What have you promised God?

Sun, 25 Aug 2024

‘And you will pay your vows.’ Job 22:27

When God makes a promise to us, we have every right to expect Him to keep it. And when we make God a promise, He has every right to expect us to keep it. ‘You will make your prayer to Him, He will hear you, And you will pay your vows. You will also declare a thing, And it will be established for you; So light will shine on your ways’ (Job 22:27-28 NKJV). This Scripture could be your doorway to blessing and a key to the breakthrough you have been praying for. Go back and revisit the promises you have made to God. Why? Because He wants you to feel confident towards Him. ‘Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence towards God. And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight’ (1 John 3:21-22 NKJV). No more excuses. Accept responsibility for what you are and what you can become.

Dare to pray: ‘Disturb me, Lord, when my dreams come true, only because I dreamed too small. Disturb me when I arrive safely, only because I sailed too close to the shore. Disturb me when the things I have gained cause me to lose my thirst for more of you. Disturb me when I have acquired success, only to lose my desire for excellence. Disturb me when I give up too soon and settle too far short of the goals you have set for my life’ (Author Unknown). In order to go forward, you may have to go back and make things right between you and the Lord. If so, do it!

MrCork:


why dint u put ketchup on it?

ketchup ba wo nii? 🤷

It’s a new day for you

Sat, 24 Aug 2024

‘Behold, I will do a new thing.’ Isaiah 43:19

Don’t allow the pain of your past to blur your vision and steal the blessing God has in store for you in the future. God says, ‘Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, …’ (Isaiah 43:18-19 NKJV). If you have been wounded by old relationships, God has new ones waiting for you. ‘Now the Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? Fill your horn with oil, and go; I am sending you to Jesse the Bethlehemite. For I have provided Myself a king among his sons”’ (1 Samuel 16:1 NKJV). Grieving your losses is healthy. But when you get stuck in the past, it’s always at the expense of the future. There comes a time when you must stop talking about what cannot be changed. Plus, if you keep treating your friends to a history lesson, you will lose them, because your words are creating a climate that’s uncomfortable for them to be in.

God’s solution to pain is purpose. God’s solution to old wounds is a commitment to walk in love. British psychiatrist Dr Colin Murray Parkes said, ‘Grief is … the price we pay for love.’ Those we love most can hurt us most. ‘Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, …“seventy times seven”’ (Matthew 18:21-22 NKJV). To recover your peace and joy, you must forgive and keep on forgiving until the past loses its hold on you. When that happens, it’s a new day for you!

Could the Lord call on you?

Fri, 23 Aug 2024

‘The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord,” he answered.’ Acts 9:10

Why did God use Ananias to lead Saul of Tarsus to Christ? Because he was the right man, in the right place, at the right time, with the right message, and the right attitude. ‘In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord,” he answered. The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying …” Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, … has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit”’ (Acts 9:10-11, 17 NIV).

If God needed you to do something for Him, would you be ready? Would you be willing? This was not an easy assignment because Saul was notorious for imprisoning Christians and putting them to death. But when God told Ananias, ‘… “Go! This man is My chosen instrument to proclaim My name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.’ (Acts 9:15 NIV), he trusted God and went. Note the words ‘… Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul”’. Ananias had every right to fear Saul and even resent him. Yet he called him ‘brother’. Ananias acknowledged an old foe as now being part of God’s redeemed family. And you must learn to do that too. When God calls someone His child, you must love them, accept them, and treat them as your brother or sister in Christ. So, let’s go back to the question: if God needed you to do something for Him today, would you be ready? You can be. And you need to be.

Prophet of doom.

...how much can they way-bill this to Lagos? 😁😁😁. At least, I need 2 plates.

Be aware of Satan’s schemes

Thu, 22 Aug 2024

‘In order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.’ 2 Corinthians 2:11

Walking in spiritual victory calls for understanding Satan’s schemes. Here are some points at which you’re particularly vulnerable: when you feel up, when you feel down, when you’re alone, when you’re exhausted, and when you have experienced loss. There is no such thing as fair play with the devil. If you give him an inch, he will take a mile. If you give him an entry point into your life, he will use it against you. Notice the two occasions on which Satan attacked Jesus.

