Thursday 31 December 2015

Prophetic Declarations for the Month of December 2015

Prophetic Declarations for the Month of December 2015

I shall not faint in the day of adversity; everyday, my strength is growing more and more by the power of the Holy Spirit, and I am enjoying all the benefits of being in fellowship with other brethren in Christ.

Every promise of God concerning me, my health, my job and business, my family and my ministry shall come to pass in the name of Jesus. The eyes of my understanding are opened to see them and as I believe God for them, nothing will hinder them from manifesting, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

In the name of Jesus, I shall finish my race with joy. No turning back, no looking back; Gods grace is sufficient for me.

I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. I am divinely enabled to do all that God wants me to do. I can do all that the word of God says I can do.

My life is filled with heavenly light; I will never live in the dark. From this moment, every form of darkness is banished from my life in the name of Jesus.

Jesus became poor so that through His poverty I might be rich. Therefore in the name of Jesus I am becoming rich and growing wealthier every day. There is peace and prosperity in my house.

Jesus was mocked for my sake therefore I shall never be mocked. Today, I receive my liberty from every embarrassing situation of life in the name of Jesus. Amen.

I was raised up and I am seated together with Christ in the heavenly places far above principalities and powers. I receive the spirit of wisdom and revelation and I am becoming more aware of who I am and my authority in Christ.

I am a child of the covenant keeping God. And based on Gods new covenant with us, my peace, success and salvation are guaranteed in Jesus name. Amen.

From today, I delight myself in the Lord and I am receiving the desires of my heart.

I am more valuable to God than anything else in the world; I am the child of the Most High God.

I am a kingdom builder, and like Jesus I am going about doing good because the love of God is shed abroad in my heart by the Holy Spirit.

From today I am living a blameless life; I wrong no one and cheat no one. I am a man or woman of integrity and everything I do brings glory to God.

In me is the ability to be fruitful and to multiply. Everything I do from today is fruitful, multiplying and bringing forth abundantly. Whatsoever I do prospers; no death, no stagnation in my life in the name of Jesus.

The grace of God is sufficient for me, and His strength is made perfect in my weakness. His grace is sufficient for the assignment He has given to me, and as I wait upon the Lord my strength is renewed day by day.

I am ruling over every oppressor in my life in the name of Jesus. Amen.

I received not the spirit of the world but the Spirit of God and daily I am becoming aware of all the things that have been freely given unto me. From today I am walking into every door that God has already opened unto me.

My steps are directed by the Lord, I am always at the right place at the right time.

I am not a victim of the wicked; I am delivered from all wickedness.

The wisdom of God is at work in me. I am getting wiser, doing the things God wants me to do, I am doing the things that are pleasing unto God; and as I do them, nothing shall hinder my blessings.

I am a victor and not a victim, and I am functioning with my God given authority.

God is loading me with benefits everyday and I am grateful. Morning by morning new mercies I see. My family and I are beneficiaries of the grace and mercies of God.

My mouth brings me blessings and not curses, and as I declare the right words my destiny shall be beautiful and blessed. My mouth will never put me in trouble in Jesus name.

I am helped by prophecy. As I hear the word of God, my life is being built up and I succeed in all I do.

I was born to do the will of God therefore I do the will of God every day just as Jesus did. I shall fulfill Gods purposes for my life in Jesus name. Amen.

I am not a forgetful hearer. I am giving earnest heed to the word of God and it is producing results in my life. I shall never drift away in Jesus name.

Its never late for me to have the best; it is never over, great things shall happen to me even now, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

I am putting on the whole armour of God and I am standing against every wile of the devil. The word of God dwells richly in me and as I speak it I am victorious in life.

My character is becoming better as I yield myself to the discipline of the Holy Spirit.

Today I pray for everyone who is not born again and for Christians living in sin. We claim their souls for God and snatch them from the kingdom of darkness in the name of Jesus. I prophesy that their souls become good soil for the gospel and I decree that the veils of the devil be destroyed and that the light of the gospel shall shine on their hearts. Amen.

I am crossing over in grand style. My mind is alert and ready to receive every word that God has prepared for me today. The devil will not succeed in stealing my word, and I am mixing every word that I hear with faith in my heart, in Jesus name. Amen.

Special Prophetic Declarations For 2016

Special Prophetic Declarations For 2016

In 2016, the Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. In 2016, goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of the year. Throughout 2016, I shall be like the field that the Lord has blessed. The lines shall fall unto me in pleasant places; I am like a tree by the river, bringing forth fruit in due season and whatever I do shall prosper. Promotion is mine in 2016; success is mine; joy is mine; fulfilment is mine, long life is mine, in the name of Jesus! No begging in 2016! No borrowing in 2016! No embarrassments and insults in 2016!

In 2016, God is granting the desires of my heart. My God-given dreams and visions shall come to pass in due time, nothing shall hinder them, in the name of Jesus. In 2016, I live a life well pleasing unto God. In 2016, I shall enjoy good health. Whoever gathers against me and my family in 2016 shall scatter and fall! I enjoy divine protection throughout 2016 in Jesus name. No weapon fashioned against me shall prosper!

