CROSSING OVER ON DRY GROUND

Spirit & Life Devotional
Tuesday, December 31
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

CROSSING OVER ON DRY GROUND

Joshua 3:17 NKJV "Then the priests who bore the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firm on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan; and all Israel crossed over on dry ground, until all the people had crossed completely over the Jordan."

And finally, we are here! We are at the end of a journey; we are at the end of a chapter of our lives; like warriors, we fought valiantly, we won our battles, we are victorious, we overcame all the hurdles in 2013, we fought our fights of faith and we emerged the winners because God was with us! The devil has been put to shame; our enemies and haters are terribly bruised and disappointed! I congratulate you!

As we cross over into the new year, I prophesy to you, that we are crossing over on dry ground! Maybe you don't understand: when you pass through the sea on dry ground, it is a miraculous entry! And it means that God has gone ahead of you to make the crooked paths straight. Crossing over on dry ground is like walking on a red carpet, majestically, like a VIP that you are, into your new levels! Hallelujah!

My name is Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim, called and ordained by God Himself that I might reveal Him and declare the whole counsel of God; hear and believe what I tell you: you will march into 2014 as a gazelle! You have been graced with the speed of a gazelle, like Asahel, you will be swift, and like David, you will pursue and overtake and recover all, in the name of Jesus!

Our God is an awesome God, He reigns from heaven above with wisdom, power and love, our God is an awesome God!

ALL FEAR IS GONE!

Spirit & Life Devotional
Monday, December 30
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

ALL FEAR IS GONE!

Lamentations 5:19 NKJV "You, O Lord, remain forever; Your throne from generation to generation."

Days come and go, seasons change, years come to an end. People die, people leave, people change, people fail. We relocate, we change, we grow, we repent (change our minds). There will always be new policies, new ways, new ideas, new thoughts, and so on. Nothing remains the same after a while. The future is unpredictable; man's knowledge and revelation is limited: how often we wish we knew what tomorrow would be!

But change, for the believer, should never be a cause for concern because we know who knows tomorrow! Every other thing may change, even the earth upon which we live may change, but God never changes; He has and will always be: and because He lives, we can march boldly into the tomorrow's of our various lives! Hallelujah!

Unlike the president of a country, there are no checks and balances for God, He does whatever He pleases whenever He chooses, He doesn't share power with any other! It doesn't matter if they've predicted an unpleasant tomorrow for you; the same God who added 15 years to the life of a dying man will reverse it! I'm talking about the same God who made the sun and moon to stand still for the sake of one man! He's a mighty God! Because He lives, and because we are in Him, all fear is gone!

WE HAVE OVERCOME

Spirit & Life Devotional
Sunday, December 29
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

WE HAVE OVERCOME

I John 5:4 NKJV "For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith."

In a few hours 2013 will be over! It's been a memorable year, fraught with quite a lot of events, both good and bad. There were earthquakes, terrorist attacks, and many natural and human disasters; there were wars, countless deaths, accidents, sicknesses, heartbreaks, hardships and mishaps.

I won't dare to say that all was well with you this year, I won't assume that all your prayers were answered, neither will I pretend not to know that you might be carrying over some important unresolved in your life into the new year: but this I know: that the fact that you are still here now to see the new year means you have overcome! And it is something to shout about!

“If it had not been the Lord who was on our side, When men rose up against us, Then they would have swallowed us alive, When their wrath was kindled against us; Then the waters would have overwhelmed us, The stream would have gone over our soul; Then the swollen waters Would have gone over our soul.” Psalm 124:2-5

God told me that 2013 was a year of goodness. I don't have to think to know what to testify! God was so good to me! And I know He was good to you too because He forgave you, healed you, didn't let your enemies triumph, kept you alive, enabled you to get married, gave you a job and a promotion, and provided for you!

Congratulations, brothers and sisters! We have overcome!

PREPARING WELL FOR THE NEW YEAR

Spirit & Life Devotional
Saturday, December 28
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

PREPARING WELL FOR THE NEW YEAR

James 4:3 NKJV "You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures."

As years end, we make plans for the new one; we also begin to make our requests known to God in prayer. I hope you have begun to do that: don't start the year without plans and expectations; start now if you haven't.

But to ask God for something is one thing, to receive from Him is another. Also, it's one thing to make plans, and another for you to achieve them. As we have read, one major reason why we don't receive from God is because we want to spend on OUR pleasures instead of HIS own pleasures. Prayer and fasting with wrong motives is a waste of time! So you desire that 2014 be a better year; why? Just so you can have more members in your church or fellowship and be more famous, increase the finances and capabilities, and probably earn more respect? Or so you can have more money to do whatever you want whenever you want and be more recognised in society? They may not be bad reasons; but do you think they are projects God would consider financing?

We were created for God's pleasure and for His glory. In other words, your first priorities should be to please God and to glorify Him. To receive swiftly from God, attach God-pleasing/glorifying motives to your requests and goals. Let pleasing and glorifying God be the foundation upon which every other thing is done. Not only that, beyond making requests that please God, let Him also be pleased with you! All things were commanded to hear Jesus because God was pleased with Him. Do as I've advised.

WE ARE FOR SIGNS AND WONDERS

Spirit & Life Devotional
Thursday, December 27
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

WE ARE FOR SIGNS AND WONDERS

Isaiah 8:18 NKJV "Here am I and the children whom the Lord has given me! We  are for signs and wonders in Israel From the Lord of hosts, Who dwells in Mount Zion."

A sign is defined as "something conveying idea: an action or gesture used to convey an idea, information, a wish, or a command." A sign is also an example. There are both good and bad signs. Psalm 71:7 says David was a sign to many. Luke 11:30 says Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites. Numbers 26:9-10 says Korah and his company were a sign. In history there are men and women who have also stood out as either good or bad signs.

When God says we are for signs and wonders, here He's not saying we will do signs and wonders, He meant that you and I will be conveyors of His might, His authority, His message, His goodness, His glory, and His love to the rest of the world. In other words, men will look at you and say, "How come?" and you will reply, "It's God!" Even Satan and his cohorts will marvel!

In year 2014, through you, God will prove to the world that He is all that He said He is! Through you, God will remind the world that He's still the same today as He was yesterday, and in control! He will bless you, provide for you, deliver you, prosper you, promote you, keep you, heal you and give you victories over all your foes! And when they begin to happen, remember why! It is because you are a sign and a wonder to your world! Hallelujah!

TRIBULATION, THE PATH TO EVERLASTING JUBILATION

Spirit & Life Devotional
Thursday, December 26
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

TRIBULATION, THE PATH TO EVERLASTING JUBILATION

Acts 14:21-22 NKJV "And when they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying,  'We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.'”

Many of us, especially in this part of the world, haven't really suffered as a result of our faith in Christ. However, it's possible that we may have been deprived of certain positions, privileges and opportunities because of our beliefs and unwillingness to compromise. It's even possible that as a result of your faith and faith-based decisions and choices, 2013 wasn't as "good" as expected.

Cheer up! I really wish I could tell you that your journey of faith would be painless and only pleasant: I wish I could tell you that you'll never have to cry or mourn in course of serving the Lord; but I can't because that won't be true. What is true is that we must through many tribulations enter into the Kingdom of God. But whatever the case, at all times, God is faithful!

Don't be like the seeds that were sown on stony ground, who received the word with gladness but withered when trials and tribulations came. Encourage yourself in the Lord; fight your fight of faith; don't be discouraged, don't be disappointed; you will not lose your reward. I Peter 5:10 says "may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you." Amen! Be assured: 2014 will be better!

IT'S YOUR TURN TO GIVE

Spirit & Life Devotional
Wednesday, December 25
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

IT'S YOUR TURN TO GIVE

John 1:10-11 NKJV "He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him."

How would you feel if after investing a lot of your time, energy and resources to find and purchase a gift for your loved one, maybe you had to skip some meals so you could afford that gift, and then they reject it? I'm sure you'll feel sad even if you had all the money in the world.

While it's true that God would have still sent Jesus to the earth even if it was only one man in it, we shouldn't forget that His perfect will is that all men be saved. 1 Timothy 2:4 says that God "desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." But sadly till this day man continues to reject Christ. At Christmas, man has chosen rather to celebrate a holiday, life, get together with family and friends, and do several other things other than to receive God's gift to them.

The onus therefore is on you and I to represent God's gift of His Son to everyone around us. God gave Jesus to you, so you have Him: now it's your turn to give Jesus to someone else. Don't only distribute food, drinks, clothes and so on this Christmas, share the gospel of God's undying love and grace to your world!

I wish you a Merry Christmas!

