Monday 31 August 2015

Divine Annulment

#SpiritAndLifeDevotional
Monday, August 31
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Divine Annulment

"Who is he who speaks and it comes to pass, when the Lord has not commanded it?" Lamentations 3:37 NKJV

Sennacherib king of Assyria encamped against the cities of Judah, thinking to win them over to himself. He sent his servants to Hezekiah and to all who were in Jerusalem, saying, "Do you not know what I and my fathers have done to all the peoples of other lands? Who was there among all the gods of those nations that my fathers utterly destroyed that could deliver his people from my hand, that your God should be able to deliver you from my hand? Now therefore, do not let Hezekiah deceive you, and do not believe him; for no god of any nation or kingdom was able to deliver his people from my hand or the hand of my fathers. How much less will your God deliver you from my hand?” When Hezekiah and Isaiah heard those words, they prayed and cried out to heaven. Then the Lord sent an angel who cut down every mighty man of valour in the camp of Sennacherib. So he returned shamefaced to his own land. And when he went into the temple of his god, his own sons killed him with the sword.

The Bible says, "Who is he who speaks and it comes to pass, when the Lord has not commanded it?" You may have received unpleasant reports, decisions may have even been taken against you, pronouncements may have been made; maybe you have even been threatened in the place of your business, at school, or at home; don't be afraid! Nothing they have said will come to pass; any report contrary to the report of the Lord concerning your life and your future is hereby annulled, in the name of Jesus!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Sunday 30 August 2015

Working To Make A Giving

#SpiritAndLifeDevotional
Sunday, August 30
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Working To Make A Giving

"And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful." Titus 3:14 NKJV

Here's the Amplified Version of the verse above: "And let our own [people really] learn to apply themselves to good deeds (to honest labor and honorable employment), so that they may be able to meet necessary demands whenever the occasion may require and not be living idle and uncultivated and unfruitful lives."

You see, every child of God must, or is required to be involved with helping the needy. You've got to make it a top priority; every time you earn money let it be at the back of your mind that you've got to help those in need; it's got to be a lifestyle; don't wait to be told to do so, seek such opportunities to be a blessing to people who are in need of assistance. Don't be selfish.

And that's why every child of God should work! You can't steal, and you can't continue to be idle: if you're unwilling to work for others, then do business. There's profit in all labour. Ephesians 4:28 says, "Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need." Paul told the believers in Ephesus, "I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

Don't work just to make a living; make a giving.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Saturday 29 August 2015

Trusting God For Deliverance

#SpiritAndLifeDevotional
Saturday, August 29
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Trusting God For Deliverance

"The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him." Nahum 1:7 NKJV

In our heads we want God to help us, but in our hearts, receiving help from Him is not priority. Why do I say so? Because God is usually the last person we talk to; we talk to everyone else, and when they fail us, and our backs are to the wall, then it dawns on us that only God can help us, and then we turn and run to Him. Listen, God is good, but, He knows those who put their trust in Him. Even if you're a professional, please trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding!

2 Chronicles 2:9 says, "For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.” The Message says: "God is always on the alert, constantly on the lookout for people who are totally committed to him." See how eager and willing God is to help us in times of trouble. But notice that He's also looking for those who are solely dependent on Him! You can't make God a plan E and expect Him to treat your case as top priority. Hanani the seer said to Asa, “Because you went for help to the king of Aram and didn’t ask God for help, you’ve lost a victory over the army of the king of Aram. You were foolish to go for human help when you could have had God’s help."

Jeremiah 17:7-8 says, “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit." Amen! Decide today to trust in the Lord at all times; He never disappoints.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Friday 28 August 2015

No Fear Of Shame

#SpiritAndLifeDevotional
Friday, August 28
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

No Fear Of Shame

"For the Scripture says, 'Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.'” Romans 10:11 NKJV

Psalm 25:1-2 says, "To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, I trust in You; let me not be ashamed; let not my enemies triumph over me." Verse 3 says, "Indeed, let no one who waits on You be ashamed." Amen!

Maybe your rent is due and you're wondering where the money is going to come from; relax, God will provide. Or maybe you're indebted to people who are threatening to embarrass you: my brother, God will provide. A new academic session will soon commence, and there's no money for fees, your children can't stay at home: cheer up, God will provide.

Yours might not be financial; maybe it has to do with work or with your home; whatever the case, shame is not your portion in Jesus name. Here's the word of the Lord to you today, "Fear not, for you shall not be ashamed; neither be confounded and depressed, for you shall not be put to shame. For you shall forget the shame of your youth, and you shall not [seriously] remember the reproach of your widowhood any more. For your Maker is your Husband–the Lord of hosts is His name–and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; the God of the whole earth He is called." (Isaiah 54:4-5 AMP). Amen!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Thursday 27 August 2015

Wisdom, Knowledge And Understanding

#SpiritAndLifeDevotional
Thursday, August 27
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Wisdom, Knowledge And Understanding

"For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding." Proverbs 2:6 NKJV

Wisdom, knowledge and understanding are the most important needs of man; they are better than strength, better than beauty, better than weapons and even better than money. Wisdom, knowledge and understanding are the solutions to all human problems. They are the solution to poverty, violence, divorce and other relationship issues; and indeed every other problem of life - at home, at work, in school and everywhere else.

You cannot rise beyond your level of wisdom, knowledge and understanding, even if you somehow do, you will eventually come down to that level, that's why people lose their monies, their relationships, their jobs and careers, ministries, their health and even their lives, because they lacked the things that really mattered. Wisdom is the principal thing therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding!