First, at His birth. Herod put out an order to kill every Jewish boy under the age of two. That’s why as a new believer, you must develop the daily habits of prayer, Bible reading, and fellowshipping with those who can strengthen you in your walk with God.

Second, on the threshold of His ministry. For forty days, Jesus did battle with Satan in the wilderness. Why did the struggle last so long? It was over His future. ‘Now when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from Him until an opportune time. Then Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and news of Him went out through all the surrounding region’ (Luke 4:13-14 NKJV).

Attack is a sign of respect; it means Satan has discerned your potential. And the level of his attack is an indication of the level of blessing God has in store for you on the other side of it. So instead of being discouraged about the battle, see it as a sign from God that your best days are ahead of you.

When choosing a mentor (2)

Wed, 21 Aug 2024

‘Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom.’ Proverbs 4:7

A pastor shares this: ‘The process of growing with the help of a mentor usually follows this pattern: it begins with awareness. You realise that you need help and that following yourself is not a viable option for effective personal growth. When a person comes to such a realisation, one of two things can happen. The first is that the person’s pride swells up, and he cannot bring himself to ask another person for advice … The other reaction to awareness is to humble yourself and say, “I need your help.” That decision not only leads to greater knowledge, but it also often develops maturity in you. It also reinforces that people need one another—not just when they’re young and starting out, but their entire lives …

The mentors you take advice from help to shape you. If you spend your time with people who subtract from you, who belittle you or undervalue you, then every step forward that you attempt to take will be difficult. But if you find wise leaders, good role models, and positive friends, you will find that they speed you on your journey. No matter who you are, what you have accomplished, how low or how high your life has taken you, you can benefit from having a mentor. If you’ve never had one, you have no idea how much it can improve your life. If you have had mentors, then you already know—and you should start passing it on by becoming a mentor to others. Because you know that it’s hard to improve when you have no one but yourself to follow.’ So, ‘get wisdom’, and share it with those who need it.

When choosing a mentor (1)

Tue, 20 Aug 2024

‘Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still.’ Proverbs 9:9

The further you go in the pursuit of your potential, the more ground you will have to break. This is where you can benefit from the experience of others. As the Chinese proverb says, ‘To know the road ahead, ask those coming back’. In picking a mentor, look for two things:

1) Someone who possesses wisdom. The understanding, experience, and wisdom of mentors help us to solve problems we would have a hard time handling on our own. Wise people often use just a few words to help us learn and develop. They open our eyes to worlds we might not otherwise see. They help us navigate difficult situations. They enable us to see opportunities we would otherwise miss. They make us wiser than our years and experience.

2) Someone who provides friendship and support. Jesus told those He mentored, ‘… “I will never leave you nor forsake you”’ (Hebrews 13:5 NKJV). The first question most followers want to know of a mentor is, ‘Do you care for me?’ The reason for this question is obvious. Who wants to be guided by a person who isn’t interested in them? Selfish people will assist you only insofar as it advances their own agenda. Good mentors provide friendship and support, unselfishly working to help you reach your potential. Knowledge without support is sterile. Advice without friendship feels cold. Candour without care is harsh. But when you are being helped by a person who cares for you, it is emotionally fulfilling. Development comes from both the head and the heart. And only caring people are glad to share both with you.

Live in the light (3)

Mon, 19 Aug 2024

‘You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.’ Matthew 5:14

Jesus said, ‘You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. … Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven’ (Matthew 5:14, 16 NKJV). The pastor continues to explain: ‘If you are a follower of Christ, you should also be light amidst the darkness. Your job is to let Jesus shine in and through you so that those living in the dark will find the light as well. That’s why it’s not enough just to shine. Light is only useful when it encounters the darkness. The place to shine your light and show your light and share your light, is not inside the church, but outside the church. Jesus tells us to do what He did: go find dark places and start shining …You don’t have to ask people to look at you when you turn on a light in a dark room. Their heads will turn instinctively.

1) You play sports, and you begin playing for and with your teammates. You are a light in the darkness.

2) You live in a neighbourhood filled with unbelievers and begin performing acts of service for others in Jesus’ name. You are a light in the darkness.

3) You are the conspicuous Christian in your office, displaying virtue in an atmosphere of selfishness. You are a light in the darkness.