I decree and declare that my going out and my coming in shall be blessed. I decree peace at my working place; I decree prosperity at my working place; I decree favour at my working place, in the name of Jesus! My business grows exceedingly in 2016; when others shall say that there is a casting down, I decree that there shall be a lifting up! Abraham's blessings are mine! There shall be no loss, in the name of Jesus! My eyes are anointed to see excellent things; my mind is anointed to think excellent thoughts; I function with a spirit of excellence from the beginning of the year until the end of the year. Everyone who sees me shall call me blessed! Men will only celebrate with me in the name of Jesus!

In 2016, God's grace is sufficient for me. I will succeed where others fail. In 2016, I shall abound unto every good work: abundance is mine! In 2016, it shall be well with my family, my state and my nation. Neither I nor my family, members and friends shall be victims of any evils in the land in the name of Jesus! I am free of every unnecessary weight in the name of Jesus. I am not a victim of evil relationships in the name of Jesus. In 2016, all my steps shall be ordered by the Lord and my speech shall be ordered by the Lord.

In the name of Jesus! Amen!

God Has A Word For You

Spirit & Life Devotional
Thursday, 31 December 2015
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

God Has A Word For You

"Then the Lord took me as I followed the flock, and the Lord said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to My people Israel.’" Amos 7:15 NKJV

The year ends today, you made it, congratulations! To God be the glory. He kept us from the beginning of the year until now. People died, but we're still alive; He blessed us, provided for us, protected us, He increased us and favoured us. He deserves our praises and thanksgiving.

I don't intend to preach to you today, just to announce to you that God has a word of prophecy for you today for the new year. I Thessalonians 5:20 says, "Do not despise prophecies." So don't. Be in church tonight and receive God's word for the new year.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Wednesday 30 December 2015

Time To Repent

Spirit & Life Devotional
Wednesday, 30 December 2015
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Time To Repent

"And they did not repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts." Revelation 9:21 NKJV

Two men heard a preacher preach the gospel, one was convicted and repented of his sins, the other felt he didn't need Jesus, he stood up and left, on his way home he was hit by a vehicle and died on the spot. Oh Lord! A final opportunity was given to him to repent, but he didn't.

This is for you who isn't born again; it's also for you Christian who's still living in sin; when are you going to stop? You've heard several messages on salvation and the need for repentance from the beginning of the year until now, what have you done with them? Are you going to enter into the new year like this?

Hebrew 3:15 & 15 says, "Exhort one another daily, while it is called 'Today,' lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 'Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.'" God is not willing that you should perish; please do not harden your heart; why perish when you can live? Sin only destroys, for the wages of sin is death. God wants to give you His life right now: Repent of your sins (Acts 2:38); believe that Jesus is the Son of God (Acts 8:37); confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord of your life, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead (Romans 9:10). Congratulations! You are saved! Please send me a message.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Tuesday 29 December 2015

Developing Great Character

Spirit & Life Devotional
Tuesday, 29 December 2015
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Developing Great Character

"But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel." Philippians 2:22 NKJV

Character, more than anything else will take you far in life. There are people who have risen high in life who crashed because they lacked good character. Talent and skills can only take you so far, character will establish you, open doors for you and keep you in the presence of greatness.

Bad character stinks! I have seen people get jobs and lose them because of bad character. You see, character is who you really are. Others can have their perceptions of who you are, but God looks at your character; your heart! Time for a character check: what's your character like? Until God makes you a man of great character, He can't do so much with you!

God desires to make us people of great character. And that's what the process is really about; the development of character. Romans 5:3-4 says, "And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope." May God make us people of great character in Jesus name. Amen.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Monday 28 December 2015

Holding The Sword Of The Spirit

Spirit & Life Devotional
Monday, 28 December 2015
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Holding The Sword Of The Spirit

"They all hold swords, being expert in war. Every man has his sword on his thigh because of fear in the night." Song of Solomon 3:8 NKJV

Ephesians 6:11-13 says, "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."

And one of the armour we're told to take is the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

You're not an expert in war until you hold your sword and know how to use it. And you know, when you go to war as an inexperienced and naive soldier, the chances of you returning alive are slim. No wonder a lot of Christians are perishing; for lack of knowledge; they are soldiers without their swords. Brothers and sisters, get to know the word of God, and be a consistent confessor of it. Speak it in the morning, afternoon and night; let the word of Christ dwell richly in you!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Sunday 27 December 2015

My Top 10 Most Inspirational Young People Of 2015

My Top 10 Most Inspirational Young People Of 2015

I know a few influential, rich, successful, powerful and important people who inspire me to dream big and to strive to attain greater heights, but nothing inspires me more than young persons who are hardworking and succeeding at what they do. There are many young persons in the world doing well, but some of these ones here are well known to me. I've observed some of them for years and they have consistently lived up to expectations. May you be inspired to dream, to work harder, to succeed and to be an inspiration to others around you.

Vera Akporeha
Creative Director, Vera Nora Couture
In her twenties, Vera is a multiple award winning fashion designer. Vera literally transformed her mother's sewing business into a multimillion Naira fashion company. She has offices in Warri and Port Harcourt Nigeria.

Nonye Ibeh
MD/CEO, Weaves & Clippers
Nonye has a passion for business. She started selling in junior secondary school, anything she could sell. Today, Nonye has several successful businesses.

