Scripture Text: Mathew 28: 16-20

In today Scripture text, our Lord Jesus showed and instructed us on how to be a true and what it’s all about. Christ simply stated to His disciples that:
1. “I have given you authority in heaven and earth”;
2. Make, by this authority, disciples of all nations;
3. Baptize them in the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit;
4. Teach these new disciples to obey all commandments I have given you;
5. Be sure of this, I am with you, even to the end of age.
As discussed in the previous post on this topic, it is important to note that discipleship transcends giving your life to Christ. The belief that most Christians have that once they give their lives to Christ, they have fulfilled all they are required to do is wrong. Salvation is the first and major step into a lifelong walk with God and relationship continues with him to eternity. Having become a Christian, you are expected to move into a deeper relationship with Christ, your Saviour, by becoming His disciple. This is a marked difference between being a Christian and being a disciple of Christ.

Characters of a True Disciple

Marks a that a true disciple must possess are:
i. God must occupy the supreme place in your life (Luke 14:26)
ii. Bearing the Cross of Christ (Luke 14:27). Bearing the Cross means sharing Christ’s reproach, suffering and persecution for His sake. The Cross is a symbol of shame and pain of Jesus as He was falsely accused, condemned to death and crucified (1 Peter 5:10).
iii. You must see Christ as the Source and Owner of everything you once consider your own and be willing to release to them to Him whenever He asks for them: your house, cars, money, children, spouse and everything (Romans 12:1-2)
iv. You must accept God’s final Word as the final authority in your life and live day by day in submission to it (John 8:31).
v. As a true disciple, you must love God with all your life, soul, strength and might, and love your fellow brothers, and sisters unconditionally (John 13:34-35).
vi. Witnessing for Christ, evangelism, soul-winning and follow-up on discipleship of souls are the characters you must possess. Ways you can witness for Christ may include:
- Sharing your conversion story with people and how it has led to your positive lifestyle. When you share this, the Holy Spirit will now do the convicting work by winning their souls for Christ.
- Sharing the Gospel with people (i.e., through oral preaching, publications, song ministrations, drama ministrations, sharing of Christian tracts and book or Bible, charity work and outreach, visitations to prisons to share the Good News for lost souls, etc.).
- Helping people to deal with problems, obstacles and objections in their lives through prayers, necessary solutions and words of encouragement.
- Mentoring people and helping them grow in their Faith.

To possess characters of a true disciple, you must first be born again.

If you would like to give your life to Christ, just say this after me: “Lord Jesus, I come to You today, come into my life and change my world. Thank You Jesus, in Your name I pray, amen”.

Culled from Mountain Top Daily Devotional

Scripture Text: 1 Timothy 3: 1-7

Leadership is the act of influencing and serving others. Godly leaders serve others out of Christ’s interest in their lives, so they accomplish God’s purposes for and through them. Also, to be a godly you must be born again and become a disciple of Christ. This is a prerequisite as anything outside this means you are no different from the worldly leaders.
There are certain characteristics and competencies that distinguish godly leaders, which give them influence over a community of people to achieve a God-honoring calling by means of the Power of Christ.
Characteristics of Godly Leaders
1. Godly leaders dare to be different from others. Even if the whole world is wrong, nothing can stop them from doing the right thing. Even if they are isolated for doing the right thing, they have the ruggedness and steadfastness in Christ till the end. Biblical examples of this type of leaders are:
- Noah (Genesis 6:5-
- Moses (Exodus 32)
2. Leaders that are godly obey God rather than pleasing people. E.g. Moses vs Aaron.
3. A godly leader intercedes for his followers for God’s mercy when they err. Just as Moses interceded so that God would not wipe out the Israelites after the incident of the “Golden Calf”, godly leaders stand-in for their people.
4. They embrace the unknown and take worthwhile risks. Biblical examples are:
- Abraham (Gen 12:1-19): He had to leave his comfort zone to march onward into uncertainty towards the Promised Land, as instructed by God
- Jesus’ Disciples: They gave up fishing, which was their sole source of income to become fishers of men, as disciples of Christ. They took this risk and we never heard them going hungry or stranded for Christ supplied all their needs.
- David (1 Samuel 17): He took a great risk by confronting Goliath, although he believed that God would win the battle for him and he defeated the giant.
- Elijah: He embraced risks and uncertainty when he confronted and defeated the prophets of Baal and restored Israel’s heart to God through the God that answered by fire.
5. No matter the circumstances, godly leaders endure. Biblical examples are:
- Joseph (Genesis 37): He endured in Potiphar’s house and in the prison.
- Jesus Christ: He suffered and endured shame and the Cross to save the whole world from sin, satan and death.
- Apostle Paul (2 Corinthians 1:: He suffered great tribulations and persecutions.
6. They are willing to stick to Self-Sacrifice (Hebrew 11:23-29). Biblical examples are:
- God (John 3:16): He sacrificed His only Son because of His unparallel love for mankind.
- Jesus: He agreed to sacrifice himself for all mankind.
- Moses: He bore the burden of a stiff-necked people (Israelites) who annoyed God several times because of their unbelief.
- Nehemiah, Gideon, Joshua, Hezekiah, Jehoshaphat, Deborah and Barak all self-sacrificed by confronting and conquered formidable oppositions and earned victory and glory for God.
7. Godly leaders rule by examples rather than command. Biblical examples are:
- Joshua (Joshua 24:14-25)
- Jesus Christ – our Role Model
- Apostle Paul
Exemplary leaders lead in the Church, families, organisations and nations.
8. They are not afraid of giants. Example in the Bible are:
- David vs Goliath (1 Samuel 17: 32-37)
- Moses vs Pharaoh
- Joshua vs giants of the Promised Land
- Jesus defeated satan and destroyed demons.
9. Leaders that are godly take initiatives first. They are the first to raise their hands, first to stand, first to speak, first to make decision. Biblical examples are:
- David: He took the initiative to confront Goliath and became Israel’s great king.
- Isaiah (Isaiah 6:1-: He took the initiative to become a Messianic Prophet.
10. Great and godly leaders make quality decisions and maintain their resolve without regard for consequences. Examples are:
- Daniel and the lion’s den (Daniel 6)
- Prophet Micaiah (2 Chronicles 18)
- Meshack, Shedrack and Abednego (Daniel 3: 16-28)
11. They are usually bold enough to call things what they truly are i.e., “they call a spade a spade”. Biblical examples are:
- Jesus Christ vs Pharisees and Sadducees (Luke 3:1-18)
- John the Baptist (Mathew 3)
- Prophet Jeremiah
You can do this in your place of work too.
12. Godly leaders are godly servants. They are defined by their obedience in God’s principles of servant- leadership, and how many lives or souls they can win or change for God, while conforming to the image of Christ in humility and love (John 13-1-17). Godly form of leadership is different from the leadership style of the world which encompasses pride, gathering of wealth and riches, competitors, private jets leaders, fleet of cars leaders and all other form of materialistic leadership, there-by bossing over people.
13. When adversity comes and everyone think that they will give up and go down into extinction, godly leaders have a way of bouncing back. Biblical examples are:
- Peter (Acts 2 14-47): Although he had once denied Christ but also gave the first sermon after Christ’s ascension to Heaven, and thousands of people gave their lives to Christ and were baptized.
- Saul vs Apostles Paul: Saul was one a persecutor of Christ’s disciples and believers but later became the greatest apostle of Christ.
14. Godly leaders are passionate for what they believe in and die for their ideals and principles.
- Apostle Paul (Philippians 1:12-2): He was not afraid of the gospel of Christ, for it is the Power of God unto Salvation. He also declared “Woe unto me if I don’t preach the gospel”.
Do you wish to be a godly leader? The first step is to be born again. Thereafter, you must be a disciple of Christ and let the Kingdom of God be your primary focus in all that you do.
If you would like to give your life to Christ, say this short prayer:
“Lord Jesus, I come before You today, I accept You as my Lord and Saviour, come into my life and take absolute control. Thank You Jesus, in Your name I pray, amen.
God bless you.
Peace!

Message culled from Mountain Top Devotional (2021)

Scripture Text: Joshua 6:1-16; Galatians 5:19-21

Joshua chapter six revealed the Power of God to us and the victory He gave to Joshua and the Israelites army to penetrate the land of Canaan which He had promised our ancestors. With divine instructions from God, Joshua was able to pull down the walls of Jericho (a fortress that was fully fortified and impenetrable) because he fully obeyed and had a rugged faith and courage in God.
In the same vein, there are modern days walls of Jericho that prevent us from entering the Promise Land (Kingdom of God), which Jesus promised us (His disciples) when He left the earth and ascended to be with the Father (John 14:2).