Jesus called us to find people in dark places and to move towards those who need Him. As it turns out, escaping from darkness is as easy as turning on the light.’ Remember the children’s song: ‘This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine.’ That’s what God has called you to do.

Live in the light (2)

Sun, 18 Aug 2024

‘While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.’ John 12:36

The pastor continues: ‘Light is one of the things we often take for granted … We could not live without it. Plants are necessary for the existence of mankind. The entire human species and all animal life are dependent on plants for survival. Plants provide all the essential amino acids and most of the vitamins necessary for health through a light process known as photosynthesis. Plants also produce the oxygen we need to breathe. And plants must have light to grow. What is true in the physical world is true in the spiritual world. Physical life is impossible without physical light, and spiritual life is impossible without spiritual light … How do you dispel the darkness? … Would you sit down on a couch and feel sorry for yourself? Would you take a broom and try to sweep the darkness away? Would you try to shovel or vacuum the darkness out? There is only one solution to such a quandary; turn on the light.’

That’s what you do when you commit your life to Christ—you turn on the light. Then you obey His teachings, follow His instructions and spend time alone with Him in prayer. When you turn to Him during the dark times in your life, you’ll discover His promise to be true when He said: ‘“… I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life"’ (John 8:12 NKJV). And not only that, but you also begin to reflect that light to others: ‘"… believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.” …’ (John 12:36 NKJV)

Live in the light (1)

Sat, 17 Aug 2024

‘I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.’ John 8:12

A pastor wrote: ‘Have you ever heard the term achluophobia? It is the fear of darkness … Being in complete darkness is unnerving. It induces a sense of helplessness. And yet physical darkness is nothing compared to emotional, relational, and spiritual darkness.’ Today you may feel like you’re in a dark place with no way out: ‘My girlfriend left me for another man’. Or ‘I’m probably heading towards divorce. My husband has been cheating on me.’ Or ‘I’m depressed and cry for no reason. When will these feelings go away?’ Or ‘I’m wrestling with a terrible illness, and I’m basically housebound. I am in a dark place and need help.’ If that’s your story, there is help, and there is hope. Jesus said, ‘…"I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life."’ (John 8:12 NKJV)

If you’re willing to turn to Him today, you will discover that He can illuminate your path and show you the way out of the darkness you’re in. When you turn on the light, darkness has to leave. And Jesus is the light that removes our spiritual and emotional darkness. Notice that Jesus didn’t say He is a light, or one among many, but instead the light. He didn’t say He is light just for some, but the light of the world. Regardless of whether you live in Sydney, London, Los Angeles, Tokyo, Toronto, or Timbuktu, Jesus is your answer. If you’re living in darkness, He is inviting you to come to Him and step into the light.

The blessings of battle

Fri, 16 Aug 2024

‘Fight the good fight of faith … to which you were also called.’ 1 Timothy 6:12

When you commit your life to Christ, you switch sides. Now you’re up against three things. The world with its pressures, values, and agenda. The flesh, with its impulses and weaknesses. The devil, who is out to defeat you. But God would never allow us to get into a fight we couldn’t win, so let’s consider three blessings of battle.

1) It teaches you to live on high alert. It was when Samson slept that Delilah shaved his head and robbed him of his strength. It was when the servants slept that an enemy sowed weeds among the wheat and threatened their harvest.

2) It’s a sign of spiritual progress. When Israel entered the promised land, thirty-one kings and seven nations had to be conquered. Plus giants! They had to take it one city at a time and one giant at a time. When Jesus becomes Lord of your life, He will address the unsurrendered areas of your life, and He will deal with them one at a time. And the battle will be harder and last longer when it comes to your stubborn areas. You know which ones they are, right? Be encouraged. God won’t give up on you: ‘… He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;’ (Philippians 1:6 NKJV).

3) It’s an indication of your value to God. You are a seed capable of producing a harvest for God. That’s why Satan targets you. He is after the deposit of God that’s within you. So, keep fighting the good fight of faith, knowing that by God’s grace, you will win.

God will come through for you

Thu, 15 Aug 2024

‘Nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.’ 2 Chronicles 20:12

The heroes in Scripture often found themselves faced with impossible odds and overwhelming situations. Think of Moses standing up to Pharaoh and David standing up to Goliath. Think of King Jehoshaphat facing the overwhelming might of three combined armies determined to destroy his nation. Here is what he said to God: ‘O our God, will You not judge them? For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.’ (2 Chronicles 20:12 NKJV). Now notice how God answered him: ‘“…Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. … You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you” … Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with you”’ (2 Chronicles 20:15, 17 NKJV).

