₦airaland Forum

EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS 1

MEMORISE:
“And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the Kings like unto thee all thy days.” – (1 Kings 3:13)

READ: 1 Kings 3:4-15 (KJV)
4 And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there; for that was the great high place: a thousand burnt offerings did Solomon offer upon that altar.
5 In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee.
6 And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day.
7 And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in.
8 And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude.
9 Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?
10 And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.
11 And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment;
12 Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee.
13 And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days.
14 And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days.
15 And Solomon awoke; and, behold, it was a dream. And he came to Jerusalem, and stood before the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and offered up burnt offerings, and offered peace offerings, and made a feast to all his servants.

MESSAGE:
An expectation is a strong belief that something will happen, especially when all other things are equal. For example, all other things being equal, a worker will be paid his salary at the end of the month. In other words, this expectation will not be realised if that worker suddenly quits his or her job before the end of the month. The good news is that any expectation based on the promises of the Almighty God to you shall come to pass, provided you remain steadfast in following and obeying Him.
In our memory verse of today, the Lord exceeded Solomon's expectations. Solomon had asked for wisdom to be able to rule God's people excellently, but to his amazement, God added some things to his expectation of wisdom.
*"And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the Kings like unto thee all thy day"* (1 Kings 3:13)

I remember expecting God to give me a modest apartment to live in after I became the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, but He exceeded my expectations by promising me a city. Currently, the Redemption Camp, though still expanding, is comparable to a city. To experience something exceeding your expectations, to get more than you hoped for, you must excel in your commitment to the Almighty God - the only One who can exceed your greatest expectations.
You must set yourself apart in holiness if you want to experience blessings that will exceed your expectations. For example, you may be asking for the position of a High Chief whereas God may want to make you a King. You may be seeking to be elected as a senator and end up becoming the President of your country. What can God not do? Absolutely nothing. God can easily exceed your expectations as long as you are on His side in holiness and righteousness.

KEY POINT:
Only God can exceed your greatest expectations.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: ECCLESIASTES 1-4

APOSTASY

MEMORY VERSE: "Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?". – Hebrews 10:29


BIBLE PASSAGE: HEBREWS 6:4-6

4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,

5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,

6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.

INTRODUCTION
The term apostasy comes from the Greek word 'apostasia' meaning 'defection,' 'departure,' 'revolt' or 'rebellion.' Apostasy is the formal disaffiliation from, abandonment of,or renunciation of a religion by a person. It can also be defined within the border context of embracing an opinion that is contrary to one's previous religious beliefs. It is an act of refusing continue to follow, obey, or recognize a religious faith. One who undertakes apostasy is known as an apostate.


LESSON OUTLINES
1. THE CHARACTERISTICS
2. THE DANGER AND HOPE

THE CHARACTERISTICS

In the context of the Christian faith, there are two main forms of Apostasy: one is a falling away from the key and true doctrines of the Bible into heretical teachings that claim to be "the real" Christian doctrine while the other is a complete renunciation of the Christian faith, which results in full abandonment of Christ (Heb. 10:29).
Jude's description of the character of the first Century apostates explains why he so strongly opposed them. Some believers today are toying the paths of the apostates of Jude's day, ignoring scriptural warnings of past judgements on sin (Rom. 15:4) such as that of unbelieving Israelites, fallen Angels (Jude 6; 2Pet. 2:4). Sodom and Gomorrah (Jude 7; Gen. 19:24-25).
They are becoming ungodly by moral perversion, Defilement of the flesh, rebellion, bodily speaking evil against people and things they do not understand such as spiritual beings and dignitaries (Jude 8-10). They are ignorant about God, proclaiming false visions, self-destructive, grumbling, fault-finding, self-satisfying, using arrogant words and false flattery and they make a mockery of God (Jude 15-18). They ignore God and His word like Cain, practising greed and deceit like Balaam and rebelling against authorities like Korah (Jude 11). Apostates are sensual (Jude 19). They deny the Lordship of Jesus Christ (Titus 1:15-16).

THE DANGER AND HOPE

Ultimately, an apostate eventually falls away and departs from the truth of God's word and His rightousness (1Jn. 2:19). We can deduce from Hebrews 6:4-6 that by human intervention, it is impossible to renew those who abandon their Christian faith. However, the Bible makes it clear that with God nothing shall be impossible (Luke 1:37; Jer. 32:27). Therefore, if a child of God abandons it faith for whatever reason (including apostasy), there is but one route of return -that of repentance, acknowledgement of wrong and the humble petition for God's pardon (2Chr. 7:14; 2Cor. 7:10; 1Jh. 1:9).
It is critical, now more than ever, that every believer prays for discernment, combat apostasy, and contend earnestly for the faith that was once and for all delivered to the saints.

CONCLUSION
Apostasy is a dangerous trend that can lead to a point of no return. Be watchful.