What Are These Modern Day Walls of Jericho?

1. The works of the flesh. The works of the flesh is extensively listed in Galatians 5, our scripture text today and it is clearly stated that those who do them will not inherit the Kingdom of God. To help us understand some of these works of the flesh, let’s list some in relations to what we see around us.
- Adultery: Extramarital affairs i.e., having sex with another person’s spouse.
- Fornication: sex before or outside marriage
- Uncleanness – promiscuity or sexually loose without self-control
- Lasciviousness -pornography and exposure to sex stimulant
- Idolatry – turning your relationships, work, gadgets, social media and material things into small god. They are good things but when you put then first before God and get addicted, they become idols.
- Witchcraft – believing or acting on magic and spells, in horoscopes
- hatred- hostility,
- emulations – jealousy, living your life in comparison to others, fake life,
- outbursts of anger- wrath, when your anger explode and can’t control it
- strife – friction, causing discord, resistance to change or good things
- seditions – inciting rage against authority or another
- heresies- profanes, sacrileges

The Lord hates our sins, but absolutely and unconditionally loves us when we confess our sins.
So how do we break strong walls that have hindered our relationship with God?
- Acknowledge that there is a wall in you
- Forsake the wall (sin) and accept Christ as your Lord and Saviour
- Cast down every wall (thoughts, actions, imaginations, etc.) that has exalted itself against the knowledge of God (2 Corinthians 10:5; Romans 7:18-19)
- Separate yourself from the walls of Jericho (Colossians 3:5, 7-
- Submit yourself to God’s command (Hebrews 11:30; 1 John 1:7; James 4:7)
- Stand victorious with Christ: never falter (Jer. 33:3)

If you would like to give your life to Christ, just say this after me: “Lord Jesus, I come to You today, come into my life and change my world. Thank You Jesus, in Your name I pray, amen”
God bless you.
Peace!

Scripture Text: Matthew 4:1-11

Temptation can be said to be a situation in which one experiences a challenge to choose between fidelity and infidelity, righteousness and unrighteousness, moral and immoral, godliness and worldliness, to one's obligations toward God. It primarily comes from the world, the flesh, and the devil.

Temptation dates to the Garden of Eden. The devil, in the form of the serpent, tempted our first parents, Adam and Eve. They fell for the lie, which flattered them, which led to the fall of man, curse and death. Nevertheless, the redemptive plan of God in Christ saved us from curse and death through His resurrection power. We fell because of our first parent but now we are risen by Christ (1 Corinthians 15:22). Where Adam and Eve failed, Jesus triumphed. And the victory in the wilderness is not only a sign of reversal of Eden, but of the failure by Israel in the wilderness, and the very fall of mankind.

If Jesus was tempted, then who is man not to be tempted? However, Jesus has affirmed that no matter the temptation or tribulation we may face, He has overcome the world for us (John 16:33).

Some Facts about Temptation
 God does not allow evil to happen so that we can be stronger: The reason is that God does not tempt man by evil nor does he tempt anyone (James 1:13). He can only test our faith but will never tempt us with evil. Only the devil tempts with evil.
 God will never let us be tempted beyond what we can bear. Even if we are tempted, He will provide a way out so that we can endure it (1 Corinthians 10:13).
 Temptation is of the devil and testing is of God. God tests His people. God tested Abraham. God tested Job. The Lord even used Peter’s test, which Simon Peter failed miserably, to bring about spiritual clarity and inner strength out of him and to make him understand the forgiving grace of Jesus to face the critical trials that lay ahead.

How do we then Overcome Temptation?
1. Look up to Jesus (Hebrews 12:2-3)
2. Pray and ask God for help (Mathew 18: 19-20)
3. Resist the Devil (James 4:7; Ephesians 4:27).
4. Hold on the Word of God (Psalm 119:8; 2 Peter 1:4).
5. Give up your interest in God’s interest out of the love for Jesus (Galatians 5:24).
6. Be determined and strong willpower not to yield to temptation (Romans 6:13;1 Corinthians 9:27, 2 Timothy 2:3).
7. Fear God and shun evil (1 Samuel 12:24; Proverbs 23:17).
8. Hold on to your rugged faith and believe God (1 Thess. 5:8; 1 Peter 1:13).
9. Worry over nothing, don’t complain but give thanks in everything and ask God for His mercy (Philippians 4:6-7).
10. Keep your mind on Eternity. No matter what we face on earth, we should always think about our eternity, which is the final goal (Hebrews 11:25-26; 12:2).



Brethren, to overcome temptation, you need the help of Jesus. This is an opportunity to give your live to Christ and let Him have His way.

Say this: Lord Jesus, I know that I’m a sinner, forgive me and take total control of my life. I say bye-bye to the devil and enter the Kingdom of Light. Thank You Jesus in Your name I pray, amen.
God bless you.
Peace!

Scripture Texts: Ezra 8:22; Hebrews 10:31; 1 Peter 5:6

The word “falling into the hand” denotes the absolute helplessness of a victim when captured by his enemies.
Believers should know, better than anyone, that the sacrifice of Christ worth everything and that God will punish those with profane minds against His will very harshly. As a saved believer, you already know the Truth and will be subject to harsh punishment from God of they choose to disobey. Many Christians today profess God but walks, talks and live like the devil in the world and violate God’s will. Such Christians will eventually fall into the Hand of the Living God.

The evil is the world today is very great that people don’t fear God anymore. Some have even resolved that they will enjoy this world very well and go and burn in hell fire later. Some people don’t even believe that there is hell fire. The life of these sinners is dangling by a thread and will soon dive into the eternal damnation of flames, yet they still have no fear of God.
Although, God holds every person’s life in His mighty hands, as it has appointed unto men once to die, and after this the judgment! (Hebrews 9:27). But how you fall is of concern when you die or transform. Will you fall into His wrath or in His Eternal rest? God is angry with the wicked every day (Psalm 7:11), and the wrath of God abides on everyone that believeth not in Jesus (John 3:36). How will you find God when you fall into His hands?

As grievous as falling into God’s hands can be, nevertheless, those who obey Him and believe in His Son, manifesting the fruit of the Spirit which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, faith, goodness, gentleness and self-control will never fall into His wrath but experience eternal peace when they eventually fall (2 Peter 5:1-10)

Repent toady! For tomorrow may be too late. Accept Christ as Your Lord and Saviour and make God your all in all.

Say this: Lord Jesus, I know that I’m a sinner, forgive me and take total control of my life. I say bye-bye to the devil and enter the Kingdom of Light. Thank You Jesus in Your name I pray, amen.

God bless you.

Peace!

Scripture Text: Isaiah 59:1-12

Have you ever been in a position where you have prayed, cried, sought God’s mercy and other spiritual exercise and still haven’t got answers to your prayers? Have you ever wondered why?

To be candid, this may be frustrating (Psalm 56:, especially when you’re sure that our God is compassionate, present, faithful and loving. But why has He not heard you?

Brethren, one thing is certain, God hears and sees everything even to the innermost.

There are so many reasons you may not be hearing from God. Some of which are:

1. Sin (Romans 6:2). You may wish to stop deceiving yourself that grace has covered your sins. Nothing filthy will get close to God. For God is holy and everyone who worships Him must do so in holiness and in truth.

2. Spiritual Blindness (John 12:40): Many do not have spiritual insights. They only see things on the physical surface which only those with the Spirit of God can see. People who are spiritually blind are described as those who “do not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned”
(1 Corinthians 2:14). “In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God” (2 Corinthians 4:4). What they see is money, gold, business, and all the cares of this world.

3. Spiritual Deafness (John 8:47): God hears you clearly. You are the one not hearing Him. Your intuitive telephonic system may be disordered. When you ask God for something, you do not have patient to wait on Him and listen. You only listen to your inner voice you deem fit as the best solution and not God’s will. Also, you are distracted by the noise of this world (listening to ungodly music rather than the message of God that could help you connect). If you want to hear from God, you need to be quiet in your spirit through His Word, for He speaks in a still small voice.

4. Spiritual slumber (Ephesians 5:14): You claim you are asking God for something and you’re very lazy spiritually. The Bible says watch and pray! (Mathew 26:41). You find it difficult to fast forgetting that some things cannot go except through fasting (Mathew 17:21). Also, you find it difficult to study the Bible that can keep your spirit man awake. Keeping vigil is a punishment for you. There’s a need for change though.