But here's a secret you should know: that wisdom, knowledge and understanding are already in you! That's if you're a Christian, of course. The Bible says that in Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. And Christ is in you! Hallelujah! 1 Corinthians 1:30 says that Christ became wisdom for us. A translation says that He was sent to make us wise! Glory to God! From today, the wisdom of God is activated in you and it will begin to manifest, in the name of Jesus! Amen.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Wednesday 26 August 2015

Blessed By Grace

#SpiritAndLifeDevotional
Wednesday, August 26
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Blessed By Grace

"I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labors.” 
John 4:38 NKJV

I know a certain man who always tells me about how he suffered to get to where he is today; he talks so much about his efforts and sacrifices; he worked very hard to build his business and acquire all he has today; he came from a poor background and didn't have support from any "rich" friends and relatives. I sincerely thank God for him, but the truth is that I'm not usually excited by such stories.

Some people like to brag about their efforts, I like to brag about His grace! David said, "It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows; for God gives His beloved sleep!" I refuse to eat the bread of sorrows! God said to the Israelites, "I have given you a land for which you did not labor, and cities which you did not build, and you dwell in them; you eat of the vineyards and olive groves which you did not plant." If God did that then, He will do much more now!

The law of sowing and reaping is unbreakable, but what many of us haven't realized is that the sower and the reaper don't have to be the same person! This is awesome! Jesus said, "I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labors.” Hallelujah! I have a good word for someone today, you are about to be relocated to a place where you will enjoy the sweat of others! I pray for you all reading this, blessings by grace are yours; good news is coming your way, in the name of Jesus!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Tuesday 25 August 2015

Like An Apple Tree

#SpiritAndLifeDevotional
Tuesday, August 25
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Like An Apple Tree

"Like an apple tree among the trees of the woods, so is my beloved among the sons. I sat down in his shade with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste." Song of Solomon 2:3 NKJV

Many times in the Bible, we are compared with trees. For instance, Psalm 1:1-3 says, "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper." Hallelujah!

Psalm 92:12-14 says, "The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree, he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing." Wow! Glory to God!

I like Song of Solomon 2:3; the woman said that her beloved was like an apple tree among the trees of the woods. In other words, compared with others, he was a pleasant one! She said, "I sat down in his shade with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste." Do you know that that's exactly what God wants your life to be? For your fruit to be sweet! For people to be delighted whenever they have an encounter with you! Today, I declare that you are like an apple tree! Your fruit shall be sweet in the name of Jesus! No more bitterness, no more sadness and sorrow! No more bad experiences! Your portion is joy and favour! God has made your life beautiful! Say Amen!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Monday 24 August 2015

Prepared For His Second Coming

#SpiritAndLife Devotional
Monday, August 24
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Prepared For His Second Coming

“Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame.” Revelation 16:15 NKJV

Jesus is coming again, even if it's in the next two hundred years; it's an undisputable truth: He is coming again - soon! But as He told us, no one knows exactly when He will come. We can be guided by the signs, but no one can predict the exact time of His coming. Some have tried in the past to predict the time but they failed.

Jesus said, “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect." (Matthew 24:36, 42-44)

We've got to be prepared at all times. Being prepared is first to keep ourselves in a perfect condition, because He is coming for a church without spot or wrinkle, a glorious church; being prepared also entails being busy with whatever assignment He gave to us, doing it faithfully. Jesus said, “Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing. Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods." (Matthew 24:45-47)

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Sunday 23 August 2015

Divine Frustration For All Your Enemies

#SpiritAndLifeDevotional
Sunday, August 23
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Divine Frustration For Your Enemies

"Now in the twelfth month, that is, the month of Adar, on the thirteenth day, the  time came for the king’s command and his decree to be executed. On the day that the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, the opposite occurred, in that the Jews themselves overpowered those who hated them."
Esther 9:1 NKJV

A decree had been written according to the command of Haman—to the king’s satraps, to the governors who were over each province, to the officials of all people, to every province, and to every people in their language, to destroy, to kill, and to annihilate all the Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which was the month of Adar, and to plunder their possessions. But the Bible says that on the day that the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, the opposite occurred, in that the Jews themselves overpowered those who hated them. Hallelujah!

Joseph said to his brothers, "But as for you, you meant evil against me; but  God meant it for good." They thought they were killing his dreams, not knowing that they ignited them!

Job 5:12 says that God frustrates the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot carry out their plans. Even when it seems that they have succeeded in actualizing their plans against you, that's not the time to panic; if God permitted it know that He's going to bring forth something beautiful out of it! Maybe they've told you that it will not be well with you; maybe they are expecting your downfall; maybe they are waiting for your marriage to fail; maybe they're waiting for you to fall out of favour with someone important; or maybe they're waiting for you to come back and beg them; I've got a word for you today: the opposite will occur, God will frustrate all evil plans against you, in the name of Jesus!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Saturday 22 August 2015

What You Need Is The Word

#SpiritAndLifeDevotional
Saturday, August 22
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

What You Need Is The Word

"Therefore I did not even think myself worthy to come to You. But say the word, and my servant will be healed."
Luke 7:7 NKJV

I remember the story of Naaman; he was the commander of the army of the king of Syria; he was a mighty man of valor, but a leper. One of his maids said, “If only my master were with the prophet who is in Samaria! For he would heal him of his leprosy.” Then Naaman went with his horses and chariot, and he stood at the door of Elisha’s house. Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored to you, and you shall be clean.” But Naaman became furious, he expected Elisha to come out and see him, and probably do some gymnastics; he said, “Indeed, I said to myself, ‘He will surely come out to me, and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, and wave his hand over the place, and heal the leprosy.’" He didn't realize that Elisha had given him all he needed, the word, so he turned and went away in a rage! Thank God for his servants who loved him; they said to him, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do something great, would you not have done it? How much more then, when he says to you, ‘Wash, and be clean’?” Naaman listened; and he went and dipped seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God; and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean. Hallelujah!