HIS INTENTION WAS TO MAKE US HIS SONS

Spirit & Life Devotional
Tuesday, December 24
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

HIS INTENTION WAS TO MAKE US HIS SONS

1 John 3:1-2 KJV "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is."

After reading John 3:16, we can quickly conclude that Jesus came just to deliver us from the impending doom: and even though that by itself is a fantastic purpose for His birth, that's not just why He came.

Anyone can be delivered: a servant can be rescued; even non-living things can be rescued! The love of God for man was and is so great that He sent His only begotten Son, so we would not perish; but more importantly, to make us His sons! Hallelujah! Now are we the sons of God entitled to all the rights and privileges of sons! Wow! (I rejoice greatly in my spirit! ).God is so good!

By believing in Jesus we became children of God! Galatians 3:26 says, "For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus." People think Christianity and being born again is all about escaping from hell; no! that's not the main thing: it's first about becoming the sons of God! Determine to enjoy your benefits of sonship! That's why Jesus came! We who were aliens to the commonwealth of Israel, strangers to the covenants of promise, without hope and without God, became members of the family of God! Glory to God!

HOW GOD LOVED THE WORLD

Spirit & Life Devotional
Monday, December 23
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

HOW GOD LOVED THE WORLD

"For God loved the world in this way: so much that he would give up his Son, The Only One, so that everyone who trusts in him shall not be lost, but he shall have eternal life." John 3:16, Aramaic Bible in Plain English

I defined love as "doing something that's in the best interest of another person." You see, love is not only something sweet and pleasant, it can also be painful. Yes, love can hurt especially when we don't understand it. An act of discipline is certainly not a pleasant one; but it has to be done in the interest of that person. What matters is the motive behind the action. A break up might hurt, but it might leave you a lot better! Meanwhile, you could be clinging onto someone with a false understanding of love not realising that you are actually doing yourself a disservice (I speak not to the married).

You know, we all have our own expectations: we expect God to do things in a certain way, to prove Himself in a certain manner, to do certain things and at certain times; and we complain and get disappointed when He doesn't do it as we anticipated. But just as we express love to ourselves in different ways, God too has expressed His love in His own way. What we are to do is to receive it, enjoy it and be grateful for it.

If God does nothing more for man, it would be fine because He has already done more than enough by giving us His only begotten Son so we can have everlasting life! Receiving Jesus is the key to unlocking the doors of every other blessing that God has for man. He who freely gave us His Son shall with Him also freely give us every other thing that we need. Hallelujah!

RESTORED TO GLORY

Spirit & Life Devotional
Sunday, December 22
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

RESTORED TO GLORY

Acts 20:9-10 NKJV "And in a window sat a certain young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep. He was overcome by sleep; and as Paul continued speaking, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead. But Paul went down, fell on him, and embracing him said, “Do not trouble yourselves, for his life is in him.”

In my opinion, the above is one of the most amazing passages of the Bible! Something happens in me every time I read it. What a manifestation of power! What a revelation of grace! Raising the dead without stress and sweat! Wow! Glory to God!

That story gives hope: you know, there are times when we sleep and fall as believers, and the fall is so great that it seems we'll never recover from it. I counsel you not to give up at such times: Eutychus came back to life; you too will come back to life in Jesus' name! Amen.

And that's exactly what Jesus came to do on earth. Man had fallen deep in sin and very far away from God; man had fallen from the exalted position where God placed him, down into the captivity of Satan and sin; but Jesus came and restored us, not only to life, but also to our inheritance and to our position! Today, we are far above principalities and powers, seated together with Christ in heavenly places! Hallelujah!

HE WILL COME AGAIN

Spirit & Life Devotional
Saturday, December 21
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

HE WILL COME AGAIN

Acts 1:10-11 NKJV "And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”

I dare say that about 80%, or even more, of Christians living today don't want Jesus to come back now. We know that He will come again; but we don't want him to return until we've achieved all our desires: until we've gotten married, built houses, been to several countries, and ultimately enjoyed ourselves here. But I'm sorry to say that it's only the Father Who can determine when Jesus will return. So we better be ready! Even if you have managed to possess the whole world and are living in complete victory over the devil, sin and the world, it's not enough reason to want to remain here!

We must never lose sight of the things that truly matter. There's absolutely nothing we achieve here that can be compared to the glory and the inheritance that awaits us in heaven. And when we get to heaven, life with God the Father, with Jesus the Son, with the Holy Spirit, the saints gone before us and other heavenly hosts, will be too sweet that we would hardly remember whatever happened here, no matter how pleasant they are now or will be.

As we celebrate the first coming of Jesus to the earth in human body, let's also meditate on the fact that He said He would come again; as a thief in the night. Keep this in mind: He came the first time, lived with us and taught us to live for Him, so that we would be ready to live with Him in the New Jerusalem when He returns to the earth the second time, to take us away.

SLAIN TO RECEIVE RICHES

Spirit & Life Devotional
Friday, December 20
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

SLAIN TO RECEIVE RICHES

Revelation 5:11-12 NKJV "Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain To receive power and riches and wisdom, And strength and honor and glory and blessing!”

When Satan tempted Jesus, he took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.” (Matthew 4:8-9). The glory of the world referred to "the resources, wealth, the magnificence and greatness of their cities, their fertile lands, and their thronging population."

Satan offered Jesus riches which Jesus didn't receive from Him. Satan knew he would eventually be dispossessed of it when Jesus died; Satan did all he could to stop Jesus from being crucified: the offer was to distract Christ from the cross! But thank God that Jesus was slain! He paid the price for all He received, making it forever His! Hallelujah!

The good news is that Jesus received them all for the church - for you and I. Glory to Him forever! If it is okay for us to ask the Lord for wisdom and power and honour and blessings and strength, then it is equally okay to ask Him for riches! No Christian should be poor except by choice! It was sin that brought poverty; if Adam and Eve didn't sin no man would be poor. Are you born again? You can receive your riches through Christ! Hallelujah!

HINDRANCES TO RECEIVING FROM GOD

Spirit & Life Devotional
Thursday, December 19
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

HINDRANCES TO RECEIVING FROM GOD

You know, people get confused when they've done everything they know to do and there's no positive change in their situations: they pray, fast, sow, believe, serve and confess, yet no change. At that point they begin to think that maybe God doesn't want to do it for them or that He will do it later.

Isaiah 59:1 NKJV "Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, That it cannot save; Nor His ear heavy, That it cannot hear."

So, the problem is not of God but ours. One cause of stagnation is that instead of moving forward only, people take steps forward and then do things that make them take steps backwards. May that not be your portion in Jesus name.

But before you say Amen, what's your attitude like? How do you treat other people? Is there unforgiveness in your heart against someone? What kind of words and thoughts proceed from your heart? Yes, check; is there any thing you do that displeases God? Understand that there's a relationship between everything.

There's got to be consistency. Don't talk faith in prayer and then turn around and gossip; do you understand? Don't hinder God in any way from helping you. God is a Being and not just a principle or some substance that you can apply when ever you need it: He has His Will, His expectations and His desires.

BE USEFUL

Spirit & Life Devotional
Wednesday, December 18
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

BE USEFUL

II Timothy 4:11 NKJV "Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry."

In the course of Paul's life and ministry, he encountered countless young men; he even said that he had many children in the Lord, so when he specifically requested for Mark, and said he was useful to him for ministry, that gives us an idea of how useful Mark really was.

Are you useful in the Kingdom of God? The Kingdom of God is the most important place: it's great to be useful at work, and in the world at large, but until you've made yourself useful in the Kingdom, you're not as important as you think you are.

According to the Scriptures, we are to love the Lord with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our strength, and with all our mind (Luke 10:27): yet for many of us, neither our time, energy or treasures are any where in the Kingdom, or barely there. What's the link between your treasures and your love? You ask: where your treasure is that's where your heart is also. I can tell how involved you are by how much you invest (your time, treasures and your strength).

We determine how useful we are in the Kingdom, yes it's up to you and not your pastor, because your pastor is looking for useful people, and the Kingdom is beyond the four walls of a church or the scope of a ministry. Always seek to make a contribution wherever you are, and ensure you improve yourself continually so your contributions can be of very high standard.

GOD DOES MIRACLES FOR A LIVING!

Spirit & Life Devotional
Tuesday, December 17
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

GOD DOES MIRACLES FOR A LIVING!

Is it possible that the One with whom nothing is impossible has stopped doing the impossible? Could it be true that the Omnipotent One has stopped being an ever present help in times of trouble? Would He who parted the Red Sea, who made iron float on water, who cleansed lepers, who fed multitudes with only five loaves and two fish, and paid His tax through a fish, be idle today?

