TAKE CHARGE

“...as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret,”
(Luke 5: 1)

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

When the people pressed on Jesus to hear God's word, He stood by the Lake of Gennesaret. Instead of moving immediately because of pressure, He stood. From the original Greek translations, the word ‘stood’ as used in that scripture, means ‘to take charge’. So pressure came, but Jesus took charge.

Friend, when pressure comes, take charge. Don’t allow any pressure to panic you; don’t let the pressures you face to steal your faith and confidence, or cause you emotional or psychological trauma ; don’t allow challenges to shake you; don’t allow pressure to chase you out of your position in life.

Jesus took charge before stepping out to preach in Peter’s ship. Take charge before you begin a new mission; take charge through prayers and confession of God’s word; speak a word of prayer before you submit that application; take charge before you start the business of the day; take charge of the atmosphere before others take charge of it.

Despite the pressure you face, always remember that your redeemer lives, and cannot lie to you, leave you or forsake you; despite the pressure, don’t bow to sin and unrighteousness, let your faith and confidence in God remain intact, and don’t let the words of your mouth contradict God's word concerning you.

In the face of pressure, Jesus demanded for Peter’s ship; He used the occasion of pressure to make demands and step into new levels. Take charge of every pressure in the place of prayer and the word, and you will step into new levels.

Ephesians 6 vs. 13 says: “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”

Pray With Me: Lord, I will take charge of every pressure/challenge around me, in Jesus’ name!

Follow on Twitter @jerrystreams.

You Are In Charge; Take Charge.

CONNECT TO SUCCESS

“And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship.”
(Luke 5: 3)

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

It is instructive to note that whereas Peter failed to catch fish all night, he remained in the Lake of Gennesaret where Jesus used his ship to preach to the multitude. Peter failed, Jesus was about to succeed, and Peter offered his ship to help Jesus succeed. Peter’s failure did not cause him to walk away from the environment of success; Peter failed, but connected to someone who was in the business of succeeding.

Friend, even if you think you are a failure, connect to the success of others. Connect with those whose ideas are higher than yours; connect to those whose results make a mess of your own results; connect to those whose successes will trigger and inspire your own success; connect with men who can give you hope again; let your failure not rob you of a chance to be in the atmosphere of success.

If Peter had walked away because he failed, just maybe he wouldn’t have got a second chance to catch a large haul of fish. If you allow your failures to push you out of the radar of success, just maybe, you will forever be confined in failure until you wake up and walk away from it. If your failure causes you to go into hiding, how will success locate you?

It doesn’t matter how much you have failed: stay on the grind, connect to those who have succeeded, celebrate the successes of those who succeeded while you failed, let the advancement of others propel you forward, and in a matter of time, your success will be revealed to the amazement of your generation.

Prayer : Lord, I refuse to walk away from the environment of success, in Jesus’ name!Amen
This Weekend, Success Will Locate You.

DON'T GIVE UP

“2. ...but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. 4. Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.”
(Luke 5: 2, 4)

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

At about the time when Jesus wanted to preach to the crowd that was pressing on Him, Peter was washing his net. Peter had toiled all night and caught nothing; as a fisherman, washing his net was an indication that the business of the day was over.

Jesus entered Peter’s ship, and gave him the grace to catch a large haul of fish. Peter ended his fishing process, but Jesus began a new process that brought amazing results. Where Peter ended was where Jesus began; when Peter declared a breakdown, Jesus showed up with a breakthrough. Jesus began a new process that favoured Peter.

Friend, you may have ended some processes that didn’t give you desired results, but it is time to allow the Lord to begin new processes that will favour you. Allow the Lord to usher you into new profitable relationships; allow the Lord to bring you new opportunities that will distinguish you; allow God to bring you ideas that will lead to your Exceeding Expansion. If you have come to the end of the road, let God show you a new way.

When Peter gave up was when Jesus came with the amazing miracle that changed Peter’s story. You may think it is over but God says it is not over yet. That result you have given up on can still become a reality. That new job, marriage, financial breakthrough, etc can still happen. Your cookies may crumble, but God has better options.

Psalm 30 vs. 5 says: “...weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.”

Prayer : Lord, whenever I give up, begin a new process that will cause me to smile, in Jesus’ name!Amen
Expect A New Beginning; Don't Give Up Yet.

*A LESSON FROM ATM*

Yesterday I was at the ATM to get some cash because I dearly needed money.

As I started to transact, the ATM showed me an inscription which said; Please insert your card.

I did

And then another message popped up- Please enter your pin code

I did

And then another message came ...select the amount,

I did that too

After I had done all this...the ATM showed me a message in BOLD letters

YOUR TRANSACTION IS BEING PROCESSED, PLEASE WAIT !

Allow me to say..when you have done all the things you can, you have prayed, you have fasted, you have even asked others to pray with you and for you but it seems as if nothing is happening in your life, wait patiently don't give up, don't move because your request is being processed.

WAIT!

Let me tell you ..What made me wait is because my card was already in the ATM, I had already entered my pin code.

If I give up now and walk away..Lord have Mercy... The next person will get all that I had requested.

Not because your messages aren't heard, not because your prayers are irrelevant, not because your fasting is meaningless..but because

YOUR TRANSACTION IS BEING PROCESSED

*Wait and murmur not. Do not think you were born to suffer..*
*Your prayers are being processed so Wait upon the Lord*�

I Know it's not easy but I encourage you ..WAIT!!!...As it is in

Isaiah 40:31
*But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.*

YOUR TRANSACTION IS BEING PROCESSED. PLEASE WAIT

You are Blessed,HAPPY NEW WEEK

Queen of lust.

