not planning to touch, and in the end, she got a significant miracle.Friend, hear God’s prophetic word: your insignificant places and steps are about to give you significant results. There are hidden ideas and opportunities that other men are not looking for, and God will open your eyes to it and it will bring you amazing results. God is bringing you new, uncommon and unconventional inspiration, and as you use it, you will rise above your current level.If everyone around Jesus got the same idea about touching the hem of His garment, it might have been too competitive, and maybe the woman with the issue of blood wouldn’t have the chance to touch it. The idea of touching the hem was hidden from the eyes of others, but was revealed to the woman with the issue of blood.God will hide what is yours from the eyes of others; they won't see your clients, ideas, opportunities, open door, spouse, profitable relationship, etc that God designed for you to take you higher; they won't find the hidden treasure that God has reserved for you.Ask God to open your eyes to the hidden treasures that are loaded with your breakthroughs. Ask God to hide your opportunities from others.Isaiah 45 vs 3 says: "And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places..."Declaration: My eyes are open to see my hidden opportunities, in Jesus' name! Amen

CHECK YOUR THOUGHTS

“20. And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment: 21. For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole.”
(Matthew 9: 20-21)

That is the Focal Scripture of Streams of Joy Devotional today.

When the woman with the issue of blood touched the hem of Jesus’ garment and was made whole, it was not a random attempt, it was what she said within herself. Within herself, she spoke of her result before making an attempt; before hitting her target, she already believed it would be successful. Before she made her attempt, her mindset was positive.

Friend, glean some wisdom: have a positive mindset. Fill your mind with healthy, positive thoughts that will move your forward. Fill your mind with faith and belief that your efforts will bring expected results; believe that your results will be positive; believe that as you aim at your target, you will succeed.

There was a multitude to contend with, but that woman was thinking of her results. Don’t waste your time thinking about roadblocks on your way; don’t spend your time analyzing your challenges; don’t focus on who hates you or who doesn’t want you to succeed. Don’t focus on the negatives.

Focus on your result; think of when your dreams would have become reality; think of when your prayers would have been answered by God; think of when your greatness would have become reality. Don't think thoughts that discourage and disempower you.

Philippians 4 vs. 8 says: “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

Declaration: I choose to fill my mind with productive and profitable thoughts, in Jesus’ name! Amen

NO MORE FRUITLESS EFFORTS

“...a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment:”
(Matthew 9: 20)

That is the Focal Scripture of Streams of Joy Devotional today.

The woman with the issue of blood suffered problem for 12 years. Luke’s account makes mention of how the woman spent all her earnings on doctors, yet without results (see Luke 8 vs. 43). She did her best and remained sick.

When one is sick and goes to a doctor, one is deemed to have taken the right step; but for this woman, she took the right step but her condition remained; she took the steps that should give her good results, but she ended up empty handed. Her efforts were fruitless.

Friend, the cycle of fruitless efforts is over; God is breaking you out of the cycle of trying hard without succeeding. Your attempts at success will not be fruitless; your efforts to attain greatness will not be fruitless. Your efforts to rise above your challenges will not be fruitless; your efforts to rise above your limitations will not be fruitless; you are out of the cycle of fruitless efforts.

That woman with the issue of blood met Jesus and her effort gave her a result she had awaited for twelve years. God says, in place of fruitless efforts, your efforts shall bring you resounding results. Even when your efforts are too little and too insignificant, they will bring huge results.

Jesus was not in the scene when this woman spent all her earnings for twelve years without any result. If you leave Jesus out of your life, you are getting set for fruitless efforts. Let Jesus take the center stage of your life and your efforts will bring resounding results.

Psalm 126 vs. 6 says: “He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.”

Declaration: I break out of the cycle of fruitless efforts, in Jesus’ name! Amen

COUNTERPRODUCTIVE EFFORTS

“And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment:”
(Matthew 9: 20)

That is the Focal Scripture of Streams of Joy Devotional today.