THE WISDOM OF GOD

MEMORISE:
Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 1 CORINTIANS 1:25

READ: 1 CORINTHIANS 1:18-31
18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:
23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;
24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:
27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:
29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.
30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

MESSAGE:
Our Lord Jesus Christ is the power and wisdom of God 1Corinthians 1:24. He declared in Luke 4:18:

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised." Luke 4:18

It then follows that anyone who embraces the gospel of Jesus Christ is wise. However, the word of God cannot be understood through logical reasoning.

For instance, Jesus preached that whoever will have his life must first lose it for His sake Mark 8:35. He also declared that for us to find rest for our souls, we must take His yoke upon us.

How can yoke-carrying bring rest to the soul of the carrier? This is why many scientists and philosophers struggle to accept and believe the word of God.

For example, I was personally caught in this web in my early Christian walk concerning tithing. “How can 90% be enough when even the entire 100% was never enough for me?” I queried then. Thanks be to God that I know better now.

The good news is that Acts 10:38 testifies that Jesus Christ went about preaching and His preaching brought all forms of deliverance to those who listened and came to Him Matthew 21:14.

Beloved, do you believe the Gospel? The Gospel is the good news of how Jesus came to this world to save all sinners 1Timothy 1:15. This is the wisdom of God hidden in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Come to Him today to receive His Wisdom and your life will not remain the same.

What are your needs? He has promised that if you seek His kingdom and righteousness first, He will add all these things you need to you Matthew 6:33.

Accept God’s wisdom, take Him at His word, and He will never let you down.

PRAYER POINT:
Thank God for giving you access to His wisdom.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
PROVERBS 30-31.

THE HOPE OF GLORY

MEMORISE:
By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. ROMANS 5:2

READ: ROMANS 5:1-5
1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

MESSAGE:
"To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory"
Colossians 1:27

The Bible says in Hebrews 11:6 that one cannot please God without faith. For anyone to have the hope of glory, the fellow must choose correctly whom he or she would serve. Joshua 24:15. I

t takes faith to choose rightly, according to our memory verse for today.

Through faith in the Living God, we are justified as the redeemed of the Lord – Jesus being the Author and Finisher of our Faith. He came to save us through His death, by the washing away of our sins with His blood. This is why the Bible says:

"But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. But now is Christ from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept." 1 Corinthians 15:13-14, 20

The Scripture above is the basis for our hope of glory. The Scripture further says,

“if in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable”
1 Corinthians 15:19.

This is why as Christians, we should not despair even in tribulation because of the assurance of glory we have in Christ.

Our hope of glory is not an empty hope, according to Revelation 21:1-7, which assures us of a new heaven and a new earth where there shall be no more pain, sorrow, lack, sickness or death. Death shall be swallowed in victory. 1 Corinthians 15:54.

Therefore, beloved, to have this hope in you, accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour today.

If you have accepted Christ, ensure you do not look back because Jesus said:

“No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the Kingdom of God” Luke 9:62.

I pray the Almighty God keeps us all in Him to the end, in Jesus’ name.

PRAYER POINT:
Thank the Lord for the hope of glory and ask Him to help you remain steadfast in Him to the end.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
PROVERBS 27-29.

DIVINE BLESSINGS III

MEMORISE:
Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. JOHN 15:8

READ: LUKE 13:6-9
6 He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none.
7 Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?
8 And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it:
9 And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.

MESSAGE:
Many divine blessings are conditional. This is why there are many “ifs” in God’s covenants with mankind.

For instance, in Deuteronomy 28:1 God promised the children of Israel that He would bless them so much so that they would be above all nations of the earth, if they would hearken diligently to His voice and keep His commandments.

The primary purpose of divine blessings is to make the blessed fellow fruitful and a blessing to others.

Fruitfulness however, is also one of the conditional blessings of God. The primary condition for fruitfulness is found in John 15:4:

"Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me."

The question then is, “How can I abide in the Vine?”

The answer is not far-fetched. You must first become a part of the Vine by responding positively to Jesus’ call in Matthew 11:28-30. When you confess Him as your Lord and saviour, you become grafted into the Vine – the Lord Jesus Christ.

The next phase is to abide in Jesus. Abiding in Jesus means living according to His will. Jesus said in John 8:31,

“…if ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed”.

He also said in John 15:10,

“If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love”.

You can be fruitful spiritually, like Peter who preached one sermon and 3000 souls were won into the kingdom of God Acts 2:38-41 or Paul, who God healed many sick people through his apron and handkerchiefs. Acts 19:11-12.

You can also be fruitful materially, as in the case of Isaac, who became so wealthy that a whole nation began to envy him. Genesis 26:14-17.

Furthermore, you can also be fruitful physically such that in your old age, you would remain strong, as in the case of Moses. Deuteronomy 34:7.

Beloved, as we read in our Bible text today, it is dangerous to be unfruitful.

You will experience all-round fruitfulness if you surrender your life to Jesus and live according to His will for the rest of your life.

PRAYER POINT:
Father, please cause me to experience all-round fruitfulness, in Jesus’ name.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
PROVERBS 24-26.

DIVINE BLESSINGS, PART 2

MEMORISE:
“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” Galatians 5:1(KJV)

READ: JOHN 5:5-14
5 And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years.