It was Sunday morning. She sprayed the abrakadabra perfume given to her by 3am at her mermaid last meeting. She dressed up in her seductive clothes. If a guy look at her front - trouble, if you look at her back- problem. She put on the highest heel shoe you ever see. It was so high that she had to twist her body like a snake to take each step.

When she reached the church it was sermon time, she proceeded straight to the front. Her presence changed the atmosphere. Guys started adjusting there seats to create space, it might be she would branch to their seats. There was something charming about her presence and appearance. The scent of her perfume alone arouse you sexually. But she continued moving to the front. Some of the guys were lost within thirty seconds. They forgot the message and started lusting

The Usher in the front perceived something in the spirit. He started praying silently in tongues. Then he waved hand to her to go back. She stopped, hissed, looked at him up and down and took another step forward......that was her last step
Gbuaaaaaaaaa....she fell down. The high heel broke and there was her on the floor, the queen of lust.

There was something about her falling down, those carnal guys suddenly regained their consciousness. She shamefully and hurriedly went out of the church -mission failed!

That was how her mission failed. She was sent to spread the spirits of lust, pornography and masturbation.

Some come to church as agents of darkness. If you are officiating at any time in your church please soak yourself in prayer. Do not take God's work casually. Your failure to be on guard in the spirit will negatively affect the members of the church. Activities in the church is more than secular work.

Are you doing anything in the church? You need to prepare by soaking yourself in prayer. Be a man of righteousness, a man of the spirit and a man of the word.
Pray in tongues always.

Sunday school teachers....

Prepare your outlines for Sunday school but also pray to tune your spirit.

Ushers..

Iron your clothes and polish your shoes. But let your heart be right with God.

Choir..

Train your voice and tune your instruments but also be spiritually sound.

Thanks for reading.

Share to Christians workers. May God help His Church...!!

NO MORE FRUITLESS EFFORTS

“Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.”
(Luke 5: 4)

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

Prior to Jesus’ encounter with Peter, Peter toiled all night and caught nothing. He made efforts with no results to show for it. He worked hard as a fisherman, he did what should attract results, yet he was empty handed. Peter seemed to be stuck in a cycle of efforts without results. He was in a chapter of his life where he had nothing to show for his efforts.

When Jesus got involved, He instructed Peter to lay down his net for a catch, after which Peter caught so much fish that his own ship could not contain. Peter moved from a phase of fruitless efforts to a phase where little efforts brought resounding results. He moved from emptiness to abundance.

Friend, hear God’s prophetic word: you are stepping out of the season of fruitless efforts and stepping into a season where your little efforts will bring resounding results. You are breaking out of the season of being empty handed despite your efforts. Henceforth, everything you do shall prosper; every effort you make will bring results; every opportunity you take will pay off; every seed you sow will bring a harvest.

When Jehovah is involved, there is no such thing as fruitless efforts. When Jehovah is involved, even a little, regular effort can bring you resounding results. When God remembers you for good, everything you touch will prosper. When God gets involved in the work of your hands, you will move from fruitlessness to super abundance.

Peter’s new tale of fruitfulness began when Jesus became a part of what he was doing. Get God involved in your efforts, and He will cause you to be fruitful.

Prayer : Lord, my little efforts will bring resounding results; no more fruitless efforts, in Jesus’ name!Amen
Welcome To Your Fruitful Season.

TAKE ACTION

“Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.”
(Luke 5: 4)

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

When Jesus was done speaking God’s word to the multitudes, He commanded Peter to launch out into the deep. While Jesus was teaching the Word, Peter’s ship was just a little bit from the shore. Jesus preached and Peter heard the word in shallow waters. Ordinarily, it is more convenient to come out of shallow waters than to escape from deep waters.

Peter heard the word in shallow waters, but when it was time to take action, Jesus told him to get into the deep waters to catch fish. The hearing of God’s word by Peter was in the place of convenience, but the action that was to follow was at the place of inconvenience. Peter heard the word conveniently, but he took action inconveniently.

Friend, you may hear God’s word conveniently, but dare to do it inconveniently. When God’s word inspires you to take a step of faith, take it even if it is not a convenient action. When God impresses it upon you to sow a seed, do it even if it is not convenient.

If God desires that you serve Him, serve Him even if the service robs you of some comfort. Take the necessary actions, make the necessary prayers, etc even if it is outside of the zone of convenience.

God’s word may sound good to your ears, but it may not be so convenient when you want to practice it. God’s word may excite you, but the actions it demands from you may not be exciting. The steps of faith that God’s word demands from you may not be such that you would readily want to engage in.

Inconvenience is the pathway to the next level. If you can't deny yourself of pleasures and do what your flesh is not comfortable with, you may not be prepared for your Exceeding Expansion.

Prayer : Lord, I shall do Your word even when it is not convenient, in Jesus’ name!Amen

AWAY FROM DARKNESS

“And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing...”
(Luke 5: 5)

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

When Jesus instructed Peter to let down his net for a catch, Peter reminded Jesus that he had toiled all night without results. Peter made professional efforts, those efforts were made at night, and he came out empty handed. He made efforts under the cover of darkness, and the efforts were fruitless.

