Tuesday 18 October 2016

Sin Is A Disgrace

Spirit & Life Devotional
Tuesday, 18 October 2016

Sin Is A Disgrace

"Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people." Proverbs 14:34 NKJV

Remember the woman caught in the act of adultery? She was disgraced: imagine being caught in the very act, and then dragged out of the bedroom, probably naked or half naked; out of the house, into the streets, being seen by many, being jeered at by men and women alike, with stones in their hands; that's a disgrace, the height of humiliation.

You say it's because she was caught; yes, but whether you are caught or not, you must realize that sin is hurting you in so many ways than you can ever imagine - physically and spiritually! All may seem to be well, but I assure you, sir and ma, that all is not well; you are being ruined by the sins you keep committing!

Listen, there's no escape from the effects of sin except through genuine repentance! Which means that you must confess it and forsake it! You can't be a sharp guy in this; there's no sharp guy: Numbers 32:23 says that your sin will find you out! Another translation says it will track you down! What's a greater disgrace, than being told on that day, depart from me you worker of iniquity, for I know you not? Oh my God! It will never be our portion in Jesus name! Amen!

Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim
Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

Monday 17 October 2016

Devoted To Prayer

Spirit & Life Devotional
Monday, 17 October 2016

Devoted To Prayer

"Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving." Colossians 4:2 NKJV

We read in 1 Timothy 4:13 that Paul wrote to Timothy, "Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine." Timothy was asked to devote himself to the word of God. Now, in Colossians 4:2 Paul gave a different instruction to the Colossians, asking them to devote themselves to prayer.

Brothers and sisters, if there's any one thing the Bible asks us to do continually, apart from love, it's to pray. Jesus said it, that men ought always to pray and not to faint. And Paul said in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, to pray without ceasing.

Our success as Christians, and especially as ministers (we are all ministers) depends largely on how devoted we are to prayer. Prayer must become a habit for us. Prayer must become as important as eating to us; it must become as important as our jobs and businesses! We must pray as if we don't pray we would die! Why pray? Because it produces results. James 5:16 says that "The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much."

Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim
Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

Saturday 15 October 2016

What Have You Done For The Lord?

Spirit & Life Devotional
Sunday, 16 October 2016

What Have You Done For The Lord?

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

Some people have been Christians for five, ten, fifteen, twenty years and more, and there's nothing significant that anyone can point to that they have done for God. What a life!

Notice that I didn't limit it to tangible things; if I did many would be found wanting. It's so bad. And it's not as if they have nothing to give, or nothing to do; they haven't just considered it as a priority: but these same people are first to make humongous demands from God! They haven't learnt the secret!

By the time Mary broke her alabaster box and emptied the very expensive perfume on Jesus, Jesus told everyone present that what she did would never be forgotten. Brothers and sisters, you won't need to be begging God every now and then to remember you and your family if you are wise enough to do something for Him that will touch His heart! Oh hallelujah! Hallelujah!! Hallelujah!!!

Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim
Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

The Salvation Of Your Loved Ones

Spirit & Life Devotional
Saturday, 15 October 2016

The Salvation Of Your Loved Ones

"For I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.’" Luke 16:28 NKJV

The destiny of everyone who dies without Christ is eternal damnation. Let me state it clearly; they will spend eternity in the Lake of fire that burns with fire and brimstone. There, there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Listen, you cannot be genuinely saved and be unconcerned about the salvation of your loved ones. The mere fact that they are loved ones means that you would do everything necessary to ensure that they do not perish. To watch them perish is proof that you do not love them!

Our loved ones will not go to hell in Jesus name. But it's not enough to pray for them, we must preach the gospel of salvation to them and intercede earnestly for them until everyone of them is saved. Brothers and sisters, the time is short; we must do what we've got to do now with a sense of urgency. God is not willing that anyone should perish; neither should we.

Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim
Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

Saturday 6 August 2016

You Are Not Useless!

Spirit & Life Devotional
Saturday, 6 August 2016

You Are Not Useless!

"Who once was unprofitable to you, but now is profitable to you and to me." Philemon 1:11 NKJV

Has anyone ever told you that you are useless? Have you been told that you are a mistake, that you are of no value where you are, and that you are a jerk? Brothers and sisters, they lied to you, do not believe such words about you!

Unfortunately, sometimes it's your spouse who makes you feel worthless; they treat you badly, talk to you rudely and look down on you; for some, it's your parents and siblings who should show you love. I don't care what others think about you, only two opinions about you are important: what God thinks about you and what you think about yourself!

Listen to me: in Christ you are as good as anyone else! Even if you were "useless" before, you are not anymore! In case you didn't know, the Bible says that God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise; He chose the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised He has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are! Know it today that you are very valuable and soon it shall be said about you, that the stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone; it is the Lord's doing and it is marvellous in our eyes! Hallelujah!

Prophetic Declaration:
I am who God says I am. I reject every satanic lie about who I am: I am somebody special!

Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim
Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

Friday 5 August 2016

Your Money And You

Spirit & Life Devotional
Friday, 5 August 2016

Your Money And You

"Those who trust in their wealth and boast in the multitude of their riches, none of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him." Psalms 49:6‭-‬7 NKJV

The problem with a lot of us is that we put our trust in money. You notice that you feel confident when you have a reasonable sum of money in your bank account; it's like you are secure. The truth is that it is a false sense of security. For some it's possessions; having lots of assets makes them feel safe: Jesus said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.” Luke 12:15

Don't get to the point where money becomes everything to you. Money should never be your sole or primary motivation in life. The truth is that it is wrong for us as believers to be crazy about money or anything else of this world, and it's time we told ourselves the truth. Many of us have been trying for years to serve two masters; and some find it hard to give, even to the poor, because it will seem as if a part of them is dying. What a shame.

Paul wrote to Timothy: "Give this command to those who are rich with the things of this world. Tell them not to be proud. Tell them to hope in God, not their money. Money cannot be trusted, but God takes care of us richly. He gives us everything to enjoy. Tell those who are rich to do good—to be rich in good works. And tell them they should be happy to give and ready to share. By doing this, they will be saving up a treasure for themselves. And that treasure will be a strong foundation on which their future life will be built. They will be able to have the life that is true life." 1 Timothy 6:17‭-‬19

Prophetic Declaration:
I declare today that my hope is in God alone. From today I am rich in good works, happy to give and ready to share. I am a blessing to my world.

Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim
Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

Thursday 4 August 2016

Dreams Journal

Dreams

A) God wants us to dream

‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams. Acts 2:17

B) Good and bad dreams

Then the butler and the baker of the king of Egypt, who were confined in the prison, had a dream, both of them, each man’s dream in one night and each man’s dream with its own interpretation. And Joseph came in to them in the morning and looked at them, and saw that they were sad. So he asked Pharaoh’s officers who were with him in the custody of his Lord’s house, saying, “Why do you look so sad today?” And they said to him, “We each have had a dream, and there  is no interpreter of it.” So Joseph said to them, “Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell them to me, please.” Then the chief butler told his dream to Joseph, and said to him, “Behold, in my dream a vine was before me, and in the vine were three branches; it was as though it budded, its blossoms shot forth, and its clusters brought forth ripe grapes. Then Pharaoh’s cup was in my hand; and I took the grapes and pressed them into Pharaoh’s cup, and placed the cup in Pharaoh’s hand.” And Joseph said to him, “This is the interpretation of it: The three branches are three days. Now within three days Pharaoh will lift up your head and restore you to your place, and you will put Pharaoh’s cup in his hand according to the former manner, when you were his butler. When the chief baker saw that the interpretation was good, he said to Joseph, “I also was in my dream, and there were three white baskets on my head. In the uppermost basket were all kinds of baked goods for Pharaoh, and the birds ate them out of the basket on my head.” So Joseph answered and said, “This is the interpretation of it: The three baskets are three days. Within three days Pharaoh will lift off your head from you and hang you on a tree; and the birds will eat your flesh from you.”
Genesis 40:5‭-‬13‭, ‬16‭-‬19 NKJV

C) Train your mind to think right thoughts

"For a dream comes through much activity..." Ecclesiastes 5:3

D) Acceptable Dreams

1) Dreams of a bright future

Now Joseph had a dream, and he told it to his brothers; and they hated him even more. So he said to them, “Please hear this dream which I have dreamed: There we were, binding sheaves in the field. Then behold, my sheaf arose and also stood upright; and indeed your sheaves stood all around and bowed down to my sheaf.” And his brothers said to him, “Shall you indeed reign over us? Or shall you indeed have dominion over us?” So they hated him even more for his dreams and for his words. Then he dreamed still another dream and told it to his brothers, and said, “Look, I have dreamed another dream. And this time, the sun, the moon, and the eleven stars bowed down to me.”
Genesis 37:5‭-‬9 NKJV