6 When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?

7 The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.

8 Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.

9 And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath.

10 The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed.

11 He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk.

12 Then asked they him, What man is that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk?

13 And he that was healed wist not who it was: for Jesus had conveyed himself away, a multitude being in that place.

14 Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.

MESSAGE:
It is one thing to receive divine blessings and quite another to keep them. I always teach my children in the faith that the grace needed to receive a miracle is not as great as the one needed to keep it. God has no problem blessing His people, but keeping the blessing is a responsibility many people fail to live up to. Today we will be looking at how to retain divine blessings.

The first thing one must do is to stay connected to the source of divine blessings - God. A branch will remain fruitful as long as it remains connected to the vine, and of course will become fruitless the moment it disconnects from its source of fruitfulness. Jesus is the vine and we His disciples are His branches. Without Him we can do nothing (John 15:5).

Secondly, to stay connected to the source of divine blessings, you must be holy. Sin causes a separation between the sinner and God (Isaiah 59:2). If God will not listen to a sinner, how then will such a fellow receive and retain divine blessings? The Almighty told Abraham this secret in Genesis 17:1-2:

And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceeding.

According to our Bible reading of today, after Jesus had healed a man of a thirty-eight-year old sickness, He warned him to stay away from sin so he would not experience something even worse.

Finally, you must acknowledge that all you have is from God and always return all the glory to Him with thanksgiving. For example, Nebuchadnezzar failed to acknowledge that God was his source and he lost all he had. God however, restored all Nebuchadnezzar lost when the latter realised that he was nothing without God (Daniel 4:30-37).

I pray you will never lose your God-given blessings, in Jesus' name.

PRAYER POINT:
Father, thank You for being my Source. Please, never let me disconnect from You, in Jesus' name.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: PROVERBS 21-23.

Divinerace:
Ok, thanks!

Ur welcome bro.

Divinerace:
May I ask you a question sir

Is forex trading not gamebling
If it is so! Doesn't it contradict ur christian belives

Am asking bcus, I'm also into this stuff. As a Christian I don't knw if it is biblical


You answer is needed Sir, to enlighten a fellow beliver

No it's not gambling. Ur trading in the world's largest "FINANCIAL" market which has a daily turnover of $7trillion in which every bank in the world trades. If it was gambling, Islamic countries won't participate in it..
This is one reason I didn't open up a big naira bet shop when I had the opportunity to do so. This is also the reason I didn't open up a hotel because it would be against our standards as a true believer/christians. Most of these are in ur Bible, but so many don't even touch it, talk more of studying it on a daily basis...

For those wishing to learn forex, use my YouTube channel to learn forex from the scratch.
Let's hit 1000 SUBSCRIBERS. Hit the like/ subscribe botton and share with others.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFuO8ikOsG8

zoer:
Thought you will talk about how you paid up your debt from friend immediately you entered PH

I have a debt of N10m and as am making small small cash from trading forex (due to lack of trading capital), I and my 2 siblings are paying little by little. That's the only two that agreed on their own to help. Been able to pay about N1.5m so far but still have a long way to go. This is outside house rent and school fees but I believe God.

Every true man of God who starts passes through what is called a WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE. Mine is almost over! It's a big trial period but it's done to test my faith and what I will do when resources and power are entrusted into my hands... Ask men of God u know, they can tell better.

All roads now leads to the testimony section.
Let ur comments begin now...the floor is open.

This little story of mine is not a fairy tale but a true life story. The only solution is Jesus Christ. He is the way the truth and the life, no one goes to the father except through Him. Once u have any dealings with them and they are accusing u of something u owe, THE BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST has already settled this particular dispute before now. Cling on it and mention it to them and make sure u hold Him tight, u shall be set free in Jesus Christ name amen.


I pray for anyone who has passed through this same thing or is passing through one problem or the other, may my God locate u and deliver u in Jesus name amen. God bless u all. Remember Jesus loves u.

Conclusion Cont'd

Secret Societies are everywhere. It's not just in the South East, it's there in the South South, South West and in the North. Not just peculiar to Nigeria alone, it's also there in other parts of Africa and the world as a whole.

Alot are deceived into it while some go in because of greed or one issue or the other. Truth is this, not all money is good. Please correct the impression that all money is money. There is money u will eat and u will die. There is money u will make and u won't live long to enjoy it. There is money u will make and u won't be able to sleep in ur house because of the source of such money. Some end up mad in no time.

It's better to be poor than to be rich from money u made from the DEVIL or his agents. This is so because it will lead to ur destruction either today or tomorrow. Most of these people in secret societies are not happy because they know that they do not have peace or joy which cannot be bought. Only the Almighty God gives these. How do u know recognize them? Some of their characteristics are mentioned below:

1. Sudden wealth
2. Questionable source of wealth
3. Rich cycle of friends with similar trends
4. They wear WHITE (always or most times)
5. They spend in hard currencies
6. Some have a separate room/house they use
7. Systematic deaths of family members
8. Some use a white HANDKACHIF when the sleep with a woman
9. Some only SLEEP with VIRGINS
10. Some have a particular special cloth they wear during important occasions. They will never use that cloth to carry a dead relative or friend. Never!!