Psalm 107:20 says, "He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions." The word is sufficient for all your needs: receive it now, in the name of Jesus! Amen.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Friday 21 August 2015

Divinely Enabled

#SpiritAndLifeDevotional
Friday, August 21
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Divinely Enabled

"And the angel of the Lord came back the second time, and touched him, and said, 'Arise and eat, because the journey is too great for you.'"
I Kings 19:7 NKJV

There are times the task to be done is so great; there are times you're called upon to be a part of something overwhelming; there are times the dream is too big; and there are times you have a great vision and it's so obvious that you cannot pull it off: well, that's not the time to back down, that's the time to receive divine enablement.

The human ability is limited; you've got to understand that. No matter how intelligent, energetic, sharp, connected, powerful and loaded you think are, if you keep going on and on all by yourself, a time will come when you will reach your limits and grind to a halt. That's because our physical abilities can only take us so far.

My life and ministry is built on 2 Corinthians 3:5-6: verse 5 says, "Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God." Hallelujah! I don't rely on anything I've got to make achievements; I rely on God's ability! By myself I can do nothing, but I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me!

Learn to stay connected to the power and ability of God. Jesus said that man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. Make prayer a habit. Constantly meditate on the word. Stay in the right environment where you can always receive divine wisdom, understanding and fortification. David said, "For by You I can run against a troop, by my God I can leap over a wall." Yeah! Receive divine strength for exploits in the name of Jesus! Amen.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Thursday 20 August 2015

The Word Works!

#SpiritAndLifeDevotional
Thursday, August 20
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

The Word Works!

"For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe."
I Thessalonians 2:13 NKJV

The word works! Hallelujah!

In Lystra a certain man without strength in his feet was sitting, a cripple from his mother’s womb, who had never walked. The man heard Paul speaking. Paul, observing him intently and seeing that he had faith to be healed, said with a loud voice, “Stand up straight on your feet!” And the man leaped and walked!

About a month ago, a dear lady schooling in London read our devotional titled "Orders Have Been Given Concerning You" just before she went for an interview. She had been denied visa before, but there in the hall, waiting for her turn, she remembered the word, "orders have been given concerning your success"; she said a little prayer and then it was her turn. Guess what, she was only asked one question, and without much ado her visa was approved! The word works!

If you receive the word rightly it will always work for you. Paul said that it works effectively in the lives of those who believe. Sometimes it's not visible immediately, but it's working. You can have testimonies everyday! You can have testimonies even now as you're reading this devotional! The word of God is living and powerful! When you get the word into your heart, and then into your mouth, there will surely be results! The word always works! Now, I pray for you; receive your healing, miracles, blessings, testimonies, deliverance in the name of Jesus!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Wednesday 19 August 2015

Overcoming Greed And Selfishness

#SpiritAndLifeDevotional
Wednesday, August 19
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Overcoming Greed And Selfishness

"The inheritance of the children of Simeon was included in the share of the children of Judah, for the share of the children of Judah was too much for them. Therefore the children of Simeon had their inheritance within the inheritance of that people."
Joshua 19:9 NKJV

The Bible says that the inheritance of the children of Simeon was included in the share of the children of Judah because the share of the children of Judah was too much for them! Pause, and think about that for a moment.

What do we do today, we grab and keep grabbing; we accumulate much more than we will ever need; we are not just content; some of us have enough, but we are not satisfied, we want so much more. Do we even share what we have with others? No, instead we covet what others have. Some have clothes, shoes, bags and others things they've not used in a long time, but it's just there, covered with dust. And we're unhappy, we quarrel with God, our spouses and our parents, because we want more!

This thing called love is very practical, you know. We can't keep claiming that we love people when we really don't. We see people with so little every day and it has never occurred to us to try and assist them in any little way, instead we keep bombarding God with requests for more, and more, and more! What you make happen for others is what God will make happen for you! Paul talked about equality in 2 Corinthians 8:13-15: "As it is written, 'He who gathered much had nothing left over, and he who gathered little had no lack.'"

We've got to overcome greed and selfishness, let's be channels through which the love of God flows to mankind. God bless you as you do.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Tuesday 18 August 2015

The Fate Of All Unbelievers

#SpiritAndLifeDevotional
Tuesday, August 18
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

The Fate Of All Unbelievers

"I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish." Luke 13:3 NKJV

They had just informed Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. They probably expected Jesus to criticize and condemn Pilate, or to sympathize with the bereaved families, instead He said to them, “Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish."

The media reports bad news everyday; terrorist attacks, natural disasters, accidents, and so on; if Jesus were to respond to questions from journalists about these sad and terrible events, I don't think His response would have been different from what He told them back then; "unless you repent you will all likewise perish."

