Saturday 29 November 2014

BEWARE OF COVETOUSNESS

Spirit & Life Devotional
Saturday, November 29
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

BEWARE OF COVETOUSNESS

Luke 12:15 NKJV "And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.”

According to God's Word Translation, Jesus told the people, "Be careful to guard yourselves from every kind of greed. Life is not about having a lot of material possessions."

But many of us today seem to think otherwise. We are assessing ourselves based on the amount of things we possess, so we have all kinds of lists, richest men in the world, richest men in the church, and so on and so forth, and we tend to celebrate and honour people for the things they possess. On the other hand, those who do not have these things are now sad, unfulfilled, angry with themselves and with God and are judging themselves wrongly, thinking that they have failed.

God's judgment will not be based on how wealthy or poor we were in the world, as a matter of fact, it wouldn't even be discussed in heaven! Wealth is good and prosperity is a blessing, but you can be happy, fulfilled and very successful without them. Beware of greed! Don't get mad because of material things, they are not what life is about. 1 Timothy 6:6-8 says, "Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content."

Friday 28 November 2014

REMOVING MOUNTAINS

Spirit & Life Devotional
Friday, November 28
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

REMOVING MOUNTAINS

Zechariah 4:7 NKJV "‘Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain! And he shall bring forth the capstone With shouts of “Grace, grace to it!”

Mountains are challenges, obstacles, sometimes huge records set by others. You don't just jump over mountains, not every one can even climb mountains! But when you are walking in grace and in faith, mountains are the least of your problems!

Isaiah 40:4 says, "Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain." As if that was not enough, Jesus said, "For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says."

From today, begin to see yourself as a mountain mover. I always tell you, fear nothing! Don't ever be afraid of challenges, never turn your back on any mountainous situation before you! Here's what you should do, activate your faith and speak to your mountains. They may not disappear the first time you speak to them, but if you remain strong in faith, every mountain will surely be removed. Hallelujah!

Thursday 27 November 2014

DOING EXTRAORDINARY THINGS

Spirit & Life Devotional
Thursday, November 27
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

DOING EXTRAORDINARY THINGS

Judges 14:6 NKJV "And the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him, and he tore the lion apart as one would have torn apart a young goat, though he had nothing in his hand. But he did not tell his father or his mother what he had done."

Wow! Did you just read that? Samson tore a lion apart with bare hands! Amazing! The Spirit of the Lord descended mightily upon him and he did what could not have been done by natural strength. Hallelujah!

That's the key to doing extraordinary things; the power of the Spirit, the anointing. There's a limit to what a man can achieve with his strength, his intelligence, his knowledge, experience and his skills; not by might, not by power, but by the Spirit of God!

The anointing is not only for killing lions, Jesus and the apostles did not kill physical lions, they used the power to do good, to do miracles and to heal all who were oppressed by the devil. Samson killed the lion without a weapon! Maybe people have told you that you are not gifted, or that you are not well educated, or that you have no connections and long legs, or that you broke; hear me, we are talking about the same power by which the world was created! Have you received the Holy Ghost since you believed? Then you too can do exploits!

@PastorChinae

THE LORD HAS NEED OF THEM

Spirit & Life Devotional
Wednesday, November 26
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

THE LORD HAS NEED OF THEM

Matthew 21:2-3 NKJV “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Loose them and bring them to Me. And if anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord has need of them,’ and immediately he will send them.”

What will you do if someone came to you asking for your car, or cars, saying that "The Lord has need of them"? Will you release them immediately, or will you say, "I've not heard from God, let Him speak to me first, I also hear from God"?

We become too wise and funny when it comes to giving to God. That's when, suddenly, every body wants to hear from God first, meanwhile, we didn't need to hear God before we paid school fees, house rent, bought new clothes and shoes, travelled abroad, and even got married. And God is just "shaking His head". We are just too funny.

Well, we all have something that the Lord needs; our time, our talents, our voices, our strength, our resources, our friends, our education, and so on. Some of us have been too busy for God, some are avoiding Him in several ways, and some others are giving Him excuses and trying to make Him see reasons why He cannot get whatever He wants from them. He still has need of them.