5. Partial Submissiveness (Romans 12:1-2): If you are asking something from God and come with a notion that He can only solve parts and not all your problems, you may be deceiving yourself (Hebrew 11:6). God needs you to totally commit yourself and the situation into His Hand so that He can take all the glory. He does not like to share His glory with any man or alternative.

What then do you do?
- Examine yourself and confess all your sins and accept Jesus as Your Lord and Saviour (Psalm 66:18).

- Let God have His Way and full Authority over your life and situation. Having talked to Him, be silent in your Spirt and wait patiently, for God’s time is not our time, and His timing is the best.

- Ask God for things according to His will (1 John 5:14-15).
- Listen to what God is saying. In your quiet time with God (Studying and meditating on the Word of God), ask the Holy Spirit to speak the mind of God to you, and through Him you can hear God clearly.

- Don’t be a talkative. Bridle your tongue, for silence can bring intimacy between you and God and He can trust you more.

- Be persistent in prayer and don’t be discouraged until you get results (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

I encourage you to give your life to Christ today by saying this:
Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe You died for my sins and rose from the dead. I turn from my sins and invite You to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow You as my Lord and Savior. Help me Lord, in Your name I pray, amen.

God bless you.

Peace!

Scripture Texts: Genesis 22:1-12; Hebrews 9:7-27

In the Scripture, the importance of blood was signified to us by God, from Genesis to Revelation. From the time of Abel, Noah, Isaac and the Passover Lamb, the blood symbolizes cleansing and purification, to reconcile issues between God and man.
After the Fall of Man (Genesis 3) and before the Redemption of our souls through the Blood of the Lamb (Jesus Christ), God had accepted the blood of ram, goats, calves, etc., to purify and sanctify men of their sins. However, the blood of these animals could only purify men but did not allow men to have access to the place of Holiest and Eternity, neither did they reconcile us with God.

Nevertheless, as a way to express His greatest love towards mankind, God came up with the one and lasting solution to not only cleanse man of his sins and filth but also to reconcile and give him access to the place of Holiest and Eternity with God. This brought about the Redemption of man through the Blood of the Lamb of God (Ephesians 1:7). God so much loved us that He agreed to slaughter and shed the Blood of His only son for the remission of our sins (Hebrews 9:22).

Therefore, by the Blood of Jesus, who is also the Lamb of God, we don’t need to slaughter rams, goats, calves, and other animals again for our purification. Jesus has paid it all once and for all. Jesus had done all the dying for us to enjoy as the living. We don’t have to die for anyone or make anyone or anything die for us, the Blood of the Lamb takes it all (Hebrew 10:14).

What then do the Scriptures say about the Blood of the Lamb as Benefits?
1. “We have Redemption through His Blood”- Ephesians 1:7
2. “…God gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believe in Him shall not perish but have Eternal life”- John 3:16.
3. “Having boldness to enter the Holiest by the Blood of Jesus”- Hebrews 10:19.
4. “By His stripes (the spot where Jesus’ blood was gushing out from His body), we are healed”- 1 Peter 2: 24.
5. “When I see the Blood, I will pass over you”. This Blood of Jesus is for our protection -Exodus 12:13.
6. “And they overcame him (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony… (Revelations 12:11).

Having known these, it noteworthy that only those who are in Christ will enjoy the benefits of the Blood of the Lamb in the world and to Eternity (1 Corinthians 1:30). “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgement. So, Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation”. - Hebrews 9:26-28).

Brethren, today is another day of opportunity to accept Christ as Your Lord and Saviour, tomorrow may be too late. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool (Isaiah 1:18). There’s room at the Cross. Come and behold Christ and be washed in His Blood, for He is the only Lamb of God.

Prayer Point
Lord, I come to You today, cleanse me and make me whole with Your Blood, in Jesus name, amen.

God bless you.
Peace!

Scripture Text: Philippians 4:14-20

Faithful Giving transcends mere giving. It is all about putting God at the centre of your giving.
Faithful Giving is
- giving quietly
- giving ungrudgingly
- giving without expecting something in return from the person you are giving to
- giving cheerfully
- giving in obedience
- giving with a heart of worship to God.

How Do We Give?
1. Giving our lives to Christ in absolute repentance. This is a kind of giving where we by all virtues surrender to the God, having purchased us and paid through the Death and Blood of His Son (2 Corinthians 5:15).
2. Giving ourselves as living sacrifice (Romans 12:1).
3. Giving motivated by act of Worship. This is when we give gratefully out of heart of love and worship because Christ gave Himself for us.
4. Giving by investing in Eternity(Mathew 6:19-21). This is also known as investing in our spiritual growth which leads us to eternity with God. Examples are giving our time to God in personal devotion, meditation, reflection and applying the Word of God; praise worship, ministerial services, mission trips and community outreach opportunities, evangelism, etc.
5. Giving towards the work and heart beat of God. Examples are providing tracts for evangelism, sharing Bible for new convert or people in the prison, feeding the poor and the needy, giving advice or support who are emotionally damaged, providing shelter and clothing for those who deserve it, etc (Mathew 25:31-40).
6. Giving our tithes, offerings, first fruit, etc., faithfully.
7. Giving up ourselves to Christ to follow Him as His disciples.

Reward from Giving
- Before we receive a reward from Giving, we must first receive the gift of Christ by accepting Him as our Lord and Saviour. Only by this we can faithfully give and receive our due rewards.
- Getting rewards based on what measure we have given. That is, the more we give, the more reward we get( 2 Cor 9:6).
- We get to store our treasures in Heaven and have access to them when we enter God's Kingdom
- We build and secure our mansions in Heaven to live eternally with Christ.
- We receive daily supply of our needs from God accordingly to His riches in glory by Christ (Philippians 4:19).
- God will remove devourer from our finances, health, career, family, etc and open the storehouse of heaven to bless us.
- We will continue to enjoy God's favour, protection, mercy, joy, happiness, long life, fulfillment, increase and all other blessings He promised us His children.
- If we follow Christ and give ourselves to Him as disciples, we will make Heaven at last.

So brethren, giving is beyond money or material things. It is faithfully giving yourself and all to God.

Today is another chance to give your life to Christ for tomorrow may be too late.

God bless you.

Peace!

Scripture Text: Acts1:8
The Bible tells us about the promises of Jesus to believers in Mark 16:17-18; that as many of us that have accepted Him into our lives would experience the following:
i. Miraculous signs and wonders will accompany us wherever we go;
ii. We shall cast out demons in His name;
iii. We shall speak in new languages (speaking in tongues);
iv. We shall be able to handle snakes (enemies, satan, deceivers, etc.) with safety;
v. If we drink anything poisonous, it will not harm us;
vi. We will be able to place our hands on the sick and they will be healed.
The above-mentioned shows that the first step to knowing and enjoying a new life in Christ is to get born again. If you are not a believer, you are missing out so much.
Having given your life to Christ, you must be baptized with water (Mark 16: 15-16) and with the Holy Ghost and Fire (Mathew 3:11).
What happens after we have been baptized with the Holy Ghost?
As a believer there are things we encounter after receiving the Holy Ghost upon our lives:
1. We shall receive power to be witnesses unto Christ.
2. The power to do the will of God becomes available to us.
3. We begin to bear and manifest the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)
4. We begin to exhibit Christlike characteristics and people around will see the Christ in us.
5. The Fruit of the Spirit we bear now make our prayer lives effective; we begin to enjoy a deep Bible Study to know and understand God’s Word in a new dimension through the help of the Spirit; and our obedience level to God can never be compromised.
6. The Spirit will empower us to do exploits (Daniel 11:32).
7. He will open our spiritual eyes and we will be able to discern things of the Spirit correctly.
8. Our spiritual and inner ears will be opened to hear directly from God.
9. He will help us to search and know the deep secrets in the Mind of God.
10. We will become courageous and bold like the Lion of the Tribe of Judah.
11. We will always be victorious, and the enemy can never overpower us (Luke 10:19).
Nevertheless, if you are still living in Sin, you can never experience this awesome power of the Holy Ghost and if you leave this world without the Spirit of God, you have lived a worthless, wasted and useless life.
There is good news for you! You are still alive and there is room at the Cross of Christ for repentance. Forsake your evil ways today and accept Christ as Your Lord and Saviour for tomorrow may be too late.
Say this short prayer: Lord Jesus, I come before You today, come into my life and take absolute control, I say bye-bye to the devil and I enter into the Kingdom of Light. Thank You Jesus, in Your name I pray, amen.
Congratulations!!!
God bless you.
Peace!