No! God has not stopped doing miracles! It is what makes Him God! He doesn't have to do anything special to do miracles; just His thoughts will produce miracles! To Him, miracles are like blinking and breathing! He is the same yesterday, today and forevermore! Hallelujah! He is a miracle worker! He is an awesome wonder! He's a mighty God!

Some people wonder why they don't see miracles like we read in the Bible. I wonder where they are living and what they have been paying attention to! For God never stopped doing miracles! He is alive and He does miracles for a living!

My God is able! His strength has not diminished as a result of age; He is ageless! He doesn't change! He is still as loving and as willing to intervene in our affairs as He has always been! And He is right there with you now! And He knows your needs! Receive your miracles now, in the name of Jesus!

16 PRAYER POINTS FOR SPINSTERS WHO DESIRE TO GET MARRIED

16 PRAYER POINTS FOR SPINSTERS WHO DESIRE TO GET MARRIED.
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

Father, make me like a lily among the thorns (SOS 2:2)

Father, please send a man who will take me to meet his people and whose banner over me will be love (SOS 2:4)

Heavenly Father, purify me of every spot and everything that clouds your glory and beauty upon my life (SOS 4:7)

Dear Lord, like Esther, please prepare me for my king!

Father, give no rest to my man until he locates me and marries me (Ruth 3:18, SOS 5:8)

O Lord, please send me a man that will celebrate and cherish me continually (SOS 7:1&10)

Father it is written that it is You who gives wives to their husbands. O Lord, please give me to my own husband! (Proverbs 19:14)

Heavenly Father, like Esther and Ruth, may I find favour. (Ruth 2:13, Esther 2:4,15)

Father, please make me a virtuous woman (Proverbs 31)

Father, may my husband come forth from wherever he is now and locate me (Genesis 24:4)

Father, equip me to be a perfect help for my husband (Genesis 2:18)

Father, as men search for their wives may I be found worthy (Esther 2:2)

Father, may my Mordecai take me to my palace! (Esther 2:8)

Father, please make me the preferred choice among many (Esther 2:17)

Father, may men hear only good and pleasant things about me. Cause men to speak in my favour (Ruth 2 : 11)

My Father, connect me with my Naomi that will give me good counsel and mentor me aright. Link me with my Naomi that will not rest until I am married!

In Jesus' name! Amen.

I await your testimony!

LIVING BY REVELATION

Spirit & Life Devotional
Monday, December 16
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

LIVING BY REVELATION

Galatians 2:2 NKJV "And I went up by revelation, and communicated to them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to those who were of reputation, lest by any means I might run, or had run, in vain."

Understand the limitations of the human mind, the human abilities, the human intelligence, and the human genius. No matter how good anything human seems, it is grossly insufficient and shallow especially when compared with the divine. The wisdom of man is foolishness to God. To live by the physical alone is to place a limit on who you can be, what you can do, and what you can accomplish.

Revelation is defined as, "divine or supernatural disclosure to humans of something relating to human existence." God has diverse ways of revealing things to man. And whatever He reveals is for our benefit. He is omnipresent and omniscient: wise men and women seek His will at all times.

Live by revelation. I like books like the one written by Olufisayo Okunsanya, Business At The Speed Of Rhema. With revelations we can have advantage over our competitors and colleagues. Run your home, business, team, ministry, etc, by revelation. Stop guessing when you have access to divine resources

WISDOM IS BETTER THAN RUBIES

Spirit & Life Devotional
Sunday, December 15
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

WISDOM IS BETTER THAN RUBIES

Proverbs 8:10-11 NKJV "Receive my instruction, and not silver, And knowledge rather than choice gold; For wisdom is better than rubies, And all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her."

One problem many of us have is that we consistently make wrong choices: some of us even find it difficult to make choices! Some of the reasons why we do are, impatience, inability to prioritize, lack of adequate information, lack of discernment, bad attitude to learning and instructions, confusion, living by sight (choosing only what you see now, what's available now).

It's not bad to make mistakes, but there are some avoidable mistakes, and it's a serious problem when same mistakes are made consistently even under different circumstances. One of the keys to a successful and fulfilled life is wisdom. Wisdom is priceless! It's value cannot be really ascertained. No one can put a tag on it!

Before you start praying for a job or business, a husband or wife, children, a position, money, etc, first pray for wisdom. Wisdom will preserve every other thing you'll get, wisdom will make you a good manager and companion, wisdom will make you outstanding, it will deliver you from evil, and wisdom will keep you being relevant for a very long time. Thanks be to God! Wisdom is available for us in Christ. Get wisdom!

MORE AND MORE!

Spirit & Life Devotional
Saturday, December 14
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

MORE AND MORE!

Psalms 115:12-15 NKJV "The Lord has been mindful of us; He will bless us; He will bless the house of Israel; He will bless the house of Aaron. He will bless those who fear the Lord , Both small and great. May the Lord give you increase more and more, You and your children. May you be  blessed by the Lord , Who made heaven and earth."

I have no other job than to teach you God's word and to pray for you. Today, I pray for you. That the Lord will bless you! That the Lord will increase you more and more! That the Lord will satisfy you with His goodness and supply all your needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus!

May God open doors for you! May His face shine upon you continually! When men say there's a casting down; you shall say there's a lifting up, in the name of Jesus! Receive your healing! Receive strength! Let all you've lost be restored, in the name of Jesus! For God is able to do exceeding abundantly above all you can ever ask or think! May your dreams come true! May you see light in darkness! Receive joy and peace! In the name of Jesus! Amen!

Go on and celebrate! Give God praise! He has heard me and He has seen your faith! It is done! It is finished! The wait is over! The war has ended! You are more than a conqueror! You will sing a new song! You will testify! You will laugh again! Hallelujah!

And God keeps opening doors!

I'm very pleased to inform you that Spirit & Life Devotional is now on The Trent, Nigeria's Online Newspaper! www.thetrentonline.com

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And the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of God and His Truth!

HAVING FERVENT LOVE

Spirit & Life Devotional
Friday, December 13
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

HAVING FERVENT LOVE

I Peter 4:8 NKJV "And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.”

I love Weymouth New Testament's version of the above verse: "Above all continue to love one another fervently, for love throws a veil over a multitude of faults."

Love throws a veil over a multitude of faults! In a place where the faults and sins of people are always a subject; in a place where there's always judgement; and in a place where people always find faults; check, there's little or no love there. Same applies to relationships. Where there's little or no forgiveness, there's little or no love. A place where errors cannot be pardoned and even overlooked has no love!

When Jesus said we are to forgive our brothers seventy times seven times in a day, He was really teaching us to have fervent love for one another: to forgive that long can only be possible if we love one another fervently. Dear Lord, create in me a heart like Yours! A heart full of compassion, patience and so much kindness; a heart that truly loves like You, dear Jesus!

NO PAST!

Spirit & Life Devotional
Thursday, December 12
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

NO PAST!

II Corinthians 5:17 NKJV "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he  is  a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."

The topic was to start with, "Your Past..." until it dawned on me that there's no past! The New Creation in Christ Jesus has no past! Hallelujah! The New Creation is not a renewed man, he's a new man without a past! Wow!

That your mind remembers what you did when you were a sinner, doesn't mean God also remembers it. If you go to heaven now, you'll see no records of your past there because it doesn't exist! God didn't just ignore your past, or open a new file for you, do you understand? The past was totally obliterated the moment you got born again!

Hebrews 8:12 NKJV says, "For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.” Hallelujah! God said, “I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; And I will not remember your sins." Isaiah 43:25. Amen!

So, dear child of God, don't feel sorry or guilty about the past! Don't feel threatened by it either; nothing you did then (physically speaking) has any effect on your today and tomorrow as long as you remain in Christ! I come against that dirty lying spirit that has been oppressing you in the name of Jesus! I cast it out right now! Be free, in the name of Jesus! Yes, he who the Son of Man has set free is free indeed! Praise the Lord!

REPROVE, RATHER THAN APPROVE THEM

Spirit & Life Devotional
Wednesday, December 11
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

REPROVE, RATHER THAN APPROVE THEM

Ephesians 5:11 AMP "Take no part in and have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds and enterprises of darkness, but instead [let your lives be so in contrast as to] expose and reprove and convict them."

It's not uncommon to see believers engaging in same ungodly and unedifying activities as, and with unbelievers. God has His expectations of us. While He loves all men, He doesn't approve of all that man does, and He will one day judge all our deeds and decisions. As children of God, we are expected to reprove the works of darkness rather than approve them.

To approve something wrong makes you equally guilty (Romans 1:32). And you must understand that there are times when even silence means consent. That's why Eli was judged, he didn't stop his sons from sinning against God. Apostle John warned that receiving certain people into our homes and associating with them could make us partakers of their deeds. II John 1:10-11 NKJV "If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds."