@PastorChinae

THE KEYS OF THE KINGDOM

Spirit & Life Devotional
Tuesday, November 25
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

THE KEYS OF THE KINGDOM

Matthew 16:19 NKJV "And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

In the United States, people are awarded with the Key To The City. In old times, the key was given to trusted visitors and deserving citizens of a kingdom to show that they were free to enter and leave the kingdom through the gates at any time. They had become trusted friends. But in the verse above, the keys of the kingdom refers to divine authority vested upon a person.

Now, with the keys of the kingdom, Jesus said that whatever is bound on earth will be bound in heaven, and that whatever is loosed on earth will be loosed in heaven. In other words, whatever is forbidden or prohibited or disallowed on earth will be forbidden, prohibited and disallowed in heaven, and vice versa. Awesome!

Someone says Jesus was talking to Peter alone. That's not true. Jesus repeated those words to everyone in Matthew 18:18-19, “Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven." Come on! What do you want to happen or not happen? You are waiting for God to do something, He's waiting for you to say something! Use the keys!

@PastorChinae

YOUR HEART AND YOUR DESTINY

Spirit & Life Devotional
Monday, November 24
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

YOUR HEART AND YOUR DESTINY

Matthew 15:11, 19 NKJV "Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies."

People are trying to change their actions, focusing on the outside, when they should be looking within to change their lives. All actions, and inaction, are born in the heart; therefore the state of a man's heart determines his destiny.

The heart is like a womb. It receives seed from without, through the eyes by the things it sees, and through the ears by the things it hears; those things become thoughts and beliefs, and then the thoughts and beliefs become actions. Someone said, "Watch your thoughts, they become words; watch your words, they become actions; watch your actions, they become habits; watch your habits, they become character; watch your character, for it becomes your destiny." However, the watching must begin at the heart.

Proverbs 4:23 says, "Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life." You want a wonderful marriage, guard your heart; you want a successful career, guard your heart; you want a great relationship with God, guard your heart; you want your life to be better than it already is? You now know what to do: guard your heart! There's so much interest for your heart: people are trying to get information into your heart in order to control your life; Satan too is interested in order to ruin your life. Resist anything that's contrary to the word of God! Feed on the word, meditate on it always, it produces a glorious and beautiful life.

@PastorChinae

PRAISE THE LORD

Spirit & Life Devotional
Sunday, November 23
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

PRAISE THE LORD

Revelation 19:5 NKJV "Then a voice came from the throne, saying, “Praise our God, all you His servants and those who fear Him, both small and great!”

We often talk about praising God as a way to get something from God or as a weapon of warfare, but how about just praising God for who He is, praising Him for what He has done, and praising Him just to make Him happy.

Great is the Lord and therefore greatly to be praised! He's awesome, mighty, glorious, He's good! He heals us, He keeps us, He delivers us, He feeds us, He clothes us, He did not allow the desires of our enemies come to pass, He is our comforter, our guide, our shield, He makes ways for us even when there are none! O give thanks to the Lord for He is good, for His mercies endure forever!

"Praise the Lord! Praise God in His sanctuary; Praise Him in His mighty firmament! Praise Him for His mighty acts; Praise Him according to His excellent greatness! Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet; Praise Him with the lute and harp! Praise Him with the timbrel and dance; Praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes! Praise Him with loud cymbals; Praise Him with clashing cymbals! Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!"

@PastorChinae

EXCEEDINGLY GREAT AND PRECIOUS PROMISES

Spirit & Life Devotional
Saturday, November 22
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

EXCEEDINGLY GREAT AND PRECIOUS PROMISES

2 Peter 1:4 NKJV "by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust."

God makes promises. And He keeps His promises. He is also able to perform all His promises. He never lies. He never says what He cannot do - I mean, there's nothing He cannot do! Hallelujah!

Peter called them exceedingly great and precious promises. That's exciting. Exceedingly great and precious promises! That's just like God! He only does great and amazing things!

If only you can believe His promises. Abraham staggered not at the promise of God to him in unbelief, but he was strong in faith, giving thanks. God has just started with you! Trust me, you haven't seen anything yet! He doesn't make exceedingly great and precious promises and then do small and common things, no, He does wonderful things! That shall be your testimony in Jesus name. Amen.