God will never give you a job to do that does not require His strength, His wisdom, His resources, and sometimes His miraculous intervention. Who commanded the disciples to get into the boat and go over to the other side of Galilee? Jesus. What happened? Obeying Him involved going through one of the worst storms of their lives. But as they watched Him still the storm, their faith rose to a new level and prepared them to do greater things for God in the future. So, the word for today is:

1) Position yourself,

2) Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, and

3) ‘Do not fear … go … for the Lord is with you.’

FIRS now chasing ordinary citizen on the streets to enrich their pockets..... Useless agency. 😔

Where do our prayers go?

Wed, 14 Aug 2024

‘Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God.’ Acts 10:4

Have you ever wondered where your prayers go? The answer is ‘up for a memorial before God’. Notice that they are ‘before’ Him. They are in His hands and on His mind. Here when Cornelius prayed, God not only changed his circumstances, but He also changed history; for the first time, Gentiles heard the Gospel and became part of the Kingdom of God. How long had Cornelius been praying? We don’t know; the Bible says, ‘He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly.’ (Acts 10:2 NIV). Prayer was not a hotline Cornelius used when he got into trouble or had a problem he couldn’t solve. He ‘prayed to God regularly’. He had a lifestyle of prayer.

The word ‘memorial’ means God remembers what you pray about. Prayer is like putting money into your bank account. You may not draw on it today or tomorrow, but it will be there when you need it. Don’t get caught up in religious rituals. You can pray anywhere, anytime, about anything, and God will answer you. ‘Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, And He shall hear my voice’ (Psalm 55:17 NKJV). When you run out of petrol on the motorway, you can’t blame the car. You got busy doing other things and neglected what was important. Prayer makes you conscious of God, keeps you connected to God, and positions you to receive what you need from God. So, keep praying because your prayers go ‘up for a memorial before God.’

😁😁😁

Must they spray at party nii?

LAXconfidential:


People that are looking dejected

All the yaruba cows quoting me can suck my dick!

oponu 🥺

LordGuru1:
Exactly! But the Great Pastor has right to celebrate his wife. Other Great Persons like Flavor, Elumelu, and others that attended the Birthday were never condemned to stop their professions, but only the innocent Pastor.

was he condemned?......aiye akamara 😳

The ingredients of a miracle

Tue, 13 Aug 2024

‘There was a wedding in Cana of Galilee.’ John 2:1

Let’s examine the story of Jesus turning water into wine. It was His first miracle, and it reveals how He works in our lives.

1) Invite Jesus. ‘On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Now both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding.’ (John 2:1-2 NKJV). When the problem arose, this couple didn’t have to send for Jesus because He was already there. Not only did they know Him, but they also included Him in their plans. They honoured Him. The cry of Paul’s heart was ‘that I may know Him …’ (Philippians 3:10 NKJV). Why? Because when you know the Lord, you can call on Him with confidence and be assured He will be by your side when you need Him. This couple probably had a long time to prepare for this event, yet Jesus didn’t criticise them for poor planning. He came to their aid and met their need. And He will do the same for you; all you have to do is invite Him.

2) Do what He tells you, even when you do not understand it. Faith does not require explanations. It requires simple obedience and trusting in the goodness of God. ‘Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass’ (Psalm 37:4-5 NKJV).

3) Understand that God can save the best for the last. ‘… You have kept the good wine until now!’ (John 2:10 NKJV). It’s not too late. What looks to you like a tragedy can become a testimony of God’s goodness and faithfulness in your life.

Wow 😲

Hummmm

The habit of joyful and confident hope

Mon, 12 Aug 2024

‘Endurance produces character, and character produces hope.’ Romans 5:4

Does it feel like the attack coming against you right now is more than you can bear? If so, read this: ‘Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,’ (Romans 5:3-4 ESV). Notice that you can reach a place of spiritual maturity where you automatically respond to difficulty with ‘joyful and confident hope.’ It’s easy to say, ‘don’t worry’, but to actually do that requires experience with the faithfulness of God. When we trust God and then see His faithfulness in our lives, it gives us the confidence needed to live without fear and anxiety. That’s why it’s so important to continue to have faith in God and learn to trust Him in the midst of trials.