Conclusion Cont'd

Alot of people all over the world have one evil alter or the other raised in their houses or villages. This is predominant here in Nigeria if u go to the South South for example. U will find alot of alters around all riverine areas. I noticed this in Bayelsa State and other communities near big rivers in the South South. That's one reason fornication is very normal around those areas. Most of their leaders serve and sacrifice to the sea goddess. U can remember an example of a very rich man in Warri who was captioned in a video sacrificing and talking to the water. Another is found in the life of some militant leaders who are always seen pouring sacrifice into the water every now and then WEARING WHITE. These people are not christians because they serve the RIVER GODDESS called LEVIATHAN. She is extremely powerful and controls the Marine World.

These fellows from time to time must SACRIFICE to these ALTERS. This alters speak on their behalf and can cause havoc in the life of others and also in their lives when they abandoned it's worship. Anyone who comes from such environment will understand what am saying and will also concur that indeed, this has affected the progress of so many people including self acclaimed christians who don't know their God or their way around this problem. God can deliver u today if only u believe in Jesus Christ name amen.

Conclusion Cont'd

I pity people who chase and sleep with any random woman or man they meet on the road. They can end up picking up thieves, SPIRITS or end up with one sickness or the other from these people. The worst one is destiny Killers. Some are sent mainly to destroy a specific person's destiny. Next thing is that they will start looking for solutions from one place to another.

From my experience with these SPIRITS, they have a KINGDOM in the water with different types of DEMONS of various sizes with different characters, SPIRITS and HUMAN AGENTS (which are possessed by these demons) that work for them. Most of those human agents are sent into the earth/world to specific individuals, especially BORN AGAIN CHRISTIANS who are CALLED for His purpose (Ie Preachers, Prophets or Singers) or to release things PRODUCED there for the sake of DIVERTING the MIND of CHRISTIANS from the ALMIGHTY GOD. They have large screens they use in monitoring everyone. They know the true born again Christians because of the MARK of JESUS CHRIST on their foreheads or the FIRE which surrounds them.

Alot will not believe most of these things am saying but they are strictly on their own because am not here to please them or to convince anyone to believe me. These human agents are sent to CHURCHES to seduce and bring down alot of people while others are sent to specific individuals as mentioned above. Once u sleep with anyone of them, ur destiny will be delayed or ur STAR collected or SIZED. This leads to delay or sometimes death of such a fellow due to depression or stagnation in every area of their lives. This is the reason why u hear that someone came home with a woman and she just disappeared, or she turned into a a big SNAKE or one thing or the other. They are real. Iv seen one returning to the water side one of those nights I was coming back from their presence...lastly this is the reason why when there is a deliverance session going on in church, u will notice that such women usually TWIST or ROLL like snakes while standing or while lying down on the floor before they are delivered....SLAWOMIR be warned (Proverbs 16:25). Not all that glitters are gold. A stitch in time, saves NINE!! Better to be safe than SORRY!!!

Conclusion Cont'd

The second one on our list is when u have a CALLING from the Almighty God and ur refusing to heed to that call. It's going to destroy everything u have once ur time comes. It doesn't matter the certificate u have or what school u attended, once His time comes for u to start, everything will go from top to the bottom in no time. Everything will be turned upside down...

Such fellow will start living from hand to mouth. U will run from PILLAR to post and go to anywhere in the world and the massage will be the same. No matter where u go for solution, it will never work except u accept Him and start working for Him. The truth is that most people don't know this but alot have learnt the hard way. U will loose everything u have ever worked for and u will think someone somewhere is doing it until a man of God, ANIMAL, ANGEL or occasionally, a MAD PERSON will be the one to deliver the massage to u. Am quite sure that a lot of PASTORS inhouse can relate to what am saying. Some passed through this and I can tell u from experience that it's not palatable at all...

My advice is once u know u have a calling from God to serve Him, please start on time so that u don't live to regret ur life before u surrender to Him. Those who learnt the hard way are usually RESTORED after some time if they serve Him in truth and in spirit.

Conclusion

Alot have happened that is not documented because I do not remember all at the moment. People pass through alot of things in life physically, spiritually and financially. Alot of lives are destroyed from simple things we do not knowing where they will lead to eventually. The funniest part is some cannot talk about it because the people they would like to explain it to will not understand.

I will take some cases which will be highlighted below:
1. Family Idols
2. Gods Calling
3. Random Women/Men
4. Evil Alters
5. Secret Societies

Alot of people today are struggling, living from hand to mouth, from year to year not because they don't have a good certificate to work but because of evil family foundations they were born into. They work like elephants and eats like an ant. They hardly see promotion in their place of work or any good thing in their life. This family Idols are served either by the family HEAD or the people in that family. Failure to do this will lead to problems in their lives which will come from the spiritual angle. This Idol is usually brought in to solve a problem in a family and the relationship cemented with a blood convenant. The blood comes from any living thing which can be an animal or a human sacrifice. As long as ur from that family, born or unborn will pass through the same issues weather u come to the village or not. Once the time for a particular family member comes, problems will start from nowhere!!