2) Dreams of ideas

“And it happened, at the time when the flocks conceived, that I lifted my eyes and saw in a dream, and behold, the rams which leaped upon the flocks were streaked, speckled, and gray-spotted. Then the Angel of God spoke to me in a dream, saying, ‘Jacob.’ And I said, ‘Here I am.’ And He said, ‘Lift your eyes now and see, all the rams which leap on the flocks are streaked, speckled, and gray-spotted; for I have seen all that Laban is doing to you.
Genesis 31:10‭-‬12 NKJV

3) Dreams of victory

And when Gideon had come, there was a man telling a dream to his companion. He said, “I have had a dream: To  my surprise, a loaf of barley bread tumbled into the camp of Midian; it came to a tent and struck it so that it fell and overturned, and the tent collapsed.” Then his companion answered and said, “This is nothing else but the sword of Gideon the son of Joash, a man of Israel! Into his hand God has delivered Midian and the whole camp.” And so it was, when Gideon heard the telling of the dream and its interpretation, that he worshiped. He returned to the camp of Israel, and said, “Arise, for the Lord has delivered the camp of Midian into your hand.”
Judges 7:13‭-‬15 NKJV

4) Dreams of Divine Direction

Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.”
Matthew 2:13 NKJV

5) Dreams of divine visitation

At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, “Ask! What shall I give you?” And Solomon said: “You have shown great mercy to Your servant David my father, because he walked before You in truth, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with You; You have continued this great kindness for him, and You have given him a son to sit on his throne, as it  is this day. Now, O Lord my God, You have made Your servant king instead of my father David, but I am a little child; I do not know how  to go out or come in. And Your servant is in the midst of Your people whom You have chosen, a great people, too numerous to be numbered or counted. Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?” The speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. Then God said to him: “Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked long life for yourself, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have asked the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice, behold, I have done according to your words; see, I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you. And I have also given you what you have not asked: both riches and honor, so that there shall not be anyone like you among the kings all your days. So if you walk in My ways, to keep My statutes and My commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.” Then Solomon awoke; and indeed it had been a dream. And he came to Jerusalem and stood before the ark of the covenant of the Lord , offered up burnt offerings, offered peace offerings, and made a feast for all his servants.
I Kings 3:5‭-‬15 NKJV

Prayer: Lord, from today, I am dreaming only acceptable dreams in the name of Jesus. I bring my mind in subjection to the word of God, I think only good and righteous thoughts in the name of Jesus. Satan get out of my mind in the name of Jesus! Satan stop messing with my mind in the name of Jesus!

Why We Should Pray For Our Leaders

Spirit & Life Devotional
Thursday, 4 August 2016

Why We Should Pray For Our Leaders

"Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence." I Timothy 2:1‭-‬2 NKJV

Have you noticed that murmurings rarely change those in authority? Someone complained that the Nigerian president has been appointing mostly northerners, that is, people of his own ethnic group: he said, "The more we complain the more northerners he appoints! He's not even listening." Well, this is not about the rightness or wrongness of his actions but to prove that murmurings and grumblings achieve little or nothing.

Understand how powerful rulers are: the Bible says concerning kings in Ecclesiastes 8:4, "His command is backed by great power. No one can resist or question it." Now, you may argue that we are in a democratic society and not under a monarchial rule, but experience has shown that those in authority are often like demigods who do as they please.

That's why we must pray! Prayer is talking to the King of kings about a king. Get it: Proverbs 21:1 says that "The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes." God is our best hope of changing situations and reversing unpleasant trends. That's why we must pray! The truth is that some leaders sometimes want to do good but are restrained by forces, physical and spiritual, too strong and powerful. Hence, we must support them with our prayers. If we do not pray, then we must also begin to see ourselves as being responsible for their failures.

Prophetic Declaration:
Father, according to Your word, we ask that You guide the hearts of our leaders to do only what is right and pleasing to You. Fill their hearts with Your wisdom, give them a heart for the people, make them bold and courageous to undertake projects and plans that will benefit the majority. We thank You because we know that You will do what we have asked, in Jesus name.

Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim
Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

Wednesday 3 August 2016

Labouring In The Lord

Spirit & Life Devotional
Wednesday, 3 August 2016

Labouring In The Lord

"Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, who have labored in the Lord. Greet the beloved Persis, who labored much in the Lord." Romans 16:12 NKJV

Some people are so lazy when it has to do with the work of God. Some even say things like, "I don't want to do anything in church"; "I don't want to be an active member". And some think that it's enough to just give offerings and other monies and do nothing else as if God is begging them for money.

People don't realize that Jesus was a workaholic. He worked so much that they often had to beg Him to eat! So how can you be following such a Leader and not try to be like Him?

There are different labours in the kingdom of God. You may wish to specialize in one or two, but be involved in as many as possible. Just because you sing is not enough reason not to evangelize. Do you understand? Sing, win souls, pray, give, teach the word, etc. Don't be a lazy believer. If you labour for God He will labour for you.

Prophetic Declaration:
I am a partner with God. I choose from this day to work hard in the kingdom of God. I am steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord because I know that my labour is not in vain.

Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim
Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

Tuesday 2 August 2016

Divine Change Of Name

Spirit & Life Devotional
Tuesday, 2 August 2016

Divine Change Of Name

"And he called his name Noah, saying, 'This one will comfort us concerning our work and the toil of our hands, because of the ground which the Lord has cursed.'” Genesis 5:29 NKJV

Names have a lot to do with destinies; whether names of places or persons. Terrible names have terrible effects on people, they are like prophecies hanging over a person; they follow him or her everywhere. That's why you must be careful about what people call you, whether it's a real name or nickname.

Jabez was so called because he was born in pain. Prophet Eli's daughter in law named her child Ichabod, meaning, “The glory has departed from Israel!” because the ark of God was captured and because of the deaths of her father-in-law and her husband. Rachel died as a result of labour pains; as she died, she named her baby boy Ben-Oni, meaning son of sadness; but his father Jacob, being a prophet changed the name immediately and called him Benjamin, meaning son of the right hand.

When Noah was born, things were difficult for men on earth in those days, but instead of them naming him according to their situation they said, 'This one will comfort us concerning our work and the toil of our hands'. Today, I reverse every negative impact your name or whatever you have been called in the past has had on you, and I declare that from now you are a blessing to your generation, in the name of Jesus! Today too, I decree a change of name for your family and your origin; no devilish name shall have effect on you henceforth, in the name of Jesus!

Prophetic Declaration:
I am free in the name of Jesus! I am a comforter to my family and everyone around me, in Jesus name. Amen.

Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim
Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

Monday 1 August 2016

What No Man Can Do

Spirit & Life Devotional
Monday, 1 August 2016

What No Man Can Do

"His clothes became shining, exceedingly white, like snow, such as no launderer on earth can whiten them." Mark 9:3 NKJV

I love the song by Ada titled, Only You. Only You can do, what no man can do
Only You can change, every situation at all
Only You are able, Daddy Only you are capable

The Bible says that Jesus' clothes became exceedingly white, whiter than anyone on earth could make them. I like the phrase: "It's the Lord's doing!" Wow! Psalms 126:1‭-‬3 says, "When the Lord brought back the captivity of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing. Then they said among the nations, 'The Lord has done great things for them.' The Lord has done great things for us, and we are glad."

I prophesy to you in the name of Jesus, that God will do for you what no man can do! In this month of August you will see the hand of God at work on your behalf! This shall be a month of gladness for you and your loved ones! Men will hear about what the Lord will do for you and they will testify on your behalf! Say Amen!

Prophetic Declaration:
This is my month of gladness. Whatever it is that has made me weep from January to July has expired in the name of Jesus! I shall see what no man can do in my life, my testimony shall be a global one!

Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim
Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

Sunday 31 July 2016

How Thirsty Are You?

Spirit & Life Devotional
Sunday, 31 July 2016

How Thirsty Are You?

