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Scripture Text: 2 Corinthians 7: 8-11

"Rejoice! Not that you were made sorrowful, but that you were made sorrowful to the point of repentance; for you were made sorrowful according to the will of God, so that you might not suffer loss in anything through us. For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death. For behold what earnestness this very thing, this godly sorrow, has produced in you: what vindication of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what avenging of wrong! In everything you demonstrated yourselves to be innocent in the matter"

Our Scripture text today shows that there are sorrows that are the Will of God to bring a great change in us. Sorrow can be beneficial; it is not always a bad thing. Paul writes to the Corinthians that, though he did initially, he does not regret having caused them sorrow (2 Cor 7: because they were made sorrowful to the point of repentance, according to the will of God (2 Cor 7:9).

Repentance is a change of heart towards a course. It usually begins with an intellectual recognition and confession of sin, but it does not end there. There is also a “change of heart”—an emotional component in which the genuine believer mourns over having sinned against the God whom he loves. That is why in Psalm 51, David says, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; A broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.

Genuine repentance is a matter of the heart. This is why Jesus pronounces a blessing upon those who mourn over their sin: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” (Matt 5:4).
Unlike worldly sorrow is not always beneficial, genuine repentant will experience sorrow over their sin. Sorrow itself is not repentance. There is a kind of sorrow over sin that does not produce repentance, and therefore does not lead to salvation- that is the worldly sorrow.

So, why is godly sorrow a good thing?

1. It causes us to repent from our sins and change our ways.
2. It leads us away from sin and results in being forgiven.
3. It results in various godly characters such as: earnestness and zealousness towards the Will of God.
4. It results in godly actions.
5. It liberates us from our "pet" sins which we glorify as weaknesses.
6. It navigates our hearts to please God and serves as a compass towards the Kingdom of God.

Brethren, today God is calling you to express your godly sorrow. He does not want you to only feel guilty about your sins, He wants you to stop that sin and repent genuinely. The end of godly sorrow is joy and heavenly rewards from our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ.

If you would like to give your life to Christ in godly sorrow today, just say this:
" Lord Jesus, I come to You today, I open the door of my heart to You, come in and take total control of my life and change my world. Translate me from darkness to the Kingdom of Your Light, in Your name I pray, amen".

Congratulations!!!

God bless you.

Peace!

Scripture Text: Job 15:14-16; Romans 3:10

Self-righteousness is the idea that we generate, that we in ourselves are righteous and acceptable to God (Romans 3:10).

Jesus and the Apostle Paul came down particularly hard on those who attempted to live in self-righteousness. Jesus’ condemnation of self-righteousness was especially harsh in His treatment of the Pharisees and Scribes of the Jewish nation. He condemned them for rigidly adhering to their lawful traditions in order to make themselves look better to others. The parable of the Pharisee and the Tax collector was specifically told by Jesus to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt (Luke 18:9–14). Jesus had repeated clashes with the Pharisees and scribes about true righteousness. In the same vein, He spent a great deal of time and energy warning His disciples about the dangers of self-righteousness, making it clear that, without Him, they could do nothing (John 15:5).

Also, Paul spoke about self-righteousness by condemning the Jews’ self-righteous trust in circumcision (Romans 2:17–24). He said that the Jews tried to gain acceptance with God based on their own righteousness, demonstrating ignorance of the true righteousness of God (Romans 10:3). His conclusion is that Christ is the end of the law for righteousness, not man.

Paul’s letter to the Galatian church also addressed this issue. These believers were being told that they had to do certain things to be acceptable to God, specifically, to be circumcised. But Paul advocated against this belief, regarding it as “accursed” (Galatians 1:8–9). He told them that, if righteousness could come from their own actions, then Jesus died “for no purpose” (Galatians 2:21). Paul’s conclusion about the Galatian believers was that they had been foolish in their attempt to be perfected by the flesh (Galatians 3:1–3).