@PastorChinaeSpirit & Life Devotional
Saturday, November 22
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

EXCEEDINGLY GREAT AND PRECIOUS PROMISES

2 Peter 1:4 NKJV "by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust."

God makes promises. And He keeps His promises. He is also able to perform all His promises. He never lies. He never says what He cannot do - I mean, there's nothing He cannot do! Hallelujah!

Peter called them exceedingly great and precious promises. That's exciting. Exceedingly great and precious promises! That's just like God! He only does great and amazing things!

If only you can believe His promises. Abraham staggered not at the promise of God to him in unbelief, but he was strong in faith, giving thanks. God has just started with you! Trust me, you haven't seen anything yet! He doesn't make exceedingly great and precious promises and then do small and common things, no, He does wonderful things! That shall be your testimony in Jesus name. Amen.

@PastorChinae

Friday 21 November 2014

STAYING HOLY

Spirit & Life Devotional
Friday, November 21
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

STAYING HOLY

Ezekiel 4:14 NKJV "So I said, “Ah, Lord God! Indeed I have never defiled myself from my youth till now; I have never eaten what died of itself or was torn by beasts, nor has abominable flesh ever come into my mouth.”

Holiness in the Old Testament was by works that they did. But in the New Testament, we are given a nature that is righteous and holy when we are born again. We are born again by an incorruptible seed, by the word of God. Hallelujah!

But we are not without our own responsibilities. The onus is on us to stay holy. I John 5:18a says, We know that whoever is born of God does not sin. Some translations say that whoever is born of God does not continue in sin. We ought not to continue doing the things we were saved from, else we corrupt ourselves.

Now, think about this: if folks in the Old Testament could discipline themselves not to be defiled, how much more us in the New Testament who have received an abundance of grace and have the Spirit of God living in us. There will always be temptations to do wrong, but according to the Scriptures, temptations that come to us are those we can overcome. Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her, sanctified and cleansed her, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. Let's stay holy. It pleases God.

@PastorChinae

NOT AUTHORIZED TO JUDGE

Spirit & Life Devotional
Thursday, November 20
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

NOT AUTHORIZED TO JUDGE

Romans 14:4 NKJV "Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand."

Here's the point: you didn't die for anyone, you didn't shed your blood for anyone, you weren't crucified on the cross for anyone, you didn't advise God to send Jesus to die for anyone, and you cannot save anyone and take them to heaven, therefore you are not supposed to judge anyone!

Here's what Jesus said, "And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye." Matthew 7:3-5

Doesn't mean that you should do nothing about people erring. Pray for them, don't write them off, don't condemn them, don't criticize them, love them, receive them. Truth is that if we spend time praying for people we will not have the time to judge them. And, you really can't pray for someone and condemn him or her at the same time, when you are doing one, you are certainly not doing the other.

@PastorChinae

KNOWING HIM - THE SECRET OF GETTING WHATEVER YOU WANT

Spirit & Life Devotional
Wednesday, November 19
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

KNOWING HIM - THE SECRET OF GETTING WHATEVER YOU WANT

John 4:10 NKJV "Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.”

Imagine someone like Bill Gates giving you an opportunity to ask him for anything at all and you ask for just a $100! The reason something like that would happen is because you do not have an idea of what he's worth and what he's capable of doing for you.

Guess what, that's exactly what a lot of us do everyday in our relationship with God. We ask for nothing or for too little than He's capable of giving us and doing for us. Because we haven't really known Him and the extent of His ability.

Jesus Himself said He would do anything we ask for in His name. Paul said that God is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we can ask or think! I'm saying that you can even ask Him for life! Oh, I wish you can comprehend this! Get to know the God that you are worshipping! Brothers and sisters, there's nothing at all that He cannot do! There's no where He cannot get to, there's no door He cannot open, He is omnipotent! If you can think it, and believe for it without doubting, note this, He is able to do much more! Hallelujah!

@PastorChinae

Tuesday 18 November 2014

DWELLING TOGETHER WITH HIM

Spirit & Life Devotional
Tuesday, November 18
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

DWELLING TOGETHER WITH HIM

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 NKJV "For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord."