Tolulope Thomas aka Tee Thom
Tee Thom is an inspiring young lady. In her early twenties, Tee Thom is a hardworking lady into events planning. Her works which she has done in several parts of the country speak for her.

Comrade Igwe Samuel Obinna
Comrade Igwe is a political activist. During the 2015 elections, Comrade Igwe earned my respect by advocating for change in Abia State. He is fearless and sincere. Till today, Comrade Igwe continues to advocate for good governance, equity and justice.

Akanbi Rachael
MD, Rolad Events Management
Based in Lagos, Rachael has trained several people in the use of Ankara and created jobs for many. Kudos!

Ijeoma Okeagu
MD, White Rabbit Favours
Ijeoma specialises in putting smiles on the faces of people through deliveries. Through radio, talks and other mediums, Ijeoma continues to bless lives. She's author of Everyone Needs To Dream. Her national Share A Smile Campaign this year was amazing.

Enobong Uche Abakasanga
Enobong Uche Abakasanga is using social media positively to inspire, guide and uplift thousands of people. Her post titled "Be patient with yourself" on the 5th of October this year blessed me tremendously.

Dr. Bukola Williams
Medical Doctor and Pastor, The Change Embassy Ministry Int'l, Abuja. Dr. Bukola Williams is a man with a divine mission and a message for the End-time Church. Hear ye him!

Linda Ikeji
Blogger. Who would have thought that a single lady in her thirties could buy a house worth over N600m in Banana Island? That's exactly what Blogger, Linda Ikeji achieved this year! And now everyone wants to be a blogger! What inspired me most was her message to young ladies. Like her or not, Linda Ikeji inspires me.

Iriogbe Idahota (Ota)
If you have just one person who believes in you, it's enough to be grateful for. Ota was there in the beginning when I started Spirit & Life Devotional. She supported me with her words of encouragement. And she has supported the printing of the hard copies with her N1,000 and N2,000 monthly. It's not much; I know she wishes to do more; but her financial support has been more than enough motivation for me to keep printing and dustributing free of charge hard copies of Spirit & Life devotional.

©Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim
December 27, 2015

Visit my blog for more ...
www.chinaemeremjoshuaibezim.blogspot.com

The End Is Always Better

Spirit & Life Devotional
Sunday, 27 December 2015
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

The End Is Always Better

"The end of a thing is better than its beginning; the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit." Ecclesiastes 7:8 NKJV

Remember when Jesus was invited for a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and they ran out of wine, and His mother asked Him to do something about it? Jesus turned water to wine, and when the master of the feast tasted the water that was made wine, he called the bridegroom, and said to him, “Every man at the beginning sets out the good wine, and when the guests have well drunk, then the inferior. You have kept the good wine until now!”

Here's the point: the good wine was kept until the end! Jesus did the miracle at the end! There was no need for a miracle until the end!

Don't tell me that it is too late for you to have the best! Don't tell me that the year has ended and that nothing extraordinary can happen again! Don't tell me that it is all over! We serve a God who does great, pleasant and beautiful things even at the end of the year! I prophesy to you in the name of Jesus, you will taste the best things even before the end of the year! The end of this year shall be better than the beginning of the year, in the name of Jesus! Amen.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Saturday 26 December 2015

Remembering His Words

Spirit & Life Devotional
Saturday, 26 December 2015
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Remembering His Words

"And they remembered His words." Luke 24:8 NKJV

Is it not interesting that the very people who were always with Jesus, with whom He even spoke with just a few days before He was crucified, forgot His words? How could they have forgotten those very important words of the Master? Or were they overcome by the pain of losing Him?

But aren't we all guilty of the same thing? I remember those days in Sunday School, students being unable to recite memory verses shortly after they are taught. That's why it's good to write. And thank God that we have the written word of God with us, so that we can always go back to it and read what it says.

Hebrews 2:1 says, "Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip." The New King James Version says, "Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away." You see, when we forget His words there's a more important risk; the risk of us drifting away. We will not drift away in Jesus name. Amen.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Friday 25 December 2015

Born To Do The Will Of God

Spirit & Life Devotional
Friday, 25 December 2015
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Born To Do The Will Of God

"Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come — in the volume of the book it is written of Me — to do Your will, O God.’" Hebrews 10:7 NKJV

Merry Christmas!

Today we celebrate the first coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Hallelujah! It's certainly one to celebrate because of what His coming accomplished for us; He reconciled us back to us, delivered us from the devil, gave us eternal life, gave us hope and set us on high with Him in the heavens, far above all principalities and powers! Glory to God!

Jesus is coming again! Yes He is, and we are earnestly looking forward to the day of His return. He is coming to take us home! Oh! I can't wait! He went to prepare a place for you and I! He that will come, will come and will not tarry. Amen.