Why Self-Righteousness is Wrong?
1. Because we are not righteous on our own (Isaiah 64:6)
2. Only God is good (Job 9:2; Mathew 19:17)
3. It leads to pride (Proverbs 30:12-13; Luke 18:11)
4. It separates man from God (Romans 10:3)
5. It makes us unable to see our sins (Proverbs 13:12; Luke 6:41-42)
6. It prevents true righteousness and trust in God (Galatians 3:6)
7. A proud attitude displeases and angers God (Isaiah 65:5; Luke 16:5)
8. It makes us despise and be unmerciful to others (Mathew 23:29; Luke 18:9,11)
9. It takes God’s grace for granted (Galatians 2:21)
10. It is a dishounourable act towards Christ’s death for us.

Many believers today are plagued by this attitude, and it is a sinful nature trying to do something to merit our salvation without God in the picture. It is difficult for our prideful hearts to appreciate the costly freedom of grace, bought for us by the blood of Jesus with no contribution from us. It is so easy to compare ourselves with one another than it is to recognize that we cannot measure up to the standards of the Holy God.

However, in Christ we can know true righteousness and forgiveness of sin that comes to us through grace. The fact that He stood in our place made us benefit from both His sinless life and His sin-bearing death (2 Corinthians 5:21), and because of His sacrifice, we can face our sin and bring it to the Cross rather than trying so hard to be good before God. Let go of your self-righteousness and let God through our Lord Jesus Christ into your hearts.

If you would like to give your life to Christ, say this short prayer:
“Lord Jesus, I come before You now, come into my heart, take control of my life and change my world, in Your name I pray, amen”.

Congratulations!!!

God bless you.

Peace!

"gotquestions.org"

Scripture Texts: Romans 8: 38-39; Proverbs 10:12

Calvary greetings to you Brethren in the name of our Lord Jesus. Today, we need to discuss the reasons why we should be love and forgive one another in order to fulfil the Will of our Father. We need love and forgiveness because:
1. God is Love (1 John 4:: God’s love for us is everlasting. He showed us His love by sending His only begotten Son to die for us when we were yet sinners. Jesus’ love for us washed us from our sins through His own blood. Dwelling and abiding in God’s love is important because he that loveth shall be loved by the Father and Christ will love and manifest Himself in his or her life (John 14:21).
2. The First Great Commandment is to love God: We must love God with all our souls, with all our might, with all our strength and with our whole lives (Mathew 22: 37-38).
3. The Second Great Commandment is to love our Neighbours: We must love our neighbours as ourselves as God Has commanded to us (1 John 3:11)
4. We have been commanded to love one another (John 13:34): If God loved us, we ought to love another no matter what, as this is not an option but a command from God (1 John 4:11). God gives us love to love others. To love is the greatest law of God. Love is the most important virtue therefore we should fervently love one another sincerely and genuinely. The benefits that loving others bring to us is more than what words can express.
5. Real and genuine love results in unity of believes. Genuine love never gives up or fail. Real love is not pushy, it is considerate of others’ weaknesses, it will not hurt or do wrong to others and makes us kind and courteous (1 Corinthians 13:4-6).
6. Genuine love results in good deeds. Putting love into action is what Christ requires of us (Luke 10:30-35). Compassion, sacrificial love and giving our lives to others, being concerned about others’ welfare, selflessness, and doing good to brethren are all some of the qualities of our Lord Jesus Christ we must emulate in our daily lives.
7. Love is better than hate. We do not love God id we do not truly love our fellow man or woman (1 John 4:20-21). God Has commanded us not to be hateful (Leviticus 19:17-18). When we hate one another, there will be darkness (1 John 2;9,11). Haters are not of God and Christ regards them as murderers (1 John 3:14-15). Hatred is a bad fruit that stir up strife and should be avoided.
Brethren, we are to love all men, our brothers and sisters and even demonstrate God’s love to our foes. If you have no love towards another in you, this is the time of repentance! If you have not accepted Christ as your Lord and personal Saviour, this is the appointed time! Tomorrow may be too late!

Say this after me, if you would like to give your life to Christ Jesus:
“Lord Jesus, I come to You now, come into my life, take control of my life and change my world. Give me the grace to love You and my fellow man and woman as You have commanded me all the days of my life. Thank You Jesus, in Your name I pray, amen”.

Congratulations!!!

God bless you.

Peace!