Darkness is synonymous with satanic activity; so could it be that Peter’s efforts were marred by satanic activity? Could it be that forces of darkness caused a professional fisherman like Peter to make efforts that should have brought results, but somehow, the results were nowhere to be found? Could it be possible that 'darkness' crippled Peter’s efforts?

Friend, arise in warfare prayers against any force of darkness that wants to make a mess up your efforts. Pray against every satanic projection that wants you to end up empty handed; pray against every territorial demon that wants to make you labour without results; speak against every force of darkness that wants to waste your time and efforts.

Jesus was absent while Peter made efforts at night, and he ended without results. The absence of Jesus is the greatest darkness that will cripple you. If you leave Jesus out of your efforts, forces of darkness will take over and have dominion over your genuine, professional and competent efforts.

Any darkness around your efforts will open the door for disappointments and disgrace. Destroy every satanic activity surrounding your efforts, and you shall have amazing results.

Ephesians 6 vs. 11 advises: “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”

Prayer : Lord, destroy every 'darkness' that wants to make my efforts fruitless, in Jesus’ name!Amen

NEVER THE LESS

“And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.”
(Luke 5: 5)

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

When Jesus instructed Peter to let down his net, Peter reminded Jesus of how he had made fruitless efforts. Peter came with a nasty experience of working hard and having nothing to show for it. He had a fresh memory of failure; he had a fresh memory of what didn’t work for him.

After reeling out his experience, Peter said, “…nevertheless, at thy word I will let down the net”. The word ‘nevertheless’ can be broken into three words: never the less. Peter seemed to say to Jesus, “At thy word, I can never be the less”. Peter was not about to become the less because of a word from Jesus.

Friend, if you can operate with a word from Jesus, you can never be the less. If you run your race in 2020 with a constant confession of God’s word over your life, you will never be the less; if you keep believing and insisting on what God has said concerning you, you will never be the less. God’s word is the passcode that will stop you from being the less in all your ways.

Circumstances sought to make Peter the less, but God’s word gave him more. When you stay connected to God’s word, Jehovah will have no option but to give you more than you asked for. When you keep listening to God’s word, the word will prevail over every circumstance that wants to make you less. In the absence of the Word, you are less; but with the Word, you are more than you imagine.

Jesus’ word did not fall to the ground. Jesus told Peter what to do, and when he obeyed, he caught a great haul of fishes. Be obedient to God’s word in all your ways, and God will cause you to experience an Exceeding Expansion.

Prayer : Lord, by Your word, I shall never be the less, in Jesus’ name!Amen
Receive Grace To Be More!

YOU WON'T LOSE CONTROL

“6. And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. 7. …they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.” (Luke 5: 6-7)

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

When Peter caught a great haul of fishes and invited his partners to come to his rescue, soon, both ships were filled and the net got torn. Soon also, they faced the possibility of having their ships sink in the sea because of the load of fishes they carried. Their miracle appeared to be leading to losses and negativity.

In subsequent verses, Peter and his partners brought the ships to the sea shore. So their ships did not sink and their fishes did not get lost. Things seemed to be out of their control, but in the end, things did not go wrong. They were not in control of the situation, but they definitely did not lose control.

Friend, hear God’s prophetic word: you may not be in control but you won’t lose control. You may not be in charge of what is going on around you, but God says, things won’t turn against you. The tide may seem to be turning against your interest, but in the end, nothing will go wrong. People may make arrangements to truncate your destiny, but God says, no matter how hard they try, you will be unscathed and you won’t lose control.

Peter got a word from Jesus, and there was no way his ship was going to sink in Jesus' presence. If you are connected to Jesus, He won't allow the tide to turn against you when you are not in control. When Jehovah is involved in your life, even when the enemies of your destiny appear to be on the brink of winning, God won’t let them win.

Don’t lose sleep whenever you are not directly in control of any situation. God says, you may not be in control, but you won't lose control.

Prayer : Lord, I may not always be in control, but I won’t lose control, in Jesus’ name!Amen

STARTING YOUR DAY:

LOVE...

It seems we are determined to love only THE MATURE, THE ACCOMPLISHED, EDUCATED, WELL-OFF and FLAWLESS among us.

Unfortunately, its as if those who need our Love the most...can't afford it!

For everyone feeling unloved - May God cause you to experience the kind of love that makes you feel like you're breathing through your heart.

I LOVE YOU!

Good day

NO MORE A SPECTATOR

“And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships...”
(Luke 5: 7)

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

When Jesus wanted to preach to the crowd at Lake Gennesaret, He had two ships to choose from, and He chose Peter’s ship. He used Peter’s ship as a platform to preach. Peter enjoyed the spotlight alongside Jesus; but the partners within the vicinity who also had a ship got no attention from Jesus. Some men appeared to have been left behind.

After Peter’s net breaking miracle, he invited the partners who also had a ship. The people who seemed forgotten suddenly became relevant again. They may have been away from the spotlight for a while, despite having a ship, but when it was time for results, they were not left behind. They didn’t even do as much as Peter did, but they got results.

Friend, you may not be in the spotlight yet, you may not have been chosen yet, your testimonies may not have begun yet, you may seem to have been left behind, but God says, when it is time for results to manifest, you won’t be left behind. You may not work as hard as others who are currently ahead of you, but when it is time for results, as they count theirs, you will count yours.

God says, you won’t be left behind in the matter of success. You won’t be a spectator while others tell the tales of their Exceeding Expansion. You won’t be counted among those whose ships remained empty while others had their ships laden with God’s abundant supply.

The same God who did it for others will also do it for you; the same God who remembered others will also remember you.