Scripture Text: 1 John 5:21
There is a misconception among Christians today on the issue of idolatry. Most Christians still think that idols a mere carved image you pour palm oil on and worship. Alas! There are modern day idols embedded in the hearts of many believers that they ignorantly worship; and if not quickly dealt with could attract consequences.
In today’s world, anything or any person you value so much that takes the place of God in your life; whatever or whoever you put first before God is an idol.
What are Modern Day Idols?
Some things that can be regarded as idols in our hearts are under listed:
1. Person(s)- spouses, bosses, child, pastors, church leaders, entertainers, politicians and/or any other public figure or role model you value or takes the first place in your heart more than God (Philippians 2:9-11).
2. Modern day church activities or religious activities that hinder you from becoming a true disciple of Jesus and evangelism work for the expansion of God’s Kingdom. Note that you can be born again and not be a disciple of Jesus (Romans 12:1; Galatians 5:22-25; Math. 7:21).
3. Your ministry can be an idol if you do anything without seeking first for God’s will and approval of such works (Galatians 1:10)
4. Church doctrines can be an idol in your heart. If your standard of living as a Christian is based on church doctrine rather than the Word of God (Bible), you have placed it above God (Mark 7:

8

)
5. Spending more time on social media on things not connected to the will of God, especially when your life depends on the likes, shares and followers counts more than God, to the extent that it worries or depresses you if you don’t get enough counts can be considered as an idol (Math. 6:19-21)
6. Your problems or challenges can be your idol if your eyes off God or seek for solution in a way you feel it’s better than handing them over to God. When you think God is too slow and seek for alternative, your problems have become your idol (1 Pet. 5:7, Math. 6:33).
7. Any material thing that you value more in your heart than God. E.g., phones or gadgets, wrist watch, make-up, wigs, movies, social outings, cars, money, etc. if any of these things hinder you from serving God better or occupy your thoughts more than God, you have turn them to your idol (Romans 12:2)
8. Putting your job, talent, desires, comfort and pleasures first before God is practicing idolatry.

How Do you deal with Modern Day Idols?
1. Getting born again is the prerequisite to deal with modern day idols.
2. As a believer, make sure you take up your Cross daily and follow Jesus. Be a disciple of Christ and not only a Christian (Luke 9:23, Hebrews 6:1).
3. Search your heart and as the Blood of Jesus to cleanse it.
4. Renew your mind by meditating on the Word of God always.
5. Live a simple life that pleases God.
6. Let God always take the first place in your thoughts, actions, decisions and imaginations.
7. Repent today for tomorrow may be too late.
God bless you.

Ref: Mountain Top Daily Devotional

Scripture Text: Revelations 20:11-15
There are facts to know about what will call Judgement Day in order to help us prepare our minds and enlighten our conceptions about the “Day”.
1. You don’t have to wait till the last judgement before God judges your action. Judgement happens every day until the last Judgement Day. So be wise and always strive to do God’s Will every day.
2. Christ will judge everyone who ever lived (Acts 10:42)
3. The Lord, at the appointed time, will judge everyone and bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart; and each will receive his rewards from God.
4. We shall all appear before the Judgement Seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.
5. There is no other foundation than which is Jesus Christ. Any work laid on this foundation (i.e., using gold, silver, costly stones, wool, hay or straw) will be brought to light and received with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If the work is burned up, the builder will suffer loss yet will be saved- even though he’s only escaping the flames(1 Corinthians 3:11-15)
6. Everyone, both great and small, believers and unbelievers, will all stand before the Great White Throne Judgement where books will be opened to judge all the activities we have done in our earthly body; and the Book of Life will also be opened for final judgement. Anyone whose name is not in the Book of Life will be thrown into fire, and this will be the second death.
7. The Judgement Day is a time of reward for Christian and a time of Eternal damnation for sinners.

Beloved, there are two possible verdicts you can get as reward from God- the Judge on the Judgement Day.
i. Well done my servant, enter into the rest of the joy of Your Lord or;
ii. Depart, I know ye not.
Those who get the first verdict will reign with Christ in God’s Kingdom but those who get the second verdict will burn in Hell Fire with satan.
Are you ready for the Judgement Day?
If you are willing to reign with Christ, you need to accept Him as Your Lord and Saviour today. For tomorrow may be too late. It has been appointed for a man to die once, after death comes judgement. Get born again and avoid being an object of God’s wrath.
God bless you.
Peace!

Culled from Mountain Top Devotional

Welcome and God bless you.

Scripture Text: Romans 8:17



Today’s Scripture text explicitly tells us that the only way we can share in Christ’s glory is to share in His suffering. Hence, suffering in this context is not the worldly one but suffering with Christ.

What does it mean to share in Christ’s suffering?

In John 16:13, Jesus made it clear that in this world, we will experience some troubles in one way or the other but also assured us that we should be of comfort because He has overcome this same world for us. This means that no matter who you are or what ethnicity you come from, everyone in this world will face one challenge or another. However, not everyone will share in Christ’s suffering.

Sharing in Christ’s suffering gives us hope because this world is not the end (you suffer with Him in the world but enjoy with Him in glory in Heaven). But for someone who does not share in Christ’s suffering does not have any hope because when they leave this world, they become separated from God eternally and will have no chance to share in Christ’s glory (you suffer yourself on earth and suffer in afterlife). So, there is a significant difference in worldly suffering and Christ’s suffering.

Since Christ’s suffering itself is not in vain (I.e., the plan and purpose were to bring redemption to the world by atoning for people’s sins, for God himself had to come to earth and offer Himself as a perfect sacrifice for all our sins – past, present, and future), there is a great assurance that He makes all our sufferings good and “all things work together for good, for those who believe God and are called according to His purpose”(Romans 8:28).

How then do we share in Christ’s suffering?

We share in Christ’s suffering:

When we face persecution because we are doing the right thing or being right with Christ. Sometimes, when believers put their faith into action the unbelievers around them will think they have run mad. Of course, it is not madness, there is a greater one in us than who is in them. Not caring what the world says, not caring what the world does, but considering their foolishness completely lost to us that we may know Christ and understand the righteousness we have as his children should always be our goals.

When we suffer for sharing the Good News of our Lord Jesus. In the Bible, Christ Jesus tells us that “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you." (John 15:18-19). Jesus suffered persecution at the hands of man as well. This happened not only because he was different but because it was evident that he spoke on behalf of God. He was the light of the world, and the darkness could not comprehend Him, so they tried to destroy Him but failed. Also, Apostle Paul (being a first-hand person who experienced a strong persecution) made us understand that he faced death every day because of Christ and was considered as sheep to be slaughtered (Romans 8:37). But he admonished us that we should press on for the glory we will enjoy is far greater than the persecution we suffer. He was convinced that “yeah in all these, we are more than a conqueror” (Romans 8:37)

When we suffer in the hands of unbelievers because we are children of God. Peter said, "if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name" (I Peter 4: 16).

When we suffer any loss because of Christ. Apostle Paul said, "But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ-the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith" (Philippians 3:7-9).

When we suffer with Christ, there are so many benefits:

We reign with Him in God’s Kingdom to share and enjoy in His glory forever

We see the magnitude of Jesus in our lives.

Therefore, beloved for you to have the opportunity to share in His suffering and glory, you need to give your life to Christ. Sinners only suffer for themselves and eventually suffer in eternal life. So, it is better to repent now and suffer for Christ so that you can enjoy with Him at last.

If you want to give your life to Christ now, just say this:

Lord Jesus, I come to you today. I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I accept you into my heart as my Lord and Saviour. Forgive me and change my world. I say good-bye to the devil. I enter the Kingdom of Light. Thank You Jesus, in Your name I pray, amen.

Congratulations!!!

God bless you.

Peace!

Text Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:1-7

As believers, we must be conscious of happenings in the last days and beware of fake adulterated Christians who portray themselves as children of God but are wolves in sheep clothings.

The Bible describes the last days as follows:
1. Difficult times
2. People will love money and be selfish
3. People will be boastful and proud
4. Unloving and unforgiving
5. Nothing will be sacred to many
6. Slander
7. Lack of self-control
8. Cruelty and hatred towards what are good
9. Betrayal of friends
10. Recklessness
11. Puffed with pride
12. Love pleasures rather than God
13. Religious but not godly
14. Strange men who call themselves men of God will work their way into the homes of vulnerable women who are burdened with guilt of sin and controlled by various desires to deceive them with strange doctrines. These women will follow these strange doctrines and will never understand the Truth.
15. There will be people with depraved minds and counterfeit faith.