Brothers and sisters, I'm so sure that we have friends, relatives and colleagues who are not saved; I'm also very sure that we come across tens of unsaved people all the time: are we concerned about where they will spend eternity? Are we being sincere to them about their future? Are we letting them know what the real consequences of being without Christ are? Are we more interested in being politically correct and diplomatic than in being truthful? Your loved ones will perish if you remain quiet and their blood will be on you! But God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should be saved. They shall be saved in Jesus name. Amen.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Monday 17 August 2015

A Promise Of Double

#SpiritAndLifeDevotional
Monday, August 17
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

A Promise Of Double

"Return to the stronghold, you prisoners of hope. Even today I declare that I will restore double to you."
Zechariah 9:12 NKJV

Double means two; a promise of double means that you will get twice as much as others. In school then, when someone got a double promotion he or she skipped a class and moved two classes ahead of others; they automatically became seniors of their former classmates. Today, God is giving you double, in the name of Jesus!

Before Jacob died, he said to Joseph, "Moreover I have given to you one portion above your brothers, which I took from the hand of the Amorite with my sword and my bow.” That was reaffirmed in the book of Ezekiel: Ezekiel prophesied, "Thus says the Lord God: 'These are the borders by which you shall divide the land as an inheritance among the twelve tribes of Israel. Joseph shall have two portions.'" Job also received double. Job 42:10 says, "And the Lord restored Job’s losses when he prayed for his friends. Indeed the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before." Wow! Glory to God!

You see, in Christ there is never a loss! Even when it seems that there was a loss, God can restore a double and much more! Isaiah 61:7 says, "Instead of your shame you shall have double honor, and instead of confusion they shall rejoice in their portion. Therefore in their land they shall possess double; everlasting joy shall be theirs." Amen! Receive double blessings, double joy and happiness, double promotions; receive twice of whatever you have lost; two of whatever was delayed; receive twins in the name of Jesus! Amen!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Sunday 16 August 2015

The Power Of Hope

#SpiritAndLifeDevotional 
Sunday, August 16
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

The Power Of Hope

"In hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began."
Titus 1:2 NKJV

Hope is very powerful and important in receiving the promises of God. If you must receive it, then you've got to hope for it. But understand how hope works: the hope God regards is not one with the wrong attitude; no, you've got to hope with a right attitude - with joy, positivity and faith. Romans 15:13 says, "Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

When you have a promise from God, if you hope for it long enough with the right attitude, you will surely receive it. Sometimes it's as if the promise is being delayed; sometimes waiting is very difficult and painful; sometimes we are tempted to try the alternatives and resort to self-help: remember Abraham; the Bible says that contrary to hope, in hope he believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken. Hallelujah!

Proverbs 13:12 says, Hope that is delayed makes you sad, but a wish that comes true fills you with joy. Reminds me of Hannah, the woman was sad, but when she prayed God gave her children! I prophesy to you in the name of Jesus that God will grant the desires of your heart! Let all those things you're hoping for come speedily in the name of Jesus! Amen!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Saturday 15 August 2015

Dwelling In Prosperity

#SpiritAndLifeDevotional 
Saturday, August 15
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Dwelling In Prosperity

"Who is the man that fears the Lord? Him shall He teach in the way He chooses. He himself shall dwell in prosperity, and his descendants shall inherit the earth." Psalms 25:12-13 NKJV

I like the Easy to Read version which says, "When people choose to follow the Lord, he shows them the best way to live. They will enjoy good things, and their children will get the land God promised." Wow! I don't know about you, but I want to dwell in prosperity and I want my future family to enjoy the best things! Yeah.

Serving the Lord is the best thing I've ever done; and surely the best thing anyone else can do. God is loving, caring and faithful; He is a Rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. God said: “I am the Lord your God, Who teaches you to profit, Who leads you by the way you should go." (Isaiah 48:17). That's what David said, that God will show us the best way to live; He will show us what to do; when to do it; how to do it and He will give us the ability too, to do it! Hallelujah!

As a child of God, you have no reason to be afraid or worried about the future; whether you will make it or not; or if tomorrow will be better and brighter: as long as you remain in Him you can be assured that all will be well. Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you! No more lack, in the name of Jesus!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Friday 14 August 2015

Power Over Unclean Spirits

#SpiritAndLifeDevotional 
Friday, August 15
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Power Over Unclean Spirits

"And this she did for many days. But Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, 'I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.' And he came out that very hour." Acts 16:18 NKJV

Jesus said, "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!

It's interesting to me, that someone cast out devils using the name of Jesus, even before His death and resurrection! The disciples said to Jesus, “Teacher, we saw someone who does not follow us casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow us.” Mark 9:38. That says a lot: if someone who wasn't even following Jesus when He was on earth, had a revelation of the power of His name, how much more, you and I.

Listen guys, the devil is very afraid of us! You've got to know and understand that. Satan and all his boys, are well aware of your authority as a believer! Refuse to be intimidated by the devil! You are superior to him, to witches and wizards, and to every demon! You are a terror to the kingdom of darkness! James 4:7 says, "Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." Yeah! Hallelujah!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Thursday 13 August 2015

Treasures, Hearts And Love

#SpiritAndLifeDevotional 
Thursday, August 13
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Treasures, Hearts And Love

"Moreover, because I have set my affection on the house of my God, I have given to the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house, my own special treasure of gold and silver:" I Chronicles 29:3 NKJV

It was David who said that he was glad when they said to him, “Let us go into the house of the Lord.” It was also David who said, "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: 'May they prosper who love you.'" Why? He said, "Because of the house of the Lord our God I will seek your good." The man loved the house of God; the house of God was always on his mind, no wonder he gave his special treasure for the building of the house of God!