With God’s help, we can overcome the temptation to give up when the going gets rough. God uses those hard, trying times to build in us patience, endurance, and character that will eventually produce ‘the habit of joyful and confident hope.’ Always remember that when you are in a battle, you are gaining valuable experience that will benefit you later on. You will more easily trust God when difficulty comes, and you will be able to testify to others regarding the goodness and faithfulness of God. If you are in a battle right now, you can let it defeat you or make you stronger! Make the right decision, and let it help bring you to a deeper level of spiritual maturity.

Truth must be told. PO is very right on this 😭

Sometimes it’s wise to say no

Sun, 11 Aug 2024

‘I am not able to bear all these people alone, because the burden is too heavy for me.’ Numbers 11:14

Moses fielded complaints and listened to stories of frustration and woe until he reached the place where he told God, ‘I am not able to bear all these people alone, because the burden is too heavy for me’ (Numbers 11:14 NKJV). And God agreed. He told Moses to pick seventy mature leaders to bear the burden of the people with him (see Numbers 11:16-17 NKJV). As a result, they made it to the promised land.

Like Moses, it’s okay for you to say, ‘I’ve reached my limit’. Yes, the Scripture says, ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me’ (Philippians 4:13 NKJV). But that’s referring to times when we face various trials and situations that God will help us through. It doesn’t mean we should take on so many responsibilities that we burn out. Sometimes it’s all too much, and it’s okay to admit that. It’s also okay to say no to some things, so you can enjoy life the way God intended. You don’t have to be like someone else or try to keep up with them.

The assignment God gives you is never greater than the grace He supplies. As our faces differ, so do our gifts and capacity to handle things. We need to be who God created us to be, and we don’t have to apologise for it. We must accept responsibility for all God called us to be and do all He called us to do. We’re not called to make ourselves sick with stress and pressure. So, if you have reached your limit, go to God. He will help you find a saner, healthier lifestyle.

Believe in your vision

Sat, 10 Aug 2024

‘Write the vision And make it plain on tablets,’ Habakkuk 2:2

God has a plan for your life. In Scripture, it’s sometimes referred to as a ‘vision’. It works like a compass that will always point you in the right direction and an anchor that will hold you steady in life’s storms. Why did God say, ‘...Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, ...’? (Habakkuk 2:2 NKJV) Because sometimes, we bury our vision deep in our hearts to protect ourselves from the criticism of others. Fear causes us to set our vision out of sight so that we don’t have to think about it. Sometimes we give up on our vision because it hurts too much and costs too much to hold on to it. What should you do?

First, you must have a vision that’s clear and compelling.

Second, you must keep your vision before you at all times. After experiencing painful rejection by his family and false accusations by his boss’s wife resulting in thirteen years of wrongful imprisonment, the Bible says, ‘And Joseph remembered the dreams which he dreamed …’ (Genesis 42:9 KJV).

Third, you must remember that God has scheduled a time for your dream to be fulfilled: ‘For the vision is yet for an appointed time; … Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, …’ (Habakkuk 2:3 NKJV). You must find a balance between contentment and ambition. Paul writes, ‘… I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content’ (Philippians 4:11 NKJV). Paul never allowed himself to be upset with where he was at the moment; he knew that God was with him at all times, and he was always looking forward to where God would take him. So, enjoy this day, knowing that God has your future securely planned.

asakoko:
Jesus is the master key

Exactly 💯

Good morning bro

Include Jesus in all you do

Fri, 9 Aug 2024

‘Thinking He was in their company, they travelled on for a day.’ Luke 2:44

The Bible says: ‘Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover. When He was twelve years old, they went up to the festival according to the custom. After the festival was over, while His parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. Thinking He was in their company, they travelled on for a day. Then they began looking for Him among their relatives and friends. When they did not find Him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for Him. After three days they found Him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Everyone who heard Him was amazed at His understanding and His answers’ (Luke 2:41-47 NIV).