But when He came the first time, He said that He came to do the will of God. That's my focus today. You see, just like Jesus, God has a purpose for your life. There's no man, woman or child without a purpose: we've got to find it, and make fulfilling it our sole priority. And that's what true success is about; doing the will of God for our lives. We may succeed at other things but if we don't succeed in this, we would have failed at the end of our time here. We will not fail in Jesus name.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Thursday 24 December 2015

Inspired By Prophecy

Spirit & Life Devotional
Thursday, 24 December 2015
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Inspired By Prophecy

"So Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and Jeshua the son of Jozadak rose up and began to build the house of God which is in Jerusalem; and the prophets of God were with them, helping them." Ezra 5:2 NKJV

The Bible says that the prophet Haggai and Zechariah, prophesied to the Jews in the name of the God of Israel, who was over them. So Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and Jeshua the son of Jozadak rose up and began to build the house of God which is in Jerusalem; and the prophets of God were with them, helping them.

In other words, it was the prophecy of the prophets that inspired the men to build; without prophecy they may not have risen up to build. That's how important and powerful prophecy is; yet a lot of people don't seem to understand how it affects their lives and even destinies.

You've got to endeavour, as much as you can, to always be where you can receive a word from God. You see, the prophecy doesn't have to be about you, in other words, your name doesn't have to be called before the prophecy is beneficial to you; God's word will always produce results under any circumstances when believed and acted upon. And that's why it's important for you to always use these devotionals; they will always inspire you both to do and to accomplish great things for God and yourself. Amen.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Wednesday 23 December 2015

Your Mouth And Your Destiny

Spirit & Life Devotional
Wednesday, 23 December 2015
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Your Mouth And Your Destiny

"And in their mouth was found no deceit, for they are without fault before the throne of God." Revelation 14:5 NKJV

Apostle James said something very important in James 3:2; he said, "For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body."

You can immediately see from the above how important it is to be mindful of the things we say with our mouths, and how our words are affecting our destinies. It is safe to say that a man's mouth will send him to either heaven or hell. Revelations 14:5 says that people were deemed to be faultless because there was no deceit found in their mouths!

A man's words are a reflection of his true spiritual condition. Nothing reveals who a man really is like his words. There are people who have been discovered after acting nicely in public when the words they spoke in secret were exposed. Jesus said that, "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things." (Matthew 12:35). How does he bring forth the good or evil things? Through his mouth; for out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Tuesday 22 December 2015

Praise The Lord

Spirit & Life Devotional
Tuesday, 22 December 2015
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Praise The Lord

"O Lord, You are my God. I will exalt You, I will praise Your name, for You have done wonderful things; Your counsels of old are faithfulness and truth." Isaiah 25:1 NKJV

We sang a song back then, "Praise the Lord, my spirit, soul and body (4 times), shout hallelujah!"

God is so good! Every day He loads us with benefits and He blesses us. Morning by morning, new mercies we see. It's by His mercy and grace that we are still alive! There are so many things that God does for us that we are unaware of. He protects our loved ones; He provides for us; He cares for us; He heals us; promotes us; elevates us; and He is with us always!

God has done too much for us since the beginning of the year. Some of us got promotions, got married or engaged, started new businesses, had children, acquired new property, moved to new locations, traveled out of the country; God made it possible for us to pay all our bills; He delivered us from shame.

What shall I render? 
What shall I render?
What shall I render to You, O Lord?
Only to praise Your name,
And shout hallelujah,
What shall I render to You, O Lord?

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Monday 21 December 2015

All Authority

Spirit & Life Devotional
Monday, 21 December 2015
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

All Authority

"And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, 'All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.'" Matthew 28:18 NKJV

The other day, there was a picture of the governor of Lagos State, Nigeria, arresting a driver of a commercial bus for a traffic offence. That could happen because the governor is authorized by the constitution and the law to do that, even though he's not a trained law enforcement agent. He can exercise that authority within Lagos State, and after his tenure in office he ceases to have such authority over other citizens. He is empowered by the office he occupies.

The above should help you understand the authority that Jesus has. The Bible says that God has highly exalted Jesus to seat at His right hand, and given Him a name that is above every other name! You see, there are several authorities, but they are all subject to Christ! In heaven, on earth, and beneath the earth, every one bows to Him! Hallelujah!

Now, the Bible says that we, I mean the Church, are seated together with Him in heavenly places far above principalities and powers! In other words, we can function with His authority, being an extension of Him here on earth! Do you understand that? No, you're not a victim; you've never been! Use that authority; resist the devil wherever you see him; undo his deeds; bring relief to people around you; take charge!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Sunday 20 December 2015

Caring For The Man Of God

Spirit & Life Devotional
Sunday, 20 December 2015
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Caring For The Man Of God

"So he said, 'What then is to be done for her?' And Gehazi answered, 'Actually, she has no son, and her husband is old.'” II Kings 4:14 NKJV

According to the Bible, there was a notable woman in Shunem who cared for Elisha the man of God; she started by making him food whenever he visited Shunem, then one day she said to her husband, “Look now, I know that this is a holy man of God, who passes by us regularly. Please, let us make a small upper room on the wall; and let us put a bed for him there, and a table and a chair and a lampstand; so it will be, whenever he comes to us, he can turn in there.”

Now, there's no way you would do something like that to a man and not provoke him to do something. One day, Elisha called her and asked, "What can I do for you?” She didn't even say her problem. Gehazi answered, “Actually, she has no son, and her husband is old.” Elisha called her back and prophesied, “About this time next year you shall embrace a son.” She conceived, and bore a son when the appointed time had come, of which Elisha had told her. Hallelujah!