If I know where your heart is, I can tell where your treasure is. In other words, I can tell by the things you love and are passionate about where your money and time are spent. Jesus said, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

There's no man that loves God that has a problem with giving to Him. Check yourself, whenever giving to God becomes a challenge, check, your heart is probably far away from Him! And I'm not talking about putting N20 or N500 in the offering bag, that's easy for some of you; I'm talking about giving to Him consistently; giving to Him something that is a treasure; giving to Him something that costs you something.

Listen, this is not really about giving but about loving God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, with all your mind, with all your time and with all your resources! Giving is not the challenge, it's really about the greatness of your love for Him. God loves a cheerful giver whose heart is in his giving! Hallelujah!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Wednesday 12 August 2015

Sowing And Reaping

#SpiritAndLifeDevotional 
Wednesday, August 12
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Sowing And Reaping

"Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap." Galatians 6:7 NKJV

When God says don't be deceived, it means don't be delusional; it means don't have a false belief or opinion other than what He has said. So when He says that you will reap whatever you sow, He means exactly that, so you better take it seriously. From that verse, it means that you can determine what you will reap by sowing the right seeds. If you want love, love others; if you want forgiveness, forgive others; if you don't want trouble, don't cause trouble for others; and if you want sincerity, first be sincere: yeah, "whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets."

Jesus told a story of a servant who owed the king ten thousand talents; that's millions of US Dollars today: the servant was unable to pay, so the king commanded that he, his wife, his children and every other thing he had be sold in order to recover his money. The man pleaded and appealed for more time; the king obliged and even cancelled his debts! But guess what, that same man went to a man who owed him a hundred denarii, took him by the throat, demanding for repayment. And despite his pleas, the servant got him arrested until he repaid his debt. When his fellow servants saw what he did, they were very grieved, and told their master what he did. The king, after he had called him, said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’ His master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. The man reaped what he sowed.

I encourage you today to always sow the right seeds, especially in your relationships with other people. Be good to them, if you have workers treat them fairly; do your work faithfully; love your spouse; make people around you happy; help people as much as you can. As you do these, you can be assured of a life filled with the goodness and blessings of God. Amen.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Tuesday 11 August 2015

It's Not By Ceremonies

#SpiritAndLifeDevotional 
Tuesday, August 11
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

It's Not By Ceremonies

"Now when you arrive at that place, look there for Jehu the son of Jehoshaphat, the son of Nimshi, and go in and make him rise up from among his associates, and take him to an inner room." II Kings 9:2 NKJV

The idea a lot of people have is that there's got to be a kind of ceremony to signify that something great has occurred to them; they expect some kind of loud announcement; a spectacular sign; like a voice from heaven or something really amazing and out of this world: but God doesn't always work that way!

Jehu was anointed in secret, in an inner room, without witnesses. Don't disregard what God is doing in your life, or has done, just because it's not happening as you expect it to; there's no basis for comparison with someone else who you think has got the attention of everyone; don't let people belittle your gifts, your purpose and your destiny just because they are uninformed about what happened in the secret place!

It's time to arise and do exploits! The just shall live by faith and not by sight! "Look to Abraham your father, and to Sarah who bore you; for I called him alone, and blessed him and increased him.” It doesn't matter if people do not appreciate you now; it doesn't matter if they don't perceive your greatness now; you just remain focused on Jesus; let Him order your steps every day; Jehu was not even anointed by Elisha himself or by some popular highly anointed man of God, they even referred to the guy that anointed him as a madman! But the moment that oil got on his head, it was done, Jehu was king and the anointing was as effective as at any other time! It's your time to manifest! Arise! Shine! For your light is come and the glory of God is risen upon you!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

Monday 10 August 2015

Persist!

#SpiritAndLifeDevotional 
Monday, August 10
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Persist!

"But He answered her not a word. And His disciples came and urged Him, saying, 'Send her away, for she cries out after us.'" Matthew 15:23 NKJV

I love the story of the Gentile woman: her daughter was demon-possessed and she wanted Jesus to heal her. But Jesus ignored her! Imagine that for a moment: some of us would have gotten angry and called Him names. Not only was she ignored, the disciples asked Jesus to send her away! So she was ignored and rejected; that was enough reason for her to quit. But she didn't! Jesus finally responded, but only to further discourage her, He made it clear that she wasn't qualified for a miracle; He even called her a dog! So she was ignored, rejected, made to feel unqualified and even inferior! Yet, that woman refused to give up! Instead, it was Jesus who gave up, He said to her, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour! Hallelujah!

When you want something, don't always think that it will be given to you on a platter of gold; sometimes, when you embark on a project, you might not achieve your goals at first, you may fail, the resources you need may not be readily available, people may disappoint you; there may be lots of bottlenecks; people may not be willing to approve your request... Maybe you've written a particular exam several times and you've made up your mind to quit... I've got just one word for you today: Persist! Don't be the first to quit, it may take a while but if you really want it you will get it eventually. You will not be denied in Jesus name. Amen.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Sunday 9 August 2015

Sheaves To The Threshing Floor

#SpiritAndLifeDevotional 
Sunday, August 9
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Sheaves To The Threshing Floor

Then I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, so that he will pursue them; and I will gain honor over Pharaoh and over all his army, that the Egyptians may know that I am the Lord.” And they did so. 
Exodus 14:4 NKJV

If Pharaoh had known he would not have pursued the Israelites; he gathered his best soldiers and chariots to chase and recapture the Israelites not knowing that they were being set up for destruction.