"For I will pour water on him who is thirsty, and floods on the dry ground; I will pour My Spirit on your descendants, and My blessing on your offspring." Isaiah 44:3 NKJV

Jesus said, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled." It's clear from the words of Jesus who gets filled; those who are hungry and thirsty. You'll get little or nothing from God if you appear before Him full; you've got to appear before Him in need of more.

It's talking about the attitude with which we approach God. You know, there are people who go to church just to fulfill all righteousness; some go to church as a meeting place with others; to some they've heard it all, and they know it all, they don't expect to receive anything new; they are wrong because they think that they are meeting with the pastor.

If God has floods of whatever He has to offer then I want it all! When I'm in His presence He is all that matters at that moment. I silence my phones or put them off; I get rid of all distractions; that's not a time to sit with friends; meeting with God is serious business! I stand before Him in need of more of Him, to be refreshed and to be filled with His Spirit! Hallelujah!

Prophetic Declaration:
Today I shall be filled afresh with the Spirit of God. The heavens will open for me, and I shall be soaked and drenched with the floods of His glory. Today, I shall be greatly blessed!

Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim
Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

Saturday 30 July 2016

Speaking To God

Spirit & Life Devotional
Saturday, 30 July 2016

Speaking To God

"For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries." I Corinthians 14:2 NKJV

Speaking to God means praying to God. But I need you to understand that there are different kinds of prayer. Many times we pray casually, as a routine, but there are times we must make demands in prayer. Let me give two examples:

When Joshua and the Israelites fought the Amorites, the Bible says that Joshua prayed to the Lord in front of all the people of Israel. He said, “Let the sun stand still over Gibeon, and the moon over the valley of Aijalon.” And the sun stood still and the moon stayed in place until the nation of Israel had defeated its enemies. Again, when Korah conspired with Dathan and Abiram, and incited a rebellion against Moses, along with 250 other leaders of the community, Moses was very angry and he said to the Lord, “Do not accept their grain offerings! I have not taken so much as a donkey from them, and I have never hurt a single one of them.”

Listen, if we want things to change we must learn to speak to the Lord as Moses and Joshua did! Don't take prayer for granted; when we approach God in faith, He moves swiftly and does the impossible for us. Hallelujah!

Prophetic Declaration:
I speak to the Lord today about my situation; I command every mountain before me to disappear, in the name of Jesus! I speak to the Lord about my job, business, family and loved ones, I command whatever powers that have kept us bound to get lost, in the name of Jesus!

Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim
Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

Friday 29 July 2016

You Too Can Kill Lions

Spirit & Life Devotional
Friday, 29 July 2016

You Too Can Kill Lions

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

When a lion took a lamb from David's flock, he went after the lion and killed it. Then there's Benaiah son of Jehoiada, a valiant warrior who did many heroic deeds; on a snowy day, he chased a lion down into a pit and killed it. Wow!

Lions are called kings of the jungle, they are strong and terrifying, virtually every animal flees at the sight of them, they instill fear. But instead of being afraid, Samson, David and Benaiah chased lions and killed them!

This is not about killing physical lions, but the things that represent lions in your life. Thus says the Lord, Fear not! The righteous is as bold as a lion, meanwhile, the devil goes about as one. In other words, you are the real lion! So there's really nothing to be afraid of! Stop running away from whatever has been roaring in your life, stealing from you and harassing you; stop running from challenges; yield yourself to the Spirit, let Him come upon you and enable you to tear lions into pieces and overcome every lion-like challenge in your life. Yes, you can!

Prophetic Declaration:
I refuse to fear! Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world! I am as bold as a lion; I am the real lion; I am more than a conqueror; I shall always win!

Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim
Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

Thursday 28 July 2016

Come Forth!

Spirit & Life Devotional
Thursday, 28 July 2016

Come Forth!

"But Jesus looked at them and said to them, 'With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'” Matthew 19:26 NKJV

When Lazarus died, some people said, “Could not this Man, who opened the eyes of the blind, also have kept this man from dying?” To those guys, death was final and it was impossible for someone or something that was dead to come back to life. But Jesus made it clear that He was the Resurrection and the Life.

Don't be quick to give up on something just because it is dead because death is not final. The world that we live in today was once dead: it was empty, dark and in a mess, until God resuscitated it. Look at how beautiful it is today!

I announce to you today in the name of Jesus that whatever is dead in your life is coming alive in the name of Jesus! Your hopes and dreams are coming alive in the name of Jesus! I speak to your dead visions, Come forth! I speak to your dead financial situation, Come forth! I speak to your dead relationships, Come forth! To your wayward children and unbelieving loved ones, Come forth! To the economy, Come forth, in the name of Jesus!

Prophetic Declaration:
I speak in agreement with the word of God, and I declare that whatever is in a comatose state in my life, in my business, in my family and in my nation is coming forth and coming alive in Jesus name! Amen.

Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim
Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

Wednesday 27 July 2016

Standing In The Gap

Spirit & Life Devotional
Wednesday, 27 July 2016

Standing In The Gap

"And he stood between the dead and the living; so the plague was stopped." Numbers 16:48 NKJV

God said to Abraham, “I have heard many times that the people of Sodom and Gomorrah are very evil. I will go and see if they are as bad as I have heard. Then I will know for sure.” Abraham knew the implications of that visit, so he approached God and asked, “Will you destroy the good people while you are destroying those who are evil? What if there are fifty good people in that city? Will you still destroy it? You would not destroy fifty good people to kill those who are evil. If that happened, those who are good would be the same as those who are evil—both would be punished. As the judge of the whole world, surely you would do the right thing!” Then the Lord said, “If I find fifty good people in the city of Sodom, I will save the whole city.” Abraham kept interceding for them until he got God to agree that He wouldn't destroy the land for the sake of five righteous men.

Brothers and sisters, we have a duty to intercede for men - for sinners, for our families, tribesmen, nation and for the world. People are being killed by terrorists everyday and it seems like it might get worse; and souls are perishing, going to hell! We've got to stand in the gap! Ezekiel 22:30 says, "So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one." We will be found in Jesus name! Amen.

Prophetic Declaration:
Today, I stand in the gap for my loved ones; I declare that no evil shall befall any of them in the name of Jesus. I also stand in the gap for my community, my nation and the world; I decree an end to the activities of bloodsucking demons in the name of Jesus! And I stand in the gap for those not born again, I pray for their salvation, in Jesus name. Amen.

Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim
Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

Tuesday 26 July 2016

Your Labour Is Not In Vain

Spirit & Life Devotional
Tuesday, 26 July 2016

Your Labour Is Not In Vain

"And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life." Philippians 4:3 NKJV

A lot of us need to understand the importance of labour. Many of us are observers; we watch a few do the work, sometimes we even criticize them and at other times we cheer them. But the reason that only little is being done and achieved is that majority of us have left the work for only a few to do.

The above is true in the kingdom of God and everywhere else. How many of us are participating actively in the propagation of the gospel? How many of us can sincerely say that we are contributing to the betterment of our communities and the world at large? Brethren, what we all must learn is that progress is achieved faster when all hands are on deck.

The truth is that we are not always motivated to do much because we assume that our labour goes unnoticed, unrewarded and that it might be insignificant. But that's not true! Those who labour have a special place; their names are in the Book of Life! Hallelujah! Everything adds up. Do the little that you can do to change a life, to improve a place and to transform societies. Know this: your labour will never be in vain. I Corinthians 15:58 says, "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." Amen.

Prophetic Declaration:
From today, I declare that I am a co-labourer with Christ. From today, I refuse to remain on the fence; I choose to be a blessing to people around me, to the kingdom of God and to my community.

Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim
Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

Monday 25 July 2016

The Future Is Bright

Spirit & Life Devotional
Monday, 25 July 2016

The Future Is Bright

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV

The future doesn't look bright when your own brothers kidnap you, drop you in a pit and sell you to complete strangers for twenty shekels of silver; the future doesn't look bright when you are made a slave, sexually harassed and falsely accused and thrown into prison for a crime you didn't commit; and the future certainly doesn't look bright when those you helped, capable of helping you, completely forget about you and you have to spend more years behind bars.

That was Joseph, despite his dreams of a very great future, for many years it seemed like his dreams were mere illusions; at some point a lot of us would have given up on our dreams but not Joseph, he kept believing until his dreams became a reality.

I want you to know today that your dreams are valid, and I prophesy to you in the name of Jesus that your future is bright! It doesn't matter how things seem right now; the situation in your family, in your business, state and country might be terrible, it may even seem like God is not with you; brothers and sisters, God is with you and He is working behind the scenes to bring the desired future to pass. It is well with you in Jesus name! Amen.