The woman with the issue of blood, according to Luke 8 vs. 43, spent all her finances on physicians, but remained in her condition. When people spend money to solve a problem, the idea is for the problem to go down; but instead of the problem going down, the woman’s finances went down. Her genuine efforts worked against her.

Friend, hear God’s prophetic word: your efforts won't work against you or complicate your challenges; you won't make efforts to make things better and end up with bad results; you won't make positive efforts to improve your career and get into trouble for it; the efforts that should bring you more profit won't lead to losses. Your efforts won't be a tool in the hands of the enemy.

The efforts that should make you richer won't make you poorer; the people who should be your destiny helpers won't become destiny destroyers; the people who should help you to rise higher won't push you further down; the children who are your blessings from God won't become a thorn in your flesh; your efforts must work for you.

No more shall it be said that you made efforts and became worse off; no longer shall the things that should add value to you reduce you. No longer will positive efforts bring you negative outcomes; no longer shall ideas that should bring you fame become the beginning of your downfall and crash into obscurity. Every effort you make must pay off positively.

The past efforts of that woman worked against her, but when she met Jesus, her effort worked for her. Get Jesus involved in your life and your efforts will work for you and not against you.

Declaration: My efforts won't work against me, in Jesus’ name! Amen

YOU WILL SURVIVE

“...a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment:”
(Matthew 9: 20)

That is the Focal Scripture of Streams of Joy Devotional today.

The woman with the issue of blood bled for twelve years, but she did not die. She bled for a long time, but the challenge did not kill her; she went through a terrible situation that could swallow one’s life, but her life was not swallowed; the devil did not have the final say in her matter; she outlived it her challenge.

Friend, God says, no matter what the devil does, he can't bring you down, he won't truncate your destiny, he won't disorganise God's plan concerning you, he won't have the final say concerning your life, and he won't win the war against you. No matter what comes your way, your challenge won't kill you, your setbacks won't swallow you, and your battles won't consume you.

The battles that brought others down will not bring you down; the challenges that shut down other enterprises will not shut down your own enterprise; the circumstances that sent others into obscurity may come your way but you will remain afloat. God will keep you above the battles of life.

No matter what happens, you won't lose your life. No matter how much recession the economy suffers, you won't recede; no matter how terrible and difficult things become, you won't be swept away; you will survive and outlive all your troubles.

You belong to a generation that can’t be consumed by the battles of life. Ensure that God is at the core of your being, and nothing will swallow your destiny.

2 Corinthians 4 vs. 8-9 says: “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;”

Declaration: I will outlive all my challenges; no challenge will consume me, in Jesus’ name! Amen

DON'T DOUBT GOD

“Then a lord on whose hand the king leaned answered the man of God, and said, Behold, if the LORD would make windows in heaven, might this thing be?...”
(2 Kings 7: 2)

That is the Focal Scripture of Streams of Joy Devotional today.

When Elisha proclaimed the 24 hour miracle in Samaria, a lord on whose hands the king leaned, who queried the possibility of God’s promise. He heard God’s promise but he expressly doubted it. He didn’t trust God enough to fulfill His word.

The king of Israel leaned on this same lord who doubted God. He derived his support from someone who challenged the place of God. His support belittled the power of God and didn't believe God’s ability. He had a support that questioned God’s competence.

Friend, beware of every support that challenges the place of God in your life. Beware of any support that wants you to abandon your belief in God; beware of any support that makes you look down on God; beware of every support that tampers with your faith and confidence in God; beware of every support that robs you of your intimacy with God; beware of every support that does not glorify God.

If you ever have to choose between believing God and believing the words of a mere mortal, believe God and ignore the human support. Instead of trusting in man, trust in God.

Even with the best intentions, some people will fail you without planning it. If you trust a mere mortal to the extent that you don’t bother to believe in God, you are making a mistake that may consume your life.

Trust God for anything your mind conceives, and if Jehovah is involved, nothing shall be too hard to fulfill.