Understand how God operates: Micah 4:11-12 says, "Now also many nations have gathered against you, who say, 'Let her be defiled, and let our eye look upon Zion.' But they do not know the thoughts of the Lord, nor do they understand His counsel; for He will gather them like sheaves to the threshing floor."

When you hear that certain people have gathered, or are conspiring against you, that's not the time to panic! Understand at that point what's going on; they have been brought together as sheaves to the threshing floor! The psalmist said, "Why do the nations rage, and the people plot a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against His anointed. He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; the Lord shall hold them in derision. Then He shall speak to them in His wrath, and distress them in His deep displeasure." Victory is yours, in the name of Jesus!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

Saturday 8 August 2015

Life With The Holy Spirit

#SpiritAndLifeDevotional 
Saturday, August 8
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Life With The Holy Spirit

"And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby), that He may remain with you forever."
John 14:16 AMP

We used to sing that the Spirit of the Lord in our hearts is something more than gold! The truth is that nothing on earth can be compared to having the Holy Spirit within us; there's nothing and no one more precious, more costly and more beautiful!

People often wonder what it would be like for Jesus to be on earth physically, we often wish we were alive in His day; but that's not necessary, because the Holy Spirit is here, not only with us, but in us, and He's just like Jesus! Permit me to say, that Jesus was "nothing" without the Holy Spirit! Until the Spirit of God descended upon Him He did nothing on His own. John 3:34 says that God did not give Him the Spirit by measure.

If Jesus needed the Holy Spirit, then we need Him much more! The good news is that He has already been given, all we have to do is to receive Him. And after receiving Him, we must learn to fellowship with Him intimately. Look at what He is: a Comforter, Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby! Life with the Holy Spirit is heaven on earth! Hallelujah!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

Friday 7 August 2015

All-round Prosperity

#SpiritAndLifeDevotional 
Friday, August 7
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

All-round Prosperity

3 John 1.2 "Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers."

To prosper is to be successful. It is to do well. When we talk about prosperity what often comes to mind is financial prosperity, but God has something bigger in mind. When God talks about prosperity, He's talking about all-round prosperity. One without the other is incomplete.

Achieving all-round prosperity is easy. Yeah! God said to Joshua, "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." It's that simple!

Decide today to enjoy an all-round prosperity, because it's God's will for your life. Prosper in your career; prosper in business; prosper financially; prosper healthwise; prosper in your relationships; prosper materially; and of course, prosper spiritually. For just three months the Ark of God was in the house of Obed-Edom, and God blessed everything that belonged to him! Wouldn't God do much more for you who have accommodated Him in your life? Of course, He will! You are blessed in the name of Jesus! And your prosperity will be evident to all! Amen!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

All-round Prosperity

#SpiritAndLifeDevotional 
Friday, August 7
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

All-round Prosperity

3 John 1.2 "Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers."

To prosper is to be successful. It is to do well. When we talk about prosperity what often comes to mind is financial prosperity, but God has something bigger in mind. When God talks about prosperity, He's talking about all-round prosperity. One without the other is incomplete.

Achieving all-round prosperity is easy. Yeah! God said to Joshua, "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." It's that simple!

Decide today to enjoy an all-round prosperity, because it's God's will for your life. Prosper in your career; prosper in business; prosper financially; prosper healthwise; prosper in your relationships; prosper materially; and of course, prosper spiritually. For just three months the Ark of God was in the house of Obed-Edom, and God blessed everything that belonged to him! Wouldn't God do much more for you who have accommodated Him in your life? Of course, He will! You are blessed in the name of Jesus! And your prosperity will be evident to all! Amen!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

Thursday 6 August 2015

Safe In The Tower

#SpiritAndLifeDevotional 
Thursday, August 6
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Safe In The Tower

Judges 9.51 "But there was a strong tower in the city, and all the men and women—all the people of the city—fled there and shut themselves in; then they went up to the top of the tower."

The Bible says that Abimelech went to Thebez, encamped against the city and actually took it. But within the city, there was a strong tower where all the people fled to for safety. It was a strong and high tower: the Bible says that they all went to the top of the tower. Abimelech attacked the tower, but there, he met his waterloo.

Proverbs 18.10 says "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe." Hallelujah!

I don't know who or what is troubling you; don't know who's chasing you, harassing you, victimizing you, or fighting you with every power they've got; it might even be a reoccurring sickness or disease; brothers and sisters, the name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe! When the apostles were threatened, they went to their company and reported, and they all raised their voice to God with one accord: they said, "Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.” And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness! Glory to God!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Wednesday 5 August 2015

Alive In Christ

#SpiritAndLifeDevotional 
Wednesday, August 5
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Alive In Christ

1 John 4.9 "In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him."

Jesus said, "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." You want to know how terrible Satan really is? Study what he did to Job: in one day, Job who was one of the wealthiest men in his generation, lost everything! In just a day, Satan destroyed his oxen, his sheep, his camels, his servants, killed his children, and later took his health! That's how mean Satan really is! But, glory to God! Jesus came that we might live to the full! He came, not just to restore what was stolen, He gives us brand new life! Hallelujah!