Prophetic Declaration:
I declare that my future is bright; dry bones in my life are coming alive, and no matter what is happening now I know that all things are working together for my good.

Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim
Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

Sunday 24 July 2016

Believe In Yourself

Spirit & Life Devotional
Sunday, 24 July 2016

Believe In Yourself

"And he spoke before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, 'What are these feeble Jews doing? Will they fortify themselves? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they complete it in a day? Will they revive the stones from the heaps of rubbish— stones that are burned?'” Nehemiah 4:2 NKJV

The nation of Israel was attacked because of their sins, many of them were taken into captivity, the wall of Jerusalem was broken down, and its gates burned with fire. Nehemiah was able to get the people together and motivate them to rebuild the wall, even though they were few and without much resources.

Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem heard that the Israelites were rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem and they laughed at them and despised them. At that point, some of us would have quit. You know that some of us pay so much attention to what people say about us and our work; we don't want to be laughed at; we don't want anyone to criticize us; we only want to hear pleasant things. But that's so unrealistic! There are people who will never believe in what you're doing; they don't even believe in you! Many times it will be you against the rest of the world! But read the stories of successful men, they believed in themselves and never gave up.

When Nehemiah heard the mockery he didn't respond, he simply prayed to God about it: "Hear, O our God, for we are despised; turn their reproach on their own heads, and give them as plunder to a land of captivity!" Believe in yourself, never back down especially when it is God who laid it in your heart to do it. Let them call you stupid and crazy; it's their own opinion not yours, not God's, so ignore them, pray, and remain focused on getting the job done!

Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim
Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

Saturday 23 July 2016

Ugly Situations In Beautiful Places

Spirit & Life Devotional
Saturday, 23 July 2016

Ugly Situations In Beautiful Places

"And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple." Acts 3:2 NKJV

Remember the popular telenovela titled The Rich Also Cry? We unconsciously think that all is well with the rich, but the rich also cry. I'm not really talking about the rich here; there are people we admire, people with great jobs, people in seemingly perfect relationships, people in important positions, etc, who we think that they have all they could ever ask for; they are in beautiful places but with very ugly situations.

Just like Naaman. A commander of the army of the king of Syria, a great and honorable man in the eyes of his master, a mighty man of valor, but a leper! But a leper! Yours may not be leprosy; you may be all that at work, in society, in school, but unhappy, harassed, threatened, embarrassed. You might even have a terrible health condition.

The lame man was placed at the gate called Beautiful. And he was there for years until he came in contact with two men who had just received the Holy Spirit! They said to him, Rise up and walk! They grabbed him and pulled him up, and he walked! Today, I say unto you, Be free of every ugly situation in your life, in the name of Jesus!

Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim
Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

Friday 22 July 2016

What God Can Do

Spirit & Life Devotional
Friday, 22 July 2016

What God Can Do

"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." Joshua 24:13 NKJV

The truth is that we have a hard time believing that God can take care of all our needs as He promised in the Scriptures that He would. And I sincerely wonder why. So we are struggling and trying to do so much by ourselves.

We read stories of divine provision in the Bible, they seem fantastic but we quickly tell ourselves that those were "Bible days". What exactly does that mean? That God is no more as active and powerful as He used to be? That the world has become more complicated for God to perform? Or that God is not as interested in the affairs of His children as He once was?

No! God is the same yesterday, today and forever! What He did yesterday in Bible days are nothing compared to what He is capable of doing today! He is omnipotent! He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted. Jesus can still bring money out of the mouth of fishes; He still multiplies food; God can still give us lands we didn't labour for, and houses we did not build! All we have to do is believe.

Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim
Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

Thursday 21 July 2016

Made By Jesus

Spirit & Life Devotional
Thursday, 21 July 2016

Made By Jesus

"Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus." Acts 4:13 NKJV

Jesus met some men at their working place and said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." They obeyed Him, left everything and followed Him. About three years later those men were made, and they shook their world.

That's the power of Jesus! Note that those men were uneducated and untrained. What that tells me is that there's no man or woman that's unfit to God. Your CV is awesome; for a job, yes! But God doesn't recruit people based on the contents of their CVs!

What matters most is spending quality time with Jesus. When you follow Jesus wholeheartedly He will bring out the best in you! Men listened to the apostles and they marvelled: you too will make men marvel in Jesus name.

Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim
Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

Wednesday 20 July 2016

Who's With You?

Spirit & Life Devotional
Wednesday, 20 July 2016

Who's With You?

"So his armorbearer said to him, 'Do all that is in your heart. Go then; here I am with you, according to your heart.'" I Samuel 14:7 NKJV

Which people have you surrounded yourself with? People who encourage you to take giant steps or people who instill fear in you? How are the people with you - your aides, colleagues, workers, etc - influencing you?

Jonathan was going to do something which many will say it's stupid; just him and his armourbearer going to attack an entire army! But guess what; the armourbearer said, “Do what you think is best. Whatever you decide, I am with you all the way.”

Reminds me of Naaman, he wouldn't have been healed but for the people around him: first, it was the mistress of his wife who told him about Elisha; and after Elisha told him to go wash in river Jordan and he was angry, his servants spoke to him, and said, “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’?” He listened to them, washed in the river and was made whole.

Surround yourself with people of faith and wisdom; people who will encourage you to obey God and do the impossible no matter how crazy and unreasonable it seems.

Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim
Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

Tuesday 19 July 2016

Sowing And Reaping

Spirit & Life Devotional
Tuesday, 19 July 2016
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Sowing And Reaping

"And God 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." II Corinthians 9:8 NKJV

We love to quote this verse and claim it, but the truth is that we cannot separate it from verse 6 which says "But this I  say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully."

You can't be sowing sparingly and be believing for "sufficiency in all things" and "abundance for every good work". No, it won't work. To have abundance you must first be someone who consistently sows bountifully.

The economy is not a problem at all! It doesn't matter how terrible the economy is, it should never bother you. You have to stop living by sight and start living by faith. God's ability to provide is not dependent on the economy of your state or country; all He has to do is to speak it into existence! Where there is dryness, just one word from God will make it a fruitful place! Hallelujah! As you begin to sow bountifully, prosperity shall be yours in Jesus name. Amen.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

Monday 18 July 2016

You Are An Anointed Problem Solver

Spirit & Life Devotional
Monday, 18 July 2016
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

You Are An Anointed Problem Solver

"So Solomon answered all her questions; there was nothing so difficult for Solomon that he could not explain it to her." II Chronicles 9:2 NKJV

The queen of Sheba heard about the wisdom of king Solomon in her land and decided to test him with very hard questions. I believe that she must have had those questions in her heart for a while, and must have tried to get answers from other men, but didn't.

What fascinates me is that Solomon answered all her questions, and none was difficult for him! What the queen of Sheba and others considered to be tough questions were so easy for Solomon! That's how excellent the wisdom of God is.

God has anointed you with a sound mind and an excellent spirit; and He has enabled you where you are now to solve problems, no matter how tough they are. Have that mindset in you. Don't be a person who runs away from difficult situations; learn to commune with the Holy Spirit within you, and you will see yourself doing wonders.

Have a blessed day.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

Sunday 17 July 2016

Desirous Of The Word

Spirit & Life Devotional
Sunday, 17 July 2016
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Desirous Of The Word

"Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors." Proverbs 8:34 NKJV

People who get the most of the word are those who are hungry for it. They don't just stumble upon it, they have a great desire for it, and they make effort to hear it. Just imagine Zacchaeus climbing a tree just to see Jesus; that got the attention of Jesus, Jesus went with him to his house and gave him full attention.

When Jesus visited Martha's house, she busied herself with trying to entertain the Lord: I don't blame her at all, it's not every day you get to have Jesus in your house! But her sister, Mary, wasn't bothered about being a good hostess, she was more interested in being in His presence and hearing His words. Martha complained, but Jesus said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”

We must become hungry and passionate about the word of God. David said in Psalm 119:162, "I rejoice at Your word As one who finds great treasure." Hallelujah!

Happy Sunday!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

Desirous Of The Word

Spirit & Life Devotional
Sunday, 17 July 2016
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Desirous Of The Word

"Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors." Proverbs 8:34 NKJV

People who get the most of the word are those who are hungry for it. They don't just stumble upon it, they have a great desire for it, and they make effort to hear it. Just imagine Zacchaeus climbing a tree just to see Jesus; that got the attention of Jesus, Jesus went with him to his house and gave him full attention.