Be wise! Recognize the gift that God has given to you. Don't do it just because you want something in return, do it because you appreciate the grace of God upon him. God will bless you as you do.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Saturday 19 December 2015

Deliverance From The Wicked

Spirit & Life Devotional
Saturday, 19 December 2015
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Deliverance From The Wicked

"So it was, whenever Israel had sown, Midianites would come up; also Amalekites and the people of the East would come up against them." Judges 6:3 NKJV

The Bible says that the Midianites were so cruel that the Israelites made hiding places for themselves in the mountains, caves, and strongholds. Whenever the Israelites planted their crops, marauders from Midian, Amalek, and the people of the east would attack Israel, camping in the land and destroying crops. They left the Israelites with nothing to eat, taking all the sheep, goats, cattle, and donkeys. And they stayed until the land was stripped bare. So Israel was reduced to starvation by the Midianites.

Isn't that wickedness? But the devil is wicked - he comes to steal, to kill and to destroy. And there are wicked people too, at work, school, and in other places; these people just want to ruin you. But they will not succeed in Jesus name.

When the Israelites cried out to the Lord for help, He delivered them. Your deliverance from every oppressor has come in the name of Jesus. Amen!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Friday 18 December 2015

The Steps Of The Godly

Spirit & Life Devotional
Friday, 18 December 2015
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

The Steps Of The Godly

"I have observed something else under the sun. The fastest runner doesn’t always win the race, and the strongest warrior doesn’t always win the battle. The wise sometimes go hungry, and the skillful are not necessarily wealthy. And those who are educated don’t always lead successful lives. It is all decided by chance, by being in the right place at the right time." Ecclesiastes 9:11 NLT

I don't think that the current vice president of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, ever thought that he would one day be the number two man in the country. Neither did the former president, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. There were men who wanted those positions desperately, but as God would have it, it was these men who were chosen.

It happens all the time; people try so hard, yes, they do get some reward for their efforts, but the guy who gets the best seems to be someone who came from nowhere as they say. Chance, Solomon said, is a major decider of success.

Being at the right place at the right time. You'll agree with me that it's not always within your control to be at the right place at the right time; that's why we must rely on God. Psalm 37:23 says that "The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives." And that's my prayer everyday; I don't believe in struggling, my trust is always in God to make things happen for me. Amen.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Thursday 17 December 2015

Knocking On Open Doors

Spirit & Life Devotional
Thursday, 17 December 2015
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Knocking On Open Doors

"Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God." I Corinthians 2:12 NKJV

I normally call my younger brother few meters to the house to open the gate; but I had left my phones in the house on that fateful day. So when I got to the gate, I horned but there was no response; I got down from the car, knocked, no response; I yelled his name, still no response; I got a small stone and knocked harder, still no response. I was getting frustrated, I pushed the gate and lo and behold it was open! It had been open all along! My brother left the gate open when he realized that I had left my phones at home.

Here's the question that came to mind immediately after that experience: how many believers are knocking on open doors every minute of the day?

There are things that have already been given unto us! We didn't have to do anything to earn them, they were given to us free of charge, by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ! I've not prayed for healing in over ten years! Why? Because I saw in the Scriptures that by His stripes I was healed! If I am already healed then I never need to ask Him for healing again! Hallelujah! You are healed, in Jesus name! Amen!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Wednesday 16 December 2015

Ruling Over Your Oppressors

Spirit & Life Devotional
Wednesday, 16 December 2015
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Ruling Over Your Oppressors

"Then people will take them and bring them to their place, and the house of Israel will possess them for servants and maids in the land of the Lord; they will take them captive whose captives they were, and rule over their oppressors." Isaiah 14:2 NKJV

God said that the Israelites would take them captive whose captives they were, and rule over their oppressors. That's talking about a reversal of roles.

Do you know that God can make you greater than your boss? Are you aware that God can make you many times bigger than your current employer or those you supply or patronize now, in a few years from now? My dear, it's very possible! And you won't be the first person; I've seen it happen again and again. People who served others in order to learn a trade or a skill have gone on to be bigger than their masters. Jesus is the only Master that we can't be greater than!

God said we would rule over our oppressors. Is anyone oppressing you right now? That's not what God promised: He said that we would rule over our oppressors! So shall it be in Jesus name! From today, I decree a turnaround in that situation, in Jesus name. Amen.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Tuesday 15 December 2015

His Grace Is Sufficient

Spirit & Life Devotional
Tuesday, 15 December 2015
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

His Grace Is Sufficient

"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." II Corinthians 12:9 NKJV

People have defined grace to mean several things; and yes, grace actually has several meanings: but here we are looking at grace as the strength and power of Christ.

If you are engaged in any activity; physical or spiritual, there's a tendency for you to get tired. It's not always easy to keep going on and on; that's why some people fall sick. I've been writing devotionals for years now, and people wonder how I've been able to continue, every day; I tell them that it's by the grace of God. When God gives you an assignment, He also gives the grace for it. That's why it's not good to just copy what you see people do, find out what God wants you to do because that's what He will give grace for.