Romans 6.23 says that the wages of sin is death. So while we were sinners, it was okay to experience death in any area of our lives. But if any man be in Christ, old things have passed away! It means that death has passed away! Come on! Nothing should be dead anymore! Your health, your finances, your relationships, your body, your business, career, etc, ought to be alive! Ephesians 2.1 says, "And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins!" The life in your spirit ought to invigorate every other area of your life!

I am alive in Christ! I disallow death in my life! Just as Jesus said, Satan has nothing in me! Everything pertaining to me is alive! I have life in abundance! Yes! Glory to God! Be healed in the name of Jesus! Be delivered in the name of Jesus! Rise up and walk in the name of Jesus! Your health is revived, your businesses, your joy, your financial condition are being revived now, in the name of Jesus! Amen!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

Tuesday 4 August 2015

You Are Coming Out

#SpiritAndLifeDevotional 
Tuesday, August 4
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

You Are Coming Out

Acts 5.19-20. "But at night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, 'Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life.”

Many signs and wonders were being done through the hands of the apostles; believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes gathered from the surrounding cities, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed. Then the high priest and Sadducees rose up, and they were filled with indignation, and laid their hands on the apostles and put them in prison.

You see, when you're small, average, doing nothing significant, no one cares, they may not even notice you. But when big things begin to happen, when they notice that you've got a great destiny, then they begin to come after you, they try to extinguish your fire and stop your momentum. But they will fail in Jesus name!

The apostles were put in prison, but at night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out. Hallelujah! Maybe you're in some kind of prison right now; it could be an unpleasant situation; a precarious condition; maybe you have been limited in some way; I've got good news for you, God has given His angels charge over you; you are coming out, in the name of Jesus! They were brought out at night: those that put them in prison were asleep; they could not stop them from coming out. Nothing will stop you from coming out, in Jesus name. Say Amen!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Monday 3 August 2015

Doing His Will With Joy

#SpiritAndLifeDevotional 
Monday, August 3
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Doing His Will With Joy

Psalm 40.8 "I delight to do Your will, O my God, and Your law is within my heart.”

"A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go, work today in my vineyard.’ He answered and said, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he regretted it and went. Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, ‘I go, sir,’ but he did not go."

Thank God that the first one went eventually. Thank God that he regretted his previous action. What's your response to the will of God? What's your reaction to His will? How swift are you in doing the will of God? What's your attitude to the word of God that you hear? David said he delighted to do the will of God. He took joy in doing God's will; he was always happy to do His will.

Jesus said His food was doing the will of God for His life. That's how passionate and committed He was to doing the will of God. What if doing the will of God was really food, would you be full or hungry? Some of us are always busy; I just hope we're busy doing, not our own will or the things we want to do, but His. Know God's will for your life and for your daily living; know God's will concerning everything you're involved in; decide today to always do His will; do it with joy! Hallelujah!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Sunday 2 August 2015

On Tithing: A MESSAGE TO THE CHURCH

On Tithing  (6)

A MESSAGE TO THE CHURCH 
(TIME TO CHANGE)
Sunday, August 2
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

There's an interesting story in the Bible, in 1 Samuel 30. Ziklag, the town where David and his men resided, was attacked in their absence. The town was burned with fire; and their wives and children were captured. David inquired of the Lord, 'Shall I pursue this troop? Shall I overtake them?' And He answered him, 'Pursue, for you shall surely overtake them and without fail recover all.' David and six hundred of his men set out to recover their families and property: but by the time they got to Brook Besor, two hundred of them were so tired that they couldn't continue in the chase. The other four hundred went with David, and as God had told David, they recovered all that was stolen from them.

Then there was a problem: after their victory, the two hundred men who were tired and stayed back at the Brook went forth to meet David and the people that were with him, and David saluted them. Quickly, some of the men who went to war said, "Because they went not with us, we will not give them ought of the spoil that we have recovered, save to every man his wife and his children, that they may lead them away, and depart." David said, "Ye shall not do so, my brethren, with that which the Lord hath given us, who hath preserved us, and delivered the company that came against us into our hand. For who will hearken unto you in this matter? but as his part is that goeth down to the battle, so shall his part be that tarrieth by the stuff: they shall part alike." And it was so from that day forward, that he made it a statute and an ordinance for Israel unto this day.

The Bible called those who made the suggestion not to give anything to the two hundred men "wicked men and men of Belial". I dare say that some of us in the Church of Jesus Christ have been acting like those "wicked men and men of Belial" by denying certain members of their churches recommendations, privileges and positions because of what they give and do not give. It is so wrong, even though it has been done for quite a long time. Many ministers don't realize the damage we have done to the faith of a lot of people because of our greed and lust for money. The time for the reformation of the Church is now!

I've written and published articles on tithing in the past few days, and I encourage you to read them; let me conclude with these words,

Don't use tithes to determine a person's membership of a church

Don't use tithes to determine if a person qualifies for assistance by the church

Don't use tithes to determine if a person qualifies for leadership

Don't keep records of people's tithes for the wrong reasons.

Don't judge and condemn people who don't tithe.

Don't lie to people that they will go to hell if they don't tithe

Don't tell people that they will experience financial hardships if they don't tithe

Don't accord special privileges to people who pay tithes

Don't call God's children thieves.

Don't promise people miracles if they pay tithes. Jesus, the Apostles and even prophets in the Old Testament didn't do that. Miracles can never be bought or paid for. People in Bible days didn't pay tithes in order to receive miracles from God.