Reproval doesn't necessarily mean confrontation; as the Scripture we began with says, we would be reproving them by living lives that are in contrast with theirs. Let us therefore truly live lives worthy of our calling; let our lights so shine that men may see it and be drawn to Christ.

TIME TO POSSESS YOUR INHERITANCE

Spirit & Life Devotional
Tuesday, December 10
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

TIME TO POSSESS YOUR INHERITANCE

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

Are you aware that all things are yours now? You can find that in 1 Corinthians 3:21. We also read in 1 Corinthians 2:12 that there are things God has freely given to us. Joshua 1:3 also reveals that wherever the soles of our feet treads upon has been given unto us.

If the above are true (they are true!), why then are a lot of God's children not enjoying their inheritance? Why is it that the above verses seem not to be our realities? Why is it that unbelievers seem to be enjoying what's ours? Why are we sick, weak, broke, bullied and oppressed? Why are we the victims? Not again! I refuse to be as a servant in my Father's house!

It's time to take possession of your inheritance! I speak, in the name of Jesus, to whatever or whoever has deprived you of what's yours in Christ, take your filthy hands off what belongs to this reader in the name of Jesus! Victory is ours, in the name of Jesus! We now dwell in our inheritance! And this that the Lord has done shall be permanent! Glory to God!

GETTING TO KNOW GOD

Spirit & Life Devotional
Monday, December 9
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

GETTING TO KNOW GOD

Hosea 6:3 NKJV "Let us know, Let us pursue the knowledge of the Lord. His going forth is established as the morning; He will come to us like the rain, Like the latter and former rain to the earth."

There's no knowledge greater than the knowledge of God. A man may have all the degrees in the world, but until He knows who God really is, he knows absolutely nothing! A child who has the slightest idea of God is better than a professor with none!

The knowledge of God is life; that's what Jesus said: "And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent." John 17:3. And they that know their God shall be strong (Daniel 11:32). The knowledge of God is a defence; the man who knows God will not be easily deceived; will not be moved.

Don't be content hearing only about God; don't be satisfied simply knowing His ways and His power; don't feel fulfilled knowing just His principles and His laws; get to know Him (The Person)! The more of Him you know, the more of every other thing you'll know! Grow in the knowledge of God; seek to know more and more of Him, ask Him to reveal Himself to you: if you seek Him you will find Him; He will come to you. Hallelujah!

BRING FORTH ABUNDANTLY

Spirit & Life Devotional
Sunday, December 8
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

BRING FORTH ABUNDANTLY

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

Barrenness is not the will of God for any man or woman. We were created, and are expected to bring forth; in us are seeds capable of reproduction. Refuse to be barren! Command your reproductive organs to bring forth in the name of Jesus!

But beyond bringing forth physical children, I strongly believe that there's a lot more that God expects from us today. I sincerely believe that greater attention should be given to other capabilities within us more than that which brings forth children into the world. In every one of us are potentials, abilities which must be maximally utilized to bring forth 'things' that will greatly bless many others and be pleasing to God.

Hebrews 2:10 talks about Jesus bringing many sons to glory: how many lives have you personally led to Christ and being a blessing to? How many people have you influenced positively? How many people have received something from you that made them better? How many lives have drank from your rivers of living water? Refuse to be barren! We were ordained to bring forth fruit (John 15:16).

LET NO ONE JUDGE YOU

Spirit & Life Devotional
Saturday, December 7
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

LET NO ONE JUDGE YOU

Colossians 2:16-17 NKJV "So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ."

You know, some people have made themselves Big Brothers over others; they want to be able to determine almost everything done by others; how many hours we should pray, where we should go, the day and time we should worship, how we should look, how we should talk, what we should eat, who we should talk to, etc.

Christmas is here again and the arguments about if it should be celebrated would have started. May I say this: how it started is irrelevant, why it started is irrelevant, who started it is irrelevant! What is relevant is that about 2040 years ago, Jesus was born of virgin Mary to save us from sin and Satan and that He fulfilled His purpose. I don't care about the date He was born; that too is irrelevant! To celebrate Christmas is a choice that is neither right or wrong.

We must stop wasting our time on shadows. While we condemn sin, we should understand that some matters will always be disputable; and concerning such Romans 14:22 NKJV says, "Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves." "Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way." Romans 14:13

THE STRATEGIES OF OUR WARFARE

Spirit & Life Devotional
Friday, December 6
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

THE STRATEGIES OF OUR WARFARE

In warfare, you require both superior weapons and strategies/tactics to win. It is possible to have the best weapons and still lose a battle because of lack of effective strategies.

In spiritual warfare, God is the Strategist. He's got many ways to achieve victory. The more reason we have to constantly seek His will and His counsel.

When the Philistines fought David, the first time, God said to him, “Go up, for I will deliver them to your hand." The second time, David inquired again of God, and God said to him, “You shall not go up after them; circle around them, and come upon them in front of the mulberry trees. And it shall be, when you hear a sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, then you shall go out to battle, for God has gone out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines.” 1 Chronicles 14. Same God, same enemy, but different strategies.

God is not rigid. The reason a lot of us fail is because we make decisions hastily; we approach situations and challenges with the same strategies. But we've got to learn to let God lead and direct us all the time. Victory is only certain when we employ God's strategies. Learn to hear from God and to be led by His Spirit.

DON'T BE A WASTER

Spirit & Life Devotional
Thursday, December 5
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

DON'T BE A WASTER

John 6:12 NKJV "So when they were filled, He said to His disciples, “Gather up the fragments that remain, so that nothing is lost.”

It's noteworthy that Jesus didn't permit waste, even when the food was a result of a miracle. Understand this: how we manage the things that God has given to us determines if we will continue to receive same from God!

Jesus Himself told a parable:  Luke 16:1-2 NKJV “There was a certain rich man who had a steward, and an accusation was brought to him that this man was wasting his goods.  So he called him and said to him, ‘What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your stewardship, for you can no longer be steward.’" In other words, a waster will eventually be disconnected from his source!

The prodigal son wasted all his possessions and then became a beggar. Even when you have too much, don't waste things, instead give to the needy people around you who are not as blessed as you are. Spend wisely, be a good manager of whatever God has given to you. Remember this: God won't give you more until He trusts you to manage them well.

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THE WAGES OF SIN

Spirit & Life Devotional
Wednesday, December 4
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

THE WAGES OF SIN

Luke 13:1-5 NKJV "There were present at that season some who told Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answered and said to them, “Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered such things?  I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.  Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse sinners than all other men who dwelt in Jerusalem?  I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.”

You know, when terrible things happen in certain areas we tend to think that it is because they had sinned so much, some even say it is God judging them. But that's not always true. Sin, whether big or small, has consequences. There are no worse sinners!

"The wages of sin is death." Death immediately and automatically sets in the moment sin occurs. Understand that it is a law. And the only way to counter the consequence of sin is through repentance.

Unless there is true repentance, the one who sinned will perish. Brothers and sisters, we are no longer slaves, sin no longer has dominion over us! We can actually stop sinning! The grace of God has already appeared to us all, teaching us to say no! Jesus came that we may have life; let us choose to enjoy that life!

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THE LORD IS GOOD

Spirit & Life Devotional
Tuesday, December 3
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

THE LORD IS GOOD

Let there be earthquakes, storms, tornadoes, famines, wars, and any other devastating event; yet the Lord is good! Though loved ones pass away; though I lose all I have; yet the Lord is good!

I have seen the Lord's goodness, His mercies and compassion; He has been so good to me; I have seen His wonders in my day! It really doesn't matter what anyone else thinks: it is settled; the Lord is good!

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

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Yeah, He tastes like honey in the rock! I have known Him for many years and He has never failed me! Who can forgive like God? Who can keep like God? Who can heal like God? Who can deliver like Him? Who can promote like Him? None! None!! Hallelujah! Worship Him!

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THE LORD IS GOOD

Spirit & Life Devotional
Tuesday, December 3
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

THE LORD IS GOOD

Let there be earthquakes, storms, tornadoes, famines, wars, and any other devastating event; yet the Lord is good! Though loved ones pass away; though I lose all I have; yet the Lord is good!

I have seen the Lord's goodness, His mercies and compassion; He has been so good to me; I have seen His wonders in my day! It really doesn't matter what anyone else thinks: it is settled; the Lord is good!

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

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Yeah, He tastes like honey in the rock! I have known Him for many years and He has never failed me! Who can forgive like God? Who can keep like God? Who can heal like God? Who can deliver like Him? Who can promote like Him? None! None!! Hallelujah! Worship Him!