When Jesus visited Martha's house, she busied herself with trying to entertain the Lord: I don't blame her at all, it's not every day you get to have Jesus in your house! But her sister, Mary, wasn't bothered about being a good hostess, she was more interested in being in His presence and hearing His words. Martha complained, but Jesus said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”

We must become hungry and passionate about the word of God. David said in Psalm 119:162, "I rejoice at Your word As one who finds great treasure." Hallelujah!

Happy Sunday!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

Saturday 16 July 2016

The Liberal Church

Spirit & Life Devotional
Saturday, 16 July 2016
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

The Liberal Church

"Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so." James 3:10 NKJV

When I was in the university I didn't allow my roommates use my radio to play ungodly music; I used it to listen to Christian music, to glorify God, so I didn't think that it should also be used to glorify the devil. I remember too when we were children, we were hardly allowed to attend parties, and if we did we dared not dance to ungodly music.

I think that a lot of us Christians have become too liberal, if that's the right word to use; and I don't mean to be judgemental. Our favourite songs and music artists are the ungodly ones; many of us can't even lead praise and worship for more than 5 minutes but we can sing ungodly songs for hours! Even our worship leaders are guilty, we get our inspirations from ungodly musicians: so we sing praise and worship songs and dance in church, and then go to club on Friday night, and every other day! You see the way our very little children dance these days and you are shocked!

It's something we all need to really think about: how exactly are we worshipping God? Shouldn't there be remarkable differences between us and the world? With our mouths we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men; with our bodies we glorify God and with it we promote ungodliness. Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Let God be true and every man a liar. Amen.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

Friday 15 July 2016

Love Wisely

Spirit & Life Devotional
Friday, 15 July 2016
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Love Wisely

"Afterward it happened that he loved a woman in the Valley of Sorek, whose name was Delilah." Judges 16:4 NKJV

When you love someone, you have a soft spot for them, and it ends up being your weakness. The same thing happens when you love "things" - money, power, pleasure, etc, you have a soft spot for it, and it becomes a weak point.

In other words, the easiest way to get to you is by who or what you love! When the devil wanted Job to curse God, who did he send to him? His wife! When he, the devil, tried to make Jesus not to die on the cross, he didn't send a stranger, he used Peter to try to talk him out of it! And of course, you know how Adam fell; Satan got him through his wife that he loved.

Demas' love for the world made him backslide. Are you getting the point? If you have love for the wrong persons or things, that is, persons without the fear of God, persons not genuinely saved, and things that are contrary to the Spirit, they could result in your downfall. Samson loved Delilah and it cost him his strength, his ministry and his life! Who are you in love with? What are you in love with? Be not unequally yoked, dear brothers and sisters; love not the world.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

Thursday 14 July 2016

Crucifying The Flesh

Spirit & Life Devotional
Thursday, 14 July 2016
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Crucifying The Flesh

"And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires." Galatians 5:24 NKJV

Walking in the flesh has to do with being ruled and controlled by our flesh to do whatever it desires. And the truth is that we cannot walk in the flesh and please God at the same time: it is impossible, because the flesh only does things which grieve the Spirit.

Committing sexual sin, being morally bad, doing all kinds of shameful things, worshiping false gods, taking part in witchcraft, hating people, causing trouble, being jealous, angry or selfish, causing people to argue and divide into separate groups, being filled with envy, getting drunk, having wild parties, and other things like those mentioned are the works of the flesh, and the Bible warns that people who do these things will not have a part in God’s kingdom.

Hence the need to crucify the flesh. Brothers and sisters, we have to crucify our flesh. What's the difference between us and the world if we still live as they live, talk like them and do as they do? Most importantly, we must crucify our fleshly passions and desires to have a fruitful relationship with God and spend eternity with Him. His grace is sufficient for us. Amen.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

Wednesday 13 July 2016

Inspire

Spirit & Life Devotional
Wednesday, 13 July 2016
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Inspire

"Then Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took the timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances." Exodus 15:20 NKJV

Miriam's action inspired every other woman to praise the Lord; she must have been quite influential and people looked up to her.

There are people, Christians, with great influence over people, people with multitudes of followers, who are not inspiring their followers in the things of God; they'd rather spend their time, and devote their platforms to things that are of no real significance!

Even if you have influence over only one person - your child, employee, neighbour, etc - how inspiring have you been to that one person? Are you inspiring that one person to be a better Christian? Are you inspiring that one person to be a good Christian worker and worshipper? We must make it one of our goals to inspire people around us positively, and in the things of God. Amen.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

Tuesday 12 July 2016

Man May Not Forget, But God Does

Spirit & Life Devotional
Tuesday, 12 July 2016
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Man May Not Forget, But God Does

"And Jesse begot David the king. David the king begot Solomon by her who had  been the wife of Uriah." Matthew 1:6 NKJV

The author of Matthew, many years later, just had to restate the fact that David gave birth to Solomon through another man's wife; Matthew had to remind the world of David's sin, or David's error if you like; Matthew wouldn't let it go; he had to remind the world and generations to come that David was an adulterer, a murderer and wife snatcher! Even Rahab was still referred to as a harlot in Hebrews!

I'm sure you've met people like that; I guess it's a part of our human nature; sometimes it's our parents and friends who are quick to remind us of the wrong things we did years ago; sometimes, it's even members of church who should have the mind of Christ; sometimes it's even your pastor, or colleague at work who uses your past to determine your present and future. And of course Satan specialises in reminding us of our past.

But I've got good news for you today; man may not forget but God does! Man may tag you to your past wrongs permanently but I assure that what men think and say about your past is absolutely meaningless and strange to God! Psalm 103 verse 12 says that "As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us." Hallelujah! So don't let whatever men may say or call you affect you; walk in the light of God's present opinion of you. Amen!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

Monday 11 July 2016

Jesus Is Coming Soon

Spirit & Life Devotional
Monday, 11 July 2016
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Jesus Is Coming Soon

“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

That phrase is obviously a cliche to a lot of people, it's something that has been said for over two thousand years; not many believe it anymore; and some believers are living as though the day will never come.

Perhaps, it's pertinent to state that God's love for man is the reason why Jesus is yet to return. The Bible says that God is not willing that anyone should perish, but that all should come to repentance. The second coming of Christ is being delayed that a few more might be saved!

But the sad truth is that not every man will be saved. The second coming of Christ will not be delayed for ever. Jesus is coming very soon; the end of all things is at hand. And He will come as a thief in the night. There'll be no announcements; there'll be no signs in the sky; neither will there be a stoppage of events on the earth; the sun and moon would shine on that day, it might even rain; we might be at work, or be sleeping at night, and suddenly, the trumpet will sound, the dead in Christ will rise first, and those who are ready will be caught up to meet with the Lord in the sky. Will you be ready?

Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

Sunday 10 July 2016

You Can't, But He Can

Spirit & Life Devotional
Sunday, 10 July 2016
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

You Can't, But He Can

“Hear, O Israel: You are to cross over the Jordan today, and go in to dispossess nations greater and mightier than yourself, cities great and fortified up to heaven." Deuteronomy 9:1 NKJV

I know we always preach and teach that "you can", but the truth is that we can't do everything all by ourselves; in fact there's so much that we can't do all by ourselves! If we could do everything then we wouldn't need God.

God rarely asks us to do what we can do all by ourselves: instead He instructs us to do great things, very challenging things, amazing things! Now that should get us worried, but no it shouldn't because when God asks us to do anything He goes ahead of us to get the job done! Hallelujah!

So when God says to go, that's not the time to begin to feel weak and incapable; neither is it a time to give excuses: God knew all that before He spoke to you! Yet He chose you. Quit looking at yourself; look at the God in you! Great is He that is in you! You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

Saturday 9 July 2016

Doors Of Prosperity

Spirit & Life Devotional
Saturday, 9 July 2016
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Doors Of Prosperity

"A feast is made for laughter, and wine makes merry; but money answers everything." Ecclesiastes 10:19 NKJV

Many years ago, I wrote that anyone who says money isn't important has never had a great vision or dream. Make no mistakes about it, money is very important in this world. Money actually solves a lot of problems.

Does having money make people happy? Yes! So why are the rich not always happy? Because money is not the only thing that makes a person happy! You can have all the monies in the world and still be miserable, but I assure you that if you receive money whenever you have a need of it, it will make you very happy!