Who are Hypocrites in the Last Days?
- Hypocrites in the last days publicly profess Christ but do exactly the opposite of what Christ require of them (Mathew 23:23).
- Apostles Paul refers hypocrites as those who claim to be Christians and appear to be religious and do the right things yet do not have intimate personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
- They are people who embrace false doctrines, spiritual impersonation, condone worldly things and behaviours in their homes, church, environment, work and family.
- Their conducts and characters are not controlled by the Power of the Holy Spirit that help set people free from sins and worldliness, selfishness and ungodly behaviours.

However, we can overcome these hypocrites of the last days by moving closer to God and entrench ourselves in the Word of God to discover the Truth by ourselves. By knowing the Truth is when we shall be set free from the evils of these last days.
“All Scriptures are inspired by God and is profitable or useful to (2 Timothy 3:16):
- Teach us what is true.
- Make us realize what is wrong in our lives.
- Correct us when we are wrong
- Teach us to do what is right.

For us to know the Truth, we must be born again, have the Spirit of God that teaches us and let God have His Way in our lives. We must also seek God’s Kingdom and the treasures of heaven rather than of this world. Accept Jesus Christ today and you shall be saved.

God bless you.

Peace!

Scripture Text: Luke 9:23

A true disciple is not just a student or learner but a follower. Anyone who wants to be a true disciple of Jesus Christ must give up his own way, take up his cross and follow Jesus daily as today Scripture text points out.

It is important to know that not all believers or Christians are true Disciples of Christ. The prerequisite to becoming a believer is being born again and taking Jesus as Lord and personal Saviour. However, discipleship transcends just being a believer to having an in-depth relationship and giving total allegiance to Christ. In a nut shell, you may be a Christian and not be Jesus' true disciple.

How do you know you are a true disciple?
There are certain attributes you must manifest that make you evident as a true disciple of Christ. This attributes can not only serve as a checklist but can also be used to examine your standing with Christ Jesus.

They include:
1. Regular Prayer Life: Praying always and without ceasing(1 Thess 5:17), having a prayer altar in your home and pray with your family daily, having a planned prayer activities and praying about everything at all time(Philippians 4:6). There is nothing unimportant to pray about.
2. Effective Bible Study: This is different from just reading the Bible. Studying the Bible means getting vital information and inspiration from it that can help our Christian growth. This can be aided by using Daily Devotional.
3. Memorizing and Applying the Scriptures: As a disciple, this will back up your prayer life and throw Satan into confusion (Hebrews 4:12). Remember, the devil also knows the Scripture but manipulates it (Mathew 4:1-11). So you have to know more than him and the Truth.
4. Be a Financial Steward: Giving your all to God(Mark 12:41-44), giving towards God’s Kingdom(Mathew 25:34-46) and giving with love and mercy(Math 23:23)
5. Having Unshakable Faith in God: As a true disciple we must have faith in God and believe that He can do all things and He hears us (Luke 1:37; 1 John 5:15). We should have unshakable faith like the patriarchs (Hebrews 11). Don’t give in to fear even in the midst of storms of life (Mathew 8:26).
6. Absolute Obedience to God: Be quick to say “Yes Lord” whenever He instructs you to do something. Never hesitate (1 Sam 15:22-23).
7. Love and Worship God: As a true disciple, the praises and worship of God must not cease in our mouth(Ephesians 5:19)
8. Witnessing and Evangelizing Jesus to the World: Go into the world and preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ to save souls that are perishing (Mathew 16:15-16). Even when you cannot preach orally or by writing, buy Bibles or spiritual books and tracks to share to people. All these are forms of preaching the gospel.
9. Service towards Others: In order to become a true leader, you must first become a true servant (Mark 10:43).
10. Grooming Disciples: You can have spiritual sons and daughters that you can build up in faith just like Apostle Paul did for Timothy (1 Timothy 1:2).

Conclusively, since we know Heaven is our permanent home, we need to not only be born again but must be a true believer and disciple of Christ so that we can fully inherit our mansion in our Father’s House above.

God bless you.
Peace!

Ref: 10 pillars of Discipleship: Dr. D.K Olukoya Sermon.

Scripture Text: Proverbs 19:23; Ecc. 12:13-14.

The Bible makes us understand that the whole duty of man in this world is to:
- Fear the Living God and have His fear in us, and;
- Obey His Commandments.

How do we achieve this primary purpose?
1. Fleeing from all forms of evil, ungodliness and sins, for this is the fear of God.
2. Doing God's only will and choosing His will over every other is obeying His commandments.
3. We cannot fulfill this duty until we have the Holy Spirit in us. He is the one that can help us to fear God, do His will, makes us whole and perfect. Ask for His help.
4. To get the help of the Holy Spirit, we must be born again by giving our lives to Christ. We must be baptized in water and most importantly in the Holy Ghost. This is how the Spirit dwells in us.
5. We must always touch the heart beat of God, which is evangelism (witnessing Jesus every where we go through God's Word, our relationship, our conversations, our faith, our actions and in purity) and missionary work to the world(1Tim 4:12). This makes us labourers in God's Vineyard and harvesters of lost soul into the Kingdom of God (Mathew 9:37)
6. Putting God as our priority (Mathew 6:33; Proverbs 3:5-6).

The benefits we have when we fulfill our duties to God is that we will live a fulfilled and satisfied life on earth; and live in the everlasting joy of the Lord in God's Kingdom.
God will also bless and protect us here on earth until He calls us back to Him.

Peradventure you have deviated from your primary purpose on earth, Jesus is calling you back. Open the door of your heart and receive Him today and He will change your world.

Say: Lord Jesus, I come before You today, I know I've sinned against You, forgive me, come into my life and let Your will be my will all the days of my life, in Your name I pray, amen.

Congratulations!!!

God bless you.

Peace!

Culled from MFM Daily Devotional.

Scripture Text: (John 14:26)

The Holy Spirit is the third person of Trinity who has being characteristics. He has intelligence (1 Cor 2:10-13), feelings (Eph 4:30), can pray(Romans 8:26), can do miracles(Acts 8:39), teaches and directs(John 14:26; Acts 8:29; Romans 8:14), etc.
Holy Spirit moves and performs His role with a symbol: Dove(Math 3:16): Fire(Acts 2:1-4): Wind(John 3: and Water(Gen 1:2; John 7:37-39)
The Holy Spirit can also be equated to God (Acts 5:3-4).

The Holy Spirit is indispensable for anyone to be saved and His active rolein the Salvation of Man can be categorised into three as described in the Bible:

1. Pre-Salvation Role: Before accepting Jesus and placing our faith in Him, the Holy Spirit plays the active role of conviction of sin and Truth(John 16:8-10). He helps in preparing our heart to receive Christ, for our gospel did not come from merely in words but in power and in the Holy Spirit (1 Thess 1:5;Acts 8:29).

2. Salvation Role: When we have been regenerated or have a new birth in Christ, the Holy Spirit plays the role of binding us to the body of Christ through the baptism of the Holy Ghost. The baptism of the Holy Spirit happens once at conversion, and forms our union with Christ and other fellow believers. Also, the gift of the Holy Spirit we receive is conditioned upon repentance (1Cor 12:4-7; Romans 12; Eph 4). There is also an indwelling of the Spirit in us that helps complete the salvation work in us(Eph 1:13-14).

3. Post-Salvation Role: Here, the Holy Spirit fills, empowers and guides believers, and includes us in part of His ministry. While baptism of the Holy Spirit happens once at repentance, the filling of the Holy Spirit can happen multiple times after we've been saved (Eph 5:18). The Holy Spirit also empowers us to live in obedience to God (Gal 5:16, 22-23). Lastly, the Spirit guides the believers in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:14)

Conclusion
We all must appreciate the Holy Spirit as a gift from God who guides and empowers us to become children of God, and through Christ Jesus leads us to inherit our Father's Kingdom in heaven. We should never take Him for granted( Hebrew 10:29). Have an open mind today and let the Spirit of God guide you through the steps of repentance, for tomorrow may be too late.

Prayer Point:
Spirit of the Living God, overshadow me now, in the name of Jesus.

God bless you.
Peace!

Scripture Text: John3:3

Many people have misconceptions about being born again. Most people believe that once they just confess that Jesus is Lord they are truly born again.

Yes! Confessing Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour and believing in God who sent Him is a prerequisite to new birth. However, being born again transcends this to a deeper life in Christ.