My Wilderness Experience Cont'd


Another caller was my elder sister who called in from US. I didn't tell her anything. She said while I was going through the things I went through, she saw a BIG BLACK FISH PLACED ON TOP of my head. That it was so that everything in my life will be cold. Nothing moving forward but always been cold. She prayed for me and asked the Almighty God to remove everything which that fish represented in my life. Before she dropped the call, she said she sees ISAIAH 61:1 upon my head. That am going to be a very big and strong man of God. That the shoe God has put before me is very large. That the task ahead which the Almighty God wants to use me to accomplish is very big...

My Wilderness Experience Cont'd


I also remember Prophet Sampson calling in from Owerri and said he is seeing Isaiah 61:1 written all over me. He told me not to be afraid, that He that called me is faithful and will do everything at His own time. Some days later, I went to see a student of mine who wanted to see me. She is from Benin and served in Ph but just got married. As we settled down for me to teach her forex, she saw I had lost alot of weight and decided to pray for me. As she started, she bursted out and said she sees ISAIAH 61:1 upon me and that she is SEEING and HEARING a I will be used for a BIG thing. That the SHOE God has kept for me is very BIG!!! I was shocked she also saw it...

My Wilderness Experience


As all these were happening, I started seeking His face in prayers, fasting and drew closer to Him. While going out to the specific places I am called to serve, I joined Pastor Uchenna and started learning the things of God through Him. As these went on, everything became very tight for me. Debts everywhere (the formal debt I incurred, fees, rent etc) and calls started pouring in from different people. This was to confirm Gods word and grace towards me and also, to encourage me. One pastor Emmanuel called in from Owerri to talk about forex (I thought him forex) and suddenly, he bursted out and started talking about me. He said he sees Isaiah 61:1 on my head and that the grace of God is upon me. He said but God said he should tell me that since I have decided to serve Him, that woman will suddenly start fluckking towards me. As we finished that conversation, from the next day, omo wahala just started. Vartually all the girls I ever knew in my life started calling me one by one to express their love again for me. I couldn't even remember some and they eventually had to remind me who they are... unbelievable!!!

God can do that which no man can do

DIVINE BLESSINGS I

MEMORISE:
The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it. PROVERBS 10:22

READ: GENESIS 22:12-17
12 And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.
13 And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son.
14 And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah-jireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen.
15 And the angel of the LORD called unto Abraham out of heaven the second time,
16 And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son:
17 That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies;

MESSAGE:
Divine blessing can be described as a command from God that will make all the forces in heaven, on earth and under the earth favour an individual or group of people.

A divinely blessed person or group of people will succeed where others are failing.

For example, in our Bible reading today, Isaac sowed during a famine and he reaped a hundredfold. In other words, he succeeded where others were failing. We can trace this remarkable result to God’s blessing over Abraham, Isaac’s father in Genesis 22:17:

"That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies;"

God had promised to bless Abraham and multiply his seed after he passed the test in Genesis 22. Little wonder why Isaac would sow and reap a hundredfold during a famine.

Isaac however, also had a part to play in obtaining and enforcing the fulfilment of the divine blessing on his life.

Firstly, he was obedient to his father even up to the point of death. Isaac could have escaped easily from Abraham when the latter laid him on the altar, but he did not. That must have really pleased God.

Secondly, he obeyed God’s instruction to stay at Gerar even when humanly speaking, it did not appear to be the right thing to do at the time, considering the famine in the land.

Only those who are obedient to divine instructions will experience divine blessings.

Mary, the mother of the Lord Jesus Christ, told the maidens that whatever Jesus asked them to do, they should do it and their obedience led to the divine provision of much better wine for the guests at the wedding. John 2:5-10.

Beloved, divine blessing is sweet, pleasant and without sorrow.

Surrender your life to Jesus Christ, live in complete obedience to God and you will experience divine blessings in every area of your life, in Jesus’ name.

PRAYER POINT:
Father, please bless me indeed and take evil far from me, in Jesus’ name.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
PROVERBS 18-20.

DIVINE HELP III

MEMORISE: And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat. 1 Kings 19:5

READ: 1 Kings 19:1 -8

1 And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword.

2 Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time.

3 And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beersheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there.

4 But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.

5 And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat.

6 And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again.

7 And the angel of the LORD came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee.

8 And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God.

MESSAGE

Thou art worthy,,O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
Revelation 4:11

The verse above clearly states that the Creator made all things for His pleasure. For example, in our Bible reading for today, we see God feeding Elijah so that he would have the required strength to fulfil divine mission set before him. The angel of the Lord said to him, 'Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee." That meal gave him the strength he needed for forty days and forty nights as he travelled to Horeb. The mountain of God (I Kings 19:7-.

Many people however, want divine help for selfish reasons. Some of them are not even born again; yet they are asking for miracles. Such people fail to realize that the Almighty God is a prudent investor and He will not invest in a project that will not promote His Kingdom. For example, God needed a prophet so when Hannah asked for a son and promised to give him back to God, the Lord granted her request (1 Samuel 1).