2 Corinthians 9: 8 says: “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:”

Prayer : Lord, as You do for others, You will also do for me, in Jesus’ name!Amen

BEYOND THE GIFTS

“And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.”
(Luke 5: 11)

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

After Peter and his partners brought their ships to the shore, they abandoned everything and followed Jesus. These men had just received a huge miracle from Jesus, but their topmost priority was to follow Him. What Jesus did for them was not enough to make them forget to follow Him. Their testimonies did not distract them from the Master. They didn’t love the gift more than the Giver.

Friend, whatever God does for you is not more important than following Him. The blessings of God on your life do not mean that you don’t need God anymore. The more God blesses you, the more you need Him in your life. The more God opens doors for you, the more you should walk closely with Him. Whatever miracle, breakthrough, testimony, etc God grants you is a platform to increase your commitment to God.

When Peter began to follow Jesus full time, he eventually became the chief of the Apostles. What he achieved when he was a part time follower of Jesus was nothing compared to what he became when he chose to be a full time follower and worshipper. The blessings of your part time commitment to God can never be compared to the relevance you will attain when you commit to God full time.

If all you do is to receive blessings and walk away, be careful, blessings are not all there is to life. There is a purpose to fulfill beyond the blessings you have received or will receive; the material things you receive from God should not make you lose sight of the destiny God wants you to fulfill.

Stay connected to God and deepen your commitment to Him no matter the blessings you have received. There are higher heights than whatever God has done for you. Don’t let the gifts take the place of the giver .
prayer:Lord, whatever You give me will never take your place.Amen

THERE IS A WORD

“And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives, he sendeth forth two of his disciples,”
(Mark 11: 1)

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

In Zechariah 9 vs. 9, Zechariah prophesied about Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem which would involve a colt. So when Jesus sent two disciples to fetch the colt, it was in fulfillment of prophecy. The was a word from the Lord concerning the colt, and Jesus couldn’t enter Jerusalem without it. God's word concerning the colt came to pass.

Friend, because of God's word over your life, you won't be left behind in destiny. Because of what God already said about you, you won't be an abandoned project. You will be included among those who will enjoy an Exceeding Expansion because of God's word concerning you. As you dwell in the atmosphere of the word of God, God will continue to fulfill His word concerning your life.

Every word God has spoken or written concerning you will come to pass. It may take some time, it may seem delayed or forgotten by God, but relax, God won’t forget to bring His word to fulfillment; it may seem impossible to be fulfilled, but God knows what to do to fulfill every word He has spoken concerning you.

The colt didn't remind Jesus about Zechariah's prophecy, but Jesus knew, and at the appointed time for the prophecy to be fulfilled, it was fulfilled without delay. Every word God has spoken concerning you is self fulfilling. At the time appointed by God, His word concerning you will come to pass.

Habakkuk 2 vs. 3 says: “For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.”

Prayer : Lord, Your word concerning me must come to pass, in Jesus’ name!Amen

NOT BY MAJORITY

“2. ...ye shall find a colt tied, whereon never man sat; loose him, and bring him. 3. And if any man say unto you, Why do ye this? say ye that the Lord hath need of him...”
(Mark 11: 2-3)

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

In our Focal Scripture, Jesus sent two of His disciples to fetch a colt. Jesus had twelve disciples, and He didn’t send as much as half of them, He sent only two; He sent people who were in a minority; He didn’t need to send everybody. That assignment would later pave the way for His triumphant entry into Jerusalem, and only a minority was sent.

Friend, in this year of Exceeding Expansion, God doesn't need the majority to be in your favour before you can rise; God does not need the majority to make your Exceeding Expansion a reality; God doesn't need everyone and everything - bosses, colleagues, clients, economy, etc - to support your progress before it can materialize. God is not dependent on majority.

Jesus told the two disciples whom He sent that if any man queries them, they should say that the Lord has need of the colt. So the minority that went on an assignment were to use the name of the Lord if any opposition arose. It didn’t matter that they were in a minority: their victory formula was ‘The Lord’.

When the majority is not on your side, remember, the Lord is on your side; and if Jehovah is on your side, the majority may oppose you but they can’t stop you. If you tag along with the Lord this year, you will demystify the majority that is not with you.

The name of the Lord is the antidote for every majority that is not in your favour. Your success is not by majority, it is by the name of the Lord.

Psalm 20 vs. 7 says: “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.”

Prayer : Lord, my success is not at the mercy of the majority; it is a function of grace, in Jesus name! Amen

TREASURES FROM OPPOSITION

“And saith unto them, Go your way into the village over against you: and as soon as ye be entered into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon never man sat; loose him, and bring him.”
(Mark 11: 2)

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

In our Focal Scripture, Jesus sent His disciples to a village that was over and against them; it was in this village that they found a colt on which Jesus would later sit. Jesus needed the colt to ride into Jerusalem, and the colt was located in a village that was against them.

In the village that was against Jesus and His disciples, a colt was found for Jesus’ use. The word 'against' speaks of 'opposition'. Jesus’ disciples entered a village that was in opposition to them, and took out a valuable treasure. They took a treasure out of their opposition.

Friend, you will take treasures out of every opposition you face in destiny. You will take progress out of every setback; you will take increase out of every conspiracy that wants to reduce you; when men gang up against you, God will use their gang up as an occasion to make you smile again; whereas they came to make you cry, you will come out with dances and celebrations.