People who have accepted Jesus as their Saviour and Redeemer are called born again. They have realised they are sinners and that penalty of sin is death (Romans 3:23, 6:23).
Sin had condemned the world and God in His mercy sent His only Son to die in our place to take punishment for our sins (Romans 5: Jesus died, rose from the dead and became the only Way we reconciled to God (John 14:6) and He provides the gift of salvation. Accepting this gift of salvation through faith means we have experience a new birth and the journey of Christianity begins (Ephesians 2:8-9; John 3:1-

Alas! The journey just began. To keep the faith going, we must be truly born again. Being born again means having a transformation and renewal of heart and soul.

As human beings, we have three integral parts of the soul: the mind, our emotions, and our will.

1. The mind is where we have imaginations, thinking , consciousness, perception, intelligence, judgement, language and memory. When we get born again, our mind is no longer our own but we submit it to becomes the mind of God through the Holy Spirit (Romans 12:2; 1 Corinthians 2:16). The renewal of our minds make us have intimate relationship with God and overtime makes us grow to spending more time in His presence and in His Word. His Spirit helps us understand who God is and what His ways are though we cannot fully comprehend Him.
2. Our emotions is the state of our feelings: happiness, joyful, sadness,fear, courageous,anger, patience,etc. When we are born again, our emotions transforms from the negative such as bitterness, anger, slander, etc(Ephesians 4:9) to postive such love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness,self control,etc(Galatians 5:22-23) which is also the manifestation of the Fruit of the Holy Spirit.
3.The will is the part of our mind that selects the moments of our decisions and desires. The will is what triggers the choice of our desires, actions and inactions. When we get born again, our will disappear and we totally submit to God's Will. The Will of God gives us confidence in approaching Him and that He hears us(1 John 5:14). Only those who do the Will of the Father will enter the Kingdom of Heaven (Mathew 7:21)

Brethren, this is another opportunity for us to submit our all in all to Jesus and to truly prove ourselves worthy as one who is truly born again. Tomorrow may be too late. Submit totally to the Will of the Father, and His Kingdom is sure.

Prayer:
1. O Lord my Father, take my will and let it be yours, in the name of Jesus.
2. Holy Spirit help me to become a true child of God in the name of Jesus.
3. I shall not serve the Lord in vain, I shall not be a cast away in the Kingdom of God, by the power in the Blood of Jesus, in the name of Jesus, amen.

Peace!

God bless you.
We cannot achieve the things of the Spirit through the flesh (Galatians 5:16-17). Patience is one of the fruit of the Holy Spirit and we can only manifest it through Him.
For example, it is the Spirit that tells you to keep quiet in the heat of provocation. If you obey him, you will find peace when the issue dies down. But if you disobey you may regret your actions.

Myer:
Quick question for point number 4 on what Patience is not.

What do you mean by it is not achieved by Mr Flesh?

If it is only by the Holy Spirit then everyone should be manifesting it.

But it is by the Spirit and you disciplining your flesh.

If the flesh (human effort) has no part in it then no Christian should be blamed or judged since it is simply God (the Spirit) who did not help them manifest it.

Scripture Text: John 14:2-4

Calvary greetings to us brethren and glory to God for another gift of life.

Our Lord Jesus Christ affirms to us through today's Scripture: "In my Father's House, there are many Mansions; if it were not, I would have told you. I have gone ahead to prepare a place for you, and when everything is set I will come back to take you there. You already know the way there".

This Word of the Lord tells us that this present world we are living is temporary, and that we have a permanent home full of mansions in Heaven. Hence, we should always see ourselves as strangers in this world and never plan to settle with this present world because it will surely disappear.

The Features and Uniqueness of Our Permanent Residence
1. It is in Heaven and our final destination
2. It is full of mansions enough to accommodate every believer.
3. It is the place where the heirs of God through Christ will be joint forever.
4. It is a secured home where moth and rust cannot corrupt nor thieves can break through.
5. It is the place of rest where there is no struggle, worries, fear of tomorrow, sorrow, tears and death(Math.6:10-21; Revelations 14:3, 21:4; Math. 5:20)

However, to get to our permanent resident, we need a passport. This passport is the only Way to occupy our mansion. He is Jesus!

Jesus is the Way to Heaven, our final destination to go and be with God forever. He has promised that He will come to take us back home, and His Word never fails. What we need to do is to live a godly life in this world to qualify us as on of the home(mansion)-owner in heaven. Let's live everyday in Christ with eternity in view.

Repent of your sins, check if you are standing right and if your heart is right with God. Embrace holiness, for without it no man can enter the permanent residence to see God. Nothing unclean shall be allowed in.

Jesus promised His disciples to give them these Mansions. Ask yourself if you are one of Jesus' disciples qualified for this promise.

There are still many rooms and mansions to claim. Just amend your ways and take up your Cross daily in Christ. Surrender your life to Jesus today and make Him Your Lord and Saviour so that even if you die you can occupy His mansion and be a permanent resident in God's Kingdom.

God bless you in Jesus mighty name, amen.

Prayer Points
1. Lord Jesus let me not be satisfied with things of this world that will rust away but set my satisfaction on the treasures of heaven, in the name of Jesus.
2. Lord, help me to examine and prepare myself for heaven daily, so that I will not be caught unaware in the name of Jesus.
3. Lord Jesus, when you come back, take me to live with You forever in heaven- my permanent residence in the name of Jesus.

Peace!

Culled from Mountain Top Daily Devotional.

Scriptures: Gal 5:22; Romans 5:1-11)

Patience is the hallmark of a believer and one of the Fruit of the Holy Spirit. One of the attributes of God is patience, and that is why we wonder sometimes why some wicked people are not yet consumed. God is simply patiently waiting if they could repent.

What Patience Is
1. Tolerance
2. Calmness in the midst of adversity. Proverbs 14:29
3. Anger extinguisher. Proverbs 15:8
4. A trait of a Holy Spirit- led life
5. A sign of strength
6. A sign of hope and optimism. Ron 5:3-4
6. A wise response to situations. Proverbs 19:11
What Patience Is Not
1. It is not cowardice
2. It is not a sign of weakness
3. It is not pride
4. It is not controlled or achieved by Mr Flesh
5. It is not a sign of fear
6. It doesn't mean you are wrong.

Biblical Examples of Patience
1. Jesus: He demonstrated patience when He was in the ship with his disciples and there was a great storm. He was calm and rebuked the storm to be calm too and it obeyed. Also, when He was being led to the Cross for crucifixion, He was calm and went through humiliation and mockery in love and patience so as to save the world.
2. Abraham: He was patient with God and through that inherited God's promises for him.
3. Joseph: He overcame rivalry battles, and tribulations in the prison and overcame at the end through patience and perseverance.
4. Job: Despite all he faced in trials, he endured in patience(James 5:11)
5. Disciples of Jesus Christ: With patience and perseverance even in the face of persecution they followed Christ to the end.

Brethren, to receive this fruit of patience through the Holy Spirit, you must have given your life to Christ.
Today is another opportunity for you to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour and He will turn your world around.
Say: Lord Jesus, I come before You today, I know I am a sinner, forgive me all my sins, cross out my name from the book of hell and fire, transfer my name into the Book of Life, fill me with your Spirit, in Your name I pray, amen.
Congratulations!!!

Let's pray
1. Father, let Your Spirit of patience, love and understanding fall upon me now, in the name of Jesus.
2. I bring my flesh daily under the control of the Holy Spirit, in the name of Jesus.
3. Father, open my eyes to see things the way You do, in the name of Jesus.
4. Power to please the Lord always, overshadow me now, in the name of Jesus... Amen!
God bless you.
Peace!

Text: Hebrew 12:24; Romans 12:18

It's a good thing for brothers to dwell in unity. God delights in good and healthy relationship in every area of human society: family, church,work, neighborhood; and wants us to relate in a godly manner.
Though we have individual differences but we should harness these differences to present a big picture of Christ in us.
Examples of Siblings Rivalry in the Bible
1. Esau and Jacob (Gen 27): Jacob was aided by his mother to collect his brother's portion of blessings. The reason is that their parent showed favouritism among them. Isaac loved Esau. Rebecca loved Jacob and earned sorrow at the end.
2. Joseph and his brothers: Because Jacob preferred and favoured Joseph more than his brothers and also because of Joseph dreams to be greater than them, they conspired to kill him and detested him but eventually sold him to slavery, where God used him to save a nation from drought and protected the entire future of Israel, having forgiven his brethren.
3. Cain and Abel: After Adam and Eve fell into the temptation of the serpent which led to the fall of man (Gen 3); this gave rise to the first manifestation of sibling rivalry between their children (Gen 4). Cain (a farmer) and Abel (a shepherd) brought thanksgiving offerings before God but God accepted Abel's fat offerings and rejected Cain's unworthy offerings. This drove Cain to hatred, anger, bitterness, envy and jealousy and negative emotions towards his brother. He eventually murdered his brother and got divine punishment as a result of his evil act.
4. Moses and his brethren (Exodus): Aaron and Miriam conspired against their brother, Moses, a friend of God. This made Miriam became a leper for a while before Moses asked God to forgive them.