Isaiah 49:30-31 says that "Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." Glory to God!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Monday 14 December 2015

Bringing Forth Abundantly

Spirit & Life Devotional
Monday, 14 December 2015
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Bringing Forth Abundantly

"And as for you, be fruitful and multiply; bring forth abundantly in the earth and multiply in it.” Genesis 9:7 NKJV

Everyone of us has in us what it takes to be fruitful and to multiply. If God asked us to be fruitful and to multiply; if He expects us to be fruitful and to multiply, then it means that when He made us, He put in us the ability to do so.

Especially when we are born again! And I'm not talking about just giving birth to children. It's part of it though; everything you are involved in ought to be fruitful and to multiply! You've got to have that mindset in you. If you have a shop for instance, you should be thinking fruitfulness and multiplication! Nothing about you should be stagnant or dead at all; you are to bring forth abundantly!

The Bible says that you are like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf does not wither; and whatever you do shall prosper! I am not the one saying it; God said AS FOR YOU, yes you; be fruitful and multiply; bring forth abundantly in the earth and multiply in it. Hallelujah! So shall it be, in Jesus name. Amen.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

Sunday 13 December 2015

Blameless

Spirit & Life Devotional
Sunday, 13 December 2015
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Blameless

"Open your hearts to us. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have cheated no one." II Corinthians 7:2 NKJV

I wonder how many of us can honestly say like Apostle Paul that we have not wronged anyone. Someone just said, "But nobody is perfect." I agree; but Paul was also imperfect! Yet he put it in writing, for every generation to see that he neither wronged nor cheated anyone!

Being Christians we've got to live by higher standards. Years ago, I was told about a pastor who was given money to purchase furniture for an office; it was a contract actually; and that pastor never bought the furniture! The man who told me the story, and I have heard a few other people say so too, said that it's better to do business with nonbelievers. That's too bad!

How then do we ask those same people to open their hearts to us? How then will they believe this gospel that we preach? Brothers and sisters; let's do our best to live blameless lives. In all that we say and do, let God be glorified.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Saturday 12 December 2015

What Are You Doing For God?

Spirit & Life Devotional
Saturday, 12 December 2015
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

What Are You Doing For God?

"Then Solomon determined to build a temple for the name of the Lord, and a royal house for himself." II Chronicles 2:1 NKJV

Solomon put God first: he determined to build a temple for God. How often do you take such decisions to do something for the Lord? When you think of the things that you need, do you also think of meeting the needs of the kingdom? You ought to. I'm not really talking about buying things for the church; it's good to do those things, but we should also remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 25:31-40:

“When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’ 'Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’"

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Friday 11 December 2015

You Are More Valuable

Spirit & Life Devotional
Friday, 11 December 2015
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

You Are More Valuable

"And at once Jesus gave them permission. Then the unclean spirits went out and entered the swine (there were about two thousand); and the herd ran violently down the steep place into the sea, and drowned in the sea." Mark 5:13 NKJV

A man with an unclean spirit, who dwelt among the tombs, met Jesus: the demons in the man begged Jesus earnestly that He would not send them out of the country. There was a large herd of swine feeding there so all the demons begged Him that He would send them to the swine. Jesus gave them permission. Then the unclean spirits, about two thousand of them, went out and entered the swine; and the herd ran violently down the steep place into the sea, and drowned.

Do you realize what happened? For the sake of one man, Jesus let two thousand swine of economic value perish in the sea; for the sake of one man Jesus let someone's profitable business suffer loss! That tells me that we are more valuable to God than anything else in the world! Hallelujah.

Being a child of God is a great privilege. There's nothing like having a God to Whom we matter most. Isaiah 43:3-4 says, "For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I gave Egypt for your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in your place. Since you were precious in My sight, you have been honored, and I have loved you; therefore I will give men for you, and people for your life." Wow! Glory to God!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Thursday 10 December 2015

Receiving The Desires Of Your Heart

Spirit & Life Devotional
Thursday, 10 December 2015
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Receiving The Desires Of Your Heart

"Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart." Psalms 37:4 NKJV

To delight in doing something is to get a lot of pleasure or enjoyment from it. So when the Psalmist spoke about delighting yourself in the Lord, he was talking about your love for God and your passion for the things of God.

How much do you love the Lord? How passionate are you about being in His presence? How excited are you about opportunities to work for Him? Do you spend time doing the things that please Him? Or are you always doing those things that grieve Him?

When a father is happy, he is motivated to give even without you having to ask him for anything. God is a like that too. You won't need to pray and fast much if you dedicate yourself to doing the things that excite Him. Yes, God has emotions too! Delight yourself in Him and He won't hesitate to give you the desires of your heart. Amen.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

Wednesday 9 December 2015

A Covenant Keeping God

Spirit & Life Devotional
Wednesday, 9 December 2015
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

A Covenant Keeping God

"And God said: 'This is the sign of the covenant which I make between Me and you, and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations." Genesis 9:12 NKJV

It's interesting that thousands of years since God spoke to Noah about not destroying the earth with water ever again, we still see the sign of the covenant, that is, the rainbow in the sky. It's noteworthy especially in a world like ours where we seldomly honour agreements with each other.