Stop praying special prayers for those who tithe. God is not partial.

Stop calling God's children cursed. Jesus has redeemed us from the curse of the Law!

Stop compelling people to give anything.

Stop manipulating people

Be loving.

Teach the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God.

Don't be ignorant of the truth.

Some people have no business opening churches but they have done so because of their desire to receive tithes, especially. May God have mercy on us all.

Amen!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Hope Beyond This Life

#SpiritAndLifeDevotional 
Sunday, August 2
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Hope Beyond This Life

1 Thessalonians 4.18 "Therefore comfort one another with these words."

The Early Church used to pray for the early return of Christ (unlike some of us today who don't want Him back yet); they used the word, Maranatha, meaning, "Come, Lord Jesus". It was more than a greeting, it was an expression of hope, a desire within them to be with the Lord, and a constant reminder too, that the Lord was going to return to take them to forever be with Him.

1 Corinthians 15.19 says that "If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable." But we have hope beyond this life! We know that whether we die before the second coming of Christ, or whether we are still here by the time He comes, we would be united with Him Who we love and adore. And that's why even when we lose our loved ones in Christ, we do not mourn as though they are gone forever, we know it's only a temporal separation, therefore, we are comforted and are hopeful.

1 Thessalonians 4.16-17 says, "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." That's exciting! That we someday, soon, we shall always be with the Lord! Hallelujah!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

Saturday 1 August 2015

DON'T LEARN TITHING FROM JACOB

On Tithing  (5)

DON'T LEARN TITHING FROM JACOB 
Saturday, August 1, 2015
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

SELECTIVE PERCEPTION/SIGHT

Genesis 28.20-22 "And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on, so that I come again to my father's house in peace; then shall the Lord be my God: and this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God's house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee."

Selective perception is the tendency not to notice and more quickly forget stimuli that causes emotional discomfort and contradicts our prior beliefs. A lot of people have this problem. You know, the tithe is mostly monetary today, and you know the power of money - so when people read the Bible about tithes, because it's money, they don't notice other important details in the Bible.

Notice this when you read Genesis 28:20-22, Jacob said that the Lord would be His God only if He kept and provided for Him. Jacob was obviously an unbeliever as at the time he made that statement. That statement was made the same time and under the same circumstances as with his vow to tithe. Why don't people notice that? Selective sight!

CONDITIONAL WORSHIP, CONDITIONAL WORSHIP, CONDITIONAL LOVE

Here's the point that we are slow to understand, especially when we use this story of Jacob to teach about tithing: Should serving God be conditional? Should giving to God be conditional? Jacob spent over twenty years with Laban, assuming he eventually fulfilled his vow, it means he paid tithes only once in about twenty years.

You see, we don't decide to serve God or to give to Him because of whatever He gives to us. Because He has actually given us, and done everything for us! By sending Jesus to die for us, God took care of our protection, prosperity, salvation, deliverance, healing, and every other thing, once and for all! Jesus said, "It is finished!"

In 2 Corinthians 8.1-5, Paul said about the Macedonians, "Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God."

Unlike Jacob who was going to serve God and give a tithe to God if God protected and provided for him, the Macedonians gave and were willing to give even more despite the fact that they were paupers. And notice again, that they were not giving just a certain percentage of their earnings, but "according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability".

WHAT GOD CARES ABOUT

I pray you catch this truth! In the New Testament, God is not worried about whether we're giving Him a tenth; instead He's looking at the heart with which we give to Him, according to our abilities. 2 Corinthians 9.7 says, "So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver."

GIVING IN MEASURES

Jesus said, "Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” Luke 6:38

It's both English and mathematics: according to the words of Jesus, if we limit our giving to a tenth, then we'll receive tenfold blessings! Right? Paul said, "But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully." That's true, you'd reap according to the measures you sow.

GIVING WITH A RIGHT ATTITUDE

But despite that, God is not particular about the measures we give, He said, "So let each one give as he purposes in his heart." You choose in the New Testament what you want to give to God, and as long as it's with a right attitude, God will accept it. Give to God knowing that He "is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work."

Hallelujah!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

No Need To Worry

#SpiritAndLifeDevotional 
Saturday, August 1
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

No Need To Worry

Someone asked, "Can someone just be worried but you don't know the reason, you are just bothered, what does that person do?"

Jesus said to Martha, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things." There are people like Martha, they worry themselves about a lot of issues, including those that don't even concern them! They are just too nice, they want everything to go as planned, they want everything to be in place and ready on time, they just want to be sure that there are no issues whatsoever. The problem with them though, is that they often get in the driver's seat when God should be the one in control.

There's another set of people, the fearful ones. Their own worry is a result of fear: they worry about losing their jobs, losing their lives, losing their health, losing their family, losing their business, etc. These people should stop watching the news! The bad news affects them: the news about the economy, the security situation, the condition of infrastructures, and so on.

Then there's this last set of people; they've got little or nothing, they are paid poorly, and yet there are so many bills; these set of people are not sure of the next meal, yet they have dependants; they fear falling sick, because there's no means of taking care of themselves if they do.

Brothers and sisters, whatever your situation, I assure you that there's no need to worry! There's no reason at all for you to be anxious about anything! Why? Because you have a Father who cares for you! Know His love for you and the extent of His power. He's an ever present help in time of need! He knows what you need, and He is willing and able to supply them all!

Welcome to August! We hereby declare it to be a worry free month! You will see God at work in your life, in Jesus' name. Amen.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56