Note the words ‘Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. Thinking he was in their company…’ It was a full day’s journey before they realised He wasn’t with them! Then it took them three days to find Him! There is a lesson here for you. It’s easier to lose that special sense of God’s presence than to get it back once you have lost it. It’s easy to wander off and do your own thing, unaware that you haven’t included the Lord in your day or taken time to consult Him about your plans. The way to maintain a sense of God’s presence is to intentionally involve Him in all that you do. Jesus promised, ‘... “Anyone who loves Me will obey My teaching. My Father will love them, and We will come to them and make Our home with them.”’ (John 14:23 NIV).

God will deliver you

Thu, 8 Aug 2024

‘From His temple He heard my voice, and my cry to Him reached His ears.’ Psalm 18:6

Have you suffered a series of defeats and setbacks? Are you discouraged because the attacks have been long and tiring? Read these words from the psalmist David and stand on them: ‘The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer … I called to the LORD in my distress, and I cried to my God for help. From His temple He heard my voice, and my cry to Him reached His ears. … He reached down from on high and took hold of me; He pulled me out of deep water. He rescued me from my powerful enemy … for they were too strong for me. They confronted me in the day of my calamity, but the LORD was my support. … He rescued me because He delighted in me. The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness … God—His way is perfect; the Word of the LORD is pure. He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him. For who is God besides the LORD? And who is a rock? Only our God. God—He clothes me with strength and makes my way perfect’ (Psalm 18:2, 6, 16, 17-20, 30-32 CSB).

You have heard it before, and you know what to do—spend more time with God in prayer and reading His Word! Instead of striving in your own strength, plug into God and start flowing in His strength. Check and see who is on the throne of your life. If it’s anyone other than the Lord, including yourself, it’s an idol that must be dethroned. How long will this battle last? God knows, and the grace He provides is greater than any attack you will ever face. Today He is saying to you, ‘… “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” …’ (2 Corinthians 12:9 CSB).

Experiencing ‘His incomparably great power’

Wed, 7 Aug 2024

‘I pray … that you may know … His incomparably great power for us who believe.’ Ephesians 1:18-19

Like a proud parent, our heavenly Father loves it when we carry out impossible things by His power and for His glory. And when you live in raw reliance upon His power, you will do things that otherwise cannot be done. When you think about it, in and of ourselves, we are incapable of loving God. We cannot fabricate love for Him. We can just respond to His love for us. Knowing this sets us free. Religion focuses on doing things for God, but Christianity is all about receiving what Christ has done for us on the cross. What we do for God is a reflection and a response to what He has done for us.

We all love miracles; we just dislike being in a circumstance where we need one. But that is a precondition. You will never experience the power of God until you’re in a situation that requires it. If you want to be filled with His Spirit, step into a situation that requires His power. Pursue a God-ordained dream you cannot achieve with your own strength and wisdom. That’s why Paul writes: ‘I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know … His incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength He exerted when He raised Christ from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms’ (Ephesians 1:18-20 NIV). Today, God wants you to experience His ‘incomparably great power’ in your life.

They will ‘lay hands’

Tue, 6 Aug 2024

‘In My name they will … lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.’ Mark 16:17-18

Here is an often overlooked part of the Great Commission Jesus gave us: ‘In My name they will … lay hands on the sick, and they will recover’ (Mark 16:17-18 NKJV). A comforting, caring touch can reduce stress, enhance sleep, and assist us in recovering more quickly from injury. One study found that a thirty-minute massage three times a week lowers stress by 34 per cent. The power of touch, even on a human level, is an astonishing thing. But when you add the power of God, it opens the way for something supernatural. ‘And it happened that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and dysentery. Paul went in to him and prayed, and he laid his hands on him and healed him’ (Acts 28:8 NKJV). Laying hands on the sick or on those called to ministry was a regular practice in the New Testament church. And you don’t have to be an ordained minister to do it. Jesus said, ‘“And these signs will follow those who believe:” …’ (Mark 16:17 NKJV). If you are a believer who has placed your trust in Christ, you’re qualified.

Could God do it without us? Of course. But He has given us the privilege of being conduits for His power. By laying hands on someone, you do two things: you identify, and you impart. Who knows how many miraculous moments we have sacrificed because we haven’t acted in a bold biblical way by praying for someone who is sick, commissioning someone who is called, or encouraging someone who simply needs a hand on their shoulder?