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TRY PRAYER AND FASTING

Spirit & Life Devotional
Monday, December 2
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

TRY PRAYER AND FASTING

A man took his possessed son to Jesus for deliverance, and because Jesus wasn't around, he met with the disciples hoping for a miracle. The disciples tried to cast out the demon but couldn't. They probably tried talking and acting like Jesus, but that didn't get the demon out.

When Jesus returned, He cast out the demon! Then the disciples, wondering why they failed after doing all they saw Him do, met Jesus privately to know what they didn't do, or why He succeeded and they didn't. Then He said to them,

“Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.  However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” Matthew 17:20-21

One thing is common in the lives of those doing exploits, they pray and fast a lot. Apostle Paul said he fasted often. Could it be that your situation hasn't changed despite the fact that you have been believing, confessing the word and sowing seeds, because it's the kind that requires prayer and fasting? Try prayer and fasting; it might just be the key to unlocking that door.

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INCREASING YOUR WORTH

Spirit & Life Devotional
Sunday, December 1
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

INCREASING YOUR WORTH

II Samuel 18:3 NKJV "But the people answered, 'You shall not go out! For if we flee away, they will not care about us; nor if half of us die, will they care about us. But you  are worth ten thousand of us now. For you are now more help to us in the city.'"

In the passage above, David was said to be worth ten thousand men! This worth I'm referring to isn't about how much you own, but about how valuable you are as a person. I don't believe that anyone is worthless, it's just that many of us are sleeping giants.

In 2004, at a convention, Pastor Chris said to us, "Work on being and not on having, for with who you are you will have." I never forgot those words. Are you aware that some people will never beg for the rest of their lives? Because people always need them for something! They have made themselves indispensable. Meanwhile, there are some who can be dismissed without considerations.

What kind of a man do you want to be? In the next few years, do you still want to be at the mercy of others? Invest in yourself now, and let God bring out the best in you. Daniel was a part of many governments, not because he was "kissing ass" as they say, but because he was very valuable.

Happy New Month!

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FROM ZERO TO HERO

Spirit & Life Devotional
Saturday, November 30
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

FROM ZERO TO HERO

Judges 11 contains the story of Jephthah. His step brothers drove him out of the house because his mother was a harlot: they said to him, “You shall have no inheritance in our father’s house, for you are the son of another woman.”

That's a typical example of how we label and judge people in our societies; that's how we make people suffer for what they are not responsible for; Jephthah was rejected by his own simply because his mother was a harlot - something he had nothing to do with. So what if his mother was a whore, did that make him one? Did that mean he wasn't properly born? Did that make him less a child than them?

Well, they succeeded in sending him away; as far as they were concerned he was useless to them, they saw nothing good in him, they gave him nothing. Until there was a war. And then they realised his worth; and begged him to return and rule over them. The stone the builders rejected became the chief corner stone! The man they called a nobody suddenly become a somebody; from zero he became a hero! Hallelujah!

I have a good word for you today: in the name of Jesus, you shall be greatly honoured and celebrated in all the places where people rejected and looked down on you! Every door that was once closed to you begins to open up for your grand entry in the name of Jesus! Where men refused to give you what is rightfully yours, God will give you much more! Be lifted above your fellows; reign where you once felt pain in Jesus name! Say Amen!

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YOUR FAITH CAN RAISE THE DEAD

Spirit & Life Devotional
Friday, November 29
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

YOUR FAITH CAN RAISE THE DEAD

There is no hopeless case; none at all. You've got to believe that. It doesn't matter how long, how hard, or how impossible it seems, with God all things are possible; anything is possible if you believe. Hallelujah!

When Jairus daughter died, someone from his house came saying, "Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master." Luke 8:41. To that man, nothing else could be done about the dead; the man may have believed for healing, but he didn't think the dead could rise again.

Don't limit God in your mind! Don't set boundaries for Him in your imagination! There is nothing that He can't do; there's no where that He can't reach; there's no string He can't pull, no door He can't open; and there's no person He cannot handle on your behalf! He's the Almighty God, the strong and breasted one!

When Jesus heard what the man said to Jairus, He immediately said to Jairus,  "Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole." And she rose again! Glory to God! Yes! Your faith can raise the dead and rewrite your story! Only believe.

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KEEP THE FIRE BURNING

Spirit & Life Devotional
Thursday, November 28
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

KEEP THE FIRE BURNING

Leviticus 6:13 NKJV "A fire shall always be burning on the altar; it shall never go out."

An altar is a place of sacrifice; it's a raised platform where men offered their gifts and offerings to the Lord. An altar is a place of worship; a place of thanksgiving; a place of connection; a place of atonement; a place of dedication.

God instructed that the fire on the altar was to burn continually. And for many years the fire was never put out. That must have required dedication; keeping the fire burning was a sacrifice itself: but it signifies a life of constant worship, prayer, sacrifice, giving, fellowship and love for the Lord.

Is there fire on your altar? When was the last time there was a fire on your altar? Is there something you do all the time to stay connected to the Lord? Do you pray without ceasing? Do you offer Him endless praise? Are you fervent in spirit? Are you always engaged in serving the Lord? Are you always in fellowship with Him? Do you always give to Him? Keep the fire burning always; never let it go out.

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STOP CRYING, MAKE A MOVE!

Spirit & Life Devotional
Tuesday, November 27
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

STOP CRYING, MAKE A MOVE!

Exodus 14:15-16 NKJV "And the Lord said to Moses, “Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward. But lift up your rod, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it. And the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea."

I was told that when I was a child and wanted something, I would cry and follow every one around until I got it. I have a picture of me crying with a cup in my hand stretched out for what I wanted! Thank God that strategy worked!

But we don't receive from God that way! Without faith it is impossible to please God: God is not impressed by our tears! Crying is only an outward expression of desire, worry and maybe pain, and desiring something isn't a manifestation of faith. Rather, God is pleased when we exercise our faith in His word. Babies may get what they want by crying, but certainly not adults. Tears may get God's attention, but faith is what gets His reaction!

What you need is just a word from God, and the Bible is full of them! Stop crying! Act on the word! Move forward! Go out there and apply for that job! Go on and make that request! Make that move! Take that step of faith! Make that decree! The woman with the issue of blood cried for 12 years until the day she decided to make a move! And she was made whole the very moment she touched the helm of Jesus' garment! Hallelujah!

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THE KING'S FRIEND

Spirit & Life Devotional
Tuesday, November 26
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

THE KING'S FRIEND

In 1 Chronicles 27 is a list of captains and officers who served the king, some were over hosts, some were over the King's treasures, storehouses, workers, olive trees, herds, camels, flocks; there was the king's counsellor, and one was over the king's sons, but Hushai the Archite was said to be the king's friend!

What a position! Which would you rather be? It is great to be a mighty servant of God, it is awesome to do great works in the name of Jesus, but brothers and sisters, there's nothing greater than being called a friend of God.

God's greatest desire is to have us as His friends. Sons can be disobedient, children can be unreliable, but true friends are special. Enoch walked with God, and God took him away from here in a hurry! Servants can keep working, but God wants His friends to always be with Him and He shares His secrets with them.

Abraham was a friend of God. Can God trust you? Can God confide in you? Can God count on you to remain faithful and loyal to Him? Can God be so sure that you will always desire to do what only pleases Him? Don't chase titles and reputation more than you chase God Himself! O Lord, make me Your friend!

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RULE YOUR SPIRIT

Spirit & Life Devotional
Monday, November 25
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

RULE YOUR SPIRIT

The world is full of men and women who want to rule the world, but who haven't succeeded in ruling themselves; there are many fighting for positions they haven't prepared themselves for; and people are entering into relationships, binding themselves in several ways without adequate understanding. May God help us all.

Proverbs 25:28 says that, "Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down without walls."

It is very possible to know what to do and not do it. Many people do wrong not because they don't know it is wrong, but because they are still slaves to their emotions. They have not become masters of their own bodies and wills: unlike Paul, they haven't brought their bodies, wills, emotions, etc, into subjection.

It is bad for a city to be without walls. Refuse to be a broken man or woman. Be in charge! Pray when you should; fast when you should; say no when you have to; be disciplined; close your eyes to certain things; don't buy everything; you must not fall in love with every beautiful and intelligent person! Do you understand? God's grace is sufficient for you.

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BE SERIOUS

Spirit & Life Devotional
Sunday, November 24
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

BE SERIOUS

When God says we should be serious, or to take something seriously, then we better do. Unfortunately, many of us are more serious about the things that don't really matter than we are about the things that are quite important.