We are citizens of heaven now (Philippians 3:20). Hallelujah! You must always be conscious of that truth about yourself. You are more than a Nigerian or South African or American, you are a citizen of heaven!

But we live here now, in natural bodies. But remember the words of Jesus before He left, He said, He was going to prepare a place for us. He said, "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also." Wow! Jesus is coming again, to take us home!

I'm excited about being with Jesus throughout eternity! The mansions, the luxuries, the private jets, and all other things here on earth are not enough enticement to make me feel so comfortable down here! I can't wait to be with Jesus  - forever! One day, our time here would end, either through death or the rapture, or maybe through translation! and we would leave. That is our hope. Hallelujah!

@PastorChinae


Monday 17 November 2014

GOD'S GRACE IS SUFFICIENT FOR YOU

Spirit & Life Devotional
Monday, November 17
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

GOD'S GRACE IS SUFFICIENT FOR YOU

II Corinthians 12:9 NKJV "And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

Have you ever felt weak and incapable, have you ever felt like quitting? Have you gotten to a point when you didn't know what next to do, when the task seemed so difficult and the burden so great? I guess it's a common experience for all of us.

We have our limitations as human beings. Isaiah said that even the youth shall grow weary. Yes, there are times when we require extra strength, there are times we need new ideas, there are times we need external aid, new anointings, reassurances and fresh inspirations.

I have good news for you! God's grace is available in excess measures for you! And you have access to it at all times! Hallelujah! The Scripture says that we do not have a High Priest who doesn't know how we feel, and who doesn't understand our challenges, for He was once a Man like us and had similar experiences; and it says we should come boldly unto His throne of grace to obtain mercy and find grace in time of need! So cheer up! God's grace is sufficient for you!

@PastorChinae
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Sunday 16 November 2014

ON GUARD AGAINST A GRUDGING AND CONTENTIOUS SPIRIT



Spirit & Life Devotional
Sunday, November 16
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

ON GUARD AGAINST A GRUDGING AND CONTENTIOUS SPIRIT

Philippians 2:14 NKJV “Do all things without complaining and disputing.”

Other translations say, do all things without murmuring, grumbling and arguing. The Weymouth New Testament Translation says, “Be ever on your guard against a grudging and contentious spirit.”

There are people who always complain about almost everything; nothing ever pleases them. They complain about their husbands, their wives, their children, their jobs, what they eat or do not eat, they complain about things that do not even concern them; in church too; they complain about how long the service was, what they preacher said, that they were ignored, etc. They are just never satisfied. It’s a dangerous way to live!

It is practically impossible to have such attitudes and walk in faith at the same time. Even when things are not as we want them to be, we ought to maintain the right attitudes at all time. 1 Corinthians 10:10 tells us not to complain as some of the Israelites did, because when they did, they were destroyed by the destroyer. Learn to trust God. He is good all the time. Instead of grumbling, the Bible says, in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Saturday 15 November 2014

BEING VERY GOOD AT WHAT YOU DO


Spirit & Life Devotional

Saturday, November 15

Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

 

BEING VERY GOOD AT WHAT YOU DO

 

“Now King Solomon sent and brought Huram from Tyre. He was the son of a widow from the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a bronze worker; he was filled with wisdom and understanding and skill in working with all kinds of bronze work. So he came to King Solomon and did all his work.

 

I have a personal motto, from the Bible, in Ecclesiastes 9:10, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.” Might means strength. But working with your strength shouldn’t be all that you do, you must learn to work with wisdom and be very good at what you do.

 

Huram was said to have wisdom, understanding and skill in working with all kinds of bronze. Just one thing! He knew just one thing – bronze. You may know a lot, but knowing one thing too well and being very good at it is equally great. Bill Gates is known for computers, Mark Zuckerberg is known for Facebook, Tiger Woods is known for golf, Cristiano Ronaldo is known for football, Serena Williams is known for tennis, Tara Durotoye is known for makeup, Deola Sagoe is known for fashion designing, etc. Find that one thing you can do very well and devote your all to doing it.

 

I love what Martin Luther King Jr. said, “If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as a Michaelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, 'Here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well.’” Praise God.