Jeremiah 17 vs. 5 sums it up: “Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.”

Prayer : Lord, I put my trust in You; I won't depend on the arm of flesh, in Jesus’ name!Amen
Enjoy A Blessed Monday. This Week, You Shall Have The Best Offer.

RESTORATION

“And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment:”
(Matthew 9: 20)

That is the Focal Scripture of Streams of Joy Devotional today.

The woman with the issue of blood suffered her ailment for twelve years. After twelve years, the abnormality in her health bowed to Jesus. After a long period, what seemed poised to take her life was taken away; after a twelve year period, the disorder in her life gave way to order. Her health was altered for a pretty long time, but in a matter of time, that same health was restored.

Friend, hear God’s prophetic word: in every part of your life where there is disorder, order will be restored. In the places where you are broken, you will be healed. In places you suffered losses, what you lost is coming back to you. Where you suffered a destiny reduction, your destiny is about to get a new lift. Where you are incomplete, God is about to bring completion all by Himself.

In other accounts of the story of the woman with the issue of blood, she was bent over because of her ailment; but as she touched Jesus, her troubles ended. Negativity ceased when she met Jesus. As you encounter Jesus, every negativity in your life will cease, whatever is not working in your favour will give way, and every pain and affliction will cease.

Get set: in places where you went down, God is bringing you up; wherever things have not worked, things will soon begin to work; wherever your life has been on a downward slide, you will witness an upward movement; in the places of your ‘issue of blood’, there will be restoration.

Joel 2 vs. 25 says“And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.”

Declaration: In places where I am experiencing disorder, I speak restoration, in Jesus’ name! Amen

BE LIKE THE KING

“Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children... and he made him a coat of many colours.”
(Genesis 37: 3)

That is the Focal Scripture of Streams of Joy Devotional today.

In Old Testament times, leaders of tribes wore a coat of many colours. Jacob as leader of his tribe probably wore such a garment; and he later made one for Joseph. Traditionally, Jacob simply put the right of succession on Joseph. So for Joseph to succeed his father, he needed to wear what Jacob wore. There was need for commonality between Joseph and Jacob for there to be succession.

Friend, if you will live in the fullness of Divinity, you need to share commonalities with God. Dare to look like God inside and out. Let God’s nature be in you and be all you will exude. If you are not like God, you can’t possess His possession. If God cannot see in you what He sees in Himself, you’re making it difficult for Him to release the inheritance He destined for you.

God is a truthful God, but if He finds falsehood in you, you are making it difficult for Him to release your portion to you. God is the light of the world, but if He finds darkness in you, there will be a disconnect. God is a righteous God, but if He finds unrighteousness in you, you may disqualify yourself from the throne. God has core values, and if He can’t find those values in you, your throne might be elusive.

You can't ascend to the throne God destined for you while descending from the principles, values and standards of God. Dare to wear the same ‘dress’ as God. Be like God. Be honest, decent, righteous, principled, pure, positive, etc. Let your attitudes exude the beauty of Jesus. Discard anything that is in conflict with your commonality with God.

When the chips are down, you have a God to please and a throne to occupy. Let God see Himself in you, and He will bring you to your throne.

Declaration: I choose to be like Jesus, in Jesus' name! Amen

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TAKE THAT RISK

“If we say, We will enter into the city, then the famine is in the city, and we shall die there: and if we sit still here, we die also. Now therefore come, and let us fall unto the host of the Syrians: if they save us alive, we shall live; and if they kill us, we shall but die.”
(2 Kings 7: 4)

That is the Focal Scripture of Streams of Joy Devotional today.

The lepers in our Focal Scripture were faced with three options: going back to Samaria, remaining at the city gate, or entering into the Syrians' camp. There was no food in Samaria and at the city gate; but there was food in the camp of the Syrians, though the risk of facing soldiers was possible.

Those lepers moved to the camp of the Syrians. They moved to where they could find food. They moved towards their opportunity. They went to where they could find what they needed. There was danger in the Syrians' camp but they were undeterred. They took their chance despite the danger and risk involved.