What To Do Against Rivalry/Jealousy/Envy
1. Go to God in repentance
2. Confess and pray against these evil tenant in your life.
3. Evacuate them with the fire of the Holy Ghost out of your life.
4. Forgive one another and continue to relate in the love of God.
5. Be contented with who you are and what God has made you and will make you to become. Appreciate it and be thankful to God.
Prayer Points
1. To decree and plans of envious enemies shall not come to pass in my life, in the name of Jesus.
2. I decree that the Spirit of unhealthy rivalry is banished from my family, henceforth, in the name of Jesus.
3. Enemies of unity in my family, depart now, in the name of Jesus.

If you are in the sin of envy/ jealousy, this is the time to repent. Tomorrow may be too late. Accept Jesus today by saying this:
Lord Jesus, I know I'm a sinner, forgive me all my sins, I accept You as my Lord and Saviour, come into my life and change my world, I say bye bye to Satan, I enter into the Kingdom of Light. Thank You Jesus, in Your name I pray, amen.

Culled from MFM Daily Devotional

Peace!

Scripture: John 8:24

Thousands of altar calls are being made all over the world for sinners to repent from their sins and accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour yet many don't take it serious.

If you are in this category and still alive, congratulations!!! This is another opportunity for you, for tomorrow may be too late. As you take the steps below today, you will be channelled into the Kingdom of Light from your sinful and dark world.

Steps To Repentance

1. First, know that no matter how terrible you are as a sinner, God still loves you (John 3:16,15:9,17:3).
2. Now, admit that you are a sinner and you need help(John3:18-19).
3. Believe in your heart that Jesus is the only Saviour (John 14:6,3:36,1:29)
4. Confess and receive Jesus as your own Saviour (John 5:24,10:28,1:12)
5. Acknowledge Jesus as your Lord and friend(John 15:14,20:28,26:24)
6. I welcome into God's Family (John 15:5,20:19-20)
7. Sign-up for God's Service: using your talents in the House of God for His glory, praying, reading and meditating the Scriptures, die daily to Mr. flesh and be Spirit-filled and Spirit-led and manifesting the fruit the Spirit of love,joy,peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
8. Most importantly, commit yourself to God's greatest Commission i.e. witnessing Jesus Christ and His Good News to all wherever you go as led by the Spirit of God.

Pray to Repentance
Lord Jesus, I come before You now, I admit I'm a sinner, forgive me all my sins. I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. I say bye bye to the devil and darkness. I enter into the Kingdom of Light. Give me grace to follow and obey you to the end, as I'm willing. Thank You Jesus, in Your name I pray, amen.

Peace!

Scripture: Ephesians 2:12-20
Analysing our text Scripture today, for centuries there had been separation among the people of God before Christ's Death and Resurrection.

In those days, the Jews and the Gentiles were sworn enemies because the proud Jews
- having chosen to receive God's law considered themselves closer to God but the Gentiles far from Him
- Jews had circumcision as the sign that they were God's people, and the Gentiles did not
- The Jews felt the Gentiles enjoyed none of Israel's privileges through the covenants and promises because they were not God's people and had not the knowledge of God.
- The Gentiles were not allowed into the holiest part of the temple by the Jews and this created a great wall of separation amongst them.

Alas, Christ through His Death broke down this wall, abolished the offensive law and commandments, destroyed the hatred and made peace. No longer are the 'near to God' Jews more privileged than the 'far off" Gentiles.

In the same vein, amongst today's Christian, in Christ, there is no distinction, for all who believe and have accepted Christ as the Lord and Saviour are all God's people.
- We all have equal status as citizens of God's Heavenly Kingdom
- We are all members of His family and heirs to His Throne
- We all come into His presence through one Spirit
- The new temple is not physical anymore but spiritual dwelling place of the Holy Spirit in us
- We are all made alive in Christ
- We will all sit in the Heavenly place in Christ Jesus.

The emphasis is "to be in Christ"

Today, another opportunity is here for you to be among this family of God and accepting Christ as your Lord and personal Saviour is the only Way.
Tomorrow may be too late.

Say this: Lord Jesus, I accept You today as my Lord and Saviour, come into my life and take control. I say bye bye to the devil, I enter into the Kingdom of Light, thank You Jesus, in Your name I pray, amen.

Congratulations!!!.

Peace.

Yes, I agree. More annointing sir

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:17-18

We were created by God to do His will and show forth His glory. But through one man(Adam) we rebelled and alienated from our Creator.

Many have tried to reunite with God through their own efforts and self-righteousness of doing good but this was unacceptable by God, as all our righteousness are "filthy rags" before Him(Isaiah 64:6)

However, through the Cross of Jesus Christ, His Death and Resurrection, we are now fully reconciled to God and able to meet up with His standard. We became acceptable to God through the Cross.

Benefits of the Cross
- We gained freedom from sin, satan, sickness, curses, evil covenants and evil foundations.
- Racial barriers were broken and a new relationship established through Christ.
- We have now become members of God's family
- We enjoy God's incomparable love
- The gap btw man and God's place of happiness and better life on earth and the life to come has been bridged.
- Christ's Death on the Cross:
1. Delivered us from the penalty and power of sin
2. Gained us righteousness in place of sin
3. Gives us perfect health in place of sickness
4. Gives us long life in place of untimely death
5. Brought us blessings in place of curses
6. Gave us glory in place of shame
7. Brought us divine acceptance instead of divine condemnation
8. Gave us eternal life rather than eternal hell.
9. Brought us Salvation
10. Reconciled us back to God and helps us in the fulfilling of God's Will and Purpose for our lives.

In order to enjoy these benefits of the Cross, you must give your life to Christ, today for He is the only Way, Truth and Life to God. And if you have given your life to Christ, congratulations!!!. Continue to grow in faith and enjoy more of these benefits in Jesus mighty name.
God bless you.

Happy Good Friday.

see: Mountain Top Daily Devotinal_2 April 2021.

Text: Ephesians 4:32; Acts 7:54-60

Forgiveness is the act of releasing anyone that has offended us from our hearts and genuinely cancel all their wrongdoings.
It also means genuine reconciliation with someone.
Examplery of Forgiveness

- God forgave us our sins through our Lord Jesus Christ. The Blood of His Son shed for us reconciled us back to Him. Before the Death of Jesus, we had already been condemned to destruction but Jesus Christ's love for us set us free. Hence no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 1:7)
- Stephen forgave those who stoned him to death because he shared the truth of Christ and Good news (Acts 7:60)
- Joseph forgave his brothers who sold him to slavery (Gen. 50: 19-21)

However, there are some dangers unforgiveness bring to man. Some of these are under listed:

1. It imprisons your heart and thought
2. It gives satan a ground to attack you.
3. The Holy Spirit may depart from you if you don't repent.
4. You will be caged with pain and grudge
5. You will experience heaviness and burden
6. The person you can't forgive is your master. The person has overcome you.
7. It can lead to anger, shock and hypertension.
8. You will not inherit the Kingdom of God (Gal 5: 19)

Benefits of Forgiveness
1. You are set free from the prison of pain, grudge, burden, malice and heaviness.
2. The Holy Spirit will take His place in your heart and swallow up all bitterness because you have handed everything to God.
3. Forgiveness attracts you to the blessings connected to obedience to God's Commands of forgiveness to us.
4. Our prayers speedily answered because they are offered with pure hand and clean hands (Psalm 24:5-6)
5. It keeps you from falling into temptation and delivers you from all evil (Luke 11:4)
6. You will become a sane person physically, spiritually, mentally and health wise.

Are you wallowing in the sin of unforgiveness? This is the time to repent and leave all to God.
Say this:
Lord Jesus, forgive me my sins, come into my heart and take control, I forgive and release everyone that has offended me wholeheartedly just as you have forgiven me now. Thank You Jesus in Your name I pray, amen.
Congratulations.

Peace!