When God makes a covenant with a man, it doesn't expire when the man dies; if it's a covenant meant to last for all generations, you can be very sure that it will last for all generations. Psalms 105:8-10 says, "He remembers His covenant forever, the word which He commanded, for a thousand generations, the covenant which He made with Abraham, and His oath to Isaac, and confirmed it to Jacob for a statute, to Israel as an everlasting covenant." Hallelujah!

Are you aware that the covenants God made with Abraham, David and all the Israelites are nothing compared with the one He made with us in Christ? Hebrews 8:6 says that Christ is a Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises. Wow! This new covenant guarantees our forgiveness, deliverance, peace, success, and salvation! Hallelujah!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

Tuesday 8 December 2015

Understanding Positional Authority

Spirit & Life Devotional
Tuesday, 8 December 2015
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Understanding Positional Authority

"And raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus." Ephesians 2:6 NKJV

Here's how God's Word translation says it: "God has brought us back to life together with Christ Jesus and has given us a position in heaven with him." So you see, we have a position. And with positions come authority. Higher positions come with higher authority. You've got to understand this because it is very important. Understanding your position and the authority you have will make you a victor and not a victim. The Bible says that we share the same position with Christ, in other words, we have the same authority that He has!

Look at Paul's prayer for the Ephesians: "I pray that the glorious Father, the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, would give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know Christ better. Then you will have deeper insight... You will also know the unlimited greatness of his power as it works with might and strength for us, the believers. He worked with that same power in Christ when he brought him back to life and gave him the highest position in heaven. He is far above all rulers, authorities, powers, lords, and all other names that can be named, not only in this present world but also in the world to come. God has put everything under the control of Christ. He has made Christ the head of everything for the good of the church." Ephesians 1:20-22

Hallelujah! We are far above principalities and powers by virtue of the position we occupy in Christ!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

Monday 7 December 2015

Stronger Than Failure

Stronger Than Failure

"Failure is the state or condition of not meeting a desirable or intended objective, and may be viewed as the opposite of success."

I have not succeeded as much as I desire, but I have experienced failures quite a number of times to be able to talk about it.

I did not graduate with my colleagues from the university, I was not considered good enough for employment by two organizations, I closed my salon business after about a month, my bus had a fatal accident and was robbed overnight, twice at work people were brought to take over my position, I've been told that I'm not good enough, I've suspended fellowship twice or thrice, I've lost a huge sum of money, I've had to sell my personal car, I've had to borrow, I've written books that didn't sell, even my relationships have failed! I've failed God too.

I am obviously not where I want to be, but I am surely not where I was before! Every time I failed; yes I failed, but failure did not defeat me! I failed but I did not stay down; I failed but I did not even discuss my failures; I failed but not for once did I see myself as a failure! I retreated, reassessed, reanalyzed, restrategized, and I relaunched!

I am still here! I'm still serving God! I'm still writing and publishing books! I'm still working! I'm still on my seat! I'm still in ministry! I'm still doing business! I'm not indebted! I'm still moving! I'm still rising! I'm not afraid of failure! I AM STRONGER THAN FAILURE!

Be encouraged... You are stronger than failure!

©Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim
Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56
December 7, 2015

You Will Not Be Mocked

Spirit & Life Devotional
Monday, 7 December 2015
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

You Will Not Be Mocked

"Lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him." Luke 14:29 NKJV

You know, there are people who specialize in mocking others when something bad happens to them or when things are not going on well with them. The Bible says that Hagar despised Sarah her madam when she had a child and Sarah was barren; people mocked Job when he lost all he had; and Peninnah and her children mocked Hannah because she had no children.

Are you aware that Jesus was mocked? Yes, He was. After He was arrested, the soldiers and the Pharisees mocked Him. After they had beaten Him, they called together the whole garrison; clothed Him with purple; twisted a crown of thorns, put it on His head, and began to salute Him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” Then they struck Him on the head with a reed and spat on Him; and bowing the knee, they worshiped Him mockingly.

Jesus was mocked so you should never be mocked for the rest of your life! I speak to your life and your situation today, in the name of Jesus; God is setting you free from that situation that has always made people mock you! You will never be embarrassed again; you will finish whatever you start; and you will excel in all that you do, in Jesus name! Amen.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Sunday 6 December 2015

Peace And Prosperity

Spirit & Life Devotional
Sunday, 6 December 2015
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Peace And Prosperity

"May there be peace inside your walls and prosperity in your palaces.” Psalms 122:7 GW

I don't know of anyone who doesn't want to prosper especially in today's world. It actually seems to be what everyone is talking about these days. "Who no like better thing?" as we say in Nigeria.

The good news is that God wants us to prosper too! And not only that He wants to prosper us. The truth is that He has already done something concerning our prosperity: Jesus became poor so that we through His poverty might be rich! That's why He asked us to preach the gospel to the poor, so that they might become rich! Hallelujah!

The blessing of the Lord makes rich, and it comes without sorrow. God blesses, not just with prosperity, He blesses with peace also. You know, people say that the rich do not sleep because of the abundance of their possessions. Not when it was God who made you rich! Look at Job, even Satan testified that God made a hedge around Job and all that he had! I pray for you today in the name of Jesus: May there be peace and prosperity in your house. Amen.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

Saturday 5 December 2015

A Life Filled With Light

Spirit & Life Devotional
Saturday, 5 December 2015
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

A Life Filled With Light

"Jesus spoke to the Pharisees again. He said, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will have a life filled with light and will never live in the dark.'"John 8:12 GW

The Bible says that the earth was a very dark place in the beginning until God said, "Let there be light." When there was light, other things followed. Light had to come first before God began to recreate the then world that was without form.