God says, your battles will give you treasures; the same things and people that are opposing you will give you benefits. The same things that want to cut short your progress will give you treasures; you will take valuable lessons out of every opposition you face. Your haters and challengers have no idea that they are helping you increase your intimacy with God, unwavering faith, resilience, passion, commitment, etc.

Don’t focus on the negativity that your battles represent; focus on their treasures you can take out of them. If God be for you, though they meant it for evil, God will turn it around for your good.

Prayer :Lord, I will take treasures out of every battle and opposition I face this year, in Jesus’ name!Amen

HELPED BY GOD

“And saith unto them, Go your way into the village over against you: and as soon as ye be entered into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon never man sat; loose him, and bring him.” (Mark 11: 2)

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

When Jesus sent His disciples to get Him a colt from the next village, they loosed the colt and brought it to Jesus, around Bethphage and Bethany. The colt moved from a village to another village. Men helped the colt, it made movements and progress, but it only moved from one village to another.

Jesus eventually rode upon the colt and entered Jerusalem. Jerusalem is the capital city of Israel; Jerusalem is a prominent city. When Jesus got involved, the colt moved from village to city; it moved from obscurity to visibility. Jesus' involvement changed the story of the colt significantly. Where men stopped was where Divinity started.

Friend, God is about to move you from obscurity to undeniable visibility. God will take you from where you are now to that better place that only He can bring you to; God is about to change your location for the better. Men may have helped you without changing your story; get set, God will take you from where men abandoned you to a new level where you will be celebrated and congratulated.

If all the help you ever get comes from men, you will be limited to their abilities; but when God helps you by Himself, your results will amaze you and shock everyone around you. When God helps you, it’s not all about your ability to receive; it is about His ability to give.

Look beyond the help of men and ask God to send you divine help that will change your story for good. When the help of men can no longer move you forward, God will make a way. When you are helped by God, you will move from obscurity to undeniable visibility.

Prayer : Lord, grant me help that will change my story for good, in Jesus’ name!Amen

TODAY'S VALUE

“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.”
(2 Kings 4: 2)

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

When the wife of the deceased son of the prophet came to Elisha, Elisha asked for what she had in her house. She was on her way out of debt and recession, she was about to make progress away from her current level, and the prophet made a demand for what she had in her house. What she had in the present was the key that unlocked a greater future.

Friend, what do you have in your present? What efforts/prayers are you currently making? What value can be found in you at the moment? What contribution are you currently making to positively change the narrative in your environment? What are your current standards/priorities like? Like Elisha asked, what do you have in your house?

Your future greatness can't be separated from your today. What you do or fail to do today might determine how tomorrow will turn out; the values you have in you today will determine what you become tomorrow; the efforts you make today will play a role in what you become tomorrow; the prayers, commitment, dedication, etc of today will determine how heaven responds to you tomorrow.

If you are living an empty life today, remember it could backfire someday. If your life is devoid of value or you bask in mediocrity and incompetence, don’t expect a future of greatness and excellence. Your tomorrow is most likely going to be a product of your today.

Make the most of every day; put in your best while you have breath in you; don’t spend your ‘today’ in a way that will jeopardize your tomorrow.

Ephesians 5: 15 says: “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise”

Declaration: My days must be filled with value; I choose a meaningful life, in Jesus’ name!

FROM LITTLE TO MANY

“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.”
(2 Kings 4: 2)

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

When Elisha asked the wife of the deceased son of the prophet what she had in her house, she initially said she had nothing, before adding that she had a pot of oil. A pot of oil was not a large vessel, so the oil was not in a large quantity. What she had was not ordinarily enough to make a difference; otherwise, she wouldn’t run to the prophet.

Elisha got involved, gave instructions to the widow, and her pot of oil filled several large vessels. The insignificant pot of oil became a commodity to be sold for profit. The pot of oil that was mentioned as an afterthought became the woman’s exit from debt. Elisha stepped in, and little turned into many.

Friend, hear God’s prophetic word: your little will turn to many. Your little efforts will bring huge, amazing results; your ‘little’ business is about to become the platform for huge resources; your ‘little’ idea is about to take your world by storm; you may be little among your contemporaries, but God says, you will move from being little to being great.

That woman probably underrated her pot of oil because she depended on herself; but when the Prophet stepped in, her story changed. God stepped in and what was initially little turned to many. Give God a place in your ‘pot of oil’; give God a place in your business, career, ideas, efforts, etc; give your 'little' to God.

Don’t despise your little; hand it over to God, and it will receive divine empowerment to be multiplied. Give God your 'little', and He will turn it to many.

Job 8: 7 says: “Though thy beginning was small, yet thy latter end should greatly increase.”

Declaration :My little will turn to many, in Jesus’ name! Amen

GROW YOUR VALUE

“Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, even empty vessels; borrow not a few.”
(2 Kings 4: 3)

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

Elisha instructed one of the wives of the sons of the prophets to borrow empty vessels from her neighbours. Some neighbours had empty vessels, and the empty vessels were going to line up to receive oil from a small pot. The empty vessels were bigger, but they played second fiddle to the pot of oil. The big empty vessels all bowed to the pot of oil.

Friend, if you make the mistake of being an ‘empty vessel’, you will bow perpetually to the ‘small pots of oil’ around you. If you have nothing to offer, you will perpetually bow to people who have something to offer. If you have no knowledge or insufficient knowledge, you will play second fiddle to people who are more knowledgeable than you; if you are not prayerful enough, you might be a victim of spiritual wickedness.