Friend, God says, take the risk and go to where there is 'food'. Move closer to opportunities that will favour you; move to where you can find resources that will benefit you. Go closer to what you need even if there is a risk. Take the risk and go for that job even if you feel you are not wanted; take the risk and start that business even if circumstances are not favourable.

The lepers took a risk and went towards their opportunity, and they found what they wanted without being harmed by the risk. If you dare to take the risk, you just might discover that the risk is not harmful afterall. If you take the risk and go closer to your desired opportunities, you will find what you need without being harmed.

The risk of taking action is more profitable than the safety of inaction. Take a step of faith and God will surprise you with uncommon results.

Prayer : Lord, give me wisdom to take risks that will favour me, in Jesus’ name!Amen
Enjoy A Wonderful day

UNSTOPPABLE DREAM

“4. And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him. 5. And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more.”
(Genesis 37: 4-5)

That is the Focal Scripture of Streams of Joy Devotional today.

Joseph was hated by his brethren because he was loved above them all by his father; he later dreamed a dream and told them about it, and they hated him even more. His dream was birthed in an environment of hatred. He had a big dream amongst haters who were ready to cut short his life.

Joseph’s brothers later tried to kill him, then they sold him into slavery, then he moved from Potiphar’s house to the prison, but one day, his dream came to pass. The hatred of his brothers did not stop his dream. The motive of his brothers was to cut short his dream, but eventually, the dream was fulfilled.

Friend, are you surrounded by men who are ready to do anything to stop your dream? God says, nothing will stop your dream; no man will stop you from becoming all that God has destined that you will become; nothing will stop you from attaining the next level that God has orchestrated for you; nothing will stop the increase God ordained for you. Nothing will stop your dream; haters can’t stop your dream.

When Joseph’s dream came to pass, his brothers saw him in his exalted position in Egypt. The people who plotted against his dream were alive to see the manifestation of the dream. God says, the men who have plotted against your dream will live to see its fulfillment, and they will come to pay you homage.

Commit your dreams into the hands of Him who is able to bring it to pass against all odds and against the wishes of haters. When Jehovah is involved, haters can’t stop your dream.

Declaration: Nothing and no man will stop my dre1am, in Jesus’ name! Amen

SPEAK YOUR DREAM

“And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more.”
(Genesis 37: 5)

That is the Focal Scripture of Streams of Joy Devotional today.

When Joseph dreamed a dream, he didn’t keep quiet about it; he spoke to his brothers about it. He confessed his dream; he painted the picture of his dreams with words. That dream was not to be fulfilled immediately, how it was going to be fulfilled was not discernible, but he spoke about the dream. He used his words to push forth his dream.

Friend, speak your dream. Don’t be silent about the dream God has given you. Speak about it; declare it; shout it at the rooftops; say it even if it annoys your haters and contemporaries. Life and death are in the power of the tongue, so use your tongue to give life to your dream; use your words to grow your dream; use your words to promote and advertise your dream.

The confession of your dream might look like foolishness to those who do not understand the power of the tongue, but keep speaking it until it becomes your reality. As Joseph used his tongue in favour of his dream, use your tongue in favour of your dream. Don’t speak against your dream.

Joseph’s brothers heard his dream and sold him into slavery. Joseph later affirmed that though they meant it for evil, God meant it for good. The confession of his dream triggered the arrangements that led to its fulfilment.

When you speak your dream, Heaven takes note and you are also sending fellow mortals and elements of nature on assignment to see to it that your dream becomes reality.

Speak your dream even if your haters hate to hear it. When you speak it, arrangements for its fulfillment will begin in earnest.

Numbers 14 vs. 28 says: “Say unto them, As truly as I live, saith the LORD, as ye have spoken in mine ears, so will I do to you:”

Declaration: I choose to speak my dream, in Jesus’ name! Amen

ENLARGE MY STEPS

“For the Lord had made the host of the Syrians to hear a noise of chariots, and a noise of horses, even the noise of a great host...”
(2 Kings 7: 6)

That is the Focal Scripture of Streams of Joy Devotional today.