Jesus is the light of the world. Hallelujah! There are so many people in the world in darkness. Matthew 4:15-16 talks about people which sat in darkness. Darkness symbolizes everything that is not good: sicknesses, diseases, poverty, confusion, worry, sadness, etc. If these people would come to Jesus, He would change their lives forever!

Are you genuinely saved? You should never be in the darkness; not even for a second! The word of God is the light; you must make using it a habit. It's a light that no form of darkness can withstand. John 1 says that the light shines in darkness and the darkness cannot comprehend it! Glory to God! Today, every form of darkness is banished from your life, in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

Friday 4 December 2015

Yes, You Can!

Spirit & Life Devotional
Friday, 4 December 2015
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Yes, You Can!

"As for the Jebusites, the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the children of Judah could not drive them out; but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Judah at Jerusalem to this day." Joshua 15:63 NKJV

Here's the instruction that God gave to the children of Israel: "When you have crossed the Jordan into the land of Canaan, then you shall drive out all the inhabitants of the land from before you, destroy all their engraved stones, destroy all their molded images, and demolish all their high places; you shall dispossess the  inhabitants  of the land and dwell in it, for I have given you the land to possess." (Numbers 33:50-53)

Now, if God asked them to drive out all the inhabitants of the land, it meant that they could drive them all out; it meant that with God working for them, they could drive them all out; God's word always comes with the ability to do whatever it says! But the Bible says that the Israelites could not drive out the Jebusites! Why? No, it's not that they could not; they did not try enough! Maybe they relied on their own strength; for by strength shall no man prevail.

Brothers and sisters, you can do whatever God's word says that you can do! It doesn't matter how difficult it seems; it doesn't matter how high that mountain is; it doesn't matter how many they are; neither does it matter how strong and tough they might be: you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you! Hallelujah!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Thursday 3 December 2015

None of These Things

Spirit & Life Devotional
Thursday, 3 December 2015
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

None Of These Things

"But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God." Acts 20:24 NKJV

It was Paul that made the statement. The Holy Spirit Himself testified in every city Paul went through, saying that chains and tribulations awaited him. Agabus, a prophet, even took Paul’s belt, bound his own hands and feet, and prophesied that the Jews would bind Paul, and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles. Everyone pleaded with him not to go to Jerusalem, but Paul answered, “What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”

Not even the probability of death could make Paul change his mind! But common rain makes some of us to change our minds! We will never inconvenience ourselves for the kingdom! We have ready excuses why we didn't do what we were supposed to do for God.

How many of us would still be Christians if we were seriously persecuted? But Paul said that none of those things moved him. I'm talking about making a decision to follow the Lord and not turn back; I'm talking about taking a stand; I'm talking about persevering even in the face of extreme difficulties and pressures to quit. God's grace is sufficient for you.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

Wednesday 2 December 2015

The Promise Is To You

Spirit & Life Devotional
Wednesday, 2 December 2015
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

The Promise Is To You

"For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” Acts 2:39 NKJV

God is not man that He should lie, or the son of man that He should repent. You know, we are told in Ecclesiastes 5:2 not be rash with our mouths, and not to let our hearts utter anything hastily before God. If God so counsels us, He is equally not expected to do so.

The promises of God in Christ Jesus are yes and amen! Read your Bible: it says that heaven and earth will pass away, but not one of His words will fail! Not one of His promises will fail! It may take a while; there are actually no delays with God, because He does things at the right times; but every word He has spoken will surely come to pass if we believe them.

And most interestingly, the Bible says, that the promise is for everyone! It's for you irrespective of your colour, your educational background, your occupation, or your gender. The promise is for your children too. Meaning that if you are living in health, your children should also live in health! The promise is for everyone, anywhere, everywhere! Hallelujah! Receive it now, in the name of Jesus!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

Tuesday 1 December 2015

Brothers - Born For Adversity

Spirit & Life Devotional
Tuesday, 1 December 2015
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Brothers - Born For Adversity

"Now when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his three hundred and eighteen trained servants who were born in his own house, and went in pursuit as far as Dan." Genesis 14:14 NKJV

God made the church a family. You see, we may be anything else in Christ, but more importantly you and I are brothers. You may not have biological brothers, or maybe they are not playing any vital roles in your life; the good news is that everyone in Christ is your brother; we are all connected by the blood of Jesus!

A brother is said to be someone you can depend on, and who you will do anything for. Brotherhood is more than just having the same surname or having the same blood running through your veins; no, it is a bond between people; it's a commitment. You will have a better understanding of brotherhood when you study about David and Jonathan: their commitment to one another continued to the next generation even after the death of Jonathan.

Proverbs 24:10 says that "If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small." But no one has to fail because Proverbs 17:17 says that a brother is born for adversity. No wonder the Bible says that two are better than one. I encourage you today to be an active member of church, and a unit or department in your church. By so doing, you will be able to enjoy all the benefits of brotherhood.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56