It’s better to be a small pot of oil with content, than to be deemed a large vessel with no substance. It’s better to be filled with value though without position, than to occupy high offices and have nothing to bring to the table in such offices. Your content matters more than your size in the eyes of men.

Grow your substance; increase your skill profile; learn new lessons; gain more knowledge and become better than you are currently; if there are strategic things you should know that you don’t know, go and learn about them; increase in value on a daily basis; as you add to your years, do well to add to your value.

What matters most is not how big you look from a distance; what matters most is the substance in you.

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

Declaration: I choose to grow my value; no more emptiness, in Jesus’ name! Amen

IT'S CLOSE

“Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, even empty vessels; borrow not a few.”
(2 Kings 4: 3)

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

Elisha instructed the widow of a deceased son of the prophets to borrow empty vessels from her neighbours. The empty vessels later became the space in which her oil was multiplied; the empty vessels became the platform for her increase, and she got them from neighbours. What she needed to make progress came from neighbours; she didn’t need to go far to look for what she needed; what she needed was close.

Friend, God says, your neighbour has what you need. Someone connected to you has what will take you to the next level; you won’t go far to look for what you need to increase; you won't go far to find resources for advancement; you won't beat about the bush before you see your opportunities; God will position your portion of resources around you.

You won’t go far before you find a strategic contact that will push you to a higher level; you won’t go far to find resources to fulfill your dreams; you won’t go far before you find new clients; you won’t go far before you find space to become successful; you won’t go far before you find a platform for increase; you won’t go far before you find an occasion for your breakthrough.

Take a close look at your environment and access what God has positioned around you. Take up the chances that God has placed close to you; don’t mess up strategic relationships that God has positioned around you to help you; don’t overlook the empty vessels that God has placed around you to multiply your oil.

Ask God to help you discern what He has placed close to you. If God be for you, you won't go far to get what you need.

Psalm 16: 6 says: “The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.”

Declaration : What I need is close to me, in Jesus’ name! Amen

COMMERCIAL DIMENSIONS

“Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, even empty vessels; borrow not a few.”
(2 Kings 4: 3)

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

Elisha instructed the widow of one of the sons of the prophets to borrow vessels, which were later filled with her multiplied oil. Pots were for domestic use; vessels were for commercial use. God stepped into her matter, and what she had for domestic use was made big enough for commercial use. God blessed what she had for domestic use, and it became big enough to earn her money.

Friend, your pot of oil is about to become a platform for you to earn money. Your domestic things are about to become substantial enough to earn you money; the things you once overlooked are about to become new streams of income in your life; the same things you never really took seriously are about to become a source of wealth for you; in the past, you took it for granted, but soon, it will fetch you huge sums of money.

That woman may have had her estimates of how long she could feed on her pot of oil, but she came in contact with the prophet, and the pot of oil became a new business. God says, the money in your pocket/bank account is about to become a business capital; the resources you would have consumed will soon become your capital for a thriving enterprise.

The pot of oil did not become commercial on its own; it became commercial when the prophet stepped in and spoke a word. God spoke a word, and the pot of oil that could have been consumed became a business. Ask God to speak upon your pot of oil and make it commercial. Ask God to show you the pot of oil you have overlooked.

Ask God to open your eyes to your pot of oil, and when he steps in, you will be amazed how your little will turn to many.

Declaration: My pot of oil will bring me wealth, in Jesus’ name...Amen

NO COMPROMISE

“And it came to pass, when David and his men were come to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the south, and Ziklag, and smitten Ziklag, and burned it with fire;”
(1 Samuel 30: 1)

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

Ziklag was a Philistine territory which was given to David by the Philistine king. God warned His people to have nothing to do with the Philistines; in 1 Samuel 17, David played his part in defeating them when they were led in battle by Goliath; he fought the enemies of God that came to fight against Israel.

David stood for Israel and for God when the Goliath challenge came up; but when he had a personal challenge, he accepted to live with the Philistines. David took a compromising abode in Ziklag because he was running from Saul. Compromise was David’s escape route as he faced a personal challenge.

Friend, say no to compromise. Don’t walk the route of compromise when you are faced with challenges. Don’t allow compromise to become your way out of tight corners; don’t do something that will offend God just because you want to get something from a fellow man; don’t tell a lie just to appear good and perfect in the eyes of men; don’t play the game of compromise because it favours you at the moment; maintain your stand with God no matter the pressures.

David lived peacefully in Ziklag for a while, but returned one day to see that Ziklag had been burnt. He enjoyed his place of compromise for a while, but it backfired with time. Compromise may ‘favour’ you for a while, but will backfire in a matter of time. It may not backfire immediately, but someday it will.

Take a stand for Jesus, even if it will put you at risk. The risk of standing for God is more prestigious than compromise to please the enemy.

Declaration: I stand for Jesus, no more compromise, in Jesus’ name ..Amen

REDEEM YOUR TIME

“And it came to pass, when David and his men were come to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the south, and Ziklag, and smitten Ziklag, and burned it with fire;”
(1 Samuel 30: 1)

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

In our Focal Scripture begins, it came to pass that David returned with his men to discover that the Amalekites had smitten and burnt Ziklag. The passage of time revealed the invasion of the enemies of Israel; the passage of time brought negativity to the limelight; time brought forth negative results in the life of David and his men. Troubles, challenges, etc were revealed in the passage of time.