Scripture text: John 14:26

Before Jesus left the earth to reign with the Father in Heaven, He assured us that we would never and He sent the Holy Spirit to us as
-Our Comforter
- Our Advocate
- Our Strength
- Our Standby
- Our Teacher
- Our Reminder
- Our Director
- Our Leader
- Our Gift from God
- Our Compass and so on...
The Holy Spirit helps us in every area of our lives: physical, health, financial, spiritual, marital, academic, career, ministry, talents, and our destiny at large in as much we ask and trust Him.
The Scriptures have revealed to us some works the Spirit does in our lives:
1. When we commit sin, He convicts us. He is that guilty conscience we feel when we do something bad. He does that so that we can repent and ask for forgiveness.
2. He is the Spirit of Truth that tells us nothing but the truth, whether it's convenient for us or not.
3. He doesn't speak for himself but only speaks what he hears from God.
4. He tells us the mind of God on anything we inquire God's Will about.
5. He searches into the deep things of God to reveal His deep secrets to those who fear Him.
6. He is also the Holy Ghost that works with Fire
7. He gives us power to overthrow the devil and his agents.
8. He is God's gift of love for us.
9. He gives us joy
10. He is the Peace God gave unto us.
11. He is kind to us and helps us to be kind to others.
12. He helps us flee from sins and all appearances of evil
13. He attracts the abundance grace of God to our lives.
14. He renews our minds and transforms our lives.
15. He makes us holy and pure within and without
16. He swallows up sins in our lives.
17. He condemns and. consumes the works of the flesh daily in our lives.
18. He makes us acceptable to God.
19. He fills us afresh daily to overflowing
20. He helps us understand the Word of God.
21. He reminds us the Words of Christ.
22. He speaks the Goodnews of Christ through us to other and wins their souls to Christ.
23. He makes us Christ-like
24. He shows to see and makes us feel the glory of God.
25. He leads us to be faithful to God
26. He gives us hope
27. He illuminates confused situation and brings everything to light.
28. He helps us to be creative
29. He gives us diverse kinds of spiritual gifts and helps us speaks in tongues.
30. He keeps us away from evils and directs our paths aright.
31. He helps usto know and fulfill our God given destiny.

Brethren, please note that the Holy Spirit operates only in the lives of those who are saved.
If you are not born again, please do so now. Tomorrow may be too late.
Say, Lord Jesus, I know I'm a sinner, I repent from all my sins, I accept You into my life as my Lord and Saviour, take Your place in my life and change my world. I say bye bye to the devil and I enter into the Kingdom of Light. Thank You Jesus for saving me, in Your name I pray, amen.

Congratulations!!!

God bless you.

Peace!

Romans 5:8-11; Galatians 3:13

What does it mean to be redeemed?
The Scriptures made us understand that redemption refers to as freedom from sin and freedom from captivity. The One who gave us this freedom is Jesus hence He is our Redeemer.
Jesus' redemption for us means a "buy back" from the Kingdom of darkness and into the Kingdom of Light.
The price He paid for buying us in His light is His blood. To shed the blood for the exchange, He had to die in this world in form of a human and flesh. But God, the Father in His mercy rose Him from the dead and took Him back to Heaven to live permanently with Him there.
His Death and Resurrection gave us access to go to the Father in Heaven, not as slaves but as heirs to inherit His Kingdom.
Also Jesus knew we could not inherit it by our own power so He's given us the grace of God to access it.

Brethren Jesus Has redeemed us from sins, captivity, satan, death and Hell. To enjoy the full Redemption of Christ, you need to surrender our live totally to Jesus here on earth to take over and die daily to self.
Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life, it is only through Him we can access that throne of God as heirs of the Father, in Heaven. We cannot see God without Jesus.

Say Lord Jesus, I acknowledge I'm a sinner and I confess You as my Lord and Redeemer, come into my life now and take control forever. I say bye bye to the kingdom of darkness and enter into the Kingdom of Light, thank You Jesus in Your name I pray, amen.
Congratulations and God bless you.
Peace!

Text: John 3:16; 1 John 5:11-13
Eternal life is not only living forever with Christ in God's Kingdom but also living the best life ever.

1. Eternal life is found exclusively in Jesus, Our Lord and Saviour. Except you accept Him into your life, there is no other password to the door of Eternal Life.
2. Eternal life is always received only by believing in Jesus as the Son of God who died and resurrected to save us from our sins. Without believing in Jesus, you cannot have Eternal life(John 3:14-16)
3. The gift of Eternal life by Jesus is the only thing that can satisfy our hunger and thirst forever. When we have it, we don't have to crave for anything, never(John 4:13-15).
4. We can only receive the gift of Eternal Life through the grace of God (Romans 6:23)
5. We can actually have it now (1John 5:13)

The comfort, joy, satisfaction, freedom,confidence, humility, peace, love, and all manner of God's blessings we enjoy now is just a bit of what's awaiting us in Eternal life with the Father and Jesus, the Son.

With whom do you want to spend your eternity?
If it is with Jesus, this is the time to accept Him as your Lord and Saviour. Forsake your sinful ways and hold unto righteousness. Tomorrow may be too late.

Say this short prayer:
Lord Jesus, I confess that I am a sinner but now I forsake my sins and accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Come into my life and take Your place. I believe You're the Son of God and that You died for me to save me. I say bye bye to the devil and I enter into the Kingdom of Light.
Thank You Jesus, in Your name I've prayed, amen.

Congratulations and God bless you.

Peace!

Text: Mathew 6:19-20

Jesus warned us to store for ourselves treasures in heaven where moth, rust and thieves cannot destroy or break in.

Does this mean Jesus does not want us to enjoy good things on Earth? No!
There's nothing wrong with wealth for God is the One that generously gives people success with resources, money, long life and good health to enjoy it(Ecclesiastes 5:19).
However, when we value the gifts more than the giver, it becomes obsession and ruins our relationship with God.

Piling up earthly things means having idols in our hearts. When we place a high value on these things it leaves God out of our everyday lives. This wealth now becomes mammon. (Mathew 6:24)

How Do We Store Up Heavenly Treasures?
1. Accept Christ as your Lord and Saviour for it is through Him you can start storing up heavenly treasures.
2. Love the Word of God (Proverbs 7:1)
3. Have an intimate relationship with the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit
4. Set your affection on things above rather than below.
5. Give to the needy and be a blessing to others around you.
6. Seek after the Kingdom of God first (Mathew 6:31-33).
7. Live holy, blameless and spotless without wrinkle(2 Peter 3:13-15).
8. Share the gospel with others and win souls for Christ(Mark 16:15).
9. Be rich in good works(1Timothy 6:19).
10. Remember that this world and all the things in it are temporary. Only the Kingdom of God is sure.

Today is the day to start storing up heavenly treasures, tomorrow may be too late.

Confessions
Lord Jesus, come into my life, I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. I believe in my heart that You died and rose from the dead to save me. Thank You for saving me, in Jesus name I pray, amen.

Prayer
Oh Lord, empower me to live to Your expectation in this world, in the name of Jesus.
Peace!

Text: Mathew 7:13-14; John 14-1-4; Mark 8:36
All men have sinned and cut short the glory of God yet God's Love prepared heaven for us at the end of our lives. As much as the Father loves us, there are certain things to fulfill to get to heaven and by the grace of God.
1. Totally surrender your lives to the Lordship of the Lord Jesus (Romans 10:8-10).
2. No man can make Heaven except he is born again.(John 3:3-5)
3. After the new birth (1Corithians 5:17) in Christ, you need to maintain a sincere and diligent study of the Word of God.
4. Join a Bible-believing church and practice what is in the Bible.
5. Fellowship with the children of God and learn new things about God and serve Him daily (1 Peter 2:2)
6. Personally maintain a daily life of communion with God.
-In the morning, before any distraction of the day, wake up and observe your quiet time
-Praise God for the gift of the new day; thank Him very well for every thing He did in your life and family the previous day.
-Commit the new day to His able Hands (Proverbs 3:5-6).
-Ask Him for help to align the new day under His control and instructions.
-Read and meditate on the passage of the Bible for instructions and direction for the day.
-Maintain this daily routine with discipline and it will bring me to maturity in the Lord.
7. As you grow spiritually, set rules and regulations for your life to discipline the flesh daily.
8. Learn to identify and always obey the promoting of the Holy Spirit.
9. Endeavour to obey God, His Word and the Holy Spirit at all cost.
10. Live a holy and life of purity.
11. Be expectant and ready for the coming of the Lord. He will come on the day unexpected.
God will count us worth in Jesus mighty name.

Prayers
1. The enemy will not write the last chapter of my life, in the name of Jesus.
2. Lord, make me perfect unto Your glory, in the name of Jesus
3. I shall make Heaven by the grace of God, in the name of Jesus.
4. Lord, boost my energy to run the race set before me, in the name of Jesus.
Peace!