Jesus said in Matthew 7:6:

Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.

The verse above implies that God will not give that which is holy to someone who is still living in sin. You cannot remain in the kingdom of darkness or be toying with sin as a Christian and expect God to help you.

Beloved, if you desire divine help, surrender your life to Jesus Christ, and be determined to do only things that will give Him pleasure. Be committed to showing forth the praises of He who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9) and He will help you.

ACTION POINT

Begin to do things that will give God glory, honour and pleasure from now on and you will receive divine help.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Proverbs 15-17.

My people in all we do, let's remember that Jesus Christ died for us all. We are nothing without Him. Let's reconcile with Him today and be saved. Time is no longer our friend. Jesus Christ loves us all...

DIVINE HELP II

MEMORISE:
"Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour" MATTHEW 15:28

READ: MATTHEW 15:22-28
22 And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil.
23 But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.
24 But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
25 Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me.
26 But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs.
27 And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table.
28 Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.

MESSAGE:
Divine help is comforting and assuring. It is however, not for everybody. Unless God is your Father, you may not be able to access divine help.

In our Bible reading today, Jesus told the woman seeking His help that divine healing is reserved only for God’s children, so she was disqualified. Her faith in Jesus Christ however, eventually qualified her for divine help.

Therefore, you should ask yourself, “Am I a child of God?” “Have I surrendered all to the Lord Jesus?” Placing all your faith in Jesus and surrendering your life to Him is the only way to access God and divine help. John 14:6.

Another vital requirement to access divine help is knowing exactly what you need help with.

The woman in our Bible reading today was very clear about what she wanted, and she got it as she persisted in her request, with all her faith in Christ Jesus.

Bartimaeus is also an excellent example of someone who knew what he wanted God to do for him and got the divine help he sought. Mark 10:46-52.

It is also important to know where to seek for help. Beloved, where are you seeking help from?

Many people seek help from different sources – man, rivers, mountains and so on.

Everyone seeking help from other sources apart from the Almighty God will only have their sorrows multiplied as we see in Psalm 16:4.

You may be asking, “How do I seek divine help?” Jesus said: “Ask, and it shall be given you…” Matthew 7:7.

When asking the Lord for help however, don’t ask for things He has already empowered you to do yourself. For example, when God provides a job, don’t go to sleep and expect Him to do the work for you!

There are however, many things that are beyond human capacity and the good news is that nothing is beyond God’s capacity.

Ask Him for help with those things that no man can do for you. For example, only God can cause a woman without a womb to conceive and bring forth a set of twins. That was the testimony of a sister some years ago and I pray you will also experience unbelievable miracles, in Jesus’ name.

Beloved, if you have surrendered your life to Jesus Christ, you have His open invitation to ask for everything you want in faith and He will do them for you according to His will.

ACTION POINT:
If God is truly your Father, go ahead and ask Him for what only He can do for you today.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
PROVERBS 12-14.

REPROBACY


MEMORY VERSE: "Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith". –2Timothy 3:8


BIBLE PASSAGE: ROMANS 1:18-28

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.

24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves;

25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:

27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.

28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

INTRODUCTION
Reprobacy is the state or character of being a reprobate. A reprobate is an unprincipled or depraved person. The Greek word translated "reprobate" in the New Testament is 'adokimos' which literally means "unapproved, i.e. rejected; by implications, worthless." It is that which is rejected on account of its own worthlessness (Jeremiah 6:30). Many people have wondered if at this point a person may be beyond hope. It is imperative, therefore, for believers to study the nature and dangers of reprobacy.

LESSON OUTLINES
1. THE NATURE OF REPROBATES
2. DANGERS OF REPROBACY

THE NATURE OF REPROBATES

There are some pointers to knowing someone that can be referred to as a reprobate. Such persons usually have the desire to suppress the truth with wickedness (Romans 1:18; 2Timothy 3:. They wilfully reject God in their imaginations and actions (Romans 1:21; Titus 1:16). People with reprobate minds choose to worship the creature rather than the creator (Romans 1:23-25; Jeremiah 10:14). They commit all manner of sins and have no limits or restrictions on sinful behaviours (Romans 1:29-31; Ephesians 5:3). Reprobates do not only hold on to and continue in their wicked behaviours, they encourage and celebrate others who imitate them (Romans 1:32; Psalm 50:18). Those with reprobate minds do not have the Spirit of God and live only for themselves (Titus 1:16).

DANGERS OF REPROBACY

The Bible warns against reprobacy because it leads to the point where God withdraws His longsuffering to save but gives them over to a degenerated mind (2Peter 3:9; Romans 1:28) to:

1. Face the wrath of God (Romans 1:18).

2. Become unclean and dishonour their bodies between themselves (Romans 1:24).

3. Practice vile affections e.g. homosexuality, bestiality, etc. (Romans 1:26-27).

4. Do those things which are not convenient (Romans 1:28).

5. Be filled with all unrighteousness (Romans 1:29-31).

6. Ignore impending judgement and continue in sin (Romans 1:32).

Nevertheless, there is no heart or mind that God cannot charge if that person approaches Him in genuine repentance (Isaiah 1:18; John 6:37). People toing the path of reprobacy should repent and turn to God for mercy because there is grace and hope for them (Psalm 51:17; Isaiah 55:7; Romans 10:13).