Friend, if you fold your arms and do nothing, your time will be filled with negativity; if you allow the enemy to play with your time, you will reap the negative proceeds he planted in your time; if you do nothing about your time, the enemy will do something about it on your behalf; if you allow your time to become a tool in the hands of the enemy, he will use it against you.

Time is your messenger if you send it on errands. In Ephesians 5 vs. 16, scriptures say, “Redeeming the time because the days are evil”. The word ‘redeem’ as used in that scripture speaks of ‘buying back’. Buy back your time before the enemy possesses it. Command your times and days to bring positive results.

Instead of sitting back to receive negativity from time, command your time to produce positive results that will make you glad. Place demands on 2020 and command it to yield increase and wealth unto you; speak to every week and day and command them to favour you. Use your words to determine what your times will offer you.

Times are wired to yield negativity, but if you speak into time, it will yield positive results.

Declaration: Time will never work against me; my time must work for me, in Jesus’ name...Amen

DON'T LOSE YOUR PRAISE

“...when David and his men were come to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the south, and Ziklag, and smitten Ziklag...”
(1 Samuel 30: 1)

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

When the Amalekites came against David, they began their attack through the south. The south, according to bible geography, referred Judah. So they began their attack from Judah because they were trying to hit their main target being Ziklag. The attack through Judah was not necessarily focused on Judah; it was focused on Ziklag where David lived.

Judah is a Hebrew word that means praise. So the enemies of David came through the territory of praise, but that was not their destination. They came for the territory of ‘praise’ because there was a ‘Ziklag’ which they planned to attack thereafter. The attack on the place of praise was a dress rehearsal for the invasion of David’s abode in Ziklag.

Friend, don’t let the devil steal your praise. Don’t let the enemy cause you to stop praising God; don’t let the devil stop you from appreciating the testimonies God has granted you; don’t let thoughts of what you are still expecting to stop you from appreciating what God has done already; don’t allow anything to make light of your testimonies and breakthroughs. Don’t lose your praise.

When the devil attacks your praise, he wants to invade your comfort zone; when you stop praising God, a part of your life will sooner than later go into jeopardy; when you become more conscious of what is wrong around you, rather than what is in your favour, you will end up opening the doors of your life to burning.

Praise God no matter what happens. Embarrass the enemy by praising God when everyone thinks you should not be praising. Praise God in every circumstance, and your territory will remain impregnable to the enemy.

Declaration : Nothing will steal my praise, in Jesus’ name..Amen

SPEAK THE WORD

“And they said unto them even as Jesus had commanded: and they let them go.”
(Mark 11: 6)

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

When Jesus’ disciples encountered opposition as they untied the colt, they told the men what Jesus said, and the men had no option but to let them go. They faced opposition in their assignment, and they dealt with the opposition by speaking the word that Jesus gave to them.

Friend, when you face opposition this year, just speak God’s word. Speak God’s word to every opposition against you; speak the word to every gang up against your progress; speak the word to every limitation against you; speak God’s word to every protocol that wants to stop you; speak God’s word to every satanic word that will ever be spoken against you this year; attack every attacker of your destiny by speaking God’s word.

The men who opposed the release of the colt heard Jesus’ word, and their opposition lost steam. When you speak God’s word, the opposition against you will lose steam. When you speak God’s word into your life, you are simply making your life unconducive for opposition activities. God’s word will cause your opposition to crumble. God’s word will cause any evil foundation against you to collapse.

Speak less of your own word and more of God’s word. Say what God says. Confess only what is consistent with God’s word concerning your life. Speak in line with God’s spoken and revealed word. Use your tongue in your favour. Speak words that will add value to your life.

The challenges against you may not respond to your word, but they will bow to the word of the Lord. Speak God’s word and you will put every opposition against you to flight.

Jeremiah 23: 29 says: “Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?”

Prayer : Lord, I choose to speak the Word; may Your word put the opposition against me to flight, in Jesus’ name!Amen

NO GENERATIONAL BONDAGE

“And had taken the women captives, that were therein: they slew not any, either great or small, but carried them away, and went on their way.”
(1 Samuel 30: 2)

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

When David and his men returned to Ziklag, they found that their wives and children had been taken into captivity. They women and children were taken to become slaves. There was about to be a destiny reduction in the families of David and his men. Sons were about to become slaves; wives were disconnected from their husbands, the generations of David and his men were taken into bondage.

Friend, resist every generational bondage through prayers. Don't allow the enemy to take you or any member of your family into bondage; don’t allow any satanic trend to persist in your family; don’t allow whatever that is not of God to thrive around you; don’t allow the enemy to short circuit the future of your next generation; don’t accept generational bondage.

Jesus did not go to the cross so that you or anyone coming through you will stay in bondage. Jesus went to the cross so that bondage can come to an end; Jesus went to the cross so that even the prey of the mighty can be set free; Jesus went to the cross so that every one can be redeemed and stay redeemed. He paid the price with His blood so that there will be no more bondage in or around you.

Bondage was not part of the deal after redemption; generational bondage is not part of God’s will. If any be in bondage around you, reverse the bondage through prayers and the enemy will flee. If there be any early or advanced bondage, dismantle the devices of bondage and the enemy will give way.

Every bondage around you or in your generation is a slight on the blood of Jesus. Take any one in chains to Jesus and He will set them free.

Declaration: I resist any bondage in my generation, in Jesus’ name... Amen

NOTHING MISSING

“And had taken the women captives, that were therein: they slew not any, either great or small, but carried them away, and went on their way.”
(1 Samuel 30: 2)

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

When the Amalekites invaded Ziklag, they burnt the city and took away the wives and children of David and his men. The wives and children were not killed, but they were taken away. They were not lost for good, they only got missing for a while; their situation went bad, things went out of hand, but it was only for a while; things went awry, though not beyond redemption.