As the lepers moved to the camp of the Syrians, God caused the Syrian soldiers to hear the noise of chariots and the noise of a great host, and they fled. The steps of those four lepers should ordinarily be inconsequential, but Jehovah got involved, magnified their steps, and put an army to flight.

Friend, hear God’s prophetic word: God will enlarge and magnify your steps. God will cause your feeble steps to put the enemies of your destiny to flight. God will cause your little efforts to make a huge impact. God will cause your little ideas to attract amazing results. God will enlarge your image in the eyes of those who will make you relevant. You may be feeble like those lepers, but God will enlarge you.

The lepers took their chance, they had no plans of putting the Syrians to flight, but when they moved, God enlarged their steps and gave them a result they had no plans to achieve. When God enlarges your steps, you will achieve things you didn't plan to achieve, and people who had no plans to favour you will favour you. When God enlarges your steps, your achievement will exceed your abilities.

The lepers didn't know that God would enlarge their steps. They just took the right steps and God did the rest. Take the right steps and God will do the rest. Start that business and God will enlarge it; start your projects and God will bring resources; make the right efforts and God will play His part.

If those lepers took no step, there would have been no footsteps for God to enlarge. If you do nothing, God may have nothing to enlarge in your life. Play your part, take a step of faith and God will bring enlargement.

Prayer : Lord, enlarge my steps, in Jesus’ name!Amen
Enjoy A Restful Saturday.

DREAM INTERPRETERS

“And his brethren said to him, Shalt thou indeed reign over us? or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us?...”
(Genesis 37:

That is the Focal Scripture of Streams of Joy Devotional today.

When Joseph told his dream to his brothers, they asked him if he was going to reign over them. Joseph only told his dream, he didn’t bother to interprete the dream, he didn’t say what would happen if the dream came to pass; but after he told the dream, his brothers gave an interpretation to it.

Joseph' s brothers gave the idea of how his dream would work. The same brothers who hated him for his dream gave his dream an interpretation. Joseph’s dream was interpreted for him freely. Joseph was blessed with dream interpreters.

Friend, hear God’s prophetic word: people will freely interprete your dream. People will make contributions that will give expression to your dreams and visions. People will help you to advertise your ideas; people will bring you more clients; people will help your enterprise to blossom beyond borders; the moment you start working your dream, you will be amazed at how people will make it work better and better for you.

Joseph did not beg his brothers to interprete his dream, but they interpreted it for him. People gave him free interpretation for his dream. God says, people will arise on their own to help your dream find expression; you may not beg them, but they will make your dreams work. They will see your dream and begin making contributions.

Joseph told his dream before anyone interpreted it for him. If you keep your dreams under lock and key, no one will interprete it for you. No one will patronize an enterprise that has not begun. No one will come for your dream until you work it. Speak your dream, work your dream, and God will send you dream interpreters.

Declaration: I receive my dream interpreters, in Jesus' name! Amen

SPEAK LIKE DREAMERS

“And his brethren said to him, Shalt thou indeed reign over us? ...And they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words.”
(Genesis 37:

That is the Focal Scripture of Streams of Joy Devotional today.

Our Focal Scripture gives the second reason why Joseph’s brothers hated him. Apart from hating him because of his dreams, they also hated him because of his words. The way he spoke about his dreams got them offended. The passion with which he spoke about his dream was spectacular. He was a dreamer, and he spoke like one.

Friend, there is a way dreamers talk. Dreamers speak passionately about their dreams; dreamers speak of their future dreams as though they are already present realities; dreamers show their love for their dream through their words and the passion in their words; dreamers don’t shy away from talking about their dreams even when circumstances are not right for the fulfilment of the dreams.