God desires to bless us with money. I see financial doors opening up! God is releasing financial blessings to His children; let me tell you, some of you reading this will begin to receive unexpected monies from today! Your businesses will suddenly begin to flourish and you will prosper! Take what I'm saying seriously; refuse to be moved by the economic condition of your country, prosperity is yours in the name of Jesus!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

Friday 8 July 2016

Not Your Fault

Spirit & Life Devotional
Friday, 8 July 2016
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Not Your Fault

"Jesus answered, 'Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him.'" John 9:3 NKJV

Jesus saw a man who was blind from birth, as He passed by. And His disciples asked Him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” You see, the disciples were raised to think that it's when all is not well, it must have been a result of something wrong that they did. So as soon as they saw the blind man they began looking for faults.

It's like when someone loses a job, or something or someone dear; and you immediately begin to think that it's a result of something wrong that you did that God is punishing you for. No dear, it's not so, God is not like that. Don't blame yourself for every unpleasant thing that happens to you; avoid having an unnecessary guilty conscience; stop putting yourself under undue pressure. It's not your fault!

Job's friends blamed him for what he experienced; they pronounced him guilty of secret sins, when he was actually innocent. Well, God knew the truth, and later blessed him with twice as much as he had before his ordeal. I've got good news for someone today; a greater blessing is on the way! God permitted it to happen in order to have a reason to bless you abundantly and to be glorified. It might take a while, but if you endure to the end and maintain a good attitude before God, you will surely come out better, stronger and greater! Hallelujah!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

Thursday 7 July 2016

Making Eternal Investments

Spirit & Life Devotional
Thursday, 7 July 2016
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Making Eternal Investments

"For when he dies he shall carry nothing away; his glory shall not descend after him." Psalms 49:17 NKJV

I heard the story of a man who willed that he be buried with all his money. Well, his wife wrote him a cheque for him to cash all his money! What a smart woman.

My pastor in Assemblies of God Church, Ijede, years ago, used to say that he wore his new clothes as soon as he got them so that he would be the first to wear them, instead of unbelievers, should rapture happen suddenly. Funny, right?

Here's the point: whether we leave the world by death or through the rapture, we will leave without all these things we are struggling so hard to accumulate. Then, even gold would be worthless; in heaven the streets are paved with gold! Live therefore with understanding. Pursue what matters most. Set your affections on things above. Store your treasures in heaven. Make eternal investments.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

Wednesday 6 July 2016

A Thousand And One Ways

Spirit & Life Devotional
Wednesday, 6 July 2016
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

A Thousand And One Ways

For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
Esther 4:14 NKJV

God has a thousand and one ways, a million and one ways actually, to bless you, to provide for you, to deliver you and to get any other thing done for you. And it doesn't matter if it has never happened before; God will do a new thing if needs be! Hallelujah!

At one time Moses parted the sea by stretching his rod over it; at another time Joshua parted the sea by getting the priests with the ark in the sea first; and then we see Elijah and Elisha parting the sea with a mantle! Never limit God! He fed Elijah through an angel, at another time using ravens, and then by a widow. God is too much!

That's why we don't put our trust in man, but in the living God! Man fails, man disappoints, man gives excuses, man tells stories; but God is capable, dependable and creative. There are some of you who have been disappointed recently, certain persons who promised to help you did not; cheer up, God will do it for you. Glory to God!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

Tuesday 5 July 2016

Let No One Despise You

Spirit & Life Devotional
Tuesday, 5 July 2016
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Let No One Despise You

"Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you." Titus 2:15 NKJV

Twice, the Bible says that we should let no one despise us; the first in Titus 2:15 and in 1 Timothy 4:12: "Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity."

1 Timothy 4:12 has inspired me so much since I was a child. You see, I didn't let anyone make me feel inferior or incapable or unqualified for whatever reason, and I didn't despise myself either! I determined long ago to be an example, not only in the things of God; even in school, and at work, I worked with the same mindset. I live and strive to be the one who inspires others to be the best.

There are people who will attempt to despised you: even Jesus, with all He did some still referred to Him as a carpenter and they couldn't just accept Him as the Son of God! Let no one despise you wherever you find yourself; they may look down on you, but it's your response and your own perception of yourself that really matters! Never despise yourself; there's nothing wrong with you; nothing at all! Lean on the Holy Spirit and let Him take you farther than you ever imagined. Amen.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56

Monday 4 July 2016

You Are About To Be Discovered

Spirit & Life Devotional
Monday, 4 July 2016
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

You Are About To Be Discovered

"There is a man in your kingdom in whom is the Spirit of the Holy God. And in the days of your father, light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, were found in him; and King Nebuchadnezzar your father—your father the king—made him chief of the magicians, astrologers, Chaldeans, and soothsayers." Daniel 5:11 NKJV

When a distressing spirit troubled Saul, his servants said to him, “Let our master now command your servants, who are before you, to seek out a man who is a skillful player on the harp. And it shall be that he will play it with his hand when the distressing spirit from God is upon you, and you shall be well.” So Saul said to his servants, “Provide me now a man who can play well, and bring him to me.” Then one of the servants answered and said, “Look, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, who is skillful in playing, a mighty man of valor, a man of war, prudent in speech, and a handsome person; and the Lord is with him.”

Daniel was discovered in a time of distress; David too, and Joseph! Troubled times and distressing moments are divine opportunities for your discovery!

I have a witness in my spirit that some of you reading this are about to be discovered; men will hear about you and come from far and near to look for you! Listen, what separates you from others is not just your skills; but the Spirit of God in you! It's your time to shine! Hallelujah!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Sunday 3 July 2016

The Need For Unity

Spirit & Life Devotional
Sunday, 3 July 2016
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

The Need For Unity

"Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment." I Corinthians 1:10 NKJV

The reason that the church is not making as much impact in the world as we ought to is no other reason than disunity. The Early Church was one and you can read for yourself all the exploits they did because they were united. When they gathered together, the Bible said severally that they were together in one accord: can we say same about our local churches today? Not to even talk about the universal Church.

There were contentions in the church in Corinth which had to do with personalities; some said, “I am of Paul,” others said, “I am of Apollos,” and the rest, “I am of Cephas,” or “I am of Christ." It seems like what we do today, right? And Paul asked them, "Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?" He also said to them, "you are still carnal. For where there  are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men? For when one says, “I am of Paul,” and another, “I am of Apollos,” are you not carnal?"

Brothers and sisters, it's time for us to grow up! If having more churches will further divide us then I dare say that there's really no need for more churches! But having more churches shouldn't be a problem if we stop glorifying ourselves and exalting mere men instead of Christ, the One Who died for us. Jesus prayed that we may be one, and it's my prayer today that God will unite us. Amen.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Saturday 2 July 2016

God Knows Your Address

Spirit & Life Devotional
Saturday, 2 July 2016
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

God Knows Your Address

"When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was." Matthew 2:9 NKJV

Never say that you have no one because you have God! Listen, God knows where you are at every point in time and He can get anything across to you anywhere, anyhow and anytime. It doesn't matter if men cannot reach you; even in the deepest depths, God can get anything to you from another end of the world!

God knows your address! The angel who spoke to Cornelius gave him a perfect description of Peter's address; he said, "Now send men to Joppa, and send for Simon whose surname is Peter. He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea. He will tell you what you must do." And when the Lord spoke to Ananias about Saul, He said to him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying."

I prophesy to you today in the name of Jesus, that God will locate you in the next seven days! I don't care where you are, favour will locate you there, help will locate you, money will find you, strangers with good news will pay you a visit in the name of Jesus! Amen!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Friday 1 July 2016

Holy Is The Lord

Spirit & Life Devotional
Friday, 1 July 2016
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Holy Is The Lord

And one cried to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; The whole earth is full of His glory!” Isaiah 6:3 NKJV

One very important revelation of God that everyone of us must have is the revelation of His holiness. We know that God is love, but a lot of us are yet to understand that He is holy, because if we did we would walk in the light of it.

Listen people, if we must walk with God as closely as we ought to; if we sincerely desire to see His power and His wonders, then we must walk in the light of His holiness. He said to Abram when He appeared to him, “I am Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless. And I will make My covenant between Me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly.” Holiness activates the covenant and the blessing! God will not withhold His blessing and His power from the man who is upright before Him.

Titus 2:14 says, "He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds." And 2 Corinthians 7:1 says, "Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." Amen.