1 Peter 3:7 says, "But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.

Don't get to the point in your life where you become lukewarm and carefree. That you've always heard that the world is coming to an end, even though hasn't happened yet doesn't mean it won't. The truth is that we are in the last days; and all the prophesies are being fulfilled.

We must be watchful and prayerful. I have come to realize that a man is as strong as his prayer life: almost every spiritual defeat or weakness, falling into temptations, and so on, are because we don't pray as we should. So pray without ceasing, dear brothers and sisters, never forgetting that the day of the Lord is nigh.

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YOU CAN HAVE WHAT YOU DESIRE

Spirit & Life Devotional
Saturday, November 23
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

YOU CAN HAVE WHAT YOU DESIRE

John 5:5-6 NKJV, "Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in  that  condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?”

The man in the Scripture above had a need: to be healed. And he had that need for 38 years! Finally his time came; and he got what he had always wanted. Hallelujah!

We all have needs: money, jobs, life partners, cars, healing, health, children, peace, favours, and so on. I have good news for you today; that you can have what you want! And you don't have to wait for it for as long as 38years! Glory to God!

Today, Jesus is asking, "Do you want it?" I'm so certain that you do! I join my faith with yours today; receive it in the name of Jesus! I declare your days of waiting over! This day, walk right into your inheritance, in Jesus' name! Amen. Give God thanks.

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VICTORY IN JESUS

Spirit & Life Devotional
Friday, November 22
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

VICTORY IN JESUS

Exodus 15:9-10 NKJV says, "The enemy said, ‘I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; My desire shall be satisfied on them. I will draw my sword, My hand shall destroy them.’ You blew with Your wind, The sea covered them; They sank like lead in the mighty waters."

It's natural for the enemy to plan, strategise, talk, bark, roar and attempt to harm and frustrate you; the Bible says the enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy. Apostle Peter said Satan goes to and fro the earth seeking whom he may devour.

But it don't matter what the enemy does! Yeah, your enemies are to be ignored! Because when the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will raise a standard against him! Hallelujah!

Victory is yours in Jesus all the time! Your enemies lost the battle long before they even noticed you! Greater is He that is in you than they that are in world! You are destined to win! Give God praise!

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EFFICIENCY, SKILL AND COMPETENCE

Spirit & Life Devotional
Thursday, November 21
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

EFFICIENCY, SKILL AND COMPETENCE

Some people think that prayer is like the kind of drugs sold in commercial buses that are said to be able to cure virtually all illnesses. Faith without works is dead!

Proverbs 22:29 says, "Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand in the presence of kings. He will not stand in the presence of unknown men." I like how ISV says it,  "Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will work for kings, not unimportant people."

Even if you want to be the king instead of working for him, you still have to be diligent. Do you know that there are people who charge ten times more than what others are taking for the same service? Diligence, competence, efficiency and skill got them there.

You'd be amazed when you realise the number of Nigerian undergraduates who have done virtually nothing during this strike period that has now lasted for over four months. And those students would one day want to be CEOs and successful men and women. I wish they hear this: don't waste your time! Develop yourself now and never stop until you get to the top.

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YOU TOO CAN SUCCEED AND BE GREAT

Spirit & Life Devotional
Wednesday, November 20
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

YOU TOO CAN SUCCEED AND BE GREAT

Micah 5:2 says, “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting.”

The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor riches to men of understanding, nor favour to men of skill. Psalm 147:7 says that God does not delight in the strength of the horse or in the legs of man, but He takes pleasure in them that fear Him and hope for His mercy.

What you can achieve is not determined by any physical factor; it doesn't matter if you are little or weak, or if you didn't graduate with the best results; as long as you are connected to God, you can become great and do mighty things. Hallelujah! 

Bethlehem was little, but out of her came a ruler. I prophesy to you in the name of Jesus, you shall not be limited by your background, your results will not hinder your progress, may God bless you and make you great, and from you shall come forth amazing things! Say Amen!

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THE PSYCHOLOGY OF SOUL WINNING

Spirit & Life Devotional
Tuesday, November 19
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

THE PSYCHOLOGY OF SOUL WINNING

When last did you win a soul to Christ? Can you remember? Recently or a very long time ago? Do you have plans for soul winning? Are you passionate about it? Do you really care about the destiny of the souls all around you?

Soul winning is the duty of every believer. We are called witnesses. As Christians we ought to be very concerned about the eternal destinations of others because it is our nature to love. To see a man perish and do nothing is the height of selfishness.

Soul winners have a mindset. They always want to win souls! The psychology of the soul winner is well captured in 1 Corinthians 9:19 - 22: "For though I am free from all men,  I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who  are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who  are under the law; to those who  are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who  are without law; to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men,  that I might by all means save some."

Become an active soul winner today. Choose to do something that the Lord will be pleased with! Here's a secret, you can have everything you ever wanted by being a soul winner! Yeah, that's why soul winners are said to be wise!

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CROWNED WITH GLORY AND HONOUR

Spirit & Life Devotional
Monday, November 18
Chinaemerem Joshua Ibezim

CROWNED WITH GLORY AND HONOUR

You know, many times we pray and work for what we already have. Probably because we haven't received a revelation concerning our inheritance in Christ and what He did for us.

We pray for glory and honour that we already have! Hebrews 2:6-10 says; “What is man that You are mindful of him, Or the son of man that You take care of him? You have made him a little lower than the angels; You have crowned him with glory and honor, And set him over the works of Your hands. You have put all things in subjection under his feet."

You ask if it refers to us. Yes! It says, Jesus, was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death and crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone. For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, to be made perfect through sufferings so He could bring many sons to glory, and be the captain of our salvation.

Hallelujah! Jesus Himself said He had given us the glory that was given to Him (John 17:22). Wow! So start manifesting your glory as Christ did (John 2:11), and stop looking for that which comes from man. You are in charge; rule your world by the power of the Holy Ghost!

PUT GOD IN CHARGE

Spirit & Life Devotional
Sunday, November 17

PUT GOD IN CHARGE

Man is quick to blame God for his problems; and even when we don't think He caused the problem, we expected Him to have either averted it or solve it. After all He is God.

But until we put God in charge of everything we do, we shouldn't expect Him to be responsible for the consequences of our actions.

Jeremiah 10:23 NKJV says, "O Lord , I know the way of man is not in himself; It  is not in man who walks to direct his own steps." Hmm, meaning that by ourselves we would never get it right! We can never be smart or expert enough to do everything perfectly.

Psalms 37:5 NKJV says, "Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass." Proverbs 16:3 MSG says, "Put God in charge of your work, then what you’ve planned will take place." Hallelujah.

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DON'T LISTEN TO PHILIP!

Spirit & Life Devotional
Saturday, November 16

DON'T LISTEN TO PHILIP!

"When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat? Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little." John 6:5,7

Philip is so limited by what he sees; Philip lives by logic; Philip doesn't understand the miraculous; Philip's advice is based on his five physical senses. If you live by what Philip tells you, you'll never experience uncommon results.

That it doesn't make sense to the mind doesn't make it a stupid idea! That it sounds too good to be true doesn't mean it can't be true! And that man cannot do it doesn't mean it cannot be done.

Jesus fed up to about 10,000 people with just five loaves and two fish! So who said your dream is an impossible one? Who said that your resources are insufficient? Who said your plans are illogical? Refuse to be stopped by whatever Philip has said! For with God, nothing shall be impossible!

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Established In The Truth

Spirit & Life Devotional
Friday, November 15

ESTABLISHED IN THE TRUTH

We are in an age where virtually every knowledge is accepted as truth. People have learned to be accommodating, accepting that whatever a man believes is "his truth". But everything cannot be true; else there would be no lies.

In his old age, Apostle Peter saw the need to encourage the church to hold on to the truth. He wrote in II Peter 1:12-15 NKJV, "For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth. Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you , knowing that shortly I must put off my tent, just as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me. Moreover I will be careful to ensure that you always have a reminder of these things after my decease."

The plan of Satan is to make people believe his lies by as truth, that way the truth is weakened and less forceful and effective. Unfortunately, a lot of people have believed his lies, as predicted by the Scriptures.

Hold on to the truth revealed and properly interpreted by the Holy Spirit. Personally study the word rather than rely only on the interpretations of others, and your church doctrines. God has not changed His mind about the things He once condemned. Wrong will never be right; lies will never be truth.

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Divine Sustenance

Spirit & Life Devotional
Thursday, November 14

DIVINE SUSTENANCE

Nehemiah 9:21 says, "Forty years You sustained them in the wilderness; They lacked nothing; Their clothes did not wear out And their feet did not swell." Wow!

Where you live is certainly not your problem! Who's with you there is what matters. If the Lord is with you, even in the wilderness or in the driest parts of the earth, brother, you will never lack! God does things contrary to scientific and economic laws; He is limitless!