Scripture Text- Philippians 3:10

Believers should have goals to attain in all spheres of their lives, including spirituality. We should remind ourselves that is our goals (Colossians 3:2), and God must be the first in our lives (Mathew 10:37-38). As Heaven bound Christians, we must possess Christ-like traits. There are numerous lists in the spiritual bucket of characters we must possess to make Heaven.
Heaven Bound Christians are:
1. Those who have experience Christ and Salvation and New Birth.
2. Spiritually sanctified.
3. Holy-Ghost filled.
4. Word/Scripture-filled.
5. Prayer addicts.
6. Hard working in Christ and in secular works.
7. Completely delivered.
8. Holy.
9. Discerning.
10. Thirst and hunger after God.
11. Regular on retreats for prayers.
12. Teachable and godly.
13. Broken.
14. Quiet.
15. Capable to adapt to change.
16. Incurable and sacrificial givers.
17. Incurable worshippers of God (in praises and hymns)
18. Altar people i.e. always establish altar for God wherever they are: at home, at work or abroad.
19. Those who have divine love towards another.
20. Prosperous and constructive and Spirit-led in all their activities.
21. Those who you cannot buy with money or position.
22. Those who do not repeat errors or sin.
23. Self-discipline.
24. Willing to accept responsibilities.
25. Those who understand the dynamism of purpose.
26. Patient and courageous.
27. Simple in acts and in deeds.
28. Those who have integrity.
29. Meek and humble
30. Not interested in human approval.
There is endless list of this to mention but few. If we call ourselves Christians, heaven should always be constantly on our mind and we should not be carried away by the things of this world. We are in the last days and we should daily work out or salvation in holiness and righteousness so that we can stand upright in Christ (1 Corinthians 10:12).

For those who are yet to know Christ, this is another opportunity give your life to Him. Say: “Lord Jesus, I come to You today, come into my life, take control of my life, and change my world. 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!

Reference: Anatomy of Deep People- Dr. D.K Olukoya

Scripture Text: Mathew 4: 17

Brethren, there are lot of misconceptions about repentance and it's important to know what true repentance is and what's not.

Repentance is Not...
1. Going to church or church membership
2. Belonging to a group, house fellowship, a worker or title in the church.
3. Water baptism
4. Mere saying sorry without changing the behaviour that led to the sorry.
5. Paying of tithes, offerings, charity and giving alone.
6. Good works alone without forsaking your sins.
7. Guilt or mere feeling of guilt without step taken.

So, the question is what is repentance?

True Repentance is...
1. Confession of ALL our sins, opening every closet and sweep every corner of our filthy lives, complete honesty and coming clean without any secret sin left behind.
2. Feeling the impact of your sin on others and godly emotions that will propel you to ask for forgiveness from those you've offended with brokeness.
3. Mingling with matured Christians that will only speak the blunt truth, accept their responsibilities, realise and turn away instantly from any of their sins. This godly company will help you grow.
4. Being filled with the Holy Spirit and putting yourself in restriction or self control from sins by the help of the Holy Spirit in you.
5. Appreciating the privilege of the second chance God Has given you to repent and never joke with it.
6. Complete reformation, renewal and transformation of your mind and soul in Christ through the Spirit of God. Romans 12:1-2
7. Having godly sorrow when you sin which is also the prerequisite to salvation.
8. New life in Christ.

True repentance makes us alive in Christ. It gives us access to the Father as heirs to His Throne. Also, we will have the opportunity to reign with Christ in God's Kingdom forever and ever.

"Repentance today! For tomorrow may be too late".

If you would like to give your life to Christ, say this short prayer:
" Lord Jesus, I come to You today, come into my life, take control of my life, and change my world, in Your name I pray, amen".

Congratulations!!!

God bless you.

Peace!

Scripture Text: Romans 1:18

The revelation of truth came in Jesus Christ! He said, "I am the truth." Truth cannot contain any lies, deception or anything that does not have its source in God! Truth is not truth when separated from the Spirit, for everything without the Spirit leads to death. Doctrines not embedded in Truth are not of God. When truth is received in the carnal mind of man, such mind cannot receive spiritual realities (1 Cor. 2:14), it remains in the death realm. We need truth to reveal the counterfeit! Jesus Christ is our statement of truth! His mind did not receive any lies. It was always focused on the Father and on obedience to the Father's decrees. He only did what the Father showed Him to do. This is the mind that we have received in Christ.