Happy New Month!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Thursday 30 June 2016

Only One Way To God

Spirit & Life Devotional
Thursday, 30 June 2016
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Only One Way To God

"There is only one God, and there is only one way that people can reach God. That way is through Christ Jesus." 1 Timothy 2:5 ERV

We can't save the lost by being politically correct; as it is, a lot of us have become too friendly with the world that it has become difficult for us to rescue them from the kingdom of darkness by telling them the truth. And it's a shame.

The sad truth is that a number of us are now confused; we aren't even sure of what we believe; we aren't sure if Jesus is the only way anymore, we even argue and reason with other Christians that millions and billions of people of other religious beliefs cannot all perish, and that God will not be so mean to condemn them all.

Brothers and sisters, there is only one way to God, and His name is Jesus. Acts 4:12 says that "There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” Jesus Himself minced no words when He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. The only way to the Father is through me." This truth we must uphold, affirm, preach and teach. God is not willing that any should perish and He has given us the ministry of reconciliation.

Win at least one soul this weekend!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Wednesday 29 June 2016

Miracles, Signs And Wonders

Spirit & Life Devotional
Wednesday, 29 June 2016
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Miracles, Signs And Wonders

"He does great things past finding out, Yes, wonders without number." Job 9:10 NKJV

The ERV says that He does things too marvelous for people to understand. He does too many miracles to count! Listen guys, doing miracles is nothing to God! It costs Him nothing, and it's something He loves to do! It's His nature to do miracles.

In just about three years Jesus did so many miracles that it was impossible to record them all! John 20:30 says that Jesus did many signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written; John 21:25 says, "And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written." Awesome!

There is no shortage of power in our day! God is still doing great and wonderful things, and He wants to do much more in the world through everyone of us. He wants to heal the sick; He wants to raise the dead; He desires to open blind eyes; to cure insane people, to provide supernaturally, and He wants to deliver the oppressed and everyone in bondage.

God is looking for vessels through whom He can do His wonders in the world! All creation waits eagerly for our manifestation! Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Tuesday 28 June 2016

We Are Seeds!

Spirit & Life Devotional
Tuesday, 28 June 2016
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

We Are Seeds!

"Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word." Acts 8:4 NKJV

"They tried to bury us, but they didn't know that we were seeds!" Hahaha.

What the devil meant for evil God turned it around for good! Hallelujah!

Refuse to be moved by what men do to you! See the bigger picture! See beyond the pain! See the opportunities! Choose to be unstoppable! Choose to keep moving forward! Have the mind of an overcomer!

"We have troubles all around us, but we are not defeated. We often don’t know what to do, but we don’t give up. We are persecuted, but God does not leave us. We are hurt sometimes, but we are not destroyed. So we constantly experience the death of Jesus in our own bodies, but this is so that the life of Jesus can also be seen in our bodies."

Oh, glory to God!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Monday 27 June 2016

Anger Management

Spirit & Life Devotional
Monday, 27 June 2016
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Anger Management

"The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger, and his glory is to overlook a transgression." Proverbs 19:11 NKJV

Have you come across Ecclesiastes 7:9? It says, "Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry, for anger rests in the bosom of fools." Hmm. Now, I don't want to be quick to call all angry people fools, but if you have a problem with controlling your temper it's time to do something about it.

Someone says, "But anger is justified in some cases." True, but is anger a solution? Okay, you might get angry but for how long are you going to stay angry? Why stay angry at a person or thing for too long? I know that you were very upset, but is the offence really an unpardonable one? Are you really sacrificing a once beautiful relationship just to remain angry? What's the cost of forgiveness anyway? If God forgave us for all we did, and if He forgives us when we ask, why is it difficult to do same for others?

People will certainly upset you; they'll step on your toes; they'll do very annoying and silly things; you might even be insulted: you really can't control the actions of others against you, but how you choose to respond is up to you. You can always control your reactions. Yes, you can control how you react 100% of the time, especially if you have yielded yourself to the Holy Spirit. James 1:19‭-‬20 says, "So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God."

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Sunday 26 June 2016

Committed To The Ministry

Spirit & Life Devotional
Sunday, 26 June 2016
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Committed To The Ministry

"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

The man said that he did not count his life dear to himself; in other words, he was not bothered about mundane things of this world, he wasn't bothered about wearing the best clothes, he wasn't bothered about the latest fashion trends, he wasn't even bothered about his health! What mattered to him was fulfilling his ministry! Wow!

Paul and Barnabas were called "men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Acts 15:26. That's the highest level of commitment to a cause!

How committed are you to the ministry that God has given unto you? How focused are you on it? How passionate are you about it? What sacrifices are you making towards fulfilling your ministry?

Have a blessed time in His presence. Happy Sunday.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Saturday 25 June 2016

Blessed Forever

Spirit & Life Devotional
Saturday, 25 June 2016
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Blessed Forever

"Therefore may it please You to bless the house (posterity) of Your servant, that it may continue before You forever; for what You bless, O Lord, is blessed forever." 1 Chronicles 17:27 AMP

Remember when Balak the king of Moab hired Balaam to curse the Israelites, Balaam said, “How shall I curse whom God has not cursed? And how shall I denounce whom the Lord has not denounced?" And instead of cursing the Israelites, he began to bless them. Balak said to him, “What have you done to me? I took you to curse my enemies, and look, you have blessed them bountifully!” Hahaha

Listen to me, when God blesses a man that man cannot be cursed; he is blessed forever! Here's what happens when you are blessed: if anyone tries to curse you the curse falls upon the person's head! And if anyone blesses you the person is blessed!

The Bible says that we are blessed! Jesus redeemed us from the curse that the blessing of Abraham might come upon us. God has blessed us with all blessings! So we are blessed! Blessed forever! And everyday the effects of the blessing upon us is manifesting! We are prospering, we are strong, we are healthy and we are successful and fruitful! Hallelujah!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Friday 24 June 2016

Receiving Your Desires

Spirit & Life Devotional
Friday, 24 June 2016
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Receiving Your Desires

"Then Jesus answered and 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." Matthew 15:28 NKJV

A desire is a strong feeling of wanting to have something or wishing for something to happen. We all have desires: to start a business, to pursue a passion, to travel abroad, to have a lot of money, to be a great sponsor of the gospel, etc. There's something they say, "If wishes were horses, beggars would ride". But what if wishes were actually horses and beggars could ride?

You see, God is not against us having the desires of our hearts! I need to emphasize this: listen, it costs God absolutely nothing to give you the desires of your heart, and it doesn't matter how expensive it is! Solomon didn't ask God for wealth, but God gave Him too much wealth that he is still regarded as one of the wealthiest men in the history of the world! Do you understand what I am saying? We serve a God Who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we can ever ask or think!

Jesus said in Mark 11:24, "Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them." It can't be easier than that! If you desire a property, for instance, ask God for a property; after asking Him, believe that He heard you, don't keep asking and acting as if He is deaf or difficult; believe that He heard you and that He has actually given you the property of your choice! Then keep thanking Him while you await the physical manifestation of His divine response. That's how it works. Hallelujah!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Thursday 23 June 2016

Commanded To Love

Spirit & Life Devotional
Thursday, 23 June 2016
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Commanded To Love

"And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also." I John 4:21 NKJV

You know, God created everyone of us, because of which He loves us all, the good, the bad and the ugliest of us, He loves us despite our flaws and stubbornness; nothing will ever make Him to stop loving us. God doesn't love us because we do good, not even because we serve and obey Him, no, He loved us while we were still sinners!

Two cannot walk together except they are in agreement. In other words, you can't love God and not have some affection for the things that He loves; and of course, it includes men He sent His only begotten Son to die for.

The challenge is to see God in every human being, especially in those who have been saved. There's nothing that will ever justify hatred for anyone in the sight of God, so the earlier you get it out of your system the better for you. We were commanded by God to love. If God is love, then we should also see ourselves as love! And if God never stops loving us, we too must never stop loving one another. His love is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Wednesday 22 June 2016

Faithful God

Spirit & Life Devotional
Wednesday, 22 June 2016
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Faithful God

"He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it." I Thessalonians 5:24 NKJV

A person is either faithful or not; it's a character trait, the quality of a person's nature; you can't be faithful today and unfaithful tomorrow; nothing like "partly faithful", no; faithfulness is about being consistent, loyal, trustworthy, reliable, stable and dependable. In any situation, a faithful person remains faithful.