 

Twitter: @PastorChinae

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Friday 14 November 2014

THE CHOICE IS YOURS

Spirit & Life Devotional
Thursday, November 14
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

THE CHOICE IS YOURS

1 Samuel 4:22 NKJV "And she said, “The glory has departed from Israel, for the ark of God has been captured.”

How were the Philistines able to kill over 34,000 Israelites and capture the Ark of God? This was the same Ark which a man touched and died! What happened? I'll tell you; it was because God was grieved with the people.

Now I've heard people argue that nothing we do can break our fellowship with God, others say that sin breaks fellowship but doesn't affect sonship, that we are forever sons irrespective of what we do. Sounds really nice and I wish I could believe it and preach it too. But I'm not convinced because the Bible, both the Old and New Testaments, are full of Scriptures warning against sin and the consequences of continuing to sin.

Ephesians 4:30 says, "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." 2 Timothy 2:19 says, "Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” Paul said, "I keep my body under control and make it my slave, so I won't lose out after telling the good news to others." 1 Corinthians 9:27. The choice is yours. When you sin, please repent immediately, and do not take it for granted. Hebrews 10:28-29, 31 says, "If two or more witnesses accused someone of breaking the Law of Moses, that person could be put to death. But it is much worse to dishonor God's Son and to disgrace the blood of the promise that made us holy. And it is just as bad to insult the Holy Spirit, who shows us mercy. It is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God!"

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Thursday 13 November 2014

DEFEATING GIANTS

Spirit & Life Devotional
Thursday, November 13
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

DEFEATING GIANTS

1 Chronicles 20:8 ASV "These were born unto the giant in Gath; and they fell by the hand of David, and by the hand of his servants."

David was young when he killed Goliath, the champion of the Philistines in battle. That was just the beginning, in the course of his reign as king of Israel, David and his men killed three other giants, who were sons and the brother of Goliath.

You too can defeat giants! Now, this is not about fighting with people on the streets, there are other kinds of giants in the world today, physical and spiritual. These giants could come against your health, your business, your job, your family, your education, etc. Sometimes they come as very huge challenges and heavy burdens that you seem unable to bear. At other times they stand in your way, trying to limit and restrain you. However these giants decide to show up, know that they are bread for you!

Never be afraid. If David was able to get his first victory over a giant as a youth, why should you be afraid? But understand that David did not fight in his own name, but in the name of Jehovah. And he said that God would deliver the giant into his hand, in order that men would know that there is a God in Israel. Victory is certain when we face all our giants in the name of Jesus and seek to glorify Him. Be conscious of who you are in Christ; greater is He that is in you! You're more than a conqueror! And at the mention of the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow! Hallelujah!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Wednesday 12 November 2014

JOURNEYING SAFELY TO YOUR APPOINTED PLACE

Spirit & Life Devotional
Wednesday, November 12
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

JOURNEYING SAFELY TO YOUR APPOINTED PLACE

Exodus 15:16 AMP "Terror and dread fall upon them; because of the greatness of Your arm they are as still as a stone–till Your people pass by and over [into Canaan], O Lord, till the people pass by whom You have purchased."

When God brings you out of a place, His plan is to get you into somewhere much better. You will get there in Jesus name.

But there's usually a journey from where you were to where God is taking you to. Successful people tell stories of how they got to where they are today. Not many people became instant or overnight successes; there was a journey, sometimes the experience wasn't so pleasant, but thank God they are where they are today.

There are always enemies and obstacles on the way. Satan fights so hard to stop you from getting to God’s appointed place for you. But he has already failed! You will not only get there, you will get there safely! The Scripture lets us know that terror and dread were upon all the enemies of Israel until they passed by. From today, people will give way for you, in the name of Jesus! From today, victory is yours over every opposition in the mighty name of Jesus! I see you soaring higher! God will cause men to favour you and to give you every necessary support. You will get there safely with divine speed in Jesus name!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Tuesday 11 November 2014

COMPETING FOR GOD'S PRIZE

Spirit & Life Devotional
Tuesday, November 11
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

COMPETING FOR GOD'S PRIZE

1 Corinthians 9:25 NKJV "And everyone who competes for the  prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown."

I ran in primary school, so I have an idea of what it is to compete for a prize. Competition is good and I like to compete. You may not have realized it, but all of life is a competition: you compete with people for jobs, you compete with people for admission, you compete with people for contracts, you compete with people for properties, and even to win the hearts of people you love.