The suppression or putting down of truth takes place when ungodliness and unrighteousness emerge as truth - when truth is used to stimulate the appetite for unrighteousness. Unrighteousness is everything that is not God’s righteousness, everything that is not right in His eyes, and everything that does not have its source in Him! Godliness has to do with who God is; righteousness has to do with what God does and everything that is against the essence of God is sin. He is the One who declares what is right. Only what is right in God's eyes counts - not what is right in our eyes! This is basic to understanding the gospel.
We do not have the ability to decide what righteousness is; we can only agree with God's definition of righteousness. If we disagree with Him, we are not believing God. God's definition does not compute with our natural mind. That is why humanity suppresses the truth in unrighteousness. The Greek word for suppress, "katecho”, literally means to hold down, to restrain or to hinder. If we do not receive truth, we are suppressing it! It's as simple as that.

Disobedience is a suppression of truth. When God's righteousness is revealed to us, but we refuse to receive it, we suppress truth. This is the devil's opportunity to present us with more lies. The natural mind receives them, and more ungodliness and unrighteousness occur. This picture the heart of unregenerate man throughout history. The Scripture states that God's wrath is against the unrighteousness in men – it is not talking about the devil and evil spirits. Blaming the devil is a cop-out. For example, when Adam and Eve acted on the devil's advice, they received his mind of lies and deception. Although Eve was the one deceived but by acting on Eve’s deception instead of obeying God, Adam suppressed the truth.

Those who suppress the truth may experience the wrath of God on their ungodly attitudes and actions. When we refuse to listen to God, His wrath will allow us to experience the tragic results of our disobedience! Once we come to the end of our vanity and self-effort, and cry out to God, God will hear us. But before we will turn to God and accept His wonderful salvation, we must be convinced of our need. We need to acknowledge that our own ideas do not work, and that we cannot experience peace and happiness without God. Since the natural mind cannot understand spiritual realities, it follows that man cannot come to God of his own volition. God needs to open our blind eyes to see the grace of God and His love. Only then can we receive from God.

God is love, so everything He does is prompted by love. His judgments are prompted by love, for they are to lead people out of the deception of carnal thinking. Even His wrath is prompted by love, for it is designed to help people realize their need for a Saviour. God's goal for humanity is that it be created in His image! When His image is formed in us, Christ will be revealed to the world.
Our high calling in Christ Jesus is to reveal Truth (Christ) in righteousness and glory to God for His intervention in our lives, and His ability to transform us into His likeness through Christ.

If you would like to receive and reveal the Truth- Christ into your live, say this short prayer:
“Lord Jesus, I come to You today, come into my life, take control of my life and change my world, in Your name I pray, amen”.

Congratulations!!!

God bless you.

Peace!

The Good Seed.

Scripture Texts: Romans 12:1-2; Mark 4:24-25

In part 1 of this message, we discussed that God reveals His Will to us through the Holy Spirit, the Word of God, dreams, visions, prophecy and revelations.
There are more other ways God can reveals His Will to us as we will contiue this in today's message.
6. Godly Counsel: God sometimes reveals His Will to us by engaging in counseling with others who know God and His Word well more than we do. Through this means, He can help us understand His plan through others that are Spirit-led (Acts 15:25,28). God wants us to always seek godly Counsel and be willing to change plans if He leads otherwise (2 Samuel 7:1-13).
7. Obvious Circumstances: God can set up a glaring circumstance to communicate His Will to us. For example, God gave David a specific sign as to when or the right time to rise and attack the Philippines (2 Samuel 5:22-25). These circumstances sometimes indicate God's leading to know when it's time to move on or stop something. If God Has given you any sign, have faith and follow His leading (Hebrew 11:23-27; Mathew 14:30-31).
8. Witness of the Spirit: God sometimes reveals His Will to us by giving us a strong desire over an issue. However, we must be careful that this desire is Spirit-led so that it will not end up in greed or covetousness.
9. Confirming Signs: We can confirm God to show us a sign so that we can confirm if it is His Will. For example, Abraham's servant set a specific requirement to let him know who was to be Isaac's wife. However, requiring a sign often indicates unbelief (Mathew 12:39; John 4:48).
10. God's Will and Plans are sometimes Conditional: God sometimes depends on man's actions and reactions to make His Will known. For instance, God delayed judgement because Ahab repented (1 Kings 21: 17-29). Also, because Moses sought the Lord, He repented of the evil He thought to do on the people of Israel because of their unbelief and sin ( Exodus 32: 9-14).
11. Alternative Choices: God gives us chance to choose within the boundary of His overall Will. For example, God gave Solomon the choice to ask for whatever he wanted(1 Kings 3: 5, 9-10). David was also allowed to choose his punishment (2 Samuel 24: 11-15). However, our plans and choices should be subject to the Will of God by asking the Holy Spirit for help. Your choice should also show loving consideration for others.