CONCLUSION
Be careful to guard your mind and avoid the gradual drifting, shifting and twisting of thought that moves people towards reprobacy (Romans 12:1-2).

DIVINE HELP I

MEMORISE:
My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.
PSALM 121:2

READ: PSALMS 121:1-8
1 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.
2 My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.
3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.
4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.
6 The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.
7 The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.
8 The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

MESSAGE:
The kind of help anyone can render is determined either by the person’s might or capability. Nobody can give what he or she does not have.

This makes divine help very desirable since it comes from the unlimited God.

David knew this secret and penned what we have as part of our text for today. He said,

“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth” Psalm 121:1-2.

The following are the steps we must take to secure divine help:

First, we must fear and trust the One who has unlimited power to help.

Psalm 37:39-40 says that the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord and that He shall help and deliver them from the wicked because they trust Him.

The second step is to keep the law of the Lord. Psalm 119:145-146 says:

“I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O Lord: I will keep thy statutes. I cried unto thee; save me, and I shall keep thy testimonies.”

Unfortunately, many self-professing Christians do not want to hear anything about the law of God and would rather overstretch the place of grace to the point of lawlessness. This is not God’s will.

The third step for those who would benefit from Divine help is to call on the Lord for the needed help. The Bible says in Exodus 20:3:

“Thou shalt have no other gods before me.”

Looking up to anything or anyone apart from God is idolatry. This is dangerous because our God is a jealous God. Exodus 20:5.

As a matter of fact, we short-change ourselves by trusting in man that is limited rather than trusting the Almighty, the Unlimited God. The Bible says:

"Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many; and in horse, because they are strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the Lord." Isaiah 31:1.

Beloved, I encourage you to surrender your life to Jesus, live righteously and look up to God alone for help. He will never let you down.

PRAYER POINT:
Father, please send help to me today, in Jesus’ name.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
PROVERBS 8-11

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

MEMORISE:
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. PHILIPPIANS 4:6

READO: PHILIPPIANS 4:6-7
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

PRAYERS:
1. Father, thank You for keeping me all through the first half of the year and for bringing me into the second half.

2. Father, thank You for Your love and covering over me and my loved ones.

3. Father, thank You for giving me a sound mind. Thank You for preserving me Lord.

4. Father, thank You for the strength to do all that I have to do. I acknowledge that You are the source of my strength. Thank You Lord.

5. Father, thank You for providing for me always. Thank You for being my source Lord.

6. Father, thank You for my salvation. Thank You for making me a part of Your family.

7. Father, thank You for my past, my present and my future. Thank You Lord for the glorious future You have placed ahead of me.

8. Father, thank You for my family members and all my loved ones. Thank You for the gift of family

9. Thank You Lord for Your mercy that is made available to me daily. Thank You Lord.

10. Father, thank You for all the battles You fight for me. I am deeply grateful to you for making me more than a conqueror.

11. Father, I am grateful for everyone in my local Church and the body of Christ as a whole. Thank You for not allowing the gates of hell prevail over us.

12. Your personal thanksgiving prayer.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
PROVERBS 4-7

GOD’S BLANK CHEQUE

MEMORISE:
And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever.
DANIEL 12:3

READ: JOHN 15:16
16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

MESSAGE:
"If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it."

In other words, Jesus was saying in the verse above that, “I will give you a blank cheque”.

Today, we will discuss how to obtain this divine blank cheque.

God gives blank cheques to people whose hearts pant after His kingdom on earth.

"Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you" John 15:16

When you seek God’s kingdom first above all else, then He will give you everything that you could ever need. Matthew 6:33.

I have always said that God is a playwright, having written the script of everything that is happening on earth. In
1 Kings 3:5-14, when God gave Solomon a blank cheque, He already knew the end from the beginning.

He knew that the boy would ask for wisdom to rule God’s people, so when he did, the Lord added riches, peace and everything else a man could ever want.

When God sees that you have a heart that is interested in the salvation of the souls and in the establishment of His kingdom on earth, you will get from Him all those things other people are struggling for.

Seek God’s kingdom diligently; seek to ensure that His will is done on earth as it is in heaven. You will see how He will embarrass you with so many blessings that you would be the one saying, “Lord, it is enough”.

Give to the work of God, go out on evangelism regularly, follow up new converts to ensure they abide in the flock of Christ.

Let God see your dedication to His work and He will surely reward you with a blank cheque.

REFLECTION:
When was the last time you won a soul for God?

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
PROVERBS 1-3

ENTERING GOD’S PRESENCE II

MEMORISE:
Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me, and to him who ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God. PSALM 50:23

READ: PSALMS 118:19-21
19 Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD:
20 This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter.
21 I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation.

MESSAGE:
Yesterday we identified righteousness as a precondition to access God’s presence.