God is faithful! According to Merriam Webster's dictionary, someone who is faithful deserves trust: God deserves trust! Hallelujah! He keeps all His promises and He does whatever He is supposed to do. The Psalmist said, "I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread." Why? Because God is faithful! God is so faithful, He never slumbers or sleeps!

Lamentations 3:22 says, "The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning." God is faithful every day! I can't even imagine what would happen any day God is unfaithful, assuming it's even possible: the sun would not shine; there would be no air to breathe; and the devil would just destroy everything in a matter of seconds! But God is faithful!!! And He will always be! Hallelujah!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Tuesday 21 June 2016

The Power Of A Gift

Spirit & Life Devotional
Tuesday, 21 June 2016
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

The Power Of A Gift

"A man's gift makes room for him and brings him before great men." Proverbs 18:16 AMP

People have used this verse of the Bible to teach about skills and talents, but it's not about using your skills and talents, it's about the importance and power of giving gifts, something a lot of us tend to overlook.

Are you aware that big and successful corporations make budgets for gifts? And that's one of the reasons why they continue to succeed. People respond to gifts! I have visited men who attended to me quickly while others were waiting; it's not because I had more important reasons for seeing them at that moment, it's just that my gifts were speaking for me. You won't get everything from books, sometimes you need to spend time with the authors.

I Kings 10:24‭-‬25 says that "all the earth sought the presence of Solomon to hear his wisdom, which God had put in his heart. And each man brought his present: articles of silver and gold, garments, armor, spices, horses, and mules, at a set rate year by year." That's wisdom! Open doors with your gifts; gain access to the presence of greatness with your gifts. If you keep giving great gifts you would soon become great as you continue to associate with the great. You will be great in Jesus name. Amen.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Monday 20 June 2016

Carry Your Cross

Spirit & Life Devotional
Monday, 20 June 2016
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Carry Your Cross

"And He, bearing His cross, went out to a place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha." John 19:17 NKJV

You know, some people's idea of Christianity is so twisted; they think it's all about fun, and money, living a better life, having the good things of life, living in health, and claiming all the good things of life. If that's what you think Christianity is all about then you don't know anything! You've been wrongly taught! Let me tell you, because I vowed to always teach the truth; there are crosses to carry, there are painful decisions to make, there will be persecutions and tough times, you will sometimes be required to forfeit a good life and comfort, and sometimes it could even cost you your life! That's what Paul called "the fellowship of His suffering"!

Jesus was telling His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things, and be killed; Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!” But Jesus turned to him and said, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.” And He said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?"

Jesus said in Luke 14:27‭‭, ‬33  "And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple... So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple."

Luke 9:23 says, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross DAILY, and follow Me."

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Sunday 19 June 2016

Moved By The Spirit

Spirit & Life Devotional
Sunday, 19 June 2016
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Moved By The Spirit

"For prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they  were moved by the Holy Spirit." II Peter 1:21 NKJV

When there was an issue in the Early Church that had to do with the distribution of food, the apostles said to the people, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business."

It's interesting that being full of the Holy Spirit was a criterion for serving food! Merely serving food required that the deacons were filled with the Holy Spirit! That's note worthy. That just tells you and I that there's no room for flesh in the service of God. Your experience, talents, skills and intelligence are secondary; what matters most is that you can be led by the Spirit to accomplish His desires.

If you sing, please ensure that you are moved by the Spirit to sing the songs that you sing! If you teach, be moved by the Spirit to teach! Even the cleaners and instrumentalists should be moved by the Spirit; because it is only then that our service can really be a blessing to men and acceptable to God. It's not by might, not by power, but by the Spirit of God! Hallelujah!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Saturday 18 June 2016

Giving To The Lord

Spirit & Life Devotional
Saturday, 18 June 2016
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Giving To The Lord

"Then you shall keep the Feast of Weeks to the Lord your God with the tribute of a freewill offering from your hand, which you shall give as the Lord your God blesses you." Deuteronomy 16:10 NKJV

Years ago, in the university, I went to fellowship with the sum of Five Thousand Naira which I withdrew from the bank; as I was about to enter the venue, a lady met me and asked me to lend her money so that she could give, and she promised to repay as quickly as possible. I obliged, but she didn't keep her word; she's yet to repay me over ten years later. I had to write it off.

Now, was she blessed for that seed she sowed? No! God is not unjust. She merely gave to the church, not to God. You see, I have given many times to God: I have sold my things to give; and when I had no money I have given my belt and shoes! But here's what I have never done: I have never given to God what He did not first give to me! Please take note of what I said.

Here's the truth: you may impress your pastors and leaders but you don't impress God by giving what you don't have. I've seen countless dishonoured cheques that were issued to churches. Does that speak well of us as Christians? It shows that a lot of us lack integrity. God expects us to give as He blesses us! It's that simple. If God wants me to give more He will first increase my capacity to give! Paul wrote to the Corinthians, "Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, AS GOD HATH PROSPERED HIM, that there be no gatherings when I come." 1 Corinthians 16:2

David said that he wouldn't give to God something that cost him nothing. In other words, something he got free from someone else; if you really want to give a sacrificial offering, the honourable thing to do is to work very hard to earn that amount of money! People must begin to give with understanding!

May God prosper you in Jesus name.

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Friday 17 June 2016

Presents And Gifts

Spirit & Life Devotional
Friday, 17 June 2016
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Presents And Gifts

"As the days on which the Jews had rest from their enemies, as the month which was turned from sorrow to joy for them, and from mourning to a holiday; that they should make them days of feasting and joy, of sending presents to one another and gifts to the poor." Esther 9:22 NKJV

Giving to one another is not so common these days, in my opinion; I may be wrong. But it's a custom that was prevalent in Bible days. Most of our giving these days are to churches and pastors, not to the poor, and not to other brethren. Now, I haven't asked you not to give to the church or to ministers of God; I'm a pastor and I don't mind receiving things, but it's more important to me that we give with the right intentions and do not neglect those who need our gifts the most.

A lot of us do not realize that Jesus gave to the poor. When Judas was going to betray Him, Jesus said to him, “What you do, do quickly.” The Bible says that the other disciples didn't know the reason for that statement; so some thought that because Judas had the money box, Jesus meant, “Buy those  things we need for the feast,” or that he should give something to the poor.

When you are happy and celebrating is the best time to give. Every time is actually a good time to give! Nehemiah 8:10 says, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Surprise someone who you know wouldn't be expecting anything from you this weekend. God is challenging us to give!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Thursday 16 June 2016

Acceptable Meditations

Spirit & Life Devotional
Thursday, 16 June 2016
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Acceptable Meditations

"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer." Psalms 19:14 NKJV

Someone said that God will not judge us by our thoughts but by our words. Well, even though it sounds reasonable to an extent, I don't think that he considered the correlation between our thoughts and our words and actions. Words and actions are products of our thoughts; while we may not say and do every thing we think, the truth is that we are bound to go in the direction of our predominant thoughts.

God cares about what we think about. There were times that Jesus reacted based on His perception of the thoughts of people. He did not wait for them to speak; He spoke about whatever they were thinking while it was still a thought in their hearts.

We can't just think whatever we desire and expect to produce great fruit. We can't occupy our hearts with unholy and unwholesome thoughts and not expect it to manifest in our words and actions in the long run. No wonder we are told what to think about: "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are  just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things."

Twitter: @PastorChinae
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Wednesday 15 June 2016

Let God Use You

Spirit & Life Devotional
Wednesday, 15 June 2016
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Let God Use You

"Now when they had come and gathered the church together, they reported all that God had done with them, and that He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles." Acts 14:27 NKJV

They reported all that God had done with them. They were men used by God; they were men who yielded themselves to God to be used by Him.

I'm actually looking forward to when I'll get to heaven, and I'll sit with Paul, Peter, David, Daniel, Joseph, Philip, Stephen and other mighty men of God in Bible days, and I'll share with them stories of what I did for God and what He did through me! I don't know about you, but that's what excites me the most; the opportunity to be used by God!

God wants to use you: there's no doubt about that. And you mustn't be a preacher like me! There's so much that God needs to do in the world; there are so many lives that need to be transformed, so many hungry people who need to be fed, so many homeless people, so many abandoned people, sick people who need to be cared for, people who need to be clothed! Oh, please let God use you!

Twitter: @PastorChinae
PIN:568E2E56