To submit your will to God, you need to give your life to Christ so that He can help you through the Holy Spirit. This is another opportunity to surrender your life. Say this short prayer:
" Lord Jesus, I come before You today, I accept You as my personal Lord and Saviour, come into my life, take control of my life, and change my world. Thank You Jesus, in Your name I pray, amen".

Congratulations!!!

God bless you.

Peace!

Scripture Texts: Romans 12:1-2; Mark 4:24-25

The prerequisite to knowing God's Will is to submit our will to God. Jesus Christ our Lord submitted His will to the Father( Luke 22: 42; John 6:38).
Being submissive to the will of the Father is when we seek and trust Him, when we desire to do His will alone and when we do everything in our might to obey Him (John 4:34; Ephesians 6:6). By this, God will reveal His Will to us because He now trust us that we will obediently follow it.

God reveals His Will to His obedient children through many ways:
1. The Holy Spirit, who guides us to find God's Will (John 16:13-14)
2. The Word of God. That is God can reveal His Will to us by searching deep into the Scriptures and obeying the Word (Psalm 119:105; 2 Timothy 3:16; Romans 2:18). While reading and studying the Word, a verse may speak specifically directly to you or the current situation you are facing. But you must be careful not to interpret it as you please and that is why it's important to pray and ask God to help you understand. You can also seek the help of matured Christians to explain difficult passages to you.
3. Dreams: Sometimes, God reveals His Will to us through dreams. Revelatory dreams can show us what the will of God is for us as He did for Abraham (Gen 15: 12-16), Abimelech (Gen 20: 2-7), Jacob (Gen 28:10-16, 31:10-13), Laban (Gen 31:22-24), Joseph (Gen 37:5-9, 40:1-13, 16-22), Pharao ( Gen 41:17-32), Israel ( Gen 46:1-4), Gideon(Judges 7:9-15), Solomon (1Kings 3:5-15), Eliphaz ( Job 4:12-21), Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 2:1,28-29,31-45), Daniel(Daniel 2:16-19, 7:1-28), Joseph (Mathew 1: 20-21, 2:13,19-22), The three wise men ( Mathew 2:12), Pilate's wife (Mathew 27:19). However, we have to take caution by praying to God about every dream we have.
4. Vision: God reveals Himself to us sometimes through visions. A vision is when God flashes a picture in our mind's eye or falling into trance with eyes open(Numbers 24:4). Some Biblical examples God gave His will through visions were Ezekiel (Ezekiel 1:1-4;8:1-2;10:4-7), Zechariah (Zechariah 1:7-, Zachariah ( Luke 1:11-13,22), Paul(Acts 9-1-7,12; 16:9; 26:13-19; 18:9-10), Ananias ( Acts 9:10-12), Cornelius (Acts 10:1-6), Peter(Acts 10:9-16).
5. Prophecy and Revelations: God speaks His will through us or through our hearts when we prophesy. God may prophesy through us to ourselves or to one another. Biblical examples were Elijah ( 1 Kings9:12), prophets ( Acts 13:1-2). However, we are to beware of false prophets and try to test to know those who are truly from God.

To be continued...by God's grace.

You can only submit to God or know God's Will if you are in Christ Jesus. God reveals His secrets only to those who are righteous.