There are people who have always lacked. I set you free from that bondage in the name of Jesus! I declare that from today, you will be divinely sustained, in the name of Jesus! Amen.

It's the very same God who did it for the Israelites that we serve! Our story therefore should be no different! He hasn't become weak as a result of aging, no! He is the same, yesterday, today and forever! Hallelujah! From today, this very day, you shall be divinely sustained, and shall lack nothing, in the name of Jesus! Amen.

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YOUR APPEARANCE MATTERS

Spirit & Life Devotional
Wednesday, November 13

YOUR APPEARANCE MATTERS

"Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king's house, over against the king's house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate of the house. And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre." Esther 5:1-2

They say, "Dress the way you want to be addressed." I say, "Dress to address!" Your dressing, your appearance communicates to your audience, whether you realise it or not. Having done a few interviews, I can tell you that appearance matters a lot. Esther had prayed and fasted for three days, and when it was time to see the king, she put on her royal robe.

Esther didn't appear before the king anyhow, she didn't say, "O, I'm going to meet my husband," or, "I've prayed and fasted, God will turn the heart of the king irrespective of my looks," she took time to look good! And when the king saw her, she found favour in his sight.

When Pharaoh sent for Joseph, Genesis 41:14 says, "he shaved, changed his clothing, and came to Pharaoh." Joseph didn't rely on his talent, he made sure he looked good! Try looking good! It might just be the key to getting what you've been believing for!

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HEAVEN DOES NOT HELP THOSE WHO HELP THEMSELVES

Spirit & Life Devotional
Tuesday, November 12

HEAVEN DOES NOT HELP THOSE WHO HELP THEMSELVES

According to Wikipedia, the phrase "God helps those who help themselves" is a popular motto that emphasizes the importance of self-initiative. Still according to Wikipedia, the sentiment appears in ancient Greek tragedies: in the Hippolytus (428BC) of Euripides appears the speech, "Try first thyself, and after call in God; for to the worker God himself lends aid."

Now if you are spiritually smart, you'll have realised from the above that the phrase, "Heaven helps those who help themselves" is contrary to the Scriptures: for the Bible says not to lean on our own understanding, but to trust in the Lord. Whenever "self" comes before God, right there is something wrong and disorganised! God doesn't aid "flesh"; never! If you can do it yourself, then you don't need God! It cannot be by power or by might and be by the Spirit at the same time!

Ezra 8:21-23, "Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance. For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way: because we had spoken unto the king, saying, The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek him; but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him. So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us."

The problem with some of us is that we are not ashamed. How often we contradict ourselves. We say God will protect yet we are the first to hire bodyguards. We say God will provide, yet we are quick to borrow. We are either too lazy and impatient to trust God, or we think He's incapable of fulfilling His word, so we resort to self help. Not Ezra; he chose to fast and pray, and God heard him.

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WALK BY FAITH

Spirit & Life Devotional
Monday, November 11

WALK BY FAITH

When God gives you a promise He expects you to walk by faith. Understand that it is by faith that we inherit the promises of God. When you have a word from God, your words and your actions must show that you believe whatever God has said, and that they will come to pass.

For instance, I stopped taking attendance in fellowship because God has promised to increase us; I only recognise first timers. I learned that from David: 1 Chronicles 27:23 says, "But David did not take the number of those twenty years old and under, because the LORD had said He would multiply Israel like the stars of the heavens."

If God said He would multiply you as the stars of the heavens, then it doesn't matter if you are a thousand now, don't see the thousand, you must begin to see your congregation as many as the stars of the heavens and minister to them as if you are ministering to a multitude! Don't arrange chairs for only a thousand, put seats for the new people God will bring! And if possible, move to a venue that can accommodate a multitude!

Has God said He would prosper you? Then you need to stop acting as if the money in your account is all that you have! Stop making plans based on the amount in your account! If God gave you what's in your account now, He surely can give you more! Leave sufficient room for divine inflows! Create abundant space for the miraculous! Trust the Lord to supply the balance! Walk by faith and not by sight!

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ANOTHER HELPER

Spirit & Life Devotional
Sunday, November 10

ANOTHER HELPER

Jesus said, "If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever - the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you." John 14:15-18

In other words, a man without the Holy Spirit is an orphan; alone; desolate; comfortless. No one can make it in this journey without the Holy Spirit; it is practically impossible.

The word Helper is from the Greek word parakletos, meaning called to one's aid; an advocate, intercessor, a consoler, comforter, helper. The Holy Spirit is to us an ever present Help; He was given to abide with us forever! Hallelujah.

He helps us in our weaknesses. For me, that's great news, and comforting. Romans 8:26 YLT says, "And, in like manner also, the Spirit doth help our weaknesses; for, what we may pray for, as it behoveth us, we have not known, but the Spirit himself doth make intercession for us with groanings unutterable."

Receive the Holy Spirit! Be filled with the Spirit, in Jesus' name! Amen.

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WONDER WORKING GOD!

Spirit & Life Devotional
Saturday, November 9

WONDER WORKING GOD!

Permit me to talk to you about the greatness and might of our God. He is so awesome, words are inadequate and insufficient to describe Him! According to Ray Price, to try to tell, our lips can only rap! God is big enough to rule this mighty universe, and yet small enough to live inside our hearts! Hallelujah!

Job 9:10 says, God does things great and incomprehensible, and wonderful, of which there is no number (Douay-Rheims Bible). Wow! The pillars of the heavens quake, aghast at His rebuke! (Job 26:11). He is called the LORD Almighty! He who appoints the sun to shine by day, who decrees the moon and the stars to shine by night, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar! (Jeremiah 31:35)

Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who only does wondrous things! (Psalm 72:18) He only does wondrous things! He only does wondrous things!! Yes, He only does wondrous things!!!

Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness. Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! For he hath broken the gates of brass, and cut the bars of iron in sunder. (Psalm 107:8-9, 15-16).

Praise Him now! And as you do, you will see His wonders!

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CAUSING THE BLESSINGS OF GOD TO REST ON YOUR HOUSE

Spirit & Life Devotional
Thursday, November 7

CAUSING THE BLESSINGS OF GOD TO REST ON YOUR HOUSE

When Jesus sent the apostles to preach, He said to them, "Whatever house you enter, first say, 'Peace to this house.' And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest on it; if not, it will return to you. And remain in the same house, eating and drinking such things as they give, for the labourer is worthy of his wages." Luke 10:5-7

From the above, we understand that the man sent by God, is a conveyor of divine blessings; the words he speaks transport virtues from God to you. Hallelujah.

Notice that Jesus authorized the apostles to receive whatever was given to them. Now, Ezekiel 44:30 says, "The best of all firstfruits of any kind, and every sacrifice of any kind from all your sacrifices, shall be the priest’s; also you shall give to the priest the first of your ground meal, to cause a blessing to rest on your house."

There are lots of believers who have never given anything to any minister of the gospel. Understand that any minister who has been sent, or given to you is loaded with blessings for you and your entire family. Also understand that there ought to be an exchange of some sort: with your sacrifices you'll cause the blessings to rest on your house! Amen.

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ACCESS THROUGH ASSISTANCE

Spirit & Life Devotional
Wednesday, November 6

ACCESS THROUGH ASSISTANCE

God said to Moses, “Come up to the Lord, you and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel, and worship from afar. And Moses alone shall come near the Lord, but they shall not come near; nor shall the people go up with him.” Exodus 24:1-2

Notice that specific people were invited to meet with the Lord, and that Moses alone was to go nearer, while the others waited. At no time did God invite Joshua to meet with him. But see verse 13 and 14; "So Moses arose with his assistant Joshua, and Moses went up to the mountain of God. And he said to the elders, “Wait here for us until we come back to you. Indeed, Aaron and Hur are with you. If any man has a difficulty, let him go to them.”

Joshua, being Moses' personal assistant, had access to where the elders, and even Aaron the High Priest could not enter! Amazing. I've seen personal assistants travel around the world with their bosses to places where they may never have been to in their own capacity. Little wonder, the anointing was transferred to Joshua; he had been everywhere with Moses.

Who's God asking you to assist? Don't feel too big and important to do it! You never know which doors the Lord intends to open for you through that; you never know what grace the Lord intends to transfer to you: yes, you might just get to the top and remain there by assisting another man get there!

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OUR MOST IMPORTANT AIM

Spirit & Life Devotional
Monday, November 4

OUR MOST IMPORTANT AIM

The number one goal of every Christian should be to please God at all times. And every other desire and goal must corroborate, rather than contradict it. Your most important aim shouldn't be to raise the dead, to be rich, to do exploits, to preach, et cetera; those are secondary; our most important aim must be to please the Lord.