Once a person has clean hands and a pure heart, he or she would be able to access God’s presence with thanksgiving and praises as stated in Psalm 100:4:

"Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name."

If you try to get into His presence with complaints or even requests, the gate will not be opened to you. Only those who approach Him with thanksgiving are attended to.

However, your thanksgiving will get you into His gates, but your praises will get you into His courts. Being in His courts is definitely a step higher than just getting into the gates.

The keepers of the gates always check for how well you can praise God before they admit you in. If they see that you are not one who is willing to praise God, they will lock you out.

David seemed to be talking to the keepers of the gate when he said in Psalm 118:19,

“Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD:”

It is as though God had instructed them thus: “If anyone comes here with complaints or requests without thanksgiving or praise, don’t open this gate for the fellow”.

That is why when Jesus was teaching us to pray in Luke 11:1-4, He said we are to start with, “Our Father who hath in heaven, hallowed be thy name”.

If you start your prayers that way, you are guaranteed access to the presence of God, where you can then present your requests.

"But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him." John 4:23

Since the Father seeks true worshippers, it means that whenever you worship Him, you draw down His presence to wherever you are.

Psalm 22:3 says that He inhabits the praises of His children. You won’t have to struggle to get into His presence again, if you would just fill your heart with thanksgiving and praise.

ACTION POINT:
Spend at least one hour just praising God today.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
PSALMS 141-150.

ENTERING GOD’S PRESENCE I

MEMORISE:
Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in. ISAIAH 26:2

READ: PSALMS 24:3-6
3 Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?
4 He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
5 He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
6 This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob.

MESSAGE:
The Bible tells us in Psalm 100:4 that the entrance into God’s presence has a gate.

When you see a gate in a place, you know it is there so as to restrict access. Whatever is inside the place must be so valuable that they don’t want any unauthorised person to have access to it.

There are many treasures in the presence of God and not just anybody can enjoy them. One of such treasures is fullness of joy Psalm 16:11 and liberty 2 Corinthians 3:17.

Anyone who has entered the presence of God will tell you that it is a place that you don’t want to ever come out from.

In 2 Corinthians 5:8, Apostle Paul said,

“We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.”

The first criterion for accessing God’s presence is holiness. God cannot stand sin. If you have any form of sin in your life, the gate into His presence will be shut against you. Psalm 24:3-4 says:

"Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully."

Only those with clean hands and a pure heart can be allowed to ascend into the presence of the Lord.

If your hands have been soiled with sin, forget about it. If your heart is not pure, if you habour impure thoughts in that heart, the gate into God’s presence will be shut against you.

"Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD: This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter". Psalm 118:19

The gates into the presence of God are called the gates of righteousness; if you are not righteous, you cannot go through. The One whose presence you want to enter is a holy God; you must be holy before you can get in there.

Joseph had to shave and change his clothes before appearing before Pharaoh Genesis 41:14; how much more when you want to enter the presence of the King of kings.

KEY POINT:
To enter the presence of God, you must be holy.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
PSALMS 134-140.

WHAT/WHO DO YOU WORSHIP?

MEMORISE:
"Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their heart, and put the stumbling block of their iniquity before their face: should I be enquired of at all by them?" - (Ezekiel 14:3)

READ: Exodus 20:3-5 (KJV)

3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:

5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;

MESSAGE:

When you ask people who or what they worship they are most likely to tell you 'God', but then' many people are worshipping other things or persons apart from God. Some people worship their spouses, children, money, some their bellies, some their image on social media and, believe it or not, some worship their means of transportation. When I was in the grammar school, we had a teacher who had a bicycle that he loved so much. Whenever he got to a place that was muddy, he would get down from the bicycle and carry it across. He preferred for his feet to get dirty than his bicycle. He worshipped his bicycle.

Many come to God in prayers and get nothing from Him because He can see in their heart that there is an idol there. He knows that they only worship Him with their mouths, that their hearts are far from Him (Matthew 15:. Since He is not their God, then He ignores them. If at all the Lord answers, He does so according to the idols in their hearts.

Thus saith the Lord GOD; Every man of the house of Israel that setteth up his idols in his heart, and putteth the stumbling block of his iniquity before his face, and cometh to the prophet; I the LORD will answer him that cometh according to the multitude of his idols. - (Ezekiel 14:4)

In Numbers 22:19-35, Balaam valued the treasures that the king promised him more than the instruction of God. After God had told him not to heed the king's call, he still went back to God when the servants came back to ask if he should go, so God answered him according to the idol in his heart, telling him to go. On his way, there was an angel waiting to kill him. Had it not been for the eyes of his donkey that were opened to see the angel, he would have been dead as a result of the idol of greed in his heart.

Our God is a jealous God. He said in Exodus 34:14, "For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God".

The moment you regard anyone or anything above God, He will leave you alone and believe me honestly, the worst thing that can ever happen to a person is for God to leave him or her.

REFLECTION:
Do a thorough check on your heart and be honest with yourself. If there is something you regard higher than God, ask Him for mercy today.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: PSALMS 120-133