If you would like to give your life to Christ, just say this short prayer:
"Lord Jesus, I come to You today, I accept You as my Lord and personal Saviour, come into my life, take control of my life, and change my world. I say bye bye to the devil, I enter into the Kingdom of light, in Your name I pray, amen"

Congratulations!!!

God bless you.

Scripture Text: Hebrews 3:7-13.

“Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore, seek not to understand that thou mayest believe, but believe that thou mayest understand.” – Augustine

The children of Israel wandered in the desert for an entire generation – 40 years – because of their unbelief at Kadesh and when they had reached the borders of the “Promised Land”, their leadership – all but two – agreed that taking the land was impossible – impossible for them, but possible for God! They were prohibited from reaching their goal – the promised blessing from God upon Israel.

Proof of Unbelief
Those with unbelief heart possess the following characteristics:
1. Complete rejection of Jesus Christ and his gospel
2.Acceptance of Christian theology, but living a life devoid of Christianity in practice. The religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world (James 1:27)
3.Refusing to accept certain parts of the Word of God within your life – the parts that you find personally displeasing.
4.Disliking spiritual and pure worship. Less comfortable with true worship, and more ensnared by rite and tradition.

Causes of Unbelief
- Ignorance of the gospel message and of scriptures that are useful for our discipleship.
- Believing you are saved based upon church membership or a religious heritage.
- The love of sin.
- Attachment to objects of sensual nature instead of attachment to Christ e.g. attachment to worldly music.
- Love of the world – The pleasures, riches, and honors of this world swell so much in the sinner’s eye that he considers eternal goals of no consequence and unworthy of his pursuit.

How To overcome Unbelief
The Holy Spirit is the way solution to overcoming unbelief. Through His Word (the Bible), he guides us to where, when and how of situations and gives us confidence in the God of all possibilities Romans 10:17.

Benefits of Believing
Psalm 81:13-14 – If my people would but listen to me, if Israel would follow my ways, how quickly would I subdue their enemies and turn my hand against their foes!
Revelation 3:20-21 – Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.

Accept Christ and His Gospel today for tomorrow may be too late.

Say this: “Lord Jesus, I come to you today, I confess and accept You as my Lord and personal Saviour, come into my life and change my world today, in Your name I pray, amen!

If you have just given your life to Christ, welcome to the fold and congratulations!!!

God bless you.

Peace!

Scripture Texts: Mathew 15:10-20; Mark 7:20-23

The things that contaminate the body and spirit are what defile a man- the temple of God (1Corithians 3:16)

Contamination is an action or state of making or being made impure by polluting or poisoning. When a man is unclean, polluted and descecrated, he is contaminated. He is no more the original man God created but has been altered.
There are so many filthy things a man does that defile him both body and spirit. This likewise expose him to demons, Satan and everlasting punishment or damnation.

What are the things that contaminate man?
Sin! Sin!! Sin!!!
They include:
1. Immorality or sexual sins.
2. Anger
3. Alcoholism
4. Smoking
5. Bitterness
6. Unforgivenness
7. Anxiety
8. Evil thoughts.
9. Care for worldly things more than God.
10. Theft
11. Murder
12. Greed
13. Wickedness
14. Deceit
15. Lustful desires
16. Envy
17. Slander
18. Pride
19. Foolishness
20. Ignorance; and every other vile things that comes from the mind.
How can we then overcome?
2 Corinthians 7:1 says it all. You can overcome contamination in body soul and spirit by:
- Accept that you are contaminated.
- Repent and accept Christ as your Lord and personal Saviour
- Confess your sins and ask God for forgiveness and mercy.
- Cleanse yourself with the Blood of Jesus
- Purify yourself from everything that contaminates the body and spirit i.e., perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
- Spiritual discipline
- Avoid all perverse talk
- Stay away from corrupt speech.
- Look straight ahead and fix your eyes on what lies before you.
- Mark out a straight path for your feet and stay on a safe path of Christ
- Let the Holy Spirit be guide you always in every area of life.
- Be wise and set your heart on the right path (Luke 6:45; Ezekiel 36:26, Psalm 51: 10).
If you want to give your life to Christ, say this prayer:
" Lord Jesus, I come before You now, come into my life, take control of my life and change my world, in Your name I pray, amen".
Congratulations and God bless you.