2 Corinthians 5:9&10 says, "Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad."

Apostle Paul did it all: he raised the dead, ministered to multitudes, stood before great men, established churches, shared revelations, saw Jesus, and so on, yet he was always conscious of the fact that we must all stand before God one day and give account for all that we have done while here. Apostle Paul never took the judgment of God for granted as many of us do today.

All of life is a journey to the judgment seat of Christ! We never arrive until we stand before Him and receive the rewards for all that we have done.

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A LITTLE SLEEP, A LITTLE SLUMBER

Spirit & Life Devotional
Sunday, November 3

A LITTLE SLEEP, A LITTLE SLUMBER

"I went by the field of the lazy man, and by the vineyard of the man devoid of understanding; and there it was, all overgrown with thorns; its surface was covered with nettles; its stone wall was broken down. When I saw it, I considered it well; I looked on it and received instruction: a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest; so shall your poverty come like a prowler, and your need like an armed man." Proverbs 24:30-34

Your field refers to your life, your business, your calling, your ministry, your work, your studies, your family, your relationships, etc. Why are the fields of some in bad conditions while others with similar fields are doing well? There are several reasons, and it might be because of just a little sleep, a little slumber, and a little folding of arms! God gives His beloved rest, but He never intends for you to be in rest mode for too long, else He would take you to heaven! You must know when to get up and get to work!

Sleep and slumber refer to laziness and lack of understanding. Both of them are doors of poverty and lack. A man maybe very hard working, but if he is devoid of understanding of how a certain thing works, he would still be poor and in lack. That's why Proverbs 4:7 says that we should get understanding.

What's your field like today? Overgrown with thorns, covered with nettles, walls broken down, reducing or not growing? Talent has never been enough; being anointed is not enough; being creative and full of ideas isn't enough; being a graduate isn't enough either; get understanding, and continue to update your knowledge and understanding; and don't be lazy! With just a little sleep, a little slumber, and a little folding of arms comes lack and poverty!

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THE LORD IS MY INHERITANCE

Spirit & Life Devotional
Saturday, November 2

THE LORD IS MY INHERITANCE

Deuteronomy 10:8&9 says, "At that time, the LORD separated the tribe of Levi to bear the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to minister to Him and to bless in His name, to this day. Therefore Levi has no portion nor inheritance with his brethren; the LORD is his inheritance, just as the LORD your God promised him."

What a privilege that Levi was given! Brothers and sisters, when the Lord is your portion you have everything, because everything belongs to Him and every good and perfect gift comes from Him! When the Lord is your portion whatever is His is yours as well. Hallelujah!

Don't fight to lay hold on things; fight for God! Trust me, God is all you need to have a great and fulfilled life here on earth. If you take everything I have and leave Jesus, I'll receive double of it in a short time; because God is the source of them all! He is my inheritance!

David said, "O LORD, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You maintain my lot. The lines have fallen unto me in pleasant places; yes I have a good inheritance." Psalm 16:5-6. When the Lord becomes your all, you begin to enjoy the very best things of life and of heaven. I ain't trading my Jesus for anything in this world, I'm so content with Him!

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LIVING A BLAMELESS LIFE

Spirit & Life Devotional
Friday, November 1

LIVING A BLAMELESS LIFE

Let's start by defining the word, blameless. It means innocence; to be free of guilt; to be of irreproachable character; to be of an unimpeachable reputation; without fault; guiltless; to be above reproach; perfect; beyond criticism; so good as to preclude any possibility of criticism.

Wow! From the definitions above, I'm wondering if there's a man on earth who's blameless. But that's not the point: the point is that God expects us to be blameless! Philippians 2:14&15 says, "Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world."

Now, don't start saying "no one is perfect", or that it isn't possible; instead, say you are willing to live such a life, determine to live such a life, and then trust the Holy Spirit to make it happen. We all are expected to be good examples and not to bring disgrace or shame to the name of Christ and to the church.

No verse keeps me in check like Romans 2:24; "For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you." God forbid it; may I never cause the name of my God to be blasphemed by unbelievers, in Jesus' name! May the name of God never be blasphemed by unbelievers because of you, in Jesus' name. Amen. Psalm 37:37 says, "Mark the blameless man, and observe the upright; for the future of that man is peace." Amen.

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COME AND SEE

Spirit & Life Devotional
Thursday, October 31

COME AND SEE

In the book of Revelations, John was continually told to "Come and see." Revelations 6:1,3,57. John said, "After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, "Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this." Revelations 4:1

Here's what Jesus said about the Holy Spirit, "When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future." John 16:13 NLT

God desires to continually show us things to come; not only about Heaven to come, but also about things pertaining to our lives here on earth. As Christians, we are not supposed to walk in the dark, or to live guessing what will be or will not be; we ought to have insight about whatever will be, through the Spirit.

The Holy Spirit keeps inviting us to "Come and see." And as we fellowship with Him in prayer and in meditation, He will continue to reveal things to us and guide us through life.

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GOD KNOWS

Spirit & Life Devotional
Wednesday, October 30

GOD KNOWS

Acts 15:18 NKJV says, "Known to God from eternity are all His works." Think about that for a moment. Here's what it's saying; that very long before God created the world, He knew all that He was going to do in the world, from its beginning until its end. Let's personalize it: what it means is that long before God created you, He knew all that would happen in your life, from your birth till your death! God knew there would be a time in your life when you would have no job and be single; and He already made provision for them somewhere along the line! Hold on a while, keep following His leading, and you will walk right into them at the appointed time!

Brothers and sisters, we are not dealing with a God who can be surprised by anything; neither are we dealing with a God who does things as an afterthought. He has no plan B; because He always knew that the so-called plan A wouldn't go as planned, and so, what you call a plan B was provided for in that same plan A! He said, "Everything I plan will come to pass!" (Isaiah 46:10) OMG, I really hope you understand this; nothing shocks God!

This truth is enough to revolutionize your life! An understanding of this should rock your world; it should change your prayer life; your thoughts; your perception; make you confident, and affect your walk with God. You are in a relationship with the One who knows your end! He knows what you should be doing and where you should be at every point in time. All you have to do is to listen, and yield to Him.

The best way to follow God is to just follow Him! As the chicks follow mother hen without questioning her decisions and choices, so we should follow God fully trusting in Him. That song is so true: trust and obey, for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

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OUR HELP IS IN THE NAME OF THE LORD

Spirit & Life Devotional
Tuesday, October 29

OUR HELP IS IN THE NAME OF THE LORD

After Moses died, the kings of the Hittite, the Amorite, the Canaanite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite, on hearing about the death of Moses gathered together to fight with Joshua and Israel with one accord (Joshua 9:1-2).

Those kings thought that Moses was the key man in Israel, and that without Moses, both Joshua and the Israelites were doomed. Though Moses was instrumental to the victories and successes of the Israelites, those kings did not realise that it was not all about Moses, but because there was a God in Israel giving them victories. God had told Joshua that He would be with him as He was with Moses.

2 Corinthians 2:14 says, "Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place." Men like David knew God was the "secret" of their success in life; he said, "For by You I can run against a troop, by my God I can leap over a wall. It is God who arms me with strength, and makes my way perfect." Psalm 18:29, 32.

God is our secret and the reason for our success. Hallelujah! What makes us shine? It is God! Thank God for your skills, talents, connections, and passion for whatever you do, but always remember, If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us, then they would have swallowed us alive, and the waters would have overwhelmed us! Our help is in the name of the LORD who made heaven and earth! (Psalm 124)

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THE WAY, THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE

Spirit & Life Devotional
Monday, October 28

THE WAY, THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE

Thomas said to Jesus, "Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?" Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." John 14:5-6

Many people agree that there is one God, even though they may want to call Him different names. But what they are wrong about is that we all, that is, Christians and members of all other religions, are worshipping the same God. Amazingly, even some Christians and Church leaders think so too! That's so not true! That you think you are worshipping God doesn't mean you are worshipping Him, it has to be according to the mode He prescribed.

Jesus is the way to the Father. He is the way because it is only His blood that was shed for the remission of sins and for man's redemption. He is the truth because He is the very Word of God: in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God. Jesus is the reality; He didn't just teach truth, He was and is the Truth.

And Jesus is the life. Yesterday, I taught on a topic titled "Life for life". Man lost the life of God when he ate the forbidden fruit, and it was necessary that blood be shed for him to regain that life, because life is in the blood. Jesus' blood that was shed is the source of our new life; and it is the very blood of God, because Jesus was God manifested in the flesh. No other blood can give zoe! Only Jesus can give life. Only Jesus can save! The world must know this!

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