But the sad truth is that there are always many more spectators than the competitors. In life and in faith too, there are people who do nothing but watch others do something. These people read and watch the news, they do not make the news. Someone said that people go to the movies instead of moving. Hmm

There's a prize in heaven folks! I call it God's Prize! It's greater than the Nobel Prize, greater than the Ballon d'OR, greater than the Grammys, the Oscars and any other human prizes and awards. Don't think for a moment that it's for everyone. No! It's for people who have fought the good fight, finished the race and kept the faith! It's for people who have advanced the Kingdom of God, it's for people who have earnestly contended for the faith, and for people who have stood up for Jesus and manifested the love of God to many others! What, brothers and sisters, are you doing for Jesus?

Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:79B62F98
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Monday 10 November 2014

CO-OPERATING WITH THE WORD

Spirit & Life Devotional
Monday, November 10
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

CO-OPERATING WITH THE WORD

Jeremiah 49:1-2 NKJV "Against the Ammonites. Thus says the Lord: “Has Israel no sons? Has he no heir? Why then does Milcom inherit Gad, And his people dwell in its cities? Therefore behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord, “That I will cause to be heard an alarm of war In Rabbah of the Ammonites; It shall be a desolate mound, And her villages shall be burned with fire. Then Israel shall take possession of his inheritance,” says the Lord."

Obadiah 1:17 says, “But on Mount Zion there shall be deliverance, And there shall be holiness; The house of Jacob shall possess their possessions."

It is clear from the two verses above that it is God's desire that we take possession of, and enjoy everything that He has made available for us in Christ. How do we do that? Paul said it, “So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified." Acts 10:32

He said that the word is able; in other words, the word of God has the ability in itself to get for you whatever is yours and whatever you want. What you have to do therefore, is to co-operate with the word! Do whatever it says, believe it and speak in agreement with it. Even when the opposite seems to be happening, stick to the word! Refuse to doubt the word. Say to the word, "Be it unto me according to your word." That's how to co-operate with the word and have your inheritance. Hallelujah!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Sunday 9 November 2014

DON'T DESPISE THE WORD

Spirit & Life Devotional
Sunday, November 9
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

DON'T DESPISE THE WORD

Proverbs 13:13 NKJV "He who despises the word will be destroyed, But he who fears the commandment will be rewarded."

There are people, who even though they go to church, do not receive the word with joy; they have Bibles, but they read everything else except their Bibles; even when they are in church, they don't pay attention to the word; they buy a lot, but not Christian materials; and even when it is freely given to them they care less about it.

Such people, according to the Scriptures, bring destruction upon themselves. They have left themselves defenceless and are prey for the wicked. When the evil days come, such people crash! Understand that you can love the Lord and still despise His word. There are the Marthas and the Marys - Marthas are always busy while the Marys sit down at His feet, suspend every other thing, and hear His word.

David said, "I rejoice at Your word As one who finds great treasure." He also said, "Great peace have those who love Your law, And nothing causes them to stumble." Your love for the word determines your stability in life. When you love the word, nothing is strong enough to pull you down and keep you down because you will be as a house built on a rock. When you love the word, you just can't have high blood pressure, because you begin to function by knowledge and have great peace. Even when things aren't going as planned, you have the understanding that nothing can separate you from the love of Christ, and that in all things you are more than a conqueror! Hallelujah!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Saturday 8 November 2014

HELP FROM TROUBLE

Spirit & Life Devotional
Saturday, November 8
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

HELP FROM TROUBLE

Psalms 60:11-12 NKJV "Give us help from trouble, For the help of man is useless. Through God we will do valiantly, For it  is He who shall tread down our enemies."

Nigeria is in trouble and it is only God that can help us. Terrorists are taking over certain parts of the country, killing innocent people, freeing criminals and disrupting the activities of the church in that region. Their goal is to take over the country and get rid of Christianity.

The Scripture says we should not give place to the devil. Another translation asks us not to give the devil a foothold. And another says we shouldn't give him an opportunity. Why? Because if he gets a little opportunity, he would seek more; he is never satisfied by doing little damage, he seeks to utterly destroy.