Peace!

Scripture Text: Psalm 37:37-40; Mathew 6:33

What is Righteousness?
1. Absolute obedience to God, even if it is convenient or not.
2. Doing the right thing against the wrong even if you will end up standing alone.
3. Following the “Way” of God, even if it is rough and narrow.
4. Standing up for the right thing even if it involves persecution and suffering.
5. When the flesh and its works has died, and the Spirit of God is awakened in a man’s spirit.
6. When your honesty is rugged, undiluted, crude and uncivilized.
7. Morally upright in all ramifications and clean from sexual sins, bribery, and all forms of corruption of this world.
8. Having a right standing and right heart with God.
9. Absolute integrity (“yes is yes” and “no is no”)
10. Living a life of purity and holiness.
11. Innocent and faithful with God.
12. Living by every Word of God
13. Living the life of Christ.
There is a level of righteousness require to make our prayers effective (James 5:16). If you have been wondering why you have been praying and not getting results, you may need to examine if you are right with God. Being right with God will trigger answers to prayers with little efforts. Also, righteousness is the sure ticket to enter the Kingdom of God and see Him (Hebrew 12: 14).
Power and Benefits of Righteousness
There are Scriptures and promises of God to those who are righteous. Let us examine a few:
1. Proverbs 14:34- “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people”.
2. Proverbs 12:26- “The righteous is more excellent than his neighbor: but the way of the wicked seduced them”.
3. Proverbs 28:1- “The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion”.
4. Proverbs 11:8- “The righteous person is rescued from trouble, and it falls on the wicked instead”.
5. Proverbs 3:32- “For the LORD detests the perverse but takes the upright into his confidence”.
6. Proverbs 32: 8- “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you”.
7. Proverbs 92:12- “The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of the LORD”
8. Psalm 34: 17,19- “The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. he afflictions of the righteous are many, But the LORD rescues him from them all”.
9. Psalm 37:25- “I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread”.
10. Proverbs 3: 32- “The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him”.


If you would like to give your life to Christ, say this:
"Lord Jesus, I come before You now, come into my life, take control of my life and change my world, in Your name I pray, amen".

ref: Dr. D.K. Olukoya Message.

Scripture Texts: Genesis 39:1-13; 1 Corinthians 6:18.

What do you think would have happened to Joseph’s destiny if he had slept with Potiphar’s wife?
Joseph was a man full of wisdom and had the fear of God. The Scripture makes us understands that he fled when his boss’ wife tried to seduce him. He did not bind and cast the demon out of her but fled! Joseph’s action gave us an expo that the only way to overcome sexual immorality is to run! run!! run!!!
Apostle Paul made us understand that when we commit other sin, it is within our body, but sexual immorality unites us sinfully with another person. It unites us deeply both on a physical and spiritual level which has great consequences. Sexual sin therefore includes prostitution, adultery, pedophilia, homosexuality and any other sexual relationship outside marriage.
You may intend to prove that you can overcome sexual temptation by running away from your weakness or you don’t need to run away from your weakness, you just need to be stronger. This is a wrong approach. Your intention to conquering temptation may be right but your approach is wrong. This is because if you continue to stay in the environment where temptation abides, it will rather conquer you. Rather than stick around to prove you can resist, it’s time for you to get your feet moving and resist sin by saying goodbye as you walk out and let the door slam behind you! It is only a strong person that walks away. So, get out!
However, there here are list of sins we need to flee:
1. Flee from gluttony;
2. Flee from evil influences or evil company
3. Flee from morally bad friends
4. Flee from corrupt stimulants (phonography, masturbation, etc.)
5. Flee from youthful lusts
6. Flee from wrongdoings and all the sins listed in Galatians 5:19-21
Right now, you might be thinking on how to flee these sins. I would suggest some points below:
- To flee gluttony, if you’re tempted to overeat, stay out of kitchen or eatery or drink water instead.
- You can also choose new friends that are godly and dispel the corrupt company.
- Take a break from people, places or deeds that usually brings temptation.
- Quit watching movies or TV programmes that can be stimulants or stop reading that immoral novels or materials. Watch or read godly contents rather.
- Discontinue your Internet Service immediately whenever you’re tempted to navigate to pornographic sites that keeps luring you into their seduction. You can even add filters to block these immoral websites.
- Stay away from drugs or alcohols. These are also stimulants.
- Be a friend of God, study the Bible always so that your heart will be Spirit filled rather than being carnally minded (Romans 8: 6-10).
- Lastly, you need to pray to God to strengthen you to flee from these sins after you have strongly determined in your heart to flee. Ask for help from the Holy Spirit and the grace to flee.
Taking this approach may be the answer to the prayers you’ve been praying to be free! So, start applying it!