Friend, God says, even when things go awry around you, it can never be beyond redemption. Even if things are out of control, it’s only for a brief season. Even if you've lost the favour of men, it’s just for a while; even if there's a downturn in your destiny, it's not eternal; even if your health has been carried away by the enemy, it's not completely lost; it’s all a temporary setback.

The Amalekites were enemies of God and enemies of the people of God, and they did not have the final say on the destiny of David and his generations. God says, no enemy of your destiny will have the final say in your life. No setback will redefine you permanently; no sickness will prevail over you; nothing that has gone will stay wrong.

David later recovered his wives and children. His loss was reversed; his sad experience was overtaken by his comeback. You may have had setbacks, but God says, your comeback will shock everyone. Your comeback will compensate for everything you suffered while the enemy seemed to prevail.

Stop making the enemy bigger than he is; he doesn’t have the final say; nothing he does is beyond redemption. Whatever happens, there will be nothing missing and nothing broken.

Declaration: Whatever the enemy takes from me will be returned, nothing missing, nothing broken, in Jesus’ name! Amen

NO PITY PARTY

“Then David and the people that were with him lifted up their voice and wept, until they had no more power to weep.”
(1 Samuel 30: 4)

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

When David and his men returned to see that their wives and children had been taken away by the Amalekites, they wept until they had no strength to weep. They faced a setback, and they spent so much time weeping about it. They later went after the Amalekites and rescued their wives and children; but they spent their initial energy weeping.

Friend, no matter how you are pushed to tears, don’t let your tears to degenerate into a pity party. Don’t allow how bad you feel about a situation to paralyze you and stop you from doing something about it; never allow how disappointed you are to make you retreat when you should be pressing on to greater things ahead; never allow a misfortune push you to tears to the extent that you lose the courage for a comeback.

David and his men shed so much tears, but the tears didn't change anything; the tears didn't work wonders. When you are tempted to weep or mourn more than necessary, always remember that tears alone don't change situations or make a man’s life better; tears alone can't recover what/who is lost.

David and his men began by shedding tears, but later switched to battle mode; soon, they recovered their wives and children, with a great spoil. They stopped crying and did something, and the story changed. Instead of letting your tears degenerate into a pity party, use your strength to push for a comeback.

Don’t let weeping or mourning cause you to beat a retreat. Push on with might, don’t give up, it’s not over yet, there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Declaration: I refuse to host any pity party, in Jesus’ name! Amen

DIVINE DIVERTION

“And he must needs go through Samaria.”
(John 4: 4)

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

Jesus was on the way to Galilee, but passed through Samaria where He did an amazing miracle of turning the city around. Samaria wasn't the destination, but that was where Jesus gave a huge encounter to the woman of Samaria. Samaria was not the destination, but it became the spot for an amazing miracle.

Beloved, hear God’s prophetic word: you may not be the destination, but you will be the recipient of amazing miracles. You may not be the subject of that new vacancy, but it’s about to become your miracle. A decision may not have been taken because of you, but God says, it will soon work in your favour; there may be new opportunities that were created for some people, but God says, though it wasn’t meant for you, it is coming to you.

Samaria was not Jesus’ destination, but it got miracles before Galilee got any miracles. God says, you will be visited before the people that were meant to be visited; you shall receive and enjoy open doors before the people it was originally meant for; you will be the first to enjoy the recognition and benefits that were planned for others.

What Jesus did in Samaria was so spectacular that it was documented in scriptures. God says, what is about to come to you will be so amazing and spectacular that everyone who hears about it will say that it is a miracle. When God visits you unexpectedly, you will sing and shout for joy, and you will see miracles everywhere.

Ask God to give you an unexpected surprise package that will put smiles on your face. Ask God to cause you to enjoy a miracle and breakthrough that was originally meant from someone else.

Psalm 16 vs. 6 says: “The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage .
Prayer : Lord, give me a surprise package; I may not be the destination, but it’s coming to me, in Jesus’ name!Amen

GROW ABOVE CHALLENGES

“And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.”
(1 Samuel 30: 6)

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

When David was caught between the loss of his wives and children, and the men who also lost their wives and children and threatened to kill him, he encouraged himself in the Lord his God. While encouraging himself in the Lord, he came to a point where he fought back and win the challenge. Encouraging himself in the Lord empowered him to be stronger than the challenge.

Friend, whatever challenge you are faced with, God says, grow bigger than the challenge. Grow tougher than the tough situations that want to make a mess of your destiny; grow wiser than the pretences and deceits that men are hurling at you; grow stronger than any conspiracy against you; grow above any temptation that has paid you repeated visits; grow above every challenge that has come to put you in tears.

While David focused on the challenge, all he could do was weep; but when he focused on God, the challenge became a chance for a comeback. He grew above his challenge and conquered it. If you play on the same level as your challenges, you may never conquer them; if you don't grow above what you are currently facing, it might defeat you again and again.

Grow above your challenges; grow above recurrent temptations; grow above discouragement; grow to a point where your faith will be so strong that little issues don’t make you fret anymore.

David grew above his challenge, and he conquered it. If you grow above your challenges, you will conquer them.

Proverbs 24: 10 says: “If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.”

Declaration: I must grow above my challenges, in Jesus’ name! Amen