We have been criticizing the government and the military, but we know better as Christians that vain is the help of man. Unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. Let's take some time to pray for our country, asking God to help us against all our adversaries. Let's also pray for our leaders, for wisdom and the will to do what needs to be done. Let's pray for the protection of our brothers and sisters in those areas who are always at risk. God will help us, in Jesus name.

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Friday 7 November 2014

USE YOUR GIFTS

Spirit & Life Devotional
Friday, November 7
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

USE YOUR GIFTS

1 Timothy 4:14 NKJV "Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership."

All gifts were given to us. That's why they are called gifts. We acquire skills, but gifts are given to us by God. Everyone has a gift - we are talking about physical gifts - everyone was born with at least one gift. We all have the ability to do something well.

But not everyone uses their gifts. Some are not actually aware of their gifts, and some who are aware, for some reason are not using their gifts. Understand that every gift is a blessing; and you know what the Bible says about blessings, they make rich! No gift is useless! Are you aware that someone became a billionaire (in Dollars) through writing? Others have also become rich by cooking and talking! And these are things many of us don't take seriously. How did David become popular? By slinging a stone! He also knew how to play instruments, and that took him to the palace! 

Discover your gifts and use them! You can even use your gifts on your job. Your gift may not be recognized as one, but it doesn't make it not a gift! You may have discovered your gift and may have been using it; develop it; take it to the next level; make it a business; market it; advertise it; do it so well that people will be willing to pay for it! God has blessed you with certain special abilities; do not neglect them.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Thursday 6 November 2014

YOU CANNOT BE CURSED

Spirit & Life Devotional
Thursday, November 6
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

YOU CANNOT BE CURSED

Joshua 24:9-10 NKJV "Then Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, arose to make war against Israel, and sent and called Balaam the son of Beor to curse you. But I would not listen to Balaam; therefore he continued to bless you. So I delivered you out of his hand."

Balaam was a seer. Balak saw what the Israelites had done to the Amorites and was afraid of them. He knew that he couldn't defeat them in war, and decided to use spiritual weapons instead of physical ones; so he sent his men to fetch Balaam to curse the people of God. But God appeared to him at night and said, “You shall not go with them; you shall not curse the people, for they are blessed.” Numbers 22:12

Well, because of greed, Balaam disobeyed God and went with them to curse the children of God. But something interesting happened; every time Balaam opened his mouth to curse them, God caused him to bless the Israelites instead. And he said, "Behold, I have received a  command to bless; He has blessed, and I cannot reverse it. For there  is no sorcery against Jacob, Nor any divination against Israel. It now must be said of Jacob And of Israel, ‘Oh, what God has done!’"

Hallelujah! If you are born again, understand that you cannot be cursed. Why? Not because of what you have done or not done, but because you are in Christ! It doesn't matter who opens his or her mouth against you, it doesn't matter who goes to witch doctors to attack you, you are unstoppable, untouchable and "uncurseable"! Even God will not curse you for any reason! We were called to inherit the blessing! 1 Peter 3:9.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Wednesday 5 November 2014

IT WILL TURN OUT GOOD

Spirit & Life Devotional
Wednesday, November 5
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

IT WILL TURN OUT GOOD

Philippians 1:12 NKJV "But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which  happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel,"

I think I heard Tye Tribbett say that an experience may not have been good to you, but it was good for you. The experience may have made you cry, it may have hurt, it may have caused you to incur losses, it may have resulted in damages - it wasn't good to you, but brothers and sisters, I assure you that it was good for you.

God is a master at turning things around. Things that the enemy planned to use to hurt you, God uses those same things to bless you! The devil may seem to have won; you might not even see or understand the good that God is working out, but I assure you, that as long as you are in Christ, all things are working together for good!