If you would like to give your life to Christ, this is another opportunity for tomorrow may be too late. Say this short prayer:
“Lord Jesus, I come before You now, come into my life, take control of my life and change my world, in Your name I pray, amen”.

Congratulation!!!

God bless you.

Peace!

Scripture Text: Ephesians 4: 29-32; Judges 16:1-6

To grieve the Holy Spirit simply means doing something that will make Him sad. God takes the form of the Spirit being who has feelings and emotions like us to dwell with us and teach us all things after Jesus Christ ascended into Heaven.

There are things that we do which can sadden the Holy Spirit and they include:

1. Using foul and abusive language: such as rotten, obscene, profane, dirty, and vulgar languages, whether you are joking or being serious while using them.
2. Bitterness: This is when you have a resentful spirit and embittered towards almost everyone you come across. When people around you don't see you smile but your life is full of conflict, anger, arguing, fighting, unforgivenness and unreconciliable spirits, you are grieving the Holy Spirit.
3. Uncontrollable anger: Throwing fits of rage, being easily angered, shouting or screaming when angry, destroying valuable things when angry, slander or malicious behaviour, plotting evil or conspiracy for revenge and so on are part of what one can do to grieve the Spirit of God.
4. Disobedience to the Word of God and His instructions, committing immoral acts with your body, choosing your will over God's Will and all forms of appearances of evil will grieve the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is our divine Light and spiritual compass that leads us to do the right thing at the right time. But when you constantly grieves him without repentance, he departs from you.
Samson and king Saul, king Solomon are typical Biblical examples whom the Spirit left because of their sins.It is therefore important to know that when the Spirit leaves you, demons in their millions will take over your soul.

Are you guilty of grieving the Spirit of God? There is room for repentance. Go on your knees and ask for mercy. Tell God to forgive you and not take His Spirit from you. David recognised the danger of the Spirit of God departing from someone in the life of Saul and that was why he prayed for forgiveness after he committed adultery with Bathsheba and murdered her husband, Uriah(Psalm 51). You too can be forgiven if you are ready for genuine repentance.

If you would like to give your life to Christ say this, please:

"Lord Jesus, I come to You today, forgive me all my sins, come into my life, take absolute control, and change my world, in Your name I pray, amen".

Congratulations!!!

God bless you.

Peace!

Scripture Text: 1 John 3:8-10

Calvary greetings!
Today, we are going to briefly talk about some sins that have been redefined to make them look appear in a form that have light consequences. Sin is sin, and nothing but sin. Satan has been making use of this strategy to rob people of their eternity and it's better to be wise about it.
Some of these sophisticated sins are:

1. Pride - Classy
2. Drukeness- Chilling
3. Gossip - Community of sharing thoughts
4. Promiscuity- Sexually active
5. Laziness- Motivationally deactivated
6. Drug addiction- Substance abuse
7. Prostitution- social workers
8. Adultery- Extramarital affairs
9. Fraud- Cleverness
20. Nudity- Fashion

You can never deceive Christ, no matter how light you paint your sin.
The Bible tells us to flee from all appearances of evil. Once it's looking as evil or sin, flee!

However, whatever things that are:
- True
- Honest
- Just
- Pure
- Lovely
- Of good reports
- Virtuous;
- and Praise...think on these things.

May the Lord help us in Jesus mighty name.

If you would like to give your life to Christ, say this short prayer:
" Lord Jesus, I come before You now, forgive my sins, come into my life, take control of my life, and change my world. Thank You Jesus, in Your name I pray, amen"!

Congratulations!!!

God bless you.

Peace!

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!