When you talk big about your dreams, you are not boasting or speaking empty words; you are being prophetic, and you are using your words to create the future you desire. When you talk big about your dreams, you are simply telling God to bring bigger manifestations of your dreams. When you talk big about your dreams, you are making prophecies that God will love to fulfill.

Joseph was yet to see a manifestation of his dream, but the way he talked about it was so significant that it offended his brothers. Don’t wait for a manifestation of your dream before you talk about it; speak about it even if you don’t know how it would become a reality; speak of your dream until it becomes your reality.

Even if you can’t see it, start saying it. Dreamers don’t use their words against their future. Use your words to support your dreams, talk big, and in time, your dreams will become a reality.

Declaration: I choose to talk like a dreamer, in Jesus’ name! Amen

DREAM AGAIN

“And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it his brethren, and said, Behold, I have dreamed a dream more; and, behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me.”
(Genesis 37: 9)

That is the Focal Scripture of Streams of Joy Devotional today.

While Joseph’s brothers were contending with his first dream, he dreamt another dream. His first dream was yet to be fulfilled, and he dreamt a bigger dream. His second dream was an improvement of his first dream. He didn’t wait for his first dream to be fulfilled before he dreamt again.

Isn’t it true that sometimes, we have failed to dream again because our previous dreams are still not a reality? Sometimes, because of previous plans that didn’t work, we give up instead of trying again. Sometimes, our first dream looks impossible, and we just can’t afford to dream another dream.

Friend, God says, dare to dream again. Even if your first dream is yet to materialize, dream again. Even if there are no resources or opportunities for your first dream, dream again. Even if no one is willing to support your first dream, dream again. Even if you don’t know what tomorrow holds, dream again. It doesn’t even cost you anything to dream, so dream again and again.

Joseph’s second dream involved the sun, moon and stars bowing to him. The first dream involved sheaves, but the second dream involved heavenly bodies. His second dream was higher than the first. Even when your first dream is not yet a reality, take your dreams a notch higher. Take your dreams and visions to the next level. Increase your goals.

When Joseph's dream would eventually be fulfilled, it was the second dream that found fulfillment. His bigger dream was fulfilled. Increase and expand your dreams, and it will become a reality.

Declaration: I choose to dream a higher dream; my bigger dreams shall become my reality, in Jesus’ name! Amen

DIVINE LEADING

“The hand of the LORD was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the LORD...”
(Ezekiel 37: 1)

That is the Focal Scripture of Streams of Joy Devotional today.

In our Focal Scripture, the hand of the Lord was upon Ezekiel, and carried him out to the valley of dry bones. The hand of God was upon Ezekiel and led him to a destination God determined by Himself. God’s hand was upon Ezekiel, and instead of Ezekiel leading himself, God continued to lead him.

Friend, as the last quarter of 2020 begins, allow God to lead you. The fact that God's hand is upon you doesn’t mean you don’t need His leading. The fact that God has given you cause to smile and dance for joy doesn’t mean you can run your race without obeying God’s word and instructions. The fact that God is with you is no licence to lead yourself in life’s journey.

God’s hand may be upon your life for good, God may have shown you great mercy, granted you uncommon testimonies and unprecedented miracles, your breakthroughs may be mind blowing, but the evidence of God’s hand upon you is not an excuse to walk away from His leading.

If God stops leading you, you might arrive at the destination called destruction. When you dwell in unforgiveness, sin, lust, anger, prayerlessness, bitterness, ungodly words, etc, be careful, you are leading yourself, and you might soon end in a destination that will hurt your destiny.

Any man who stops with seeing the hand of the Lord will have a one-off experience; but anyone who continues with the leading of the Lord after seeing the hand of God will have a continuous experience.

Let God lead your thoughts, emotions, actions, inactions, words, involvements, commitments, etc. On this 60th Independence Anniversary, ask God to lead Nigeria in the direction He pleases.

Prayer : Lord, even when Your hand is upon me, continue to lead me, in Jesus’ name!Amen
Happy Independence Day. Enjoy A Graceful Month Ahead.