Delays are not denials, they only make the testimonies bigger! Setbacks are actually pullbacks! Troubles result in doubles! Men may succeed in pushing you out of a place, but they've only pushed you into God's appointed place for your life! Joseph said to his brothers, "But as for you, you meant evil against me; but  God meant it for good." If God allowed it, then cheer up, He's got something great in store for you!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Tuesday 4 November 2014

GUILTY AS CHARGED

Spirit & Life Devotional
Tuesday, November 4
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

GUILTY AS CHARGED

Matthew 13:24-25, 27-28 NKJV "Another parable He put forth to them, saying: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field; but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way. The servants of the owner came and said to him, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?’ He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’"

Satan is an enemy; he is actually the enemy, and he is to be blamed for everything wrong in the world and in your life! Now, it doesn't matter if you think otherwise, I have charged him for everything wrong.

Jesus said, that Satan comes only to kill, to steal and to destroy. So I charge him for all kinds of deaths; I charge him for all thefts, and I charge him for all destructions. God sows only good seeds: whenever you spot tares in your life you know immediately that the enemy has done it!

I love 1John 3:8! It says that "For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil." The Amplified says, "The reason the Son of God was made manifest (visible) was to undo (destroy, loosen, and dissolve) the works the devil [has done]." Hallelujah! Is there anything you don't want in your life? I cast out those devils in the name of Jesus Christ! Jesus came that we may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows)! So shall it be!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Monday 3 November 2014

DOING THE WORKS OF CHRIST

Spirit & Life Devotional
Monday, November 3
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

DOING THE WORKS OF CHRIST

Matthew 10:7-8 NKJV "And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’  Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give."

Jesus never sends people to only speak His words, He gives them power to do His works. Matthew 10:1 says, "And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease."

But we do only the talking most of the time, and not the doing. But the accounts of the ministry of Jesus are about what He both did and taught (Acts 1:1). Acts 10:38 says, "How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him."

Acts 1:8 says, "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” And Mark 16:17-18 says, "And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues;  they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” Hallelujah!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Sunday 2 November 2014

HOLDING ON TO FREEDOM

Spirit & Life Devotional
Sunday, November 2
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

HOLDING ON TO FREEDOM

Genesis 49:14-15 MSG "Issachar is one tough donkey crouching between the corrals; When he saw how good the place was, how pleasant the country, He gave up his freedom and went to work as a slave."

Issachar was tough, he was strong, he had great potentials to be very great, he could have been anything he wanted to be, powerful and successful; but he settled for less, he was deceived by the things he saw, they looked good, they looked ready made, so he gave up his dreams, he decided to rest, he felt there was no need to fight for anything else; he ended up losing his freedom and became a slave!

A lot of us are like Issachar. We've got tremendous graces upon our lives; we've got tremendous talents and potentials; we've got great destinies, but we have settled for less in seemingly fantastic places (comfort zones). Because you are earning a good salary, you've given up your dreams, forgetting that the same you could be making millions just by fulfilling God's purposes for your life. Some, because they have money for hospital bills don't bother believing for divine health; they've become slaves of sickness. Complacency has robbed many of their freedom.

Paul said he did not frustrate the grace of God. In other words, he refused to treat it as meaningless, he didn't set it aside, he didn't reject it. God has given you abundant grace, He deposited in you exceedingly great potentials, He has set you free. Don’t let a little, temporal comfort today rob you of a great tomorrow. Don’t be afraid to take steps of faith. Sometimes leaving our comfort zones might be difficult, but we've got to leave the good in order to get the best.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Saturday 1 November 2014

ASK FOR OPEN DOORS

Spirit & Life Devotional
Saturday, November 1
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

ASK FOR OPEN DOORS

Colossians 4:3 NKJV "Meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains."

Life is full of doors. Several kinds of doors, some very strong and others not so strong. All doors are barriers, they prevent free movement within and without a place. The more valuable the things are, the stronger the doors that are used to secure them.

There's a door to everything you want in life. There are doors to the people you need, there are doors to the opportunities you need, there are doors to the monies you desire, there are doors to the contracts you want, there are doors to hearts; until those doors are opened your movement will be restricted. In other words, open doors aid progress while closed doors hinder advancement and prevent possession of your hearts desires.

The Lord told me at the beginning of the year that it was a year of open doors. Hallelujah! Revelation 3:7-8 reveals Jesus as He who opens doors that no one shuts, and One who shuts doors that no one opens. Then He said, “See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it." Glory to God! You can have as many doors as you desire opened for you this month and for the rest of the year. Ask the Lord and it shall be done.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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